Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
  • A63B23/20—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for vaginal muscles or other sphincter-type muscles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H19/00—Massage for the genitals; Devices for improving sexual intercourse
  • A61H19/40—Devices insertable in the genitals
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1683—Surface of interface
  • A61H2201/1688—Surface of interface disposable
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
  • A61H2205/08—Trunk
  • A61H2205/085—Crotch
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
  • A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights

Definitions

• This invention relates to pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercisers, indicators and kits thereof. Readers will be aware that such PFM exercisers have been used in the past to cure or at least ameliorate feminine stress incontinence, which is commonly attributable to the weakening of the PFMs with age, as a result of childbirth or as women approach the menopause.
• PFM pelvic floor muscle
• PFM exercisers and their use in preventing or at least reducing stress incontinence are both well known and adequately described in the prior art .
• GB-A-2058571 describes a device for exercising the perineal muscles which comprises a shaft having a tapered portion with an enlarged spherical end for insertion into the vagina and includes provision for suspending various different weights from the alternate end of the sha t .
• US-A-4241912 describes an isometric vaginal exercise device comprising a rounded shaft having a flange at one end thereof.
• the shaft has a concave portion adjacent the flange, wherein the diameter of the concave portion decreases to a minimum value and then increases to a maximum value with increasing distance from the flange.
• the concave portion allows gripping of the device by perivaginal muscles of the user.
• the flange is oval to permit accommodation between the legs of the user.
• a handle is attached to the flange end of the device .
• EP-A-0198641 describes a set of parts for testing and/or strengthening the PFMs of wearers wherein the set comprises a number of substantially identically shaped and sized devices all adapted for insertion into the vagina beyond the PFMs so that the PFMs are automatically caused to contract in an attempt to prevent the device from falling from the vagina. It is the nature of such muscles to automatically contract which can be used to strengthen same beneficially to aid or cure incontinence, as substantially the same muscle set can be used to control or prevent the flow of urine from the bladder.
• each device is of a different weight so that the PFMs can be strengthened progressively by using progressively heavier weights, each device having a lower conical portion which is in use supported by the PFMs and an upper rounded tip.
• the devices may be formed from a combination of materials such as for example a plastic such as polymethylmethacrylate or nylon and a metal such as brass or steel provided with a suitable physiologically acceptable coating, such as may be deposited by chromium plating.
• This device is useful as far as satisfactorily determining the heaviest weight supportable by the PFMs of a wearer is concerned, but the devices are not generally intended for domestic use nor for use in the treatment of stress incontinence.
• the above devices would meet with significant resistance from and limited market acceptance by the female public on account of the clinical nature of each of the devices and the lack of facility for changing the particular weight of one of the devices .
• EP-A-392854 describes a PFM exerciser consisting of a casing having two parts which can be sealingly connected together to define a cavity in which one or more differently shaped weights can be provided to increase or decrease the overall weight of the PFM exerciser as required.
• the device is less expensive than existing products such as those described above because only a single device is proved for insertion, and furthermore only the casing need be of a physiologically acceptable material. In this manner, although the casings can of course be sterilised and reused. Also, an appropriate set of weights can also be provided depending on the extent to which the PFM are required to be strengthened.
• PFM exercisers can be inserted past the PFMs so it does little good. Further, even when correctly inserted many women are not consciously aware of their PFMs and how to work them.
• PFM exercisers The design of PFM exercisers is in general dictated by the following important factors. Firstly the device must be of a suitable shape and size for insertion into the vagina. This effectively limits the maximum diameter and its shape which is best described as being conical at one end, cylindrical through the middle and having a hemispherical other end. Secondly, the weight of the exerciser must be capable of being altered to suit particular conditions or to provide more or less strenuous exercise of the PFMs. A further design criteria of PFM exercisers which has not been as intensively assessed as those mentioned above is the physiological aspect of the device. It will be appreciated that there is resistance among women to use a PFM exerciser which although fully sterilised, has been prior used. Additionally, the types of material used in the past for such plastics have typically been plastics which although capable of being sterilised safely are hard and inflexible and thus aesthetically unappealing.
• a PFM exerciser kit comprising a first PFM exerciser and a second PFM exerciser, each PFM exerciser comprising a head for insertion into a user's vagina and a tail extending from the head, the first PFM exerciser being heavier than the second PFM exerciser and the first PFM exerciser having a smaller head than the second PFM exerciser and/or a more gradually tapered region from the head to the tail .
