Abstract:
A pump ( 102 ) comprising a chamber ( 108 ) adapted to receive a penis, a non-return valve ( 152 ), and pumping means ( 110 ) operable to pump fluid from the chamber.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a 371 National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/GB2011/050848 filed Apr. 28, 2011, and which claims priority to United Kingdom Application No. 1007292.4 filed on Apr. 30, 2010 and United Kingdom Application No. 1101481.8 filed on Jan. 28, 2011. The contents of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to improvements relating to pumps. In particular, the present invention relates to improvements relating to pumps for causing or enhancing an erection of a penis, particularly a human penis. 
         [0003]    Erection pumps have been known in the art for some years. The manner in which such pumps work is by placing a chamber over a flaccid penis and evacuating the chamber. The evacuation causes a pressure differential between the inside and outside of the chamber. The lower pressure within the chamber causes blood to flow into the penis and thus make the penis erect. 
         [0004]    Many pumps known in the art comprise a chamber having a diaphragm at a lower end thereof and a tube attached at an upper end thereof. The tube is connected to a hand held pump device which is usually in the form of an inflatable bulb having a non-return valve therein. In use, a user places the penis through the diaphragm into the chamber and removes air from the chamber by use of the pump. 
         [0005]    WO 2006/024874 discloses a pump that addresses many of the problems of the prior art and provides a device that induces a strong and enduring erection. However, since the evacuated medium envisaged in this prior art document is liquid, not gas, the pressures within the chamber are required to be controllable to a very fine degree to avoid possible health risks. 
         [0006]    There still exists, therefore, a desire to improve the functionality and usability of hitherto known pumps. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    It is one aim of embodiments of the present invention to address the above mentioned problems and provide a solution that is easy to use and easy to control, yet which still induces a strong erection which is long lived. 
         [0008]    According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pump comprising a chamber adapted to receive a penis, a non-return valve, and pumping means operable to pump fluid from the chamber. 
         [0009]    Preferably, the pump comprises a lower portion operable to be arranged proximal to the body of a user, in use, and an upper portion connected to the lower portion, the lower and upper portion being arranged and operable to allow relative rotation there between. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the lower portion comprises the pumping means. Preferably, the upper portion comprises the chamber adapted to receive a penis. Preferably, the lower portion comprises a gaiter. Preferably, the upper portion comprises a generally transparent chamber. Preferably, the lower and upper portion are connected to each other at a position toward a lower end of the pump. 
         [0011]    Preferably, the pump further comprises rotatable volume adjusting means operable to adjust the volume within the device by rotation. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the rotatable volume adjusting means is operable to adjust the volume within the device by rotation thereof relative to the chamber. 
         [0013]    Preferably, the rotatable volume adjusting means is situated at or toward an end of the device, preferably an end of the pump arranged to be distal to the body of a user, in use. Preferably, the rotatable volume adjusting device is situated at or toward a head section of the pump. Preferably, the rotatable volume adjusting device is operable to be adjustable between a plurality of discrete positions. 
         [0014]    The rotatable volume adjusting means may comprise a rotatable section and a stationary section, preferably being arranged and operable for relative rotation, in use. Preferably, a face of the rotatable section is arranged to oppose a face of the stationary section. Either of the rotatable section or the body section may comprise a plurality of discrete members arranged and operable to engage with a portion of the other of the rotatable member and the stationary member, in use. The plurality of discrete members may be of differing heights. One of the rotatable section or the stationary section may comprise a wave spring. The rotatable portion and the stationary portion may be urged together by a resilient bias. Preferably, one of the rotatable member and the stationary member comprises an undulating face. Preferably, relative rotation of the rotatable member and the stationary member causes the two members to move relative to each other in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotatable section. In one embodiment, the rotatable volume adjusting means may be adjustable to a maximum point, to achieve a full lock position. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the pump further comprises secondary pumping means at or toward an end of the pump operable to be arranged distal to a user, in use. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the secondary pumping means comprises a body and a resilient bias. The secondary pumping means may be housed with the non-return valve. Preferably, the secondary pumping means may be operable, in use, to eject very small amounts of fluid from the chamber. The secondary pumping means may be operable to eject less that 1 cm 3  of fluid in a single operation thereof. 
