Abstract:
An inflatable penile prosthesis includes a hollow penis-shaped form and two inflatable elastic tubes over the form. The inflatable tubes are selectively inflated or deflated using hand held air pumps and associated release valves. The hollow form together with the elastic tubes allows the device to be configured for different lengths and widths and to a medium, large, or largest size, or any size therebetween.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/432,511, filed May 1, 1995, now abandoned, which is itself a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/026,824, filed Mar. 3, 1993 now abandoned. The specifications are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of penile prostheses. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of penile prostheses continuously expandable both circumferentially and longitudinally. 
     2. Background of the Related Art 
     Erectile dysfunction in men can be caused by either psychological or organic conditions. See e.g., Sagraves, R. Taylor and Harry W. Schoenberg, Diagnosis and Treatment of Erectile Disturbances, New York (1985). In order to engage in mutually fulfilling sexual relations, a penile prosthesis is often needed. Even when erect, the male sex organ may be inadequate for a number of reasons. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,495,589, issued to Clement, discloses a prosthesis with a flexible, nonelastic sleeve with a means for inflating an inner liner to hold the prosthesis to the male organ. U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,648, issued to Rogers, discloses an inflatable condom that expands at its distal end. 
     Neither device is capable of expanding both circumferentially and lengthwise to accommodate the needs and desires of the man&#39;s sex partner. There exists a need therefore for a penile prosthesis that can be used with an erect or flaccid penis, and that is capable of being expanded both circumferentially and longitudinally to a desired size. erect or flaccid penis, and that is capable of being expanded both circumferentially and longitudinally to a desired size. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is an improved penis-like prosthesis which is worn externally and is designed to enhance the sexual relationships of those who depend upon the use of penile prostheses. The prosthesis is capable of expanding and contracting both circumferentially and longitudinally thanks to the invention of two inflatable tubes. It is distinguished by its attached hand pumps and braces, and in the expansion and contraction that give the user the option to reach the desirable size. By inflating and deflating the device as desired, the user can adjust the size of the device for maximum comfort or pleasure during sexual relations. 
     Because of its ability to change sizes, it is economical. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a exemplary embodiment of the present invention in its deflated form. 
     FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention in its deflated form. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a harness that can be used with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a penis-shaped hollow form 2 is covered by first elastic tube 4, which, in turn, is covered by a second elastic tube 6. Hollow form 2 is generally cylindrical and may be made of either rigid or semirigid material. Preferably it is 13/4&#34; outside diameter, and 11/2&#34; inside diameter and 63/8&#34; in length. Form 2 has a closed distal end 8 and an open proximal end 9. Elastic tubes 4 and 6 may be made of latex or other inflatable, balloon-like material. Second elastic tube 6 is preferably skin-like in appearance and texture. See FIG. 2. Each elastic tube 4 and 6 has a closed distal end 10, 12 and sealed proximal end 11, 13, respectively. 
     The first elastic tube 4 is 67/8&#34; in length and can regularly expand up to about 1/8around the hollow form 2. Tube 4 expands longitudinally 5/8&#34;. The second elastic tube 6 is about 77/8&#34; in length, and it is capable of expanding to approximately 1/8 &#34; around first tube 4. When the second tube expands, it extends about 3/4 &#34; beyond the end of first tube 4. 
     The space between hollow form 2 and first elastic tube 4 forms a first inflation chamber 3. A first air pump 44 inflates first inflation chamber 3 through first inflation tube 40. Similarly, a second air pump 46 inflates a second inflation chamber 5 through a second inflation tube 42. To reach chamber 3, tube 40 passes through a sealed opening in second elastic tube 6 (See FIGS. 1 and 2). Both air pumps 44 and 46 are fitted with air release valves 48 and 50, respectively, for deflating their respective inflation chambers. The inflation tubes 40 and 42 are each about 12&#34; long. 
     In the uninflated state, elastic tubes 4 and 6 should wrinkle slightly around hollow form 2 (FIG. 2). There will be some build up at the front because of the required expansion in order for the prothesis to reach the fully expanded 7&#34; and 8&#34; lengths. 
     The present invention contemplates at least three different ways of keeping the device in place. Referring first to FIG. 1, a constricting belt 20 approximately 1&#34; in diameter and 1/4&#34; wide of soft texture encircles the base near the proximal end 9 of hollow form 2 and above the proximal ends 11 and 13 of elastic tubes 4 and 6. As FIG. 1 shows, belt 20 communicates with inflation tube 40 and pump 44. When chamber 3 is inflated, belt 20 also inflates. 
     In another embodiment (FIG. 3), the harder hollow form 102 extends farther proximally. The elastic members 104 and 106 are joined together at 124 proximally of the proximal end 109 of hollow form 102. Then, a wider flared belt 
     In a third embodiment (FIGS. 4 and 5), the inflatable members 204 and 206 flare at base 228. Elastic straps 232, 233 and 234, which can be used for holding the device onto the user, attach to the flared base. 
     In the device&#39;s uninflated state, the device takes on the external dimensions of hollow form 2 (plus the combined thickness of the thin elastic tubes 4 and 6). When first air pump 44 is activated to inflate first inflation chamber 3, the device expands. Simultaneously, constricting belt 20 is activated to secure the device to the base of the penis. First inflation chamber 3 may be inflated and deflated to reach any desired size in the range over which first elastic tube 4 is capable. 
     When second air pump 46 is activated to inflate second inflation chamber 5, the devices expands still further. Second inflation chamber 5 may also be inflated or deflated to reach any desired size in the range over which second elastic tube 5 is capable. When second inflation chamber 5 is fully inflated, the device reaches its maximum size. 
     When only pump 44 is activated, the prothesis reaches a size of 2&#34; in diameter and 7&#34; in length. If the user then activates the second air pump 46, the prothesis reaches a larger size, e.g., 21/4&#34; in diameter and 8&#34; in length. The user has the option to inflate elastic tubes 4 and 6 simultaneously or one of them only according to his personal needs and those of his partner. 
     When the user becomes familiar with the device, he will be able to count the number of squeezes of air pumps 44 and 46 to reach the desired size without having to look. 
     The device is designed to be long enough to accommodate reservoir-end condoms. 
     As numerous modifications and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art, it is intended that the invention is limited only in terms of the appended claims.