Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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USER-FRIENDLY VIBROSTIMULATION DEVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to vibrostimulation devices. More particularly, this
invention relates to vibrostimulation devices that are easily operable and
manipulable by individuals with impaired motor skills and/or impaired
perception
of tactile stimuli.
BACKGROUND ART
The human body is equipped with receptors integrally connected to and
cooperating with the central nervous system, to sense, process and interact
with
five general types of external environmental stimuli which include sight,
smell,
taste, sound, and touch. The sensory receptors signal changes in: (a) the
environment, or (b) in the human body relative to the environment, and relay
this
information to the central nervous system. External tactile environmental
stimuli
are detected and monitored by a class of receptors called exteroreceptors.
Skin contains a variety of exteroceptors distributed throughout the
epidermal, dermal and subcutaneous layers of cells. Each type of exteroceptor
is
specialized to detect only one specific stimulus e.g., heat or cold (i.e.
thermoreceptors), pain (i.e. nociceptors), and tactile stimuli such as touch
and
pressure (i.e. mechanoreceptors). Nociceptors are primarily comprised of nerve
endings distributed throughout the body, and are especially prevalent in the
dermal and subcutaneous layers of cells. Mechanoreceptors are distributed
throughout the epidermal, dermal and subcutaneous layers of cells. Delicate
intermittent tactile stimuli applied to the hands and face can be precisely
sensed
and localized by phasic receptors such as hair follicles and Meissner's
corpuscles
distributed throughout the epidermal and dermal cell layers, while constant
but
very light cutaneous stimuli are detected by tonic receptors such as Ruffini
endings and Merkel cells, also primarily located in the epidermal and dermal
layers. These specific types of exteroceptors are intimately involved in the
body's
ability to sense and organize a dynamic topographical map of tactile stimuli
based
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on the plurality of signals transmitted to the brain from the individual
exteroceptors. The communication and cooperation between the exteroreceptors
and the central nervous system enable and precisely control manual dexterity,
the
ability to precisely and delicately manipulate objects, and the abilities to
sense and
respond to pleasant and pleasurable tactile stimuli. Pacinian corpuscles are
deep-
phasic pressure-sensitive receptors that are primarily distributed throughout
the
subcutaneous regions of the body and function primarily to sense significant
squeezing and pressing forces. These types of forces are also sensed by
nociceptors, but tend to mask and overwhelm the function of phasic and tonic
exteroceptors located in the epidermal and dermal cell layers. The Pacinian
corpuscles are also responsible for modulating responses related to the
regulation
of grasping and gripping, but do not significantly assist in the body's fine
motor
skill responses required for precisely controlled manual dexterity.
Many people experience as a result of traumatic injuries or degenerative
diseases, permanent damage to the central nervous system and/or to the spinal
chord and/or to exteroreceptors, particularly the phasic and tonic receptors,
thereby resulting in significant and permanent losses of tactile sensory
perception
within their extremities and body trunk regions, and also, in nerve-mediated
fine
motor control over the precise movement and control of their extremities.
However, although their abilities to receive and process tactile stimuli and
to
control their body movements in response thereto have been impaired to some
significant degree, people suffering such impairments are not often impaired
in
their abilities to sense, process and positively experience visual, auditory,
olfactory and oral stimuli. Moreover, a significant portion of such people
have
functional nocireceptors and deep-phasic receptors that communicate and
cooperate with some portions of the central nervous system, and thereby are
capable of at least some degree of gross motor control of functions such as
grasping and gripping. Furthermore, persons with physical disabilities
typically
retain full organ function as well as their intellectual and emotional
functionality
and qualities, and therefore, retain their needs and desires to experience and
respond to such non-tactile stimuli in a physical manner. Examples of such
experiences and responses include sexual pleasure and gratification.
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Devices and appliances employable for sexual pleasure and gratification
are well known in the prior art and are widely available to the general
public.
They include simple phallus-shaped structures provided with vibrator motors
housed therein as exemplified in U.S. Patent No. 5,573,499, for external and
internal stimulation of body surfaces. The options available with such simple
appliances are expandable by the use of couplings to interconnect the devices
with
handles or other such devices, as disclosed in published U.S. Patent
Application
No. 10/395,863. Other types of devices and appliances such as those described
in
U.S. Patent No. 5,690,603, U.S. Patent No. 5,853,362 and published U.S. Patent
Application No. 10/797,634 have been ergonomically designed for ease of
graspability and manoeuvrability to facilitate internal stimulation of certain
organs
and/or to enable concurrent use with a partner. However, such devices and
appliances tend to be useful primarily for stimulation of phasic and tonic
exteroreceptors that are situated in the epidermal and dermal layers
immediately
underlying internal and external body surfaces. Furthermore, their structural
designs and operational controls typically require some degree of manual
dexterity combined with muscular agility and fine motor control over body
extremities. Accordingly, such devices and appliances are not particularly
useful
or satisfactory for focused stimulation of the deep-phasic pressure-sensitive
receptors such as Pacinian corpuscles that are primarily distributed
throughout the
subcutaneous regions of the body.
