WO2011077126A2

WO2011077126A2 - Constriction ring

Info

Publication number: WO2011077126A2
Application number: PCT/GB2010/052154
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Oakes
Original assignee: John Oakes
Priority date: 2009-12-21
Filing date: 2010-12-20
Publication date: 2011-06-30
Also published as: GB0922259D0; WO2011077126A3

Abstract

A constriction ring, comprising an inner ring having an aperture operable to receive a penis, the aperture being defined by a circumferential wall, the constriction ring further comprising an outer ring, the outer ring being shaped and sized to allow an erection pump to abut the outer ring and to substantially form a seal therewith.

Description

Constriction Ring

The present invention relates to a constriction ring, in particular to a constriction ring to achieve and maintain a penile erection and for use in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that is characterised by the inability of a male to achieve or maintain an erection of the penis. Penile erection is caused by blood entering and being retained by sponge like tissues within the penis. It is therefore known to counteract erectile dysfunction by preventing blood exiting the penis using a constriction ring. Such constriction rings are usually simple in construction and often work as a crude tourniquet around the base of a penis. However, conventional constriction rings suffer from various problems. In particular, while it is their purpose to prevent blood exiting from the penis, they may also prevent blood from flowing into the penis. This means that a constriction ring is often used to maintain an erection (by fitting to the penis after and erection is achieved), but may be of little use when trying to achieve an erection. Furthermore, since conventional constriction rings act as a crude tourniquet, they may also compress the urethra, thereby preventing ejaculation.

It is therefore an object of aspects of the present invention to address the above mentioned or other problems and to provide an improved constriction ring for use in achieving and maintaining a penile erection.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a constriction ring comprising an aperture operable to receive a penis, the aperture being defined by a circumferential wall, the said circumferential wall being operable to encircle a penis, in use, wherein the circumferential wall comprises at least one notch therein. Advantageously, it has been found that the provision of the at least one notch in the circumferential wall allows blood to enter the penis by aligning the notch accordingly, or allows ejaculation by aligning the notch in an alternative alignment.

In use, the circumferential wall is operable to constrict the penis, thereby restricting blood flow.

In one embodiment, the circumferential wall may comprise two notches, which may be generally diametrically opposed.

Advantageously, having a pair of diametrically opposed notches allows both for (following correct alignment) blood to enter the penis via the dorsal vein and for ejaculation via the urethra.

Erection pumps are known in the art and usually comprise a chamber into which a penis may be placed, the chamber then being evacuated. At a lower end of such pumps is situated a sealing ring operable to seal onto the body of a user to thereby allow a vacuum to be established. Such pumps cause the flow of blood into the penis by reducing the pressure within the chamber. The present invention can advantageously be used in conjunction with such a pump.

Preferably, the constriction ring comprises an inner ring and preferably an outer ring. Preferably, the outer ring is sized to allow a portion of a pump to fit thereonto, in use. The pump may be an erection pump. Preferably, the outer ring is shaped and sized to enable an erection pump to abut the outer ring and form a seal therewith. Preferably, the aperture operable to receive a penis is in the inner ring and preferably, the circumferential wall is an inner wall of the inner ring.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a constriction ring, comprising an inner ring having an aperture operable to receive a penis, the aperture being defined by a circumferential wall, the constriction ring further comprising an outer ring, the outer ring being shaped and sized to allow an erection pump to abut the outer ring and to substantially form a seal therewith.

Advantageously, the provision of an inner ring and an outer ring prevents the constriction ring riding up the shaft of a penis, in use.

Preferably, the inner and outer rings are substantially concentric. Preferably, the inner and outer rings are integral with each other.

Preferably, the constriction ring further comprises an intermediate ring, preferably situated between the inner and outer ring. The intermediate ring is preferably concentric with the inner and outer ring. The intermediate ring may comprise one or more apertures therethrough, which may allow deformation of the inner ring while preferably substantially maintaining the shape of the outer ring.

Alternatively and advantageously, the provision of an inner ring and an outer ring joined by an intermediate ring may allow the outer ring, in use, to buckle out of the plane of the inner ring. This buckling can provide advantageous results in terms of pleasure during intercourse. This is described in further detail hereunder with regard to figure 10. Furthermore, advantageously, the apertures, where present, may allow a user to easily manipulate or remove the constriction ring by using the fingers of the user in the apertures. As a further advantage, the provision of apertures reduces the likelihood of establishing an airlock between the constriction ring and a users body, especially is used during intercourse. Such airlocks can result in unwanted noise during intercourse.

