Patent Publication Number: US-10322058-B1

Title: Sexual stimulation device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/215,403, filed Sep. 8, 2015. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to a sexual stimulation device and more particularly to a sexual stimulation device that includes a vibratory component and attaches to an end of a shower hose. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices for sexual pleasure and luxury showerheads are both well-documented in the art; however, the market sorely lacks a high-quality, unisex toy option that combines the two. Shower sex has long been romanticized and fantasized about by both men and women, who desire a pleasure offered by the combination of a hot shower with sexual stimulation. In the same vein, it is understood in the art that a handheld showerhead can function as a masturbation device; the handheld showerhead has even been recommended as a “DIY sex toy” by sexual education authority Scarleteen. 
     However, several health and safety issues arise when repurposing a standard handheld showerhead as a sex toy. The showerhead may contain sharp edges or protrusions that can harm the user. It may also harbor dangerous bacteria, which can easily proliferate on a toy&#39;s warm, wet, hard-to-clean areas. It also does not offer a vibratory option so the user has to rely on water pressure and jets for stimulation. 
     There are other devices that can attach directly to a shower hose designed for a handheld shower, but those devices are penetrative, requiring insertion into a vagina or anus for use. This quality renders them overly exclusive. The market still lacks a non-penetrative, shower-based stimulation option. The market has a rapidly growing desire for devices that combine the enjoyment of a hot shower with the enjoyment of sex or sexual play. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein are apparatuses and systems that address the shortcomings of the art, and may provide any number of additional advantages, such as having smooth contours, being easy to clean, and made of high-quality materials that do not easily foster the growth of bacteria. In certain embodiments, the device is a non-penetrative, vibrating showerhead that is removably coupled to a handheld shower hose to receive water flow therefrom. Certain embodiments of this physically stimulating showerhead function as high-quality electronic sex toys with control mechanisms and power sources, such as rechargeable batteries. The electronic components can be covered in body-safe silicone or a similar material, making the device waterproof and safe for use while bathing or showering. The device is designed to stimulate external genitalia, including but not limited to the clitoris, while spraying or pulsing water jets. As the device can be charged using a rechargeable battery, it is more convenient and eco-friendly to use than conventional stimulatory devices that use disposable batteries. 
     Convenience, comfort, privacy, and ease of cleaning are all considerations for sex toys. The devices described herein can remain in the shower when not in use. Their discreet design and easy-to-attach shower hose connector allows them to blend in with the bathroom environment, so that owners wishing to maintain their privacy need not remove it with each use. It features minimal folds or crevices where bacteria could potentially breed, and can easily be cleaned with soap and water. 
     Unlike conventional devices, this device can be used for the sexual enjoyment of all bodies: male, female, and any one identifying as “other”. In addition, it is designed to be easily used in between two bodies, if desired. The shape of the device can conform to various bodily curves, and can stimulate two bodies simultaneously when placed in between bodies and held there. 
     Disclosed herein are sexual stimulation devices that include a showerhead body and a shower hose-engaging structure to connect the showerhead body to the shower hose. The showerhead body contains a plurality of water ports for directing water flowing from the shower hose and a battery-powered vibrator to produce vibrations for sexual stimulation. The showerhead body can include a regulator to control intensity of the vibrations from the vibrator. The vibrator can be removably or irremovably engaged with the showerhead body. The vibrator can be housed inside the showerhead body. The plurality of water ports can be located on an anterior surface of the showerhead body. The plurality of water ports can be located on an anterior surface and a posterior surface of the showerhead body. A plurality of controls for the regulator can be located on a posterior surface of the showerhead body. The control for the regulator can be located between the shower hose-engaging structure and the showerhead body. The exterior of the showerhead body can be a single piece of molded plastic. The exterior of the showerhead body can be covered by a silicone sheath. The sexual stimulation device can include a handle attached to a posterior surface of the showerhead body. 
     In another embodiment, the showerhead body contains a plurality of water ports for directing water flowing from the shower hose and a water-powered vibrator to produce vibrations for sexual stimulation. The showerhead body can include a flow regulator to control intensity of the vibrations from the vibrator. The control for the regulator can be located between the shower hose-engaging structure and the showerhead body. The plurality of water ports can be located on an anterior surface of the showerhead body. The exterior of the showerhead body can be a single piece of molded plastic. The exterior of the showerhead body can be covered by a silicone sheath. The anterior surface of the showerhead body can be a textured surface. 
