WO2005041845A1

WO2005041845A1 - Magnetic stimulation of the human body

Info

Publication number: WO2005041845A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/001508
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Roderick Maxwell Chisholm
Original assignee: John Roderick Maxwell Chisholm
Priority date: 2003-10-30
Filing date: 2004-10-29
Publication date: 2005-05-12

Abstract

A stimulator (1) for stimulating a part of a human body is disclosed. The stimulator (1) comprises broadly an elongate member (2) in the form of a shaft of phallic form. The shaft has a head end (3) for penetrating an anatomical cavity and a base end (4). The stimulator (1) also includes means for generating a magnetic field in the form of one or more magnets (6, 7), and (8) mounted within the member (2). The magnets (6, 7) and (8) are strong permanent magnets and are longitudinally spaced apart from each other along the length of the member (2). The polar axis of each magnet (6, 7), and (8) is arranged such that it is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member (2). That is one of the N or S poles faces towards the head end (3) and the other pole faces towards the base end (4). The stimulator (1) may also include drive means in the form of an electric motor (12) for driving the member in a reciprocating fashion.

Description

MAGNETIC STIMULATION OF THE HUMAN BODY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a stimulator for stimulating a region of a human body.

This invention relates particularly but not exclusively to a stimulator for stimulating a vagina and/or the surrounding tissues of a female, and a penis and/or the surrounding tissues of a male. It will therefore be convenient to herein after describe the invention with reference to these example applications. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention may be applied to anatomical parts other than the vagina and the penis, such as the rectum and anus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Sex aids are known. One such sex aid comprises an elongate member known as a dildo that resembles an erect penis and can be inserted into a woman's vagina to mimic penetration by a penis. The aid can be used to sexually stimulate a woman. Some dildos have a feature that enables them to vibrate when they are inserted into the vagina. This promotes further stimulation of the vaginal tissues of the user. Typically, vibration is produced by a battery-powered, electric motor that drives an eccentrically mounted head within a body of the vibrator.

A separate range of devices which resemble the vagina of a woman and can be penetrated by a penis are also available for use by men. These devices can be used to sexually stimulate the user. Some such devices may apply rhythmic suction to the penis, via incorporation of a motorised pump.

While such aids have found widespread use, there would be clearly a demand for a sex aid that provided an increased level of stimulation to the user.

In addition many men and women suffer from urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. These disorders are quite widespread particularly in middle aged and elderly people. The damage to tissues is often caused by childbirth. Degeneration of tissues can also occur due to disease and ageing processes in general. As a general proposition these conditions are quite inconvenient. Clearly therefore it would be advantageous if a way could be found of resisting further deterioration of tissues and also perhaps promoting some improvement in the strength and tone of body tissues. This would greatly improve the quality of life of people suffering from these conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of this invention there is provided a stimulator for stimulating a part of a human body, the stimulator comprising: an elongate member, the member either being a shaft of phallic form having a head end for penetrating an anatomical cavity and a base end, or the member being a sleeve defining a passage having an open entry end into which an anatomical member can be inserted; and means for generating a magnetic field around or within the member.

Thus the stimulator comprises a member having a magnetic field generating means. Further the member is either adapted to be inserted into a body cavity (male version) or is adapted to receive a body member (female version).

Some features of the male version of the stimulator will now be described below.

The member may be made of a body of material that is sufficiently firm to stand erect and hold its form when inserted in a body cavity. In one form the member is rigid although it need not be rigid. Conveniently the body of material may be made of a plastic or rubberised material.

The member may have a substantially circular-cylindrical configuration and may be sized and shaped to fit snugly within a woman's vagina or a male or female rectum. The head of the member may be rounded, eg to broadly resemble the head of a penis.

The means for generating a magnetic field around the member may comprise at least one magnet, eg a permanent magnet, mounted on or within the member. Preferably each magnet is mounted within the member, such that it is received within the body of the material and encapsulated by the body of material of the member. At least one magnet may be close to the head end of the member.

The magnets may be received within the member and be fixed in position such that they do not move relative to the member. Thus, the magnets move with the member when it moves in use but not independently thereof.

The magnet may be a powerful permanent magnet, eg a rare earth magnet.

The field generating means may comprise a plurality of said magnets and at least two of said magnets may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the member, with at least one situated close to the head of the member.

In one form there may be three or more magnets spaced apart from each other along the length of the member. In principle, any number of magnets could be spaced apart along the length of the member, limited only by the length of the member and the thickness of the discrete magnets.

Each said magnet has a North pole and a South pole spaced apart from each other, i.e. at opposite sides or opposite ends of the magnet (hereinafter referred to as the N and S poles) and a polar axis that runs through the two poles. By convention, magnetic field lines radiate outward from the N pole and inward towards the S pole of a permanent magnet. The orientation of the poles therefore determines the orientation of the magnetic field. Further, like poles repel each other, whereas opposite poles attract each other. Thus, when two or more magnets are situated in proximity to one another, the arrangement of their poles will affect the shape and strength of the cumulative magnetic field generated by all the magnets together. The N-S poles and the polar axis of at least one of the magnets, preferably all of the longitudinally spaced magnets, may be arranged in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the member.

In this orientation, the N pole of at least one of the magnets, preferably the N poles of all of the magnets, may be proximate to the head of the member and the S pole, or S poles, may be more remote from the head of the member.

Alternatively, the S pole of at least one of the magnets, preferably the S poles of all the magnets, may be proximate to the head of the member and the N pole, or poles of the magnets may be more remote from the head of the member.

Alternatively, the N-S poles of at least one magnet, preferably all of the magnets, may be at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the member, i.e. transverse thereto.

Further, alternatively some of the magnets may have their N-S poles transverse to the longitudinal axis and other magnets may have their N-S poles parallel to the longitudinal axis. Therefore with this embodiment there is a mix between transversely arranged magnets and longitudinally arranged magnets.

In one form the member has a single magnet which is a permanent magnet mounted within the member towards the head end with the polar axis extending longitudinally with respect to the member.

A magnetic field generating means that is a permanent magnet has been described above. However the magnetic field may be generated in other ways and these are described below.

Instead of a magnet the magnetic field generating means may comprise an electric coil received within the member, energised by a power supply that passes an electric current through the coil. An electric current that is passed through a coil generates a magnetic field at right angles to the turns of wire in the coil, equivalent to that produced by a permanent magnet.

Thus, the two d ifferent means of generating a magnetic field by permanent magnet or electric coil are interchangeable in this invention.

The required magnetic field may be generated by more than one coil of wire received within the member. In this instance, a power supply may be used to pass current through one coil such that a current is induced to flow in another coil, or in other coils, not physically connected to the power supply.

