CA1310238C - Sensory transmitting membrane device - Google Patents
Sensory transmitting membrane deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1310238C CA1310238C CA000606080A CA606080A CA1310238C CA 1310238 C CA1310238 C CA 1310238C CA 000606080 A CA000606080 A CA 000606080A CA 606080 A CA606080 A CA 606080A CA 1310238 C CA1310238 C CA 1310238C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- projection
- base
- projections
- pairs
- pair
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 13
- 230000001953 sensory effect Effects 0.000 title description 4
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 230000035807 sensation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000000069 prophylactic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000004224 protection Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 230000002547 anomalous effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 abstract description 19
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 abstract description 8
- 244000052769 pathogen Species 0.000 abstract description 3
- 210000003899 penis Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 210000000056 organ Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000021317 sensory perception Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001568 sexual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008447 perception Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001356 surgical procedure Methods 0.000 description 2
- 206010028980 Neoplasm Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 102100033740 Tenomodulin Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 101710114852 Tenomodulin Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000027326 copulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003953 foreskin Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000007794 irritation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008384 membrane barrier Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001575 pathological effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009209 sensory transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000638 stimulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001215 vagina Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000016776 visual perception Effects 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF INVENTION
A device for the transmission and enhancement of tactile sensations transmitted across a barrier membrane, particularly condoms 9 finger cots and gloves used to prevent transmission of disease organisms between contacting body tissues. The device has A plurality of antipodal pairs of projections extending through the barrier membrane whereby the barrier membrane acts as a fulcrum for the transmission of movement by one projection of an antipodal pair to the other member of the projection pair.
A device for the transmission and enhancement of tactile sensations transmitted across a barrier membrane, particularly condoms 9 finger cots and gloves used to prevent transmission of disease organisms between contacting body tissues. The device has A plurality of antipodal pairs of projections extending through the barrier membrane whereby the barrier membrane acts as a fulcrum for the transmission of movement by one projection of an antipodal pair to the other member of the projection pair.
Description
1 31 0~33 SENSORY TRANSMITTING MEMBRANE DEVICE
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
~_______ The present invention is directed to a device useful in the transmission of tactile sensations. In particular, the invention concerns a protective type material wherein acute tactile sensations are transmltted from one side of the material to the other. More particularly the invention is directed to a novel constructlon for prophylactic devices such as surgical gloves and condoms.
':
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The usefulness 9 indeed, ur~ent need for the use of condoms, particularly in casual sexual -~ 15 activi~ies is well established and documente~.
Notwithstanding cogent pathological reasons ~or the use of condoms, sexual partners in general, have been reluctant to use such devices. Most often the refusal to use condoms is based on the loss of tactile sensation by one or both partners during copulation when the~penis is sheathed with the type condom~ presen~ly available. Of no less importance than ~he desirability of preventing the loss of tactile sensation by the use of condoms in sexual intercourse is the prevention of loss of tactile sensations when using gloves in procedures ~ 3 ~ Q~3~
requiring aseptic conditions, for example, surgery, particularly where visual perception of the field of proceclure is limited.
It may well be appreciated the desirabillty of having a device which7 in addition to beln~
impervious to the passage of either pathogens or sperm, will not cause the loss of tactile sensations, and generally enhance the sensory perception of the user. The principal thru~t of the art has long been the discovery of a prophylactic device by which the sensory perception of the user wlll minimally achieve the normal tactile sensation of an unsheathed organ.
Unfortunately, none of the devices known in the art ` 15 have been successful.
:' Numerous constructions have been proposed for devices to improve the transmission of sensory sensation in a prophylactically sheathed organ as shown for example in U.S. Patent No. 3,809,090 to Povlacs et al. wherein is disclosed a condom having rigid projections on the outer surface~ Such devices are lntended to provide mechanical stimulatioll hy one side of the prophylactic device rather than enabling transmission of sensory perceptions. Moreover, such rigid de~ices suffer the disadvantage of often causing severe irritation to delicate tissues.
