Abstract:
The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus to treat obesity and controlling weight gain. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention relates to a covered cage device that is implanted within a human&#39;s stomach to occupy volume and cause a reduced desire for eating. The covered cage device is made from a wire-mesh, such a Nitinol, and can be adjustable and collapsible. In another embodiment, the covered cage device has edges that provide stimulation to the stomach to induce a feeling of fullness.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/415,823, filed on Mar. 31, 2009, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,100,932, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for treating obesity, excess weight gain, and controlling weight gain in mammals. More specifically, the invention relates to intragastric devices (e.g., one or more cages) placed within the stomach of a mammal to occupy volume and to cause a reduced desire for eating for treating obesity and controlling weight gain. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Obesity is a major illness in the United States and other developed countries. More than half of Americans are overweight, while nearly one-third are categorized as obese. Obesity is the accumulation of excess fat on the body, and is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30. Many serious long-term health consequences are associated with obesity, such as, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, venous disease, multiple orthopedic problems and pulmonary insufficiency with markedly decreased life expectancy. 
         [0006]    Medical management of obesity, such as dietary, psychotherapy, medication and behavioral modification techniques, have yielded extremely poor results in terms of treating obesity. In addition, several surgical procedures have been tried which have bypassed the absorptive surface of the small intestine or have been aimed at reducing the stomach size by either partition or bypass. These surgical procedures have been proven both hazardous to perform in morbidly obese patients and have been fraught with numerous life-threatening postoperative complications. Moreover, such operative procedures are often difficult to reverse. 
         [0007]    Currently, in cases of morbid or severe obesity, patients may undergo several types of bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass, either to tie off or staple portions of the large or small intestine or stomach, and/or to bypass portions of the same to reduce the amount of food desired by the patient, and the amount absorbed by the intestinal track. In addition, procedures such as laparoscopic banding, where a device is used to constrict a portion of the stomach, can also achieve these results. 
         [0008]    In the case of gastric bypass surgery, laparoscopic banding and other highly invasive surgical procedures, several complications can arise that make these procedures clinically suboptimal. The surgical procedures require the patient to submit to an intervention under general anesthesia, and may require large incisions and lengthy recovery times. In addition, many of these surgical procedures are irreversible. 
         [0009]    Therefore, a need exists for a minimally-invasive procedure and device that eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks of conventional methods and devices that are currently being used to treat obesity and control weight gain. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In one embodiment, the invention includes an intragastric space-occupying device configured to be positioned within a stomach for treating excessive weight or obesity in mammals, the device comprising: a first cage configured to be positioned along a lesser curvature of a stomach, the first cage having closed ends; a second cage configured to be connected to the first cage, the second cage having open ends and a hollow channel; and a third cage configured to be connected to the second cage, and further configured to be positioned along a greater curvature of the stomach, the third cage having closed ends. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the invention includes an intragastric space-occupying device configured to be positioned within a stomach for treating excessive weight or obesity in mammals. The intragastric space-occupying device comprising a self-expanding wire mesh having an open top portion and an open bottom portion, a hollow center channel extending from the open top portion to the open bottom portion, and an elastomeric material positioned on the self-expanding wire mesh. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    These and other embodiments of the invention will be discussed with reference to the following exemplary and non-limiting illustrations, in which like elements are numbered similarly, and where: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a partial view of a patient with an implanted intragastric triple-cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the triple-cage device implanted within the stomach of a human according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional top view of the stomach with the triple-cage device positioned within the stomach according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of the triple-cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a view of three unconnected cages that make up the triple-cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a view of the triple-cage device with connecting members according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a view of an unconnected rail and track for the triple-cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a view of a crimped triple-cage device within a sheath for delivery into the stomach according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a view of the second cage with the hollow channel according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a view of a single lantern-shaped cage device positioned within the stomach according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a single lantern-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a view of the wire knitting of a lantern-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a view of a lantern-shaped cage device with a hollow center channel according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a view of a triple-lantern device implanted within the stomach according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a view of a crimped triple-lantern device within a sheath prior to delivery into the stomach according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a view of an S-shaped cage with a hollow channel according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a view of unconnected hexagonal-shaped cages that make up a triple-cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is a view of unconnected vest-shaped cages that make up a triple-cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a view of a triple-cage with a central spine according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a view of a snap-locking ball and socket joint according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a view of a spring-loaded ball and socket joint according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a view of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a view of fully-extended support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is a view of collapsed support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of fully-extended support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is a view of fully-extended support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 27  is a view of semi-extended support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 28  is a view of collapsed support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 29  is a view of a triple diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of fully-extended support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device with a covering according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a portion of a collapsed support structure of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 32  is a view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 33  is a view of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0046]      FIG. 34  is a view of an outer rod according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0047]      FIG. 1  is a partial view of a patient with an implanted intragastric triple-cage device  120 . The triple-cage device  120  is placed within a stomach  108  of a mammal  100  (e.g., human) by a healthcare professional, such as a surgeon, a bariatric surgeon, or a gastrointestinal specialist trained in endoscopic surgery procedures. The triple-cage device  120  can be positioned within the stomach  108  using a routine endoscopic procedure. Furthermore, the triple-cage device  120  can be placed within the stomach  108  using newer techniques, methods and procedures for endoscopic surgery. Even though three cages are described herein, one, two, three, four, five, etc. cage(s) or device(s) may be positioned within the stomach  108  depending on the particular application and desired results. 
         [0048]    The endoscopic delivery system includes an endoscopic device  102  and a sheath  104 . The endoscopic device is used to insert a sheath  104  into an esophagus  106  of a human  100 . Once the end of the sheath  104  reaches the stomach  108 , a first cage  114 , a second cage  116 , and a third cage  118  are deployed into the stomach  108 . The first cage  114  is configured to be positioned along a lesser curvature  112  of the stomach  108 , while the third cage  118  is configured to be positioned along a greater curvature  110  of the stomach  108 . The second cage  116  is configured to be positioned between the first cage  114  and the third cage  118 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the triple-cage device  120  implanted within the stomach  108  of a human  100 . The stomach  108  has at least two curvatures, the lesser curvature  112  and the greater curvature  110 . The cardia or proximal stomach  206  is located in the upper left portion of the stomach  108  and serves as the junction between the esophagus  106  and the body or inside of the stomach  108 . The fundus  210  is located in the upper right portion of the stomach  108 . The lower portion of the stomach  108  is known as the distal stomach  208 , which includes a pyloric notch  204 . The distal stomach  208  is where food is mixed with gastric juices. The pyloric notch  204  has a muscular pyloric sphincter that acts as a valve to control emptying of food and stomach contents into the proximal segment of the small intestine  202  (partially shown). 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first cage  114  is positioned along the lesser curvature  112  of the stomach  108 . The first cage  114  is substantially smaller in length than the second cage  116 , and slightly smaller in length than the third cage  118 . The second cage  116  is positioned between the first cage  114  and the third cage  118 . The third cage  118  is positioned along the greater curvature  110 . In an embodiment, the lengths of each of the cages can vary. 