One operational advantage of using a magnet instead of an electric coil is that the former cannot deliver an electric shock to a user.

The member may define an internal passageway, and the magnetic field generating means may comprise at least one core magnet located within the passageway. The core magnet/s may be mounted on a longitudinal shaft in the passage. The stimulator may include a drive means to move the core magnet, or core magnets, to and fro within the passageway.

The shaft may be in the form of a screw shaft, which can be rotated within the passageway causing the core magnet, or core magnets, to move up and down on the screw wherein the shaft, itself does not displace longitudinally within the passageway. The drive means may comprise a motor for driving the screw shaft, eg an electric motor.

Alternatively, the drive means may be a linear motor having a shaft that neither rotates nor displaces longitudinally within the passageway. The linear motor propels the magnets up and down the fixed shaft by application of an electric current to magnetisable segments that comprise the linear motor shaft or its sliding stator. Alternatively, longitudinal displacement of the magnet, or magnets, within the passageway, could be accomplished by attaching them to a reciprocating piston or tie rod, in which case both piston or tie rod and magnets would all move to and fro within the passageway. The piston may be driven in a variety of ways.

The stimulator may further include one or more peripheral magnets that are located at spaced intervals along the length of the member. The peripheral magnets may be embedded in the body of material from which the member is made, eg they may be snugly received within cut-outs within the body of material from which the member is made.

In this embodiment with the internal passageway the member may be made from a body of material that is resiliently flexible and is able to accommodate stretching, eg in a radially outward direction. The material may optionally be rubber. The member may further include a skin that is made from either the same material or a different material to the rest of the member.

The peripheral magnets may be positioned radially outwardly of the internal passageway, eg near the circumferential extremity or outer surface of the member.

Each peripheral magnet may be arranged in the form of an annular ring. Further each peripheral magnet may comprise a plurality of magnetic elements that together make up the annular ring.

The peripheral magnets are preferably arranged so that their magnetic fields are orientated in opposition to that of the displaceable core magnet in the central passageway. The N-S poles of the peripheral magnets may be opposed to the N-S poles of the core magnet.

Please note however that this does not require that the poles of the peripheral magnets mirror those of the core magnet. They could just as effectively be orientated such that the N pole of the central magnet and the N poles of the peripheral magnets both face towards the same end of the member, e.g. the head end or the base end of the member.

Longitudinal displacement of the core or central magnet would displace each peripheral magnet outward as the central magnet passes by as a result of the core and peripheral magnets repelling each other, and then permit them to return to their original positions once the core magnet had passed. This would cause the skin of the member to bulge outward and a rippling effect to be generated along the skin of the member as the central magnet moves along the central passageway.

The peripheral magnets may also be arranged in the form of a spiral.

The member may further include a framework, similar to a honeycomb, embedded within the body of material making up the member, radially outwardly of the central passageway, the framework defining internal spaces within which each of the peripheral magnets is received.

In use the framework acts to hold the peripheral magnets in their longitudinal position while permitting them to be displaced radially outwards within the body of the member in response to their interaction with the core magnet.

The material used for the framework may have a low coefficient of friction, such as Teflon or a similar plastic.

The skin on the member allows the outward displacement of the peripheral magnets due to them being repelled by the core magnet to manifest as bulges in the circumferentially outer surface of the member. The bulges dissipate once the core magnet has passed by.

The nett effect of both core and peripheral magnets is that the user benefits both from the dynamic magnetic field produced by the longitudinal displacement of the core magnet and from the dynamic fields produced by the radially displaced peripheral magnets. At the same time, heightened physical sensations may be experienced due to said rippling effect on the skin of the member. Further, no physical effort is required on the part of the user to use the stimulator after inserting the member and activating the drive means for driving the core magnet.

The stimulator may further include means for driving the entire member to and fro in a longitudinal direction. The member drive means may comprise an electric motor powered by a battery. Naturally, it is more convenient if the power supply is self- contained. This member drive means may be a feature of all embodiments of the stimulator. However the drive means for the core magnet is limited to those embodiments having an internal passageway and a core magnet in the passageway.

The length of each stroke of the drive may be adjustable. Further the frequency of strokes may also be adjustable.

The male version for application to a body cavity has been described above. The female version for use by a male will now be defined (hereinafter referred to as the female version).

In the female version, the member defines a passageway that may be sized and shaped to receive an erect penis therein. The member has an entry end that is open and an opposed base end. The base end may be open or it may be closed.

The sleeve may be made of a body of material that offers resistance to forces that seek to alter its size or shape, eg a resilient material. The material may optionally be rubber or a flexible plastic. The sleeve may define an outwardly facing outer surface and also an inner surface facing inwardly into the passage.

The inner surface of the sleeve, i.e. within the passageway, may define one or more transverse ridges that project radially inward proud of the rest of the inner surface of the sleeve. The ridges may comprise a plurality of longitudinally spaced circumferentially extending circular ridges. The size and spacing of the ridges are designed to reproduce the internal ridges of a vagina.

In this female version the magnetic field generating means may comprise at least one magnet of annular shape, with an opening in the middle much like a doughnut, extending circumferentially around the passageway. Preferably there is a plurality of longitudinally spaced magnets in the form of annular rings in the sleeve.

Each said annular magnet may be embedded in the body of material forming the sleeve. Thus the magnets are fixed in position in the body of material and do not move relative thereto.

Each said annular magnet may comprise two or more magnet elements, which together extend most or all of the way around the sleeve. That is, if there are two magnet elements, each can extend up to one half of the way around the sleeve. If there are three magnet elements, each can extend up to one third of the way around the sleeve, and if there are four magnet elements each can extend up to one quarter of the way around the sleeve.

The plurality of magnet elements making up each annular magnet permits the sleeve to expand and accommodate penises of different sizes. It also permits the sleeve to accommodate changes in the size of any given penis, which occurs naturally during arousal.

The N-S poles of the magnets may be arranged as described above for the male version of the stimulator. For example the polar axes of the magnets may extend in a longitudinal direction. Either the N or the S pole may face a given end of the sleeve and the other pole faces the opposite end. Further the constituent magnetic elements making up each discrete magnet may be arranged with all of their N-S poles orientated along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve.

Alternatively the polar axes of the magnets may extend in a transverse direction. Further the N-S poles of the magnet elements making up each magnet may be arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the member. That is, the N or S pole may be on the radially inner surface of the magnetic element while the opposite pole is on the radially outer surface of the magnetic element. In one form, the N poles of the magnetic elements are on the radially inner surface and in another form the S poles are on the radially inner surface.

It is preferable that the polar axes of all the magnetic elements making up a peripheral magnet in the form of an annular ring, share the same orientation with respect to the sleeve.

