Abstract:
The present invention is generally directed to a clitoris stimulating device which comprises a semi-rigid elongate member including a plurality of ridges extending radially therearound in abutting, successive arrangement with one another, the elongate member further includes a rigid handle affixed to one end thereof, and a vibrator device in operative engagement with the elongate member.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a device for providing sexual stimulation, and more particularly, to a device for enhancing a woman&#39;s sexual activity and pleasure through stimulation of the clitoris.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Various known devices for stimulating the female genitalia have been developed for the purpose of providing sexual gratification and climax during sexual intercourse, foreplay, and masturbation. Generally, they are used for personal pleasure and recreation by providing the user healthy sexual outlets. They are sometimes used in combination with sex-therapy programs. The sexual devices can provide the user an opportunity for sexual exploration and development, alleviate fears and anxiety about sexual performance, aid in the development of one&#39;s sensual capacities, and even facilitate verbal, emotional and sexual communication between sex partners. The most common form of the devices is the vibrator, which operates by applying pressure, friction, and vibration to the vagina and/or external areas of the genitalia.  
           [0003]    Many of the known sexual devices available on the market are comprised of multiple parts and are sometimes prone to mechanical failure after several uses. Devices comprised of multiple parts are also more difficult and costlier to manufacture and fabricate. In addition, some devices are difficult to use and require some level of physical dexterity which disrupts or diminishes the sexual mood of the user and/or partner. Many devices particularly those imparting motion require a power source for operation which may likewise fail.  
           [0004]    For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a sexual stimulating device which is simple and easy to use and operate while being effective for creating sexual arousal in females quickly and successfully. There is a further need for a discreet sexual stimulating device configured for effectuating stimulating contact with the clitoris of a woman and which may be used for assisting the woman in achieving an orgasm quickly and easily. The device of the present invention may be operated manually or in combination with a vibrator for providing vibratory sensation to an erogenous zone of the user to increase sexual stimulation and arousal. There is also a need for a sexual stimulating device which can be manufactured in a cost efficient manner.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The present invention provides a clitoris stimulating device which provides the user sexual stimulation and arousal. The device is adapted to pleasurably contact a woman&#39;s external genitalia areas including the clitoris for enhancing sexual activity and providing sexual stimulation. The device may be fabricated in a cost effective and simple manner. The device is capable of providing mechanical stimulation to the external genitalia of a woman by manual operation of the user or in cooperation with a vibrator device. The device is simple and easy to use and operate requiring little instruction.  
           [0006]    There is provided for one aspect of the present invention, a clitoris stimulating device which comprises an elongate member including proximal and distal ends, and a plurality of corrugations extending in abutting arrangement therebetween. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    Various embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings, in which like items are identified by the same reference designation, wherein:  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clitoris stimulating device according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the clitoris stimulating device according to the present invention being used for stimulating a clitoris along its side;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is a perspective assembly view of a second embodiment of the clitoris stimulating device adapted for attachment with a vibrator device;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the clitoris stimulating device;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the clitoris stimulating device; and  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the clitoris stimulating device. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]    The present invention is generally directed to a clitoris stimulating device designed for providing a pleasurable sexual sensation to a woman through direct stimulation of the female clitoris and surrounding external areas of the female genitalia. The clitoris stimulating device provides a heightened stimulating sensation while being very easy, safe and comfortable to use. In addition, the clitoris stimulating device is adapted for heightening and stimulating orgasms quickly and successfully. The clitoris stimulating device may be used for self-stimulation or on a partner, and is very simple and inexpensive to fabricate. The clitoris stimulating device provides mechanical stimulation to the external genitalia of a female to supplement and enhance sexual activity, and to assist a woman who may be incurring difficulties in achieving orgasms. The clitoris stimulating device may be further adapted to be used in combination with a vibrator device for providing further heightened sexual sensation.  
