WO2006056005A2

WO2006056005A2 - Device for alleviating sexual dysfunction in males

Info

Publication number: WO2006056005A2
Application number: PCT/AU2005/001629
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip Allan Potter
Original assignee: Enertec Health Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-10-21
Filing date: 2005-10-20
Publication date: 2006-06-01
Also published as: WO2006056005A3

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for fitting to male genitalia (5) to increase sexual potency. The apparatus (1) including an elongate member (10) of non-conductive material and of sufficient length for forming into a ring shape to substantially encircle and conform to the shape of the base of a wearer's penis (45) and upper part of the scrotum (50). At least one pair of adjacent metal contacts (30, 35) of dissimilar metals are mounted on said member (10) which upon encountering the wearer's skin are adapted to generate an electric current sufficient to assist the wearer to obtain or maintain an erection.

Description

DEVICE FOR ALLEVIATING SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN MALES

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the alleviation of sexual dysfunction in males. More particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention discloses an improved device for fitting to the male genitalia to increase sexual potency.

Background of the Invention

Devices which can be temporarily fitted to the male genitalia to assist and help maintain an erection are known in the prior art. One example is shown in GB 2,256,368 which comprises a rigid two part rectangular frame which is assembled or closed around the base of the penis and upper part of the scrotum. The frame includes adjacent zinc and copper plates which upon contact with the moist acidic surface of the wearer's skin produces a mild electric current. This current, it is believed, stimulates the manufacture of certain hormone secretions in the testes which among other things assists and prolongs the erection of the penis for sexual intercourse.

Such devices however are large, rigid and cumbersome to use and are uncomfortable and difficult to wear during intercourse. The rigid non-conforming shape of the rectangle reduces the effective contact area of the plates on the wearer's skin with resultant limitation in performance.

Furthermore, as the device has a fixed shape the device can only be worn in one position and typically gets pushed away or slides away from its target contact area as the body moves. This also results in excessive rubbing and chaffing and impedes free movement.

Still further, as the device comes in two halves the wearer must connect the device in order to wear it. This is done by holding the. device against the body then inserting the spigots into receptacles and squeezing them together (encapsulating the genitalia) until a fit is achieved. As the internal diameter of the device is narrow and fixed, pinching of the skin and hair is common during the fitting procedure which causes considerable discomfort and embarrassment to the wearer. The device's structure is made from polycarbonate material which is a smooth, rigid, solid non-flexible material. Because of its solid hard structure and frame size, the device is susceptible to unwanted movement when worn. Inadequate tension of the device has shown the plates will break contact with the skin resulting in a failure. Because the polycarbonate material's surface has a low friction factor and as the metal plates are fitted on the same internal surface as the two opposing ends of the device, there is a high friction factor when the device moves. Through normal wearing of the device a degree of rubbing and chaffing occurs overall but particularly at the point where the metal plates contact the skin. If worn too tight it can cause abrasion at that point. The device can also not be worn for long periods of time.

Further, the plates sit close together and as a result of current flow, electrolysis and debris build up occurs, resulting in debris deposits bridging the gap between the plates breaking the circuit.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

There is disclosed herein an apparatus for fitting to male genitalia to increase sexual potency, said apparatus including:

an elongate member of non-conductive material of sufficient length to substantially encircle and conform to the shape of the base of a wearer's penis and upper part of the scrotum; and

at least one pair of adjacent metal contacts of dissimilar metals mounted on said member, said contacts upon encountering the wearer's skin are adapted to generate an electric current sufficient to assist the wearer obtain or maintain an erection.

Preferably, said dissimilar metal contacts are zinc and copper.

It is further preferred that said contacts are in the form of bands fitted around said elongate member. It is further preferred that there are two or more pairs of said adjacent metal contacts.

It is further preferred that the elongate member comprises an inner plastically deformable material and an outer softer tubular material or sheath.