         [0017]    The pump may comprise override means to allow a user to prevent fluid escaping form the chamber, preferably by depressing an override button. This is particularly advantageous where the device is sued with liquid. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the chamber is adapted to receive a human penis. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the chamber is substantially circular in section. Preferably, the chamber is transparent. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the chamber comprises a neck section toward a second end thereof, which preferably comprises an outlet. 
         [0021]    Preferably, the pump comprises a cap section within which is preferably accommodated the non-return valve. Preferably, the cap section is adapted to fit over the neck section and form a fluid tight seal therewith. Preferably, the secondary pumping means is housed in the cap section. 
         [0022]    Preferably, the pump is a penis pump. By penis pump it is meant a pump adapted to cause or enhance an erection to a human penis. 
         [0023]    By non-return valve it is meant a valve which allows fluid to travel through the valve in one direction, but not in the other. Preferably, the non return valve is adapted to allow the expulsion of fluid from the chamber, but not the ingress of fluid into the chamber. 
         [0024]    The non-return valve may comprise a pressure release button which, upon depression thereof, allows equalisation of the pressure within the chamber and the pressure outside the chamber. 
         [0025]    An exterior portion of the neck section may be threaded. An interior portion of the cap section may be threaded. Preferably, the threaded portion of the neck section is adapted to threadedly engage with the threaded portion of the cap section. Preferably, sealing means are provided between the cap section and the neck section which sealing means is preferably an O-ring. 
         [0026]    The cap section may be adapted to be screwed onto the neck section. 
         [0027]    Alternatively, the cap section may be integrally formed with the chamber. 
         [0028]    Preferably, the pumping means is situated toward a first end of the chamber. Preferably, the pumping means is manually actuated. Preferably, the pumping means extends from a first end of the chamber. Preferably, the pumping means is coaxial with the chamber. Preferably, the pumping means comprises a compressible gaiter. Preferably, the pumping means comprises a resilient bias operable to return the pumping means to an uncompressed configuration. Preferably, the pumping means comprises alignment means, which serve to allow correct alignment of the pump with respect to the body of a user. 
         [0029]    The pump may comprise means to allow it to attach to a strap. The strap, in use, may extend over a user&#39;s neck to thereby support the device. This is particularly useful if the pump is used in the shower. 
         [0030]    Preferably, the pump comprises sealing means operable to seal the pump onto the body of a user. Preferably, the sealing means is situated at the first end of the pump. Preferably, the sealing means comprises a sealing ring which is preferably made from closed cell rubber sponge or similar. 
         [0031]    Preferably, the sealing means comprises a cutaway section on a face thereof which seals against the body of a user, when in use. Preferably, the sealing means comprises a ring having a cutaway section therefrom. 
         [0032]    Preferably, the sealing means comprises a sealing ring having a chamfer along a section of an underside thereof. 
         [0033]    Preferably, the pumping means further comprises an internal membrane. Preferably, the internal membrane is arranged and operable to provide a substantially smooth surface within the pump. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the pumping means may further comprise a gas filled chamber which is preferably annular in shape. Preferably, the gas filled chamber is attached to an inner face of the sealing ring. Preferably, the gas filled chamber is operable to be compressed by the application of pressure by a user. Preferably, a spring return force of the gas filled chamber is greater than the resilient bias of the gaiter. 
         [0035]    Preferably, between the gaiter and the hollow chamber is a fixing ring. Preferably, the fixing ring is formed of polycarbonate. Preferably, the fixing ring is adapted to provide lateral and reciprocal support. 
