Patent Description:
Known sexual enhancement devices for men include penis rings. These devices include several limitations. Some devices have been provided in fixed sizes which are not suitable for all users. Furthermore, these fixed size penis rings are typically not capable of accommodating the growth in a user's penis when the user's penis is erect.

<CIT> discloses a male sexual stimulation device comprising: an anal or prostate stimulation shaft; and a holder for holding a male penile stimulation device, wherein said anal stimulation shaft is connected to the holder by a connecting strap, and wherein the holder of the male penile stimulation device is in the form of one or more closed rings/loops or adjustable straps.

There is therefore a need to provide a penis ring which is adaptable in size.

There is also the problem that known penis rings fail to provide adequate stimulation to the user, especially during intercourse, and as such do not actively promote blood flow to the user's penis. Providing such stimulation requires overcoming a number of different problems, as will be explained in relation to the different aspects of the invention.

The present invention relates to a sexual stimulation device as set out in claim <NUM>.

In this way, the deformable connector can be deflected from its equilibrium position when it is fitted onto a user. The deflection of the deformable connector can generate a biasing force when the ring is at the base of the user's penis which presses the perineum stimulating portion against a user's perineum and ensures the ring is held at the base of the user's penis. This can allow the device to be worn securely by users. The flexibility of the connector also means that the device can be worn by users with different body shapes. The secure fit of the device in use means that the loop and the perineum stimulator are urged into the user's body. This can allow the effect of any vibrations to be focused on the penis and the perineum which can actively to promote blood flow to a user's penis, helping to promote and maintain an erection. The device can be held securely in position during intercourse without any straps or other components that might cause discomfort. A closed or open loop may be provided in different embodiments through which the user can insert their penis.

As background to the present invention (but not forming part of its scope of protection) is a sexual stimulation device comprising: a loop through which a user can insert their penis, the loop comprising one or more vibrators; a perineum stimulating portion comprising control circuitry; and a connector extending between the loop and the perineum stimulating portion; wherein the control circuitry in the perineum stimulating portion is acoustically isolated from vibrations in the loop by means of the connector.

In this way, the circuit board controlling the one or more vibrators which induce said vibrations may be effectively isolated from vibrations that could cause damage. This also acts to localise the vibrations to the loop and connector, thereby improving the efficiency of the vibrators in these regions.

As background to the present invention (but not forming part of its scope of protection) is a loop through which a user can insert their penis; a perineum stimulating portion comprising a housing and a cavity in which is provided an insert; a first vibrator connected to the insert; and a connector extending between the loop and the perineum stimulating portion; wherein the housing of the perineum stimulating portion is acoustically isolated from the vibrations of the vibrator by means of the insert.

In this way, the insert can vibrate relative to the housing of the perineum stimulating portion. This means that a rigid perineum stimulating portion can be provided with a floating insert that can maximise transfer of vibrations from the vibrator to the user's perineum. Control circuitry may be provided within the housing, and by providing the vibrator in the insert this control circuitry may be protected and isolated from vibrator vibrations that could otherwise cause damage and sever electrical connections, especially solder connections. The cavity in the housing is preferably a through-hole so that the insert can be provided entirely within the housing. Preferably the insert is sized and shaped so that its outer surface matches with the outer surface of the housing and, together, they provide a continuous outer surface for the perineum stimulating portion.

The insert preferably comprises a first material and the perineum stimulating portion preferably comprises a second material, the second material being more rigid than the first material. This causes the vibrations to be localised to the insert itself, and the likelihood of damage to the circuit board is thereby reduced. However, it is not necessary for the insert to be less rigid than the perineum stimulating portion in order to localise vibrations in the insert to an extent sufficient to prevent damage to the circuit board. In some embodiments the interface between the insert and the perineum stimulating portion may dissipate the energy of vibrations the insert. Preferably the interface allows relative movement between the housing and the insert, while still providing a secure connection. For example, the interface may provide a soft and flexible material that can act as an acoustic dampener. One suitable material for use at the interface may be silicone, but others would occur to a skilled person.

The second material preferably has a larger Young's modulus than the first material in the insert. However, the relative rigidity of the perineum stimulating portion compared with the insert may be configured by altering their respective geometries.

As background to the present invention (but not forming part of its scope of protection) is a sexual stimulation device comprising: a perineum stimulating portion configured to contact the user's perineum during use, the perineum stimulating portion comprising one or vibrators configured to stimulate the user's perineum; a loop through which a user can insert their penis, wherein the loop includes one or more vibrators that are positioned adjacent the ventral side of the user's penis in order to stimulate the ventral side of the user's penis; and a connector extending between the loop and the perineum stimulating portion.