1 31 023~
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a device which enables the two-way transmission of tactile sensation and perception throu~h the pellicle of prophylactic devices æuch as condoms, finger cots, and gloves used in sterile operations which, not only enables the tactile sensation of an unsheathed organ, but also amplifies the transmission of the tactile sensation through the prophylactic device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a device for enabling and enhancing the transmission of tactile sensations across a prophylactic membrane barrier.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a plurality of pairs of shaped projections spaccd apart and arranged to form, juxtaposed or apposing pairs, integralIy formed with, and coaxially - e~tendin~ from, the opposite sldes of a base, prophylactically impermeable, flexible sheet material or pellicle. In a sheet material or pellicle. In a preferred embodlment, the projection pairs are generally cylindrical in shape. It will be appreciated that in the preferred embodlment, and particularly for manufacture of the condoms and gloves o~ the invention, the prophylactically impermeable sheet ; material is of thin, la~ex rubber or other inert elastomeric material. In the device of the 1 3 1 0~38 invention, whenever any force acts on one of the projections of a projection-pair, the flexible base material or pellicle allows motion of its antipodal projection by serving as a fulcrum for pivoting and moving the projection. In addition~ whenever any force having a component perpendicular to the base material acts on one member of a projection-pair, the flexible material will allow perpendicular -~ motion of the apposing projection by stretching of the pellicle. Other motions such as vibratory and rotational are transmitted between the antipodal projection-pairs in a similar manner.
It will be perceived hereinafter from the description and drawlngs of the device that any force acting on and causing motion of one member of an antipodal projection-pair on either side of the 1exible material will result in, if unobstructed, a corollary or opposite motion of its apposite or antipodal projection member. In the device of the lnvention, complex motions, for example, vibratory and rotatory~ are also transmitted between projection-pairs. The sizes and dimensions of the antipodal pairs of projections is determined by intended use o the material. The invention not only minimally allows transmission of tactile sensations across the barrier material, substantially as in the contactlng of two surfaces without the interposition of a barrier material~
t O238 but also amplifies the transmission of tactile sens~tions through the plurality of unitary, separa~e and distinct contact points indivldually responding to the most subtle movement or anomaly.
Condoms of the inventive device provide transmission of the most delicate of movement by contacting organs, for example, either penis or vagina during intercourse. Where the device is a ~ surgical glove, the transmission of ~actile sensory ; lO perception of anatomical anomalies is enabled ; during operational procedures, particularly when the field of sight is limited as during surgery.
It will be appreciated that the actual motlon, intensity, and sensitivity transmitted between antipodal pairs of the invention depend upon many variables, for example, magnitude, direction and duration of force, size of anomaly, pellicle material, thickness of pellicle, pattern, spacing, size and shape of the projections. Embodiments of the invention provlde different shapes for the projection pair members including concave-ended cylindrical, conical, flat-ended cylindrical, and beveled spherical and combinations thereof which different shapes may be used to enhance the tactile transmissions of particular movements or anomalies as the case may be.
1 3 1 023~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
.
FIGURE 1 is a representational fragmentary, perspective view of the device of the invention : illustrating the rounded-end, cylindrically-shaped coaxial pairs of projections extending on both sides of the pellicle.
FIGURE 2 is a view of the device of Figure 1 In operatlon lllustrating movement of the pro~jections responsive to forces applied to a single projection of an apposing pair of projections.
FIGURE 3 is a representational fragmentary, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention where the projections of each pair of ~: 15 coaxial projections are of unequal length.
~ ~ ' FIGURE 4 is a representational fragmPntary, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention wherein various coaxial pairs of projections flre constructed at different angles with respect to the pellicle and each other.
.
1 3 1 i~O 2~
~7--FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional vlew of an embodiment of the device o the invention comprising a doubled wall base membrane material.
.
FIGURE 6 illustrates different shapes of projections which may be used in embodiments of the invention.
FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary view of a condom of the invention.
FIGURE 8 is a cross-section taken on lines a-a of the condom of Figure 7.
FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary view of another ~ condom embodiment of the invention.
