Abstract:
The present invention relates to a non-invasive penile erection device having a constrictor ring designed to fit against the base of a male genital or penis, and a diaphragm seal that forms a substantially air tight seal against the constrictor ring. The constrictor ring is designed to comfortably and securely fit the base of the penis. The substantially air tight seal enables the pump to produce vacuum pressures of over 17 inches of mercury. The diaphragm seal is designed to collapse around the constrictor ring and remain on during sexual activity. The diaphragm seal cooperates with the constrictor ring to apply pressure to the surface of the penis. The placement of the constrictor ring on the base of the penis and the greater vacuum pressure achieved by the device tend to draw the root or “oz” of the penis into the constrictor ring so that a more natural erection is achieved and maintained after the vacuum tube is removed. Removal of the diaphragm seal reduces the total pressure being exerted on the male genital, which causes the genital to deflate and facilitates the removal of the constrictor ring. The vacuum tube has an open end with a blunt area to reduce the pinching of the individual&#39;s skin between the tube and their hop bone. The open end of the vacuum tube also includes a double flange to facilitate accurate placement of the diaphragm on the tube. The erection device can be provided as a kit containing a rigid vacuum tube, and electric pump, and several diaphragm seals and constrictor rings of various sizes to achieve a custom fit and optimum results.

Description:
This application is a divisional of Ser. No. 09/328,059 filed Jun. 8, 1999 U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,069 which is a Div. of Ser. No. 08/895,130 filed Jul. 16, 1997 U.S. Pat No. 5,951,460. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a non-invasive penile erection device using a vacuum tube and a diaphragm that seals against a constrictor ring placed at the base of the male genital to provide a comfortable customized fit at greater vacuum pressures to produce a more natural erection. 
     BACKGROUND PRIOR ART 
     A variety of non-invasive, vacuum type penile inflation devices are available. These inflation devices use external vacuum pressure to replace the body&#39;s natural ability to inflate the male genital or penis with blood. The devices typically utilize cylindrically shaped vacuum tube for receiving the penis, a diaphragm for sealing the open end of the vacuum tube around the penis and a pump for evacuating or removing air from the vacuum tube. When air is removed from inside the tube, the decrease in pressure causes blood to enter and inflate the male genital. a constrictor ring is typically placed around the male genital after it is inflated to maintain the inflated state of the penis when the vacuum tube is removed. Examples of such devices are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,64441,638 to Perry, 4,753,227 to Yanuck, Jr., 4,856,498 to Osbon, 5,125,890 to Merrill, and 5,344,389 to Walsdorf, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. 
     One shortcoming of conventional penile inflation devices is that the diaphragm does not form a sufficiently air tight seal to produce a desired amount of vacuum pressure inside the tube. Even when gel lubricants are applied to the diaphragm and male genital to improve the seal, air tends to leak between the diaphragm and the male genital. This air leakage reduces the amount of vacuum pressure attained inside the tube and the amount of inflation and stiffness of the male genital. Conventional penile inflation devices achieve about 14 to 16 inches of mercury of vacuum pressure, while a fully inflated, usable erection often requires about 17 to 22 inches of mercury of vacuum pressure. 
     An additional shortcoming with the prior art is that the inflation devices do not inflate and maintain the penis in an erect and usable position. Conventional constrictor rings are designed to fit on and secure to the substantially flat shaft portion of the penis. The rings are not intended to fit around the increasingly larger diametered base of the penis located adjacent the groin of the individual, especially when inflated. The increasingly wider base creates a slope that causes the constrictor ring to slide off the base and onto the shaft of the penis. Conventional constrictor ribs are also not designed to allow the root or “oz” of the penis, which extends inwardly of the groin of the individual, to be drawn into the constrictor ring. When the vacuum tube is removed, only that portion of the shaft of the penis downstream of the constrictor ring remains inflated. The base and root of the penis remain or return to flaccid state and the penis does not achieve and maintain a natural erect position. 
     A still further problem with the prior art is that the flaccid base and root portions of the penis upstream of the constrictor ring create a “joint” about which the inflated shaft portion of the penis may bend. The inflated portion of the penis must be manipulated by hand during use, which can be especially difficult for paraplegic and quadriplegic individuals or their partner. 
     A further problem of the prior art is that conventional constrictor rings used in various inflation devices are painful due to their narrow width and generally “rubber band” like shape. The edges of the constrictor ring dig into the skin of the individual and cause substantial pain. 
     A still further problem with conventional designs is that it is difficult to position the constrictor ring on the base or root of the male genital after it is place on the penis. The user must grip the edges of the narrow rubber band shaped constrictor ring to adjust the constrictor ring and attempt to work it onto the base after its initial placement on the shaft of the penis. This can be quite difficult when the edges of the constrictor ring are digging into the skin. 
     A still further problem of conventional designs is that the lubricants used to help form the seal between the diaphragm and the male genital are messy. Lubricant invariably spreads all over the inflation device, the hands and body of the individual, and the surroundings. 
     A still further problem of the prior art is that the diaphragm and constrictor ring so not fit all individuals with equal comfort and equal results. Different individuals require differently sized constrictor rings and diaphragms. A trial and error approach to obtaining a correctly sized constrictor ring and diaphragm can be inconvenient and embarrassing given the nature of the product involved. 
     A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that the manufacturing costs can be excessive. The cost and umber of components making up the penile erection device should be kept to a minimum. The erection device should also cooperate with existing vacuum tube and pump designs when possible to avoid expensive and time consuming manufacturing modifications. 
