Abstract:
A device for male masturbation comprising an open-ended design to eliminate the suction force attributed to closed-end masturbation devices. The device utilizes a holding frame and attachable flexible tubular members. The holding frame is hinged to allow for adjustment of pressure against the penis or can be completely closed for hands-free operation. The flexible tubular members are held in contact with a user&#39;s penis by compressing the holding frame. The holding frame facilitates expansion of the flexible tubular members when the device is under compression by incorporating arched recesses. Because no adhesives are used to connect the holding frame and flexible tubular members, the device can be easily assembled, disassembled, and cleaned.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This present application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Number 61/695,950 filed Aug. 31, 2012. The prior application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    “Masturbation,” or the sexual stimulation of one&#39;s own genitals, is frequent among humans of both sexes and age groups. It is believed that masturbation can provide medical and psychological benefits and is widely considered to be a normal part of healthy life. Currently there are numerous devices available to aid with performing masturbation. For men, many of the devices incorporate fluid filled members that surround the penis so that there is no direct hand contact between the user and penis. Such devices are manipulated in an up and down direction along the length of the penis. Others are merely openings in various objects for insertion of the penis, such openings are made of soft material and often human in appearance. Although current devices allow for masturbation without direct hand contact, they do not provide a sensation similar enough to actual penetration. 
         [0005]    The current devices to aid with performing masturbation not only lack a sensation similar enough to actual penetration, they suffer from the additional disadvantages of being complicated to manufacture, and inconvenient to disassemble and clean. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a male masturbation device that can provide a sensation more similar to actual penetration, is hygienic and easily cleaned, can be easily and reliably manufactured, and is capable of being heated in a microwave and cooled in a freezer. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present invention is directed to a device that satisfies the need for a male masturbation device that can provide a sensation more similar to actual penetration, is hygienic, easily cleaned, can be easily and reliably manufactured, and is capable of being heated in a microwave and cooled in a freezer. The device comprises a relatively hard holding frame and flexible tubular members made of relatively flexible material filled with water, liquids, foam, gels or other suitable materials. The holding frame is preferably made in one piece and consists of an elongated semi tubular member with concaved walls that is capable of being folded at its mid-point and the opposite ends connected to one another to form a closed frame with the concaved walls of the tubular member facing one another. The holding frame member has holes through its concaved surfaces for receiving projections that extend from the flexible tubular members. The flexible tubular members attach to the holding frame holes by projections that terminate in mushroom-shaped ends. Although the preferred embodiment comprises a pair of flexible tubular members, a single donut-shaped flexible tube may also be used. 
         [0007]    Because the present invention incorporates a simple design and very few parts, it is easy to manufacture. The manner in which the flexible tubular members attach to the holding frame allows the device to be easily cleaned whether assemble or disassembled. Moreover, the materials and shape utilized for the holding member and flexible tubular members allow the device to be safely heated by microwave or cooled in the freezer, will maintain structural integrity, and provide a more pleasurable experience. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates a top perspective view of a device embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device with a holding frame and flexible tubular members. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front elevation view of a device embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates a left side elevation view of a device embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device, the right side appears the same. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates a back elevation view of a device embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of a device embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  illustrates a right side elevation view of a device embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom view of a device embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of an open holding frame embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of an closed holding frame embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  illustrates a top perspective view of a smooth flexible tubular member embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  illustrates a left side elevation view of a smooth flexible tubular member embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device, the right side appears the same. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  illustrates a front elevation view of a smooth flexible tubular member embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device, the back appears the same. 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  illustrates a top perspective view of a bumpy flexible tubular member embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  illustrates a left side elevation view of a bumpy flexible tubular member embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device, the right side appears the same. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  illustrates a front elevation view of a bumpy flexible tubular member embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device, the back appears the same. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  illustrates a top perspective view of a ridged flexible tubular member embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device. 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  illustrates a left side elevation view of a ridged flexible tubular member embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device, the right side appears the same. 
           [0025]      FIG. 18  illustrates a front elevation view of a ridged flexible tubular member embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device, the back appears the same. 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a flexible tubular member embodying features of the present invention for a hand-operated male masturbation device, the right side appears the same. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-19 , a hand-operated male masturbation device  100  comprises a holding frame  200  and several flexible tubular members  300  affixed within and surrounded by the holding frame  200 . This simple, 3-piece construction allows for easy manufacturing and a production lower cost. The holding frame  200 , illustrated in  FIG. 1 , is shaped like an elongated semi-tubular member that is hinged so that the opposite ends are connected to one another forming a closed frame with the concaved portions of the tubular member facing one another. Referring to  FIGS. 8-9 , the holding frame  200  can be made of a material such as semi-rigid polypropylene, and may be constructed from a single piece folded at its mid-point or from two pieces connected by a hinge. Referring to  FIGS. 10-18 , the flexible tubular members  300  are shaped like cylinders with rounded ends and projections  302  so that they may be affixed within the holding frame  200 . Alternatively, the flexible tubular member  300  may be formed as a donut-shaped flexible tube as illustrated in  FIG. 19 . The flexible tubular members  300  can be made of a material such as thermoplastic resin and filled with a variety of fluids or materials to achieve a desired sensation. 
         [0028]    The hinged semi-tubular holding frame  200 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 , functions to hold the flexible tubular members  300  in place and allows the user to vary the pressure to the penis by squeezing the holding frame  200  together. When the holding frame  200  is closed using the snap closure  202  and snap closure hole  203 , the user has the option to slide directly into the device, isolating any sensation of the user using their own hands and providing the feeling of another persons touch. Alternatively, a rubber band may be wrapped around the double ball ends  208 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 6 , to keep the hand-operated male masturbation device  100  at the desired level of closure. 