:, :
~ DET~ILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
, ~ _ Referring to the drawings, particularly Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,~ 6, 7 and 8, in which like parts or elements have the same number, there is shown a device having a flexible base material, pellicle, or barrier membrane 2 through which ; extends a plurality of coaxial pairs of projections 4 integrally molded therewith. The device ls preferab]y formed of a single, homogenous ~ prophylac~ically impervious, elastomeric material.
.:
; ~ .
:
';
1 3 1 023~
Referri.ng particularly to Flgure 1, the projections 4 consist of coaxial pairs of projections 4F. and 4G. The projections illustrated In Figure 1 are in the undisturbed or rest position. Figure 2 illustrates the responsive movement and direction of movement of antipodal pair members 4E and 4G of Figure 1 when a force f is applied from different directions to one projection of an apposed pair, In the illustration of Figure 2, the force f, direction of the force indicated by arrows, is shown applied horizontally to one projection, vertically downward to another projection and vertically upward to another. The direction of the responsive movement m of a projection to the force f applied to it~ apposing member is indi.cated by arrows.
In Figure 3, there is shown an embodiment of the invention wherein the length of one projection of each pair 4 differs from its apposing 2~ member. Still another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 4 wherein antipodal pairs 4J and 4K are shown constructed at opposing angles to each other and at an angular orientation with respect to vertically disposed pairs 4M and 4N.
_9_ It will be appreciated that in a condom of the invention, each apposing projection pair may be constructed at varying angles with respect to adjacent projection pairs to bring about the ; 5 simultaneous transmission of multiple and varying tactile sensations across the barrier membrane ln both directions responsive to varying movements and contours of tissues contacting either side of the device. This construction and the construction illustrated in Figure 3 is very useful in, for example, the surgical glove embodiment of the invention whereby a magnification, or concentrated, tactile response is transmitted to the fingertips by physical anomalies such as tumors.
:~;
.: 15 Referrlng specifically.to Figure 5 3 there~
is illustrated an embodiment of the invention in ~ which the flexible base material is double-walled ;~ comprising separate and parallel barrier membranes 2 and 6. Projection pairs 4 extend through both : ~0 membrane members. Membrane members 2 and 6 move generally independent of each other. The effect of such construction is that each antipodal pair member will move in the same direction as the direction of the force applied to its apposing pro~ection member as shown by arrows, designated respectively as f and m, indicating force and : direction applied to a projection and the ~3~0~3`~
direction of movement of its apposing member. A
lubricant material may be sealed wlthln the space formed by the parallel membranes to facilitate movement between the pair of pellicles and prevent drag therebetween.
As mentioned hereinbefore, the projection members of the device may be shapes other than cylindrically-shaped havlng convex ends. As illustrated in Figure 6, other projection shapes are shown as numerals 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. It will be observed that the apposing projection members of each antipodal pair is shown to have a different shape, and it will be understood that such differences in shape will not affect the responsive movement of a projection member to a force applied to the apposing projection. Difference in shape may be used to magnify, augment, or change sensory transmission in accordance with the various uses for which the device of the invention is used.
,~
In Figures 7 and 8, there is shown an embodiment of a condom 10 of the invention having an impermeable, elastromeric pellicle 2, a closed head portion 12 and a cylindrical body portion 14 7 terminating in an open-end portion 16. A plurality f continuous coaxial pairs of projections 4 extend through the body portion 14 and head portion 12.
-- 1 3 1 023~
The condom is formed of a unitary material in which the pro~ec~ions are integrally formed. The pro~ection pairs 4 are intermittently spaced in the body 14 and head portion 12. It will be understood that the number and spacing of the coaxial pairs is a matter of choice; however~ in the embodiment illustrated the projections are disposed in spiral rows and in vertical alignment over substantially the entire body portion 14 and head portion 12 of the condom. The open-ended portion 16 is free of projections to insure a tight fit of the condom about the base of the penis, or the base of the fingers ln a finger cot to prevent leakage o seminal discharges, or transmission of disease organisms. In a preferred embodiment of a condom as illustrated by Figure 9s the cylindrically-shaped head portion 12 and body portion 14, are larger in diameter than the open-end portion 16 which, as previously mentioned is designed to tlghtly enclose the base of the penis. The larger diameter of the body and head portions allow the condom to act much as a foreskin in an uncir-cumcised penis allowing the pellicle 2 to slide up and down along the surface of a penis with consequent provision of a more flexible and mobile ~: fulcrum for enhancing the movement of the antipodal projections. An increased diameter of the order of 2mm to 4mm provides excellent results. It will be .