     A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that the open end or rim of the tube digs into the groin area of an individual when vacuum pressure is applied inside the tube. The individual&#39;s skin is pinched between the rim of the tube and their hip bone. This is especially painful when vacuum pressures near 15 inches of mercury and up are achieved. 
     A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that the diaphragm seal is not always secured to the tube in the same location. Individuals do not always seat the outer end of the diaphragm in its proper location against the lip of the tube. The outer end of the diaphragm may be pulled too far back over the lip of the tube, or one side of the seal may be pulled over the lip too far. These inconsistencies in placement result in inconsistencies in the stretching of the diaphragm seal, which in turn results in inconsistencies in the operation of the diaphragm seal, such as the shape of the diaphragm seal when flexed during use and the size and shape of the inner end of the diaphragm seal. 
     A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that they are cumbersome to operate. The individual must hold the tube firmly against his groin with one hand while repeatedly squeezing the hand pump with the other. The need for lubricants only adds to the mess and difficulty in using these devices. 
     A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that the inner edge of a conventional diaphragm seal has a round or circular cross sectional shape. This round shape only permits a small surface area of the inner end to engage the penis. Any pressure applied by the diaphragm seal to the penis to aid in the enlargement of the penis is applied over this relatively small surface area. It is believed that the application of pressure in this manner may restrict arterial blood flow to the penis, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the device. 
     A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that the diaphragm seal is designed to be removed after the penis has been enlarged. The bulky, outwardly projecting, cone-like shape of the diaphragm would be noticeable impediment to the individual and his partner if it were left in place during sexual activity. 
     A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that the rubber band can be difficult and painful to remove after use. Like a ring stuck on a swollen finger, the rubber band pinches into the sides of the penis. There are frequently no handles for griping conventional rubber band designs for removal. Typical methods for removing the rubber bands and constrictor rings are painful because the penis remains enlarged when the rubber band or constrictor ring is removed. 
     A still further problem with the prior art assemblies is that the material used to make conventional vacuum tubes can be cracked or otherwise damaged during storage and handling. The risk of harming an individual could arise if a damaged tube is subjected to high vacuum pressures during use. 
     The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a non-invasive penile erection device having a constrictor ring designed to fit against the base of a male genital or penis, and a diaphragm seal that forms a substantially air tight seal against the constrictor ring. The constrictor ring is designed to comfortably and securely fit the base of the penis. The substantially air tight seal enables the pump to produce vacuum pressures of over 17 inches of mercury. The diaphragm seal is designed to collapse around the constrictor ring and remain on during sexual activity. The diaphragm seal cooperates with the constrictor ring to apply pressure to the surface of the penis. The placement of the constrictor ring on the base of the penis and the greater vacuum pressure achieved by the device tend to draw the root or “oz” of the penis into the constrictor ring so that a more natural erection is achieved and maintained after the vacuum tube is removed. Removal of the diaphragm seal reduces the total pressure being exerted on the male genital, which causes the genital to deflate and facilitates the removal of the constrictor ring. The vacuum tube has an open end with a blunt area to reduce the pinching of the individual&#39;s skin between the tube and their hip bone. The open end of the vacuum tube also includes a double flange to facilitate accurate placement of the diaphragm on the tube. The erection device can be provided as a kit containing a rigid vacuum tube, an electric pump, and several diaphragm seals and constrictor rings of various sizes to achieve a custom fit and optimum results. 
     One advantage of the present invention is its ability to inflate the shaft, base and root protions of the male genital. The constrictor ring is designed to securely fit the base of the penis and draw a portion of the root of the penis into the constrictor ring when vacuum pressure is applied to the inside of the vacuum tube. The inflation of the base and root portions of the penis causes the penis to rise to a more natural erect position. The constrictor ring also maintains the penis in an erect position after the vacuum tube is removed. 