• kits according to claim 1, in which the kit comprises a third PFM exerciser, which third PFM exerciser has a head for insertion into a user's vagina and a tail extending from the head, and which is heavier than the first PFM exerciser and has a smaller head than the first PFM exerciser and/or a more gradually tapered region from the head to the tail.
• the different exerciser weights are differentiated by different visual markings.
• each tail there is provided a stop indicator for indicating to a user the amount of insertion of the exerciser required.
• the stop indicator comprises a change in the diameter of each tail .
• each stop indicator comprises a bulge in the tail .
• each stop indicator is annular about the tail.
• kits comprising a PFM exerciser and a physiologically acceptable sheath in which the PFM exerciser can be inserted for insertion into a user's vagina .
• the sheath is provided in an infection resistant packaging .
• the sheath comprises a condom.
• a PFM exerciser comprising a head for insertion into a user's vagina and a tail extending from the head, the tail being formed from at least in part from a flexible material, and means for adjusting the angle of the tail for providing a self-supporting bend in the tail of the PFM exerciser.
• a tail angle adjuster comprises a jig into which the tail is inserted.
• the jig is a curved receptacle for the tail.
• the jig is generally U-shaped in cross-section.
• a flexible shape-retaining material can be provided at a bend region of the tail .
• the material is embedded in the tail.
• the tail is substantially self supporting.
• the tail is flexible along its entire length.
• the PFM exerciser comprises a rubber or plastics physiologically acceptable outer layer.
• a weight is embedded inside the PFM exerciser.
• a plurality of weights are distributed about the head or entire exerciser.
• a method of use of a PFM exerciser comprising the steps of arranging a physiologically acceptable sheath at least partly about a PFM exerciser and inserting the sheath covered PFM exerciser into a user's vagina.
• the PFM exerciser and sheath are a kit according to the second aspect of the present invention.
• the sheath is discarded after use.
• the method comprises the steps of using the tail angle adjusting means to adjust the tail angle and inserting the PFM indicator into a user's vagina.
• a user can use the PFM exerciser to locate their pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) .
• PFMs pelvic floor muscles
• the tail in the straight configuration generally it is difficult for a user to see the tail so when they flex their pelvic floor muscles and therefore move the tail it is difficult to tell whether such movement has occurred.
• the tail in a bent configuration the tail can be positioned such a way that a user can see the tail moving when their PFMs are exercised.
• Figure 1 is a plan view of a PFM exerciser according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 2 is a plan view of a PFM exerciser kit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 3 is a plan view of a PFM exerciser kit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 4 is a schematic perspective illustration of a tail adjuster for use with a PFM exerciser.
• Figure 5 is a side view of a PFM exerciser used in a PFM indicator configuration.
• Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a PFM exerciser according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention.
• a PFM exerciser 2 comprising a head 4 and a tail 6.
• the exerciser 2 is circular symmetrical about its longitudinal axis.
• the head 4 is generally conically shaped and is suitable for insertion into a user's vagina.
• the tail 6 extends from the head 4 to a distil end 8.
• a stop indicator 10 comprising an annular bulge in the tail.
• This stop indicator bulge 10 changes the diameter of the tail in such a way that it can be felt by a user during insertion.
• a further bulge 12 is provided at the distal end 8. The bulge 12 can be useful for withdrawing the PFM exerciser 2, especially if the tail 6 has been lubricated; the bulge 12 provides purchase for a user to grip the PFM exerciser 2.
• the PFM exerciser 2 is formed by injection moulding a SANTOPRENE (Trade Mark) thermoplastic rubber material to encapsulate a weight (indicated by dashed lines 14) therein.
• SANTOPRENE Trade Mark
• SANTOPRENE from 35 Shore A to 40 Shore D is preferred as a physiologically acceptable material that users find satisfactory from a tactile perspective. This ensures the tail is substantially self-supporting. A degree of bend in the tail is permissible.
• This manufacturing process creates a line 16 that provides a convenient delineation between head 4 and tail 6. Strictly there is no absolute distinction between the two.
• the head 4 of PFM exerciser 2 is manually inserted into the user's vagina until the user feels the stop indicator 10 indicating that the exerciser 2 has been inserted sufficiently into the user's vagina.
• the act of holding the exerciser in the user's vagina exercises the PFMs.
• a PFM exerciser kit 20 comprising a first PFM exerciser 22, a second PFM exerciser 24 and a third PFM exerciser 26.
• Each PFM exerciser 22-26 is similar to PFM exerciser 2 of Figure 1 (similar reference numerals are used for like parts) except for variations in the shape of the head 4 and mass of the exerciser (governed primarily by mass 14 (not shown in Figure 2) ) .
• first exerciser 22 has the largest head 4 and lowest mass (compared with second and third exercisers 24, 26, respectively).
• Second exerciser 24 has a head 4 size and mass intermediate first and third exercisers 22, 26, respectively and
