Abstract:
Electrodes for stimulating penile tissue are shown. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to induce excitation and orgasm in males, particularly where impotence is a problem. Four embodiments of an electrode apparatus include a flexible ring ( 22 ) and an electrically conductive section ( 24 ) having a first end ( 26 ) coupled to and extending from the flexible ring ( 22 ), and an intermediate portion ( 30 ) extending through a hole ( 32 ) in the flexible ring ( 22 ). An electrical contact ( 34 ), in electrical communication with a second end ( 28 ) of the electrically conductive section ( 24 ), allows the section ( 24 ) to be connected to an electrical source. Auxiliary members such as conductive spheres ( 72, 78, 90,  and  92 ) and additional conductive sections ( 86, 100 ) are added to the electrode apparatuses to impart specific stimuli in specific regions of the user&#39;s anatomy.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to devices for applying electrical energy to living tissue. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for electrically stimulating penile tissue.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    It is known that medical disorders such as diabetes, leukemia, anemia, X-ray exposure, and so forth can cause impotence in males. Furthermore, it is known that the application of electrical stimulation to penile tissue can cause erection where impotence may exist due to these physiological conditions or due to psychological conditions. Indeed, it is known that the application of electrical stimulation to penile and urethral tissue can induce orgasm, even where the subject has suffered damage to the nerves serving the sex organs.  
           [0003]    The art is replete with various devices used to apply electrical stimulation to the subject areas. Rigid rings capable of transmitting low levels of electricity to the skin and muscles are typically applied about the penis and/or the scrotum. Insertable rolled or plug-type electrodes, made to be rolled to size, or sized in a variety of sizes to fit the user&#39;s anatomy, are known for the purpose of applying low levels of electricity to the skin and muscles inside and surrounding the penis.  
           [0004]    Rigid rings are useable for males where the application of electrical current to only a portion of penile tissue is sufficient to induce erection. However, due to the tremendously varying size of the penile tissue from rest to engorgement, the rigid ring may cause discomfort or pain to the user when the penis is engorged. In order to avoid this problem, the user may use a large diameter ring on a small diameter penis or change rings at some point prior to engorgement. Unfortunately, a rigid ring that is too large may not produce the desired affect and changing rings may be viewed as being too inconvenient.  
           [0005]    In males, the glans, or head of the penis, is highly sensitive to stimulation. Likewise, the corona, i.e., the ridge of flesh demarcating where the glans and the shaft of the penis join, is highly sensitive. Rigid rings that are typically worn along the shaft of the penis do not provide sufficient stimulation about the glans and the corona.  
           [0006]    Internally worn insertable electrodes are desirable to stimulate and to induce orgasm. However, many of these prior art insertable electrodes are difficult to retain in the appropriate position, uncomfortable for prolonged wear due to rigid components, and hard to effectively clean.  
           [0007]    It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide improvements in electrical stimulation apparatus for men.  
           [0009]    Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for the application of electrical stimulation to the penile glans, corona, and urethral tissue.  
           [0010]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide male stimulation apparatus that can induce erection and orgasm.  
           [0011]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide means for the application of electrical stimulation to the penile tissue that is comfortable to wear during penile engorgement.  
           [0012]    The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by an electrode apparatus that includes a flexible ring and an electrically conductive section. The electrically conductive section has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The first end is coupled to and extends from the flexible ring, and the intermediate portion extends through a hole in the flexible ring. An electrical contact is in electrical communication with the second end.  
           [0013]    The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in another form by an electrode apparatus that includes a flexible ring and an electrically conductive section. The electrically conductive section has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The first end is coupled to and extends from the flexible ring, and the intermediate portion extends through a hole in the flexible ring. The hole is sized to allow the intermediate portion of the electrically conductive section to slide within the hole. An electrically conductive sphere is coupled to and in electrical communication with the electrically conductive section in a region of the section between the first end and the intermediate portion. An electrical contact is in electrical communication with the second end.  
           [0014]    The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in yet another form by an electrode apparatus that includes a flexible ring and a first electrically conductive section. The first electrically conductive section has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The first end is coupled to and extends from the flexible ring, and the intermediate portion extends through a hole in the flexible ring. The hole is sized to allow the intermediate portion of the electrically conductive section to slide within the hole. An electrical contact is in electrical communication with the second end. A second electrically conductive section extends from the first electrically conductive section in a region of the first section between the first end and the intermediate portion. The second section is in electrical communication with the first section. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an electrode apparatus in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of the electrode apparatus shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 shows the electrode apparatus of FIG. 1 in use;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an alternative electrode apparatus in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another alternative electrode apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of yet another alternative electrode apparatus in accordance with the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]    Turning now to the drawings in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to FIGS.  1 - 3  where an electrode apparatus  20  is shown. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of electrode apparatus  20  in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of electrode apparatus  20 . FIG. 3 shows electrode apparatus  20  in use.  