     In another embodiment, the showerhead body has a two-pronged structure. The plurality of water ports can be located at the base of the two-pronged structure or distributed on the surface of the two prongs. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Numerous other aspects, features and benefits of the present disclosure may be made apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and together with the specification, explain the invention. The present disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic representation of a sexual stimulation device when coupled to an end of a shower hose, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic representation of the posterior view of the sexual stimulation device, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of the sexual stimulation device, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic representation of an exploded view of the components of a sexual stimulation device, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic representation of the sexual stimulation device with the vibrator removed from the showerhead body, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic representation of the vibrator being charged using a specific charger, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic representation of the vibrator being charged using an inductive charging station, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic representation of a sexual stimulation device with a water-powered vibrator, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of the sexual stimulation device with a water-powered vibrator, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic representation of certain components of the sexual stimulation device with a water-powered vibrator, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 11A  and B are diagrammatic representations of the cross-sections of the “OFF” and “LOW” positions of the sexual stimulation device with a water-powered vibrator, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 12A-D  are diagrammatic representations of the vibrator used independently of the sexual stimulation device, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 13A  and B are diagrammatic representations of certain components of the sexual stimulation device with a water-powered vibrator, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 14A  and B are diagrammatic representations of certain components of the sexual stimulation device with a water-powered vibrator, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used here to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated here, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated here, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic representation of an external sexual stimulation device when coupled to an end of a shower hose, according to an exemplary embodiment. The sexual stimulation device  100  has a showerhead body  102  and a mechanism  104  for attaching the showerhead body to a handheld showerhead hose  106 . The device can be attached to a standard, handheld shower hose connection or may use a “Quick Connect” snap mechanism or a “push-to-connect” mechanism for increased ease of removal and installation. 
     The showerhead body  102  of the sexual stimulation device  100  also has several water outlet zones  108  and  110 . The water stream delivered by the hose  106  to the showerhead body  102  is expelled through water outlet zones  108  and  110 . The water outlet zones  108  and  110  have several ports and can be controlled to produce water jets of varying flow rates and intensities, such as a fine mist, a strong spray, or a pulsating stream. The ports can be arranged in rows as in outlet zone  108 , or in a radial manner as in outlet zone  110 , or in any regular or random manner. For example, the ports can be arranged in a concentric circular arrangement. The ports can be arranged in horizontal rows or in vertical rows of varying lengths. The ports can be arranged as a single row of jets positioned around the perimeter of the anterior surface or can be arranged to occupy substantial surface of the anterior side of the device. The anterior surface, as used herein, refers to the surface of the sexual stimulation device closest to or facing the user during operation of the sexual stimulation device. The posterior surface, as used herein, refers to the surface of the sexual stimulation device that is away from the user&#39;s body. In certain embodiments, the posterior surface of the sexual stimulation device can be facing or in contact with a second user&#39;s body. 
     In an embodiment of the device, only the anterior side possesses water outlet zones, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In another embodiment, water outlet zones are present on the anterior and posterior sides of the showerhead body of the sexual stimulation device. In another embodiment, water outlet zones are present on edges of the showerhead body of the sexual stimulation device. These devices facilitate water-based stimulation for multiple users when the device is used in such manner. 
     The device  100  is depicted as it would be placed in a bathtub or shower stall, alongside a non-handheld, traditional showerhead  112 . When the user turns on the shower, water will automatically be directed to the device. The user can leave the device on a hook in order to use it as a regular showerhead or choose to activate the vibration modes. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic representation of the posterior view of the sexual stimulation device  100 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The showerhead body  102  of the sexual stimulation device has a curved, paddle-like shape, which can be applied to various bodily curves and surfaces, and has a screw-in mechanism  114  to couple the device to a shower hose. Also shown here is the vibratory component or the vibrator  116  that has haptic controls  118  and  120  for increasing and decreasing the vibratory speed, respectively. Upon activating the vibrator, the showerhead vibrates. Use of the regulatory means enables the showerhead to produce a range of vibrations from mild to intense, according to the user&#39;s preference. In another embodiment, the device may feature a dial or other selective mechanism to control the vibration. 
