GB2439927A

GB2439927A - Penis stimulation device

Info

Publication number: GB2439927A
Application number: GB0613711A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gareth Humphreys
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-11
Filing date: 2006-07-11
Publication date: 2008-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-11
Also published as: GB0613711D0; GB2439927B

Abstract

The apparatus (2) for stimulating a penis comprising a housing (4) for receiving at least a portion of the penis and stimulation means such as a motor 16 actuable to stimulate at least a portion of the penis by means of contact with inner surface 20 when the penis is received into inner space 18. The penis receiving portion of the device may receive only the glans of the penis, and the inner surface 20 may be textured.

Description

Apparatus for StimuatinU a Penis The present invention relates to an

apparatus for stimulating a penis, to a kit comprising an apparatus for stimulating a penis and to a method of stimulating a penis.

The most popular male sex aid/toy on the market is the Fleshlight . The Fleshlight comprises a tubular housing which is shaped like a torch and a contains a latex insert. The latex insert is intended to simulate a vagina and comprises an opening at one end which leads to an inner chamber into which a user inserts their penis. The Fleshlight is designed to stimulate the penis of a user by creating friction between the penis and the inner latex material as the Fleshlight is moved up and down along the length of the penis manually by the user. The Fleshlight is not an electromechanical device and does not vibrate or provide any other form of mechanical stimulation.

Other male sex aids tend to focus on restricting blood flow from the penis, to enable the user to maintain an erection for a prolonged period of time. Other known devices claim to be able to increase penis size.

The market for sex aids is large and it is continually growing. As a consequence of this consumers are always looking for new products which are better than those which are currently available. In addition, since most of the products currently available on the market attempt to replicate the female anatomy, it is believed that the there is a need for a more discreet product which does not have an overtly sexual appearance. Furthermore, there is also a growing market for products which can help users to overcome erectile dysfunction. It is the object of the present invention to offer an alternative to the prior art products.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for stimulating a penis comprising a housing for receiving at least a portion of the penis and stimulation means actuable to stimulate at least a portion of the penis. In order to operate the apparatus a user inserts his penis into the housing and acuates the stimulation means.

In an embodiment of the invention the stimulation means may be located within the housing.

When this is the case the stimulation means acts directly on the penis when it is actuated.

In an embodiment of the invention the stimulation means may comprise an inner member arranged to move relative to the housing. The inner member may be mounted within the housing such that when the stimulation means is actuated it causes the inner member to move relative to the housing. The apparatus may be provided with an electric motor connected to the inner member for powering the relative movement. The electric motor may be battery powered or it may be provided with means for connection to the mains. When the motor is battery powered the housing may conveniently be provided with battery holders for retaining one or more batteries within the housing. The apparatus may be provided with an on!off switch to control the operation of the motor. In a further embodiment the apparatus may be provided with a variable speed slider switch for controlling the speed of the motor.

In an embodiment of the invention the inner member may comprise at least one penis contacting surface. The penis contacting surface is the portion of the inner member which, in use of the apparatus, comes into contact with the penis of the user to cause stimulation of the penis. The penis contacting surface may comprise one or more areas of the inner member which are designed to come into contact with the penis. When more than one penis contacting surface is provided they may be arranged on the inner member in a regular manner, or they may be spaced apart in an irregular configuration. The or each penis contacting surface may be provided in a wide variety of configurations, for example the penis contacting surface may comprise the entire inward facing surface of the inner member, or it may be arranged in a ring-like configuration such that, in use, the or each penis contacting surface surrounds the penis. The inner member and the penis contacting surface must be easy to wipe clean.

In an embodiment of the invention the inner member is shaped to receive at least a portion of the penis. The term "shaped to receive at least portion of the penis" as used herein means that the inner member is shaped such that when the at least a portion of the penis is inserted into the housing it is surrounded by the penis contacting surface. The inner member may be shaped such that it corresponds to the profile of a penis.

In an embodiment the inner member may be shaped to receive only an end portion of the penis. In a further embodiment the inner member may be shaped to receive only the glans penis. This is a clear distinction between the present invention and the prior art. The prior art male sex aides are generally of the type which have an inner chamber into which the whole of the penis is inserted. Stimulation, either mechanical or manual stimulation caused by movement of the sex aid along the shaft of the penis, is generally focussed on the whole of r the penis, and in particular on the shaft of the penis. When the inner member is shaped to only contact the glans penis this causes a completely different sensation to the known prior art devices.