More elaborate configurations of sex aid devices and appliances requiring
less manual dexterity and less manipulation by hand are also known in the
prior
art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,890,293 teaches a driving apparatus for a
massaging device for sexual organs that is mountable on a pedestal. Published
U.S. Patent application 10/786,268 discloses a bicycle handle bar type
apparatus
which is interconnectible with a U-shaped intermediate component to a
detachable
dildo. The opposing ends of the handle bar apparatus are simultaneously
grippable
with two hands to enable easier manipulation of a dildo interconnected
thereto.
U.S. Patent No. 6,540,667 describes a device comprising two elongate members
secured by a pivotal connection whereto a sexual appliance is removably
attached.
The device is provided with a biasing member to bias apart the opposite ends
of
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the two elongate members. The sexual appliance can be made to travel back and
forth along a longitudinal axis by compressing and uncompressing the two
elongate members with the legs of an operator. U.S. Patent No. 6,899,671
describes a three-arm Y-shaped tubular apparatus wherein the outer arms are
secured to a user's ankles by cuffs, and a sexual appliance is detachably
engaged
with the centre arm. The apparatus is then operated in a hands-free manner by
rhythmic rocking of the user's hips. Although such elaborate devices may not
require significant hand manipulation when in use, their assembly, preparation
for
use, and disassembly requires significant manual dexterity and fine motor
skill
control. Consequently, such devices and appliances are difficult to handle and
frustrating to use by persons with impaired motor skills.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention, at least in preferred
forms, are directed to vibrostimulation devices that are easily operable and
manipulable and additionally, are useful for communicating with deep-phasic
exteroreceptors.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided
a vibrostimulation device comprising a vibrator module, a power supply module,
a resilient shock-asbsorbing coupler for interconnecting the vibrator module
and
the power supply module, a handle component for releasably engaging and
rotationally communicating with the power supply module, and a switching
device for electrically controlling the vibrator module. The vibrator module
is
provided with at least one motor for producing therein and therefrom strong
vibrations. The resilient shock-absorbing coupler is configured for dampening
the
vibrations generated by the vibrator module and for limiting transmission of
said
vibrations to the power supply module. The power module is preferably
adaptable
for cooperation with a rechargeable battery pack. Alternatively, the power
module
may be configured for cooperation with disposable batteries. The power supply
module is provided with an end component having at least one pair of spaced
apart ribs for securely engaging therewith the handle component whereby the
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handle component extends upward from the power supply module and is
generally cantilevered away from the vibrator module interconnected with the
power supply module. The handle component is provided with a receptacle for
engaging therein the switching device. The switching device is configured to
turn
5 on and off the motor(s) provided therein the vibration module and to control
the
intensity, the magnitude and the motions of the vibrations produced therein
and
therefrom the vibrator module.
According to one preferred aspect, the vibrator module comprises a
vibrating end portion interconnected to a power supply module by a shock-
absorbing coupler. The vibrating end portion comprises a hollow elongate
cylindrical housing containing therein at least one motor for producing
therewith
transmittable vibrations. One end of the vibrating end portion is configured
to
interconnect with the coupler and the power supply module, while the opposite
end is closed with a domed cap region forming an integral extension therefrom
the
cylindrical housing. The outside diameter of the housing and the materials
used to
construct the housing, are selected for their suitability for insertion into
body
orifices. The vibrations produced by the motor contained therein the vibrator
module may be a single repeating motion. It is important that the intensity
and the
magnitude of the vibrations produced are sufficient to stimulate the deep-
phasic
exteroreceptors.
According to another preferred aspect, the vibrating end portion is
configured as an elongate truncated cone. The truncated distal end of the
conical
vibrating end portion depends backward toward the proximal end of the
vibrating
end portion. It is preferred that the truncated distal end is provided with a
concave
surface therein. In a preferred form, an elongate rib is provided along the
longitudinal axis of the elongate truncated cone-shaped vibrating end portion.
It is
preferred that the elongate rib depends from and extends outward from the
proximal end of the vibrating end portion to conjoin the truncated distal end
thereby providing an anvil-shaped profile to the distal end 120. The elongate
rib is
preferably conjoined to the vibrating end portion by opposing concave
surfaces.
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The vibrating end portion may optionally be configured as an elongate
truncated
cylinder.
According to yet another preferred aspect, the power supply module
comprises an elongate housing for containing therein a rechargeable battery
pack.
One end of the housing is configured to cooperate with the coupler and the
interconnecting end of the vibrator module, and to supply power therethrough
to
the vibrator module. The opposite end of the power supply housing is a concave
base and is provided with a receptacle in the centre of said concave base for
receiving therein and cooperating therewith an electrical jack from a charging
device for recharging the battery pack as required. The concave base acts as a
funnel for the jack, freeing the user of the need to target a small opening
using
fine motor adjustments. The outer surface of the power supply housing is
provided with at least one pair of spaced apart ribs extending therefrom along
the
longitudinal axis for securely engaging therewith the handle component.
According to a further preferred aspect, the coupler generally comprises a
truncated cylinder with the opposing ends configured to extend the vibrating
end
portion away from the power supply module at an acute angle. It is preferred
that
the coupler comprises a resilient shock-absorbing material.
According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the handle
component comprises a generally L-shaped element having a somewhat palm-
shaped curvilinear top surface cantilevering from a vertical member that
extends
upward from an elongate flat base provided with opposing flanges extending
downward at least partially along the longitudinal axis of the base. The
height and
girth of the vertical member are configured to enable secure gripping by hand
with minimal manual dexterity and motor control skills. The dimensions and
topography of the curvilinear top surface are configured to also enable secure
gripping by hand with minimal manual dexterity and motor control skills. The
curvilinear top surface is preferably provided with a receptacle for engaging
therein a switching device for electrically controlling the vibrator module.