     In an embodiment, the showerhead body  102  of sexual stimulation device  100  is designed as a thin structure such that it can fit between two bodies if the users decide to employ the device in this fashion. In another embodiment of the device, the showerhead body may have a thicker, rounded posterior curve that comfortably conforms to the user&#39;s palm. In another embodiment of the device, the showerhead body may be shaped such that both the anterior and posterior sides possess a gentle concave shape, conforming to curved body areas. In another embodiment of the device, the anterior surface of the showerhead body of the sexual stimulation devices may present a cup-like shape in order to provide suction. In another embodiment, the showerhead body may include a handle, made of body-safe silicone or a similar material, on the posterior side to improve the user&#39;s grip on the device. In certain embodiments, the dimensions of the device  100 , such as its length, width, height, and shape can be altered to create variability in water pressure. 
     In certain embodiments, the anterior side of the showerhead body  102  of sexual stimulation device  100  possesses a textured surface. In another embodiment, both the anterior and posterior sides possess a textured surface. The texture can be achieved via raised nubs, bumps, or protuberances of different shapes and sizes. The textured surface can be arranged in between the water outlet zones  107  and  108 , or in any regular or random manner. For example, the protuberances can be arranged in a concentric circular arrangement, or in horizontal rows or in vertical rows of varying lengths. The protuberances can be designed to convey the vibrations from the vibrator. 
     The showerhead body  102  of the sexual stimulation device  100  can be covered in an FDA-approved, nonporous material such as silicone. It is desirable to use a material that will not degrade with exposure to water, and may be cleaned with gentle soap and water. In certain embodiments of the device, the body-safe “skin” covering the showerhead body  102  of sexual stimulation device  100  may be removable for ease of cleaning. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of the sexual stimulation device  300  with a removable vibrator  302  placed within the showerhead body  304 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The vibrator  302  includes a waterproof charging port  306 , tactile button switches  308  and  310 , encapsulated vibrating motor  312 , printed circuit board  314 , rechargeable battery pack  316 . In this embodiment, the vibrator  302  has an electromechanical motor with an output shaft that supports a counterweight or eccentric mass. The motor can be a DC micromotor, brushless motor, adjustable resonating motor, servomotor, stepper motor, or any other suitable type of motor of any other size. The showerhead body  304  of the sexual stimulation device  300  also has upper water jet ports  318  and lower water jet ports  320  that are configured to be above and below the vibrator. The showerhead body  304 , including the vibrator  302  is fitted by an overmolded body-safe silicone sheath  322 . The sexual stimulation device  300  is depicted with a ½-inch standard NPT threaded mechanism  324  for attaching the showerhead body to a handheld showerhead hose. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic representation of an exploded view of the components of a sexual stimulation device, according to an exemplary embodiment. The components of the vibrator include an external ring  401 , tactile control plate  402 , regulator  403  connecting the control plate  402  to the encapsulated vibrating motor  404 , rechargeable battery pack  405 , bottom case  406 , and an body-safe silicone vibrator sheath  407 . The vibrator engages with the upper portion  408  of a body-safe silicone showerhead body sheath and the posterior part  409  of the showerhead body through a slot or groove. The silicone showerhead body sheath snugly fits the posterior part  409  and anterior part  410  of the showerhead body via the upper portion  408  and the lower portion  411  of a body-safe silicone showerhead body sheath, while leaving the threaded mechanism  412  open for engagement with the shower hose. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic representation of the sexual stimulation device with the vibrator removed from the showerhead body, according to an exemplary embodiment. The showerhead body  500  of the sexual stimulation device has an inner opening  502  with a slot  504 . The vibrator  506  fits into the opening  502  on the showerhead body  500  using an insert  508  that runs on the upper periphery of the vibrator  506  and engages with the slot  504 . The vibrator  506  can securely engage with the opening  502  in a variety of ways, including but not limited to a snap-groove or a snap-clip engagement. The vibrator  506  also has a charging port  510  that connects the vibrator to a power source to charge the battery. In an embodiment of the device, the vibrator&#39;s silicone sheath may include a small flap or plug that further protects the charging port while the device is in use. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic representation of the vibrator being charged using a specific charger, according to an exemplary embodiment. The vibrator  600  has a female charging port  602  that engages with a male electrical charging jack  604  to charge the battery. The male electrical charging jack  604  connects the vibrator directly to an electrical wall outlet using a plug  606 . In an embodiment, the vibrator can be powered by a voltage supply or battery that may be charged via a USB female charging port and male USB cable. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic representation of the vibrator being charged using a wireless charging station, according to an exemplary embodiment. The vibrator  700  is placed on a wireless charging station, such as the inductive charger  702  to charge the battery. Vibrators in this embodiment are configured to be Qi compatible. 
       FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic representation of a sexual stimulation device with an in-built water-powered vibrator, according to an exemplary embodiment. The sexual stimulation device  800  has a showerhead body  802  and a mechanism  803  for attaching the showerhead body to a handheld showerhead hose  106 . The device can be attached to a standard, handheld shower hose connection or may use a “Quick Connect” snap mechanism or a “push-to-connect” mechanism for increased ease of removal and installation. 
     The showerhead body  802  of the sexual stimulation device  100  has several water outlet zones  804  and  806 . The water outlet zones  804  and  806  have several ports and can be controlled to produce water jets of varying flow rates and intensities, such as a fine mist, a strong spray, or a pulsating stream. The ports can be arranged in a radial manner as in outlet zones  804  and  806 , or as rows or in any regular or random manner. For example, the ports can be arranged in a concentric circular arrangement. The ports can be arranged in horizontal rows or in vertical rows of varying lengths. The ports can be arranged as a single row of jets positioned around the perimeter of the anterior surface or can be arranged to occupy substantial surface of the anterior side of the device. In an embodiment of the device, only the anterior side possesses water outlet zones, as shown in  FIG. 8 . In another embodiment, water outlet zones are present on the anterior and posterior sides of the showerhead body of the sexual stimulation device. In another embodiment, water outlet zones are present on edges of the showerhead body of the sexual stimulation device. These devices facilitate water-based stimulation for multiple users when the device is used in such manner. This embodiment contains an inbuilt vibrator (not shown here) that is regulated via controller  808 . This controller  808  can have settings such as “Off, Low, and High,” or “Off, 1, 2, and 3” to increase the intensity of the vibrations. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of the sexual stimulation device with a water-powered vibrator, according to an exemplary embodiment. The components of the vibrator include drive shaft bracket  902  connected to a water-driven propeller  904  and a drive shaft  906 . The vibrator also includes a brake system  908  that includes “Off” vibration setting mechanism  909  and “Low” vibration setting mechanism  910 . There is a waterproof O-ring gasketing  912 . The external surface of this system has a molded indicator  914  that helps regulate the vibrator intensity through a twist or an adjustable ring mechanism. The shaft  906  has a vibrating mechanism or a revolved form composed of two halves—a weighted half  916  and an unweighted half  918 . The weighted section  916  functions as an eccentric rotating mass. As the shaft rotates, the centripetal force of the weighted section is asymmetric, resulting in a net centrifugal force that slightly displaces the shaft. This displacement is perceived as vibration. The showerhead body of the sexual stimulation device has lower water jet ports  920  and upper water jet ports  922  that are configured to work independently or in conjunction with the vibrator. A silicone showerhead body sheath  924  snugly fits the injection-molded plastic showerhead body of the device, while leaving the threaded mechanism  926  open for engagement with the shower hose. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic representation of water propeller components of the sexual stimulation device with a water-powered vibrator, according to an exemplary embodiment. The drive shaft  1002  is connected to a water-driven propeller  1004 . The brake system on the shaft includes a brake mechanism  1006  and a toothed rotational stop mechanism  1008 , along with a vibrating mechanism or a revolved form composed of two halves—a weighted half  1010  and an unweighted half  1018 . The cross section of the two halves combined is a circle and this form is uninhibited as water rushes past it. 
       FIG. 11A  is a diagrammatic representation of the cross-section of the brake mechanism  1006  of the sexual stimulation device with a water-powered vibrator, according to an exemplary embodiment. As the outer ring  1102  of the brake mechanism  1006  rotates to the “Low” position on the indicator, a ramped surface  1104  forces another component  1106  to flex downward, acting as a slowing mechanism against the surface  1108  affixed to the drive shaft  1002 . 
       FIG. 11B  is a diagrammatic representation of the cross-section of the toothed rotational stop mechanism  1008  of the sexual stimulation device with a water-powered vibrator, according to an exemplary embodiment. When the outer ring  1102  of the brake mechanism  1006  rotates to its farthest position (“stop” or “off”), its toothed surface  1112  engages with the teeth of the cog element  1114  of the propeller  1004 , and thus brings the vibratory action, to a full stop. 
       FIG. 12A  is a diagrammatic representation of the sexual stimulation device with the vibrator removed from the showerhead body, according to an exemplary embodiment. The sexual stimulation device has a showerhead body  1202  and a mechanism  1204  for attaching the showerhead body to a handheld showerhead hose  1206 . The showerhead body  1202  has several water outlet zones  108  and  110 . The water stream delivered by the hose  106  to the showerhead body  102  is expelled through water outlet zones  1208  and  1210 . The water outlet zones  1208  and  1210  have several ports and can be controlled to produce water jets of varying flow rates and intensities, such as a fine mist, a strong spray, or a pulsating stream. The ports can be arranged in rows as in outlet zone  1208 , or in a random manner as in outlet zone  1210 . The showerhead body  1202  of the sexual stimulation device has an opening  1212 . The vibrator  1214  fits into the opening  1212  on the showerhead body  1202  securely in a variety of ways, including but not limited to a snap-groove or a snap-clip engagement. 
       FIG. 12B  is a diagrammatic representation of the vibrator  1214  removed from the showerhead body  1202  of the sexual stimulation device, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 12C  is a diagrammatic representation of an exploded view of the components of the vibrator  1214  removed from the showerhead body  1202  of the sexual stimulation device, according to an exemplary embodiment. The components of the vibrator include a tactile controls plate  1216 , charging port  1218 , and a removable ring  1220  that covers the charging port. 
       FIG. 12D  is a diagrammatic representation of the vibrator used independently of the sexual stimulation device, according to an exemplary embodiment. The vibrator  1214  is designed with curved surfaces such that it can be held comfortably between two fingers of the user&#39;s hand. 
       FIG. 13A  is a diagrammatic representation of a sexual stimulation device with a split showerhead body structure, according to an exemplary embodiment. The sexual stimulation device has a showerhead body  1301  with a split structure with two prongs  1302  and  1303 , and a mechanism  1304  for attaching the showerhead body to a handheld showerhead hose  1306 . The showerhead body  1301  has a water outlet zone  1308  with all the water jet ports near the base of the showerhead. In another embodiment, the water jets extend along the sides of the two prongs. An adjustable or twist wheel  1310  is used to control the flow of water exiting the water jet ports. 
       FIG. 13B  is a diagrammatic representation of the water propeller system of a sexual stimulation device with a split showerhead body structure, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment where an adjustable wheel  1310  is used to control water flow, the showerhead may be able to be configured to produce several sprays, whereby a user can select a desired spray setting. Between the housing and the nozzle plate, a guide plate (not shown) has passages and a wheel  1312  with radially extending and annularly arranged vanes  1314 , apertured regions, and blocking regions. The water is directed by the passages to the wheel to set it in rotation. The apertured regions and the blocking regions of the wheel rapidly cover and uncover the underlying openings of the nozzle plate as the wheel rotates so that a pulsating spray is produced. Rotating the nozzle shutter relative to the nozzle plate can also change the water spray. In one embodiment of the device, wherein more than one prong of the device includes water jets, the device can have a turnable on/off wheel, cap, plug, or other cover to allow the user(s) to shut off water flow to that prong of the device. The showerhead body with the two prongs can be configured to include the water-powered vibrator mechanism described in  FIGS. 9, 10, 11A and 11B . 
       FIG. 14A  is a diagrammatic representation of a sexual stimulation device with a hand-held handle, according to an exemplary embodiment. This device  1400  includes a showerhead body  1402  with a removable electronic vibration unit  1404  and a hand strap  1406  on the posterior side for improved grip. The hand strap  1406  is made of body-safe silicone or a similar material and is designed to provide excellent wet or dry grip. The hand strap  1406  can include high vibration dampening materials, thus providing greater comfort during use. The sexual stimulation device  1400  also includes a mechanism  1408  for attaching the showerhead body to a handheld showerhead hose  1410 .  FIG. 14B  is a diagrammatic representation of the sexual stimulation device  1400  being charged using a wireless charging station, according to an exemplary embodiment. The device  1400  is placed on a wireless charging station, such as the inductive charger  1412  to charge an internal battery. Devices in this embodiment can be configured to be Qi compatible. 
     The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein.