Therapeutic Device

Abstract

A male genital device for effecting or enhancing erection of the penis comprising a resilient band suitable for being tightly wrapped around the penis near the pubic bone. The band thus assumes a circular orientation in use, and has a plurality of radially extending projections on the inner surface thereof, said projections being effective to restrict the flow of blood from the penis to thereby achieve the intended result.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ability to produce and maintain a complete erection has long been a problem in men of advancing age. An erection of the penis is produced when certain tissue in the central portion of the penis becomes widely dilated and engorged with blood. In young men the muscles of the penis react naturally to constrict the veins returning blood from the penis to the body in the normal blood circulation process, thereby causing these tissues to be engorged with blood, thus causing erection of the penis. In older men, these muscles apparently lose their ability to sufficiently constrict the veins, leaving the penis in a flaccid or semiflaccid state.

Heretofore, many devices have been proposed for aiding a male in maintaining or producing an erection. Representative of such devices are those disclosed in the patents to Henderson (U.S. Pat. No. 1,133,958), Clark (U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,301) and Miller (U.S. Pat. No. 2,818,855). These and other patents mentioned below clearly show that medical science has been attempting since at least the latter part of the 19th century to solve this perplexing problem and provide a solution to the longfelt need.

But the solutions proposed by the above patentees and others have fallen far short of providing a solution to the problem which still persists. The solutions proposed have been encumbered with such great disadvantages or discomforts that for all practical purposes they have been of no effect in solving the problems of satisfying the longfelt want. To applicant's knowledge, none of these prior art solutions has achieved any commercial success at all and that is understandable when the devices are examined. The Henderson device is quite unlike anything applicant has proposed, and it is questionable whether the Henderson device is operable to achieve the intended results. Clark discloses a sleeve-type device which is not adjustable and has no provision for selectively restricting flow of blood from the organ. The Miller device is ineffective to depress the important deep dorsal vein through which blood may rapidly leave the organ, and is therefore not believed to be satisfactorily operable to achieve the intended results. Each of the above-mentioned devices suffers from numerous other disadvantages, and it is believed that each of them is sufficiently uncomfortable to the wearer and to the female during intercourse that they would not achieve usefulness in the great majority of instances in which a device of this type is needed. At any rate, the present invention is a distinct and greatly superior advance in the art in comparison with these other efforts to solve the age-old problem.

Other devices worthy of passing interest known to applicant are those shown in the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 594,815, 938,808, 1,073,524, 1,073,525, 1,095,899, 1,221,518, 1,298,434, 2,264,934, 2,333,237, 3,155,096, and 3,461,863.

None of the above patents is, in applicant's opinion, operable to solve the above-mentioned problem, and each of them suffers from distinct disadvantages which prevent their use in the same context as the device provided by this invention.

The present invention provides a simple and efficient device which is operable to solve the longstanding problem in an efficient and convenient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a male genital device which comprises a thin band or strip of resilient material adapted to be wrapped around the penis near the pubic bone. Means are desirably included for permitting the ends of the strip to be adjustably joined together to tightly fit around the shaft of the penis and in this manner a device fitting penises of varying diameters may be provided. The strip has a first radially inwardly directed projection formed on the inner surface thereof which is adapted to be positioned on the top of the penis to restrict the flow of blood in both the subcutaneous dorsal vein and the deep dorsal vein. Also formed on the inner surface of the strip and arcuately disposed on either side of the first projection when the device is in position on the penis, are second and third projections, each of which is desirably smaller than the first projection. These second and third projections are formed to apply pressure to the subcutaneous lateral veins of the penis.

Means are desirably included to provide a succession of pressure points on the above-mentioned veins to enchance the restricting effect of the first, second and third projections.