However, it is to be understood that an embodiment having some magnet elements of each magnet arranged with their poles transverse to the sleeve and some arranged with their poles extending in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve is still considered to fall within the scope of the invention.

The orientation of the polar axes .of different magnetic elements can be different in separate annular magnets. For example the magnet elements in a said magnet may be arranged with a longitudinal polar axis and another magnet may have the polar axis of its elements extending transversely.

As with the male version the magnetic field generating means is not limited to a permanent magnet. For example in an alternative embodiment the magnetic field generating means may comprise one or more electric coils received within the sleeve and wound around the passageway and coupled to an electrical supply. This may be a DC power supply, such as provided by a battery pack, or it may be an AC supply, in which case the magnetic field will oscillate automatically and will not require movement of the magnet for it to oscillate. This is basically an electromagnet, and serves to produce a magnetic field similar to that of a permanent magnet.

An advantage of using a coil connected to a DC or AC supply is that by switching the direction of electric current the polarity of the resultant magnetic field can be reversed, whereas to reverse the field orientation of a permanent magnet the magnet itself needs to be inverted.

The female version of the stimulator may also have a sleeve drive means for causing the sleeve to move back and forth in reciprocating fashion. The drive means may include the different drive means described above for the female version.

As with the male version, the drive mechanism for the female version may comprise a driveshaft coupled to an electric motor that is energised by a battery. Further, the length and frequency of the stroke may be variable as for the male version described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A stimulator in accordance with this invention may manifest itself in a variety of forms. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe in several preferred embodiments of the invention with the reference to the accompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this description is to instruct persons having an interest in the subject matter of this invention on how to carry the invention into practical effect. It is to be clearly understood however that the detailed nature of this specific description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description. In the drawings:

Fig 1 is a schematic front view in longitudinal section of a male version of the stimulator in accordance with one embodiment of the invention for application to a body cavity, usually a woman's vagina;

Fig 2 shows the magnetic field lines generated by a magnet in the stimulator of Fig 1 ;

Fig 3 is a schematic front view in longitudinal section of a male version of a stimulator that is a variation on the stimulator of Fig 1 ;

Fig 4 shows the magnetic field lines generated by a magnet located in the stimulator of Fig 3; Fig 5 is a schematic front view in longitudinal section of a male version of a stimulator that is another variation on the stimulator of Fig 1 ;

Fig 6 is a schematic front view in longitudinal section of a male version of a stimulator in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the stimulator having different magnetic field generating means to the stimulator of Fig 1 ;

Fig 7 shows a schematic front view in longitudinal section of a male version of a stimulator in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention received within a body cavity;

Figs 8 and 9 are schematic front views in longitudinal section of two stimulators which are further variations on the stimulator of Fig 8;

Fig 10 is a schematic front view in longitudinal section of a stimulator in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention that is a female version for receiving a male penis;

Fig 11 is a plan view in transverse section of the stimulator of Fig 10 showing the arrangement of magnet elements making up each annular magnet within the stimulator;

Fig 12 is a schematic front view in longitudinal section of a stimulator that is a variation on the stimulator of Fig 10;

Fig 13 is a schematic front view in longitudinal section of a stimulator that is a further variation on the stimulator of Fig 10;

Fig 14 is a schematic front view in longitudinal section of a stimulator that is a yet further variation on the stimulator of Fig 10; Fig 15 is a schematic front view in longitudinal section of a stimulator that is a yet further variation on the stimulator of Fig 10; and

Fig 16 is a schematic front view in longitudinal section of a female version of a stimulator in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention which has a different magnetic field generating means to the stimulator shown in Fig 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Fig 1 shows a front view of a male version of the stimulator 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The stimulator 1 comprises an elongate member 2 having a first end that is a terminal end or head 3 and a second end or base 4 that is opposed to the first end 3. The member 2 comprises a body of material that is sized and shaped to broadly resemble an erect penis. In particular it has a domed head at the terminal end 3 similar to that of a penis.

The stimulator 1 has means for generating a magnetic field in the form of a plurality of magnets 6, 7 and 8 received within the body of the member 2. The magnets 6, 7 and 8 are in the form of permanent magnets having a N-S polarity.

In the illustrated embodiment the magnets are rare earth magnets that are powerful magnets. For example, magnets composed of neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) or samarium-cobalt (Sm-Co) have been found to work well. In the illustrated stimulator 1 , the magnets are of the Nd-Fe-B variety.

In Fig 1 there are three said magnets 6, 7 and 8 spaced apart from each other along the length of the member 2, although the number of magnets can vary. The magnets are positioned more towards the head 3 of the member 2 than the base 4. At least one magnet 6 should be close to the head 3 of the member 2. Further, the magnets are arranged in a line with their polar axis between the N-S poles extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 10 of the member 2. In the illustration, the N pole of each magnet is facing the head 3 and the S pole is facing the base 4. However, this arrangement is not essential and the magnets 6, 7, and 8 could just as well be the other way around.

Fig 2, is a schematic representation of the lines of magnetic field that are generated by each magnet within the member 2. By convention, the lines of force radiate outward from the N pole and radiate inward toward the S pole.

The stimulator 1 may also have a drive means 12 for moving the member 2 in a reciprocating fashion, i.e. forward and backward. The drive means 12 may be in the form of an electric motor coupled to a driveshaft that moves the member 2 to and fro much like a piston (not shown). The drive means 12 may be adjustable for frequency of movement and also for the length of the stroke of travel. This is achieved by using known techniques including regulation of the electric motor, altering the gearing ratio of the coupling between the motor and driveshaft and/or by employing limit switches.

In use the stimulator 1 can be inserted into a body cavity. Typically this would be a vagina but is not limited to a vagina. The member 2 is moved to and fro within the body cavity and this stimulates the vagina and surrounding tissues of the user. The drive means 12 can move the member to and fro. Alternatively the user can also manually move the member 2 to and fro.

Each of the magnets 6, 7 and 8 generates a magnet field like that shown in Fig 2. Cumulatively the magnets 6, 7, and 8 produce a cumulative magnetic field that is a nett effect of the interacting magnetic fields. The cumulative magnetic field stimulates the tissues of the user, particularly when moved to and fro within a body cavity. Without being bound by theory, the Applicant believes that this is because the dynamic magnetic field induces electric currents to flow in conductive tissues and fluids of the user, thereby providing a source of energy to the body. This effect is accentuated in the vagina and rectum because both are well supplied with blood, which is an electrolyte. Further they are surrounded by radially orientated muscle fibres, e.g. smooth muscle, interspersed with nerve filaments, all of which are electrically active and organised in a manner that would encourage electrical activity in the tissue in response to the magnetic field.