         [0036]    Preferably, the chamber comprises indicia to allow a label to be correctly aligned thereon. The indicia may be in the form of one or more rib upstanding from the body of the chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the indicia may serve to indicate correct alignment of the pump with respect to the body of a user. 
         [0037]    The pump may comprise pressure measuring means, which may be a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge is preferably operable to measure the pressure within the chamber and preferably display it to a user, in use. The pump may comprise a socket into which the gauge may be housed, preferably in the chamber of the pump. 
         [0038]    According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of causing or enhancing an erection of a human penis comprising inserting a generally flaccid penis into a chamber of the pump and using pumping means to pump water from the chamber through a non-return valve. 
         [0039]    According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a pump comprising a chamber adapted to receive a penis, a non-return valve, and pumping means operable to pump fluid from the chamber, characterised in that the pump comprises a lower portion operable to be arranged proximal to the body of a user, in use, and an upper portion connected to the lower portion, the lower and upper portion being arranged and operable to allow relative rotation there between. 
         [0040]    According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pump comprising a chamber adapted to receive a penis, a non-return valve, and pumping means operable to pump fluid from the chamber, characterised in that the pump further comprises rotatable volume adjusting means operable to adjust the volume within the device by rotation. 
         [0041]    According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pump comprising a chamber adapted to receive a penis, a non-return valve, and pumping means operable to pump fluid from the chamber, characterised in that the pump further comprises secondary pumping means at or toward an end of the pump distal to a user, in use. 
         [0042]    According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a pump comprising a first chamber adapted to receive a penis, a secondary chamber being operable to receive and retain a fluid and being connected to the first chamber via a non-return valve; and pumping means operable to pump fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber. 
         [0043]    Advantageously, the provision of a secondary chamber allows a user to expel fluid (such as water) from the first chamber there into, without the need for a user to be in the bath or shower, because the fluid is received and retained in the second chamber. The second chamber may comprise a further non return valve. 
         [0044]    The pump described in relation to the above aspects may also comprise secondary pumping means, preferably in the form of a manually actuated pump. The secondary pumping means may be arranged to pull fluid through the non return valve out of the chamber. 
         [0045]    The secondary chamber may be part of the secondary pumping means. The secondary pumping means may comprise a ball pump, which ball pump may comprise a non-return valve. 
         [0046]    According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a pump comprising a first chamber adapted to receive a penis, a non-return valve, and pumping means operable to pump fluid from the chamber, wherein the pump further comprises a secondary pump operable to pull fluid through the non-return valve. 
         [0047]    The secondary pumping means may be situated at or toward an end of the pump, preferably at or toward an end of the pump distal to the pumping means (being primary pumping means). 
         [0048]    The present inventors have also invented an insert for use in a pump according to the present invention or for use in prior art pumps. The insert provides the means to adjust enhanced stimulation for a user by means of negative pressure allowing him to achieve an erection more quickly or to use the device as a hydro/air stimulation device. 
         [0049]    Therefore, according to an alternative aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insert for a pump, the insert comprising an internal cavity, an aperture opening into the internal cavity and locating means operable to locate the insert in the pump. 
         [0050]    The insert preferably comprises a fluid impermeable membrane. 
         [0051]    Preferably, the locating means comprises a circumferential rib. 
         [0052]    Preferably, the locating means are operable to locate and retain the insert in the pump. 
         [0053]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a pump and insert assembly; the pump comprising a chamber adapted to receive a penis, a non-return valve, and pumping means operable to pump fluid from the chamber; the assembly further comprising an insert arranged substantially inside the chamber and being located in the pump by locating means, the insert comprising an internal cavity and an aperture opening into the internal cavity. 
         [0054]    The invention also extends to a kit comprising a pump as described above and an insert. 
