DEVICE FOR RELIEF OF ANAL PAIN

Abstract: A device for relief of anal pain includes a rod having first and second opposite end segments (11, 12). The first end segment (11) is shaped for grasping in the hand. There is a substantially annular flange structure (13) between the first and second end segments, the flange structure having an external cylindrical surface on a flange (16). A cap (15) has an interior surface which defines a cavity for receiving the second end segment (12) of the rod, the interior surface of the cap being adapted to engage in sealing fashion the external cylindrical surface of the flange structure.

Description: DEVICE FOR RELIEF OF ANAL PAIN This invention relates to a device for relief of pain. More specifically, it relates to a device for the relief of anal pain arising from hemorrhoids (piles) or other anal problems. A number of devices have been provided in the art for relief of anal pain, but most of them are not suitable for contingent use by the sufferer himself, or are not able to provide relief inexpensively. EP-A-0 672 400 describes a cooling cylindrical device for removal of pain and therapeutic treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures comprising a hollow insert, finger or bulb shaped for insertion into the anus with at least one inlet and/or outlet openings, and at least one container for cold liquid circulation starting from a container through an inlet tube into the cylindrical insert, the liquid being driven back through the outlet opening and through the second tube to the container, under the influence of a pump connected to the container or back to another container under the influence of gravity. US-A-4 331 151 describes a hemorrhoid bandage or cold pack, for positioning within a human anal canal, formed of a hollow, thin wall, roughly cylindrically shaped body having an inner end and an outer end. The body is transversely divided into two parts by a central panel extending longitudinally from the outer end towards the inner end, but having an open area adjacent the inner end. A tube, which is coaxial with the body, extends from the inner to the outer end and opens exteriorly of the body at each end. A fluid inlet continuously supplies fluid having a predetermined temperature into one body part through the outer end, which fluid flows through the panel open area at the inner end, and then out of the other body part through a fluid drain opening communicating therewith. The two interior parts may be further subdivided by transverse ribs extending between the panel and the body exterior wall to form longitudinally extending channels for controlling the direction of the fluid flow through the body. By using a relatively cool fluid, such as cool water, the bandage may be used to provide a controlled temperature, for extended periods of time, within the rectal area in connection with treatment of hemorrhoids. US-A-4 563 182 describes a method of treating hemorrhoids which comprises inserting into the rectum of a subject afflicted therewith a substantially cylindrical shaped insert, comprising a water swellable polymer having a water content of at least 35% by weight, the insert having previously been subjected to a temperature below 0°C for a sufficient 5 amount of time to freeze the free water therein, and maintaining the inset with at least a portion thereof outside the sphincter muscle. TJS-A-4 841 970 describes a cryogenic proctologic insert for treating hemorrhoids by lowering the surface temperature of the affected portion of the rectal canal. The insert is l o formed of a tubular plastic portion filled with a congealable fluid. Extended heat transfer surfaces are provided in the interior of the insert to promote heat transfer to and from the fluid. US-A-4 537 194 relates to an applicator used to apply a frozen solid, such as ice, to a 15 wound or injury to treat the wound or injury. A first container has an open top of a predetermined size, a tapered side wall and a bottom having a central opening therethrough, and a second container has a shape conforming at least in part to that of the first container, an open top and a closed bottom. The two containers are fitted together by placing the bottom of the first container into the top of the second container. The device can then be filled with 20 liquid and frozen until needed. When in use as an applicator, the second container is removed and the first container serves as a handle for applying the frozen solid. DE-A-3 802 218 relates to a method and a device for producing ice for medical treatment, especially for therapeutic massage, in which water filled in a container is subjected 25 to a freezing process. During the freezing process the water present in the container is mou lded onto a carrier element as a compact body of ice which is uncovered during the medical treatment. Other devices are known of greater or lesser complication and practicality. There still 30 remains the need, however, for a simple and inexpensive means of providing relief for anal pain. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device for relief of anal pain comprising a rod having first and second opposite end segments, the first end segment being shaped for grasping in the hand, a substantially annular flange structure between the first and second end segments, the flange structure having an external cylindrical surface, and a cap having an interior surface defining a cavity for receiving the second end segment of the rod, the interior surface of the cap being adapted to engage in sealing fashion the external cylindrical surface of the flange. For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 represents a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the invention; Figure 2 represents a section through the device; and Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention. Referring now to the drawings, the device according to a first embodiment of the invention provides a rod having a first portion 1 adapted to fit within the hand. At one end of this portion, the rod is optionally provided with an enlarged portion 2. This is shown as having a shape that is substantially a disc, but other shapes can be employed, the purpose of the enlarged portion being for convenient holding in the hand. At its other end, the rod 1 has a shaped end over which fits a cap 3. The fit is intended to be a sealing fit over the rod, in a manner to be described, but easily removable by simple pulling. As will be seen more clearly from Fig 2, the shaped end of the rod adapted to fit within the cap 3 lies beyond a flange 4 of greater diameter than the first portion of the rod. The portion of the rod within the cap is formed as a cylindrical shoulder portion 4a protruding from flange 4, but of lesser diameter; a substantially conical portion 5 whose diameter diminishes from shoulder 4a, down towards the end of the rod; a further substantially cylindrical portion 6; and a bulb 7 at the end. The exact shapes of the bulb and other elements are not material to the invention, provided that they are of such a form as not to cause tissue damage. The cap 3 fits over the end of the rod and constitutes a push fit over cylindrical shoulder 4a, so as to form a seal over the rod end and fit flush with the flange 4. The dimensions of the device according to the invention are not critical, subject to the overriding factor that they must not be too small or too large for the device to fulfill its intended function. Typically the rod 1 may have an overall length i.e. the length from the enlarged portion 2 to the top of bulb 7 of from 110 to 130 mm, preferably about 120 mm. The first portion 1 may have a length from 75 to 85 mm, preferably 50 mm, and a diameter from 4 to 6 mm, preferably 5 mm. The total length from the base of the conical portion 5 to the tip of the bulb 7 may be from 30 to 40 mm, preferably 35 mm, and the diameter of portion 6 may be from 3.5 to 4.5 mm, preferably 4 mm. The two wider portions 2 and 4 may have thicknesses of 1.5 to 2.5 mm, preferably 2 mm, and diameters from 12 to 16 mm, preferably 14 mm, in the case of portion 2, and 15 mm, in the case of portion 4. The cap 3 may have a length of 40 to 60 mm, preferably 50 mm, an external diameter of 13 to 17 mm, preferably 15 mm, and an internal diameter of 11 to 14 mm, preferably 12.5 mm. The space between the cap and the end of the rod can be filled with water, optionally containing a disinfectant or analgesic material, and this water can then be frozen. For use, the cap is removed from the rod, and the ice, substantially in the form of a cylinder or tapered cylinder with an end again forming a slightly rounded conical portion, can then be inserted into the anus for the contingent relief of pain. Referring now Figure 3, a further embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises a rod having first and second opposite end segments 11 and 12 extending to opposite respective sides of a flange structure 13. The end segment 11 is adapted to be grasped in the hand. At the free end of this segment, the rod is optionally provided with an enlarged portion 14 for convenient holding in the hand. The enlarged portion 14 is shown as having a shape that is substantially a disc but, as with the previously-described embodiment, 5 other shapes can be employed. The flange structure 13 includes a smaller diameter annular flange 16, a larger diameter annular flange 17, and four linear webs 18 extending between the flanges 16 and 17. The webs 18 are each formed with a step 19 to provide a transition from the smaller diameter of 0 the flange 16 to the larger diameter of the flange 17. A cap 15, having generally the same form as the cap 3 of the first embodiment, fits over the second end segment 12 of the rod. The cap 15 fits over the end segment 12 with a push fit, so as to form a seal with the smaller flange 16. Nevertheless, the cap can be easily 5 removable by simple pulling. The rim of the cap 15 engages the step 19, which ensures a clearance between the rim of the cap and the larger flange 17. The dimensions of the device according to the invention are not critical, subject to the