The constriction ring my comprise attachment means operable to allow a vibrating device to be attached thereto. The attachment means may extend radially from constriction ring, preferably from the outer ring thereof. The vibrating means may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The vibrating means may be capsule shaped. The attachment means may comprise a tubular member, preferably being operable to allow a vibrating device to extend therethrough, in use.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising a constriction ring of the above aspects abutted to and forming a seal with a sealing ring of an erection pump.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of achieving or maintaining a penile erection, the method comprising use of the constriction ring of any of the above aspects.

All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects and in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a constriction ring; Figure 2 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a constriction ring;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a constriction ring; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a constriction ring;

Figure 5 shows a further perspective view of a third embodiment of a constriction ring; Figure 6 shows a perspective top view of a fourth embodiment of a constriction ring; Figure 7 shows a perspective underside view of a fourth embodiment of a constriction ring;

Figure 8 shows a perspective top view of a fifth embodiment of a constriction ring;

Figure 9 shows a perspective bottom view of a fifth embodiment of a constriction ring; and

Figure 10 shows a sectional view of a constriction ring.

Referring firstly to figures 1 and 2 there is shown a first embodiment of a constriction ring 102 comprising an outer ring 104, an intermediate ring 106 and an inner ring 108. The outer ring 104 is generally annular and comprises a concave upper face. The intermediate ring 106 is also annular, but is thinner than the outer ring 104 and has a substantially rectangular cross section. The intermediate ring comprises a number of apertures 1 10 therethrough which are generally elongate having side walls that follow the curvature of the intermediate ring 106 and upper and lower walls that are generally semicircular. Each aperture 1 10 extends between about 35 and 40 degrees around the intermediate ring 106 and there are three such apertures 1 10 at either side (diametrically) of the ring 106, making a total of 6 apertures 1 10.

The inner ring 108 is annular in shape defining an inner aperture 109 and comprises a pair of diametrically opposed notches 1 12. The notches 1 12 are separated by side wall sections 1 1 1 . The notches 1 12 are arranged between the pair of three apertures 1 10 in the intermediate ring 106. Referring now to figure 3 there is shown a second embodiment of a constriction ring 202. For the most part, the constructional features of the ring 202 are the same as those of the ring 102, thus like parts have been numbered similarly, except with the prefix 2. Accordingly, the outer ring 104 of figures 1 and 2, becomes 204 in this embodiment, and so on.

The ring 202 is similar to the ring 102 except that the ring 202 further comprises a projection 214 extending radially outward from the outer ring 204 at a position generally aligned with one of the notches 212. The projection comprises a generally flat square shaped body 216 having a cylindrical shaped unit 218 aligned such that the elongate axis thereof is generally parallel with the radial plane of the ring 202.

The cylindrical shaped unit 218 is comprises a power source and small motor therein and is thereby operable to vibrate, in use.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the projection 214 may be moved radially inward slightly toward the outer ring 204 to make a more compact unit. Advantageously, therefore the vibration of the unit 218 may be carried more efficiently through the ring 202 to a user.

Referring now to figures 4 and 5, there is shown a third embodiment of a constriction ring 302. For the most part, the constructional features of the ring 302 are the same as those of the ring 102, thus like parts have been numbered similarly, except with the prefix 3. Accordingly, the outer ring 104 of figures 1 and 2, becomes 304 in this embodiment, and so on.

The ring 302 is similar to the ring 102 except that the ring 302 further comprises a projection 314 extending radially outward from the outer ring 304 at a position aligned with one of the notches 312. The projection comprises a tubular member 316, wherein an elongate axis of the tubular member 316 is generally aligned parallel with a radial plane of the ring 202, such that it is generally parallel with the outer ring 304. The tubular member 316 is open ended and is operable to receive and retain a generally cylindrical member 318 therein, as shown in figure 5. The generally cylindrical member 318 comprises a power source and a small motor which thereby causes it to vibrate, in use.

Use of the constriction ring will now be described with reference to the third embodiment of the ring 302, as shown in figures 4 and 5. However, it will be appreciated that the other embodiments of constriction ring may be used similarly.

Accordingly, in use, the constriction ring 302 is firstly placed over a penis (not shown) by inserting the penis through the aperture 309 and the ring 302 pushed to the base of the penis, proximal to the pubis. The notches 312 are aligned centrally above and below the penis. Such alignment allows blood to enter the penis via the dorsal vein (which is situated on the upper side of the penis), and also allows the urethra to be unobstructed (which is situated on the underside of the penis), thus allow ejaculation. However, the side walls of the inner ring 31 1 exert a pressure against the sides of the penis thus preventing blood flow out of the penis.

The ring 302 is formed of a soft silicon material, and is thus deformable. However, apertures 310 allow the inner circumference of the inner ring 308 to expand outward by deforming the intermediate ring 306 without affecting the shape of the outer ring 304 of the ring 302. Therefore, if the ring is used in conjunction with an erection pump as discussed below, the seal between the outer ring 304 of the constriction ring 302 and the pump is not broken.