         [0055]    All of the above aspects may be combined with any feature described herein and in any combination. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0056]    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: 
           [0057]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic view of a pump according to the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic exploded view of a portion of the head section of a pump; 
           [0059]      FIG. 3  shows a sectional view of an upper section of the pump; 
           [0060]      FIG. 4  shows a sectional view of a cap section of the pump; 
           [0061]      FIG. 5  shows a sectional view of a compression gator of the pump; and 
           [0062]      FIG. 6  shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of a cap section of the pump; and 
           [0063]      FIG. 7  shows an exploded sectional view of a pump according to the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 8  shows a sectional view of an insert for a pump; 
           [0065]      FIG. 9  shows a sectional view of the insert arranged within a pump; 
           [0066]      FIG. 10  shows an end view of the insert; 
           [0067]      FIG. 11  shows a sectional view of second embodiment of an insert in a first configuration; 
           [0068]      FIG. 12  shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the insert in a first configuration arranged in a pump; 
           [0069]      FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the insert in a first configuration; 
           [0070]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the insert in a first configuration arranged in a pump; 
           [0071]      FIG. 15  shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of an insert in a second, expanded, configuration; 
           [0072]      FIG. 16  shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the insert in a second, expanded, configuration arranged in a pump; 
           [0073]      FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the insert in a second, expanded, configuration; 
           [0074]      FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the insert in a second, expanded, configuration arranged in a pump; 
           [0075]      FIG. 19  shows a third embodiment of an insert; 
           [0076]      FIG. 20  shows a cross sectional view of a pump; 
           [0077]      FIG. 21  shows an exploded view of a pump according to the invention; 
           [0078]      FIG. 22   a  shows an exploded view of a valve assembly; and 
           [0079]      FIG. 22   b  shows a cross sectional view of the valve of  FIG. 22 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0080]    Referring firstly to  FIG. 1  there is shown a pump  102  having a cylindrical chamber  108  which is generally hollow, a base section  104  at a first end thereof and a head section  106  at a second end thereof. 
         [0081]    The base section  104  is shown enlarged in  FIG. 5  and comprises a rubber gaiter  110  which connects at an upper end thereof to the cylindrical chamber  108 . The connection between the gaiter  110  and the chamber  108  allows relative rotation there between, thus enabling the lower portion of the pump to be rotated while the chamber is static. This allows a user to rotate the gaiter  110  in use, thus allowing easy movement between different pump orientations. This is particularly advantageous when the pump is being used as an aid to erectile dysfunction, especially in conjunction with a constriction ring (not shown). 
         [0082]    At a lower end of the rubber gaiter  110  there is attached a sealing ring  112  which is formed from closed cell rubber sponge. The sealing ring  112  has a chamfer  114  at one side thereof thus allowing the sealing ring to accommodate the testicles of a user in one arrangement, or to be arranged in an acute angle to the body of a user in an alternative arrangement that will be discussed in further detail hereunder. 
         [0083]    The gaiter  110  comprises two major compression rings  116  toward a lower end thereof and a single minor compression ring  118  toward an upper end thereof. The major and minor compression rings  116 ,  118  are separated by a spacer  120 . The compression rings have acute angles of about 80°, thus better resistive forces are achieved. Furthermore, on an inner side of the gaiter  110  is an elastically deformable liner  122 . The liner  122  serves to provide a smooth inner surface inside the gaiter  110  thus reducing the likelihood of the gaiter  110  chafing a user, in use and also offering hygienic benefits to the pump  102 . As will be appreciated with reference to the accompanying drawings, the further embodiment of the pump shown in  FIG. 7  does not comprise a spacer  120 . 
         [0084]    In use, the gaiter  110  may be compressed in a concertina type action, thus decreasing the volume inside the pump. The gaiter  110  has spring properties which restore its compressed state back to its uncompressed state. Accordingly, compression of the gaiter  110  causes fluid to be expelled from the chamber (vie the non return valve assemblies, as discussed hereunder). 
