WO1984001097A1

WO1984001097A1 - Insertion device for facitlitating the release of gas from the gastro-intestinal tract of a human being and for muffling sounds associated with such gas release

Info

Publication number: WO1984001097A1
Application number: PCT/US1983/000737
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edward Richards
Original assignee: Edward Richards
Priority date: 1982-09-22
Filing date: 1983-05-09
Publication date: 1984-03-29
Also published as: FR2533128A1; CA1206051A

Abstract

A device (10) which has a substantially tubular body (14) having an open (18) and a closed end (20). A portion (22) adjacent to the closed end incorporates a plurality of radially disposed apertures (24). The apertures (24) are in fluid communiction with an internal passage or conduit of the tubular body (14), which is, in turn, in fluid communication with the open end (18). In use, the device (10) is inserted into the anal opening (12) and rectum (30) of a person so that the portion (22) having the apertures (24) is disposed just outside of the anal opening (12). The device (10) facilitates substantially continuous release of gas from the gastro-intestinal tract, and acts as a muffler to substantially eliminate unpleasant sound effects associated with the gas release.

Description

INSERTION DEVICE FOR FA ILITATING RELEASE OF GAS FROM THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT OF A HUMAN BEING AND FOR MUFFLING SOUNDS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH GAS RELEASE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to an insertion device into the anal opening of a human being. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a device which, when properly inserted into the anal opening of a person, is adapted for facilitating continuous and silent release of gas from the gastro-intestinal tract of the person .

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

It is well known that the gastro-intestinal tract or digestive system of human beings produces gases which are, from time-to-time, released through the rectum and anus. It is also well known that, although such release of gas is a normal body function, the release of odiferous gas, particularly when accompanied by unpleasant sounds, is considered socially undesirable.

It is further known that certain individuals suffer from gastro-intestional disorders or discomfort which result in enhanced production of gas. Moreover, certain individuals have difficulty controlling the above-noted socially unacceptable body function. Some other individuals frequently suffer from accumulation of undue amount of gas in their gastro-intestional system. In addition to individuals having certain gastro-intestional disorders, babies and small children are particularly likely to suffer from the accumulated gas.

Medical science is continuously striving to provide remedies to the above-noted and other gastro-intestional disorders or discomfort. Nevertheless, to the best knowledge of the present inventor, until the present invention, medical science has not provided an inexpensive, harmless, and effective remedy in the form of an implantation or insertion device which eliminates or at least substantially alleviates the discomfort associated with accumulation of undue amounts of gas in the digestive system. Nor has the prior art provided a simple insertion device which eliminates the socially unacceptable sound effects associated with the release of accumulated gas from a person's gastro-intestinal tract.

For further general background of the present invention, United States Patent No., 3,292,809 is cited which relates to a nursing unit and more particularly to a nipple to a nursing bottle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an insertion device into the anal opening of a person which facilitates substantially continuous release of gas from the gastro-intestinal tract of the person.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an insertion device into the anal opening of a person which substantially eliminates sound effects associated with release of gas from the gastro-intestinal tract of the person.

These and other objects and advantages are attained by a device which has a substantially tubular body having a first open end and an internal passage or conduit for gas which is in fluid communication with the open end. A second end of the tubular body is closed to axial gas flow. A portion of the tubular body which is adjacent to the second end incorporates a plurality of substantially radially disposed apertures which are in fluid communication with the internal conduit.

The device is made of resilient material which is compatible with the human body. During use, the device is partially inserted into the anal opening of its user so that the portion incorporating the apertures is disposed just outside of the anal opening. The device facilitates continuous release of gas from the gastro-intestinal tract, and provides a muffling effect for sounds associated with the gas release.

The features of the present invention can be best understood, together with further objects and advantages, by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic view showing the device inserted into the anal opening of a person.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device, the cross-section being taken on lines 3,3 of Figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following specification taken in connection with the drawings sets forth the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is the-best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention in a commercial environment, although it should be understood that various modifications can be accomplished within the parameters of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawing Figures, the first preferred embodiment of the insertion device of the present invention is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the device 10 is made of a material which is resilient and compatible with the human body in the sense that prolonged wearing of the device 10 in the anal opening 12 of a person (not shown) does not cause undue irritation. Relatively soft rubber, and certain plastic materials, well known in the art, are eminently suited for this purpose. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be restricted by the materials from which the device 10 is constructed, as long as the above-noted criteria are satisfied.

