Abstract:
The foreskin prosthesis is installed over the penile glans and shaft of a circumcised male and functions similarly to a natural foreskin, protecting the glans from abrasion and desensitization due to contact with clothing. This allows the glans to regain sensitivity previously lost due to constant exposure to abrasion and contact with clothing, thereby improving sexual stimulation and performance. The prosthesis may be retracted to expose the glans, just as a natural foreskin. The foreskin prosthesis may be formed of virtually any suitable seamless material, e.g., very thin latex or synthetic plastic tubes, very fine knit or braided seamless fabric tubes, etc. In each embodiment, a single tube is everted back over itself to form two protective layers. In some embodiments, the two layers are sealed to one another at both ends, forming a volume therebetween containing a liquid or gel for further tactile isolation and protection of the glans.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of British Patent Application No. GB0418399.2, filed on Aug. 18, 2004.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates generally to prostheses and artificial anatomical devices. More particularly, the present invention comprises various embodiments of an artificial foreskin for the penis, providing many or most of the benefits of the natural foreskin in the protection of the glans and other functions. 2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Male circumcision is a relatively widely practiced procedure in many societies and cultures. While widely practiced as a religious rite, it has often been carried out for hygienic purposes as well. The procedure is generally performed on infants or very young children, who have no say in the procedure. Nevertheless, the results of the procedure remain with them for the remainder of their lives, and may have some physical and/or psychological impact upon the person. While present medical practice is finding that circumcision is not necessarily a desirable or necessary operation, the fact remains that many men have been circumcised as infants or children, and suffer the effects of the operation to this day.  
         [0005]     While a properly performed circumcision does not physically endanger a normal male, the vast number of circumcisions performed has resulted in a statistically significant percentage with occasional severe damage, ranging from amputation of at least some portion of the genitalia to severe infection, and even to death in some cases due to severe infection or hemophilia. While some justification may be made on the basis of hygiene and/or religious grounds, a strong argument may be made that the vast majority of circumcisions performed are unnecessary.  
         [0006]     Circumcision can result in a wide array of negative repercussions, as noted further above. One of those repercussions is the permanent exposure of the glans of the penis to abrasion and irritation, whereas in its natural state the glans is covered and protected by the foreskin. In many cases, the glans becomes keratinized and loses sensitivity, which can negatively affect sexual desire and performance. In other cases, the glans remains relatively sensitive to contact (its natural state), and is unduly irritated by contact with clothing and nightwear virtually 24 hours a day.  
         [0007]     As a result, a number of artificial or synthetic devices have been developed in the past for the protection of the glans of the penis in circumcised men. Most such devices are formed of relatively coarse or thick materials, which sometimes irritate the glans to about the same extent as underclothing or nightwear. Some of these devices are formed of fabric and include a lateral seam, which, of course, results in an unnatural feel and irritation of the sensitive glans and other surface tissues of the penis. Still other devices have been developed for this purpose, but fail to provide a realistic and natural prosthetic foreskin effect.  
         [0008]     The present inventor is aware of certain related art, which discloses devices having loosely related structure and/or function. An example of such is found in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-165,794 published on Jun. 14, 1994. According to the drawings and English abstract, this device comprises a male catheter, which secures adhesively about the penile shaft behind the glans. The outlet is a very narrow tube adapted to connect to a catheter tube or line. The device is not contoured to fit closely about the coronal sulcus behind the glans, and thus cannot truly emulate a foreskin attachment at that point. Moreover, the configuration of the device of the Japanese Patent Publication as a catheter attachment precludes the retraction of the device to uncover the glans.  
         [0009]     None of the inventions and patents of which the present inventor is aware, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a foreskin prosthesis solving the aforementioned problems is desired.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The foreskin prosthesis provides a thin, soft, pliable covering or sheath for covering the otherwise exposed glans of the penis of a circumcised male. Circumcision often results in irritation and keratinizing of the glans, thereby reducing its sensitivity and ability to be stimulated. The present prosthesis is worn over the penis, and extends from the penile shaft forwardly over the glans to protect the glans and provide a realistic simulation of the natural foreskin.  
         [0011]     The prosthesis is open at its distal end, thereby permitting natural urination without interference. The device may be worn continually for a reasonably prolonged period, e.g., for the duration of time between bathing, to provide maximal protection and allow the glans to revert to its natural soft and sensitive state over a period of time. The distal end of the device, i.e., the portion extending over the glans, may be retracted in the same manner as a natural foreskin in an uncircumcised male.  