Advantageously, the constriction ring of the present invention may be used in conjunction with a vacuum pump, with the outer ring 304 being sized to seal against the bottom of the pump. Examples of suitable pumps are those described in GB patent 2417686, or EP patent 1799162. In such an arrangement, a user may first fit the constriction ring 302 to the penis, and then fit a pump over the penis and onto the outer ring of the constriction ring 304 such that a sealing ring of the pump seals against the outer ring 304 of the constriction ring 302. Accordingly, in this arrangement, a sufferer of erectile dysfunction can use the pump to achieve an erection, and the constriction ring 302 to maintain the erection, which further allows ejaculation via the notch 312.

To allow the erection to subside, a user may simply twist the ring 302 through 90 degrees, thus relieving pressure on the sides of the penis and allowing blood to escape the penis. The constriction ring may be used with a lubricant to the ring to undergo such manipulation with ease.

Referring now to figures 6 and 7 there is shown a fourth embodiment of a constriction ring 402 of the invention, which is formed of a similar material to those mentioned above. The ring 402 comprises an outer ring 404, an intermediate ring 406 and an inner ring 408. The three rings 404, 406, 408 are generally annular and concentrically arranged. The inner ring 408 is stepped upward away from the plane of the rings to provide an inner aperture 410 having a generally circumferential wall 412 of greater height. The intermediate ring 406 is formed from a thinner material than the inner and outer ring 408, 404, to thereby allow it to deform, in use. The constriction ring 402 also comprises a projection 414, being similar in form and function as that described above in relation to the projection 214 and in use being operable to accommodate a vibrating cylindrical unit (such as the unit 218 described above).

Referring now to figures 8 and 9 there is shown a fifth embodiment of a constriction ring 502, formed of a similar material to those mentioned above. The constriction ring 502 of the fifth embodiment is the same as the constriction ring 402 described above in relation to the fourth embodiment, except that is does not comprise a projection 414. Accordingly, the constriction ring 502 is not operable to receive a vibrating cylindrical unit. Referring now to figure 10, there is shown a sectional view of the constriction ring 402. This view shows how, in use, the aperture 410 is stretched outward (as indicated by the arrows "X") by a penis inserted therethrough, which causes the ring to buckle slightly and angle forward away from a user's body, as shown by arrow Ύ". This has the advantageous effect that it pushes the projection 414 forward, to thereby cause enhanced enjoyment during intercourse. Although this feature is shown specifically with regard to the fourth embodiment, it should be appreciated that this feature applies to all embodiments of the constriction rings.

A constriction ring of the present invention has many advantages over prior art constriction rings. In particular, it comprises notches to allow blood to enter the penis and to allow ejaculation. Furthermore, it has an outer ring to thereby allow it to be used in conjunction with a vacuum pump erectile device.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1 . A constriction ring, comprising an inner ring having an aperture operable to receive a penis, the aperture being defined by a circumferential wall, the constriction ring further comprising an outer ring, the outer ring being shaped and sized to allow an erection pump to abut the outer ring and to substantially form a seal therewith.

2. A constriction ring according to claim 1 , wherein the aperture is defined by a circumferential wall, the said circumferential wall being operable to encircle a penis, in use, wherein the circumferential wall comprises at least one notch therein

3. A constriction ring comprising an aperture operable to receive a penis, the aperture being defined by a circumferential wall, the said circumferential wall being operable to encircle a penis, in use, wherein the circumferential wall comprises at least one notch therein.

4. A constriction ring according to claim 3, which further comprises an inner ring comprising the aperture operable to receive a penis and an outer ring, the said outer ring being sized to allow a portion of an erection pump to fit thereonto.

5. A constriction ring according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the circumferential wall comprise two notches, which may be generally diametrically opposed.

6. A constriction ring according to any of claims 1 , 2 and 4, wherein the outer ring is shaped and sized to enable an erection pump to abut the outer ring and form a seal therewith.

7. A constriction ring according to any of claims 1 , 2 and 4, wherein the inner and outer rings are substantially concentric.

8. A constriction ring according to any of claims 1 , 2 and 4, which further comprises an intermediate ring, situated between the inner and outer ring.

9. A constriction ring according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate ring comprises one or more apertures therethrough.

10. A constriction ring according to either of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the provision of an inner ring and an outer ring joined by an intermediate ring may allow the outer ring, in use, to buckle out of the plane of the inner ring.

1 1 . A constriction ring according to any preceding claim, which further comprises attachment means operable to allow a vibrating device to be attached thereto.

12. An assembly comprising a constriction ring of any of claims 1 to 1 1 abutted to and forming a seal with a sealing ring of an erection pump.

13. A method of achieving or maintaining a penile erection, the method comprising use of the constriction ring of any of claims 1 to 1 1 .