Having now specific reference to the drawings, the device 10 is shown to have a substantially cylindrical tubular body 14. An internal passage or conduit 16 is disposed in the tubular body 14. As is shown in the drawings, the conduit 16 is in fluid communication with a first open end 18 of the tubular body 14.

As an important feature of the present invention, a second end 20 of the tubular body 14 is sealed, so as not to permit gas flow in a direction which is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tubular body 14. In other words, axial outflow of gas from the tubular body 14 is prevented. However, immediately adjacent to the second, closed end 20 of the tubular body 14, the tubular body 14 has a portion 22 of enlarged diameter.

A plurality of apertures or holes 24 are provided in the enlarged portion 22 to permit outflow of gas from the conduit 16 towards a cylindrical outer surface 26 of the enlarged portion 22. In other words, the apertures or holes 24 permit outflow of gas in a substantially radial direction.

As is further shown in the drawing Figures, each aperture or hole 24 is substantially smaller n diameter than the internal conduit 16. Preferably four or more apertures 24 are provided in the device 10.

Referring still to the drawing Figures 1-3, the herein described preferred embodiment of the device 10 is shown to include a curved plate or flange 28 which is attached to the second end 20 of the tubular body 14. The flange 28 ^"is substantially larger in diameter than the tubular body 14. The principal purpose of, and the advantage provided by the flange 28 is that it prevents inadvertent slippage or entry of the entire device 10 into the rectum 30 through the anal opening 12.

A second flange 32, similar in configuration to the first flange 28, is attached to the second, open end 20 of the tubular body 14.

A portion 34 of the tubular body 14 which is adjacent to the second open end 20 is enlarged substantially in the same manner as the portion 22 adjacent to the first end 18. The principal function of the second flange 32 is to prevent inadvertent slippage, or removal to the outside, of the device 10 from its proper operating position which is shown on Figure 2.

With regards to the specific, herein disclosed configura ions of the flanges 28 and 32, it should be understood that, these are not deemed essential for the proper operation of the device 10. Accordingly alternative embodiments are possible. The second flange 32 is particularly considered to be optional; alternative embodiments of the device 10 may altogether lack the second flange 32. The entire device 10 may be advantageously constructed as a unitary piece by rubber or plastic article forming techniques which are well known and established in the art.

With regards to the dimensions of the device 10 of the present invention, it is noted that it must, of course, conform to the corresponding dimensions of the human anatomy, so that the device 10 can be readily worn without discomfort. The device 10 of the present invention may be made in varying dimensions, to accommodate various individuals. It will be understood that a device 10 constructed for use by children (not shown) or babies (not shown) will be much smaller than a

OMPI .

As examplary dimensions of the herein disclosed device 10, it is noted to be approximately 2.1" long; the diameter of the tubular body 14 is approximately .03"; the diameter of the enlarged portion 22 incorporating the apertures 24 is approximately 0.42"; the diameter of the first flange 28 is approximately 0.685"; the diameter of the second flange 32 is approximately 0.625"; the internal diameter of the conduit 16. is approximately 1/8", and the diameter of the apertures or holes 24 is approximately 1/16".

Referring now principally to Figure 2, the device 10 is shown as it is used, disposed in the rectum 30 and anal opening 12 of its wearer (not shown) . The device 10 is inserted, preferably after slight lubrication by a suitable oil or lotion, so that the portion 22 incorporating the apertures 24 is disposed just outside of the anal opening 12. The first flange 28 facilitates proper insertion by providing a part which may be gripped by the user (not shown) for insertion (and removal), and prevents inadvertent over ins rt ion . When properly inserted, the device 10 is held in position by the sphincter muscle (not shown) . _ For bowel movements the device 10 is removed from its operating position in the rectum 30, whereafter it should be reinserted.