         [0012]     The foreskin prosthesis includes various embodiments comprising different materials and configurations. The device may be formed of a thin, flexible, at least somewhat elastic material, e.g., latex or a synthetic plastic material. Alternatively, the device may be formed as a seamless knitted or braided fabric or textile tube, using a fabric or yarn of sufficiently fine gauge and suitable manufacturing machinery. The device comprises two layers of material, with the inner layer being applied directly over the exposed glans and the outer layer being everted back over the inner layer. The two layers or plies of material greatly reduce the transfer of any sensation or friction from clothing, etc. to the glans. When liquid impervious materials are used, e.g., latex, the device may be formed as two concentric tubes with a liquid or gel contained within the closed concentric walls, thereby further lessening the transfer of tactile sensation to the penile glans through the prosthesis.  
         [0013]     Preferably, the diameter of at least the inner sleeve or portion of the device is configured to fit closely about the different diameters of the glans up to the corona of the glans, the sulcus behind the glans, and the penile shaft. This configuration provides a closer simulation of the fit of the natural foreskin. Security for the prosthesis is provided by one or more circumferential bands of a relatively high friction coefficient material, e.g., a soft silicon or other suitable plastic, applied to the base or proximal end of the device. Alternatively, one or more elastomer bands may be applied to the same area, upon the outer and/or inner surface, to provide the desired adhesion and security.  
         [0014]     These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a foreskin prosthesis according to the present invention, showing its various features.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view in section of the extended prosthesis of  FIG. 1  before eversion of the outer sleeve, showing details of its construction and configuration.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view in section of the prosthesis of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , with the outer portion everted over the inner portion in an installed configuration.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view in section of an alternative embodiment of a foreskin prosthesis according to the present invention wherein the two layers define a permanently sealed volume therebetween.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the foreskin prosthesis of the present invention, showing the retraction of the forward portion thereof to expose the penile glans.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a side view in section of another alternative embodiment of a foreskin prosthesis according to the present invention, wherein only the inner sleeve portion is configured to fit closely about the circumcised penis.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a side view in section of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , with the outer sleeve everted over the inner sleeve.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view in section showing the two sleeves of the foreskin prosthesis of the present invention rolled in opposite directions for eversion of the outer sleeve over the inner sleeve upon installation. 
     
    
       [0023]     Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0024]     The present invention comprises various embodiments of a prosthetic foreskin for use by circumcised males. The naturally occurring foreskin serves as a protective sheath for the underlying glans of the penis, protecting the glans from abrasion and maintaining the tactile sensitivity of the glans organ. Circumcision results in the exposure of the glans to abrasion from clothing, nightwear, etc., and generally reduces its tactile sensitivity. This often results in some loss of sexual desire and capability in many circumcised men. The present foreskin prosthesis serves as a protective cover or sheath for the glans, enabling it to regain much of its previously lost tactile sensitivity and reducing the keratinization that have occurred to the glans surface.  
         [0025]      FIG. 1  of the drawings provides a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present foreskin prosthesis  10 , with  FIGS. 2 and 3  showing the device in section in its extended and installed configurations, respectively. The prosthesis  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 3  includes a relatively short inner sleeve  12 , shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , configured to extend from the distal end E of the penis P to a point or location immediately behind and adjacent to the coronal sulcus S, i.e., the relatively smaller diameter groove behind the corona C of the glans G, thereby covering and protecting the otherwise exposed glans and penis to a point behind the circumcision scar R. A relatively longer outer sleeve  14  extends from the distal end of the penis P substantially to the proximal end or base of the penis P when the device is in its installed configuration with the outer sleeve  14  everted over the inner sleeve  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The difference in the lengths of the two sleeves  12  and  14  in the installed configuration of the prosthesis  10  is shown clearly in  FIG. 3  of the drawings.  
         [0026]     The two sleeves  12  and  14  actually form a single, continuous, seamless tube, as shown in section in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. The two sleeves  12  and  14  are joined at their mutual distal end opening  16 , which allows urination without need to remove the prosthesis  10  when it is being worn. While the end opening  16  is shown at a generally medial point along the continuous tube in  FIG. 2  (depending upon the relative lengths of the two sleeves  12  and  14 ), the eversion of the outer sleeve  14  over the inner sleeve  12  results in the end opening  16  being positioned at the distal end E of the penis P, when the prosthesis is being worn.  