The
opposing flanges extending downward from the elongate flat base are configured
to demountably engage the ribs protruding therefrom the power supply module
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housing thereby securely interconnecting the handle component with the power
supply module. When the vibrator module is interconnected and coupled with the
power supply module, the handle component may be engaged with the power
supply module such that the distal end of the curvilinear top surface of the
handle
is pointing in the same direction as the domed end of the vibrator module.
According to another preferred aspect of the present invention,, the handle
component is provided with a pivotably connected base component that is
configured to releasingly engage and rotationally communicate with the power
supply module such that orientation of the distal end of the vibrating end
portion
of the vibrator module can be changed from a generally upward to a generally
sideway to a generally downward pointing orientation relative to the
curvilinear
top surface of the handle module.
In a yet further preferred form, the curvilinear top surface of the handle
component may be provided with an integral toroidal loop portion extending
underneath and in parallel with the top surface from its distal end to an
interconnecting juncture with the vertical member thereby forming an aperture
through which a hand may be inserted and securely grip said loop portion for
increased ease and comfort of handling and manipulation of the
vibrostimulation
device of the present invention thereby enhancing satisfactory operation of
the
device with minimal requirements for manual dexterity and motor control
capability.
In yet a further preferred form, the vertical member of the handle
component may comprise two interconnecting elements provided with means for
adjusting and securing the orientation and positioning of the curvilinear top
surface relative to the elongate flat base of the handle component. In one
example,
the curvilinear top surface may be adjusted upward thereby moving the top
surface toward a more vertical orientation relative to the vibrator module, or
alternatively, if the curvilinear top surface is adjusted downward, it will
move
toward a more horizontal orientation relative to the vibrator module. In
another
example, the curvilinear top surface may be swivelled to the left or the right
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around a vertical axis thereby moving the handle component into an offset
position relative to the vibrator module.
In a preferred form, a switching device is provided for controlling the
motor(s) contained within the vibrator module. The switching device comprises
a
housing wherein a plurality of large buttons cooperate with dedicated switches
to
turn the motor on and off, and to control the reciprocating and/or oscillating
motions of the vibrations produced therein. Each switch is activated and
deactivated by simply pressing the button connected thereto with a finger, a
knuckle, a wrist or a palm or alternatively, by pushing the button against an
inanimate object by manipulating the housing. The housing is configured to fit
within the handle component and to be operated in cooperation with the handle.
According to another preferred embodiment, there is provided a charging
apparatus for cooperating with the vibrostimulation device of the present
invention. The charging apparatus comprises a transformer that is demountably
engagable with an electrical outlet, a male jack end for demountably engaging
and
cooperating with a charging receptacle of a rechargeable battery pack, and
wiring
interconnecting the transformer and the male jack end. The male jack end
protrudes from a moulded housing comprising a pair of opposing paddles
conjoined by a ribbed sheath encompassing the wiring connected to the male
jack
end, wherein the thickness of the sheath is greater than the thickness of the
paddles. Consequently, one of the paddles will be somewhat elevated above the
surface on which the charging apparatus is placed thereby facilitating the
grasping
and manipulating of the male jack end by individuals having impaired dexterity
and motor control capabilities. The housing of the transformer is optionally
configured to facilitate its grippability and manipulation by individuals
having
impaired dexterity and motor control capabilities. It should be noted that the
housing is adaptable to a number of jack and cable designs for other products
cooperating with rechargeable battery packs.
According to another preferred embodiment, there is provided a charging
apparatus for cooperating with the vibrostimulation device of the present
invention. The charging apparatus comprises a transformer that is demountably
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engagable with an electrical outlet, said transformer provided with an
integral
charging cradle for receiving therein and cooperating therewith the power
supply
module of vibrostimultation device of the present invention.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a kit of parts forming a vibrostimulation device that is
easily
manipulable, assembled and disassembled, and operable by individuals with
impaired motor skills and/or impaired perception of tactile stimuli. Said kit
is
preferably provided with instructions for the assembly, operation, cleaning
and
care of the device as explained herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be described in conjunction with reference to the
following drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention showing the dildo portion rotated into an upward-extending
orientation;
Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the embodiment from Fig 1 showing the
dildo portion rotated into a downward-extending orientation;
Fig. 3 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 4a is close-up perspective view showing engagement of a user's hand
with the embodiment shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 4b is a top view of the embodiment from Fig. 1 shown in operation;
Fig. 5 is a sectional side view showing the embodiment from Fig. 1 in
operation;
Fig. 6 is a side view of the embodiment from Fig.1 wherein a locking
device is shown in a disengaged position to enable rotatable reorientation of
the
dildo portion;
Fig. 7 is a side view of the embodiment from Fig. 1 showing the handle
component separated from the vibrator module;
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Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the vibrator module of the
embodiment shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a preferred mounting
configuration for the motor apparatus within the dildo portion of the
embodiment
5 shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 10(a) is a rear perspective view of the sprocket barrel component of
the power supply module shown in Fig. 8;
Fig. 10(b) is a front perspective view of the sprocket barrel shown in Fig.