The inner member may be conical, frustro-conical, dome-shaped or any other suitable shape for receiving a portion of a penis. In an embodiment of the apparatus the penis contacting surface of the inner member may be formed from a material which is capable of conforming to at least a portion of the penis. The material may be a soft silicone material or a jelly-like substance which will conform around the penis when it is inserted. This serves to provide a more life-like sensation for the user.

In an embodiment the portion of the housing that, in use, receives the at least a portion of the penis is sized to receive only an end portion of the penis. In a further embodiment the portion of the housing that, in use, receives the at least a portion of the pens is sized to receive only the glans penis. This ensures that the apparatus may be a small, discreet unit which may be easily transportable. A problem of some of the prior art devices is that they have often been rather large units which are difficult to store and transport. Furthermore, many of the prior art devices have been shaped to resemble parts of the female anatomy and may cause embarrassment if accidentally discovered. The present invention is a discreet unit which is unlikely to cause any embarrassment if discovered as it does not have an overtly sexual appearance.

In an embodiment of the invention the inner member may be arranged to rotate relative to the housing. Rotational movement of a stimulation means is a feature which is not known from the prior art devices. When the inner member rotates it will cause the penis contacting surface(s) to rotate, which will provide an interesting and unusual sensation for the user.

Depending on the material of the penis contacting surface it may be necessary for the user to apply a lubricant to the penis contacting surface to avoid excessive friction. In an embodiment of the invention the apparatus may be provided with a lubricant reservoir and means for discharging a quantity of lubricant onto the penis contacting surface. The means for discharging the lubricant may conveniently comprise a button provided on the housing.

In a further embodiment the inner member may be configured to vibrate within the housing.

Vibration has been used successfully in many other forms of sex aid In a yet further embodiment the inner member may be configured to pulsate within the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention the inner member is removable from the housing. The inner member may be removed for cleaning or it may be replaced with another inner member, either because of damage to the inner member, or to create a different sensation for the user. The inner member may be provided with releasable attachment means such that it may be easily removed form the housing when necessary, but it will be securely held in place during operation of the apparatus.

In an embodiment of the invention the penis contacting surface may comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of suede, fake fur, cotton, leather, silk, latex, silicone, plastic and/or metal. The user may then select a particular inner member to suit their stimulation needs. Each inner member will provide a different sensation and this represents a key feature of the invention. It is also envisaged that combinations of different materials may be provided on a single inner member. The apparatus may be sold with a plurality of inner members having penis contacting surfaces made different materials, or the inner members may be sold separately.

In an embodiment of the invention the penis contacting surface may comprise a textured surface. In a further embodiment the penis contacting surface may comprise at least one raised surface. The penis contacting surface may comprise dimples or it may comprise ridges. These additional features help to create different sensations than with a smooth penis contacting surface and the user will be able to choose which is preferred. The dimples or ridges may be provided alone or in combination and they may be arranged in a regular pattern or an irregular pattern.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for stimulating a penis comprising an apparatus as described above and a plurality of interchangeable inner members. The interchangeable inner members may have a variety of properties, for example the penis contacting surface may be sized to accommodate different sized penises. Additionally or alternatively, the inner members may have penis contacting surfaces made of different materials, or having a variety of different surface textures.

In an embodiment of the invention the kit may further comprise a lubricant.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of stimulating a penis comprising inserting at least a portion of the penis into an apparatus as described * above and actuating the stimulation means In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention reference will be made to the accompanying drawings showing, solely by way of example, an embodiment of the invention, in which: Fig. I is a side perspective view of an apparatus for stimulating a penis; and Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

Referring firstly to Fig. 1, this shows an apparatus 2 for stimulating a penis. The apparatus 2 comprises a housing 4 which has a lid 6 which may be engaged with the housing 4 by means of a screw thread attachment 8. Alternatively, a "snap-fit" arrangement may be used to engaged the lid 6 with the housing 4. The housing 4 and lid 6 are formed from a resilient plastics material and the lid 6 is dome-shaped. It is envisaged that the housing 4 could also be made from stainless steel or chrome, or any other suitable material which is durable and easy to clean. The shape of the lid 6 enables a user to hold it comfortably in one hand.