         [0051]    Each of the cages in the triple-cage device  120  has a curved cylindrical shape, such as a tube, similar to a banana, to conform to the natural shape of the stomach  108 . In another embodiment, each cage can be rectangular or another multi-sided or smooth geometric shape instead of a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the cages can be any type of geometric shape, such as, but not limited to, a sphere, square, cone, oval, torroid or doughnut. The cages can each have a different shape and size, and the design of the triple-cage device  120  is not limited to the illustration shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0052]    The triple-cage device  120  can occupy approximately 50% to 95% of the volume of the stomach body. Preferably, the triple-cage device  120  can occupy approximately 70% to 80% of the volume of the stomach body. The triple-cage device  120  can be self-expanding to conform to size changes and movement of the stomach  108 . In this way, the triple-cage device  120  can continually occupy a constant volume of the stomach  108  regardless of the shape or size of the stomach  108 . 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the triple-cage device  120  does not completely occupy the fundus  210  or the cardia  206 . The upper portion of the stomach  108  is not completely occupied so that food may accumulate in the upper portion of the stomach  108 . Likewise, the distal stomach  208  is not completely occupied by the triple-cage device  120 . Thus, the proximal segment of the small intestine  202  is not blocked and there can be proper channeling of food and stomach contents. In some prior art intragastric cage devices, the proximal segment of the small intestine  202  become covered by the device, thus restricting proper channeling of food out of the stomach  108 . The blockage of the proximal segment of the small intestine  202  causes food accumulation within the stomach  108 , and can lead to various gastro-intestinal ailments or symptoms. 
         [0054]    In an embodiment, the second cage  116  has open ends and a hollow channel therebetween. Food can travel from the proximal stomach  206  to the distal stomach  208  via the hollow channel. The hollow channel of the second cage  116  allows a gaseous exchange between the lower and upper portions of the stomach  108 . The second cage  116  increases gastric filling and slows gastric emptying as only a limited amount of food can travel through the hollow channel. 
         [0055]    In an embodiment, the second cage  116  can extend through the duodenum of the intestine (not shown). The extension of the second cage  116  can form an endoluminal sleeve which empties contents of the stomach into the jejunum. The sleeve can be anchored at a top portion by the first cage  112  and the third cage  118 , as the second cage  116  is connected to the first cage  112  and the third cage  118 . In an embodiment, the sleeve can be held in place by staples to the intestine wall or held in place by the self-expanding force of the wire mesh. 
         [0056]    In another embodiment, the sleeve can be covered by an elastomeric material, or alternatively, made entirely of an elastomeric material, such as silicone, thermoplastic polymers, or any combination thereof. The sleeve can be self-expanding or filled with air or liquid, such as, for example, saline or methylene blue. The methylene blue can be used to detect leaks in the sleeve. The sleeve can be used to fill the residual stomach called the gastric sleeve created after a partial removal of the stomach called sleeve gastrectomy procedure. The cage may also assist in resolving any leaks associated post operatively with a gastric sleeve procedure. 
         [0057]    In an embodiment, the sleeve can be used to fill a residual portion of the stomach called the “gastric sleeve” that is created after a partial removal of the stomach during a sleeve gastrectomy procedure. The cage may also assist in resolving any leaks post-operative leaking which may be associated with a sleeve gastrectomy procedure. 
         [0058]    Furthermore, the second cage  116  can help in reducing gastro-esophageal reflux (“gastric reflux”) as the hollow channel allows food to channel from the upper portion of the stomach and prevents excessive accumulation of food near the cardia  206  and the fundus  210 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional top view of the stomach  108  with the triple-cage device  120  positioned within the stomach  108 . In an embodiment, the first cage  114 , the second cage  116 , and the third cage  118  are positioned in a substantially linear fashion, so that the second cage  116  is positioned between the first cage  114  and the third cage  118 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the triple-cage device  120  does not occupy the entire area of the stomach  108 . As such, approximately 5% to 50% of open space  302  remains in the stomach  108  when the triple-cage device  120  is implanted. The open space  302  allows food to accumulate and slowly and properly channel toward the lower portion of the stomach  108  (not shown) as described above. In an embodiment, the first cage  114  may have a closed end  304 , and the third cage  118  may have a closed end  306 . Both ends of the first cage  114  and the third cage  118  may be closed and may be filled with air or other gas. The second cage  116  has an open top end  308  and an open bottom end (see also  FIG. 2 ) which allow food to channel to the lower portion of the stomach  108 , as well as allows a gaseous exchange between the lower and upper portions of the stomach  108 . 
         [0060]    In another embodiment, the first cage  114 , the second cage  116 , and the third cage  118  may not be positioned in a linear fashion, but rather can be positioned in a staggered manner so that the triple-cage device  120  is arranged in a different shape, for example, a triangular shape. Alternatively, the first cage  114  may not be positioned along the lesser curvature  112 , and the third cage  118  may not be positioned along the greater curvature  110 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of the triple-cage device  120 . The first cage  114  has a closed top end  304  and a closed bottom end  408 . The third cage  118  also has a closed top end  306  and a closed bottom end  402 . The second cage  116  has an open top end  308  and an open bottom end  410 . Alternatively, the first cage  114  and the third cage  118  can each have an open top end and an open bottom end which allows food to channel to the lower portion of the stomach  108 , as well as allows a gaseous exchange between the lower and upper portions of the stomach  108 . 