     An additional advantage of the present invention is that the hands of the individual may remain free during use bacuse the base of the penis does not become flaccid after the vacuum tube is removed to from a “joint” about which the shaft of the penis can bend. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that the constrictor ring is designed to be easily positioned onto the base of the male genital with the tabs of the ring abutting the groin of the individual. The tabs of the constrictor ring enable the individual to work the ring securely onto the increasing diameter or sloped shape of the base of the male genital. The constrictor ring is shaped to have an increasing inside diameter down the length of the ring moving from the outer edge of the tubular portion to the inner end of the conical portion. This increasing inside diameter enables the ring to stay fixed on the base of the penis both during inflation and use without sliding down the shaft of the penis. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that the inner and outer ends of the constrictor ring are rounded to provide a comfortable fit by helping to prevent the constrictor ring from digging into the skin of the individual. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that the diaphragm is disigned to form a substantially air tight seal against the constrictor ring. The tubular portion of the constrictor ring has a predetermined diameter that increases slightly moving from the outer end toward the inner end of the constrictor ring. The inner end of the diaphragm has a thick, rounded shank with a predetermined diameter that is substantially equivalent to the diameter of the outer end of the tubular portion of the constrictor ring. When air is removed from the vacuum tube, the tubular portion of the constrictor ring slides into the diaphragm seal to form a relatively air tight seal. This seal enables the vacuum pump to obtain a sufficient level of vacuum pressure to inflate the penis and draw a portion of the root of the penis into the constrictor ring. This allows the penis to achieve a more natural erection both while the vacuum tube is in use and after the vacuum tube has been removed. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that no messy lubricants are necessary to form the seal between the constrictor ring and the diaphragm. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is its reliability and ease of use. A loader is provided for placing the ring on the base of the penis. The tabs enable the individual to slide the ring from the narrow receiving end, down the length of the loader to its wider open end. After the penis is inserted into the open end of the loader, the individual can grip the tabs to pull the ring off the loader and onto the base of the penis. The tabs also permit the individual to further advance the ring down the base of the penis so that a portion of the root of the penis can be inflated during use. The ease with which an individual can position the constrictor ring on the base of the penis helps ensure that a more natural erection is attained by the individual during each use. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that a plurality of differently sized diaphragm seals and constrictor rings can be provided in a kit that includes all the penile erection device components. The individual can select the diaphragm and constrictor ring that fits them best for a customized, comfortable fit that produces good results in the privacy of their own home. Inconvenient and embarrassing trips to a doctor or store are not necessary. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is found in its inexpensive component costs and its relative ease of manufacture. For example, the present vacuum tube can be manufactured using relatively inexpensive conventional plastic tubes. The flexible diaphragm and constrictor ring designs can be efficiently incorporated into a conventional; vacuum tube and pump designs so that expensive and time consuming manufacturing costs are avoided. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that the open end of the tube has a blunt area spread out the force and reduce the among of pressure applied by the tube to the groin area of the individual when vacuum pressure is achieved inside the tube. This reduces the amount of pain and pinching of the individual&#39;s skin between the outer end of the tube and their hip bone. This is especially important when vacuum pressures around or above 16 inches of mercury are achieved. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that the outer end of the vacuum tube is provided with a double flange for receiving the outer end of the diaphragm seal. The double flange shape provides a positioning channel for receiving the outer end of the diaphragm seal . Individuals can more easily secure the diaphragm seal to the tube in its proper centered location each time it is placed on the tube. The outer end of the diaphragm seal is not pulled too far back over the lip of the tube. The outer end of the diaphragm seal is not pulled too far back over the lip of the tube, nor is one side of the diaphragm seal pulled over the lip too far. This consistent placement results in a consistent, even stretching of the diaphragm seal over the tube. This results in the consistent operation of the diaphragm seal. The inner end is stretched more evenly to achieve a circular shape for engaging the penis, so that the diaphragm applies pressure evenly around the surface of the male genital. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to operate. The control plug and electric pump facilitate easy operation of the device. The vacuum gauge, power switch and vacuum relief valve are centrally located for ease of use. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that the inner edge of a conventional diaphragm seal has a “tear drop” cross sectional shape. This tear drop shape enables a larger surface area of the inner end to engage the surface of the genital. Pressure applied by the diaphragm seal to the genital to aid in the inflation of the genital is applied over this larger surface area. It is believed that the application of pressure in this manner facilitates arterial blood flow to the penis, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the device. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that the diaphragm seal is designed to collapse over the constrictor ring. When about 17 inches of mercury in vacuum pressure is achieved, the diaphragm seal inverts into an “S” shape. After the male genital has been full enlarged and the vacuum tube is removed, the diaphragm collapses into a relatively compact “S” shape around the constrictor ring. When in this collapsed shape, the diaphragm is not a noticeable impediment to the individual and his partner during sexual activity. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that the cooperating diaphragm seal and constrictor ring can be more easily and painlessly remove after use. The diaphragm seal is removed first. This is easily accomplished by gripping the handles and pulling the diaphragm back into its initial outwardly projecting cone shape. This outwardly projecting cone shape is more easily pulled off the enlarged male genital. The removal of the diaphragm seal eliminates some of the pressure exerted on the genital. This allows some of the blood to flow out of the genital and reduces its enlarged state. The constrictor ring can then be more easily removed from the partially deflated penis. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in combination with the following drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a penile erection device of the present invention including a constrictor ring, a vacuum tube having a diaphragm seal at one end and a control plug on the other, and electric power pump connected to the control plug. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a constrictor ring of the present invention placed on a loading tube for installing the constrictor ring on the base of the male genital. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the constrictor ring with a four tab design. 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of the constrictor ring. 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the constrictor ring. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 — 6  of FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the constrictor ring. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the diaphragm seal in a relaxed position. 
     FIG. 9 is a top view of the diaphragm seal in the relaxed position. 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  10 — 10  of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the diaphragm seal in a collapsed position. 
     FIG. 12 is a top view of the diaphragm seal in the collapsed position. 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  13 — 13  of FIG. 12 
     FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the double flanged vacuum tube aligned with the control plug. 
     FIG. 15 is a side elevation view showing the double flanged vacuum tube secured to its open end and a control plug sealing the outer end. 
     FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  16 — 16  of FIG. 15 showing the rounded inside surface of the one end of the double flange vacuum tube, the filter, the vacuum relief valve and the air flow passageway in the control plug. 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the diaphragm seal placed over the open end of the double flange vacuum tube. 
     FIG. 18 is a partial side view showing the diaphragm seal placed over the open end of the double flange vacuum tube. 
     FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  19 — 19  of FIG. 18 showing the placement of the outer end of the diaphragm seal between the double flanges of the open end of the vacuum tube. 
     FIG. 20 is and exploded perspective view showing an adapter having a double flange design aligned to mate with the open end of conventional vacuum tube. 
     FIG. 21 is a side elevation view showing the adapter. 
     FIG. 22 is a front elevated view showing the adapter. 
     FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  23 — 23  of FIG. 22 showing the double flange adapter design aligned with a conventional vacuum tube. 
     FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the constrictor ring secured to the base of a flaccid male genital with the vacuum tube and diaphragm seal aligned to receive the male genital. 
     FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the penile erection device installed around the flaccid male genital with the diaphragm sealing directly around the male genital. 
     FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the penile erection device installed around a partially inflated male genital after a first predetermined amount of vacuum pressure has been produced inside the vacuum tube, with the root of male genital and the constrictor ring beginning to be drawn into the tube, and with the diaphragm sealing against the constrictor ring beginning to be drawn into the tube, and width the diaphragm sealing against the constrictor ring to form a substantially air tight seal. 
     FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the diaphragm after a second predetermined amount of vacuum pressure as been produced inside the vacuum tube, with the inner end of the diaphragm has inverted so that the diaphragm forms an “S” shape, and with a portion of the root of the male genital drawn into the constrictor ring. 
     FIG. 28 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the constrictor ring secured to the base of the penis, the diaphragm seal being in a collapsed position, and the diaphragm released from the vacuum tube. 
     FIG. 29 is a side view showing a constrictor ring secured to the base of a partially deflated male genital after the diaphragm seal has been removed. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in may different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiment illustrated. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 24, the present invention relates to a vacuum type penile erection device for a male genital  10  having a shaft  12  with a surface  13 , a base portion  14  and a root portion  16  located beneath the surface of the groin  18  of an individual. The erection device  20  includes a constrictor ring  20  placed around the base of the male genital  10 , a flexible diaphragm  80  that seals around the constrictor ring and is secured to an open end of a vacuum tube  140 . The male genital  10  is then inserted through the diaphragm seal  80  and into the vacuum tube  140 . A control plug  180  sealing an opposite end of the vacuum tube  140  is used in conjunction with an electric pump  200  to evacuate or removing air from the tube. The constrictor ring  30  and diaphragm seal  80  combine to achieve an amount of pressure around the surface  13  of male genital  10  necessary to maintain the genital in an erect position after the vacuum tube  140  is removed. 
     As best shown in FIGS. 3-7, the constrictor ring  30  is formed from an integral piece or main body  31  of soft, durable and flexible rubber to facilitate comfort and bending and stretching during use. Although the constrictor ring  30  is preferably made of synthetic natural rubber, it should be under stood that the materials having similar characteristics may be used. The constrictor ring  30  has inner and outer ends  32  and  32  and inside and outside surface  34  and  35 . A tubular portion  40  is located proximal the outer end  33 . A conical portion  42  is located proximal the inner end  32 . Four tabs or handles  45 - 48  project outwardly from the inner end  32  of the conical portion  42 . The tubular portion  40  has a length of about 0.50 of and inch and thickness of about 0.045 of an inch. The conical portion  42  has a length of about 0.25 of an inch and a varying thickness due to its rounded inside surface  34  of the inner end  32 . The conical portion  42  is generally thicker than that or the tubular portion  40 . The tubular portion  40  forms an opening having a predetermined diameter of about one inch at the outer end  33 , but rings of various diameters are provided to obtain a custom fit, as discussed below. 
     The inner and outer ends  32  and  33  of the constrictor ring  30  are rounded for comfort and ease of use. The inside surface  34  of the inner end  32  is rounded to a radius of about 0.025 of an inch to provide a comfortable fit and accommodate the typically increasing diameter of the base  14  of the male genital  10 . Although the inside surface of  34  of the inner end  32  is rounded, it should be understood that the inside surface may have a different arcuate shape. The outside surface  35  of the conical portion  42  is chamfered at about a 45 degree angle. The outer end  33  of the constrictor ring  20  is rounded on both its inside and outside surfaces  34  and  35  to a radius of about 0.01 of an inch. The inside surface  34  of the outer end  33  is rounded to provide a comfortable fit. The outside surface  35  of the outer end  33  is rounded to facilitate sliding engagement of the inner shank  92  of the diaphragm seal  80  during use, as discussed below. 
     The inside diameter of the inside surface  34  of the tubular portion  40  increases slightly and continuously heading away from outer end  33  and toward inner end  32 . The increase in inside diameter is more pronounced in the conical portion  42  due to the rounding of the inside surface  34  of the inner end  32  as discussed above. The continuously increasing diameter of the inside surface  34  enables the individual to fit the constrictor ring onto the base  14  of the penis  10  and helps maintain the ring at this location during use. The continuously increasing diameter of the inside surface  34  also helps form the substantially air tight seal between the diaphragm  80  and the constrictor ring  30 . Although the constrictor ring  30  is shown as having the diaphragm  80  and the constrictor ring  30 . Although the constrictor ring  30  is shown as having a conical portion  42  with a chamfered outside surface  35  that meets the tubular portion  40  at about a 45 degree angle, it should be understood that the outside surface  35  of the conical and tubular portions could form a continuous arcuate or rounded shape. 
     Each handle  45 - 48  projects from the conical portion  42  at a 90° angle from its adjacent handle. Each handle also has a common predetermined with dimension. The handles  45 - 48  inhibit the conical portion  42  of the constrictor ring  30  from stretching during use. The areas between each of the tabs  45 - 48  form expansion joints in the conical portion  42  which tend to stretch more easily when vacuum is applied to the vacuum tube  220  and the base  14  of male genital  10  inflates. The handles  45 - 48  have roughened areas  50  on their inside and outside surfaces  34  and  35  to provide a more gripable surface. 
