Abstract:
A sexual stimulation device has a housing and an exposed sexual organ contact surface supported by the housing. The housing defines an elongated internal cavity having a longitudinal axis extending away from the contact surface. The device also includes a mass laterally constrained within and movable linearly along the cavity, and an electrically driven actuator disposed within the housing and operable to accelerate the mass along the axis of the cavity, thereby oscillating the contact surface in a linear motion along the longitudinal axis.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/539,529 (Sexual Stimulation Devices and Methods) filed Aug. 11, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/087,821 (Sexual Stimulation Devices and Methods) filed Aug. 11, 2008, the entire disclosures of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to devices and methods to sexually stimulate the human body. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Vendors today manufacture vibrators with a small mass (typically under 5 grams), with high frequency (typically 200 to 1000 RPM) and with the mass located off-center on a rotary motor. These devices are characterized by providing non-motile vibration. While popular, one of the known limitations of these products is that high frequency vibration can desensitize the sexual response, thereby making non-vibratory sexual relations more difficult. There are also phallus-shaped devices that provide very low frequency, high amplitude thrusting motions designed to mimic the sexual act without necessitating motion of the base. Such devices can be “stand-alone” (i.e., with one end immovably constrained) or hand held. Both seek to mimic the thrusting motions of intercourse. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    One aspect of the invention features a sexual stimulation device with a housing and an exposed sexual organ contact surface supported by the housing. The housing defines an elongated internal cavity having a longitudinal axis extending away from the contact surface, and a mass is laterally constrained within and movable linearly along the cavity. An electrically driven actuator is disposed within the housing and operable to accelerate the mass along the axis of the cavity, thereby oscillating the contact surface in a linear motion along the longitudinal axis. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments the actuator includes a coil of wire axially aligned with the cavity. The actuator may comprise an electromechanical solenoid having an armature disposed within the coil of wire. In some examples the armature is mechanically coupled to the contact surface. In some cases the armature is magnetically coupled to the contact surface 
         [0006]    In some embodiments the actuator has first and second magnets arranged such that repellant force between the first and second magnets applies a motive force to the contact surface. 
         [0007]    In some examples the device includes a magnet operably coupled with the contact surface. 
         [0008]    For some applications, the contact surface is substantially flat. 
         [0009]    Some examples of the device have a controller coupled to the actuator and configured to control motion induced by the actuator. In some cases, the controller is configured to control motion of the contact surface according to a preset motion profile. The motion profile may include a first acceleration rate in a first direction along the longitudinal axis, for example, and a second acceleration rate in a second direction along the longitudinal axis, the second acceleration rate differing from the first acceleration rate. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the actuator is operable to produce a displacement of the contact surface of at least 10 mm (even more preferably for some applications, at least 20 mm) along the longitudinal axis. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the actuator is a linear motor. 
         [0012]    In some cases the device is phallic-shaped. 
         [0013]    The cavity may be fully enclosed within the device, for some applications. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the invention, a sexual stimulation device has a housing and an exposed sexual organ contact surface supported by the housing. The contact surface is arranged to remain outside of human body and in contact with a sexual organ during use. An electrically driven actuator disposed within the housing is operable to induce a linear oscillation of the contact surface normal to the sexual organ. 
         [0015]    In some examples the actuator includes a linear actuator, which may have a coil of wire disposed about a longitudinal cavity defined within the actuator. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments the actuator has a linearly displaceable armature carrying a first magnet, and the device also includes a second magnet attached to the contact surface and configured to be repelled by the first magnet. The armature may comprise a non-ferromagnetic material. 
         [0017]    According to another aspect of the invention, a sexual stimulation device includes a housing and an exposed sexual organ contact surface supported by the housing and adapted to contact a sexual organ of a human body while remaining outside the body. An electrically driven actuator is disposed within the housing and operable to oscillate the contact surface in a linear motion in which the contact surface is displaced, with respect to the housing, along an axis perpendicular to the contact surface. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments the actuator includes a first magnet moved by operation of the actuator, and the device has a second magnet mechanically coupled with the contact surface. The first and second magnets are configured and positioned such that motion of the first magnet induces a motion of the second magnet and the contact surface. In some cases the first and second magnets are configured such that in their nearest positions similar poles of each magnet are facing one another, such that the first magnet repels the second magnet. The first magnet may be configured to be moved by operation of the actuator along a linear, reciprocating path, or along a circular path. In some examples the actuator includes multiple magnets spaced about a perimeter of an armature, such that rotation of the armature brings each of the multiple magnets in succession into proximity with the second magnet. Adjacent ones of the multiple magnets may be of opposite polarity arrangement, such that rotation of the armature alternately repels and attracts the second magnet. 