         [0062]    Each cage can be a cylindrical air-filled cage, and can be coated or covered with an elastomeric material, such as ePTFE, Dacron®, or silicon. The cage cages are a wire mesh and are preferably made of nickel titanium (Nitinol) or stainless steel wire cage, Aluminum, Tungsten, Copper, Cobalt, Chromium, Gold, or other alloys which provide each cage with a self-expanding memory. The unique characteristic of Nitinol is that it has a thermally triggered shape memory. This allows each cage to be crimped per a desired length, width, and volume based on the cage sizes required per the patient&#39;s stomach dimensions. The crimped cages are then enclosed into a sheath for endoscopic delivery. The cages regain their desired shape when deployed into the stomach at body temperature, such as the temperature of the human body or the temperature of the stomach body. The term “stent” or “wire mesh” can also be used in place of the term “cage” throughout the disclosure. 
         [0063]    In an embodiment, the semi-rigid or rigid Nitinol or thicker stainless steel wire frame is covered with ePTFE, silicone, Dacron® or any other elastomeric or thermo-elastomeric material. The desired shape of each cage is retained even under pressure from the stomach lining (not shown) since the cages are rigid wire cages made from Nitinol, stainless steel, or titanium that have a memory-retained shape. In a preferred embodiment, the self-expanding Nitinol cages are covered with a slightly dense, non-porous or semi-porous ePTFE. 
         [0064]    The Nitinol or stainless steel wire used to create the cages allows the triple-cage device is designed to remain within a patient for a longer duration than conventional intragastric cages made of silicone. In contrast, a conventional intragastric cage made of silicone and filled with saline may be subject to degradation and leakage, and may be removed within a six months of being implanted into the patient, and in many cases, must be removed within 6 months or less. The triple-cage device  120  can remain implanted in the human for an extended period of time so that the human can achieve a desired weight loss. 
         [0065]    In another embodiment, the first cage  114  and the second cage  118  are made entirely of silicone, other elastomers, thermoplastic polymers, or any combination thereof, and may be filled with air or liquid (e.g., saline) and methylene blue. The methylene blue is used to detect leaks in the cages. 
         [0066]      FIG. 5  is a view of three unconnected cages that make up the triple-cage device  120 . Each of the cages has a diameter d ranging from approximately 2 centimeters to 6 centimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter d is approximately 4 centimeters. The first cage  114  can have a length L 1  of approximately 5 centimeters to 19 centimeters, and in a preferred embodiment, has a length L 1  of approximately 15 centimeters. The second cage  116  can have a length L 2  of approximately 6 centimeters to 30 centimeters, and in a preferred embodiment, has a length L 2  of approximately 20-25 centimeters. The third cage  118  can have a length L 3  of approximately 6 centimeters to 30 centimeters, and in a preferred embodiment, has a length L 3  of approximately 15-20 centimeters. 
         [0067]    In a preferred embodiment, the first cage  114  has a volume of approximately 150-300 cubic centimeters, the second cage  116  has a volume of approximately 200-400 cubic centimeters, and the third cage  118  has a volume of approximately 200-500 cubic centimeters. 
         [0068]    In another embodiment, all of the cages, or alternatively, only two of the cages, can have the same length. Furthermore, each of the cages can have a different diameter. The diameters and lengths of each cage can be adjusted by a healthcare professional based on the specific characteristics of the patient&#39;s stomach. 
         [0069]      FIG. 6  is a view of the triple-cage device with connecting members. In an embodiment, the second cage  116  includes a first track  602  and a second track  604 . The first track  602  is designed to slide into a rail  606  on the first cage  114 , and the second track  604  is designed to slide into a rail  608  on the third cage  118 . The tracks and rails are preferably made from a hardened surgical-grade stainless steel material. Alternatively, the tracks and rails can be made from a medical-grade, rigid polymer or thermoplastic material. 
         [0070]    In another embodiment, the second cage  116  has only one track, either the first track  602  or the second track  604 , and the second cage  116  is connected to only one of the other cages. In yet another embodiment, the triple-cage device  120  does not have any tracks, and each of the cages is held into position by the force of the inner wall pressure of the stomach. 
         [0071]    In an embodiment, the connecting members can extend along the entire length of the cages. This design prevents the first cage  114  and the third cage  118  from shifting or bending in an opposite direction from the second cage  116 . Furthermore, each side of the second cage  116  can have multiple tracks spaced apart along its exterior in a linear fashion instead of a single track on each side of the second cage  116 . 
         [0072]    In another embodiment, the track  602  can be positioned off-center toward the open top end  308  of the second cage  116 . The track  602  can be positioned off-center in an opposite direction toward the open bottom end  410  of the second cage  116 . This design allows a staggered placement of the first cage  114  relative to the third cage  118 . The triple-cage device  120  also provides the center cage support to avoid kinking of the central tract. The cage can be viewed via an X-ray, ultrasound or CT to observe the placement of the cages. 
         [0073]      FIG. 7  is a view of an unconnected rail and track for the triple-cage device. In one embodiment, the rail  606  is designed to slide into the track  602 . The shape of the rail head  702  allows it to fit inside the receiving cavity  704  on the track  602 , interlocking the rail  606  and the track  602 . The rail head  702  can have any type of design which permits it to be interlocked with a corresponding design of the receiving cavity  704 . 
         [0074]    The connecting members are not limited to the rail design shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , and the second cage  116  can be equipped with clips, interlocking members, fasteners, or any other type of connecting means so that the second cage  116  can be secured to the first cage  114  and the third cage  118 . In another embodiment, the first cage  114  and the third cage  118  can be directly connected to one another with any type of connecting means. 
         [0075]    In another embodiment, the three cages are connected by a string, rope, or wrap that encircles the triple-cage device and holds the cages together. The string, rope or wrap can be made from an elastomeric material, such as silicone, or alternatively, can be made from Nitinol, a steel wire mesh, or a bioabsorbable polymer or material or a combination of polymers. 
         [0076]      FIG. 8  is a view of a crimped triple-cage device  120  within a sheath  104  for delivery into the stomach. The triple-cage device  120  is crimped or collapsed so that is fits within the diameter of the sheath  104 . A push-pull rod  802  operated by the healthcare professional via the endoscopic device  102  is used to deliver the triple-cage device  120  into the stomach. 
         [0077]    In an embodiment, the first cage  114 , the second cage  116 , and the third cage  118  are pre-connected so that the triple-cage device is pre-assembled and the tracks are connected to their respective rails prior to being implanted into the human. Upon delivery into the stomach, each cage expands and the triple-cage device  120  is positioned between the inner curvature and the outer curvature of the stomach. In another embodiment, the healthcare professional can adjust the position of the triple-cage device  120  after the cages have expanded using the endoscopic device  102 . In another embodiment, each of the crimped cages can be color coded to assist the healthcare professional with orienting the triple-cage device  120  into the sheath  104 . 