In another variation of the Fig 1 embodiment (not shown) the member 2 contains only one magnet 6 positioned towards the head end of the member 2. This embodiment has been found to be efficacious in operation and will be relatively simple to manufacture.

Applicant has conducted tests and the feedback from these tests show that the stimulator 1 in Fig 1 produces a substantially higher level of stimulation than a dildo that does not contain magnets.

Fig 3 shows a stimulator 1 that is a minor variation on the stimulator 1 of Fig 1. In view of the similarities between the two the same reference numerals have been used to refer to the same components.

The only difference is that the polarity of magnets 6, 7 and 8 is opposite to that of the magnets in the stimulator 1 of Fig 1. The S poles are positioned facing the head 3 of the member 2 and the N poles are facing the base 4. Otherwise the member 2 is basically the same as that in Fig 1 and also the drive mechanism 12 is the same as^* in Fig 1. Significantly the polar axis of each magnet extends in the longitudinal direction of the member.

The effect produced by the stimulator 1 of Fig 3 is very similar to the stimulator of Fig 1.

Fig 4 shows the magnetic field lines generated by the polar orientation of the magnets in Fig 3. The basic field pattern is the same with the field lines extending in opposite directions.

Fig 5 illustrates a stimulator 1 that is again quite similar to the stimulator of Fig 1. Again in view of the similarities between the two the same reference numerals have been used to refer to the same components. There are three magnets 6, 7 and 8 in this stimulator, as in the stimulator 1 of Fig 1. However, in this embodiment, the N-S poles of the magnets are arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the member. This is conspicuously different to the Fig 1 and Fig 3 embodiments in which the N-S polar axis is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member.

This structural difference means that the magnetic field lines generated by each magnet are quite different to those in Figs 2 and 4. The magnetic fields generated by the magnets whose polar axes are oriented at right angles to those in the Fig 1 embodiment produce altered effects on the surrounding body tissues.

In another embodiment of the invention that has not been illustrated in the drawings the stimulator 1 only has one magnet located within the body of the member 2. The single magnet is located towards the end 3 of the member and corresponds to the position of the magnet 6 in Figs 1 and 3. The magnet may have its polar axis arranged longitudinally as in Figs 1 and 3. It does not matter whether the N pole or the S pole is nearest to the end 3.

In addition the magnet 6 may have its polar axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the member 2. In this respect it will be like the stimulator illustrated in Fig 5 with the exception that it only has a single magnet positioned in the position of the magnet identified by the numeral 6.

This embodiment is considerably simpler than the embodiments in Figs 1 and 3 because it only contains one magnet. It is thus easier to manufacture. However it still achieves advantages of the invention by enhancing stimulation to a user.

Fig 6 illustrates a stimulator 1 that has some structural differences to the stimulator of Fig 1. Unless otherwise indicated the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components. The stimulator 1 has a member 2 much like that in Fig 1 with a dome shaped head end 3.

However, the magnetic field generating means comprises an electric coil 20 that is located within the member 1 proximate to the head 3. The coil 20 comprises a plurality of windings or loops of an electrical conductor, such as copper wire. The coil 20 is operatively coupled to an electrical circuit 21 , which is operatively coupled to an electrical power supply 22 towards the second end 4 of the member 2. In the illustrated form, the circuit 21 is coupled to a DC electrical power supply 22.

By altering the polarity of the DC current, the direction of the magnetic field can be reversed.

While only one coil 20 has been shown in the drawing, it should be noted that additional coils 20 could be arranged longitudinally within the member 1. These coils 20, although physically separate, can be operatively coupled to each other when an electric current is passed through the coil 20 using the principles of induction.

In use the stimulator 1 is used in much the same way as the stimulator 1 of Fig 1. It is inserted into a body cavity and moved to and fro. The current flow through the coil 20 generates a magnetic field that exerts a similar effect on the tissues that surround the body cavity as the stimulator 1 of Fig 1.

In another stimulator 1 , not illustrated which is a variation on the stimulator 1 in Fig 6 the current flow through the coil is generated by an AC supply 22. This causes the magnetic field to oscillate independent of movement of the member 2. This therefore induces electric current flow within the adjacent tissues of a user even when the member is stationary and in this respect it is functionally different to the stimulator in Fig 6.

Fig 7 illustrates a stimulator 1 in accordance with a quite different embodiment of the invention. Again, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components, unless otherwise indicated. While this stimulator is a male version of the stimulator like that in Figs 1 to 6 it has some additional features that confer some additional functionality.

The body of material of the member 2 defines an internal passageway 30 that runs longitudinally, substantially through the entire length of the member 2. The passageway 30 stops just short of the terminal end 3 of the member 2 and has a blind end 31 within the member 2 proximate to the terminal end 3. The body of material itself is flexible and is made of rubber or of a substance that has similar flexible properties, while still being able to hold its form. The member also has a skin 29 covering the body of material.

A drive element in the form of a shaft 35 is positioned within the passageway 30 and extends substantially along the full length of the passageway 30, running through its centre. A strong magnet such as a rare earth magnet 36 is mounted on the shaft 35 such that it is movable relative to the rest of the member 2. The magnet 36, which can conveniently be called a core magnet, can be translationally displaced up and down the shaft 35. The diameter of the magnet 36 should be slightly less than the diameter of the passageway 30 so that it does not rub excessively against the wall of the member 2 forming the passageway 30 when it moves inside the passageway 30. This would lead to power loss through friction.

The magnet 36 can have any shape and size that fits within the passageway 30. Usually however the passageway 30 would have a circular cross section and the magnet would have a complementary circular cross section.

The poles of the magnet 36 may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the passageway 30 with either the N or the S pole facing the head end 3. They may also be arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis. In one particularly preferred form which is illustrated the polar axis extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

The stimulator 1 also includes drive means for moving the magnet 36 to and fro in the passageway 30 of the member 2. In one form the shaft 35 will be externally threaded. The magnet 36 will have a hole through its centre defining an internal bore with a complementary screw thread that engages the screw thread on the shaft 35. An electric motor 42 situated at the open end of the passageway 29 proximate the base 4 of the member 2 is operatively coupled to the shaft 35. Thus, as the shaft 35 turns under the action of the motor 42, the rotation of the magnet 36 relative to the shaft 35 moves the magnet 36 up and down the shaft 35. This drive mechanism would be well known to persons skilled in the art and accordingly has not been illustrated in the drawings.

Alternatively the drive means may comprise means for moving the shaft 35 back and forth in the passageway. In this configuration, the magnet 36 is fixed to the shaft 35 and an eccentric cam mounted to the lower end of the shaft 35 drives the shaft. In this configuration, the magnet 36 must be fixed at or close to the terminal or upper end of the shaft 35, i.e. at the opposite end to the motor. Again as this drive means would be well known to persons skilled in the art it has not been illustrated in the drawings.