It has been determined that stimulation of the ventral side of the user's penis together with stimulation of the perineum can advantageously provoke blood flow and maintain a user's erection. Vibrators are provided in the loop at a position that can provide the necessary stimulation. The device can be worn by a user during intercourse in order to promote maintenance of an erection.

As background to the present invention (but not forming part of its scope of protection) is a sexual stimulation device comprising: an open loop through which a user can insert their penis, the open loop having a first end and a second end and being movable from a first configuration in which the first end is a first distance from the second end to a second configuration in which the first end is a second distance from the second end, the second distance being greater than the first distance; a perineum stimulating portion configured to contact the user's perineum during use; and
a connector extending between the loop and the perineum stimulating portion.

In this way, the open loop can adapt to different sizes of penis and can also grow in diameter when user has an erection. A resilient inner core may be provided in the loop to bias the ring towards its equilibrium shape, thereby putting pressure on the user's penis, while a deformable outer covering may be provided to provide some cushioning and prevent pain during use.

The open ring may also be moveable to a third configuration in which the first end is a third distance from the second end, the third distance being smaller than the first distance. This allows the open ring to be tightened to increase the pressure on a user's penis.

The device may comprise a first string connected to the first end of the open loop; a second string connected to the second end of the open loop; and a toggle engaging the first and second strings. The toggle may be moveable relative to the first and second strings and may be lockable in position relative to the first and second strings in order to urge the open loop towards the third configuration.

The deformable connector preferably comprises a resilient first material that biases the deformable connector towards the first shape. In this way, the deformable connector can act as a material spring which is biased towards the first shape. In some embodiments the deformable connector may have a distinct inner part, and various different materials may be used to provide an outer covering, preferably such that the outer covering is flexible and deformable.

It is preferable that the perineum stimulating portion is not deformable, or is at least less deformable than the connector, such that deformations of the device do not result in significant deformation of the perineum stimulating portion. As such, in preferred embodiments the perineum stimulating portion comprises a second material, such that the perineum stimulating portion is more rigid than the deformable connector.

In order to better accommodate a user, the deformable connector preferably comprises a pair of arms with a gap between them in which a user's testicles can be received. In alternative embodiments, the deformable connector is configured such as to be positioned around the user's testicles during use of the device.

In order to improve the comfort of the user, the sexual stimulation device preferably comprises a deformable outer covering. This need not cover the entirety of the device. For example, the outer covering preferably does not cover the insert so that it can be removed from the cavity of the perineum stimulating portion.

The connector preferably acts to dissipate the energy of vibrations. In order to increase the dissipative effect, the connector preferably comprises a first material while the perineum stimulating portion preferably comprises a second material, the second material being more rigid than the first material. The vibrations will therefore be dissipated mainly in the more flexible connector, and tend to have less effect on the relatively rigid perineum stimulating portion. The second material will typically have a larger Young's modulus than the first material, but the perineum stimulating portion could also be made more rigid than the connector by suitably configuring the respective geometries of the connector and the perineum stimulating portion.

The loop is preferably also comprised of the first material, such that the loop and the connector may be manufactured as a single unit, but it is also possible for the loop to be separate from the connector. For example, the loop could be formed from an outer covering provided over the connector.

Certain manufacturing complications may arise when joining the connector to the perineum stimulating portion, especially when the connector comprises a different material to the perineum stimulating portion. In order to overcome these complications, the perineum stimulating portion preferably comprises two or more parts configured to hold the connector in a clamped arrangement. This allows the connector to be manufactured separately from the perineum stimulating portion, and ensures that the connector is securely fastened to the perineum stimulating portion.

The connector may comprise one or more vibrators positioned adjacent a user's testicles, in use, in order to stimulate the user's testicles, and in embodiments where the connector is configured to receive said user's testicles it is typical to provide the one or more vibrators such that they will be positioned adjacent the scrotum during use. It is also typical to provide one or more vibrators in the loop in a position where they would be adjacent a user's partner's clitoris during intercourse.

Some examples of sexual stimulation devices according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

With reference to <FIG>, a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises an inner structure <NUM> with an outer covering <NUM>. The inner structure <NUM> comprises a loop <NUM>, a perineum stimulating portion <NUM>, and a connector <NUM> extending between the ring <NUM> and the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>. The inner structure <NUM> is shown most clearly in <FIG>.