     As best shown in FIG. 24, the constrictor ring  30  is intended to be placed on the base  14  of the male genital  10  so that the handles  45 - 48  touch, but do not press into the surface of the groin  18  of an individual. The optimal results are believed to occur when the constrictor ring  30  is placed on the base  14  of a flaccid male genital  10  with the handles in this position. It is in this position that the root  16  of the penis  10  is believed to be most effectively drawn into the constrictor ring  30 , as discussed below. A groove  55  is formed into the inside and outside surfaces  33  and  34  of each handle  45 - 48  near the neck of the handle these grooves  55  facilitate the bending of the handle during use. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, a tubular shaped loader  60  having an open end  62  with a diameter of about one and a half (1½) inches is provided to facilitate placement of the constrictor ring around the base  14  of the male genital  10 . The constrictor ring  30  is inserted around a narrow end  64  of the loader  60 . The individual can then grip the handles  45 - 48  and slide the constrictor ring  30  down the length of the loader toward the open end  62 . The larger diameter of the open end  62  stretches the diameter of the tubular and conical portions  40  and  42  of the constrictor ring  30  to facilitate placement on the base  7  of the flaccid penis. The outer surface of the loader  60  may have longitudinal grooves  66  running down the length of the loader, or it may have a smooth finish. A radial alignment groove  68  having a depth of about an eighth (⅛) is formed in the outside surface near the open end  62  of the loader  60 . The interaction between the alignment groove  68  and the stretched constrictor ring  30  is believed to cause the ring to quickly snap off the loader  60  when the ring is pulled past the alignment groove and over the edge of the open end  62  of the loader. 
     As shown in FIGS. 8-13, the diaphragm seal  80  is made of an integral piece of soft, durable and flexible rubber to facilitate comfort and bending and stretching during use. Although the diaphragm seal  80  is preferably made of synthetic natural rubber, it should be understood that other materials having similar qualities may be used. A product similar to the diaphragm seal  80  used in the present invention is available through Da Goang Assorted Co., Ltd. of Taipei, Taiwan. 
     The Diaphragm seal  80  has a tubular wall  82  that is molded to have a natural generally tubular shape. The tubular wall  82  has inside and outside surfaces  84  and  85  and inner and outer ends  87  and  88 . The tubular wall  82  and inner and outer ends  87  and  88  are substantially centered about a central axis  90 . 
     A shank  92  having a tear drop shaped cross-sectional area forms the inner end  87  of the diaphragm seal  80  and defines an inner opening  94  having a predetermined diameter. The tear drop shaped shank  92  has inside and outside surfaces  95  and  96 . The tear drop shaped shank  92  has a length of about 8 millimeters and a thickness of about 2.5 millimeters. The length of the tear drop shaped shank  92 . The tear drop shaped shank is substantially parallel to and centered about the central axis  90  of the diaphragm seal  80 . The tear drop shaped shank  92  is disigned so that a portion of its length  98  running along either its inside of outside surface  95  or  96  engages the outside surface  35  of the tubular portion  40  of the constrictor ring  30 . 
     A shank  100  having a substantially round cross-secional area forms the outer end  88  of the diaphragm seal  80  and defines an outer opening  102  havig a predetermined diameter. The diameter of the outer opening  102  is larger than the diameter of the inner opening  87 . The round shaped shank  100  has a surface  104  and is substantially centered about axis  90 . The tear drop shaped shank  92  has a diameter of about  4  millimeters. The surface  104  of the round shank  100  remains flush with the outside surface  85  of the diaphragm seal  80  and projects inwardly from the inside surface  84 . The amount of material forming the round shank  199  is about the same as the amount of material forming the tear drop shaped shank  92 . 
     The tubular wall  82  has a first or top conical portion  110  located near outer end  88 , a second or middle conical portion  112 , and a third or bottom portion  114  located near inner end  87 . Top portion  119 , middle portion  112 , bottom portion  114  are integrally formed and have a substantially uniform thickness of about 1 millimeter. Two handles  119  are integrally formed to the diaphragm seal  80  and project outwardly from the round shank  100 . The shanks  92  and  100  are thicker and more stretch resistant than the walls of the tubular  82 . 
     FIGS. 8-10 show the diaphragm seal  80  in a relaxed position  120 . This is the natural molded position of the diaphragm seal  80 . The diaphragm seal tends to return to this position when compressed, twisted or otherwise altered. In the relaxed position  120 , the top portion  110  of the tubular wall  82  has a given slope or degree of incline with respect to the central axis  90 . The middle portion  112  has a greater slope with respect to the central axis  90 . The bottom portion  114  has a third slight degree of slope with respect to the central axis  90 . In the relaxed position  120 , the inner end  87  is spaced a predetermined distance along the center axis  90  from the outer end  88 . 
     FIG.  11 -show the diaphragm seal  80  in a stable collapsed position  125 . Although this is not its natural molded position, the diaphragm seal  80  is designed to remain stable in this collapsed position  125 , until the inner end  87  or tear drop shaped shank  92  is pushed or pulled out or away from the outer end  88  or round shank  100 . In the compressed position  125 , the slope of the top portion  110  of the tubular wall  82  is reduced toward the outer end  88 . The middle portion  112  has been bent back toward the outer end  88  so that it now has a negative slope or opposite degree of incline with respect to the central axis  90 . The bottom portion  114  and tear drop shaped shank  92  generally retain their shape and degree of slope with respect to the central axis  90 . In the collapsed position  125 , the inner end  87  and tear drop shaped shank  92  are drawn a predetermined distance along the center axis  90  toward the outer end  88  and round shank  100 . 