1 3 1 ~238 appreciated that the glove embodiments of the invention may be similarly constructed.
As pointed out hereinbefore~ the device o ~he invention is formed of a unitary prophylac-tlcally, impermeable elastomeric material, for example~ latex or rubber~ which is highly flexible and elastic. The elastomeric material is preferably of a uniform thickne 5S throughout the projections~ solid as opposed to hollow. The integral construction of the device of the `~ invention including the pellicle and projections ; thereon, ~ay be manufactured using any of the well known molding processes of the art. By way of example, the device may be formed by an injection molding technique using a die comprising a one-piece in~ernal mandrell and a plurality of external segments. The external segments may be manually xemoved and stripping or air injection used to remove the molded device from the internal mandrell. As measured from the in~ernal and external surfaces of the pellicle~ the minimum internal and/or external projection heights o~ the projection pairs is about 0.15mm, but the preferred height is approximately 1.5mm. The minimum ~5 effective diameter of the projections is O.lmm while the preferred diameter ls about I.Omm. The preferred spacing between the projections is about 3mm and the maximum spacing about 5mm. For , ~31023~
maximum stimulation the projections cover substantially the entire surfaces of the head ~ portion 12 and body portion 14 of a condom.
:~ It will be obvious to those skilled in the art from reading the description of the invention that numerous modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention~
What is claimed is:
' ,: ~
~ ~ .
.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
~_______ The present invention is directed to a device useful in the transmission of tactile sensations. In particular, the invention concerns a protective type material wherein acute tactile sensations are transmltted from one side of the material to the other. More particularly the invention is directed to a novel constructlon for prophylactic devices such as surgical gloves and condoms.
':
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The usefulness 9 indeed, ur~ent need for the use of condoms, particularly in casual sexual -~ 15 activi~ies is well established and documente~.
Notwithstanding cogent pathological reasons ~or the use of condoms, sexual partners in general, have been reluctant to use such devices. Most often the refusal to use condoms is based on the loss of tactile sensation by one or both partners during copulation when the~penis is sheathed with the type condom~ presen~ly available. Of no less importance than ~he desirability of preventing the loss of tactile sensation by the use of condoms in sexual intercourse is the prevention of loss of tactile sensations when using gloves in procedures ~ 3 ~ Q~3~
requiring aseptic conditions, for example, surgery, particularly where visual perception of the field of proceclure is limited.
It may well be appreciated the desirabillty of having a device which7 in addition to beln~
impervious to the passage of either pathogens or sperm, will not cause the loss of tactile sensations, and generally enhance the sensory perception of the user. The principal thru~t of the art has long been the discovery of a prophylactic device by which the sensory perception of the user wlll minimally achieve the normal tactile sensation of an unsheathed organ.
Unfortunately, none of the devices known in the art ` 15 have been successful.
:' Numerous constructions have been proposed for devices to improve the transmission of sensory sensation in a prophylactically sheathed organ as shown for example in U.S. Patent No. 3,809,090 to Povlacs et al. wherein is disclosed a condom having rigid projections on the outer surface~ Such devices are lntended to provide mechanical stimulatioll hy one side of the prophylactic device rather than enabling transmission of sensory perceptions. Moreover, such rigid de~ices suffer the disadvantage of often causing severe irritation to delicate tissues.