Experience has shown that the device 10 significantly facilitates continuous, slow removal or passage of gases from the gastro-intestinal tract (not shown) of its user. Therefore it substantially prevents, or at least alleviates discomforting accumulation of gas. Furthermore, the device 10 acts as a muffler to prevent, or substantially diminish, the unpleasant and socially unacceptable sound effects which are often otherwise associated with release of gastro-intestinal gas. Moreover, because the device 10 promotes continuous slow release of gas, no large amount of gas is released at any one time. Therefore, the unpleasant odiferous effect of a sudden release of large amounts of gastro-intestinal gas is also minimized.

It is believed that the insertion device 10 of the present invention has been described with sufficient particularity to enable those skilled in the art to construct and use the same. Furthermore, several modifications of the herein described device may become readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above-disclosed generic teachings and principles. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be extended to such modifications, and the scope should be interpreted solely from the following claims.

OMPI

Claims

1. A device adopted for aiding release of gas from the digestive system of a human being, the device comprising: an elongated tubular body having an internal passage for gas; a first end of said tubular body, having a sealing plate disposed substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body for preventing axial escape of gas from the tubular body; a portion of the tubular body disposed adjacent to the sealed f i r s t e nd , s a i d portion incorporating a plurality of apertures, each of the apertures being in fluid communication with the internal passage, being substantially radially disposed relative thereto, the device being made of a substantially resilient material which is compatible with the human body, and being adapted for insertion into the anal opening of a human being so that the portion incorporating the plurality of apertures protrudes from said anal opening, whereby continous passage of gas from the digetive system to the outside is facilitated and undesirable sounds associated with the same are substantially muffled.

2. The device of Claim 1 wherein the portion adjacent to the first end is enlarged relative to the tubular body.

3. The device of Claim 1 wherein the tubular body is substantially cylindrical.

4. The device of Claim 3 wherein the portion adjacent to the first end is substantially cylindrical and is enlarged in diameter relative to the tubular body.

5. The device of Claim 4 further comprising a plate enlarged in diameter relative to the portion incorporating the apertures, the plate being concentrical with and attached to the first end of the tubular body.

6. The device of Claim 5 wherein the tubular body has a second end, said second end being open, and during use of the device being disposed in the interior of the rectum, and wherein the device further comprises a plate substantially concentrical with the tubular body and being attached to the second end of the tubular body.

7. The device of Claim 1 wherein a plate is attached to the first end of the tubular body, said plate comprising means for preventing inadvertent entry of the first end of the device into the anal opening.

8. A substantially continuous gas release, and sound muffling device adapted for partial insertion into the anal opening of a human being, the device comprising: a substantially cylindrical elongated tubular body having a first open end, a second closed end, and an internal passage for gas which is in fluid communication with the first open end; a portion disposed adjacent to the first, end and having a plurality of substantially radially disposed apertures, each of said apertures being in fluid communication with the internal passage, and means attached to the second closed end of the tubular body for preventing complete entry of the tubular body into the anal opening.

9 - The device of Claim 8 wherein the means comprise a plate substantially larger in diameter than the tubular body.

10- The device of Claim 9 wherein the portion disposed adjacent to the first end is cylindrical and is enlarged in diameter relative to the tubular body.

11. The device of Claim 10 wherein the plate comprising the means has a substantially conical configuration.

12. The device of Claim 10 further comprising a second plate attached to the first open end of the tubular body, said second plate being substantially larger in diameter than the tubular body.

_*

13. The device of Claim 10 wherein the portion incorporates four substantially radially disposed apertures.

14. The device of Claim 10 wherein the entire device is of unitary construction.

15. The device of Claim 14 wherein the device is made of rubber .

16. The device of Claim 14 wherein the device is made of suitable resilient plastic material compatible with the human body.

17. A process for facilitating substantially continuous release of gas from the gastro-intestinal tract of a person and for substantially eliminating sound effects associated with such release, comprising the steps of: inserting an elongated tubular body having a first open end, a second closed end, and a plurality of substantially radial apertures adjacent o the closed end into the anal opening of a person, and maintaining said tubular body in the anal opening so that the portion having the apertures is disposed outside of the anal opening.