Abstract:
A stimulation aid includes a housing ( 8 ) adapted for retaining against the surface of an individual, the housing having associated therewith retention elements ( 9 ) for securing the housing relative to the individual, a power source, drive element and a driven member ( 11 ), the driven member being supported for oscillatory motion relative to the housing and, in use, the power source being operable to supply power to the drive element whereby the drive element effects oscillatory motion (x-x) of the driven member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a stimulation aid for a human to stimulate a range of sensory experiences. It relates in particular, though not exclusively, to a stimulation aid for assisting an individual to stimulate one of his or her sexual organs. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A wide variety of stimulation aids have been proposed, including non-static types which include vibrating or pulsating components. Examples of the latter include those described in, for example, GB 2337001A, KR 20020067460A, EP 1350503A and DE 20 2004006921 U. 
     Whilst it is understood that the prior known stimulation aids, and particular those of the non-static type, may be effective for undertaking and achieving the desired stimulation effect they do suffer the disadvantage of often being unduly heavy and cumbersome, and in many cases expensive to manufacture and supply. 
     The present invention seeks to provide an improved stimulation aid which is relatively portable and which overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of prior known stimulation aids. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a stimulation aid comprises a housing adapted for retaining against the surface of an individual, said housing having associated therewith retention means for, in use, securing the housing relative to the individual, a power source, drive means and a driven member, said driven member being supported for oscillatory motion relative to the housing and, in use, the power source being operable to supply power to the drive means whereby the drive means effects oscillatory motion of the driven member. 
     The term “oscillatory motion” is used herein to embrace both linear reciprocal movement of a driven member and also arcuate type movement of a driven member about a pivot position. 
     The power source and optionally also the drive means may each be substantially wholly contained within the housing, with the driven member extending through a wall of the housing. A distal end of the driven member, external of the housing, may have a stimulation head, such as an elongate or apertured member, e.g. an annular member, associated therewith or may be provided with a connection formation whereby a plurality of different stimulation heads, for example in the form of artificial genitalia, may be selectively fitted to the driven member. It is envisaged that, in use, typically the longitudinal axis of an elongate member or major axis of an orifice or annular member will extend in direction substantially parallel with the general direction of oscillatory movement of the distal end of the driven member. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is further envisaged that typically the power source will be a source of electrical energy such as a battery, which may be of the rechargeable type, and that the drive means will be a small D.C. type motor. The motor may be of a type which if necessary incorporates a speed reduction gear or is connected to a reduction gear unit from which torque is transmitted to the driven member. Alternatively, if the motor is of a type having a low rotational speed, a gear unit may be provided to effect a speed increase. More generally, the present invention does not exclude the use of a mechanical type system in which the power source is a mechanical spring and the drive means comprises a mechanical linkage, such as gears, extending between the power source and driven member. In a further alternative the power source may comprise a source of pressurised fluid, such as that of a small, optionally re-chargeable, pressurised gas cylinder, and the drive means may be of a kind operable to convert a flow of pressurised fluid into movement of the driven member. In a yet further alternative the power source may comprise an air compressor. 
     The housing may be of a substantially sealed type construction and be provided with a switch, such as a pressure operated on-off switch to control the transmission of power from the power source to the drive means. A flexible diaphragm or like member may be provided around the oscillatory driven member to provide a seal with the housing. 
     The housing may have an electrical connection for recharging of a rechargeable battery which may be located within the sealed housing. Alternatively, and particularly if non-rechargeable batteries are to be employed, a battery compartment may be provided at a position accessible from external of the sealed housing. 
     In addition to a switch providing a simple control function, such as that of an on-off switch, the stimulation aid optionally may be provided with a speed control, which may be integral with the switch, to vary the speed of operation of the drive means and thus the frequency of the oscillatory motion of the driven member and any stimulator head secured to the distal end of the driven member. 
     As an alternative to providing the housing with a user interface, such as a surface mounted switch, for control of one or more functions such as the speed of operation of the drive means, the housing may contain a receiver unit to receive signals from a remotely positioned transmitter unit. The transmitter and receiver units may be of a type known per se, such as an infra-red or radio frequency transmitter and receiver. In a further alternative the remote communication may be via or from a transmitter in the form of a mobile phone. 
