GB2503868A

GB2503868A - Therapeutic sexual device

Info

Publication number: GB2503868A
Application number: GB201208077A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Mason; Tim Whateley; Janeson Rayne
Original assignee: Hodges and Drake Design Ltd
Current assignee: Hodges and Drake Design Ltd
Priority date: 2012-05-09
Filing date: 2012-05-09
Publication date: 2014-01-15
Also published as: GB201208077D0

Abstract

A therapeutic sexual device for women in the form of a vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator 10 comprises a upwardly curved loop of tubing 12 which is flexible and undergoes reversible lateral compression when subjected to a compressive force and has its opposed ends 14 retained in a holding device 16, secured by a heat shrink sleeve 26 to prevent their withdrawal through apertures 22 in a collar 20. Tube plugs 28 seal the open ends of tubing 14 and are held in place by a lip 26a of the heat shrink sleeve 26 and covered by a cap 30.

Description

THERAPEUTIC SEXUAL DEVICE FOR WOMEN

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a therapeutic sexual device for women, in the form of a vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator. The present invention also relates to a method of fabricating a vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator.

Technical Background

A therapeutic sexual device in the form of a vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator is described in CA 2 350 530 Al (Janeson Rayne). The exerciser and stimulator is extremely popular amongst women for many reasons, not least its simple non-phallic construction and ease of use.

There remains, nevertheless, scope for improvement of the constructional aspects of the original design, in particular so that the device can be mass-produced whilst retaining the features which have been key to its success.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator comprising: a length of tubing having opposed ends retained in a holding device and extending outwards therefrom substantially in parallel to form a loop of said tubing which curves upwardly away from said holding device, said upwardly curved loop of tubing being flexible and undergoing reversible lateral compression when subjected to a compressive Force, wherein the holding device compiscs: a collar member through which the opposed ends of the tubing extend; and a heat shrink sleeve secured to the opposed ends of the tubing to prevent their withdrawal through the collar member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fabricating a vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator comprising mounting the opposed ends of a length of tubing in a holding device so that the opposed ends extend outwards therefrom substantially in parallel to form a loop of said tubing which curves upwardly away from said holding device, said tubing being flexible and undergoing reversible lateral compression when subjected to a compressive force, wherein the step of mounting the opposed ends of the length of tubing in the holding device comprises: inserting the opposed ends of the tubing into a collar member so that the opposed ends extend therethrough; and positioning a heat shrink sleeve over the opposed ends of the tubing and applying heat thereto to secure the heat shrink sleeve to the opposed ends and thereby prevent their withdrawal through the collar member.

The use of a collar member in conjunction with a heat shrink sleeve provides a robust construction which enables the opposed ends of the tubing to be securely retained in position, relative to the collar member. This construction lends itself to mass production, in particular since the heat shrink sleeve can simply be positioned over the opposed ends of the tubing before heat is applied to the heat shrink sleeve. The application of heat causes the heat shrink sleeve to contract around the opposed ends of the tubing and thereby secure the opposed ends in position relative to the collar member.

The heat shrink sleeve may be adhered to the opposed ends of the tubing. Typically, the heat shrink sleeve includes an adhesive lining which melts upon the application of heat thereto to adhere the heat shrink sleeve to the opposed ends of the tubing. The adhesion between the heat shrink sleeve and the opposed ends of the tubing not only prevents the wiihdrawal of ihe opposed ends through the collar member, it also prevents rotation of the opposed ends and thereby maintains them in a predetermined rotational position.

Each opposed end of the tubing may include a closure member to seal the tubing. This advantageously prevents the ingress of liquids, moisture, and other contaminants into the tubing. In typical embodiments, each closure mcmber is a tube plug.

The heat shrink sleeve may include a lip which may cover at least part of the closure members to retain them in the opposed ends of the tubing.

The holding device may include a cap which may cover the heat shrink sleeve and which may be secured to the collar member. The cap holds the closure members securely in position in the opposed ends of the tubing. The cap also provides the holding device with an aesthetically pleasing external appearance and can be easily gripped by a user to enable them to suitably manipulate the exerciser and stimulator.