The loop <NUM> incorporates a number of features configured to be especially suitable for enhancing and maintaining a user's erection. In particular, the loop <NUM> includes an aperture 101a through which a user may insert their penis, and a gap <NUM> in the loop such that the diameter of the loop may be made smaller or larger. The loop <NUM> comprises a deformable yet resilient material, such that the loop has an equilibrium shape towards which it is biased. The loop <NUM> may then be made larger to accommodate a user with a larger penis, or to accommodate the growth in a user's penis that accompanies the user achieving an erection. The biasing force towards the equilibrium shape of the loop <NUM> acts to provide pressure on a user's penis, so as to enhance and maintain a user's erection. The gap <NUM> in the open loop <NUM> is also typically configured such that the loop may be made smaller so as to increase the pressure on a user's penis.

Strings <NUM> can be attached to the respective ends of the open loop <NUM>. A toggle (not shown) can be provided to join the strings together. The toggle can be slid up and down on the strings <NUM> and can be locked in place. In his way, the toggle and the strings <NUM> can be used to tighten the loop <NUM>. A user can insert their penis in the gap 101a and then tighten the loop <NUM> in order to provide the desired level of constriction. Users may have personal preferences in this regard.

The connector <NUM>, which extends between the loop <NUM> and the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>, is also configured in preferred embodiments to have an equilibrium shape towards which it is biased. The equilibrium shape of this connector <NUM> is typically as shown in <FIG>, with a curve that causes the plane of the loop <NUM> to lie at an acute angle to the plane of the main body of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>. This acute angle is chosen so that the connector <NUM> must be flexed away from the equilibrium position in order to be fitted onto a user. This generates a biasing force in the flexible connector <NUM>, urging the perineum stimulating portion <NUM> into contact with the user's perineum, and urging the loop <NUM> into contact with the user's body at the base of the penis. In this way the device can be held in tension while being worn so that it can stay in the desired position during intercourse. The flexibility of the connector <NUM> can allow the device to be worn by a wide variety of users with different body shapes.

The perineum stimulating portion <NUM> includes an insert <NUM> having a textured upper surface <NUM> configured to engage with the user's perineum. The textured surface <NUM> enhances the gripping action on the perineum caused by the biasing force of the connector <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> comprises a pair of arms 96a,b with a gap 103a provided in between. The gap 103a is provided with a size suitable for receiving a user's testicles, which can be suspended within the gap 103a. A pair of motors <NUM> are provided on respective arms 96a,b of the connector <NUM>. The motors <NUM> are positioned so that they are adjacent the user's testicles, in use. The motors <NUM> are connected to respective strings <NUM>. A toggle (not shown) can be provided to join the strings <NUM> together. The toggle can be slid back and forth on the strings <NUM> and can be locked in place with respect to the strings <NUM>. In his way, the toggle and the strings <NUM> can be used to deflect the motors <NUM> inwardly towards one another, to be tightened around a user's testicles, in use. Users may have personal preferences in this regard.

The pair of arms 96a,b extend between the perineum stimulator <NUM> and the loop <NUM>. The loop <NUM>, which is an open loop, is formed like a pentagon with five sections which need not include straight sides: a clitoral motor housing 109a for a clitoral motor <NUM>; two ventral penis motor housings 107a for ventral penis motors <NUM>; and a pair of connecting arms 94a,b that connect the ventral penis motor housings 107a to the clitoral motor housing 109a. The connecting arms 94a,b are formed of the same material as the arms 96a,b. Therefore, the connecting arms 94a,b are resilient and deformable. The flexibility of these connecting arms 94a,b allows the loop <NUM> to be expanded and contacted in diameter to fit differently sized penises, and to accommodate the growth of a penis as an erection is established. The flexibility of the connecting arms 94a,b also allows the strings <NUM> to be used to tighten the loop <NUM> around the user's penis in use. The resilience of the connecting arms 94a,b means that they can act as a material spring that biases the loop into an equilibrium position.

A number of motors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are provided. The ventral penis motors <NUM> are positioned symmetrically about the loop <NUM> so that they lie adjacent the underside of a user's penis, in use. The clitoral motor <NUM> is positioned at the top of the loop <NUM> at a position that is most distal from the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>. In use, the clitoral motor <NUM> lies adjacent the clitoris of a user's female partner during intercourse. The testicle motors <NUM> are positioned so that they lie adjacent the user's testicles, in use. Each of the motors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is housed in a respective receiving portion 107a, 108a, 109a in the loop <NUM> or connector <NUM>. Respective fastening means 107b, 108b, 109b are then used to fasten the motors and maintain them in their respective receiving portion 107a, 108a, 109a. The motors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> comprise eccentrically mounted weights that cause them to vibrate when the rotor rotates. Other vibrating devices may be used in place of motors, as would occur to the skilled person.