     The stimulation aid may comprise a telescopic or otherwise extendable type of driven member whereby the length of the driven member may be varied. Alternatively, and particularly in the case of a stimulator head which is not formed integrally with the driven member, the spacing of a stimulator head from the housing may be varied by selecting a stimulator head of preferred dimensions. 
     The driven member may comprise electrical conductors for transmission of electrical power from the power source to a stimulator head. Said electrical conductors may be employed for providing electrical power to a stimulation head of a kind which incorporates an electrically powered device such as a heater element or vibrator. In the case of a stimulation head which incorporates a vibrator, and irrespective of whether the vibrator is powered by said conductors or other means such as a battery within the stimulation head, the frequency of operation of the vibrator optionally may be greater than the frequency of oscillatory movement of the driven member. 
     The housing may incorporate a vibrator device to provide a vibration effect at at least a surface region of the housing which, in use, rests against an individual&#39;s body. That vibrator device may be powered by the same power source as that which powers the drive means. 
     The stimulation aid may comprise a drive means control mechanism which stops the motion of the distal end of the driven member when that end is at a pre-selected or pre-determined parking position. 
     Preferably the drive means is operable to drive the driven member at up to 250 oscillations per minute, more preferably in the range 20 to 200 oscillations per minute. A speed in the range 30 to 150 oscillations per minute is particularly envisaged. Means may be provided for the user to vary the speed within said ranges. 
     Preferably the drive means is arranged to cause oscillatory movement of the driven member about a pivot position within the housing. Thus the distal end of the driven member, lying external of the housing, will execute an arcuate movement. In this type of configuration the spacing between the stimulator head and housing will enable the arcuate stroke length of the stimulator head to be selectively varied. 
     One particularly suitable construction comprises a driven member in the form of a pivotally mounted drive arm having an elongate slot which receives a drive pin mounted eccentrically for rotation about the output shaft axis of a motor. The motor may be either of a substantially continuously rotatable type or a servo type motor which is operable to provide continuous oscillatory output rotation through an angle range of less than 360°. 
     In a construction of the drive means motor and driven member such as that described in the preceding paragraph, and having a driven member pivotally secured relative to the housing, the motor may be movable relative the pivot axis about which the driven member is caused to pivot by the drive means whereby the angle of the arcuate movement of the distal end of the driven member may be varied. Movement may be between pre-established set positions or it may be progressively adjustable to any position within the maximum range of movement. Alternatively or additionally the spacing between the axis of rotation of the motor and an eccentrically mounted drive pin, such as described in the preceding paragraph, may be variable thereby also to vary the angle of arcuate movement of the driven member. Thus the pin may be mounted relative to a motor drive shaft via a spring loaded push and slide switch. 
     By varying the angle of arcuate movement of the driven member the arcuate stroke length executed by the distal end of the driven member, and thus also an associated stimulation head, may be selectively varied. 
     In use of the stimulation aid with the stimulation aid held against an individual&#39;s body, typically the pelvic region, the force exerted by the oscillating stimulator head on a male or female sexual organ will induce a reactive force between the housing and body. That reactive force may be at a first region of the housing, furthest from the distal end of the driven member when the distal end moves in a first direction, and at a second region of the housing, nearest the distal end of the driven member, when the distal member moves in the opposite direction. This effect may be described as a fore and aft rocking movement. 
     Optionally the drive mechanism may be designed additionally to create a side to side rocking movement which supplements said fore and aft effect. A side to side rocking movement may be achieved by providing at least a part of the drive for the driven member at a position off-set from the plane in which the outward end region of the driven member oscillates. Alternatively, if a side to side rocking movement is not desired, the drive mechanism may be of a balanced form, having a driven member or plurality of driven members aligned with or balanced relative to said plane in which the output end region of the driven member oscillates. 
     The retention means for securing the housing relative to a body, and whereby the stimulation aid may be described as a personal type stimulation aid, may be comprised by a belt which is integral with the housing or it may be comprised by one or more retainers for a belt or the like, for example slots through which a belt may be fitted, or a groove into which a belt may be located. 