         [0085]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  there is shown an exploded view of an exploded view of a part of the head section  106  of the pump  102 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , this part of the head section  106  has three components being an upper part  124  of the chamber  108 , a wave spring  126  and a rotatable member  128 . The upper part  124  of the chamber  108  comprises a circular aperture  130  opening into the body of the chamber  108 . Through the aperture  130  toward the top of the chamber is situated a pair of shoulders  132  diametrically opposed to each other. The shoulders  132  serve to locate and retain the wave spring  126  as will be described hereunder. 
         [0086]    The wave spring  126  is generally circular in plan, but has an undulating profile as is shown in  FIG. 2  such that it has two diametrically opposed high points  134 , and two diametrically opposed low points  136 . The low points  136  serve to locate on the shoulders  132  of the chamber  108  as described above. At each of the two high points  134  there is a detent  138  that extends the width of the spring  126 . The detents  138  are operable in use to accommodate spikes of the rotatable member  128  as will be described hereunder. 
         [0087]    The rotatable member  128  as shown in  FIG. 2  comprises a generally cylindrical body  140  having a circumferential platform  142  extending radially outward therefrom and generally encircling the body  140 . Extending downward from the platform  142  at discrete positions there around are a number of spikes  144  having differing heights. 
         [0088]    When the rotatable member  128  is assembled along with the wave spring  126  inside the upper part  124  of the chamber  108 , rotation of the rotatable member  128  causes the spikes of differing height to travel around the wave spring  126 , thus adjusting the height of the rotatable member  128  above shoulders  132  of the chamber  108 . Furthermore, the detents  138  allow different spikes locate therein thereby allowing different discrete positions of rotation of the rotatable member to be achieved. In use, therefore, when the chamber is under low pressure (partial vacuum, for example), the extent of the low pressure can be minutely and discretely varied by rotation of the rotatable member  128 . 
         [0089]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4  there is shown a sectional view of the head section of the pump  106 . It should be noted that the head section shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  shows the assembled wave spring  126  and rotatable member  128  discussed above. Also shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is a further way of altering the pressure within the chamber  108  in the form of a further pump  146  arranged centrally in the housing of the rotatable member  128 . 
         [0090]    The further pump  146  comprises a spring  148  and a body  150 . Centrally arranged within the body  150  is a non-return valve  152 . The spring  148  is arranged to bias the body  150  away from the chamber  108 , thus depressing the body  150  against the spring  148  causes fluid to be expelled from the chamber  108  out of the non-return valve and the body  150  to be pushed back away from the chamber  108  by the spring  148 , thereby reducing the pressure in the chamber in a very small incremental manner. 
         [0091]    The non return valve  152  also comprises a safety button  128  which, by depressing, when not in a locked position allows fluid outside the chamber to re-enter the chamber, thereby equalising the pressure and reducing the partial vacuum. At the top of the valve assembly is a valve manual close button  154  for use when the device is inverted, for example when being filled in the shower. 
         [0092]    Referring now to  FIG. 6  there is shown a second embodiment of a cap section  202  of the pump. The cap section  202  is largely similar to that discussed above in relation to  FIG. 4 . However, the pressure release at the head works in a slightly different way. An insert  204  is depressed down into the body  206  to equalize pressure, in use. 
         [0093]    Further differences in this embodiment exist in the way the volume adjustment means operates. Instead of having a wave spring to cause the volume to adjust, this embodiment provides a collar  208  having a downwardly extending projection  209 . Beneath the collar  208  may be situated either of the annular stationary members  210  and  212  shown in  FIG. 6 . The first annular member  210  has a number of discrete steps. Accordingly, rotating the cap section (thus also the collar), causes the cap section  202  to rise and fall with respect to the annular member (and therefore the chamber). The second annular member  212  is similar but has an undulating upper face with a number of small detents therein. Accordingly, in a similar manner to that described above, rotation of the cap causes the cap to rise and fall with respect to the chamber. In this manner, the pressure within the chamber can be minutely controlled by a user. Less resistance on the spring the more it will open under increased negative pressure. 