It is further preferred that said metal contacts are located on raised areas of said member to provide a close engagement with the wearer's skin.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation view of a male erection aid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the lines A-A of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 1 in a position of use on a wearer's genitalia; and

Figures 4 to 6 show the shape of the device of Figure.1 when in position on differing genitalia.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to the Figures there is shown an apparatus 1 for fitting to male genitalia 5 to increase sexual potency. The apparatus 1 includes an elongate member 10 of generally circular cross-section. The member 10 is of a composite construction with an inner core 15 of a plastically deformable material such as 2:5 mm soft wire encased in PVC and an outer sheath 20 of a softer more comfortable material such as 4 mm PVC plastic tube (as best seen in Figure 2). The ends of the sheath 20 are fitted with plugs 25 of any suitable type to retain the inner core 15 in place after initial assembly. Although the invention is not limited to any particular dimension or weight, the length may be in the order of 210 mm, the diameter about 6 mm and the weight about 15 gms. The outer sheath 20 is made from a very soft, pliable synthetic polymeric substance that forms a sheath that does not go brittle over time and provides a cushioning effect. The apparatus 1 can be worn for long periods of time and is very effective as due to the stability the apparatus 1 remains in the target area.

In this embodiment of the invention, a pair of metal contacts 30, 35 are arranged as pairs of bands located at spaced apart positions along the length of the sheath 20. Each pair 30, 35 preferably comprises a zinc band 30 and a copper band 35. The bands are preferably about 5 mm in width and may be spaced about 3 mm apart for each pair. They are also of sufficient thickness to protrude well out from the surface of the sheath 20 to make good contact with the wearer's skin. They may further be positioned between sleeves 40 where their spacing and position on the sheath 20 is secured. It is preferred with this embodiment that the copper bands 35 face each other and the zinc bands 30 are positioned toward the ends of the apparatus 1. Although, the invention is not limited to this particular arrangement or material.

In use, the apparatus 1 is hand bent by the wearer into the shape of a ring which closely but comfortably fits around the base of the user's penis 45 and upper part of the scrotum 50 as shown in Figure 3. It should be noted that the elongate member 10 can be bent into many different shapes depending upon the genitalia as shown for example in Figures 4 to 6. This allows the user a choice as to which shape is more comfortable and effective for his needs. The raised metal bands 30, 35 on the sheath 20 are thereby pressed into close contact with the wearer's skin so that the moist, slightly acidic surface reacts with the adjacent dissimilar metals to produce a mild electric current. As discussed earlier it is believed that this current stimulates the manufacture of certain hormonal secretions in the testes which assists and prolongs an erection of the penis 45 for sexual intercourse.

The inner core 15 is preferably made of PVC tie wire chosen for its ability to conform to different shapes and for its structurally rated resistance strength properties. To adjust the apparatus 1 the wearer can adjust the squeeze pressure simply by manual application for the desired comfort level.

It will thus be appreciated that this invention at least in the form of the embodiment disclosed provides a novel and improved form of aid for enhanced sexual potence in males and which is not bulky, has a small circumference, is less noticeable and undetectable when worn and more comfortable to wear. Further, under the movement of the body the current apparatus 1 provides significantly less movement, rubbing and chaffing than existing devices. Still further, as the shape of the apparatus 1 is flexible there is no pinching of the skin or hair. Clearly, however, the example described is only the currently preferred form of the invention and a wide variety of modifications may be made following further materials selected for the metal contacts 30, 35 may be changed according to fitting requirements or design preference.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for fitting to male genitalia to increase sexual potency, said apparatus including:

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprises an inner plastically deformable material and an outer softer tubular material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said dissimilar metal contacts are zinc and copper.

4. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said metal contacts are in the form of bands fitted around said elongate member.

5. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, including two or more pairs of said adjacent metal contacts.

6. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said metal contacts are located on raised areas of said elongate member to provide a close engagement with the wearer's skin.