GB2577730A

GB2577730A - Medical device

Info

Publication number: GB2577730A
Application number: GB1816221.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Plasencia Elizabeth; Davies Jeremy
Original assignee: Ecj Products Ltd
Current assignee: Ecj Products Ltd
Priority date: 2018-10-04
Filing date: 2018-10-04
Publication date: 2020-04-08
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-04
Also published as: GB2577730B

Abstract

The device comprises a first body portion defining a cavity configured to receive and retain a scrotum, and a second body portion configured to extend from the first body portion and shaped to resemble an erect penis. Preferably, the second body portion is releasably engaged with the first body portion by an attachment such as a push-fit or snap-fit. The first body portion may be a cage of two halves which can be opened to receive the scrotum and closed to secure the device to a wearer. The cage may be biased open and secured in the closed position by a fastener. An inflatable element may be present inside the scrotal cage to provide a snug fit. A handle for use by the wearer’s partner may be tethered to the bottom of the scrotal cage. The second body portion may contain a vibrator with wireless control. Also disclosed is a dildo with a handle on a lanyard.

Description

MEDICAL DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a medical device for males diagnosed with and/or suffering from sexual dysfunction, such as for example erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) include the occasional inability to obtain a full erection, inability to maintain an erection throughout intercourse, and complete inability to achieve an erection. Lack of morning erections may also be a symptom along with a decrease in sex drive or libido.

The cause of erectile dysfunction may be physiological. For example, the patient may be experiencing erectile dysfunction as a result of suffering from: heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, hormonal disorders (including thyroid conditions and testosterone deficiency), structural or anatomical disorder of the penis, prostate disease, surgical complication, substance abuse, injury in the pelvic area or spinal cord, or radiation therapy. In other cases, the cause of erectile dysfunction may be psychological, for example caused by stress, anxiety and/or depression.

Erectile dysfunction is commonly treated by prescribing drugs such as Sildenafil (RTM) or Viagra (RTM). It may however be the case that some men who are experiencing problems with their sexual performance may be reluctant or too embarrassed to seek advice from a medical professional such as a GP.

Furthermore, mechanical devices such as splints, vacuum pumps with constriction rings, surgical implants have been developed to treat erectile dysfunction. There are however disadvantages associated with these medical devices such as risk of failure, risk of injury, risk of infection, and high associated costs.

There is therefore a need for a device and a method of treating erectile dysfunction which is accessible to a user without requiring intervention by a medical professional. There is also a need for a device and method of treatment which can be easily operated by the user without medical intervention and which improves sexual performance, confidence and satisfaction for both partners.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a medical device for attachment to a scrotum for treatment of erectile dysfunction, the device comprising: a first body portion defining a cavity configured to receive and retain a scrotum; and a second body portion configured to extend from the first body portion, the second body portion is shaped to resemble a male appendage.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for a medical device for attachment to a scrotum for treatment of erectile dysfunction, the kit comprising: a first body portion defining a cavity configured to receive and retain a scrotum; and a second body portion configured to extend from the first body portion, and in which the second body portion is shaped to resemble a male appendage, in which the first and second body portions are configured to be releasably engageable with each other.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided use of a medical device as or a kit as herein described for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

The first body portion may have any suitable structure and/or dimensions and/or shape depending on the requirements for the device. The cavity may have any suitable dimensions and/or shape depending on the shape and/or dimensions or the appendage required to be received and retained within the device. The cavity and in particular the first body portion are shaped and dimensioned to prevent unintended removal from the cavity of the first body portion.

In one embodiment, the first body portion is elongate in shape, for example tubular in shape, having a first end and a second opposed end. The first body portion may define a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second opposed ends thereof. In one embodiment, the first body portion may be substantially planar in shape or substantially ring shaped, for example as a substantially 0-shaped ring when viewed from an end thereof.

The cavity preferably extends between the first and second opposed ends of the first body portion. The cavity preferably extends from at least one of, preferably from both of, the first and second opposed ends of the first body portion. The cavity is preferably centrally located within the first body portion.

At least one of the first and second opposed ends of the first body portion preferably provides an opening in communication with the cavity. As such, the scrotum extends through at least one, preferably each, opening provided by at least one of the first and second opposed ends of the first body and is received and retained within the cavity defined therein.

Ideally the first body portion is dimensioned and shaped to resemble a penis and is formed from a resiliently deformable material which is able to stimulate during sexual intercourse. A bulbous end is preferably provided on the first body portion in order to simulate a glans portion of the male appendage.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cavity of the first body portion is shaped and dimensioned to receive, retain and substantially surround the majority, for example substantially all, of the male scrotal sack or testicles and hang therefrom.