         [0027]     Each sleeve  12  and  14  has an open proximal end  18  and  20 , respectively, for the inner and outer sleeves  12  and  14 , opposite the mutual distal end opening  16 . Some means of securing each of the sleeves  12  and  14  in place about the penile shaft may be provided, e.g., one or more internal or external resilient circumferential securing bands, respectively  22  and  24 . (It will be noted that the terms “internal” and “external,” as applied to the two types of bands  22  and  24 , refer to their locations on or in the sleeves  12  and  14  when the two sleeves are installed upon the penis in the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The non-everted outer sleeve  14  in  FIG. 2  shows the bands  22  and  24  reversed relative to their installed locations.)  
         [0028]     The internal band(s)  22  may be formed of a very soft and resilient silicone material having a relatively high coefficient of friction in order to provide a secure grip about the penile shaft without undue pressure. The external band(s)  24  may be formed of an elastomer to draw the proximal openings  18  and  20  about the penile shaft. While both types of securing bands  22  and  24  are illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it will be understood that they may be provided exclusively of one another, if so desired. Alternative securing means in the form of a scrotal strap (not shown) may be provided in addition to, or in lieu of, the circumferential bands, if so desired.  
         [0029]     Each sleeve  12  and  14  expands in diameter from the end opening  16  to a relatively larger diameter glans coverage area  26 , adapted to fit comfortably about the generally larger diameter of the glans G, or at least its larger diameter corona C. The two sleeves  12  and  14  then taper to a smaller diameter sulcus coverage area  28  and may widen slightly in the area therebehind, i.e., the penile shaft.  
         [0030]     While a good fit is desired, it is not desired that the present foreskin prosthesis  10  (or other embodiments) fit particularly tightly when being worn. However, excessive looseness is not desired either, as this would allow the device to move relative to the surface of the penis, which would obviate much of the protective benefits of the device. The present foreskin prosthesis in its various embodiments may be formed of various materials, e.g., latex, synthetic plastics, etc., or alternatively of a seamless, finely woven or finely braided fabric tube, as desired. Material that is otherwise impervious may be provided with myriad tiny porosities to enable the underlying skin to “breathe,” if so desired, at least in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 through 3 .  
         [0031]     While the material used is quite thin, flexible, and resilient, it is not intended to transmit tactile sensation therethrough, as would a condom, but rather teaches away from this property by insulating the penis, and particularly the glans, from pressure, abrasion, and other tactile sensation. The object of the device is to serve in the manner of the natural foreskin, and protect the otherwise exposed glans from clothing and/or other physical contact which lessens its tactile sensitivity and which may result in keratinization of the glans surface. This feature may be further enhanced by the provision of very fine, soft flocking  30  disposed upon the inner contact surface of the glans coverage area of the inner sleeve  12  and perhaps on the inner contact surface of the penile shaft contact area of the outer sleeve  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  
         [0032]     In the foreskin prosthesis embodiment  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the two sleeves  12  and  14  have different lengths and are separate from one another at their proximal open ends  18  and  20 .  FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative embodiment  110 , in which the two sleeves  112  and  114  have the same lengths and their proximal ends  118  and  120  are imperviously sealed to one another. As the two sleeves  112  and  114  are formed as a single, unitary tube, the sealing of the two proximal ends  118  and  120  to one another defines an elongated annular volume  132  contained by the two sleeves  112  and  114 . This volume  132  may be filled with a gel, viscous liquid, or other suitable substance  134  to provide further tactile insulation for the penis, and especially the glans installed therein. Such a foreskin prosthesis embodiment  110  may be manufactured of any suitable thin-walled, flexible, resilient, seamless material, so long as it is impervious to the passage of the liquid or gel substance  134  disposed therein. Other features provided in the embodiment of the prosthesis  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 3 , e.g., flocking, securing bands  122  and  124 , etc., may be incorporated into the embodiment  110  of  FIG. 4 , as desired.  
         [0033]      FIG. 5  of the drawings illustrates an advantageous feature of the present foreskin prosthesis in its various embodiments. In  FIG. 5 , the glans coverage portion  26  of the prosthesis  10  has been retracted or gathered generally about the corona of the glans G, exposing the glans. This function simulates the function of the natural foreskin, which is normally sufficiently pliable to allow it to be retracted or gathered behind the glans to expose the glans as desired. The selectively retractable and gatherable glans cover portion  26  is not limited to the prosthesis  10  embodiment, but is also a feature of the foreskin prosthesis embodiment  110  of  FIG. 4  and other embodiments as well.  