         [0078]    The endoscopic device  102  can also be fitted with a cage retrieval device (not shown) that is used to retrieve the cages from the human&#39;s stomach. In an embodiment, the retrieval device is a clamp or a plurality of claws configured to exert a clamping force onto a section of one or more of the cages. The cages can then be retracted into the sheath  104 , or any type of endoscopic sheath, one by one by the healthcare professional using the endoscopic device  102 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 9  is a view of the second cage  116  with the hollow channel  908 . The second cage  116  has the hollow channel  908  to channel food from the upper portion of the stomach to the lower portion of the stomach as described above. In an embodiment, the wire cage  904  of the second cage  116  is covered with an outer layer  902  made of ePTFE, Dacron®, or silicon or any other elastomeric or thermo-elastomeric material. The wire cage  904  is also covered with an inner layer  906  made of an elastomeric material. The outer layer  902  and the inner layer  906  can be the same material, or alternatively, can be different materials. The inner layer  906  prevents food and other stomach contents from being stuck onto the wire cage  904  when passing through the hollow channel  908 . In an alternative embodiment, the second cage  116  only contains the inner layer  906  and does not contain the outer layer  902 . 
         [0080]    The diameter d 2  of the hollow channel  908  is preferably approximately 3 centimeters, and can vary based on the thicknesses of the outer layer  902  and the inner layer  906 . The thickness of the outer layer  902  can range from approximately 5/1000 to 60/1000 inches. 
         [0081]      FIG. 10  is a view of a single lantern-shaped cage device  1002  positioned within the stomach  108 . The lantern  1002  is air-filled, as opposed to being filled with a fluid or a liquid. In one embodiment, the lantern  1002  has an octagonal shape. However, the lantern  1002  can be formed in the shape of a circle, cylinder, triangle, tetragon, pentagon, hexagon, septagon, nonagon, decagon, or any other geometric shape. The lantern  1002  has a tip  1004  that allows the lantern  1002  to be collapsed and retrieved through an endoscopic procedure. 
         [0082]    The lantern  1002  is preferably made of Nitinol, a stainless steel or a stainless steel alloy, copper or tungsten wire cage which provides the lantern  1002  with a self-expanding memory. This allows the lantern  1002  to be crimped per a desired length, width, and volume based on the human&#39;s stomach dimensions, and then placed into a sheath for endoscopic delivery. The lantern  1002  regains its desired shape when deployed into the stomach  108  at a certain temperature, such as the temperature of the human body or the temperature of the body of the stomach  108 . 
         [0083]    In one embodiment, the self-expanding Nitinol cage or stainless steel wire cage lantern  1002  is covered with an ePTFE, Dacron®, or silicon coating or covering. In a preferred embodiment, the lantern  1002  is covered with a slightly dense, non-porous or semi-porous ePTFE. 
         [0084]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a single lantern-shaped cage device  1002 . The lantern  1002  has a top portion  1102 , a bottom portion  1104 , and edges  1106 . In the shown embodiment, the lantern  1002  has an octagonal shape, thus the top portion  1102  has eight edges, and the bottom portion  1104  has eight edges. The edges  1106  innervate the gastric tissue along the inside of the stomach  108 , thus creating a sensation of satiety to the human. In an alternative embodiment, the lantern  1002  can have multiple smooth, rounded edges. 
         [0085]    In a preferred embodiment, the width W 4  of the lantern  1002  is approximately 5-15 cm, the length L 4  of the sides between the top portion  1102  and the bottom portion  1104  is approximately 7-20 centimeters, and the length L 5  of the entire lantern  1002  is approximately 5-25 centimeters. 
         [0086]    In an embodiment, the lantern  1002  can occupy between approximately 0.25 L and 1.5 L of volume within the stomach body. In a preferred embodiment, the lantern  1002  is designed to occupy approximately 1.26 L of volume within the stomach body. 
         [0087]    The width and length of the lantern  1002  can be modified based on the dimensions of the human&#39;s stomach. Thus, each individual may have a lantern  1002  with specific dimensions based on their stomach size, and the space required to be occupied in their stomach in order to achieve a desired weight loss. In another embodiment, the lantern  1002  is manufactured so that one size fits all adult humans, while another smaller lantern is manufactured so that one size fits all pediatric humans. 
         [0088]    In another embodiment, the cage can be tapered, so that one end has a larger diameter than the other. The cage can also have a double-tapered design, or just tapered ends. The tapered-end design is similar to the lantern design described above. In another embodiment, the cage has an hour-glass shape. 
         [0089]    In an embodiment, all of the single-cage designs described above have are made from a self-expanding Nitinol cage or stainless steel wire cage that is covered with an ePTFE, Dacron®, or silicon coating or covering. The covering forms an air-tight, non-permeable, leak-proof seal that prevents air, liquid, food, and other matter from entering the diamond-shaped cage device. In another embodiment, a single wire, instead of a wire mesh or cage, can be used to construct the cage device. 
         [0090]      FIG. 12  is a view of the wire knitting of the lantern-shaped cage device  1002 . The knitting  1202  illustrates the manner in which the Nitinol cage or stainless steel wire cage is constructed. The knitting  1202  can be done by hand, or alternatively, manufactured by a machine. The knitting  1202  used to connect the lantern wires can be achieved using any type of knot or tie, and is not limited by the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The lantern  1002  has a central spine  1108  that helps reinforce the shape. The central spine  1108  is also used in delivery and retrieval of the lantern. 
         [0091]    In an embodiment, the knitting  1202  connects the wire mesh in a collapsible fashion. A string, cord, or spring (not shown) is attached at the top end  1102  and/or the bottom end  1104 . Upon pressure to the string, cord, or spring, from an endoscopic retrieval device, the wire mesh collapses so that the lantern-shaped cage device  1002  can be pulled into a sheath. 
         [0092]    In an embodiment, the cage device  1102  is in a collapsed or crimped form prior to being delivered into the patient&#39;s stomach. Once the collapsed cage device is released from the sheath into the stomach, it self-expands into a lantern shape. The self-expansion of the cage device occurs because of the Nitinol or wire mesh which has a shape-retaining memory. The present invention does not require the use of air, silicone, or any other substance to be pumped or inserted into the cage device in order to expand the device. 