1 31 023~
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a device which enables the two-way transmission of tactile sensation and perception throu~h the pellicle of prophylactic devices æuch as condoms, finger cots, and gloves used in sterile operations which, not only enables the tactile sensation of an unsheathed organ, but also amplifies the transmission of the tactile sensation through the prophylactic device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a device for enabling and enhancing the transmission of tactile sensations across a prophylactic membrane barrier.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a plurality of pairs of shaped projections spaccd apart and arranged to form, juxtaposed or apposing pairs, integralIy formed with, and coaxially - e~tendin~ from, the opposite sldes of a base, prophylactically impermeable, flexible sheet material or pellicle. In a sheet material or pellicle. In a preferred embodlment, the projection pairs are generally cylindrical in shape. It will be appreciated that in the preferred embodlment, and particularly for manufacture of the condoms and gloves o~ the invention, the prophylactically impermeable sheet ; material is of thin, la~ex rubber or other inert elastomeric material. In the device of the 1 3 1 0~38 invention, whenever any force acts on one of the projections of a projection-pair, the flexible base material or pellicle allows motion of its antipodal projection by serving as a fulcrum for pivoting and moving the projection. In addition~ whenever any force having a component perpendicular to the base material acts on one member of a projection-pair, the flexible material will allow perpendicular -~ motion of the apposing projection by stretching of the pellicle. Other motions such as vibratory and rotational are transmitted between the antipodal projection-pairs in a similar manner.
It will be perceived hereinafter from the description and drawlngs of the device that any force acting on and causing motion of one member of an antipodal projection-pair on either side of the 1exible material will result in, if unobstructed, a corollary or opposite motion of its apposite or antipodal projection member. In the device of the lnvention, complex motions, for example, vibratory and rotatory~ are also transmitted between projection-pairs. The sizes and dimensions of the antipodal pairs of projections is determined by intended use o the material. The invention not only minimally allows transmission of tactile sensations across the barrier material, substantially as in the contactlng of two surfaces without the interposition of a barrier material~
t O238 but also amplifies the transmission of tactile sens~tions through the plurality of unitary, separa~e and distinct contact points indivldually responding to the most subtle movement or anomaly.
Condoms of the inventive device provide transmission of the most delicate of movement by contacting organs, for example, either penis or vagina during intercourse. Where the device is a ~ surgical glove, the transmission of ~actile sensory ; lO perception of anatomical anomalies is enabled ; during operational procedures, particularly when the field of sight is limited as during surgery.
It will be appreciated that the actual motlon, intensity, and sensitivity transmitted between antipodal pairs of the invention depend upon many variables, for example, magnitude, direction and duration of force, size of anomaly, pellicle material, thickness of pellicle, pattern, spacing, size and shape of the projections. Embodiments of the invention provlde different shapes for the projection pair members including concave-ended cylindrical, conical, flat-ended cylindrical, and beveled spherical and combinations thereof which different shapes may be used to enhance the tactile transmissions of particular movements or anomalies as the case may be.
1 3 1 023~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
.
FIGURE 1 is a representational fragmentary, perspective view of the device of the invention : illustrating the rounded-end, cylindrically-shaped coaxial pairs of projections extending on both sides of the pellicle.
FIGURE 2 is a view of the device of Figure 1 In operatlon lllustrating movement of the pro~jections responsive to forces applied to a single projection of an apposing pair of projections.
FIGURE 3 is a representational fragmentary, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention where the projections of each pair of ~: 15 coaxial projections are of unequal length.
~ ~ ' FIGURE 4 is a representational fragmPntary, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention wherein various coaxial pairs of projections flre constructed at different angles with respect to the pellicle and each other.
.
1 3 1 i~O 2~
~7--FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional vlew of an embodiment of the device o the invention comprising a doubled wall base membrane material.
.
FIGURE 6 illustrates different shapes of projections which may be used in embodiments of the invention.
FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary view of a condom of the invention.
FIGURE 8 is a cross-section taken on lines a-a of the condom of Figure 7.
FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary view of another ~ condom embodiment of the invention.