Alternatively, the shaft 35 may be in the form of a linear motor, which comprises a series of magnetic or magnetisable segments, of alternating polarity. In this configuration, the magnet 36 is attached to a stator that slides up and down the shaft 35. In this configuration, there is no physical movement of the shaft 35. Rather the magnet 36 is moved along the shaft 35 by magnetic forces acting on the stator, which may be the magnet 36 itself or a support for the magnet 36. This drive means would also be well known to persons skilled in the art and accordingly has not been illustrated in the drawings.

Alternatively, the driveshaft 35 may comprise an extension that projects out of the bottom of the member 2 having a handle which can be manually moved back and forth. This is therefore a manual drive means for driving the magnet back and forth. This arrangement has not been illustrated in the drawings. In use, the stimulator 1 is inserted into a body cavity, such as the vagina shown in the drawing by the numeral 40. The dynamic magnetic field produced by the reciprocating movement of the core magnet 36 in the central passageway 30 of the member 2 generates a dynamic magnetic field independently of any movement of the member 2. This stimulates the tissues surrounding the vagina 40.

Fig 8 illustrates a stimulator 1 in accordance with yet another form of the invention.

This stimulator 1 has the same configuration as shown in Fig 7 with respect to the central passageway 30, shaft 35, central or core magnet 36, and mechanisms for driving the magnet up and down within the passageway. It also has additional features contained within the body of the member 2 that surrounds the passageway 30. Therefore, this description should be read in conjunction with the description of the Fig 7 embodiment.

In this embodiment, the body of the member 2 contains a plurality, eg five, peripheral magnets 46 spaced apart from each other along the length of the member 2. Each said peripheral magnet 46 is in the form of an annular ring that surrounds the central passageway 30 and is a permanent magnet. The peripheral magnets 46 may be embedded in the flexible and resilient body of material and associated skin 29 of the member 2. The peripheral magnets 46 may conveniently be of the same thickness as the central core magnet 35 but this is not essential.

Each said peripheral magnet typically comprises two or more discrete magnet elements that can be moved apart from each other. These peripheral magnet elements can be displaced radially outward, with respect to the central passageway, eg by resilient deformation of the body of material of the member 2.

The stimulator 1 in Fig 8 is also designed for insertion into a body cavity, such as the vagina 40 shown in Fig 8. Like the embodiment shown in Fig 7, it requires no physical effort on the part of the user after it has been inserted. The drive means moves the magnet back and forth within the passageway 30. The user can alter the speed or length of travel of the central magnet 36 by adjustment of external controls on the drive means.

The orientation of the magnetic field of each peripheral magnet 46 is such that it is in opposition to that of the central magnet or core magnet 36 so that the peripheral magnet 46 will be forced outward by magnetic repulsion as the central magnet 36 passes the magnet 46 during its to and fro movement within the central passageway 30.

It should be noted, however, that this does not require the poles of all magnets 46 to be orientated transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member 2 or passageway 30.

The poles of the central and peripheral magnets 36 and 46 could each be orientated in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the member 2 provided that like poles of the central or core magnet 36 and the peripheral magnets 46 all face towards the same end of the member 2 be it the head end 3 or the base end 4. This causes their respective magnetic fields to repel one another.

Alternatively some of the peripheral magnets 46 may have their poles orientated longitudinally while others have their poles orientated transversely. What is important is that the magnetic field of the central magnet 36 must oppose the magnetic fields of the peripheral magnets 46 causing magnetic repulsion so that the peripheral magnets 46 and associated body of material to be displaced radially outward as the central magnet 36 passes by. The inherent resilience of the surrounding sheath or skin will subsequently cause each peripheral magnet 46 to return to its former position once the central magnet 36 is outside the range of its magnetic field.

It should also be noted that the poles of the central magnet 36 might be organised either radially or axially with respect to the central passageway 30. When organised radially, one pole of the magnet 36 will be adjacent to the driveshaft 35, while the other will be adjacent to the wall of the passageway 31. Alternatively, the magnet may be a bar magnet, in which the N and S poles are positioned diametrically on either side of the shaft. When organised longitudinally, the polar axis will lie parallel to the driveshaft 35.

Fig 9 illustrates a variation of the stimulator 1 shown in Fig 8.

In this embodiment, the peripheral magnets 46 are supported within a hollow framework 50 that is received within the body of material, rather than being embedded within the flexible body of material of the member 2. The framework 50 is composed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, akin in structure to a honeycomb. It may be situated radially intermediate the central passageway 30 and the circumferential outer wall and skin 29 of the member 2. The framework 50 may contain a plurality of compartments, each housing a peripheral magnet 46.

Each compartment possesses a roof, a floor, two sidewalls and a wall surrounding the central passageway 30. Thus, there is one open side in each compartment, facing radially outward from the centre of the member. The compartment is enclosed from the exterior environment by the flexible outer skin 29. The walls of each compartment prevent the magnet 46 supported therein from displacing longitudinally with respect to the member 29 while still permitting the magnet 46 to displace radially outward so as to cause a bulge to form in the flexible skin. As the magnet 46 is required to displace radially outward, the semi-rigid or rigid framework 50 should be made from a material that has a low coefficient of friction, such as a plastic like Teflon, polyethylene, polycarbonate, nylon or the like.

As the central magnet 36 is moved up and down within the passageway 30, the repulsive force of its magnetic field causes the peripheral magnets 46 to be sequentially displaced outwards, thereby causing a bulge or ripple to move up and down the flexible outer skin. The thinner the peripheral magnets 46, the finer will be the ripples produced in the skin. The more numerous the peripheral magnets 46, the more continuous will be the ripples produced in the skin. It should be clear from this that different configurations of peripheral magnets 46 will cause different surface motion effects and that these will be further influenced by the thickness, shape, polar orientation and strength of the central magnet 36 and its rate of travel within the central passageway 30.

Tests have revealed that this embodiment causes significant stimulation of the tissues surrounding the vagina, due both to the rippling effect of the outer skin and to the dynamic magnetic fields that are produced by the central and peripheral magnets 36 and 46.

Whereas Figures 1 to 9 illustrate so-called male versions of the stimulator, Fig 10 illustrates a stimulator 1 in accordance with a quite different embodiment of the invention (hereinafter referred to as the female version) because it is adapted to receive a penis therein.

In Figures 10 and 11 , unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components as shown in Fig 1.