In one embodiment, the cavity of the first body portion is shaped and dimensioned to receive, retain and substantially surround a portion of the scrotum, and the male appendage may extend beyond one of or each of the first and second opposed ends thereof.

In one embodiment, the first body portion comprises an outer cage or wall structure defining the cavity, and in which the outer cage or wall structure comprises a first end, a second opposable end, and at least one pair of opposable side portions extending therebetween, in which the first body portion is moveable between: a first open configuration in which the at least one pair of opposable side portions are separated from each other to define a further opening configured to be in communication with the cavity, in which the further opening is configured to enable the scrotum to be inserted into or removed from the cavity; and a second closed configuration in which the at least one pair of opposable side portions of the cage structure are substantially in contact with each other such that the cage structure substantially surrounds the cavity defined therein.

The further opening preferably extends in a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the openings of the first and/or second ends of the cage or wall structure.

In one embodiment, the first body portion is resiliently biased to the first open configuration. For example, the first body portion may be resiliently biased by a spring or elasticated mechanism to the first open configuration.

In one embodiment, the first body portion comprises at least a first and a second body portion member. Each of the at least a first and second body portion members are preferably releasably engageable with each other. The first body portion member is preferably configured to be separable from the second body portion member.

In one embodiment, the first body portion comprises a spaced apart pair of opposable side portions.

Each body portion member preferably comprises spaced apart first and second side portions. Once assembled, the first side portion of the first body portion member is preferably substantially aligned with and adjacent the first side portion of the second body portion member, and the second side portion of the first body portion member is preferably substantially aligned with and adjacent the second side portion of the second body portion member to provide the first body portion.

In one embodiment, the first body portion further comprises at least one fastener configured to retain the first body portion in the second closed configuration.

The first body portion is preferably configured to be releasably engageable with the second body portion. The first body portion may be releasably attachable to the second body portion by any suitable mechanism including but not limited to push-fit or snap fit engagement or threaded engagement. For example, the first body portion may comprise a threaded portion configured for threaded engagement with a threaded portion provided by the second body portion.

The second body portion may extend from or be releasably engageable to any suitable portion of the first body portion. In one embodiment, the second body portion extends from one of the first or second opposed ends of the first body portion.

The cavity may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions depending on the requirements for the device. In one embodiment, the first body portion is adjustable to provide a cavity having predetermined dimensions to provide a snug fit for surrounding and receiving the scrotum. The dimensions and/or shape of one or more portions, for example the whole, of the cavity may be adjustable.

Optionally in one embodiment, the first body portion comprises at least one inflatable portion located adjacent at least a portion of the cavity defined therein, and in which the at least one inflatable portion is configured to be inflated or deflated in order to adjust the dimensions of the adjacent portion of the cavity. The inflatable portion(s) may be located at any suitable location on the first body portion. The first body portion, or cage structure, preferably comprises an inner surface extending between the first and second opposed ends thereof. The inflatable portion(s) may be located at or adjacent one or more of the first and second opposed ends thereof and/or adjacent the inner surface thereof and adjacent the cavity.

The second body portion may have any suitable shape and dimensions depending on the requirements for the device. For example, the second body portion may be shaped and dimensioned to mimic a male appendage, such as for example a model or replica penis, or a sex toy or other attachment.

Optionally an attachment may include a vibrating means, such as motor which is operated with an eccentrically located mechanical weight which when rotates at speed provides a thymic pulsing or vibrating force which is transmitted along the attachment.

In an embodiment an external surface of the attachment may be ribbed or patterned or contoured in order to resemble a penis as well as to provide additional stimulation to the wearer's partner.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a medical device shaped to resemble a male appendage and configured to be worn by a wearer, the device is connected to a handle by way of a connector, the handle is for use by the wearer's sexual partner such that in use the partner is able to control the medical device.

The medical device may be worn on a belt or support or connected to body portion that defines a cavity configured to receive and retain a scrotum of the wearer.