     Other forms of retention means envisaged by the present invention include connection means, such as clips, to which the ends of a belt may be secured. 
     Yet further options for the retention means include a retention surface, preferably a substantially smooth surface and preferably of a kind which is free of sharp protrusions and which, in use, faces outwards from an individual. Said surfaces may be employed, in use of the stimulation aid, to enable the stimulation aid to be retained firmly within a garment extending around the individual or the stimulation aid may be retained in position by hand pressure. That surface may, for example, be textured or provided with means such as a Velcro pad to assist retention of a garment or strap. 
     The housing may be provided with at least one or, for example, a pair of handle formations. A handle formation may be in the form of a protrusion, such as a solid profiled protrusion, which may readily be gripped by hand. Optionally a part of the protrusion may extend over and be spaced from the surface of the housing thereby to define a recess, groove or aperture which may be employed optionally either as a handle or to locate a belt or other such retainer. 
     That surface of the housing for resting against the individual preferably is of a contoured non-planar shape, and more particularly preferably is contoured to rest comfortably against the pelvic region. A part of the surface of the housing may be flat and or may be cushioned. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:— 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a personal stimulation aid in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an attachment for use with the stimulation aid of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another attachment aid for use with the stimulation aid of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view in a direction of the arrow B of  FIG. 1  with an upper part of the housing cut away; 
         FIG. 5  is an end view in a direction of the arrow A of  FIG. 1  with part of the housing cut away; 
         FIG. 6  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 4  of a construction in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, and 
         FIGS. 7 to 9  are each perspective views of parts of stimulation aids in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A personal stimulation aid  10  comprises a sealed housing  8  from which a pivotally mounted drive arm  11  extends for oscillatory motion in the direction XX of  FIG. 1 . A flexible rubber diaphragm  12  provides a seal between the drive arm  11  and the housing  8 . A sealed pressure switch  13  is provided in the wall of the housing for starting and stopping movement of the arm  11 . 
     The upper surface of the housing as viewed in  FIG. 1  has a pair of spaced apart band formations  9  which each define a slot  7  through which a belt may be positioned. 
     The end region  14  of the arm  11  is slightly tapered to receive, as a friction fit, the tubular shaft  15  of an attachment head  16 ,  17  such as either of the stimulator head attachments shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     The attachment  16  of  FIG. 2  is designed primarily for male use and comprises an annular plastics support ring  18  which is formed integral with the shaft  15  and which supports within the ring an annular element  19  of a flexible material such as silicone rubber. Other shapes, such as a tubular shape, may be employed. 
     The attachment  17  of  FIG. 3  is designed primarily for female use and comprises a penis like elongate member  20  optionally of substantially rigid or semi-rigid material and which is formed integral with or attached to the tubular shaft  15 . Other shapes may be employed, for example a shape representing another part of an individual&#39;s anatomy. 
     The housing  8  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) contains and provides support for a rechargeable battery  25 , a dc motor  26  fixed to the housing and a drive mechanism  27  which converts rotary motion of the motor to oscillatory motion of the drive arm  11 . Depending on the detailed characteristics of the motor, it may incorporate or be connected to a gear unit which decreases, or alternatively increases, the speed of oscillation of the driven arm. Electrical connections extend between the battery  25  and switch  13  and between the switch  13  and motor  26 . Additionally a connection  29  extends between the battery and a socket  28  provided in the wall of the housing for recharging the battery  25 . 
     The drive mechanism comprises a pair of arms  30 , 31  (see  FIG. 4 ) pivotally mounted about aligned pivot axes  32 , 33  and inter-connected by a bar  34  from the mid-position of which an outer section of the drive arm  11  extends. 
     The motor shaft supports a drive disc  36  provided eccentrically with a pin  37  which engages in a slot  38  in the arm  31  (see  FIG. 5 ). In  FIG. 5  the dotted view of arm  31  shows it at a first position of oscillatory movement and the solid view of arm  31  shows it at a second position of oscillatory movement. 