The stimulator 1 comprises a member 2 comprising a body of material in the form of a circular sleeve 60 having some thickness and defining a passageway 61 there through that is open at an entry end 3. The embodiment shown in the figure is open at both the entry end 3, and an opposed end 4 and the sleeve 60 is thus pipe shaped. The body of material is resilient and flexible and conveniently may be made of a material such as rubber, or the like.

The member 2 contains one or more longitudinally spaced annular rings of magnets that are received within the body of material. In the Fig 10 embodiment there are four said annular rings of magnets 63, 64, 65 and 66 spaced apart from each other, approximately equidistantly along the length of the sleeve 60. The magnets are permanent magnets, composed of similar materials to the magnets in the stimulator 1 of Fig 1.

Each annular ring magnet 63 to 66 may be comprised of one or more magnetic elements. Preferably, they should be composed of more than one magnetic element so that the sleeve 60 can expand to accommodate penises of differing size and to accommodate changes in the size of a given penis.

In the embodiment shown in Figs 10 and 11 , the annular rings are each composed of four, quarter circle, magnetic elements 73, 74, 75 and 76 each in the shape of an arc. However, the shape of the individual magnetic elements 73 to 76 is not of great importance. The arrangement of their poles is more important than the shape of the elements. As shown in Fig 11 the S pole of each element 73 to 76 faces the centre of the sleeve 60, whereas the N pole faces the exterior of the sleeve 60. Thus the polar axis is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis 10 of the sleeve 60.

The stimulator 1 further includes a drive means 78 to move the sleeve 60 and its embedded magnets 63 to 66 backward and forward. Typically the drive means 78 may comprise an electric motor and driveshaft or an electric air or fluid pump with diaphragm or piston. As these contrivances do not form part of the invention and would be well known to persons skilled in the art they will not be described in greater detail in the specification. The drive means 78 may also include electronic circuitry and controls that enable adjustment of the frequency and length of travel of each stroke of the sleeve 60.

However, the stimulator 1 can also be moved back and forth by hand, without the aid of an electric motor or pump. Thus a drive means is not an essential feature of the invention.

In use, a male user inserts his penis (not shown) into the passageway 61 defined by the sleeve 60. The penis enters from the entry end 3 and typically might occupy a substantial length of the passageway 61. The penis will typically be erect or will become erect, thus containing a relatively large volume of blood. The sleeve 60 will then be moved to and fro over the penis. This may be accomplished by drive means 78 or manually. As the sleeve 60 contains the magnets 63 to 66, the magnets 63 to 66 will also move with the sleeve 60 relative to the penis. The dynamic magnetic field generated by movement of the magnets 63 to 66 induces an electrical charge to develop in the tissues of the penis, including the blood stream, in a similar way to that described above for the male version. This electrical charge stimulates the muscle fibres and nerve filaments of the penis thereby making available electrical energy, which can be transmitted throughout the body by the nervous system.

In the embodiment shown in Fig 12, the configuration of the magnetic poles of each magnet 63 to 66 is reversed with respect to that shown in Fig 11 so that the N pole of each magnet faces the interior of the sleeve 60 and the S pole of each magnet 63 to 66 faces the radially outer surface of the sleeve 60.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 10 and 12, the magnetic fields within the passageway 61 of the sleeve 60 repel each other, as their like poles all face inward.

In Fig 13 the poles of the magnetic elements are arranged so that the opposite poles face each other across the passageway in the sleeve. If four magnetic elements 73 to 76 comprise each annular ring magnet 63 to 66, such an arrangement requires that the N poles of two of the elements in each annular ring magnet face inward and the N poles of the other two elements face outward. This arrangement will produce a predominantly attractive magnetic field within the passageway 61 of the sleeve 60. This arrangement cannot be attained if there are less than two magnetic elements in each annular ring magnet. Further an even number of elements are needed in each annular ring magnet for their respective force fields to be balanced.

In a further embodiment, shown in Fig 14 the N poles of each magnetic element in each annular ring magnet, may be orientated toward the same end 3 or 4 of the sleeve 60, i.e. longitudinally with respect to the sleeve 60.

In a still further embodiment, Fig 15, the poles of each magnetic element may be reversed with respect to the configuration shown in Fig 14. Otherwise it is much the same. Fig 16 illustrates yet another version of the male embodiment of the invention.

This embodiment has a coil 80 instead of a permanent magnet. Power is delivered to the coil 80 by a DC supply 81 through an electrical circuit 82 and the coil 80 generates the magnetic field. In this respect, it is analogous to the male version of the stimulator 1 shown in Fig 6.

The orientation of the magnetic field is determined by the direction in which the electrical current is passed through the coil 80.

The stimulator also has ridges 84 extending in from the inner wall of the sleeve 60 into the passageway 61. The ridges 84 each extend around the passageway in the form of a continuous circle and are closely spaced from each other. The ridges 84 are designed to mimic the ridges that are inside a female vagina.

Otherwise the use and functioning of the Fig 16 stimulator 1 is similar to that of the stimulator 1 of Fig 10.

Yet another version of the male embodiment of the invention, (not shown) is identical that shown in Fig 16 except that current is passed through the coil by an AC power supply 81 , which causes the magnetic field around the coil 80, or coils, to oscillate, irrespective of movement of the sleeve 60. In use the functioning of this stimulator 1 is very similar to that described above with reference to Fig 16.

Applicant will now discuss the results of the experiments he has conducted to verify the efficacy of his invention.

Applicant has conducted experiments with the stimulator 1. These tests show that the stimulator 1 is capable of bringing a woman to orgasm more quickly than stimulators that do not contain magnets. They also show that the stimulator can elicit orgasm in women who do not normally orgasm during sexual intercourse without concomitant stimulation of the clitoris. Some women who tested the stimulator also reported having more energy and a greater sense of wellbeing after using the stimulator 1. Some report feeling more sexually aroused than usual over a number of days following use of the stimulator 1. Some who have used the stimulator over a number of months have reported feeling rejuvenated.

Without being bound by theory, the Applicant offers the following explanation for the efficacy of the stimulator described herein.

According to the principles of electromagnetism an object that has magnetic properties or which can be magnetised, will be attracted to or repelled from a coil of wire by the application of electrical current to the wire. The strength of interaction between the coil and the magnet is at a maximum when the polar axis of the magnet is both perpendicular to and central to the electric current flowing through the coil. This explains why the orientation of the magnets with the polar axis extending longitudinally and parallel to the longitudinal axis is preferred .

Conversely an electric current can be induced to flow in a coil of wire that does not have a potential difference applied across it by causing a magnetic field to move within or around it. Thus magnetism and electricity are inextricably linked and exist orthogonal to one another. When you have one you implicitly also have the other.