The first and second body portions of the device may be composed of any suitable materials. For example, the first and second body portions may be made of one or more of: metals (such as stainless steel, aluminium, gold and/or silver), silicone, elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, hard ABS plastic or any combination thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 is a photograph of a perspective side view of one embodiment of the medical device of the present invention; Figure 2 is a photograph of a perspective view from above of the medical device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a photograph of the medical device of Figure 1 when fully disassembled; Figure 4 is a photograph of the medical device of Figure 1 when partially assembled; Figure 5 is diagrammatical view of an erect penis and scrotum; Figure 6 is diagrammatical view of an erect penis and scrotum with the medical device of Figure 1 fully disassembled and attached to the scrotum; Figures 7a to 7e are views of the medical device of Figure; Figures 8a to 9c are views of the medical device of Figure when partially assembled; Figures 10a and 10b show plan and elevation views of an alternative embodiment of the invention with a connector and a handle; Figures 10c and 10d show end views of the embodiment in Figures 10a and 10b; Figures 11a to 12e show views of components of the embodiment in Figures 10a and 10b dissembled; Figure 13 is a photograph of another embodiment of the invention and shows a part of the connector which is attached to a lower part of the first body portion defining the cavity for receiving the scrotum; Figure 14 shows inter-engaging means for enabling the second body portion, which resembles a male appendage, to be connected to the first body portion defining the cavity; Figure 15 is a photograph of another embodiment of the invention and shows the connector attached to a handle by way of two (or more) flexible linkages; Figure 16 is a close up view showing where the second body portion is connected to the first body portion defining the cavity; and Figure 17 is a diagram showing how the medical device is worn and the location of the connector and handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the Figures, the medical device 1 for attachment to a scrotum or around a scrotum or testicles, for treatment of erectile dysfunction comprises a first body portion 2 defining a cavity (not shown) configured to receive and retain a scrotum 3; and a second body portion 4 configured to extend from the first body portion 3.

It can be seen from the Figures, that the medical device is composed of metal. It is however to be understood that the medical device may be formed of any suitable materials such as metals (such as stainless steel, aluminium, gold and/or silver), silicone, elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, hard ABS plastic or any combination thereof.

As shown best in Figure 4, the medical device 1 is separable into three portions: first and second body portion members 5a, 5b and the second body portion 4. The features of each of these three portions will be discussed in turn.

Each of the first and second body portion members 5a, 5b are releasably engageable with each other to form the first body portion 2.

It can be seen from the Figures that the body portion members 5a, 5b comprise cooperative engagement features in the form of pairs of male 6 and female 7 engagement features for connecting the first and second body portion member 5a, 5b together. It is however to be understood that the first and second body portion members 5a, 5b may be releasably engageable using any suitable means including but not to be limited to magnets, hook and loop fasteners, or any combination thereof.

Each body portion member 5a, 5b comprises a spaced apart first 8, 8' and second 9, 9' side portions. Once assembled, the first side portion 8' of the first body portion member 5a is substantially aligned with and adjacent the first side portion 8 of the second body portion member 5b, and the second side portion 9' of the first body portion member 5a is substantially aligned with and adjacent the second side portion 9 of the second body portion member 5b to provide the first body portion 2.

Once assembly, the first and second body portion members 5a, 5b provide a first body portion 2 having a first end 10 and an opposed second end 12. The first body portion 2 may have any suitable structure and/or dimensions and/or shape depending on the requirements for the device. The cavity of the first body portion 2 may have any suitable dimensions and/or shape depending on the shape and/or dimensions or the appendage required to be received and retained within the device. The cavity and in particular the first body portion 2 are shaped and dimensioned to prevent unintended removal from the cavity of the first body portion 2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first body portion 2 is elongate in shape, for example tubular in shape, having a first end 10 and a second opposed end 12. The first body portion 2 defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second opposed ends 10, 12 thereof.

It can be seen that the cavity extends between the first and second opposed ends 10, 12 of the first body portion 2. The first end 10 of the first body portion 2 provides an opening 14 in communication with the cavity. The second end 12 of the first body portion 2 provides an engagement feature 16 for securement to the second body portion 4.

It can be seen from the Figures that the second body portion 4 is shaped to resemble a penis. It is however to be understood that the second body portion 4 may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions depending on the particular requirements for the device 1.

The second body portion 4 has a first end 18 providing an engagement feature (not shown) configured for releasable engagement to the engagement feature 16 of the first body portion; and an opposed second free end 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement feature of the second body portion 4 is in the form of a recess shaped and dimensioned to receive and to provide rotation releasable engagement with the engagement feature 16 of the first body portion 2. It is however to be understood that the first and second body portions may be secured together by any suitable means. In one embodiment, the first body portion may be permanently engaged to the second body portion of the device.

In use, the user places the testicles or scrotum (in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of testicles) adjacent the inner surface of a first or second body portion member 5a, 5b. The user then secures the first and second body portion members 5a, 5b together to provide a first body portion 2 defining a cavity containing the scrotum. The scrotum (scrotal sack) extends through opening 14 provided by the first end 10 of the first body portion 2. The user then secures the second body portion 4 to the second end 12 of the first body portion 2 by rotationally engaging the engagement features 16 provided by the first and second body portions 2, 4. The medical device 1 once assembled resembles a male appendage, in this case a penis, and as such addresses the issue of erectile dysfunction.

In another embodiment a connection means 20, such as cord, chain, flexible extender or a plurality of stiff rods hinged one to another, is provided for connecting the first body portion to a handle 30. The handle 30 is therefore able to be used by the user's partner in order to assist in intercourse by gently pulling the connection means 20, thereby applying tension to the connection means and urging the first body portion 2 and thereby the second body portion to assist with penetration.