The lid 6 engages with the housing 4 in a watertight manner to prevent the ingress of water into the housing 4. The watertight seal is formed by a rubber 0-ring (not shown), but other suitable means may also be used.

The housing 4 is generally cylindrical in shape and defines an inner space (shown in Fig. 2) which, in use, receives at least a portion of a penis. An outer surface of the housing 4 is provided with a switch 10 which is used to activate a mechanism and control the speed of a motor, as will be described in more detail in relation to Fig. 2.

Turning now to Fig. 2, this shows a sectional view of the apparatus 2. The housing 4 defines a chamber 12 which houses an inner member 14. The inner member 14 is frustro-conical in shape, with the narrow end 14a of the inner member 14 being attached to a motor 16 which is centrally mounted in the housing 4. The wide end 14b of the inner member is flush with an inner wall the housing 4 which defines the chamber 12. An inward facing surface of the inner member 14 defines the inner space 18 which, in use of the apparatus 2, receives at least a portion of a penis.

The inward facing surface of the inner member 14 comprises a penis contacting surface 20. r

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2 the whole of the inward facing surface of the inner member 14 comprises the penis contacting surface 20, however, in other embodiments the penis contacting surface 20 may comprises one or more raised surfaces. The penis contacting surface 20 is designed to stimulate a portion of a penis and may be provided in a wide variety of configurations, shapes and materials to provide differing sensations. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 the penis contacting surface 20 comprises a smooth plastics material. Alternatively, the penis contacting surface 20 may comprise one or more material selected from the following: suede, fake fur, cotton, leather, silk, latex, silicone and/or metal.

The penis contacting surface 20 may comprise a plurality of raised projections, which may be arranged in a regular pattern, such as concentric rings, or they may be spaced apart in an irregular manner. The function of the penis contacting surface 20 is to cause a pleasurable sensation for the user when it comes into contact with a portion of a penis and, as such, any suitable configuration may be utilised.

The inner member 14 is removable from the housing 4 to facilitate cleaning and/or replacement of the inner member 14. The attachment between the inner member 14 and the motor 16 is a "snap-fit" attachment, but any attachment means which allows quick and easy removal and replacement may be used. It is envisaged that the apparatus 2 will either be sold with a plurality of different inner members 14, or that replacement inner members 14 will be sold separately. It is also envisaged that a lubricant may be sold with the apparatus 2. With some penis contacting surfaces 20 it may be necessary to lubricate the surface 20 prior to use In an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 2 a lubricant reservoir may be provided with the housing 2 and the apparatus 2 may be provided with means for releasing a quantity of lubricant onto the penis contacting surface 20.

As discussed above, the inner member 14 defines an inner space 18 which, in use, receives a portion of a penis. The inner space 18 is configured to receive only the tip of the penis -the glans penis -of a user. This is in contrast to the majority of prior art devices available, which provide stimulation along the whole of the length of the penis. The depth of the inner space, from the bottom edge of the housing 2 to the apex of the inner member 14 is 4 cm.

In alternative embodiments the depth of the inner space 18 may be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 cm.

The maximum diameter of the inner space (at the widest part of the inner member) is 6 cm.

In alternative embodiments the maximum diameter of the inner space may be 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 orl0cm.

The motor 16 is battery powered and is operable to rotate the inner member 14 within the housing 4. Alternatively, the motor 16 may be provided with a lead for connecting it directly to the mains. Batteries 22 are provided in battery holders 24 in a region of the housing 4 behind the inner member 14. The motor 16 and batteries 22 are provided in a sealed chamber to prevent the ingress of water from damaging the apparatus 2. Thus, the apparatus is completely waterproof and may be washed or used in a bath or shower.