:, :
~ DET~ILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
, ~ _ Referring to the drawings, particularly Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,~ 6, 7 and 8, in which like parts or elements have the same number, there is shown a device having a flexible base material, pellicle, or barrier membrane 2 through which ; extends a plurality of coaxial pairs of projections 4 integrally molded therewith. The device ls preferab]y formed of a single, homogenous ~ prophylac~ically impervious, elastomeric material.
.:
; ~ .
:
';
1 3 1 023~
Referri.ng particularly to Flgure 1, the projections 4 consist of coaxial pairs of projections 4F. and 4G. The projections illustrated In Figure 1 are in the undisturbed or rest position. Figure 2 illustrates the responsive movement and direction of movement of antipodal pair members 4E and 4G of Figure 1 when a force f is applied from different directions to one projection of an apposed pair, In the illustration of Figure 2, the force f, direction of the force indicated by arrows, is shown applied horizontally to one projection, vertically downward to another projection and vertically upward to another. The direction of the responsive movement m of a projection to the force f applied to it~ apposing member is indi.cated by arrows.
In Figure 3, there is shown an embodiment of the invention wherein the length of one projection of each pair 4 differs from its apposing 2~ member. Still another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 4 wherein antipodal pairs 4J and 4K are shown constructed at opposing angles to each other and at an angular orientation with respect to vertically disposed pairs 4M and 4N.
_9_ It will be appreciated that in a condom of the invention, each apposing projection pair may be constructed at varying angles with respect to adjacent projection pairs to bring about the ; 5 simultaneous transmission of multiple and varying tactile sensations across the barrier membrane ln both directions responsive to varying movements and contours of tissues contacting either side of the device. This construction and the construction illustrated in Figure 3 is very useful in, for example, the surgical glove embodiment of the invention whereby a magnification, or concentrated, tactile response is transmitted to the fingertips by physical anomalies such as tumors.
:~;
.: 15 Referrlng specifically.to Figure 5 3 there~
is illustrated an embodiment of the invention in ~ which the flexible base material is double-walled ;~ comprising separate and parallel barrier membranes 2 and 6. Projection pairs 4 extend through both : ~0 membrane members. Membrane members 2 and 6 move generally independent of each other. The effect of such construction is that each antipodal pair member will move in the same direction as the direction of the force applied to its apposing pro~ection member as shown by arrows, designated respectively as f and m, indicating force and : direction applied to a projection and the ~3~0~3`~
direction of movement of its apposing member. A
lubricant material may be sealed wlthln the space formed by the parallel membranes to facilitate movement between the pair of pellicles and prevent drag therebetween.
As mentioned hereinbefore, the projection members of the device may be shapes other than cylindrically-shaped havlng convex ends. As illustrated in Figure 6, other projection shapes are shown as numerals 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. It will be observed that the apposing projection members of each antipodal pair is shown to have a different shape, and it will be understood that such differences in shape will not affect the responsive movement of a projection member to a force applied to the apposing projection. Difference in shape may be used to magnify, augment, or change sensory transmission in accordance with the various uses for which the device of the invention is used.
,~
In Figures 7 and 8, there is shown an embodiment of a condom 10 of the invention having an impermeable, elastromeric pellicle 2, a closed head portion 12 and a cylindrical body portion 14 7 terminating in an open-end portion 16. A plurality f continuous coaxial pairs of projections 4 extend through the body portion 14 and head portion 12.
-- 1 3 1 023~
The condom is formed of a unitary material in which the pro~ec~ions are integrally formed. The pro~ection pairs 4 are intermittently spaced in the body 14 and head portion 12. It will be understood that the number and spacing of the coaxial pairs is a matter of choice; however~ in the embodiment illustrated the projections are disposed in spiral rows and in vertical alignment over substantially the entire body portion 14 and head portion 12 of the condom. The open-ended portion 16 is free of projections to insure a tight fit of the condom about the base of the penis, or the base of the fingers ln a finger cot to prevent leakage o seminal discharges, or transmission of disease organisms. In a preferred embodiment of a condom as illustrated by Figure 9s the cylindrically-shaped head portion 12 and body portion 14, are larger in diameter than the open-end portion 16 which, as previously mentioned is designed to tlghtly enclose the base of the penis. The larger diameter of the body and head portions allow the condom to act much as a foreskin in an uncir-cumcised penis allowing the pellicle 2 to slide up and down along the surface of a penis with consequent provision of a more flexible and mobile ~: fulcrum for enhancing the movement of the antipodal projections. An increased diameter of the order of 2mm to 4mm provides excellent results. It will be .