If desired yet a fourth projection may be included on the inner surface of the strip at a position approximately 180.degree. disposed from the first projection, said fourth projection serving to depress the urethra, to produce in the wearer a sensation of his having a full bladder. The full bladder sensation is believed helpful in producing or aiding in the producing of an erection, as is evidenced by the common early morning full bladder erection experienced by men of all ages, and particularly older ones. The fourth projection may also conveniently serve to anchor the device in place during intercourse, since it is locked into the urethra canal (which is nearer the lower surface of the penis at the base thereof, than is indicated in FIG. 4) thereby retaining the first, second and third projections in place. In this connection, the fourth projection might, if desired, be constructed so that it is somewhat wider than shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, it will be explained with particular reference to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a device constructed in accordance with one embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device shown with the ends connected as it is to be worn;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a penis taken at a position near the base thereof; and,

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device in proper position on the penis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring in more detail to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a thin flat strip 10 which is desirably constructed of a suitable resilient material such as rubber. The strip 10 may be described with reference to the opposite sides 19 and 20, the side 19 being designated as the inner surface of the strip since it is worn next to the penis, and the side 20 being designated as the outer surface, and the oppositely disposed ends 11 and 12 thereof. The strip 10 is of sufficient length to fit around the entire circumference of the penis near the base thereof, and the length is desirably slightly greater than said circumference so that a certain amount of overlap of the ends 11 and 12 is provided. In this manner, suitable adhesive material may be applied to the ends 11 and 12, on opposite sides of the strip such as shown at 13 and 14 in FIG. 1, to releasably join the ends 11 and 12 after the strip has been wrapped around the penis. Application of adhesive material over a relatively large distance at each end of the strip 10 allows for adjustment of the circumference of the strip when it is placed around the penis so that it may tightly fit organs of various diameters.

Although the adhesive coatings 13 and 14 are particularly desirable for ease and simplicity of operation, size flexibility, and adjustment, it will be understood that other suitable fastening means may be employed to join the ends 11 and 12 of the strip in place. Alternatively, even though it does not provide for the size adjustment flexibility of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the strip 10 may if desired be constructed as an endless band.

Projecting inwardly from the inner surface 19 of the strip 10 are a number of protrusions which, when the device is in use, restrict the flow of blood from the penis. These include a first major protrusion or enlarged portion 16. Also along the inner surface 19, and located on either side of the major protrusion 16, are minor protrusions 17 and 18. The protrusions 17 and 18 are spaced on the strip 10 so that they are arcuately disposed approximately 45.degree. on either side of the protrusion 16 when the ends of the strip have been joined to form the device in its position of use illustrated in FIG. 3. With the device in this use position, the protrusions 16, 17 and 18 are radially inwardly projecting, the major protrusion 16 projecting a greater distance inwardly than the minor protrusions 17 and 18. Desirably, each protrusion is smoothly rounded so that rough edges will not be painful to the wearer, and desirably each protrusion occupies from one end (e.g., 16x) to the other (e.g., 16y) thereof, an arcuate distance of at least about 35.degree.. By use of this smoothly rounded curvature for the protrusions 16, 17, and 18, a single device may be effective for organs of somewhat varying diameter.

Conveniently, the projections 16, 17, and 18 may actually be formed as a series of projections, thereby to more effectively restrict the flow of blood from the organ when in use. For example, the first projection 16 may actually be formed as projections 16a, 16b, 16c. This may be achieved by providing longitudinally or circumferentially extending serrations such as slots or apertures 21, 22 which desirably but do not necessarily extend completely through the thickness of the strip 10. Any suitable number of such serrations, and such protrusions, may be provided.

Means are desirably included in the device for depressing the urethra when the device is in use. Such means desirably comprises a fourth protrusion 16. Here again, the exact orientation will depend on the diameter of the organ, but the smoothly rounded protrusion 27 arcuately extends throughout an angular distance sufficient to enable effective operation for organs of various sizes.

The protrusions 16, 17, 18 and 27 may be integrally formed with the strip 10 or may be separately formed and securely bonded to the strip. They may be of relatively soft rubber or other suitable material but should be sufficiently firm to effectively press into the organ to restrict blood passage through the subject veins.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a penis 30 about which the device is adapted to be positioned. Blood from the body enters the penis 30 through the profunda arteries 31 and 32 and the dorsal arteries 37 and 38. Blood is circulated through the penis and leaves the organ through the subcutaneous dorsal vein 33, the deep dorsal vein 34, and the subcutaneous lateral veins 35 and 36. Surrounding the profunda arteries 31 and 32 is the tissue material of the corpus cavernosa 41 and 42.

Urine passes through the penis 30 by means of the urethra 43. Surrounding the urethra 43 is the tissue material of the corpus spongiosum 44.