         [0015]    Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a clitoris stimulating device  10  for one embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  is an elongate member comprised of an active contact portion  12  and a handle  14 . The device  10  is composed of a resilient, semi-rigid material which provides a degree of flexibility for permitting a range of bending movement with a level of stiffness for imparting a pleasurable tactile contact with the erogenous zones of the female genitalia. The resilient, semi-rigid material includes, but is not limited to, plastic polymers, elastomers, and similar materials. Preferably, the material is also hypoallergenic. The handle  14  is generally rigid for providing the user with control of the device  10  during use as will be described. The handle  14  permits the user to manipulate and adjust the angle and motion of the device  10  for attaining an optimal level of sexual stimulation and sensation, preferably, using one hand.  
         [0016]    The active contact portion  12  is composed of a plurality of corrugations or ridges  16  which may include a regular or irregular pattern. The plurality of corrugations  16  comprise repetitive areas of alternating peaks and valleys each of which may comprise any size, shape, pattern, configuration, texture, dimension, and the like. The end of the of the active portion  12  opposite from the handle  14  is preferably rounded forming a bulbous head to avoid inflicting injury to the body. Movement of the corrugations  16  across the areas of the user&#39;s genitalia especially the clitoral region, provides the pleasurable sensations as they touch and slip thereacross. The degree of stiffness or flexibility of the corrugations  16  may also be adjusted according to the user&#39;s tastes and preferences. It is further preferable that the surface of the active contact portion  12  retains a low coefficient of friction. As an alternative, a lubricating agent may be applied to the surface of the active contact portion  12  or to the female genitalia prior to use as will be described. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact portion  12  is configured as successively stacked rounded bands  16 , as shown.  
         [0017]    For illustrating purposes only, the length of the active contact portion  12  is about 10 to 11 inches, and the diameter is 0.75 to 1 inch, although other dimensions could be used without departing from the scope of the invention.  
         [0018]    Referring to FIG. 2, the device  10  is shown in contact with a clitoris  18  of a user or a partner for initiating stimulation. The user holds the handle  14  for drawing the device  10  in a back and forth motion against the clitoris  18  and surrounding areas in order to desirably induce sexual arousal, and eventually, orgasm. In this manner, the active contact portion  12  rubs against the clitoris  18 . The device  10  is intended to be used to mainly stimulate the external areas of the female genitalia and not for insertion into the vagina. The user determines the speed, the angle, position, and motion at which the active contact portion  12  touches and rubs the clitoris  18 . The user can also adjust the amount of pressure applied on the clitoris  18  by adjusting the degree of bend or curve in the device  10 . The device  10  is adapted to facilitate stimulation and control using one hand. The active contact portion  12  may be solid or hollow (i.e. tubular) for firmer or softer touch or feel. Optionally, the user may lubricate the active contact portion  12  with a suitable lubricant or lubricating agent and/or the clitoris area for heightened stimulating response and action. Such lubricating agents may include, but not limited to, forms such as water-based lubricants, petroleum-based lubricants, silicones, waxes, oils, jellies, creams, foams, and the like.  
         [0019]    With reference to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of the device  20  is shown according to the present invention. The device  20  includes a projection  22  at the base of the active contact portion  12  which is adapted to connect with a vibrator device  24 . The projection  22  snugly fits into a port  26  of the vibrator device  24 . The vibrator device  24  generates a vibrating sensation to the active contact portion  12  which is then transmitted to the clitoris  18  for imparting pleasurable tactile sensation thereto. In this embodiment, the vibrator device  24  provides a handle for controlling and manipulating the device  20  by the user. The vibrator device  24  includes a vibrator motor (not shown), a power supply source (not shown), and a vibrator adjustment control (not shown), a rotatable control cap  30 . The power supply source, such as a rechargeable battery, is connected to supply power to the vibrator motor causing it to vibrate. The control cap  30  acts to control application of power from the power supply source to the motor. A power switch  28  to be actuated by the user, may be provided for allowing the user to switch on the vibrator motor. Alternatively, the power switch may be incorporated with the rotatable cap  30  component.  
         [0020]    The cap  30  is initially turned so that it points to an indicia labeled “OFF”. In this position, the power supply source is separated or disconnected from the vibrator motor. As the cap  30  is turned, the cap  30  causes the power supply source to supply power to the motor. When the power source is turned on, the vibrating motor vibrates and transmits the vibration to the active contact portion  12 . The cap  30  is also connected to the vibrator adjustment control whereby when the cap  30  is further turned, the speed of the vibration increases. The speed at which the vibrator motor will vibrate is indicated by the indicia printed around the cap  30 . When the cap  30  is turned in the opposing direction the speed of the vibrator motor diminishes until the cap  30  points to the indicia labeled “OFF”. In this position the connection between the power supply source and the vibrator motor is removed.  