1 3 1 ~238 appreciated that the glove embodiments of the invention may be similarly constructed.
As pointed out hereinbefore~ the device o ~he invention is formed of a unitary prophylac-tlcally, impermeable elastomeric material, for example~ latex or rubber~ which is highly flexible and elastic. The elastomeric material is preferably of a uniform thickne 5S throughout the projections~ solid as opposed to hollow. The integral construction of the device of the `~ invention including the pellicle and projections ; thereon, ~ay be manufactured using any of the well known molding processes of the art. By way of example, the device may be formed by an injection molding technique using a die comprising a one-piece in~ernal mandrell and a plurality of external segments. The external segments may be manually xemoved and stripping or air injection used to remove the molded device from the internal mandrell. As measured from the in~ernal and external surfaces of the pellicle~ the minimum internal and/or external projection heights o~ the projection pairs is about 0.15mm, but the preferred height is approximately 1.5mm. The minimum ~5 effective diameter of the projections is O.lmm while the preferred diameter ls about I.Omm. The preferred spacing between the projections is about 3mm and the maximum spacing about 5mm. For , ~31023~
maximum stimulation the projections cover substantially the entire surfaces of the head ~ portion 12 and body portion 14 of a condom.
:~ It will be obvious to those skilled in the art from reading the description of the invention that numerous modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention~
What is claimed is:
' ,: ~
~ ~ .
.
Claims (12)
1. A device for the transmission of tactile and anomalous sensations between surfaces, at least one of which is living tissue, comprising a substantially homogenous, elastomeric material base having a plurality of projection pairs spaced apart and integrally formed with said base material, each protection pair comprising two continuous coaxial protections extending from the opposite sides of said material base.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said homogenous, elastomeric base is prophylactically impervious.
3. A prophylactic device in accordance with claim 1 having a substantially cylindrical body-portion, a closed-end head portion, and an open-end bottom portion.
4. A prophylactic device in accordance with claim 3 in which said cylindrical body portion and said head portion are larger in diameter than said bottom portion.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein each projection of an antipodal pair is a different height from the base.
6. The device of claim 3 wherein said plurality of projection pairs are disposed in said head and body portion of the device.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said base is a two-wall elastomeric membrane, and each projection of a projection pair are integrally connected and continuously coaxial to each other through both of said walls.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein the projections are generally cylindrically-shaped.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein the projections extend from the surfaces of the base at different angles with respect to the perpendicular.
10. A prophylactic device comprising a body of substantially homogenous, elastomeric material having a substantially cylindrical body portion, a closed-end head portion and an open-end bottom portion, said body and head portions being formed with a plurality of spaced apart exteriorly and interiorly extending continuous coaxial pairs of projections extending from opposite sides of said base material.
11. The prophylactic device of claim 10 in which said cylindrical body portion and said closed-end head portion are larger in diameter than said bottom portion.
12. The prophylactic device of claim 10 wherein said projections are spirally spaced in vertical alignment.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000606080A CA1310238C (en) | 1989-07-19 | 1989-07-19 | Sensory transmitting membrane device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000606080A CA1310238C (en) | 1989-07-19 | 1989-07-19 | Sensory transmitting membrane device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1310238C true CA1310238C (en) | 1992-11-17 |
Family
ID=4140372
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000606080A Expired - Lifetime CA1310238C (en) | 1989-07-19 | 1989-07-19 | Sensory transmitting membrane device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1310238C (en) |
-
1989
- 1989-07-19 CA CA000606080A patent/CA1310238C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |