GB2301536A - Supportive and/or pressure-applying device for a body part - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises an annular member 1 of soft, resilient material having a radial gap 6a to allow resilient expansion and a plurality of spaced, relieved or cut-away portions 6 around its inner circumference forming pressure-applying zones 5. A recess 7 opposite the gap facilitates expansion. The side walls of the annular member may taper to a narrower, inner peripheral surface 4. The device may be used as a penile prosthesis by positioning around the shaft of the penis behind but in abutment with the base ledge of the glans to prevent the prepuce from covering the glans, thereby reducing its sensitivity. Alternatively, the device may be fitted around the knee, elbow or wrist to apply pressure without completely stopping the blood flow.

Description

TITLE: Prosthesis This invention relates to a prosthesis and more particularly to an externally applied supportive device for use, as example, in medical treatments. Devices of various kinds are known to provide support for the body tissue and limbs, some such devices utilise mobile fluids to provide pressure and support and others require surgical methods for implanting or fixture. Externally applied means are also known these generally operating on the principle of stopping blood flow but these devices cannot be worn for extended periods.

This invention seeks to provided a simply applied external prosthesis which protects and supports and which may be worn for extended periods as an aid to medical treatments and hygiene.

According to this invention there is provided a supportive pressure applying device for use on the body comprising an annulus with the side walls thereof tapering from a wider outer peripheral surface to a narrower inner peripheral surface, a radial gap in the annulus permitting same to resiliently expand, the inner peripheral surface having a plurality of spaced relieved portions defining inwardly directed areas forming pressure applying zones.

In accordance with this invention, there is also provided a penile prosthesis comprising an annular member adapted to be located around the penis and to seat in snug abutment under the base ledge of the glans, said annular member including a plurality of cut-away or relieved portions or channels spaced around the inner circumference with a plane of radial separation, forming a cut through the member, being provided to allow resilient expansion of the member.

In a preferred construction the outer periphery of the annular member has a recess opposite the cut to facilitate expansion.

The inner periphery of the member may include channels extending parallel with the central axis of the annular member.

This invention will now be described further by reference to the drawings showing several embodiments by way of examples only. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows an end-on view of a first embodiment, Figure 2 shows an end-on view of a second embodiment, Figure 3 shows a detail looking in direction X of Figure 2, and Figure 4 shows a detail section on Y-Y of Figure 2.

Referring to the drawings and in particular to Figures 2, 3 and 4 the prosthesis device comprises an annulus 1 of a soft resilient synthetic plastics material, or rubber, being rigid but nevertheless yielding and expandable and generally soft to the touch.

The outer facing surfaces 2 and 3 on each side taper in a conical manner as seen best in Figure 4. This construction defines a planar inner cylindrical peripheral surface 4. The surface 2 which, in one use, is abutting the base ledge of the glans may have small discrete projections 5 which may also be a continuous annular projecting ring on the side 2. This surface 2 functions to push the base of the glans forward. The inner peripheral surface includes a plurality of cut-away areas 6 in the nature of channels and one such channel 6a provides a division through the annulus thus allowing the annulus to open and expand as necessary for fitting and removal.

In use the annulus is positioned around the shaft of the penis behind but in abutment with the base ledge of the glans and serves to support and enhance the function and prevents the prepuce from moving forwardly to cover the glans. Surfaces 2 and 3 assist in fitting and removal. The arrangement improves hygiene and the channels 6 allow blood flow. Sensitivity of the glans is reduced and such factors can be important in the treatment and cure of certain disorders. The purpose of the projections 5 is to assist retention. The device may be used as a protective means in sports.

In Figure 1 a modified shape is shown including an outer channel 7 but the basic structure is otherwise similar to that described.

The channel 7 on the outer periphery allows more resilient expansion. The inner surface 4 may be made with a dimension adapted empirically according to requirements such as to provided the required pressures to push the glans forward and to enlarge same. The channels 6 will be likewise adapted according to the required function the dimensions shown being exemplary of preferred embodiments only.

In further embodiments the device is constructed for fitting around other limbs or joints for curative purposes such as around the elbow, knee or wrist. The device applies pressure but without completely stopping the blood flow.

On the device angularities are to be avoided and transitions between surfaces should be well rounded or radiussed.

Claims (12)

1. A supportive pressure applying device for use on the body comprising an annulus with the side walls thereof tapering from a wider outer peripheral surface to a narrower inner peripheral surface, a radial gap in the annulus permitting same to resiliently expand, the inner peripheral surface having a plurality of spaced relieved portions defining inwardly directed areas forming pressure applying zones.

2. A device in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral surface has a channel forming a zone of reduced thickness in the annulus opposite the gap.

3. A device in accordance with Claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer peripheral surface includes at least a part thereof of convex section.

4. A device in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the inwardly directed zones forming the pressure applying areas have a planar surface, preferably five or more such zones being provided.

5. A device in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the annulus is formed as a one-piece moulding of a soft and resilient plastics material or a rubber material, or a rigid plastic or a metal or wood.

6. A device in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein one of said tapering side walls includes an annular projection on the surface thereof.

7. A device in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein expansion is facilitated or effected by means of a joint or joints connecting two or more parts forming the annulus together.

8. A device in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein said gap has an inner zone forming one said relieved portion tapering to a slot on the outer peripheral surface.

9. The use of the device according to any preceding claim on the body to apply pressure to a limb or joint to relieve pain and provide support.

10. The use of the device according to any preceding Claim 1 to 7, to circumscribe the male penis adjacent the glans and to apply pressure to control the flow of blood, and for the purpose of augmenting or sustaining an erection or providing protection.

11. A penile prosthesis comprising an annular member adapted to be located around the penis and to seat in snug abutment under the base ledge of the glans, said annular member including a plurality of cut-away or relieved portions or channels spaced around the inner circumference with a plane of radial separation, forming a cut through the member, being provided to allow resilient expansion of the member.

12. A supportive device as described herein and shown in the drawings.