         [0021]    While a mechanism for producing a vibratory motion causing the active contact portion  12  to vibrate is shown and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art who have read this description will appreciate that there are numerous other mechanisms for producing a vibratory motion causing the clitoris stimulating device to vibrate, e.g. an oscillator, and, therefore, as used herein the term “vibrator device” should be construed as including all such mechanisms as long as they achieve the desired result of producing a vibratory motion causing the active contact portion  12  of the clitoris stimulating device of the present invention to vibrate, and, therefore, that all such alternative mechanisms are to be considered as equivalents to the one described herein.  
         [0022]    Referring to FIG. 4, a third embodiment of the clitoris stimulating device  30  is shown. The active contact portion  12  includes the plurality of corrugations  16  which are rounded and arranged in a helical or spiral arrangement to illustrate a different form or shape of the corrugations  16 . The corrugations  16  provides similar sensations to the user due to the alternating peaks and valleys between each individual corrugation  16 . The device  30  is similar in all features to the device  10  except for the surface attributes. The protrusions  34  are in the form of individual raised nubs or droplet shaped.  
         [0023]    Referring to FIG. 5, a fourth embodiment of the clitoris stimulating device  40  is shown. The active contact portion  12  comprises a smooth surface  32  with a plurality of protrusions  34  distributed thereacross. The device  40  is similar in all features to the device  10  except for the surface attributes.  
         [0024]    Referring to FIG. 6, a fifth embodiment of the clitoris stimulating device  50  is shown. The active contact portion  12  includes a plurality of ridges  36  arranged in a spaced apart manner along the surface  32  of the device  50 . The ridges  36  are preferably composed of a flexible material such as an elastomer or similar material. The elastomer material may be silicone rubber or polyurethane which is resilient, durable, and hypoallergenic. The device  50  is used in the same manner as described above. The device  50  is similar in all features to the device  20  except for the surface attributes.  
         [0025]    The present invention may further include a feature whereby liquid may be retained within the interior of the device. The liquid may be heated or cooled to a specific temperature within the device of the present invention for heightening the tactile feeling or sensation during use. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the device  50  may optionally include a cap  52  with retention threads  54  adapted for threaded engagement with a hole  56  located at the tip thereof. The device  50  includes an interior cavity (not shown) which is configured for holding a liquid of a specific temperature. The device is filled with the liquid through the hole  56  and the cap  52  securely screwed into the hole  56  for sealing the liquid. The temperature of liquid in the device  50  may be varied according to the user&#39;s desires.  
         [0026]    The operation of the clitoris stimulating device  10  of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and  3 . In operation, the device  10  is held by the user at the handle  14  in a comfortable position. The active contact portion  12  is positioned next to the clitoris  18  of the user. The device  10  is moved back and forth in a manner similar to a bow moving back and forth across the strings of a stringed musical instrument. The user may adjust the angle, speed and the pressure of the device  10  on the clitoris  18 . The active contact portion  12  rubs against the clitoris  18  until sexual arousal and orgasm is achieved. Optionally, in the embodiment utilizing a vibrator device  24 , the user may grasp and turn the cap  30  to an ON position and adjusted to a desired vibration speed. At this point, the vibrator motor is turned on where it stimulates the clitoris  18 . The user now begins sexual activity. Once the user has completed the sexual activity, the cap  30  is turned in the opposite direction to an OFF position.  
         [0027]    The clitoris stimulating device of the present invention may be formed of any type of material which will perform the above described functions and will not react adversely with the skin of a user such as to cause chafing, rashes, rawness, inflammation, or any other reaction.  
         [0028]    Although various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, they are not meant to be limiting. Those of skill in the art may recognize various modifications to these embodiments, which modifications are meant to be covered by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, each embodiment of the invention can be provided by molding or extruding the associated material.