The perineum stimulating portion <NUM> comprises a hard plastic housing with an outer covering <NUM> formed of softer material. The hard plastic housing of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM> is chosen so that it is more rigid than the materials used in the loop <NUM> and connector <NUM>. By providing a more rigid material in the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>, vibrations of the motors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be substantially isolated from the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>. This both protects the inner workings of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM> and localises the vibrations of motors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to improve the efficiency of these motors at providing stimulation to the user and to the user's partner. The relative rigidity of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM> is usually provided by making the housing of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM> of a material which has a higher Young's modulus than the material used to construct the inner core of the loop <NUM> and the connector <NUM>. For example, a low density polyethylene is typically used for the inner core of the loop <NUM> and connector <NUM> while a polycarbonate is used for the housing of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>. However, it is also possible to design the perineum stimulating portion <NUM> such that the geometry of its structure confers this increased rigidity, for example by providing supports within the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>.

The outer covering <NUM> is preferably flexible, deformable and waterproof with silicone being an especially suitable choice of material. Other preferred properties of the outer covering include being waterproof and non-permeable.

A preferred device according to the invention includes a rechargeable battery provided within the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>, and a recharging port <NUM>. This port <NUM> may also be used to connect the sexual stimulation device to a personal computing device. The outer covering <NUM> has an opening at the position of the port <NUM>. A cover or flap is preferably provided for this opening.

A cavity <NUM> or through-hole is provided in the housing of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>. The insert <NUM> can be received within the cavity <NUM> and connected to the housing. The insert <NUM> includes a loop <NUM> for holding a motor <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the design of the insert <NUM> isolates the housing of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM> from the vibrations of the motor <NUM>. The insert <NUM> is preferably made of silicon and is connected to the housing of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>. The interface between the insert <NUM> and the housing of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM> is flexible and deformable so that it can absorb vibrations. In this way, vibrations generated by the motor <NUM> can be substantially localised to the insert <NUM>. The insert <NUM> can vibrate within the housing of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>. This can focus vibrations of the motor <NUM> to the region of the insert <NUM>, which improves the efficiency with which vibrations can be transferred to the perineum.

As may be seen in <FIG>, a battery <NUM> and a circuit board <NUM> are situated within the housing of the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>. The perineum stimulating portion <NUM> comprises an upper housing 102a and a lower housing 102b. One of the reasons that it is desirable for the perineum stimulating portion <NUM> to be acoustically isolated from the vibrations of the motors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is to prevent damage to the circuit board <NUM> and battery <NUM>. Vibrational damage has been known to cause weakening in soldered connections, and therefore this helps to improve the robustness of the device. The perineum stimulating portion <NUM> is an especially suitable location for the circuit board <NUM> and battery <NUM> as it may be made with larger dimensions than other portions of the device.

The loop <NUM> is provided with a profile that is as narrow as possible since this part is provided between sexual partners, in use. The width of the motor <NUM>, <NUM> is typically the limiting factor in reducing the width of the loop <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> is preferably rechargeable. The circuit board <NUM> is arranged for selective control of the motors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> includes a Bluetooth (RTM) transmitter/receiver for connection to a user's mobile phone. The user may then select from vibration patterns either pre-programmed on the circuit board <NUM> or by using the user's mobile phone to remotely control the motors.

The circuit board <NUM> is preferably connected to the port <NUM> to enable interfacing of the sexual stimulation device with a personal computing device. By connecting the port <NUM> to the circuit board, the user may also control the vibrations of an attachment connected via the port <NUM>.

Not shown in the figures is that the motors of the device are typically connected to the circuit board <NUM> by wires. These wires could be within the inner structure <NUM> of the device itself, but are typically provided around the inner structure <NUM> and within the outer covering <NUM>. Retainers <NUM> are shown in <FIG> provided along the structure <NUM> which are suitable for receiving wires for connecting the motors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to the circuit board <NUM>. The wires connecting the motor <NUM> to the circuit board <NUM> will of course typically be routed within the perineum stimulating portion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A sexual stimulation device comprising:
a loop (<NUM>) through which a user can insert their penis: a perineum stimulating portion (<NUM>) configured to contact the user's perineum during use; and
a deformable connector (<NUM>) extending between the loop and the perineum stimulating portion, wherein the deformable connector is deformable between a first shape and a second shape;
wherein the perineum stimulating portion comprises a main body, and in the first shape the plane of the loop lies at an acute angle to the plane of the main body of the perineum stimulating portion characterised in that the deformable connector is biased towards the first shape such that the loop and the perineum stimulating portion are biased towards the user's body during use.