The tissue material of each the corpora cavernosa 41 and 42, and the corpus spongiosum 44, is composed of large venous sinuses, which contain only little blood when the penis is flaccid. These sinuses, however, become widely dilated when blood is trapped therein. Thus, the engorgement and dilation of this tissue material with blood causes the desired erection of the organ. The corpus cavernosa 41 and 42 receive blood through the profunda arteries 31 and 32. The corpus spongiosum 44 is separated vascularly from the corpora cavernosa 41 and 42, and is supplied with blood by the dorsal arteries 37 and 38.

The device is shown in its proper use position on the organ in FIG. 5. Here it will be seen that the strip 10 is wrapped circumferentially around the penis 30 as tightly as is comfortable to the wearer. Desirably, the device is placed at the base of the penis as close to the pubic bone as possible.

The device is oriented on the penis such that the major protrusion 16 is radially inwardly directed at the top (12 o'clock position) of the penis. The minor protrusions 17 and 18 are then arcuately disposed approximately 45.degree. from the protrusion 16, and are radially inwardly directed on either side of the protrusion 16. In this manner, the major protrusion 16 is effective for restricting the flow of blood through each the subcutaneous dorsal vein 33 and the deep dorsal vein 34. And the minor protrusions 17 and 18 restrict the flow of blood through the subcutaneous lateral veins 35 and 36. Flow of blood into the organ through the profunda arteries 31 and 32 is not affected, and flow through the dorsal arteries 37 and 38 is not significantly affected. Thus, blood is free to flow into the penis in the normal circulatory process, but is restricted in leaving the organ, thereby artificially trapping blood in the organ engorging the tissue material of the corpus cavernosum 41 and 42, and the corpus spongiosum 44, resulting in erection of the organ.

When the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-3 is employed, blood flow through the veins is further restricted by the series of protrusions such as 16a, 16b, and 16c. The series of protrusions 16a, 16b, 16c, for example, acts as to the veins 33 and 34 as a series of weirs or dams, sequentially impeding the flow of blood therethrough. Thus it is believed that this embodiment is particularly effective in achieving the desired results from the device.

The fourth protrusion 27, if employed, will assume a position in use 180.degree. disposed from the major protrusion 16. This protrusion acts to depress the urethra 43, thereby serving multiple purposes. First of all, it causes a sensation in the wearer that he has a full bladder, which is believed to be of significant benefit in many instances, in aiding an erection. Further, the protrusion 27 prevents enuresis through the urethra 43. Although the protrusion 27 is not believed necessary to the proper functioning of this invention, it is distinctly desirable in most contexts for the reasons explained above, and for the additional reason that it allows the protrusions 16, 17 and 18 on the upper side of the device to function more efficiently since it puts tension on the upper side of the device thereby pulling it downwardly more tightly onto the upper surface of the penis 30, and consequently forcing the protrusions 16, 17 and 18 more firmly into the penis to more effectively restrict the passage of blood through the veins 33, 34, 35 and 36. Finally, it serves to anchor the device in place.

Following use, the device may be removed and reworn a number of times.

The device provided by the invention is thus seen to be simple and convenient to manufacture, and is readily operable to produce or promote a complete erection of the penis. The device provided is very simple to properly apply. Since it may be made of a soft rubber material or the like, the device is relatively comfortable to the wearer. Additionally, since the device is positioned near the base of the penis, it does not interfere with normal intercourse and should not be felt by the female during intercourse.

Another advantage of the device is that it is believed to cause a slight anesthetization of the glans-penis, not shown, thus increasing the ability of the wearer to have prolonged intercourse before ejaculation.

Further, the present device is adjustable, may be reworn, and is operable to fit varying size range of organs.

It is believed that the device of this invention is effective to reduce the flow of blood from the penis to the body through the veins 33, 34, 35, 36 by at least approximately 75 percent when compared with the normal blood flow.

While the device has been described herein as a strip having ends which can be fastened together, it is also possible to make the device in the form of an elastic ring which can be stretched to fit over the penis.