         [0023]    Electrode apparatus  20  includes a flexible ring  22  and an electrically conductive section  24 . Electrically conductive section  24  has a first end  26 , a second end  28 , and an intermediate portion  30  between first and second ends  26  and  28 , respectively. First end  26  is coupled to and extends from flexible ring  22  and intermediate portion  30  extends through a hole  32  extending through flexible ring  22 . An electrical contact  34  is in electrical communication with second end  28 .  
         [0024]    Flexible ring  22  is fabricated from an elastomeric material such as silicone, fluorolastomer, or neoprene, such material being substantially nonconductive of electrical current, comfortable, and readily cleanable. Alternatively, flexible ring  22  may be fabricated from an elastomeric material that is made conductive by, for example, embedding carbon particles in the elastomeric material during fabrication. Flexible ring  22  is flexible so that ring  22  can adapt to the particular anatomy upon which it will be worn. In particular, flexible ring  22  is configured to fit about the corona  36 , demarcating where the glans  38  and the shaft  40  of a penis  42  join.  
         [0025]    Electrically conductive section  24  is desirably fabricated from an elastomeric material such as silicone, fluorolastomer, or neoprene for comfort and cleanability. Electrically conductive section  24  is made conductive along the length of section  24  by embedding carbon particles in the elastomeric material during fabrication. Alternatively, electrically conductive section  24  may be fabricated from other pliable conductive materials such as conductive ceramic, metals, twisted or braided wires, and such.  
         [0026]    Hole  32  is sized to allow intermediate portion  30  of electrically conductive section  24  to slide within hole  32  as indicated by a bidirectional arrow  44 . In addition, electrically conductive section  24  is flexible so that section  24  can adapt to the particular anatomy upon which it will be worn. In particular, a region  46  of electrically conductive section  24  between first end  26  and intermediate portion  30  is configured to fit over and contact glans  38  and the urethral opening (not shown) of penis  42 .  
         [0027]    Electrode apparatus  20  further includes a nonconductive washer  48 , a conductive tube  50 , a nonconductive sheath  52 , and an O-ring  54  installed over the end of electrical contact  34 . With particular reference to FIG. 2, during assembly second end  28  of electrically conductive section  24  is directed through hole  32  of flexible ring  22 . Washer  48  is threaded onto second end  24  and second end  24  is plugged directly into a first tube end  56  of conductive tube  50 . Conductive tube  50  is then inserted into nonconductive sheath  52 , and a plug end  58  of electrical contact  34  is plugged into a second tube end  60  of conductive tube  50 . Tube  50  is fabricated from an elastomeric material and made conductive by embedded carbon particles so that tube  50  forms a path for electrical communication between electrical contact  34  and electrically conductive section  24 .  
         [0028]    Electrode apparatus  20  is readily assembled and disassembled without the use of tools. In addition, the simplicity of the coupling between the components allows electrode apparatus  20  to be easily disassembled for cleaning and replacement of parts.  
         [0029]    With particular reference to FIG. 3, following assembly, electricity is conducted to electrically conductive section  24  through conductive tube  52  when electrical contact  34  is connected to a source of electricity, typically a controller allowing for adjustment of current (not shown). The controller will typically include a jack  62  and a wire  64  connected to jack  62 . Wire  64  will typically terminate with a first connector  66  configured for attachment to electrical contact  34  and a second connector  68  connected to the body, for example, on the band surrounding shaft  40 , for completing the electrical path through penis  42 .  
         [0030]    Electrode apparatus  20  is configured by placing flexible ring  22  about corona  36 . Electrically conductive section  24  is then adjusted in size by either pushing or pulling section  24  through hole  32  of flexible ring  22  until section  24  contacts glans  38  and the urethral opening. In this configuration, electrode apparatus  20  is particularly effective for causing erection or orgasm when electricity is applied at electrical contact  34 . Furthermore, electrode apparatus may be comfortably worn on the penis from rest through engorgement since electrically conductive section  24  is readily adjusted and ring  22  is fabricated from flexible material.  
         [0031]    As discussed previously, flexible ring  22  may be either electrically conductive or nonconductive. When flexible ring  22  is made electrically conductive, ring  22  is in electrical communication with electrically conductive section  24  so that electricity is applied to both corona  36  and glans  38  of penis  42 . Alternatively, when flexible ring  22  is made electrically nonconductive, electricity is applied only to glans  38 . As such, electrode apparatus  20  is readily adaptable to suit the needs of the user.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an alternative electrode apparatus  70  in accordance with the present invention. Electrode apparatus  70  includes flexible ring  22 , electrically conductive section  24 , and electrical contact  34 . Apparatus  70  is constructed similarly to electrode apparatus  20 . Electrode apparatus  70  further includes conductive spheres  72  coupled to region  46  between first end  26  and intermediate portion  30  of electrically conductive section  24 .  
         [0033]    Each of conductive spheres  72  includes an interior passage  74  (represented by hidden lines) through which region  46  of electrically conductive section  24  is routed. Interior passage  74  is sized such that conductive spheres  72  are slidable along electrically conductive section  24  as denoted by bidirectional arrows  76 . Conductive spheres  72  may be constructed of silicon composite conductive material, conductive ceramic, conductive metals, and so forth that move freely along electrically conductive section  24 .  