     FIGS. 17-19 show the diaphragm seal  80  secured to the vacuum tube  140  in an inverted position  130 . The round shank  100  forming the outer opening  102  helps maintain the air tight seal between the outer end  88  of the diaphragm seal  80  and the vacuum tube  140 , as discussed below. The thicker and more stretch resistant outer shank  100  helps maintain the air tight seal between the outer end  88  of the diaphragm seal  80  and the vacuum tube  140 . The outside surface  96  of the tear drop shaped shank  92  is now facing toward the central axis  90  and forms the inner opening  94 . The handles  118  enable the individual using the device to easily release the diaphragm seal  80  from the vacuum tube  220  after the male genital has been inflated to an erect position, as will be discussed later. 
     The vacuum tube  140  and control plug  180  are shown in FIGS  14 - 1   6 . The vacuum tube  140  has a generally cylindrically shaped tubular body  141 . The tubular shaped body  141  has an inside surface  142  for receiving the male genital  10 , and outside surface  143  and open ends  144  and  145  having inside diameters of about two inches. The tube  140  is preferably made of a rigid, transparent polypropylene having a thickness of about 0.1 inch. The tube  140  is designed to maintain its shape when at least about 24 inches of mercury in vacuum pressure are achieved inside the tube. The tube  140  has a thicker, more robust portion  147  near opening for receiving the control plug  180 . The tube  140  is sized and shaped to accommodate the male genital  10  of a variety of individuals. 
     First and second flanges  150  and  160  extend radially in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outside surface  143  of the vacuum tube  140 . The first flange  150  has an outer surface  152  that is flush with open end  144  of the tube  140 . The inside surface  142  of the open end  144  is curved to form a rounded portion. The rounded portion has a radius of about ¼inch, but could be larger if desired. The outer surface  152  of the flange  150  and the rounded portion form a blunt area  155  that can be pressed against the groin of an individual with relatively minimal pain when high vacuum pressures are achieved. 
     The second flange  160  is spaced a predetermined distance from the first flange  150  to form a substantially U-shaped, positioning channel  165  for receiving the round shank  100  of the diaphragm seal  80 . The first flange  150  has a height of about ⅜from the inside surface  142  of the tube  140 . This height permits the round shank  100  to be stretched over the fist flange  150  and snap fit into the positioning channel  165 . The second flange  150  has a greater height than the first flange  150  and snap fit into the positioning channel  165 . The second flange  160  has a greater height than the first flange  150 . This greater height does not readily permit the round shank  100  to stretch over the second flange  160 . This facilitates the placement and seating of the rounded shank  100  in the positioning channel  165  so that it rests against the first flange  150 . The inside surface  84  of the first portion  110  of the diaphragm wall  82  wraps around and lays against the outer surface  152  of the first flange  150  and the rounded portion of the open end  144  of the tube  140 . The first flange  150  has a uniform height and thickness around the circumference of the open end  144  of the tube  149 . The blunt area  155  is also uniformly shaped around the circumference of the open end  144 . This causes the diaphragm seal  80  to secure to over the open end  144  of the tube  140  so that the center axis  90  of the diaphragm seal  80  aligns with a center axis  170  of the vacuum tube  140  as shown in FIG.  19 . This snap fit securement also produces a substantially air tight seal between the diaphragm seal  180  and the tube  140 . 
     Control plug  180  has a main body  181  containing a first portion  182  with an outer surface  184 , and a second portions  186 . The outer surface  184  of the first portion  182  has a diameter sized to be snugly received into the open end  145  of the vacuum tube  140 . The second portion  186  extends from the open end  145  of the tube  140 . Air can flow through the control plug  180  via a passage way  188 . A vacuum pressure relief valve  190  is located on the second portion and is in communication with the passage way  190 . An electric switch  191  is also located on the second portion for activating and deactivating the pump  200  that removes air from the inside of the tube  140 . A pressure gauge  192  is located on the face of the control plug  180  but could be located elsewhere if desired. The control plug  180  includes an air filter  193  for removing particles such as powder that might otherwise clog the passageway  188 , hose  202  or pump  200 . The second portion  186  has a slightly larger diameter to create a ridge against which a gasket  104  can be placed. Gasket  195  is compressed between this ridge and the open end  145  of the tube  140  to form a substantially air tight seal between the tube and the control plug  180 . The control plug  180  includes a nippled outlet  197  at the end of the passage way  190 . 
     The pump  200  is used to evacuate or remove air from the vacuum tube  140 . A flexible hose  292  connects the nippled opening  197  of the control plug  180  to the pump  200 . The pump  200  should be capable of achieving vacuum pressure in excess of 24 inches of mercury. The pump  200  should also have a safety valve or vacuum limiter (not shown) set to open at 24 inches of mercury to prevent harmful vacuum pressures from being imparted to the individual during use. In this way, the pump  200  can experience a reduction in achievable vacuum pressure due to wear and tear over time, without affecting the performance of the device  20 . While the preferred embodiment is shown to use an electric pump  200  for removing or evacuating air from the tube  140 , it should be understood that other evacuating means, such as a hand pump, could be employed without departing from the invention. 