         [0034]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate elevation views in section of still another variation on the embodiment  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 3 , with the prosthesis  210  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  primarily differing in the specific configuration and local diameters of the inner sleeve portion  212 . The foreskin prosthesis embodiment  210  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  includes an inner sleeve portion  212  and an outer sleeve portion  214  joined at their common distal opening end  216 . It will be noted that the diameter of the distal opening end  216  is relatively large in comparison to the open distal end  16  or  116  of the prostheses  10  and  110  of  FIGS. 1 through 4 . Such a larger distal open end  216  may facilitate the retraction or gathering of the glans coverage portion  226  about the corona C of the glans G when relatively inelastic materials are used for the prosthesis.  
         [0035]     It will be further noted that the sulcus coverage area  228  of the prosthesis embodiment  210  has a relatively narrow diameter at the inner sleeve portion  212  in comparison to the generally uniformly expanding diameter of the outer sleeve portion  214  from the penile shaft P toward the glans G. This provides a close fit for the inner sleeve portion  212  of the device about the circumcised penile anatomy, while the gradually varying diameter of the outer sleeve portion more closely emulates the external shape of the natural foreskin. While the prosthesis  210  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  is shown having two different lengths for the internal and external sleeve portions  212  and  214 , with two separate proximal ends  218  and  220 , it will be seen that the two portions may have equal lengths with their proximal ends sealed to one another to create an annular volume for gel or liquid, as in the embodiment  110  of  FIG. 4 , if so desired. Such a gel filled prosthesis with its relatively uniform outer diameter, closely emulates the natural foreskin in both physical configuration and function.  
         [0036]     The foreskin prosthesis embodiment  210  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  differs from the other embodiments in yet another respect as well, in that the securing means at the proximal ends  218  and  220  differ from the securing means used in other embodiments. In the embodiment  210  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the two proximal ends  218  and  220  are provided with a series of circumferential ribs  236 , rather than the internal and external securing bands  22  and  24  of the embodiment  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 3 . Such retaining ribs  236  may be sufficient to provide more than adequate retention of the device, depending upon the nature of the material from which the device is formed and perhaps other factors. It will be seen that such ribs  236  may be provided on any of the other embodiments of the present foreskin prosthesis, and/or the retaining bands of other embodiments may be incorporated with the embodiment  210  of  FIG. 6 , if so desired.  
         [0037]     The material from which the present foreskin prostheses are formed in their various embodiments can cause some difficulty in installation of the device unless the device is properly configured, particularly when a latex or plastic material is used. Moreover, where an internal retaining band(s) of high friction coefficient material is used, it can prove difficult to slide such material over the surface of the penis when applying the prosthesis.  
         [0038]     A solution to this problem may be provided by rolling the inner and outer sleeves, e.g., sleeves  312  and  314  of the embodiment  310  of  FIG. 8 , in opposite directions at the time of manufacture or packaging. The inner sleeve portion  312  is rolled circumferentially to the outside of the tube, allowing it to be applied over the penis by positioning the distal end of the penis within the externally rolled inner sleeve portion at the narrower diameter portion, which will form the distal end opening  316  when the device is installed. The externally rolled inner sleeve portion is then unrolled over the glans, sulcus, and penile shaft, as is conventionally known in applying a condom or many external male catheters.  
         [0039]     The remaining outer sleeve portion  314  is then everted over the distal end of the penis, whereupon the rolled sleeve  314  is everted from an internally rolled configuration to an externally rolled configuration. The externally rolled configuration of the everted outer sleeve portion  314  allows it to be rolled over the glans, sulcus, and penile shaft in the same manner as used to don the internal sleeve portion  312 . It will be seen that the above rolled configuration may be used with any of the various embodiments of the present foreskin prosthesis, as desired.  
         [0040]     In conclusion, the various embodiments of the foreskin prosthesis provide a workable solution to a problem experienced by vast numbers of men everywhere. The foreskin is a natural organ of the body, and its removal by circumcision can result in numerous problems, which were not considered in the past. In more recent times these problems have come to light in our more enlightened society, and men have realized that there can be numerous drawbacks to circumcision, both physical and psychological.  
         [0041]     The various embodiments provide a reasonably realistic foreskin prosthesis for circumcised men who require such an article. The prosthesis is reasonably economical to purchase and may be worn for extended periods, with removal being at the option of the owner for bathing and sexual intercourse. The additional sensitivity of the penis, and particularly the glans, after the use of the prosthesis for some period of time can restore much sexual pleasure and enjoyment to men who previously felt that such activity and feelings were no longer parts of their lives. Accordingly, the present foreskin prosthesis will prove to be a most valuable addition for many men who have suffered circumcision in the past.  
         [0042]     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.