The switch 10 may be activated to operate the motor 16. When the switch 10 is moved from its "off' position the motor 16 operates to rotate the inner member 14 within the housing 4, as indicated by the arrows in Fig 2. The switch 10 is also a variable speed control and may be used to increase and/or decrease the rate of revolution of the inner member 14 as required by the user. In further embodiments of the invention additional operating conditions may be available. For example, the motor may be activated to cause the inner member 14 to vibrate or to rotate in a pulsating manner. In an alternative embodiment the switch 10 may be omitted from the apparatus 2 and the motor 16 may be activated by the application of pressure on the inner member 14. This may conveniently be effect by the insertion of a penis into the inner space 18 defined by the inner member 14. The speed of the motor 16 may be controlled in response to a variation in pressure.

The operation of the apparatus 2 is simple. A user holds the housing 4 in one hand and inserts their penis into the inner space 18 defined by the inner member 14 until it comes into contact with the penis contacting surface 20. Depending on the penis contacting surface 20 it may be necessary for the user to apply a lubricant to their penis of the penis contacting surface 20 prior to use. Once the penis is in place the user presses the switch 10 to activate the motor 16. This causes the inner member 14 to rotate and generates a pleasant sensation for the user due to the friction of the penis contacting surface 20 against the penis. They user may use the switch 10 to vary the speed of the motor as required.

Similarly, the user may replace the inner member 14 with a different inner member 14 having a different penis contacting surface 20 to vary the sensation.

It is envisaged that the apparatus 2 may be used as a sex toy, that is purely for the sexual gratification of the user, or as a sex aid, that is to aid the user in overcoming a sexual problem, for example erectile dysfunction. The apparatus 2 may be used on an erect penis and on an un-erect penis in the same manner.

The apparatus 2 may be provided with a stand to enable a user to use it without the need to hold the housing 4. The stand may comprise a sucker, or other fixing means, to enable it to be fixed to a flat surface.

The apparatus 2 has a discreet appearance and is not as overtly sexual as many of the prior art devices available, It is also more compact than most of the prior art devices, as it is designed to stimulate the tip of the penis only. As the present invention is intended to provide a different form of stimulation to the known prior art devices it is envisaged that it may be possible to incorporate it within some of the prior art devices, such as the Fleshlight .

Claims

claims 1. An apparatus for stimulating a penis comprising a housing for

receiving at least a portion of the penis and stimulation means actuable to stimulate at least a portion of the penis.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stimulation means is located within the housing.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the stimulation means comprises an inner member arranged to move relative to the housing.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the inner member is shaped to receive at least a portion of the penis.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the inner member is shaped to receive only an end portion of the penis.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the inner member is shaped to receive only the glans penis.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein the inner member is conical.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein the inner member is frustro-conical 9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein the inner member is dome-shaped.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein the inner member is capable of conforming to at least a portion of the penis.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 3-10, wherein the inner member comprises at least one penis contacting surface.

12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion of the housing that, in use, receives the at least a portion of the penis is sized to receive only an end portion of the penis.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the portion of the housing that, in use, receives the at least a portion of the pens is sized to receive only the glans penis.

14. An apparatus according to claim 3, or any one of claims 4-13 as dependent on claim 3, wherein the inner member rotates relative to the housing.

15. An apparatus according to claim 3, or any one of claims 4-13 as dependent on claim 3, wherein the inner member vibrates within the housing.

16. An apparatus according to claim 3, or any one of claims 4-13 as dependent on claim 3, wherein the inner member pulsates.

17. An apparatus according to claim 3, or any one of claims 4-13 as dependent on claim 3, wherein the inner member is removable from the housing.

18. An apparatus according to claim 11, or any one of claims 12-17 as dependent on claim 11, wherein the penis contacting surface comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of suede, fake fur, cotton, leather, silk, latex, plastic and/or metal.

19. An apparatus according to claim 11, or any one of claims 12-17 as dependent on claim 11, wherein the penis contacting surface comprises a textured surface.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the penis contacting surface comprises at least one raised surface.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the penis contacting surface comprises dimples.

22. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the penis contacting surface comprises ridges.

23. A kit for stimulating a penis comprising an apparatus according to any one of claims 1- 22 and a plurality of interchangeable inner members.

24. A kit according to claim 23, further comprising a lubricant.

25. A method of stimulating a penis comprising inserting at least a portion of the penis into an apparatus according to any one of claims 1-22 and actuating the stimulation means.

26. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

28. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.