     FIGS. 20-23 show an adapter ring  240  for use with a conventional vacuum tube  220 . The conventional vacuum tube  220  is a generally cylindrically shaped tube having a predominantly closed end  222 , an open end  224  with a diameter of about two inches and an inside surface  225  for receiving the male genital  10 . The tube  229  is preferably made of a rigid, transparent plastic having a thickness of about 0.1 inch. The tube  220  is designed to maintain its shape when at least about 24 inches of mercury in vacuum pressure is achieved inside the tube. An outwardly projecting lip  227  is formed around a perimeter of the open end  224 . The lip  227  has a height of about 0.25 of an inch and its edges are rounded for comfort. The predominantly closed end  222  of tube  220  has a nippled opening  228  through which air is removed from inside the tube  220 . The tube  220  is sized and shaped to accommodate the male genital of a variety of individuals. 
     The adapter ring  240  includes a ring  242  with an inside surface  224  for receiving the male genital  20 , and outside surface  245 , and inner and outer ends  246  and  247  having inside diameters of about two inches. The adapter ring  240  is preferably made of a rigid, transparent polypropylene. The adapter ring  240  is designed to maintain its shape when at least about 24 inches of mercury in vacuum pressure is exerted on the ring. The structure of the adapter ring  240  is similar to that of the flared open end  144  of the vacuum tube  140  and includes first and second flanges  250  and  260 . 
     First and second flanges  250  and  260  are located at the outer end  247  of the adapter ring  240 . Both flanges  250  and  260  extend radially from in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and outside surface  245  of the adapter ring  240 . The first flange  250  has an outer surface  252  that is flush with outer end  247  of the adapter ring  240 . The inside surface  244  of the outer end  247  is curved to form a rounded portion. The rounded portion has a radius of about ¼ inch, but could be larger if desired. The outer surface  252  of the flange  250  and the rounded portion form a blunt area  255  that can be pressed against the groin of an individual with relatively minimal pain. 
     The second flange  260  is spaced a predetermined distance from the first flange  250  to form a substantially U-shaped, positioning channel  265  for receiving the round shank  100  of the diaphragm seal  80 . The first flange  259  has a height of about ⅜from the inside surface  244  of the adapter ring  240 . This height permits the round shank  100  to be stretched over the shank and snap fit into the positioning channel. The second flange  260  has a greater height than the first flange  250 . This greater height does not readily permit the round shank  100  to stretch over the second flange  260 . This facilitates the placemat and seating of the rounded shank  100  in the positioning channel  265  so that is rests against the first flange  250 . The inside surface  84  of the first portion  110  of the diaphragm wall  82  wraps around and lays against the outer surface  252  of the first flange  250  and the rounded portion of the outer end  247  of the ring  240 . The first flange  250  has a uniform height and thickness around the circumference of the outer end  247  of the adapter ring  240 . The blunt area  225  is also uniformly shaped around the circumference of the outer end  247 . This causes the diaphragm seal  80  to secure to over the outer end  247  of the adapter ring  240  so that the center axis  90  of the diaphragm seal  80  aligns with a center axis  269  of the ring and conventional vacuum tube  220 . This snap fit securement also produces a substantially air tight seal between the diaphragm seal  80  and the adapter ring  240 . 
     The inner end  246  of the adapter ring  240  includes a recess  270  that forms a longitudinal flange  272  extending around the circumference of the inner end of the ring. The longitudinal flange  272  has an inside surface  244  that defines an outer opening having a diameter sized to snugly receive the outwardly projecting lip  227  of the open end  224  of the conventional vacuum tube  220 . The recess  270  has an inner end  274  against which a first gasket  280  may be placed. When vacuum pressure is applied, the gasket  280  is compressed between the adapter ring  240  and the open end  224  of the conventional vacuum tube  220  to form a substantially air tight seal. A second or alternate gasket  285  may be secured around the outside surface  226  and against the lip  227  of the conventional vacuum tube  220 . The gasket is sized to snugly engage the inside surface  244  of the longitudinal flange  272  of the adapter ring  240  to produce a substantially air tight seal between the adapter ring  240  and the conventional vacuum tube  220 . A locking member  287  may be provided to help secure the alternate gasket  285  to the vacuum tube  229 . 
     OPERATION OF THE DEVICE 
     Although the operation of the present invention should be understood based on the above description, the following is provided to more easily explain the operation of the device  20 . The device  20  can be provided in the form of a kit that can be purchased and taken to the privacy of an individual&#39;s home. The kit includes the vacuum tube  140 , control plug  180  and pump  200 , a plurality of diaphragm seals  80  each having an inner opening  94  of varying diameter, and a plurality of constrictor rings  30  each having an outer end  33  of varying diameter that cooperates with one of the diaphragms. The individual can then select the cooperating diaphragm seal  80  and constrictor ring  30  that comfortably and effectively fit their male genital. The kit may also contain an adapter ring  240  in lieu of the tube  140 , control plug  180  and pump  200 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2, the appropriate constrictor ring  30  is inserted onto the loader  60  and slid down to its open end  62  by gripping and pulling on the handles  45 - 48 . A dry powder, such as baby powder may be used to help decrease the force needed to slide the constrictor ring down the loader  60 . The constrictor ring  30  is positioned over the radial alignment groove  68  near the open  62  end of the loader  60 . Any kinds of distortion in the tubular and conical portions  40  and  42  of the constrictor ring caused by pulling on the handles  45 - 48  are removed when the ring is positioned over the alignment ring. The flaccid penis  10  is then inserted into the open end  62  of the loader  60 , and the constrictor ring  30  is slid off the loader and onto the genital  10  as close to its base  14  as possible by using the handles  45 - 48 , the individual can work the constrictor ring  30  into an optimal position where the inside surface  34  of the handles rest against, but do not press into, the surface of their groin  18 . The constrictor ring should now be applying a predetermined amount of pressure to the surface  13  of the male genital. 