The cap may be secured to the collar member by ultrasonic welding.

The exerciser and stimulator typically includes an inner core located inside the tubing and extending between the opposed ends of the tubing. The inner core forms a loop between the opposed ends of the tubing. The inner core advantageously acts as an internal support structure for the tubing. The inner core may have a smooth outer surface or may alternatively have a textured outer surface. The tubing may have a smooth exterior surface or a textured exterior surface. The use of textured surfaces may enhance the stimulation provided by the exerciser and stimulator.

The fabrication method according to the second aspect of the present invention may comprise rotating the opposed ends of the tubing extending from the collar member by a predetermined amount in opposite directions. Applying a limited and corresponding amount of rotation to each of the opposed ends provides the upwardly extending curvature of the loop away from the holding device.

The ncihod may conprisc the initial step oF inserting an inner core into the tubing to form a loop between the opposed ends of the tubing. As indicated above, the inner core acts as an internal support structure for the tubing.

The method may comprise the step of inserting a closure member into each opposed end of the tubing prior to the step of positioning the heat shrink sleeve over the opposed ends of the tubing.

The method may comprise the further steps of locating a cap over the heat shrink sleeve after the application of heat thereto and securing the cap to the collar member.

The step of securing the cap to the collar member is typically carried out using ultrasonic welding. The usc of ultrasonic welding is advantageous as it enables the cap to be secured to the collar member in a simple manner without the use of an adhesive.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of a vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the exerciser and stimulator of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic end view of the exerciser and stimulator of Figures 1 and 2 viewed from the end which is inserted in use into a body cavity such as the vagina; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the exerciser and stimulator of Figures Ito 3 showing the individual components; and Figures 5 to S are schematic representations showing the steps involved in the fabrication of the exerciser and stimulator of Figures 1 to 4.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings show generally a vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator 10 according to the present invention. The exerciser and stimulator 10 is a development of thc vaginal and pclvic floor muscle cxcrciscr and g-spot stimulalor described in CA 2 350 530 Al, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Referring initially to Figures 1 to 4, the exerciser and stimulator 10 comprises generally a length of flexible tubing 12. The tubing 12 is typically Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved mcdical grade tubing, although any suitable flexible plastics material could be used. The tubing 12 is formed into a loop with the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12 being securely retained adjacent and parallel to each other in a holding device 16. The holding device 16 acts as a handle to enable the exerciser and stimulator 10 to be manipulated as desired. The holding devicc also comprises FDA approvcd mcdical grade materials.

As disclosed in CA 2350 530 Al, the tubing 12 is flexible and of a construction that conforms comfortably to the internal body shape of a user. The tubing 12 is reversibly compressible in the lateral direction so that when any compressive force applied to the tubing 12 is removed, the tubing 12 will tend to revert to its original, natural, shape.

Thus, when the exerciser and stimulator 10 is used for exercise or stimulation for example of the vaginal muscles, the tubing 12 will provide an outwards force as it resists the lateral compressive forces applied by the vaginal muscles. As explained in CA 2350530 Al, it is this lateral resistance to compression that provides both the exercise and stimulation of the muscles.

AsbestseeninFigures2and3,thetubingl2curvesgentlyinanupwarddirection away (mm the holding device 16 so that it does not lie in the same plane as the holding device 16. This upward curvature, not disclosed in CA 2 350 530 Al, is significant as it provides enhanced stimulation of the vaginal muscles, and in particular has been found to provide significant stimulation of the female U-spot during use of the exerciser and stimulator 10.

The exerciser and stimulator 10 includes an internal support structure in the form of an inner core 18 which extends between the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12. This inner core 18 provides internal support and structuring to the tubing 12 and provides the required level of lateral compressive resistance that is needed to properly exercise and stimulate vaginal and pelvic floor muscles.

The holding device 16 is a key aspect of the exerciser and stimulator 10 and will now be described in detail. The holding device 16 includes a collar member 20 through which the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12 extend. The collar member 20 includes two apertures 22 and each of the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12 extends through one of the apertures 22. In the illustrated embodiment, a wall 24 projects from the collar member 20 and separates the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12 that project from the collar member 20.