The basic principles of electromagnetism have been known for many years. The amount of current generated in a coil is a function of the magnetic field strength of the magnet, the frequency of movement of the magnet in and out the coil and also the number of turns of wire in the coil and their diameters.

According to Faraday's Law, any conductive material that is placed in proximity to an electric current, as may be passing along the surface of a wire, for example, will acquire an electric charge. This occurs because every electric current is surrounded by a magnetic field, which represents an electrical domain in space. Any conductive material that enters this electrical domain will acquire an electric charge. The amount of charge acquired is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field and to the capacity of the conductor to carry an electric charge. Faraday's Law has been exploited to produce familiar technologies, such as solenoid valves, electric motors and loud speakers. These technologies involve inductively coupling an electrified coil of wire and one or more magnets, in order to effect linear or rotational movement of a part to which the magnet, or magnets, is or are adjoined.

Alternatively an electric current can be generated in a coil of wire that lacks an external source of electric power by subjecting the coil to a dynamic magnetic field. The simplest way to do this is to cause a permanent magnet to oscillate to and fro within or close to the coil, or to cause a permanent magnet to rotate within the coil. The amount of electric charge acquired by the coil will be proportional to the number of turns of wire in the coil, their diameter, the strength of the magnetic field in which the coil is situated, and the frequency with which the magnetic field oscillates or rotates within or close to the coil.

We turn now to look at human physiology and particularly the role of electricity and magnetism in human physiology.

In the human body, no vital function takes place without the involvement of electricity. Electrical processes are involved in nerve signalling, muscle contraction, membrane transport, nutrient absorption, waste elimination and all biochemical reactions that occur throughout the body. Muscle fibres are the most electrically active tissues in the body, followed by the nerve cells or neurons.

Applicant suggests without being bound by theory that electromagnetic effects occur within the human body all of the time. That is, it is part of normal human physiology.

Blood is an electrolyte solution, which has magnetic properties due to both flow- related magneto-hydrodynamic effects and to the presence of iron in the oxygen- carrying molecule, haemoglobin. During stimulation, the sexual organs of men and women become engorged with blood.

Further the sexual organs of men and women, and the recta of both, contain large numbers of muscle fibres and nerve filaments. When a person is sexually aroused there is a pronounced increase in electrical activity associated with muscle contraction and nerve signalling between the brain and the sex organs.

Radially orientated muscle fibres surround the hollow organs of the body, such as the vagina, colon and rectum, thereby giving rise to coils of electrically conductive tissue. This radial arrangement of muscle fibres provides a means to compress substances such that they move through the organ or to apply pressure to the penis so as to stimulate ejaculation. As the hollow organs contain many radially orientated muscle fibres and associated nerve filaments, together with a rich supply of blood, they are sensitive to electric currents and their associated magnetic fields. They also generate electric currents and their associated magnetic fields.

The penis, when erect, similarly receives a rich supply of blood and it contains many active muscle fibres and nerve filaments in the head. It is, therefore, also sensitive to and generative of electric currents and their associated magnetic fields. Furthermore, the erect penis represents an environment where oxygenated, diamagnetic, arterial blood is converted into partially of fully deoxygenated, paramagnetic, venous blood, by mitochondrial respiration.

Insertion of the penis into the vagina (or rectum) couples the bioelectric fields of donor and receiver. Movement of the penis within the vagina and/or of the vagina over the penis then gives rise to charge transfer between the two parties in a manner analogous to an electromechanical circuit in which a wire coil is coupled with a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

Again without being bound by theory, Applicant postulates that the stimulator with its magnetic field enjoys an inter play with, and exerts an influence on electrical and electromagnetic physiology within the body, including electrically conductive fluids within the body. This explains the profound effects produced by the stimulator.

The invention described herein is based on the idea that movement of a magnetic field within a body cavity such as the vagina or rectum, or the movement of a magnetic field around or over the head of the penis, will induce an electric charge to develop in the surrounding tissues. The electrical energy acquired by the body will then be available to facilitate a host of physiological processes, such as muscle contraction, nerve signalling, ion transport, blood and lymph circulation, etc. In addition, the act of inducing an electric charge should lead to orgasm when the charge carrying capacity of the tissues is exceeded.

According to the electromagnetic theory outlined above, charge induction would be most effectively accomplished by subjecting the electrically conductive tissues of the body to one or more dynamic magnetic fields. The strength of the magnetic field, or fields, should be such that the conductive tissues of the body can draw as much electrical energy from the field, or fields, as they are capable of using. In this regard, use of a magnetic field as opposed to direct application of an electrical current is advantageous in so far as the amount of energy absorbed is determined by the tissues of the body, rather than by an exogenous, inorganic, control circuit.

Production of one or more dynamic magnetic fields can be most effectively accomplished by incorporating one or more strong magnets at discrete intervals along the length of a member or by incorporating one or more electric coils at discrete intervals along the length of a member. In the latter case, powering the coils with an AC power supply will result in an oscillating magnetic field, independent of any movement of the member, whereas powering the coil with a DC supply will give rise to a dynamic magnetic field only when the member is moved, as is the case with members fitted with permanent magnets. In the last two cases, coupling the members or their component magnetic elements to a motor could facilitate production of the required dynamic magnetic field, or the members could simply be moved by hand.

An advantage of the stimulator 1 described above with reference to Figs 1 to 7 is that it provides a relatively simple device that is easy to manufacture that is able to provided substantially higher levels of stimulation to a user than a conventional dildo or vibrator. The magnet in the member in combination with the in and out movement of the member generates a dynamic magnetic field that induces a corresponding electrical charge to develop in the tissues surrounding the body cavity, which in turn produces the enhanced stimulation.

The stimulator 1 is easy to manufacture in the sense that it can be made with one or more permanent magnets, which are readily available, that are then embedded in the member. The member itself can be made of any material that is suitable for insertion into a body cavity and which can be moulded.

A further advantage of the stimulator is that a male version of the stimulator could be used by a women suffering from poor physiological function and tone of tissues surrounding the vagina to stimulate these tissues. The magnetic field may increase the cellular processes and improve cellular function in the tissues around the vagina. This may assist in bladder control and also an improved sense of wellbeing particularly in relation to vaginal tissues. Further Applicant believes that a female version of the stimulator may assist a male user suffering from poor urinary control, prostate function or erectile dysfunction to improve the functioning of the respective organs and thereby increase a user's sense of wellbeing and health in the tissues proximate their genital organs.

Thus the stimulator has potential application both as a device to increase sexual pleasure and also to assist in managing medical conditions relating to the urinary tract and sex organs.

It will of course be realised that the above has been given only by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A stimulator for stimulating a part of a human body, the stimulator comprising: an elongate member, the member either being a shaft of phallic form having a head end and a base end for penetrating an anatomical cavity, or the member being a sleeve defining a passage having an open entry end into which an anatomical member can be inserted; and means for generating a magnetic field around or within the member.