         [0093]      FIG. 13  is a view of a lantern-shaped cage device  1300  with a hollow center channel  1302 . In this embodiment, the lantern  1002  contains a hollow center channel  1302  with a top opening  1304  and a bottom opening  1306 . The top opening  1304  allows some food to be channeled from the cardia and the fundus areas of the stomach down to the distal stomach. The hollow center channel  1302  operates in a similar manner and serves the same or a similar purpose as the hollow channel of the second cage  216  as described above in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 14  is a view of a triple-lantern device  1400  implanted within the stomach  108 . The triple-lantern device  1400  includes a first lantern  1402  that is positioned near the distal stomach  208 . The first lantern  1402  is connected to a second lantern  1404  via a connector  1408 . The second lantern  1404  is larger in volume than the first lantern  1402 , and is connected to a third lantern  1406  via a connector  1410 . The third lantern  1406  is larger in volume than the first lantern  1402 , but smaller in volume than the second lantern  1404 . The third lantern  1406  is positioned in the upper stomach near the fundus  210 . 
         [0095]    Each of the lanterns has a similar design and is made of similar materials as the lantern-shaped cage  1002  described in  FIG. 10 . Furthermore, the lanterns are not limited to the octagonal shape shown in  FIG. 14 , and can be any geometric shape as described above for the lantern-shaped cage  1002 . 
         [0096]    In an embodiment, the first lantern  1402  can occupy up to 0.3 L (300 cubic centimeters) of volume within the stomach body. In a preferred embodiment, the first lantern  1402  is designed to occupy approximately 150 cubic centimeters of volume within the stomach body. The first lantern  1402  can have a length of between approximately 3 centimeters and 5 centimeters, and in a preferred embodiment, can have a length of approximately 4 centimeters. The diameter of the first lantern  1402  can be between approximately 3 centimeters to 8 centimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the first lantern  1402  is approximately 4 centimeters. 
         [0097]    In an embodiment, the second lantern  1404  can occupy between approximately 0.1 L (500 cubic centimeters) and 0.8 L (800 cubic centimeters) of volume within the stomach body. In a preferred embodiment, the second lantern  1404  is designed to occupy approximately 700 cubic centimeters of volume within the stomach body. The second lantern  1404  can have a length of between approximately 5 centimeters and 8 centimeters, and in a preferred embodiment, can have a length of approximately 6 centimeters. The diameter of the second lantern  1404  can be between approximately 3 centimeters and 10 centimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the second lantern  1404  is approximately 6 centimeters. 
         [0098]    In an embodiment, the third lantern  1406  can occupy between approximately 0.1 L (300 cubic centimeters) and 0.5 L (500 cubic centimeters) of volume within the stomach body. In a preferred embodiment, the third lantern  1406  is designed to occupy approximately up to 250 cubic centimeters of volume within the stomach body. In a preferred embodiment, the entire triple-lantern device  1400  is designed to occupy approximately up to 1.2 L of volume within the stomach body. One, two, three, or more lantern devices  1400  can be used depending on the human&#39;s desired weight loss goals. 
         [0099]      FIG. 15  is a view of a crimped triple-lantern device  1502  within a sheath  104  prior to delivery into the stomach. The triple-lantern device  1502  is crimped or compressed so that is fits within the diameter of the sheath  104 . A push-pull rod  802  operated by the healthcare professional via the endoscopic device  102  is used to deliver the triple-lantern device  1502  into the stomach  108 . Each of the cages can have a central spine for providing support as the cages travel to the stomach  108 . 
         [0100]    In an embodiment, the first lantern  1402 , the second lantern  1404 , and the third lantern  1406  are pre-connected via the connectors  1408  and  1410  as described above. Upon delivery into the stomach  108 , each lantern expands and the triple-lantern device  1502  is positioned within the inner curvature and the outer curvature of the stomach  108 . In another embodiment, the healthcare professional can adjust the position of the triple-lantern device  1502  after the lanterns have expanded using the endoscopic device  102 . In an embodiment, each of the crimped lanterns can be color-coded to assist the healthcare professional with orienting the triple-lantern device  1502  into the sheath  104 . 
         [0101]    The endoscopic device  102  can also be fitted with a lantern retrieval device (not shown) that is used to retrieve the lanterns from the human&#39;s stomach as described above. The lanterns can then be retracted into the sheath  104  one by one by the healthcare professional using the endoscopic device  102 . The endoscopic device  102  can be adjusted if the human has obstruction or discomfort. For example, a single cage can be removed and the other two can be remain in the stomach. 
         [0102]    In another embodiment, the first cage  114  and the third cage  118  can be made of silicone instead of wire cages. The silicone cages are filled with air that is injected through a port. The port can be locked in place once the desired amount of air pressure in the cage has been achieved. Alternatively, the silicone cages can be filled with saline, silicone, or nutrient supplements or bulking agents in a similar manner as above. 
         [0103]    The benefit of having air, saline or nutrient or food supplement or bulking agent filled silicone cages is that they can diffuse nutrients and cause a feeling of fullness, and thus the cages will not settle at the lower portion of the stomach, and will remain in position at the upper and central location within the stomach. Having objects settle at the bottom of the stomach may cause discomfort to the patient. The silicone cages are lightweight and do not cause a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Furthermore, by remaining in the central location within the stomach, the cages cause satiety and provide a feeling of fullness. 
         [0104]      FIG. 16  is a view of an S-shaped cage with a hollow channel. The S-shaped cage  1602  has a wide opening  1604 . The opening  1604  has a diameter wider than the lumen on the intestine in order to prevent obstruction. The cage  1602  is a tubular cage and is made of self-expanding wire as described above, and can be covered with ePTFE, Dacron, or silicone. Alternatively, the cage  1602  can be a silicone cage that is air or silicone filled and has an injection port. The cage  1602  is not limited to an “S” shape, and can be in any spiral shape such as an “M” shape or “Z” shape. In an embodiment, the S-shaped cage can be a spiral cage which can slow down the food and induce satiety by occupying volume. 