• third exerciser 26 has a smaller head 4 and higher mass than first and second exercisers 22, 24, respectively.
• first exerciser 22 is the easiest to hold in place due to the larger head 4 and lower weight.
• Second exerciser 24 and third exerciser 26 become progressively harder to hold in place as their head sizes diminish and weight increases.
• a user can work her way through the PFM kit using progressively harder to hold exercisers 22, then 24 and then 26.
• the weight of the PFM exerciser increases in the kit, so the size of the head 4 decreases. This can be done without disassembly/reassembly of the exerciser being required.
• kits shown include three exercisers, it will be appreciated that any number of exercisers from 2 upwards can provide benefits. However three or four exercisers in a kit is thought to be preferable for providing a suitable range of exercisers for the majority of users.
• the different weights can be differentiated by visual markings, such as by being different colours eg darker colours being heavier weights.
• a PFM exerciser kit 30 comprising a first PFM exerciser 32, a second PFM exerciser 34 and third PFM exerciser 36.
• Each PFM exerciser 32, 34, 36 is similar to that shown in Figure 1, except for variations in the shape of the head 4, the taper 18 and the weight of the respective exerciser, and similar reference numerals are used for like parts.
• kit 30 shown in Figure 3 is substantially similar to that shown in Figure 2.
• First exerciser 32 (the lightest) has an almost stepped taper 18 making it the easiest to hold.
• Second exerciser 34 has a move gradual narrowing taper 18 making it harder to hold than first exerciser 32.
• Third exerciser (the heaviest) 36 has a long gradual taper 18 making it harder to hold than exercisers 32 and 34.
• the difficulty of holding can be controlled through heavier exercisers by smaller heads and/or a more gradually tapered tail.
• a PFM indicator tail angle adjuster 40 which is a curved jig, generally U-shaped in cross-section, but so as to receive more than half of the perimeter of the tail jig.
• tail angle adjuster 40 provides a channel 42 into which the tail is inserted.
• the tail angle adjuster 40 is a polypropylene moulding.
• PFM indicator 50 that can also be used as a PFM exerciser.
• the PFM indicator 50 is substantially the same as the PFM exerciser 2 shown in Figure 1.
• the PFM indicator 50 has had its tail 6 inserted through into channel 42 of tail angle adjuster 40 to create the approximate 90° angle in the tail 6.
• the tail angle adjuster 40 is applied between stop indicator 10 and the distal end 8.
• the SANTOPRENE (trade mark) material of the tail 6 is substantially self supporting so with the tail angle adjuster 40 attached, the PFM indicator 50 adopts substantially the configuration shown in Figure 5.
• the device For use as a PFM indicator, the device is inserted into the user's vagina until the stop indicator 10 is reached.
• the stop indicator 10 thus can serve a double purpose of avoiding the tail angle adjuster 40 contracting a user's vaginal area.
• the stop indicator 10 is felt the end 8 of the PFM indicator can be seen by a user because of the angle at which the tail 6 is held.
• a user attempts various muscle contractions until the end 8 of tail 6 is seen to twitch or move, a sign of PFM movement.
• the user can then recognise the muscle flexing/contractions required for PFM exercises ie to hold in the various PFM exercisers described herein.
• An alternative tail angle adjuster can be provided by a flexible shape retaining strip, typically a metal strip in a bending region of the tail 6. Such a strip can be embedded in the tail 6 during the injection moulding manufacturing process.
• a strip 52 is shown diagrammatically in Figure 6 (see below) for ease of reference.
• a PFM exerciser 60 substantially similar to PFM exerciser 2 of Figure 1 (similar reference numerals are used for like parts) .
• a physiologically acceptable sheath 62 such as a condom into which at least the head 4 of PFM exerciser 60 is inserted for subsequent insertion into a user's vagina.
• the sheath 62 protects the PFM exerciser 60 from contact with the user's vagina. After use the sheath 62 can be discarded and the PFM exerciser 60 re-used without time-consuming cleaning. It will be appreciated that the sheath 62 can be used with PFM indicators as well.
• the sheath 62 can be provided in a foil, plastics or other infection resistant packaging.
• the reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Gynecology & Obstetrics (AREA)
• Reproductive Health (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
• Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

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Family Applications (1)

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• 2002
  • 2002-04-22 GB GBGB0209112.2A patent/GB0209112D0/en not_active Ceased
• 2003
  • 2003-04-22 JP JP2003585818A patent/JP2005523089A/ja active Pending
  • 2003-04-22 GB GB0419717A patent/GB2401066B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2003-04-22 AU AU2003229924A patent/AU2003229924A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-04-22 NZ NZ535226A patent/NZ535226A/en unknown
  • 2003-04-22 IL IL16394203A patent/IL163942A0/xx not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2003-04-22 WO PCT/GB2003/001701 patent/WO2003089071A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2003-04-22 US US10/507,748 patent/US20050130818A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-04-22 CA CA002478634A patent/CA2478634A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-04-22 EP EP03722761A patent/EP1499400A2/en not_active Withdrawn
• 2004
  • 2004-09-07 IL IL163942A patent/IL163942A/en unknown
  • 2004-10-04 ZA ZA200407987A patent/ZA200407987B/xx unknown

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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