         [0019]    Some embodiments have a spring coupling the contact surface and housing, with the actuator configured to oscillate the contact surface at a frequency selected to correspond with the natural frequency of the contact surface in association with the spring. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments the housing defines an elongated internal cavity having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the contact surface. The actuator may include a coil of wire disposed around the cavity. In some cases the actuator comprises an electromechanical solenoid having an armature disposed within the coil of wire. The armature may be mechanically or magnetically coupled to the contact surface. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments the contact surface has an exposed elastomeric material positioned to contact the sexual organ. 
         [0022]    For some applications the contact surface is generally cylindrical and configured to fit about a male sexual organ. For some other applications the contact surface is substantially flat. 
         [0023]    Some examples of the device have a controller coupled to the actuator and configured to control motion induced by the actuator. In some cases, the controller is configured to control motion of the contact surface according to a preset motion profile. The motion profile may include a first acceleration rate in a first direction along the perpendicular axis, for example, and a second acceleration rate in a second direction along the perpendicular axis, the second acceleration rate differing from the first acceleration rate. 
         [0024]    Preferably, the actuator is operable to produce a displacement of the contact surface of at least 10 mm along the perpendicular axis, or in some cases at least 20 mm along the perpendicular axis. 
         [0025]    Another aspect of the invention features a method of creating sexual stimulation, the method includes bringing the contact surface of one of the above-described devices into contact with a sexual organ, and holding the device with the contact surface in contact with the sexual organ while the actuator is operated to oscillate the contact surface in a primarily linear motion along the longitudinal axis. 
         [0026]    Embodiments of this invention may be advantageously configured to provide a stimulation that may be different from the thrusting motion of intercourse and yet not as desensitizing to the sexual organs as some known devices and methods. This different stimulation may be oscillatory, but with a frequency lower than provided by typical rotary vibrators with an off-center mass. Some examples may be capable of providing stimuli that are varied, controllable, and subtle. The variable sensation may be independent of any thrusting motion imposed on the device by the hand of the user, and the variable sensation may be dependent on the thrusting motion in a variety of predictable and semi-predictable and non-predictable ways. The sensation may be dynamically variable, or under dynamic control, whether the user is co-located, or distant. 
         [0027]    The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view of a dildo with a linear vibration, large masses and linear actuators. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a generic embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 3   a  is an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device incorporating magnets. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3   b  shows a magnet of  FIG. 3   a  in a first state. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3   c  shows a magnet of  FIG. 3   a  in a second state. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4   a  is an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device with alternate magnet-repelling means. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4   b  shows one solenoid of  FIG. 4   a  in a first state. 
           [0035]      FIG. 4   c  shows one solenoid of  FIG. 4   a  in a second state. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5   a  is an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device with independently operable solenoids. 
           [0037]      FIG. 5   b  shows one solenoid of  FIG. 5   a  in a first state. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5   c  shows one solednoid of  FIG. 5   a  in a second state. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 6-8  show additional arrangements for controllably applying pressure and/or motion to a segment of a surface. 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  schematically illustrates another sexual pleasure device. Like reference symbols in the drawings indicate like elements. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]      FIG. 1  shows a sexual pleasure device  3  with a linear displacement actuator  80  oriented radially, and accelerating a mass  276   b  and a second linear displacement actuator  80  oriented axially, and accelerating a mass  276   a  within the internal housing  137  of the device. The weight of each of the accelerated masses  276   a  and  276   b  (calculated separately along each axis) is selected according the desired performance dictated by MV=mv where: 
         [0042]    m=mass of the accelerated mass ( 276   a  or  276   b ) 
         [0043]    v=the velocity imposed upon the accelerated mass by its displacement actuator 
         [0044]    M=the mass of the device, less the accelerated mass 
         [0045]    V=the velocity of the device as it physically displaces along the axis of motion. 