10(a);
10 Fig. 11(a) is a front perspective view of the handle end cap structure of
the
embodiment from Fig. 1;
Fig. 11(b) is a side view of the handle end cap structure from Fig. 11(a);
Fig. 12 is a side view of the embodiment from Fig 1 shown with
alternative configurations for the dildo portion;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the
present invention showing the vibrostimulator portion rotated into an upward-
extending orientation;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment from Fig 13 showing the
vibrostimulator portion rotated into a downward-extending orientation;
Fig. 15 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 14 wherein the
vibrostimulator portion has been partially rotated sideways;
Fig. 16 is a side view of the embodiment from Fig. 14 wherein a locking
device is shown in a disengaged position to enable rotatable reorientation of
the
vibrostimulator portion;
Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig.
14;
Fig. 18(a) is a cross-sectional view of the metal framework for the handle
component of the embodiment shown in Fig. 14;
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Fig. 18(b) is a cross-sectional view of the handle component from Fig. 14
showing the metal framework embedded in a compressible resilient material;
Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing the vibrator module of the present
invention provided with an end cap structure configured to enable use of the
vibrator module exclusive of the handle component.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The present invention provides vibrostimulation devices comprising a
plurality of disengagible interlocking modules which individually and as an
interlocked assembled whole, are manipulable and operable by individuals with
impaired motor control of their extremities and/or impaired tactile sensory
perception. The vibrostimulation devices of the present invention are
additionally
useful for communicating with deep-phase exteroreceptors located throughout
the
human body. The modules comprise at least one vibrator module configured to
rotationally communicate with and releasably interlock with at least one
handle
component. The vibrator module comprises a vibrating end portion
interconnected
by a shock-absorbing coupler to a power supply module. The handle component is
provided with means configured for demountable engagement and rotational
communication with the power supply module. The handle component is provided
with a switching device for electrically controlling the vibrator module, said
handle component and switching device cooperating to concurrently releasably
engage the vibrator module.
The power supply module may engage and cooperate with disposable
batteries. Alternatively, the power supply module may be engagible with a
rechargeable battery pack houseable within the power supply module.
Vibrostimulation devices of the present invention provided with a power supply
module comprising a rechargeable battery pack are preferably additionally
provided with a disengagible charging module for recharging the battery pack.
The vibrostimulation devices of the present invention are optionally
provided with easily graspable and manipulable attachments that slidingly
cooperate with the vibrator module for refining and/or modulating and/or
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transmitting therefrom the vibrations produced therein. The vibrostimulation
devices of the present invention are further optionally provided with easily
graspable and manipulable sleeve attachments that slidingly and engagibly
cooperate with the vibrator module to enable modification and refinement of
the
phallic profile of the vibrator module.
Exemplary embodiments of the vibrostimulation devices of the present
invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, and are generally referred
to
by the numeral 10.
Figs. 1-12 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention
configured for sliding communication about, with, and within body orifices. As
can best be seen in Figs. 1-3, the device 10 is provided with vibrator module
18
comprising a vibrating end portion 19 (i.e., the dildo end), a power supply
module
30, a shock-absorbing coupler 15 interconnecting the vibrating dildo end 19
and
the power supply module 30, a handle component 40 and a switching device 50.
The proximal end of the dildo end 19 and the distal end of the power supply
module 30 of the vibrator module 18, are interconnected by the shock-absorbing
coupler 15. It is preferable that the configuration of the coupler 15 is in
the form
of a truncated cylinder wherein the opposing ends depend from each other at an
acute angle. It is further preferable that the acute angle formed by the
opposing
ends of the coupler 15 is selected from the range of 5 to 65 , and most
preferably
from the range of 20 to 30 . It is within the scope of this invention to
provide a
coupler 15 having a linear longitundal axis or alternatively, the coupler 15
may be
configured as an arcing cylinder. The handle component 40 comprises a handle
end cap receptacle 25 configured to releasably engage the proximal end of the
power supply module 30 opposite the distal end interconnected with the dildo
19,
a generally upwardly extending vertical portion 43 from which extends a
cantilevered top portion configured into a toroidal loop 44 at its distal end,
and a
locking device 41 configured for releasingly communicating with and engaging
the vertical handle portion 43 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.
Exemplary embodiments of the vibrator module 18 are shown in Figs. 8-
10 wherein the dildo 19 is provided with a bore 19a extending inward from the
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proximal end of the dildo 19. The bore 19a is configured to receive and house
therein a motor 21 that is engaged with and interconnected by a shaft assembly
23
to an eccentric weight 22 positioned toward the distal end of the dildo 19.
The
eccentric weight 22 is mounted to the shaft assembly 23 by a screw 23a. As
shown in Fig 9, a plurality of 0-rings 80 may be optionally provided to
encircle
the motor 21 to separate the motor 21 from the bore 19a thereby significantly
reducing heat transfer from the motor 21 to the dildo 19. Those skilled in
this art
will understand that additional cooperating motors may be provided within the
vibrating end portion 19 for simultaneously producing multiple combinations of
rotational, oscilating and reciprocating motions.
It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs.1-12,
the shock-absorbing coupler 15 is an arcing cylinder with its opposing ends
truncated at an acute angle of about 25 C. The coupler 15 is provided with a
slot
15a extending between the opposing ends for receiving therethrough a wiring
conduit structure 24 that is secured to the dildo 19 with screws 24a. It is
important
to note that coupler 15 comprises a durable yet flexible and resilient
moisture
impenetrable material for concurrently sealably and compressingly engaging the
vibrating end portionl9 and power supply module 30. The coupler 15 preferably
comprises a shock-absorbing resilient material exemplified by rubber,
polyurethane, polyurethane rubber, foamed polyurethane, flexible epoxy,
elastomer and the like. The configuration and composition of the resilient
shock-
absorbing coupler prevents transmission of vibrations from the dildo end 19 to
the
power supply module 30 and handle component 40. These features enable
sufficiently strong vibrations and vibratory motions to be generated therein
the
dildo end 19 for satisfactory communication with deep-phasic exteroreceptors
such as Pacinian corpuscles, while insulating and protecting the power supply
module 30 and handle component 40 from such vibrations and vibratory motions
thereby significantly enhancing the ease of operating and manoeuvring and the
comfort of using the vibrostimulation device 10 by individuals with impaired
motor controls and/or impaired tactile sensory perception.
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The distal end of the power module 30 is configured to receive
therethrough the threaded end portion 24b extending from the coupler 15. A nut
and washer set 24c securely engages and locks together the power module 30 and
shock-absorbing coupler 15. The power module 30 is configured to partially
house a battery pack 31 so that the electrical discharge end of the battery
pack
communicates with the wiring conduit structure 24. The power module 30 is
provided with a sprocketed barrel-shaped end cap structure 34 configured to
house therein the portion of the battery pack 31 extending from the power
module
30. The end cap structure 34 is securely mounted to the power module 30 by
bolts
39a extending through bores 37 in the end wall 38 of the end cap structure 34,
said bolts 39a cooperating with threaded bores 39b provided in the proximal
end
of the power module 30. An electrical contact plate 35b provided with an
integral
conduit extending therefrom, is interposed the battery pack 31 and the end
wal138
of the sprocket barrel end cap structure 34, said electrical contact plate 35b
communicating therethrough said sprocket barrel end cap structure with a
second
electrical switching contact plate 35a.
As is best seen in Figs. 6-8 and 11, the handle end cap structure 25
comprises a housing provided with a cylindrical inner bore configured to
slidingly
receive therein the sprocket barrel end cap structure 34 that is mounted to
the
proximal end of the power supply module 30. As shown in Fig. 8, a power jack
receptacle 32 and an electrical switching contact plate 35a are interposed the
handle end cap structure 25 and the sprocket barrel end cap structure 34. The
sprocket barrel end cap structure receiving end of the handle end cap
structure 25
is provided with a pair of opposed L-channels 28 that define a pair of
inwardly-
biasing arms 26, each arm 26 provided with a lobed end 27. A upper handle-
engaging lug 29 is provided on the upper surface of the end cap structure 25
interposed the pair of inwardly biasing arms 26. As shown in Fig. 10, the
outer
surface of the sprocket barrel end cap structure 34 is preferably provided
with a
contiguous plurality of paired ribs 36 extending along the longitudinal axis
of
sprocket barrel end cap structure 34, said contiguous plurality of ribs 36
encircling
the sprocket barrel end cap structure 34. When the sprocket barrel end cap
structure 34 is inserted into the handle end cap structure 25, each lobed end
27 of
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each inwardly biasing arm 26 of the handle end cap structure 25 will
communicate with and engage the space interposed two adjacent ribs 36 on the
outer surface of the sprocket barrel end cap structure 34, thereby enabling
precisely controllable rotation of the vibrator module 18 within the handle
end cap
5 structure 25.
As is best seen in Figs. 1-3 and 6, the vertical handle member 43 extends
generally upward from handle end cap structure 25, to which it is integrally
conjoined, and then cantilevers outward into a toroidal loop structure 44
configured to slidingly accept a hand therethrough as shown in Fig. 4(a). The
10 dimensions and topography of the toroidal loop 44 are configured to
facilitate
secure grasping and gripping by hand. It is preferred that the lower portion
of the
toroidal loop 44 has a narrower width than the upper portion in order
facilitate
secure grasping and gripping by hand of the lower portion of the toroidal loop
44.
This preferred form is particularly useful for low quadriplegics having
15 permanently curled fingers because this configuration of bottom edge of the
toroidal loop 44 may be gently forced into the space between the curled
fingers
and palm thereby enabling users with curled fingers to get a purchase on the
thinner lower portion of the toroidal loop 44 after which, the handle
component
can be rotated so that the upper portion of the toroidal loop is superposed
over the
top of the user's hand as shown in Fig. 4(a) - otherwise they would have to
force
their hands into the aperture portion of the toroidal loop 44 with bent
fingers,
knuckle first. The vibrostimulation device 10 may then be manoeuvred by the
user
into various positions as exemplified in Figs. 4(b) and 5, and then
manipulated as
desired.
The switching device 50 comprises a pliable resilient housing 51
containing therein a plurality of switches, each communicating with a
dedicated
compressible button for controlling therewith the operation of motor 21 housed
within the vibrating end portion 19. By way of example in reference to Figs. 1-
3,
button 54 may operate a first switch to turn the motor 21 on and off, whereas
button 53 may operate a second switch for increasing and decreasing the
amplitude of the vibratory motions generated by the motor 21, where as button
52
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may operate a third switch for increasing and decreasing the oscillating and
resonating intensity of the vibrations produced by the motor 21. It is
preferred that
switches 52, 53 and 54 are a pushbutton type. It is further preferred that the
dimensions and architecture of the switching device 50 are configured to
facilitate
their handling and manipulation by individuals with impaired motor control
and/or impaired tactile sensory perception, simply by applying pressure to one
or
more of the switches 52, 53, and 54 with the heel of a thumb or the heel or
side of
a palm, thereby enabling satisfactory manipulation and operation of the
vibrostimulation device 10 while in use for example, as illustrated in Figs. 4
and
5(b).
It is preferred that the handle component 40 comprises a somewhat stiff
yet pliable and resilient material as exemplified by rubber, polyurethane,
polyurethane rubber, foamed polyurethane, flexible epoxy, elastomer and the
like.
However, it is preferable that materials selected to comprise the handle
component 40 are durable, scratch-resistance and impenetrable by moisture and
fluids. Alternatively, the vertical member 43 and toroidal loop structure 44
of the
handle component 40 may comprise a metal or hard plastic material that is
sealingly overlaid with a soft, compressible moisture-impenetrable elastomeric
material.
The handle component 40 is preferably provided with a locking device as
exemplified in Figs. 1-3, 6 and 7 by a locking lever 41 that is contoured to
fit
against the adjacent vertical handle member 43 topography, and is pivotably
connected to the handle end cap structure 25 by a pin 47 inserted through
bores
provided therefore. The locking lever 41 is provided with a pair of opposing
inwardly biasing flaps 42 configured to slidingly communicate with the pair of
arms 26 and their lobed ends 27 provided on the handle end cap structure 25.
Moving the locking lever 21 from an unlocked position as shown in Fig. 6 to a
locked position as shown in Fig. 3 causes the flaps 42 to compressingly engage
the lobes 27 of the arms 26 thereby forcing each lobe 27 into the space
interposed
two adjacent ribs 36 of the sprocket barrel end cap structure 34 underneath
the
lobe 27, while at the same time, the locking lever 41 is abuttingly
communicating
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with the vertical handle member 43. Pulling back on the locking lever 41
causes it
to pivot about pin 47 thereby disengaging flaps 42 from the lobes 27 of the
arms
26. When the locking lever 41 is in the unlocked position as shown in Fig. 7,
the
vibrator module can be rotated 360 within the handle end cap structure 25 to
desired positions relative to the handle component 40, for example as shown in
Fig. 1 with the dildo end extending upward toward the toroidal loop 41 portion
of
the handle component 40, and alternatively as shown in Fig. 2, with the dildo
end
extending downward and away from the handle component 40. Accordingly, it is
possible to tailor the dildo and handle configuration to accommodate a user's
body shape and size, their abilities to manipulate and manoeuvre the device,
and
their preferences for use the vibrostimulation device 10 in sitting and/or
reclining
positions.
The handle base portion 25 is provided with a receptacle 32 configured for
communicating and cooperating with an electrical charging jack 174, as is best
seen in Fig. 19. When the electrical charging jack 174 is inserted in to the
receptacle 32, it communicates with the rechargeable battery pack 31 via the
electrical switching contact plate 35a and the electrical contact plate 35b.
Those skilled in these arts will understand that the nature and quality of
the vibrostimulation provided by the device 10 of the present invention can be
modified by simply slipping textured condoms over the dildo portion 19 of the
vibrator module 18, or alternatively, by providing various molded dildo
configurations as exemplified in Fig. 12 by dildo ends 80, 81 and 82. Those
skilled in these arts will also understand that the nature, quality and
intensity of
vibrostimulation provided by device 10 can be modified by the type of motor
and
eccentric weight selected for installation into the dildo portion 19, and/or
by the
shaft assembly configuration selected to mount the eccentric weight onto the
motor.
Figs. 13-20 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the present
invention configured for sliding communication with and along body surfaces
and
external sex organs such as penises and breasts.
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As can best be seen in Figs. 13-16, the device 110 is provided with
vibrator module 118 comprising a vibrating end portion 119, a power supply
module 130, a shock-absorbing coupler 115 interconnecting the proximal end of
the vibrating end portion 119 and the distal end of the power supply module
130,
a handle component 140 cooperating with the proximal end of the power supply
module 130 and a switching device 150 for electrically controlling the
vibrator
module 118. It is to be noted that the coupler 115 and power supply module 130
of the device 110 exemplified in Figs. 13-20 are identical to the coupler 15
and
power supply module 30 of the device 10 exemplified in Figs. 1-12. The handle
component 140 of device 110 comprises an elongate base saddle section 144
having a longitudinal axis, said saddle 144 having a proximal end superposable
over the proximal end of the power supply module 30 and a distal end
superposable approximate the distal end of the power supply module 30. The
saddle 144 is provided with a pair of opposing downward extending flanges 145
along the saddle's longitudinal axis, said flanges 145 configured to
releasably
engage the proximal end of the power supply module 130. The proximal ends of
the opposing flanges 145 are pivotably connected by a pin 147 to a handle end
cap
structure 125 that is configured for slidingly receiving and releasably
engaging
therein the proximal end of the power supply housing 130.The handle component
140 further comprises a generally vertical portion 143 extending upwards from
the proximal end of the handle saddle 144, said vertical portion 143
cantilevered
into a curvilinear elongate top handle portion 141 that extends backward
beyond
the proximal end of the handle saddle 144 to a downward-hooking terminus 142.
A preferred embodiment for the vibrating end portion 119 of the vibrator
module 118 is best seen in Figs. 13-16, said end portion 119 configured for
sliding
communication about and along body surfaces and external sex organs. The
vibrating end portion 119 generally comprises a truncated cone provided with a
distal end 120 that is provided with backward depending acute angle selected
from the range of 25 to 85 and most preferably from the range of 45 to 65 .
The
distal end of the vibrating end portion may be furthered provided with a
flanged
area terminating at the distal end 120. Alternative, the vibrating end portion
may
comprise a truncated cylinder (not shown). The distal end 120 is preferably
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provided with a concave surface 121 configured for sliding communication with
external body parts such as the penis glans, scrotum, clitoris and/or nipples.
An
elongate wedge-shaped rib 124 may be optionally provided along the
longitudinal
axis of the vibrating end portion 119. It is preferable that the elongate rib
124
depends from and extends outward from the proximal end of the vibrating end
portion 119 to conjoin the distal end 120 at its closest point to the proximal
end of
the vibrating end portion 119, said elongate rib 124 providing an anvil-shaped
profile to the distal end 120. The elongate rib 124 is preferably conjoined to
the
vibrating end portion 119 by opposing concave surfaces 123, said concave
surfaces 123 useful for sliding communication with a penile shaft. Those
skilled
in these arts will understand that the entire outer surface of the vibrating
end
portion 119 may be used for sliding communication with various portions and
regions of a male's or a female's body surfaces for tactile stimulation of
deep-
phasic pressure-sensitive receptors distributed throughout subcutaneous
regions of
the body.
As shown in Figs. 17 and 19, the vibrating end portion 119 is provided
with a bore 11 9a extending inward from the proximal end of the vibrating end
portion 119. The bore 119a is configured to securely house the motor 161,
eccentric weight 162 and the shaft assembly 163 interconnecting the motor 161
and eccentric weight 163. A plurality of 0-rings (not shown) may be provided
for
encircling the motor 161 to space apart the motor 161 from the bore 11 9a
thereby
resulting in heat sequestration and dissipation from the outer surfaces of the
vibrating end portion 119.
The vibrating end portion 119 is securely mounted to the coupler 115 with
screws 124a, and communicates with the power supply module 130 via wiring
conduit structure 124 that is secured to the distal end of the power module
130
with a nut and washer set 124c threadably engaged with the threaded end 124b
of
the wiring conduit structure 124. The power module 130 is configured to
partially
house a battery pack 131 so that the electrical discharge end of the battery
pack
communicates with the wiring conduit structure 124. The power module 130 is
provided with a sprocket barrel end cap structure 134 configured to house
therein
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the portion of the battery pack 131 extending from the power module 130. The
sprocket barrel end cap structure 134 is securely mounted to the power module
130 by bolts 139a extending through bores 137 in the end wall 138 of the
sprocket
barrel end cap structure 134, said bolts 139a cooperating with threaded bores
139b
5 provided in the proximal end of the power module 130. An electrical contact
plate
135b provided with an integral conduit extending therefrom, is interposed the
battery pack 131 and the end wall 318 of the sprocket barrel end cap structure
134, said electrical contact plate 135b communicating therethrough said
sprocket
barrel end cap structure 134 with a second electrical switching contact plate
13 5a.
10 As shown in Figs. 15-18, the handle end cap structure 125 comprises a
housing provided with a cylindrical inner bore configured to slidingly receive
therein the sprocket barrel end cap structure 134 that is mounted to the
proximal
end of the power supply module 130. As shown in Fig. 17, a power jack
receptacle 132 and an electrical switching plate 135a are interposed the
handle
15 end cap structure 125 and the sprocket barrel end cap structure 134. The
sprocket
barrel end cap structure receiving end of the handle end cap structure 125 is
provided with a pair of opposed L-channels 128 that define a pair of inwardly-
biasing arms 126, each arm 126 provided with a lobed end 127. As is best seen
in
Figs. 18(a) and (b), the handle component 140 is provided with a elongate
20 curvilinear biasing metal framework comprising a curvilinear biasing rib
160
interconnected with a metal U-shaped channel 161, said rib 160 and channel 161
together defining the handle saddle 144, flanges 145 extending downward from
the saddle 144, the upward extending vertical portion 143, and the
cantilevered
curvilinear elongate top handle portion 141 extending backward from the
vertical
portion 143. The U-shaped channel is provided with opposing bores 147a for
pivotably connecting the handle flanges 145 to the handle end cap structure
125.
The metal framework comprising rib 160 and channel 161 is preferably embedded
in and overlaid with a somewhat stiff yet pliable and resilient material 170
as
exemplified by rubber, polyurethane, polyurethane rubber, foamed polyurethane,
flexible epoxy, elastomer and the like. However, it is preferable that
materials
selected to comprise the handle component 140 are durable, scratch-resistance
and
impenetrable by moisture and fluids.
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As shown in Figs. 15-17, the outer surface of the sprocket barrel end cap
structure 134 is preferably provided with a contiguous plurality of paired
ribs 136
extending along the longitudinal axis of sprocket barrel end cap structure
134,
said contiguous plurality of ribs 136 encircling the sprocket barrel end cap
structure 134. When the sprocket barrel end cap structure 134 is inserted into
the
handle end cap structure 125, each lobed end 127 of each inwardly biasing arm
126 of the handle end cap structure 125 will communicate with and engage the
space interposed two adjacent ribs 136 on the outer surface of the sprocket
barrel
end cap structure 134, thereby enabling precisely controllable rotation of the
vibrator module 118 within the handle end cap structure 125. When the handle
component 140 is pivotably moved from a disengaged position with the vibrator
module 118 as illustrated in Fig. 16, to an engaged position as illustrated in
Fig.
15, the biasing U-shaped channel 161 portion of the metal framework defining
the
flanges 145 extending downward from the saddle 144, will compressingly engage
the lobes 127 of the arms 126 thereby forcing each lobe 127 into the space
interposed two adjacent ribs 136 of the sprocket barrel end cap structure 134
underneath the lobe 127, while at the same time, the inner surface of the
saddle
144 abuttingly communicates with upper surface regions of the handle end cap
structure 125 and the power supply module 130. Therefore, pulling back on the
top handle portion 141 will disengage the flanges145 from the lobes 127 of the
arms 126. When the handle component 140 is in the unlocked position as shown
in Fig. 16, the vibrator module 118 can be rotated 360 within the handle end
cap
structure 25 to desired positions relative to the handle component 140, for
example as shown in Fig. 13 with the vibrating end portion 119 extending
upward
toward, and alternatively as shown in Fig. 14, with the vibrating end portion
119
extending downward. Accordingly, it is possible to tailor the configuration of
the
vibrating end portion 119 and handle component 140 to accommodate a user's
body shape and size, their abilities to manipulate and manoeuvre the device,
and
their preferences for use the vibrostimulation device 110 in sitting and/or
reclining
positions.
As is best seen in Fig. 15, the open-ended design of the handle component
140 enables a user with limited control over or lack of dexterity in
controlling the
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cooperation between their fingers, thumbs, palms and wrists, are able to slip
a
hand into the aperture defined by the handle saddle 144 and the cantilevered
curvilinear elongate top handle portion 141 so that the bottom surface of
their
palm contacts the handle saddle 144 or alternatively, the top handle portion
141.
The downward-hooking terminus 142 of the handle portion serves to retain the
user's hand within handle aperture area defined by the saddle 144 and the top
handle portion 141 even if the user is not able to apply a gripping pressure
to the
saddle 144 or to the top handle portion 141.
It is preferred that the top surface of top handle portion 141 is configured
to receive therein an easily manipulable electrical switching device 150
comprising an on/off switch 154, a first switch 152 configured for increasing
the
frequency of the vibrations, and a second switch 153 configured for decreasing
the frequency of the vibrations, said switches covered by a pliable resilient
material. It is preferred that switches 152, 153 and 154 are a pushbutton
type. It is
further preferred that the dimensions and architecture of the switching device
150
are configured to facilitate their handling and manipulation by individuals
with
impaired motor control and/or impaired tactile sensory perception, simply by
applying pressure to one or more of the switches 152, 153, and 154 with the
heel
of a thumb or the heel or side of a palm, thereby enabling satisfactory
manipulation and operation of the vibrostimulation device 110 while in use.
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
Fig. 19 wherein the vibrostimulation device 110 is provided with a recharging
apparatus comprising a transformer (not shown) for demountably engaging an
electrical outlet, said transformer interconnected with wiring to a male
charging
jack 171 configured to slidingly communicate with receptacle 132 for charging
rechargeable battery pack 131 contained within power supply module 131. The
male charging jack 171 is integrally encased within a central rib portion 173
of a
graspable housing 174 provided with wing-shaped paddles 172 extending
therefrom central rib portion 173, said wing-shaped paddles 172 having a
thinner
cross-sectional profile relative to central rib portion 173. Consequently,
when the
graspable housing 174 is resting on a flat surface, one of wing-shaped paddles
172
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is elevated above the horizontal surface thereby providing a graspable profile
for
persons with limited motor control capability to securely grip and manipulate
housing 174. It is to be noted that the end profile of central rib portion 173
is
configured to slidingly communicate and mate with concave end 132 of the power
supply module 130 thereby facilitating insertion of male charging jack 171
into
receptacle 132. It is to be further noted that the configuration of graspable
housing
174 and the male charging jack 171 facilitates slidingly communication and
mating with the receptacle 32 of the preferred embodiment for the handle
component 40 illustrated in Figs. 1-12.
It is to be noted that the vibrator modules of the present invention as
exemplified by the vibrator module 18 in Figs 1-12 and vibrator module 118 in
Figs 13-17, can be optionally provided with a housing 152 configured to
receive
therein, and communicate and cooperate therewith the sprocket barrel end cap
structures 34 and 134 respectively, to enable use of the vibrator modules when
they are detached from the handle components 40 and 140 respectively. The
housing 152 is preferably provided with an pushbutton on/off switch 154 and a
rocker switch 153 for increasing and decreasing the speed and or intensity of
vibrations produced at the vibrating ends of the vibrator modules.
While this invention has been described with respect to the preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that various alterations and modifications
can
be made to the various modules and components of the user-friendly
vibrostimulation device within the scope of this invention.