     As shown in FIG. 24, the tip of the male genital  10  is than aligned with and placed against the opening in the inner end  87  of the diaphragm seal  80 . The diaphragm seal is already secured to the open end  144  of the vacuum tube  140  as shown in FIG.  25 . Initially, the outside surface  96  of the rear drop shaped shank  92  of the inverted diaphragm  80  engages and seals against the surface  13  of the male genital  10 . The seal is made along the engagement area  98  of the tear drop shaped shank  92 . This seal enables the pump to obtain an intermediate amount of vacuum pressure inside the vacuum tube  140 . Depending on the diameter size of the inner opening  94  of the diaphragm seal  80  selected and the characteristics of the male genital  10  of the particular individual, the engagement area  98  should now be applying a predetermined amount of pressure to the surface  13  of the male genital. This intermediate amount of vacuum pressure causes the genital  10  to begin inflating and begins to draw the root  16  of the genital  10  toward the constrictor ring  30 . The vacuum pressure also causes the constrictor ring  30  to move toward the inner end  87  of the diaphragm  80 . 
     When a first predetermined amount of vacuum pressure is achieved inside the vacuum tube  140 , the engagement area  98  of the tear drop shaped  92  of the diaphragm  80  engages the outer end  33  of the constrictor ring  30  and slides up onto and seals against the outer surface  35  of the tubular portion  40  of the constrictor ring as shown in FIG.  26 . The tubular portion  40  of the constrictor ring  30  and the engagement portion  98  of the rear drop shaped shank  92  now combine to produce a larger amount of pressure to the surface  13  of the male genital  10  directly beneath the tubular portion  40  and engagement area  98 . This forms a substantially air tight seal and enables the pump  200  to produce a greater amount of vacuum pressure inside the vacuum tube  140 . The greater amount of vacuum pressure can be in the range of about 17 to 24 inches of mercury below atmospheric pressure. The greater vacuum pressure causes the genital  10  to achieve a more inflated state and draws the root  16  of the genital  10  into the constrictor ring  30  as exemplified by root point  17 . The greater vacuum pressure is also believed to cause some of the root  10  cause the shaft  12  to raise up to produce a more natural and usable erection as shown in FIG.  27 . As the male genital  10  continues to inflate, it tends to grow in diameter. Increases in diameter are resisted by the tubular portion  40  of the constrictor ring  30  and the tear drop shaped shank  92  which now combine to apply total amount pressure to the surface  13  of the male genital  10 . Although the percentage of contribution of total pressure applied by the tubular portion  40  or tear drop shaped shank  92  will vary depending on the size of the diameter of the ring and shank selected by the individual, a roughly even 50/50 contribution is thought to be preferable. 
     After the diaphragm  80  seals against the constrictor ring  30  and a second predetermined amount of vacuum pressure of about 17 inches of mercury is achieved inside the vacuum tube  140 , the diaphragm  80  may invert so that the diaphragm forms an “S” shape as shown in FIG.  27 . After the inversion into the collapsed “S” shape as occurred, the inside surface  84  of the tear drop shaped shank  92  is in contact with and seals against the outside surface  35  of the constrictor ring  30 . The amount of vacuum pressure needed to achieve the first and second predetermined amounts of pressure will vary from individual to individual depending on a variety of factors such as the size, shape and characteristics of the male genital  10 , diaphragm  80  and constrictor ring  30 . 
     The pump  200  is then turned off and the vacuum pressure relief valve  190  is depressed to release the vacuum pressure from inside the tube  140 . The individual then disconnects the diaphragm seal  80  from the vacuum tube  140  by use of the handles  118 , as shown in FIG.  8 . The diaphragm seal  80  collapses into its collapsed position  125  against and remains on the constrictor ring  30 . The male genital  10  remains in its natural erect position after the vacuum tube  140  is removed because it is believed that some of the root  16  and  17  has been drawn into the constrictor ring  30  so that the blood is retained in the inflated root. The constrictor ring  30  and diaphragm seal continues to apply the total amount of pressure to the surface  13  of the male genital  10  beneath the tubular portion  40  of the ring  30  and the engagement area  98  of the tear drop shaped shank  92 . 
     Removal of the diaphragm seal  80  and constrictor ring  30  is easily accomplished. Even though the male genital  10  remains inflated as in FIG. 28, the diaphragm seal  80  may be pulled off relatively easily by pulling on the handles to return the diaphragm seal to its relaxed position  120 . Once in this relaxed position  120 , the diaphragm seal  80  can be pulled off the male genital  10  relatively easily as it has a sloped tubular wall  82  and is only exerting roughly half the total pressure to the surface of the male genital. Once the diaphragm seal  80  has been removed, a reduction in pressure around the base  14  of the genital  10  permits the genital to deflate to a reduced less swollen state as in FIG.  29 . When the genital  10  is in this reduced state, the constrictor ring can be removed relatively easily. 
     Repeated use of the penile erection device  20  is believed to cause the male genital  10  of an individual having a given erect size to increase to an enlarged erect size. Thus is believed to be accomplished by repeatedly exposing the male genital  10  to vacuum pressure of about 16 inches of mercury or more for a predetermined time interval. 
     It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics of the invention. The present examples and embodiments of the invention are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.