         [0094]    In order to use the pump to produce an erection to a human penis, the pump  102  and a user may be immersed in liquid, such as in a bath, hot tub or jacuzzi. Alternatively, the device may be used in air. In one arrangement, the device may be filled with liquid, such as in a shower scenario, but the user not necessarily immersed in liquid The flaccid or semi erect penis is then placed into the chamber  108  via the base section  104 . The sealing ring  112  is pulled down so that it abuts the user&#39;s pubic area and forms a seal. The chamfer  114  is arranged either against the testicular region to provide safety and comfort, or the chamfer  114  may be arranged at the pubic region of the user and the device arranged at an acute angle to the body of the user. The user then pulls the pump toward the body thus causing the gaiter  110  to compress. Fluid within the chamber is thereby expelled through the non-return valve  152  of the head section  106 , because the volume of the chamber  108  is decreased. The spring return force of the gaiter  110  attempts to restore the pump to its original internal volume and thereby reduces the pressure inside the chamber  108 . Continuing the use, the gaiter  110  may be compressed again to expel more fluid through the non-return valve  152  of the head section  106 . The penis is thereby encouraged to expand (by the ingress of blood) in order to return the gaiter  110  to its uncompressed state. 
         [0095]    Once a reasonable vacuum has been achieved, the user can perform small incremental adjustments of the pressure within the device as follows. 
         [0096]    Firstly, by rotating the rotatable member  128 , the head section  106  is pulled away from the chamber  108 , thereby decreasing the pressure within the chamber. Furthermore, the detents  138  allow a user to alter the pressure incrementally to different discrete levels by the spikes  144  of differing heights locating in the detents  138 . Less tension on the spring the less negative pressure it will hold. This also operates as a safety feature to prevent excessive negative pressure generated by a user because if a user induces a lower tension than that of the spring, the spring deflects to allow pressure to leak out. 
         [0097]    Alternatively or additionally, a user may perform small adjustments to the vacuum within the chamber by using the pump  146  to expel further tiny amounts of fluid. 
         [0098]    When the penis is fully erect (after perhaps  20  minutes) the pressure on the penis may be released by twisting the cap section  146  from the neck section  134  thereby breaking the seal of the O-ring. 
         [0099]    A user may release the pressure within the chamber by manually operating the pressure release button  128  thus allowing the ingress of fluid into the chamber  108 . This serves as an added safety feature of the pump  102 . 
         [0100]    A pump made in accordance with the present invention has many advantages over prior art pumps. For example, the chamber  108  is rotatable with regard to the gaiter  104 , thereby allowing easier manipulation of the device in use. Furthermore, the device  102  comprises two different ways of providing small incremental pressure changes within the chamber  108 , thus providing a device that is much more sensitively adjusted, thus proving a safer device that is easier to use. 
         [0101]    Referring now to  FIG. 7  there is shown a pump  702  having a cylindrical chamber  708  which is generally hollow, a base section  704  at a first end thereof and a head section  706  at a second end thereof. 
         [0102]    The base section comprises a compressible rubber gaiter  710  which connects at an upper end thereof to an exterior face  716  of a fixing ring  714  which is formed of polycarbonate. The fixing ring  714  is located in a circumferential recess  715  on the outer walls of the chamber  708  to allows easy manufacture. 
         [0103]    At a lower end of the rubber gaiter  710  there is attached a sealing ring  112  which is formed from closed cell rubber sponge. 
         [0104]    In use, the gaiter may be compressed in a concertina type action, thus decreasing the volume inside the pump. The gaiter  710  has spring properties which restore its compressed state back to it uncompressed state. 
         [0105]    The hollow chamber  708  narrows toward a second end thereof to a neck section  734 . The neck section  734  is circular in cross section and has moulded therein a housing  735  for a valve. The neck section  734  is substantially concentric with the hollow chamber  708 . 