         [0105]      FIG. 17  is a view of unconnected hexagonal-shaped cages that make up a triple-cage device  1700 . In this embodiment, the three cages have similar dimensions as the first cage  114 , the second cage  116 , and the third cage  118 , respectively shown in  FIG. 5 . However, the cages are hexagonal-shaped and have six sides instead of a round cylindrical shape. 
         [0106]      FIG. 18  is a view of unconnected vest-shaped cages that make up a triple-cage device  1800 . In this embodiment, the three cages have similar dimensions as the first cage  114 , the second cage  116 , and the third cage  118 , respectively shown in  FIG. 5 . However, the cages each have a vest shape instead of a round cylindrical shape. 
         [0107]      FIG. 19  is a view of a triple-cage  1902  with a central spine  1914 . The triple-cage device  1902  has a lower cage  1904  that is positioned near the distal stomach. The lower cage  1904  is connected to a central cage  1906  via a ball and socket joint  1910 . The central cage  1906  is larger in volume than the lower cage  1904 , and is connected to an upper cage  1908  via a ball and socket joint  1912 . The upper cage  1908  is larger in volume than the lower cage  1904 , but is smaller in volume than the central cage  1906 . The upper cage  1908  is positioned in the upper stomach near the fundus. The ball and socket joints  1910  and  1912  allow angulations in the central spine  1914  so that the triple cage device  1902  can bend to accommodate various stomach sizes and shapes. 
         [0108]    In an embodiment, the lower cage  1904  can occupy up to 0.3 L (300 cubic centimeters) of volume within the stomach body. In a preferred embodiment, the lower cage  1904  is designed to occupy approximately 200 cubic centimeters of volume within the stomach body. The lower cage  1904  can have a length of between approximately 3 centimeters and 15 centimeters, and in a preferred embodiment, can have a length of approximately 7 centimeters. The diameter of the lower cage  1904  can be between approximately 3 centimeters and 10 centimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the lower cage  1904  is approximately 6 centimeters. 
         [0109]    In an embodiment, the central cage  1906  can occupy between approximately 0.1 L (500 cubic centimeters) and 0.8 L (800 cubic centimeters) of volume within the stomach body. In a preferred embodiment, the central cage  1906  is designed to occupy approximately 500 cubic centimeters of volume within the stomach body. The central cage  1906  can have a length of between approximately 5 centimeters and 20 centimeters, and in a preferred embodiment, can have a length of approximately 9 centimeters. The diameter of the central cage  1906  can be between approximately 3 centimeters and 10 centimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the central cage  1906  is approximately 8 centimeters. 
         [0110]    In an embodiment, the upper cage  1908  can occupy up to approximately 0.3 L (300 cubic centimeters) of volume within the stomach body. In a preferred embodiment, the upper cage  1908  is designed to occupy approximately 250 cubic centimeters of volume within the stomach body. In a preferred embodiment, the entire triple-lantern device is designed to occupy up to approximately 1.03 L of volume within the stomach body. 
         [0111]      FIG. 20  is a view of a snap-locking ball and socket joint  1910 . The joint  1910  includes a socket member  2002  and a ball member  2004 . The joint  1910  is secured by placing the ball member  2004  into a hollow cavity  2006  within the socket member  2002 . The ball member  2004  is retained within the hollow cavity  2006  since it is sized slightly smaller than the opening of the hollow cavity  2006 . 
         [0112]    Alternatively, a spring-loaded ball and socket joint can be used to connect the cages.  FIG. 21  is a view of a spring-loaded ball and socket joint. The socket member  2102  includes a spring  2106 . The spring  2106  is actuated when the ball member  2104  is inserted into the socket member  2102 , and secures the ball member  2104  within the socket member  2102 . 
         [0113]    In another embodiment (not shown), the joint has a claw member and a ball member. The claw member has fingers, claws, or spaced grips which securely hold a ball member in place, while at the same time, allows the ball member to freely rotate within the claw member. The claw member can release the ball member upon the spine of the cage being pulled, by an endoscopic retrieval device. The pull/release mechanism can be a string, cord, spring, or any other means which provides a pulling pressure. 
         [0114]    The means to connect the cages are not limited to the ball and socket designs shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , and can be any type of connecting mechanism which allows the central spine to bend so that the triple-cage device can accommodate various sized and shaped stomachs. 
         [0115]    Furthermore, the lanterns are not limited to the circular or cylindrical shape shown in  FIG. 19 , and can be any geometric shape as described above for the lantern-shaped cage  1002 . 
         [0116]      FIG. 22  is a view of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention. The device is covered with a covering  2200 , which is preferably made from an elastomeric material, such as ePTFE, Dacron®, or silicon. Alternatively, the covering  2200  can be made from any flexible material which is biocompatible with the human body. The covering  2200  is connected to a first outer rod  2202  and a second outer rod  2212  by sutures, staples, adhesives such as the DYMAX MD® “1000”, “CTH” and “MSK” series adhesives that cure within seconds upon exposure to UV and visible light and permit bonding of elastomeric materials, or any other method or mechanism that can secure the covering  2200  to the outer rods  2202  and  2212 . The covering  2200  forms an air-tight, non-permeable, leak-proof seal with the outer rods  2202  and  2212  to prevent air, liquid, food, and other matter from entering inside the diamond-shaped cage device. In an embodiment, the covering  2200  is also sutured, stapled or adhesively attached to other parts of the device, such as internal support structures (not shown). 
         [0117]      FIG. 23  is a view of fully-extended support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the diamond-shaped cage comprises a first structure  2304  which faces and is adjacent to a second structure  2310 . The structures  2304  and  2310  may be made of a wire mesh. The structures  2304  and  2310  or wire mesh preferably being made of nickel titanium (Nitinol), stainless steel, aluminum, tungsten, copper, gold, cobalt chromium, other alloys and PEEK material or other polymer materials. In an embodiment, the diamond-shaped cage device is made of a self-expanding wire mesh. The wire mesh can have a diameter of approximately 1/1000th of an inch to approximately 100/1000th of an inch. In a preferred embodiment, the wire mesh preferably has a diameter of approximately 20/1000th of an inch. 