         [0034]    Electrode apparatus  70  may also include one or more conductive spheres  78  coupled to flexible ring  22 , of which only one is shown. Like spheres  72 , conductive sphere  78  has an interior passage  80  (represented by hidden lines) sized such that conductive sphere  78  is slidable about flexible ring  22  as denoted by a bidirectional arrow  82 . Like conductive spheres  72 , conductive sphere  78  may be constructed of silicon composite conductive material, conductive ceramic, conductive metals, and so forth that moves freely along flexible ring  22 .  
         [0035]    Conductive spheres  72  are in electrical communication with electrically conductive section  24 . Conductive spheres  78  are utilized when flexible ring  22  is made conductive, so that conductive spheres  78  are in electrical communication with flexible ring  22 . Conductive spheres  72  and  78  are utilized to impart concentrated, or focused, electrical energy to particular regions on corona  36  (FIG. 3) and/or glans  38  (FIG. 3) of penis  42  (FIG. 3). That is, the user may position spheres  72  and  78  to an appropriate location best suited to the needs of the user.  
         [0036]    Electrode apparatus  70  is shown having both conductive spheres  72  on electrically conductive section  24  and conductive spheres  78  on flexible ring  22 . However, it should be understood that electrode apparatus  70  may be configured to include only spheres  72  or alternatively spheres  78  as desired by the user.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another alternative electrode apparatus  84  in accordance with the present invention. Electrode apparatus  84  includes flexible ring  22 , electrically conductive section  24 , and electrical contact  34  and is constructed similarly to electrode apparatus  20 . Electrode apparatus  70  further includes a second electrically conductive section  86  extending from region  46  between first end  26  and intermediate portion  30  of section  24 .  
         [0038]    Conductive section  86  has a proximal end  88  slidably attached to region  46  through a first conductive sphere  90  and a second conductive sphere  92 . In particular, first conductive sphere  90  includes an interior passage  94  through which region  46  of electrically conductive section  24  is routed, as denoted by dashed lines. Second sphere  92  is bonded to first sphere  90 , and proximal end  88  of second electrically conductive section  86  is inserted by press-fitting into an interior passage  96  of second sphere  90 , as denoted by dashed lines.  
         [0039]    First and second electrically conductive spheres  90  and  92 , respectively, and second electrically conductive section  86  are in electrical communication with electrically conductive section  24 . Conductive spheres  90  and  92  and are utilized to impart concentrated, or focused, electrical energy to the urethral opening of penis  42  (FIG. 3). In addition, second electrically conductive section  86  is utilized to impart concentrated electrical energy within the urethra. Second electrically conductive section  86  may be readily removed from second sphere  92  for cleaning. Likewise, conductive sphere  90  may be readily removed from electrically conductive section  24  by disassembling electrode apparatus  84  in a manner similar to the assembly process shown and described in connection with electrode apparatus  20  (FIG. 2).  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of yet another alternative electrode apparatus  98  in accordance with the present invention. Electrode apparatus  98  includes flexible ring  22 , electrically conductive section  24 , and electrical contact  34 . Electrode apparatus  98  further includes a second electrically conductive section  100 . Second electrically conductive section  100  has a third end  102 , a fourth end  104 , and a second intermediate portion  106  between third and fourth ends  102  and  104 , respectively. Like the construction of electrically conductive section  24 , third end  102  is coupled to and extends from flexible ring  22  and second intermediate portion  106  extends through a second hole  108  extending through flexible ring  22  as denoted by dashed lines.  
         [0041]    Electrode apparatus  98  is positioned by placing flexible ring  22  about corona  36  (FIG. 3). Electrically conductive sections  24  and  100  may then be positioned to contact glans  38  (FIG. 3) as desired by the user. A second electrical contact  110  is in electrical communication with fourth end  104 . In this configuration, electrode apparatus  98  includes two electrical contacts, i.e., first and second electrical contacts  34  and  110 , for connection to first and second connectors  66  and  68 , respectively (FIG. 3), from a controller (not shown). In this manner, the desired electrical energy may be imparted on glans  38  (FIG. 3).  
         [0042]    In an alternate embodiment, first contact  34  and second contact  110  may be combined at an electrical junction to form a single electrical contact for connection to the controller (not shown). Accordingly, first connector  66  (FIG. 3) may be connected to the single electrical contact to supply electrical energy to both electrically conductive sections  24  and  100 . In addition, second connector  68  may be connected to another point on the body for example on the band surrounding penis  42  to complete the electrical path through penis  42 , as shown in FIG. 3.  
         [0043]    In summary, the present invention teaches an electrode apparatus for the electrical stimulation of the penile glans, corona, and urethral tissue to induce erection and/or orgasm. Furthermore, an electrode apparatus is provided that includes a flexible ring and adjustable electrically conductive sections for securely and comfortably retaining the device on penile tissue before and during penile engorgement. Furthermore, the electrode apparatus and its various embodiments are readily assembled and disassembled for cleaning, replacement of components, and reconfiguration.  
         [0044]    Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.