         [0106]    Constituent parts of the valve mechanism are also shown exploded in  FIG. 7 . Working from the base of the valve up (or from left to right in  FIG. 7 ), the valve mechanism comprises an O ring  736  which locates at a base of the housing  735 , in use. Above the O ring  736  is a spring  738 , which sites beneath the valve assembly, thereby biasing the assembly outward (ie. away from the chamber  708 ). The valve assembly comprises a valve body  740 , which houses a valve  742 , having a valve top  744  situated thereabove. 
         [0107]    In use, the valve assembly works as a non-return valve, allowing fluid to be expelled form the chamber  708 , but not back into the chamber  708 . 
         [0108]    Furthermore, the underside of the valve body  740  and an upper side of the housing  735  comprise circumferential ramped protrusions, which coincide with each other and allow a user to twist the valve body to thereby allow the non-return valve body  740  to be locked such that application of pressure to the valve mechanism does not release pressure in the chamber. 
         [0109]    Above the valve top  744  is an o-ring seal  746 , above which is a sealing washer  748  and a membrane sealing washer  750 . 
         [0110]    Situated on top of the valve assembly described above is a pump connector  752  and a manual ball pump  754 . The manual ball pump  754  comprises a compressible chamber and a non-return valve  756  situated at an end distal to the chamber  708 . 
         [0111]    In order to use the pump to produce an erection to a human penis, a flaccid or semi erect penis is placed into the hollow chamber  708  via the base section  704 . The sealing ring  712  is pulled down so that it abuts the user&#39;s pubic area and forms a seal. The user then pulls the pump toward the body thus causing the gaiter  710  to compress. Fluid within the chamber is thereby expelled through the non-return valve of the head section  706 , because the volume of the chamber  708  is decreased. The spring return force of the gaiter  710  attempts to restore the pump to its original internal volume and thereby reduces the pressure inside the chamber  708 . The gaiter  710  is once more compressed to expel more liquid through the non-return valve of the head section  706 . The penis is thereby forced to expand (by the ingress of blood) under vacuum. 
         [0112]    The pump may be arranged so that the chamfer allows an area for the testicles, thereby reducing pressure on this area. In an alternative arrangement, the pump may be rotated through 180°, an the chamfered area pulled to the body of a user above the penis and the pump being angled upwards. In this arrangement the device may be used in the shower, for example. 
         [0113]    Once a suitable pressure is achieved, the pressure in the device may be locked off by twisting the valve body  740 , then adding the ball pump  754  to the end of the device. This device allows a user to make fine adjustments to the pressure of the device and also to retain any fluids therein that are expelled from the device (since the device may be filled with water). This works by squeezing the ball pump, thereby expelling fluid therefrom (which may be air) via the non return valve  756 . In turn, the now low pressure in the ball pump  754  pulls fluid through the non-return valve  742  to further reduce the pressure in the chamber  708 . Also, because the system now comprises two chambers having equilibrating pressures, any increase of pressure from the first chamber is restored by the low pressure in the secondary chamber. 
         [0114]    This arrangement also allows a user to simply fill the device with fluid (such as water, for example), arrange over the penis and use the device while not generally immersed in water. This is of particular use to people in wheelchairs. 
         [0115]    When the penis is fully erect the pressure on the penis may be released by twisting the valve  740  and depressing the valve assembly, thereby breaking the seal of the O-ring  736   
         [0116]    Referring to  FIG. 8  there is shown an insert  802  for a pump according to the invention or according to prior art pumps. The insert is generally cylindrical and comprises an internal cavity  804  and locating means  806  in the form of a circumferential rib, sized and operable to fit within a circumferential ring of the gaiter of a pump. The insert  802  comprises an aperture  808  at an end thereof to allow access into the internal cavity  804 . The wall of the cavity  809  is made from a fluid impermeable material. 
         [0117]      FIG. 9  shows the insert  802  located in a pump according to the present invention, while  FIG. 10  shows an end view of the insert  802  showing the aperture  808 . 