         [0046]    Compared to some known sexual stimulation products containing accelerated masses, in this device the accelerated mass is substantially increased, the frequency is substantially decreased, the motion of the mass is linear, and the mass drive mechanism is internal to the device. The objective is to provide a sensation that is not vibratory, but rather a physical displacement of the device that is superimposed on the self-directed hand motion. Unlike the prior art, this embodiment is capable of a single oscillation cycle providing a significant sensation to a user, because a measurable degree of motion and hence friction is felt, as opposed to merely non-motile vibration. This additional motion may be along the major axis, as provided by mass  276   a  and its associated linear displacement actuator  80  (providing a displacement force along axis  277   a ), or may be along the a radial axis, as provided by mass  276   b  and its associated linear displacement actuator  80 , providing a displacement force along axis  277   b . Linear displacement actuators  80  include two types: the first is electromechanical solenoid  86 , typically a metal rod or metal core  97  within a coil of wire (often with a return spring) typically used for transient force application with a low degree of control. In one embodiment, the diameter of the metal core  97  is in the range from 1.5 mm to 10 mm. Field strength in a solenoid is independent of diameter. Therefore a benefit of small diameter metal cores  97  is to reduce the amount of conductor (typically copper) needed to manufacture the associated solenoid. The second type of linear actuator  80  is a linear motor  87 , typically a magnet (or magnets) placed within a magnetic field and typically used for higher degrees of control. Creating motion of a magnet by flowing electrical current through a wire and using induction to move a rod within a solenoid is disclosed in high school physics texts. Masses  276   a  and  276   b  may be made from any dense material such as steel, lead or tungsten. In one embodiment, each mass  276   a  (or  276   b ) and its associated linear displacement actuator  80  are separate elements. In the preferred embodiment the cross section of mass  276   a  and  276   b  is round, but other cross-sections are envisioned. 
         [0047]    The housing of the device may include an elastomeric sheath over an internal housing  137 . The user&#39;s hand may be shielded from the motions of the device through an isolation mechanism  44  located between handle  136  and internal housing  137  or shaft  155 . Isolation mechanism  44  may include a spring element  138  or a sliding mechanism, (such as a protruding wall in a groove or a flexure) that allows low friction linear motion between the shaft  155  and the handle  136 . 
         [0048]    In one embodiment the displacement of mass  276   a  or mass  276   b  is at least 10 mm. In another embodiment, displacement of mass  276   a  or  276   b  is at least 20 mm. The amplitude and acceleration curves may be varied, as well as the frequency, thereby enabling a wide range of sensations to the user. For example, one embodiment provides multiple sequential stimuli in a single direction. A specific example of this embodiment is overall travel distance (X) of a linear displacement actuator  80  of 27 mm in which the device provides three sequential and discrete movements (i.e. “thumps”) of approximately 9 mm each, all in a first direction without recoiling. In one embodiment the controller  92  initiates a plurality of such sequential unidirectional discrete motions in a relatively short time, thereby providing a distinctly different sensation than simple oscillation. In one embodiment the device traverses the two longitudinal directions (i.e., in and out or plus and minus) at distinctly different rates, moving in a first direction at a high rate of speed/acceleration, thereby noticeably displacing the device (and providing the associated sensation of displacement) and subsequently returning in the opposite direction at a significantly slower rate such that the recoil and the associated motion of the device  3  is substantially smaller, if detected at all. This pattern may be repeated, thereby providing the sensation that the device is only thrusting in a single direction. By modifying the acceleration curves, displacements and sequences in this manner, a wide range of novel sensations may be provided. In one embodiment controller  92  includes input from a wireless transceiver such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi disposed within dildo  3 , thereby enabling communication to the Internet and cellular communications. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3   a  shows an embodiment in which magnets  70 , disposed on or near the outer surface of sleeve  10 , are used to apply pressure along contact surface  5  to a sex organ located within sleeve  10 , itself located within housing  137  made of a rigid material such as ABS. Magnets  70  may be co-molded within sleeve  10 , as shown in the upper half of the figure, or adhered, as shown in the lower half of the figure. If adhered, it is desirable to use a carrier interface  74 , preferably molded from a plastic, to both distribute the force of the magnet and to allow an intermediate bonding surface, i.e., magnet to plastic and plastic to sleeve  10 . Carrier interface  74  also includes flange  76  to provide mechanical bonding. In one embodiment sensations are provided to a user by at least one drive magnet  72  brought into proximity to each fixed magnet  70  sequentially. Controls  92  may be implemented with discrete electronics to drive a shuttle  78  axially (as shown) by threaded shaft  80  driven by motor  60 . Shuttle  78  may have sliding engagement with housing or wheels  71 . Alternate drive mechanisms, such a belt drive, are also envisioned. The objective is to displace a local region of contact surface  5  by displacing a magnet  70  that is positioned to be operably associated with that specific local region. Magnets  72  and  70  are oriented with like poles facing each other in order to repel one another. 
         [0050]    In this embodiment ring  82  holds a plurality of drive magnets  72  disposed about the circumference of sleeve  10 , such that operation of motor  60  displaces the shuttle and provides a constricting sensation by simultaneously repelling the magnets  70  disposed within the ring inward. Ring  82  may be driven by a single motor  60  concentric with the sleeve, or by several smaller motors distributed about the sleeve. As the ring  82  moves back and forth, regions of contact surface  5  (along the ring) are simultaneously displaced inwardly toward each other. 