The holding deyice 16 further comprises a heat shrink sleeve 26 which is applied to the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12 to secure the opposed ends 12 in position with respect to the collar member 20 and prevent their withdrawal through the collar member 20. Tube plugs 28 or other suitable closure members are inserted into the open ends of the tubing 14 to seal the open ends and thereby prevent the ingress of moisture, liquids and the like into the tubing 12. The tube plugs 28 are held by friction fit inside the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12. They are further securely held in position by the heat shrink sleeve 26 which includes an inwardly directed lip 26a that at least partially covers the ends of the tube plugs 28. A rigid plastics cap 30 covers the heat shrink sleeve 26 and provides a pleasing external appearance.

The construction of the exerciser and stimulator 10 lends itself to fabrication on a mass scale. In more detail, and referring initially to Figure 5, flexible tubing 12 and the inner core 18 are both initially cut to a predetermined length before the inner core 18 is inserted into the tubing 12 through onc of the opcn cnds. The outer diameter of the inner core 18 is sufficiently less than the inner diameter of the tubing 12 so that the inner core 18 can be freely inserted into the tubing 12. The tubing 12 and inner core 18 are then formed into the shape of a loop having a generally planar profile when viewed from the side. In Figure 4, the inner core 18 is shown to have a slightly greater length than the tubing 12 so that the ends of the inner core 18 project from the opposed ends 14 oF the Lubing 12. The inner core 18 could, howcvcr, be the same length as the tubing 12 or could be slightly shorter so that the ends of the inner core 18 are recessed slightly inside the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior surface of the tubing 12 and the outer surface of the inner core 18 are both smooth, but in alternatiye embodiments one or both of these surfaces could be textured. This might advantageously provide enhanced stimulation of the vaginal muscles and connccted arcas.

The opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12 are then inserted into the apertures 22 in the collar member 20 as shown in Figure 6 where they are separated by the wall 24. The opposed ends 14 are then rotated by a predetermined amount, for example 900, in opposite directions as shown by the arrows in Figure 6. This rotation causes the ioop of tubing 12 to deform slightly and creates the upwardly extending curvature away from the holding device 16 that is best seen in Figures 2 and 3 and that has already been discusscd abovc.

Referring to Figure 7, tube plugs 28 are next inserted into the open, opposed ends 14, of the tubing 12 to seal the open ends. The tube plugs 28 are typically held in the opposed ends 14 by friction fit. Following insertion of the tube plugs 28, the adhesive lined heat shrink sleeve 26 is located over the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12. The heat shrink sleeve 26 is then heated which causes it to contract around the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12 and also causes the adhesive lining to melt. The heat shrink sleeve 26 thus becomes securely adhesively bonded to the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12. As a result, the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12 cannot be pulled through the apertures 22 in the collar member 20 by a user nor can they be rotated relative to the collar member 20, thus ensuring that the upwardly extending curvature of the loop of tubing 12 away from the holding dcvicc 16 is maintained. As discussed abovc and as best seen in Figures 4 and 8, the heat shrink sleeve 26 is dimensioned so that the lip 26a extends beyond the tube plugs 28 when it is initially positioned over the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12. Upon the application of heat to the heat shrink sleeve 26, the lip 26a contracts to a position inwardly of the outer diameter of the opposed ends 14 of the tubing 12 and in doing so at least partially covers the tube plugs 28. This ensures that thc tubc plugs 28 arc Firmly held in the opposed ends 14 olthc tubing 12 and cannot work loose or be removed during normal use of the exerciser and stimulator 10.

As a final step in the fabrication process, the cap 30 shown in Figure 8 is positioned over the opposed ends 14 of the tubing to cover the heat shrink sleeve 28. The lip 26a of the hcat shrink sleeve 26 may assist with positioning the cap 30 ovcr the opposcd ends 14 by acting as a radiussed lead in region. The cap 30 includes a skirt 32 which abuts the collar member 20. The cap 30 is dimensioned such that there is an internal clearance between the heat shrink sleeve 28 and the cap inner surface which allows some limited relative movement between the skirt 32 of the cap 30 and the collar member 20. This enables the skirt 32 of the cap 30 to bc secured to the collar member using ultrasonic welding.

Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features sewing the same, equivalent or similar purposes, unless expressly stated otherwise.

For example, the exerciser and stimulator 10 could incorporate a vibrator device and associated controller. The controller could, for example, be operable to activate the vibrator device to confirm that the exerciser and stimulator 10 is being used correctly and/or upon the completion of predetermined exercises by a user. The vibrator device may be arranged to induce vibration in the loop of tubing 12 when the loop is compressed laterally in use in the vagina. This may advantageously provide enhanced stimulation for the user. The vibrator device may include a motor to induce said vibration in the loop of tubing 12 and a battery to power the motor. The motor and/or battery may be incorporated into the holding device 16, An ovennoulding ieehnique could be used 10 Form various eornponenls oF ihe exerciser and stimulator 10, for example the tubing 12 and the inner core 18.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims

Claims 1. A vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator comprising: a length of tubing having opposed ends retained in a holding device and extending outwards therefrom substantially in parallel to form a loop of said tubing which curves upwardly away from said holding device, said upwardly curved loop of tubing being flexible and undergoing reversible lateral compression when subjected to a compressive force, wherein the holding device comprises: a collar member through which the opposed ends of the tubing extend; and a heat shrink sleeve secured to the opposed ends of the tubing to prevent their withdrawal through the collar member.
2. An exerciser and stimulator according to claim I, wherein the heat shrink sleeve is adhered to the opposed ends of the tubing.
3. An exerciser and stimulator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each opposed end of the tubing includes a closure member to seal the tubing.
4. An exerciser and stimulator according to claim 3, wherein each closure member is a tube plug.
5. An exerciser and stimulator according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the heat shrink sleeve includes a lip which covers at least part of the closure members to retain them in the opposed ends of the tubing.
6. An exerciser and stimulator according to any preceding claim, wherein the holding device includes a cap which covers the heaL shrink sleeve and is secured to the collar member
7. An exerciser and stimulator according to claim 6, wherein the cap is secured to the collar member by ultrasonic welding. -10-8. An exerciser and stimulator according to any preceding claim, frirther including an inner core located inside the tubing and extending between the opposed ends of the tubing.9. An exerciscr and stimulator according to claim 8, whcrcin thc inncr corc has a smooth outer surface.10. An exerciser and stimulator according to claim 8, whcrcin thc inncr corc has a textured outer surface.11. An exerciser and stimulator according to any preceding claim, wherein the tubing has a textured exterior surface.12. A method of fabricating a vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator comprising mounting the opposed ends of a length of tubing in a holding device so that the opposed ends extend outwards therefrom substantially in parallel to form a loop of said tubing which curves upwardly away from said holding device, said tubing being flexible and undergoing reversible lateral compression when subjected to a compressive force, wherein the step of mounting the opposed ends of the length of tubing in the holding device comprises: inserting the opposed ends of the tubing into a collar member so that the opposed ends extend therethrough; and positioning a heat shrink sleeve over the opposed ends of the tubing and applying heat thereto to secure the heat shrink sleeve to the opposed ends and thereby prevent their withdrawal through the collar member.13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the heat shrink sleeve includes an adhesive lining which melts upon the application of heat thereto to adhere the heat shrink sleeve to the opposed ends of the tubing.14. A method according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the method comprises rotating the opposed ends of the tubing extending from the collar member by a -11 -predetermined amount in opposite directions to create said upwardly extending curvature of the ioop away from the holding device.15. A method according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the method comprises thcinitialstcpofinscrtinganinncrcorcintothctubingtocxtcndbctwccnthc opposed ends of the tubing.16. A method according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the method comprises the step of inserting a closure member into each opposed end of the tubing prior to the step of positioning the heat shrink sleeve over the opposed ends of the tubing.17. A method according to any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the method comprises the further steps of locating a cap over the heat shrink sleeve after the application of heat thereto and securing the cap to the collar member.18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the step of securing the cap to the collar member is carried out using ultrasonic welding.19. A vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator substantially as hcreinbcforc described with reference to the accompanying drawings.20. A method of fabricating a vaginal and pelvic floor muscle exerciser and g-spot stimulator substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.