It is to be understood that the medical device of the present invention may be used for other applications and as such is not to be limited to treatment of erectile dysfunction. For example, the medical device could in some embodiments be used as a sex aid in such embodiments additional features may be included in the attachment such as one or more vibrating devices as well as movable portions which expand and contract the girth of the attachment device.

As attachments devices are detachable they may be removed for stowage or for recharging.

Referring briefly to the embodiment shown in Figures 15 and 16 this embodiment further assists a partner to pull on the handle which is connected to the first body portion by way of two (or more) flexible linkages thereby assisting intercourse and further stimulating the penis to become or remain erect as shown in Figure 17.

In a further optional embodiment a control means may be provided on or in the handle which controls a vibrating means or other stimulator so as to further increase stimulation to the wearer and their sexual partner. The vibrating means may be controllable by one person by way of the handle and another person by way of a remote control device.

Ideally vibrating means is provided in the second body portion and includes a battery or preferably a rechargeable battery which is housed within a sealed container in the second body portion. A user is able to vary speed and/or intensity of the vibrating means by way of a worded or wireless remote control means or simply by applying tension to the connector. Optionally the remote control means may be wired or wireless and further control means may be provided.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A medical device for attachment to a scrotum for treatment of erectile dysfunction, the device comprising: a first body portion defining a cavity configured to receive and retain a scrotum; and a second body portion configured to extend from the first body portion, and in which the second body portion is shaped to resemble a male appendage.
2. A medical device as claimed in claim 1, in which the first body portion an outer cage or wall structure defining the cavity, and in which the outer cage or wall structure comprises a first end, a second opposable end, and at least one pair of opposable side portions extending therebetween, in which the first body portion is moveable between: a first open configuration in which the at least one pair of opposable side portions are separated from each other to define a further opening configured to be in communication with the cavity, in which the further opening is configured to enable the scrotum to be inserted into or removed from the cavity; and a second closed configuration in which the at least one pair of opposable side portions of the cage structure are substantially in contact with each other such that the cage structure substantially surrounds the cavity defined therein.
3. A medical device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a fastener configured to retain the first body portion in the second closed configuration.
4. A medical device as claimed in either of claims 2 and 3, in which the first body portion is resiliently biased to the first open configuration.
5. A medical device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first body portion is configured to be releasably engageable with the second body portion.
6. A medical device as claimed in claim 5, in which the first body portion is configured for push-fit or snap fit engagement with the second body portion.
7. A medical device as claimed in claim 6, in which the first body portion comprises a threaded portion configured for threaded engagement with a threaded portion provided by the second body portion.
8. A medical device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first body portion is elongate in shape having a first end and a second opposed end.
9. A medical device as claimed in claim 8, in which the first body portion is substantially tubular in shape.
10.A medical device as claimed in either of claims 8 and 9, in which the second body portion extends from one of the first or second opposed ends of the first body portion.
11.A medical device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first body portion is adjustable to provide a cavity having predetermined dimensions to provide a snug fit with the scrotum.
12.A medical device as claimed in claim 11, in which the first body portion comprises at least one inflatable portion located adjacent at least a portion of the cavity defined therein, and in which the at least one inflatable portion is configured to be inflated or deflated in order to adjust the dimensions of the adjacent portion of the cavity.
13.A medical device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a vibrating means is provided in the second body portion.
14.A medical device as claimed in claim 13 wherein a rechargeable battery is provided and sealed within the second body portion.
15.A medical device as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein a remote control means enables an operator to control the speed and/or intensity of the vibrating means.
16.A medical device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the remote control means includes a wireless communication device, such as one operating using Bluetooth wireless protocol.
17.A medical device according to any preceding claim includes a handle and connection means for removable attachment to the first portion thereby enabling a partner of the wearer to pull the first portion.
18.A kit for a medical device for attachment to a scrotum for treatment of erectile dysfunction, the kit comprising: a first body portion defining a cavity configured to receive and retain a scrotum; and a second body portion configured to extend from the first body portion, and in which the second body portion is shaped to resemble a male appendage, in which the first and second body portions are configured to be releasably engageable with each other.
19. Use of a medical device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 or a kit as claimed in claim 18 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
20.A medical device shaped to resemble a male appendage and configured to be worn by a wearer, the device is connected to a handle by way of a connector; the handle is for use by the wearer's sexual partner such that in use the partner is able to control the medical device.
21. A medical device as claimed in claim 20 which is adapted to be worn on a belt or support or connected to body portion that defines a cavity configured to receive and retain a scrotum of the wearer.