         [0051]    Each magnet  70  is associated with a local contact surface  5 .  FIG. 3   b  shows a first state in which drive magnet  72  is distant from a magnet  70  and contact surface  5  is in a first position.  FIG. 3   c  shows a second state in which drive magnet  72  has been translated from a distant location to close proximity with local contact surface  5  and its associated magnet  70 . As the two magnets are brought closer together, increasing repellent force is placed on contact surface  5 . Contact surface  5  is displaced inward, away from drive magnet  72 , causing contact surface  5  to apply pressure to a sexual organ. Sleeve  10  is manufactured of low durometer elastomeric material, such as styrene-ethylene propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEPS) or any material that approximates human flesh. The contact surface  5  of cavity  12  may be smooth or have a texture as shown. 
         [0052]    Approximating the human male sex organ as an idealized cylinder is an engineering approximation. The cavity  12  may be tapered, or have molded undulations, or irregularities and the like, as desired to provide stimulation to the human body (i.e., by inducing relative changes in force and/or pressure). 
         [0053]      FIG. 4   a  shows an example with a similar magnet sleeve as described in  FIG. 3   a , but in which actuation is provided by means of a series of inductive coils  90 , alternatively illustrated as inductors within solenoids  86  in the upper half of the figure, or as printed within a printed circuit board  88  as shown on the lower half of the figure. Coils  90  are in electrical communication with a control system  92  and a power source  105  such that one or more magnets  70  may be displaced individually or in sets to provide a wide variety of sensory outputs to a sexual organ located within sleeve  10  or otherwise in contact with contact surface  5 . This embodiment allows for the actuation of individual (i.e. specific) locations, as opposed to rings or lines, or relatively large areas, and may provide differing frequencies of stimulation at each coil  90 . For example, while all actuators may provide a constant force (i.e. pure contracture), rhythmically altering force, or a force altering in sequence of waves along sleeve  10 , one or more coils  90  may provide a low or high frequency localized vibration, which may remain in one location or may be superimposed onto the aforementioned output. The system may provide random (or pseudo-random) output, thereby inducing a massaging/tingling sensation to the body part over a range of frequencies, from very low (e.g., near zero) to very high (e.g., 100 Hz). Each coil  90  is held by a chamber  55  in housing  137 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 4   b  shows a first state in which a coil  90  is unenergized and contact surface  5  is not displaced because its associated permanent magnet  70  has no electromagnetic force applied. Contact surface  5  is therefore disposed in a first position. In  FIG. 4   c , a current is induced in the coil  90 , repelling magnet  70  and its associated sleeve surface inward. Each coil  90  is associated with a specific permanent magnet  70  and a specific local contact surface  5 . Contact surface  5  is here drawn as a discrete unit, but it can also be embodied to be continuous with adjacent units as shown in  FIGS. 5   b  and  5   c.    
         [0055]    The system as shown in  FIG. 5   a  operates similarly to that shown in  FIG. 4   a , but in this example the force is applied to contact surface  5  by a displacement of a post  93  within coil  90 , together forming solenoid  86 . Solenoids  86  are restrained to an approximately orthogonal orientation by housing  137  and capped by pressure elements  46 . Alternately solenoids  86  may be capped by weights  120 , mimicking the structure shown in  FIG. 1 . Each solenoid  86  is held by a chamber  55  in housing  137 .  FIG. 5   b  shows a first state in which coil  90  is not energized and pressure elements  46  (or weight  120 ) has not yet displaced and contact surface  5  is disposed in a first position. Each set of post  93  and coil  90  is associated with a local contact surface  5 . Contact surface  5  is drawn as a continuous unit, but it can also be embodied in discrete units as shown in  FIGS. 3   b ,  3   c ,  4   b  and  4   c .  FIG. 5   c  shows a second state in which coil  90  is energized and contact surface  5  is displaced to a second position. The actively oscillated mass in this example would include the mass of the solenoid armature and the mass of any weight  120  or pressure element  46  capping the armature. 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  shows an example in which features of  FIGS. 4   b  and  5   b  are combined. The oscillating motion of contact surface  5  is provided by the electromagnetic field generated by coil  90  applying a force to magnet  70 , which are both axially aligned with weight  120 . The function of pressure element  46  may be integrally provided by weight  120  or may be an independent element. Post  93  may constrain the orthogonal relationship between magnet  70  and coil  90 . In this example post  93  is made of a non-ferromagnetic material such as ABS because its only function is structural. In another example (not shown), post  93  is omitted and the orthogonal relationship between magnet  70  and coil  90  is maintained with a flexure such as provided by continuing a portion of contact surface  90  to meet the adjacent housing  137  as represented by the solenoid shown in the dashed circle of  FIG. 5   a . In flexure embodiments in which a higher durometer contact surface  5  is desired, the flexure may include an accordion fold around the perimeter of the contact surface  5 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 7  shows an example in which features of  FIGS. 3   b  and  4   b  are combined. The oscillating motion of contact surface  5  is provided by driving magnet  72  actuated to travel a linear path closer and further to magnet  70 . The two magnets are oriented to repel one another. Weight  120  moves with contact surface  5 . Rod  93  is non-ferromagnetic and used only for maintaining the orientation of contact surface  5 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 8  shows an example in which features of  FIGS. 3   b  and  5   b  are combined. The oscillating motion of contact surface  5  is provided by driving magnet  72  to travel in an oscillating linear path toward and away from magnet  70 . The two magnets are oriented to repel one another. Weight  120  is disposed to move with contact surface  5 . Rod  93  is ferromagnetic and used to displace driver magnet  72 . 