2. A stimulator according to claim 1 , wherein the elongate member is said shaft of thallic form and the member has a substantially circular-cylindrical configuration and is sized and shaped to fit snugly within a woman's vagina.

3. A stimulator according to claim 2, wherein the member is made of a body of material that is sufficiently firm to stand erect and hold its form when inserted into a body cavity.

4. A stimulator according to claim 3, wherein the material from which the body is made is substantially rigid and is a plastic or rubber like material.

5. A stimulator according to claim 3, wherein the means for generating a magnetic field around the member may comprise at least one magnet mounted on the member or within the body of material forming the member.

6. A stimulator according to claim 3, wherein one said magnet is located proximate to the head end of the member.

7. A stimulator according to claim 5, wherein each magnet is a permanent magnet.

8. A stimulator according to claim 7, wherein each magnet is a powerful permanent magnet such as a rare earth magnet.

9. A stimulator according to claim 8, wherein each magnet is received within said body of material and is encapsulated by said body of material.

10. A stimulator according to claim 6, wherein there are a plurality of permanent magnets spaced apart from each along the longitudinal axis of the member, each said magnet being encapsulated within said body of material.

11. A stimulator according to claim 10, wherein there are three said magnets longitudinally spaced apart from each other along the length of the member.

12. A stimulator according to claim 5, wherein the polar axis running through the N-S poles of the magnets is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member.

13. A stimulator according to claim 5, wherein the polar axis running through the N-S poles of the magnets are arranged at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the member.

14. A stimulator according to claim 6, wherein the member has a single magnet which is a permanent magnet mounted within the member towards the head end with the polar axis extending longitudinally with respect to the member.

15. A stimulator according to claim 3, wherein the magnetic field generating means comprises an electric coil having a plurality of turns received within the body of material whereby when electric current is passed through the coil it generates a magnetic field at right angles to the turns of wire in the coil.

16. A stimulator according to claim 15, further including a DC power supply which is electrically coupled to the coil to pass a steady electric current through the coil.

17. A stimulator according to claim 15, further including an AC power supply that is electrically coupled to the coil to pass an oscillating electric current through the coil.

18. A stimulator according to claim 3, wherein the body of material of the member defines an internal passageway, and further including a shaft that is received within the passageway and the magnetic field generating means comprises at least one core magnet that is mounted on said shaft within the passageway.

19. A stimulator according to claim 18, wherein the body of material of the member is resiliently expandable and compressible and wherein the member further includes a skin that extends over the surface of the body of material

20. A stimulator according to claim 18, further including a drive means to displace the core magnet/s to and fro within the passageway.

21. A stimulator according to claim 20, wherein the drive means is a motor-driven screw shaft on which each magnet is mounted by means of complementary screw thread formations and which rotates within the passageway thereby to displace the magnet/s longitudinally along the shaft.

22. A stimulator according to claim 20, wherein the drive means is a linear motor wherein the core magnet is propelled up and down a linear motor shaft by application of an electric current to magnetisable segments of the linear motor shaft or its sliding stator.

23. A stimulator according to claim 19, wherein the magnetic field generating means further includes a plurality of peripheral magnets that are located at spaced intervals along the length of the member radially outwardly of the passageway.

24. A stimulator according to claim 23, wherein the peripheral magnets are permanent magnets and each magnet is embedded in the body of material forming the member such that it is located in a fixed longitudinal position within the body of material and can only move longitudinally together with the body of material.

25. A stimulator according to claim 23, wherein each peripheral magnet is arranged in the form of an annular ring and each peripheral magnet comprises a plurality of magnetic elements that together make up the annular ring.

26. A stimulator according to claim 23, wherein the peripheral magnets are arranged so that their magnetic fields are orientated in opposition to that of the displaceable core magnet in the passageway such that longitudinal displacement of the core or central magnet causes each peripheral magnet to be forced outward as the central magnet passes by as a result of magnetic repulsion, and then return to their original positions after the core magnet has passed, whereby to cause the body of material and skin of the member to bulge outward and generate a rippling effect along the skin.

27. A stimulator according to claim 23, wherein the member further includes a framework embedded within the body of material of the member at positions radially outwardly of the central passageway, the framework acting to hold the peripheral magnets in their longitudinal position while permitting them to be displaced radially outwards within the body of the member in response to their interaction with the core magnet.

28. A stimulator according to claim 2, further including drive means for driving the member to and fro in a longitudinal direction.

29. A stimulator according to claim 28, wherein the drive means comprise an electric motor powered by batteries.

30. A stimulator according to claim 1 , wherein said member comprises a said sleeve defining a passage, the sleeve being made of a body of non-rigid material and having an outer surface and also an inner surface inside the passage.

31. A stimulator according to claim 30, wherein the body of material is made from a resiliently flexible material.

32. A stimulator according to claim 30, wherein the inner surface of the sleeve includes one or more transverse ridges that project radially inward proud of the rest of the inner surface.

33. A stimulator according to claim 31 , wherein there are a plurality of said transverse ridges, each extending in the form of a circle around the circumference of the inner surface.

34. A stimulator according to claim 30, wherein the magnetic field generating means comprises at least one permanent magnet of annular shape embedded in the body of material and circumferentially surrounding the passage.

35. A stimulator according to claim 34, having a plurality of said magnets and wherein the magnets are longitudinally spaced apart from each other along the length of the sleeve.

36. A stimulator according to claim 35, wherein the polar axis of each magnet is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve.

37. A stimulator according to claim 35, wherein the polar axis of each magnet is arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve with one of the N and S poles positioned on a radially inner surface of the magnet and the other of the N and S poles on a radially outer surface of the magnet.

38. A stimulator according to claim 34, wherein each said magnet comprises two or more magnetic elements, which together extend around the circumference of the passage, the two or more magnetic elements permitting the body of material and the passage to resiliently expand so as to accommodate members of different size.

39. A stimulator according to claim 30, wherein the magnetic field generating means comprises an electric coil received within the body of material forming the sleeve and each turn of the coil circumferentially surrounds the passage formed by the sleeve, whereby when an electric current is passed through the coil a magnetic field is generated at right angles to the conductor carrying the current in the coil.

40. A stimulator according to claim 39, further including a DC power supply which is electrically coupled to the coil to pass a steady electric current through the coil.

41. A stimulator according to claim 39, further including an AC power supply that is electrically coupled to the coil to pass an oscillating electric current through the coil.

42. A stimulator according to claim 30, further including a drive means for causing the sleeve to move back and forth in reciprocating fashion over a member that is inserted therein.