         [0118]    The cage device includes a first outer rod  2202  and a second outer rod  2212 . The first support structure  2304  is connected to the first outer rod  2202  via a first connector  2306  and a second connector  2308 . Similarly, the second support structure  2310  is connected to the second outer rod  2212  via a first connector  2307  and a second connector  2309 . In an embodiment, to collapse the cages, the first and second outer rods  2202  and  2212  are pulled outwards and the first and second support structures  2304  and  2310  fold into a collapsed position as shown in  FIG. 24 . When the first outer rod  2202  is pulled in a direction away from the second outer rod  2212 , and the movement of the first outer rod  2202  causes the first support structure  2304  to fold downward and inward. Similarly, when the second outer rod  2212  is pulled in a direction away from the first outer rod  2202 , and the movement of the second outer rod  2212  causes the second support structure  2310  to fold downward and inward. 
         [0119]    The first outer rod  2202  and the second outer rod  2212  are movable along a central inner rod  2300 . In an embodiment, the first outer rod  2202  includes a first channel  2316 , and the second outer rod  2212  includes a second channel  2314 . The first connecter  2306  is connected to the inner rod  2300  through the first channel  2316 , and the second connector  2308  is connected to the first outer rod  2202 . In a fully-extended position, the first connector  2306  contacts the first channel  2316  at a side of the first channel  2316  farthest away from the second support structure  2310 . Similarly, the first connecter  2307  is connected to the inner rod  2300  through the second channel  2314 , and the second connector  2309  is connected to the second outer rod  2212 . The inner rod  2300  fits into the first outer rod  2202  and the second outer rod  2212  so there is little space between the rods to allow the inner rod  2300  to slide within the outer rods  2202  and  2212 . 
         [0120]    When the first outer rod  2202  is pulled in a direction away from the second outer rod  2212 , the first connector  2306  remains in a fixed position as it is connected to the inner rod  2300  while the second connector  2308  moves with the first outer rod  2202 , as it is connected to the first outer rod  2202 . 
         [0121]    Likewise, the second support structure  2310  is collapsed in a similar fashion when the second outer rod  2212  is pulled in a direction away from the first outer rod  2202 . The second outer rod  2212  is moved in a direction away from the first outer rod  2202  along the inner rod  2300 , causing the second support structure  2310  to fold downward and inward as shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 24  is a view of collapsed support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, applying pressure to one of the outer rods causes both of the support structures to collapse. In a collapsed position, the first connector  2306  contacts the first channel  2316  at a side of the first channel  2316  closest to the second support structure  2310 . In another embodiment, to retrieve the cage device into a sheath, pressure applied to the support structure from the sheath entrance causes the device to collapse so that it can fit into the sheath for retrieval. In another embodiment, when pressure is applied to the first outer rod  2202 , the first support structure  2304  and the second support structure  2310  both fold downward and inward. The first outer rod  2202  can have an actuating mechanism which causes or triggers the second outer rod  2212  to move in a direction away from the first outer rod  2202  upon an exertion of pressure to the first outer rod  2202 . 
         [0123]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of fully-extended support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention. The diamond-shaped cage has multiple support structures which form the support structures of the cage device. In an embodiment, the cage device can have from two to ten support structures. In a preferred embodiment, the cage device has at least six support structures. In another embodiment, the support structures can be shaped in the form of a square, triangle, semi-circle, or any other geometric shape. 
         [0124]      FIG. 26  is a view of fully-extended support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the first support structure  2304  is attached to the inner rod  2300  at anchor  2600 . The first support structure  2304  is connected to the first outer rod  2202  at anchor  2602 . The first outer rod  2202  and the second outer rod  2212  can provide support to the support structures as they are adjacent to the inner anchors when the cage device is in a fully-extended position. When the first outer rod  2202  is pulled in a direction away from the second outer rod  2212 , or when pressure is applied to the first outer rod  2202 , the first support structure  2304  is collapsed downward and inward, as shown in  FIG. 27 . 
         [0125]    In a fully-extended position, the first outer rod  2202  and the second outer rod  2212  are locked into position by at least one locking mechanism (not shown) which prevents movement of the rods  2202  and  2212 . The locking mechanism can be a pin, wedge, or ball and groove system that secures the outer rods  2202  and  2212  to the inner rod  2300  which prevents the rods from moving until a certain amount of pressure is applied. The locking mechanisms can be connected to the outer rods, or alternatively, placed along the inner rod  2300 . In another embodiment, the first outer rod  2202  and the second outer rod  2212  can be locking into position by at least one locking mechanism when the outer rods are in the collapsed position. The first and second outer rods  2202  and  2212  are movable between a first position where the support structures  2304  and  2310  are in a fully-extended position ( FIG. 26 ), a second position where the support structures  2304  and  2310  are in a partially-collapsed position ( FIG. 27 ), and a third position where the support structures  2304  and  2310  are in a fully-collapsed position ( FIG. 28 ). 
         [0126]    In an embodiment, a covering  2612 , similar to the covering  2200  described above, covers the entire cage device, including both the first support structure  2304  and the second support structure  2310 . The covering  2612  is preferably made from an elastomeric material, such as ePTFE, Dacron®, or silicon, and can be knitted to form a cloth. Alternatively, the covering  2612  can be made from any flexible material which is biocompatible with the human body. The covering  2612  may be connected to the first support structure  2304  at a first connection point  2604  and a second connection point  2606 . The covering  2612  is connected to the second support structure  2310  at a first connection point  2608  and a second connection point  2610 . The covering  2612  is also connected to the first outer rod  2202  and the second outer rod  2212  to form an air-tight, non-permeable, leak-proof seal that prevents air, liquid, food, and other matter from entering the diamond-shaped cage device. The covering  2612  can be connected to the cage device with sutures, staples, adhesives, or any other method or mechanism that can secure the covering  2612  to the outer rods  2202  and  2212  and the support structures  2304  and  2310 . In an embodiment, the covering  2612  is also sutured, stapled or adhesively attached to other parts of the device, such as internal support structures (not shown). 
         [0127]    In an embodiment, the cage device can have multiple locking positions (e.g., can be locked in the first, second, and third positions described above) and is adjustable, allowing a physician or healthcare professional to expand the cage device to a desired size. For example,  FIG. 27  is a view of semi-extended support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention. In the semi-extended position, the cage device is only partially expanded to accommodate a smaller sized stomach or in order to provide less fullness in the patient&#39;s stomach. 
         [0128]    In  FIG. 27 , the covering  2612  is attached the first support structure  2304  at a first connection point  2702  and a second connection point  2704 . The covering  2612  is attached to the second support structure  2310  at a first connection point  2706  and a second connection point  2708 . The covering  2612  is also connected to the first outer rod  2202  and the second outer rod  2212  to form an air-tight, non-permeable, leak-proof seal that prevents air, liquid, food, and other matter from entering the diamond-shaped cage device. 