         [0059]    While these examples have all been described with respect to inducing motion and/or pressure variations at an inner sleeve surface, the systems and techniques described above, such as with respect to FIGS.,  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c , may also be configured for phallic-shaped devices, such as by orienting the active elements outwards about a cylindrical housing. For example, the upper or lower half of  FIG. 3   a ,  3   b  or  3   c  can be considered as half of the cross section of a dildo in which the mechanics are disposed within a sheath  11  rather than outside a sleeve  10 , such that the contact surface  5  is disposed on an outwardly facing surface rather than an inwardly facing surface. 
         [0060]      FIG. 9  shows a sexual stimulation device with a contact surface  5  that provides a range of linearly oscillating pressure sensations to the exposed skin of a sex organ. Contact surface  5  is made of a low durometer elastomer and affixed to the upper surface of a pressure element  46 . The perimeter of contact surface  5  connects to housing  137  through a thin elastomeric flexure  155  preferably including an accordion fold allowing linear displacement relative to the housing along a line generally perpendicular to the contact surface. Flexure  155  provides a consistent linear restoration force around the circumference of contact surface  5 . In one embodiment flexure  155  provides a nonlinear force profile, with a very low axial force when contact surface  5  is at its neutral location and the largest force as the pressure plate approaches the full extent of its travel, as defined by limit stop  133 . Limit stop  133  is an extension of the internal part of housing  137  extending upwards toward the underside of pressure plate  46 . It is contemplated that a spring, elastomer, or other such damper is disposed between the upper surface of limit stop  133  and the lower surface of pressure element  46 . The approximate position of limit stop  133  is shown, but the stop itself is omitted for clarity. 
         [0061]    Drive magnets  72  are mounted to magnet armature  151 , which is mounted to the output shaft of rotary motor  150  such that at the top of the rotation drive magnet  72  will be located along the central axis of contact surface  5  and in close proximity with magnet  70 , thereby displacing the contact surface outward, or inward, depending on the relative orientation of the two magnets. A linear embodiment of this actuation is provided in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   c . While four drive magnets  72  are shown, any number may be used. All drive magnets  72  may be oriented to repel magnet  70  (in such embodiments a spring  138  may be added to bias pressure plate  46  inward) or drive magnets  72  may be oriented such that adjacent magnets about armature  151  repel and attract, alternately, the magnet secured beneath the contact surface. Because no moving contact occurs between the armature and the underside of the pressure element, operation of the device may be nearly silent. 
         [0062]    In the embodiment shown an additional weight  120  (or mass  276   a ) is added to pressure plate  46 . Together with the spring force applied by flexure  155  the system will have a natural harmonic. The amplitude of travel of contact surface  5  can be increased or decreased by operating the motor at multiples of this harmonic, thereby providing more intense sensation to the user at these settings. It is contemplated that contact surface  5  may also be slidingly constrained (and restoring force provided) by mechanisms other rather than flexure  155  such as slides, bearings, and linkages. It is also contemplated for the device may have multiple contact surfaces  5  located on different sides of the device with a single motor  150  in which the contact surfaces  5  are different sizes or in which the weights  120  were different, thereby providing a greater range of sensations with the same device. 
         [0063]    While several embodiments have been described, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the form, structure and arrangement of these embodiments may be varied (or combined with each other) and yet remain within the scope of the instant invention. The scope of the invention shall therefore be defined by the claims that follow.