It is to be further understood that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are merely illustrative of an application of the principles of this invention and that numerous other arrangements and modifications may be made in the structure illustrated without departing from the scope of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A male genital device comprising

a resilient strip adapted to fit around the penis near the base thereof, said strip defining an outer surface and an inner surface adjacent the penis in its position of use wherein said strip assumes a circular shape, said device including in said position of use:

a major protrusion on said inner surface at the top thereof, said protrusion being radially inwardly directed to depress the subcutaneous dorsal vein and the deep dorsal vein of the penis;

minor protrusions disposed arcuately less than 90.degree. on each side of said major protrusion, said minor protrusions being radially inwardly directed to depress the subcutaneous lateral veins of the penis;

said major and minor protrusions thus effecting a restriction in the flow of blood from the penis to thereby produce an erection of the organ.

2. A male genital device according to claim 1, wherein said device further includes along the inner surface thereof another protrusion disposed approximately 180.degree. from said major protrusion, said other protrusion being effective to depress the urethra.

3. A male genital device according to claim 1, wherein said minor protrusions are substantially equal in size and are smaller than said major protrusion.

4. A male genital device according to claim 1, wherein said strip has therein in the area of said protrusions, a plurality of circumferentially extending serrations or slots to create a series of major and minor protrusions transversely across said strip, thereby to act a weir effect on the blood flowing through the depressed veins.

5. A male genital device according to claim 1, wherein said strip has at each end thereof fastening means which permit adjustable fastening of the strip around the base of the penis in a manner such that said protrusions are effective to depress the respective veins, and provide for an article capable for fitting penises for varying diameters.

6. A male genital device comprising

a resilient strip to fit around the penis near the base thereof, said strip defining an outer surface and an inner surface adjacent the penis in its position of use wherein said strip assumes a circular shape, said device including in said position of use:

a major protrusion on said inner surface at the top thereof, said protrusion being radially inwardly directed to depress the subcutaneous dorsal vein and the deep dorsal vein of the penis;

a plurality of circumferentially extending serrations or slots in said strip in the area of said protrusion, thus forming a series of major protrusions transversely across said strip, thereby to act with a weir effect on the blood flowing through the depressed veins;

the flow of blood through said veins being thus restricted by said protrusions to thereby produce an erection of the penis.

7. A male genital device according to claim 6, wherein said device additionally includes on the inner surface thereof, a couple of minor protrusions disposed arcuately less than 90.degree. on each side of said major protrusion, said minor protrusions being radially inwardly directed to depress the subcutaneous lateral veins of the penis thereby to further enhance the erection.

8. A male genital device according to claim 6, wherein said device additionally includes along the inner surface thereof another protrusion disposed approximately 180.degree. from said series of major protrusions, said other protrusions being effective to depress the urethra.

9. A male genital device comprising

a resilient strip adapted to fit around the penis near the base thereof, said strip defining an outer surface and an inner surface adjacent the penis in its position of use wherein said strip assumes a circular shape, said device including in said position of use:

a major protrusion on said inner surface at the top thereof, said protrusion being radially inwardly directed to depress the subcutaneous dorsal vein and the deep dorsal vein of the penis; and,

another protrusion on said inner surface at the bottom thereof, said protrusion being approximately 180.degree. disposed from said major protrusion and being effective to depress the urethra.

10. A male genital device comprising

a resilient strip adapted to fit around the penis, near the base thereof, said strip defining an outer surface and an inner surface adjacent the penis in its position of use wherein said strip assumes a circular shape, said device including in said position of use: a series of major protrusions on said inner surface at the top thereof, said protrusions being aligned with each other transversely across said strip, and radially inwardly directed to sequentially depress the subcutaneous dorsal vein and the deep dorsal vein of the penis;

a series of minor protrusions disposed arcuately less than 90.degree. on each side of said major protrusions, said minor protrusions on each side being aligned transversely across said strip, and being radially inwardly directed to sequentially depress the subcutaneous lateral veins of the penis;

said major and minor protrusions thus effecting a restriction in the flow of blood from the penis to thereby produce an erection of the organ.

11. A male genital device according to claim 10, wherein said device further includes along the inner surface thereof another protrusion disposed approximately 180.degree. from said major protrusions, said other protrusion being effective to depress the urethra.

12. A male genital device according to claim 10, wherein said strip has at each end thereof fastening means which permit adjustable fastening of the strip around the base of the penis in a manner such that said protrusions are effective to depress the respective veins, and provide for an article capable for fitting penises of varying diameters.