         [0118]      FIGS. 11 to 14  show a second embodiment of an insert  902  in a first unexpanded configuration, whereas  FIGS. 15 to 18  show the second embodiment of the insert  902  in a second, expanded configuration, as will be explained below. The second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment and like features are numbered similarly, except that they start with a numeral 9 rather than 8. 
         [0119]    In use, the insert  802 ,  902  is inserted into a pump and located via locating means  806 ,  906 . This can give the user  2  options of use, one is a sex simulator/stimulator, the second is as an hydro air combination pump. 
         [0120]    In the first use as a sex simulator/stimulator. warm water may be included to allow the insert to be heated to give true sexual feeling for the user). In this use, the user inverts the pump  702 , depresses the valve  742  and part fills the chamber  708  with warm water. The insert  802 ,  902  is the inserted and located in the pump as shown in  FIG. 12  and negative pressure induced between the outer wall of the chamber  708  and the wall of the cavity  809 / 909  by means of compressing either gaiter  710  or attaching hand ball pump  754 . The valve  742  is then locked off by latching in to place. if the device is then turn up right so the air within can be expelled this will make the water line the full area between the wall of the cavity and the outside of the chamber  708 . This will hold the negative pressure inside the chamber  708  and not allow water out of the chamber. The penis can now be inserted and sexual simulation undertaken, the hot water providing a feeling of realism. Drawing the penis in and out of the insert in slow strokes will give sexual stimulation. If the user wants to change the tension or resistance reduce or increase the negative pressure within the chamber  708  increase vacuum by unlatching  742  and attaching  754  to decrease vacuum twist  740  and depress, this will change the size of  802 . 
         [0121]    As discussed above and as shown in  FIGS. 15 to 18 , the decrease in pressure causes the insert to change shape—stretch and expand under negative pressure. 
         [0122]    In an alternate mode of use, “hydro/air” combination—the insert  802 ,  902  is inserted into chamber  708 . Depending on internal size requirement apply the hand pump  754  may be employed to create partial vacuum or compress  710 . The pump and insert assembly is then inverted and fluid preferably water is inserted (which cushions the penis in water without ever expelling water from the chamber  708 .). Next the penis is inserted and the assembly pulled down and sealed against the user&#39;s pelvis against ring  712 . The water is held inside the sealed insert chamber which can expand but does not release water which provides induced negative pressure. This mode of operation has all of the benefits of using water and can be used out of the water environment. Once the insert has reached it full size no more pressure will be able to be removed from within the chamber  708 . This can have a benefit to first time users and those recovering from medical conditions such as abdominal surgery. Where the device has to be removed and reapplied for the user to re-adjust and gain an increase in negative pressure. This removal also forces the flushing action of blood in and out of the users penis which in turn can remove toxins that are the underlying cause of erection problems in later life. 
         [0123]    Referring now to  FIG. 19  there is shown a further embodiment of an insert  1002 . The insert  1002  has a chamfered base  1004  to match the base of the pump (not shown) and a ribbed interior surface  1006 . 
         [0124]      FIG. 20  shows a further embodiment of a pump  1102  having an internal membrane  1104  to cover the gaiter  1106 , in a similar manner to that shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0125]      FIG. 21  shows an exploded view of a pump  1202  having attachment means  1204  to allow a strap  1206  to be attached to the pump  1202  and having a valve mechanism similar to that described in relation  FIG. 6 . The pump  1202  has a gaiter  1208  having a reduced size of convolutes to provide a more dynamic device. 
         [0126]      FIG. 22   a  and  FIG. 22   b  show a valve mechanism  1302  for use in a pump of the present invention. The valve  1302  comprises a barrel  1304  having a series of ramps  1306  on an underside thereof to thereby allow the valve to alter the volume within the the pump by twisting the valve  1302 , in a similar manner to that described above in relation to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0127]    The reader&#39;s 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. 
         [0128]    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. 
         [0129]    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. 
         [0130]    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.