     In use rotation of the motor causes the pin  37  to induce oscillatory movement to the arm  31 , with the pin sliding to and fro along the length of the slot  38 . In consequence the distal end of the drive arm  11  executes oscillatory arcuate motion in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the motor  26 . 
     In the aforedescribed construction, and with a sufficient degree of free play at the pivot positions  32  and  33 , combined with a degree of flexibility of the drive arms  30 , 31  and inter-connecting arm  34 , the force exerted by the a stimulator head attached to the drive arm  11  will induce a side to side rocking movement between the base of the housing and body of the user, for example at the regions L and M of  FIG. 4  in addition to a fore and aft rocking movement at the regions of the edges P and Q of the housing. However in the alternative construction shown in  FIG. 6 , a double ended motor shaft is employed to operate two eccentrically mounted pins on the respective discs  40 , 41  such that each of the driven arms  30 ′ and  31 ′ is driven in a positive manner. In consequence each driven arm has applied thereto a drive force which is substantially balanced about a plane containing the outward section  14 ′ of the driven arm, and extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the motor, such that the reactive force experienced in use is confined substantially to a fore and aft rocking movement which is reacted in a vicinity of the respective regions P and Q of the housing, and without a side to side rocking movement. 
     The stimulation aid of  FIG. 6  additionally comprises a pair of vibrator devices  42 , 43  having vibrator heads which are exposed by apertures in the base region of the housing such that said heads form a part of the housing surface which, in use, will bear against an individual&#39;s body. 
     In a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a stimulation aid  50  is constructed in a manner substantially similar to that of the first embodiment except in respect of the drive mechanism for causing oscillatory movement of the drive arm  11 . 
     Instead of providing a motor  26  which is fixed to the housing, a motor  51  is secured to a carrier  52  which is slidable relative to the housing, in this case via a base plate  53  secured to the housing (not shown). The carrier is provided with a slot  54  which engages with an elongate guide  55  provided on the base plate  53  and oriented such that the motor is guided for sliding movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the motor and the pivot axis  32 ,  33 . 
     A rotatable knob  56  is provided external of the housing for rotation of a control rod  57  an end region  58  of which is screw threaded for engagement with a screw threaded aperture in an end flange  59  of the carrier  52 . A portion (not shown) of the rod  57  between the screw threaded end  58  and knob  50  has a smooth cylindrical surface which is positioned to align with and form a fluid-tight seal with an opening in the housing. A reaction member (not shown) is provided to secure the knob relative to the housing in the direction of the length of the rod  57  whereby, in consequence of the screw thread on the rod engaging that in the flange  59 , rotation of the knob results in movement of the carrier  52 . 
     Movement of the motor results in variation of the spacing between the axis of rotation of the drive pin  37  and the pivot axes  32 ,  33  of the arms  30 ,  31  and therefore also variation of the arcuate stroke length executed by the distal end of the arm  11 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a variation of the construction of  FIG. 7 . Instead of an apertured flange  59  and rotatable knob  56 , an end  60  of the carrier  61  supports a pin  64  which is slidable along a slot  63  in a control arm  62  pivotally secured to the base plate  53 . A distal end  65  of the arm  62  may extend through a seal in the housing (not shown) so as to be movable externally of the housing thereby to change the position of the motor and, as described in respect of the preceding embodiment, effect a variation in the arcuate stroke length executed by the distal end of the arm  11 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a variation of the construction of  FIG. 8 . Instead of providing a control arm  62 , a cam  70  is rotatably supported by the base plate  53  and is formed with an helically extending slot  71  which engages with the carrier pin  64  such that rotation of the cam results in movement of the carrier  61  thereby to effect a variation in the arcuate stroke length executed by the distal end of arm  11 , 
     In the constructions of each of  FIGS. 7 to 9  the carrier  61  is caused to move by a means which extends through the housing, typically in a sealed manner, so as to be operable externally of the housing. Alternatively, however, means may be provided for remote operation, for example by means of an infra-red communication link such as that which may also be provided to control on-off operation and rotational speed of the motor. 
     For the foregoing it will be understood that the present invention provides a stimulation aid which is of a compact construction and which optionally is readily adaptable for both male and female use.