overriding factor that they must not be too small or too large for the device to fulfill its o intended function. Typically the rod may have an overall length of from 110 to 130 mm, preferably about 120 mm. The first end segment 11 may have a length from 75 to 85 mm, preferably 80 mm, and a diameter from 4 to 6 mm, preferably 5 mm. The second end segment 12 may have a length from 30 to 40 mm, preferable about 35 mm, and the diameter of the end segment 12 may be from 3.5 to 4.5 mm, preferably 4 mm. The enlarged portion 14 and the 5 larger flange 17 each may have a thickness of 1.5 to 2.5 mm, preferably 2 mm, and diameter from 12 to 16 mm, preferably 14 mm. The smaller flange 16 may have athickness of 1.5 to 2.5 mm, preferably 2 mm, and a diameter from 11.5 to 13.5 mm, preferably 12.5 mm. The cap 15 may have a length of 40 to 60 mm, preferably 50 mm and an external diameter of 13 to 17 mm, preferably 15 mm. 0 To prepare for use, the cap 15 is filled with water, optionally containing a disinfectant or analgesic material, and the end segment 12 is inserted fully in the cap so that the smaller flange 16 enters the cap and the step 19 abuts the rim of the cap. The interior surface of the cap seals against the exterior of the smaller flange so that the water is retained in the cap. The device is then placed in a freezer for sufficient time for the water to freeze. Expansion of the water when it freezes is accommodated by the sliding fit of the cap 15 on the smaller flange 16. For use, the cap is removed from the rod and a body of ice substantially in the form of a cylinder or tapered cylinder, with an end again forming a slightly rounded conical portion, is held firmly on the end segment 12. The user can then grip the device by the end segment 11, with the aid of the enlarged portion 14, and insert the ice body into the anus for the contingent relief of pain. The webs 18 ensure that the end segment 12 is aligned with the central axis of the cap when the cap is fitted on the end segment 12. The step 19 provided on the webs 18 limits the depth to which the end segment 12 can enter the cap and therefore ensures that the tip of the end segment is covered by the end of the ice body. It will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment that has been described, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and equivalence thereof. Unless the context indicates otherwise, a reference in a claim to the number of instances of an element, be it a reference to one instance or more than one instance, requires at least the stated number of instances of the element but is not intended to exclude from the scope of the claim a structure or method having more instances of that element than stated.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A device for relief of anal pain comprising: a rod having first and second opposite end segments, the first end segment being shaped for grasping in the hand, a substantially annular flange structure between the first and second end segments, the flange structure having an external cylindrical surface, and a cap having an interior surface defining a cavity for receiving the second end segment of the rod, the interior surface of the cap being adapted to engage in sealing fashion the external cylindrical surface of the flange. 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the cap has a rim and the flange structure includes a shoulder which is abutted by the rim of the cap when the cap is fitted over the second end segment of the rod to limit penetration of the second end segment into the interior of the cap. 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the flange structure includes an annular flange having an external peripheral surface that constitutes said external cylindrical surface. 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the flange structure includes a smaller annular flange, and a plurality of linear webs connecting the smaller and larger flanges, and wherein the smaller annular flange is between the larger annular flange and the second end segment of the rod and the smaller annular has a external peripheral surface that constitutes said external cylindrical surface. 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the webs include a step between the smaller annular flange and the larger annular flange and the step is abutted by the rim of the cap when the cap is fitted over the second end segment of the rod to limit penetration of the second end segment into the interior of the cap. 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the flange structure constitutes the base of a conical portion whose diameter diminishes towards the tip of the end segment remote from the enlarged portion. 7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the tip of the end segment remote from the enlarged portion is provided with a bulb.

Inventors: HOLLAND GRAHAM MICHAEL, HOLLAND, GRAHAM, MICHAEL
Applicants: BEHIVE LTD, HOLLAND GRAHAM MICHAEL, BEHIVE LIMITED, HOLLAND, GRAHAM, MICHAEL
Application year: 2001
Main classification: A61F5
IPC codes: A61F5, A61F7