         [0129]      FIG. 28  is a view of collapsed support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention. In the collapsed position, the cage device can be inserted into a sheath for deployment into the stomach or retrieval from the stomach. In the collapsed position, the cage device has a height of approximately 1 centimeter or less, and a length of approximately 11.5 centimeters or less. However, the height and width of the collapsed cage device can vary based upon the fully-extended size and dimensions of the cage device. The fully-extended size of the cage device can depend on the dimensions of the patient&#39;s stomach and the amount of volume desired to be occupied by the cage device. 
         [0130]    In another embodiment, the cage system includes a single pyramid-shaped cage, instead of two opposing cage structures. The single cage system operates in the same or similar manner as the diamond-shaped cage device described above. In another embodiment, the single cage device has a lantern shape or a cylindrical shape. 
         [0131]      FIG. 29  is a view of a triple diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention. The device includes at least three diamond-shaped cage devices connected serially. Each cage device is connected to the other in a manner similar to that shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . Alternatively, each cage device can be connected to the other using a claw member and a ball member as described above. In an embodiment, each of the three diamond-shaped cage devices can be of a varying shape and size. 
         [0132]    In an embodiment, the single cage device or the triple cage device can be sized and dimensioned when fully or partially extended to fit snugly within the stomach so that the side walls of the stomach hold each of the cages in place. For example, after a sleeve gastrectomy procedure, a significant portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a cylindrical or sleeve-shaped stomach. The one or more cage devices can be sized and dimensioned or adjusted to fit flush against the stomach walls when the stomach size has been reduced after the gastrectomy procedure. 
         [0133]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of fully-extended support structures of a diamond-shaped cage device with a covering according to an embodiment of the invention. The cage device includes a first support structure  2304  and a second support structure  2310 . The first support structure has an outer rod  3000  that is movable along the central inner rod  2300 . The outer rod  3000  includes a locking mechanism  3002  and a stopping mechanism  3004 . The outer rod  3000  also includes a first connector  2306  and a second connector  2308 . The first connector  2306  is an anchor for all of the long wires of the first support structure  2304 . The second connector  2308  is an anchor for all of the shorter wires of the first support structure  2304 . 
         [0134]    When the outer rod  3000  is pulled in a direction away from the second support structure  2310 , the stopping mechanism  3004  comes into contact with the first connector  2306  and prevents the outer rod  3000  from being pulled out further. Thus, the stopping mechanism  3004  restricts the size of the cage device upon collapse. In an embodiment, the stopping mechanism  3004  can be a circular or semi-circular protrusion that extends outward from the outer rod  3000 . In another embodiment, the stopping mechanism  3004  can be a lip, latch, pin, button, or any other means which prevents the outer rod  3000  from extending a certain distance beyond the first connector  2306 . 
         [0135]    In an embodiment, the covering  2612  is connected directly to the first connector  2306 , creating a non-permeable, air tight seal. When the cage device is in a fully-extended position, the locking mechanism  3002  is attached to the first connector  2306 . The locking mechanism  3002  provides a non-permeable, air tight seal at the junction between the first connector  2306  and the outer rod  3000 . Likewise, when the cage device is in a collapsed position, the stopping mechanism  3004  provides a non-permeable, air tight seal at the junction between the first connector  2306  and the outer rod  3000 . 
         [0136]    In another embodiment, the outer rod  3000  has multiple stopping mechanisms and locking mechanisms located at various positions along the outer rod  3000 . The multiple stopping mechanisms and locking mechanisms allow the cage device to be collapsed, expanded and locked to different sizes and shapes. 
         [0137]    The locking mechanism  3002  prevents the cage device from expanding further past a fully-expanded position. When the outer rod  3000  is pushed inwards toward the second support structure  2310 , the locking mechanism  3002  comes into contact with the first connector  2306 . The pushing pressure causes the locking mechanism  3002  to be locked and securely held into place with the first connector  2306 . An exemplary locking mechanism  3002  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 32 . 
         [0138]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a portion of a collapsed support structure of a diamond-shaped cage device according to an embodiment of the invention. In the collapsed position, the stopping mechanism  3004  is in contact with the first connector  2306 . When the stopping mechanism  3004  comes into contact with the first connector  2306 , the pulling pressure exerted on the outer rod  3000  causes the stopping mechanism  3004  to become affixed to the first connector  2306  so that the outer rod  3000  does not slide back towards the second support structure  2310 . This prevents the cage device from re-expanding or opening. When the cage device is in the collapsed position, the locking mechanism  3002  is no longer in contact with the first connector  2306 . 
         [0139]      FIG. 32  is a view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism  3002  is located at a fixed position on the outer rod  3000  and is permanently attached to the outer rod  3000 . The locking mechanism  3002  can be made of rubber, plastic, steel, a thermoplastic material, or any other material with sufficient rigidity to lock with the outer rod  3000 . In an embodiment, the inner surface  3200  of the locking mechanism  3002  has male grooves configured to lock with female grooves on a locking member (not shown) on the first connector  2306  and secures the first connector  2306  in place upon contact. 
         [0140]      FIG. 33  is a view of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention. The first connector  2306  has a locking member  3300  which is designed to receive the locking mechanism  3002 . The inner surface  3302  of the locking member  3300  has female grooves which align and lock with the male grooves of the inner surface  3200  of the locking mechanism  3002 . In another embodiment, the inner surface  3302  and the inner surface  3200  can have button grooves, pins, interlocking teeth, or any other type of design which allows the two surfaces to lock with each other upon contact. 
         [0141]      FIG. 34  is a view of an outer rod according to an embodiment of the invention. The outer rod  3000  includes a stopping mechanism  3004  and a locking mechanism  3002 . In an embodiment, the outer rod  3000  can include only a stopping mechanism  3004  or only a locking mechanism  3002 . In another embodiment, the outer rod  3000  can include multiple stopping mechanisms and multiple locking mechanisms. In yet another embodiment, the outer rod  3000  includes no locking mechanisms and no stopping mechanisms. 
         [0142]    While the principles of the disclosure have been illustrated in relation to the exemplary embodiments shown herein, the principles of the disclosure are not limited thereto and include any modification, variation or permutation thereof.