         [0029]    The holding frame  200  incorporates arched recesses  201  with flared edges as best illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 . The arched recesses  201  allow for expansion of the flexible tubular members  300  while the device is under compression. The arched recesses  201  guide the flexible tubular members  300  to expand in such a way that the channel/length of the contact area becomes longer and encompass more of the length of the penis. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the arched recesses  201  further cause the flexible tubular members  300  to touch at each end, maximizing the amount of compression on the penis, which would not occur if the flexible tubular members  300  were straight or not allowed to touch in this manner. The holding frame  200  flared edges increase structural integrity to minimize flex in the holding frame  200 . If the holding frame  200  flexes or twists, the flexible tubular members  300  will have a tendency to detach or distort. Flex or distortion will reduce the gap between the penis and device, causing reduced sensation and possible undesired contact between the holding frame  200  and penis. 
         [0030]    Internal ribs  206 , as best illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 , are integrated into the holding frame  200 . The internal ribs  206  prevent the holding frame  200  sides from expanding outward when the flexible tubular members  300  are under compression and expand to the sides. Moreover, the internal ribs  206 , help the holding frame  200  remain maintain its shape when exposed to heat, cooling, and continuous usage, assuring the device remains closed and pressure maximized on the penis. 
         [0031]    Finger recesses  210 , as best illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 , are incorporated into the top and bottom of the holding frame  200 . These ergonomically shaped finger recesses  210  facilitate better control of device motion and grip. The finger recesses  210  are centered on the holding frame  200  to allow use by either left or right hand. The finger recesses  210  also provide a partial flat surface that allows stabilization of the unit if used on a table or countertop. When closed, the holding frame  200  forms double ball ends  208  that allows for the use of a strap or elastic band to help keep the device closed if the user&#39;s penis diameter is such that the device cannot be closed using the snap closure  202 . The double ball ends  208  also provide a grip location for two-handed use of the device. 
         [0032]    The holding frame  200  has holes  214 , illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 , allowing for installation of the flexible tubular members  300 . The holes  214  comprise rounded internal edges to prevent mold flashing during manufacturing, which could potentially cut into projections  302  on the flexible tubular members  300 . Now referring to  FIG. 1 , the flexible tubular members  300  are retained in the holding frame  200  by passing the projections  302  on the flexible tubular members  300  through the holes. The projections  302 , with mushroom-shaped ends, prevent undesired detachment of the flexible tubular members  300  from the holding frame  200 . The length of the projections  302  provides a gap between the holding frame  200  and tubular members  300  to allow for tube expansion during use and easy cleaning when not in use. Normal water flow from a faucet will clean the device without removal of the tubes from the housing due to this gap. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 10-19  illustrate the flexible tubular members  300 . The preferred material for construction of the flexible tubular members  300  is thermoplastic resin because it does not leave a residue on surfaces like materials used in current devices. Moreover, the thermoplastic resin has a higher tear strength and resistance to lubricants. The flexible tubular members  300  can be filled with various fluids or materials, proving a variety of densities, textures and sensations. For example, the flexible tubular members  300  may be filled with beads or electronics to make the device illuminate and/or vibrate. If filled with fluids such as water, an antibacterial agent such as broponol can be incorporated. The usage of water in the flexible tubular members  300  also allows the device to be microwave and refrigerator safe, facilitating fast heating that other devices in the art that require boiling. Foam filled flexible tubular members  300  are lightweight and have a lighter, softer, easier compression character. The foam filling provides less resistance under compression and thus a lighter penis grip compared to water, which does not compress as easily as the foam. 
         [0034]    The flexible tubular members  300  facilitate more human-like device control, position, and pressure during use. Also, the cylindrical shape allows for more even expansion of inner materials when compressed and thus even pressure on the penis. The flexible tubular members  300  may comprise various textures and patterns, such as a smooth texture ( FIGS. 10-12 ), bumpy texture ( FIGS. 13-15 ), or ridged texture ( FIGS. 16-18 ). Flexible tubular members  300  with a ridged texture may incorporate a recessed center  312  section to compensate for a higher pressure, as best illustrated in  FIG. 17 . This recessed center  312  helps to maintain the penis in the center of the device when under excess pressure. Other tube patterns with lower pressures and lower relief textures do not require a recessed center  312  to maintain penis position. 
         [0035]    The projections  302  on the flexible tubular members  300  extend distally and terminate in mushroom-shaped ends. The projections  302  retain the flexible tubular members  300  in the holding frame  200  with minimal assembly without adhesives, and disassembly for either cleaning or attaching other tubular member. Also, the mushroom-shaped ends do not interfere with the handgrip during use and further provide a non-slip gripping surface. Since the flexible tubular members  300  are removably attached, they can therefore be interchanged and combined with flexible tubular members  300  comprising various features such as different textures, designs, sizes, or ability to be heated or chilled. 
         [0036]    The hand-operated male masturbation device  100  is used by first opening the device. The device is opened by pressing snap closure  202  button and pulling the holding frame  200  apart. The position of the snap closure  202  button allows the holding frame  200  to be released single-handed with one finger. Next, the penis is inserted between the flexible tubular members  300  and the device is closed completely using the snap closure  202 , held closed by hand, or held closed using a strap or rubber band around the ball end. The snap closure  202  feature along with its open-ended design allows the device to stay in place hands-free, like a penis ring, however it does not cut off blood flow like a penis ring. Moreover, the open-ended design eliminates the suction force some people dislike on closed-end masturbation devices. Once usage of the device is completed, it may be removed and cleaned with our without disassembly. 
         [0037]    All features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claim, 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. 
         [0038]    Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6. 
         [0039]    Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.