Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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INVENTOR: J.T. Mitchum, Jr.
TITLE: Intercourse-facilitating Therapeutic Furniture
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to therapeutic furniture and
apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to
intercourse-facilitating therapeutic furniture adapted to
accommodate a man and a woman and having a reciprocating support
seat.
BACKGROUND
For many persons it is physically very difficult, if not
virtually impossible, to have sexual intercourse. For many
persons with disabilities it may be physically very painful to
either assume a position or provide the necessary movements
necessary to have intercourse. For example, male paraplegics;
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men with back and spine problems; infirmed persons; frail
persons; and persons with other disabilities, may all find it
both difficult and painful to even assume a position for having
intercourse. In addition, even after men who have certain
physical disabilities have assumed a position to have
intercourse, they may be physically unable to move their body as
necessary to have intercourse. In many cases, disabilities or
frailty of the male partner will preclude the option of his
enjoying sex from a passive (i.e. motionless) perspective, as his
disabilities (such as an injured spine, etc.) may not allow him
to support the weight of his partner upon him.
Various prior apparatus are known for assisting persons
during intercourse. Many prior devices aid the positioning of
the participants in their direct physical stimulation of one
another. A problem with such prior devices is that they are not
adapted for use by physically disabled persons. In particular,
such prior devices can not be used by persons who have severe
back or spine problems, as the use of such prior devices would
likely aggravate the participant's disabilities.
Another problem with such prior devices is that they do not
provide adequate vertical support for both partners.
Various prior therapeutic apparatus are well known which
support disabled persons. Such apparatus include tables, fixed
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chairs, wheel chairs, etc. A problem with such prior devices is
that, in many cases, it is virtually impossible to have
intercourse while properly (i.e. therapeutically non-
disfunctionally) using such devices.
Another problem with such prior devices is that, in order to
have intercourse on (or in) such devices, at least one of the
participants must physically move, (eg. back and forth) relative
to the other. For many disabled persons, they either do not have
the muscle strength in their lower body to make such movements,
or they do not have the necessary neurological control in their
lower body to make such movements.
OBJECTS
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention
to provide therapeutic apparatus which is adapted to support two
partners while they are engaged in sexual intercourse.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a
device of the character described wherein the two partners are
supported facing each other.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a
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device of the character described wherein the male is
supported by a longitudinally moveable set.
It is another object of the present invention to
provide a device of the character described wherein
the male may be seated in a generally upright
position, so as to reduce stress to his back and
spine.
It is another object of the present invention to
provide a device of the character described wherein
the female partner is supported at her pelvis and her
back.
It is another object of the present invention to
provide a device of the character described wherein
longitudinal movement of the male partner's seat is
controlled by hand-actuation by the male partner or,
alternatively, by the female partner.
It is another object of the present invention to
provide a modification of the device described
wherein longitudinal movement of the male partner is
effected by hand-controlled actuation of an
electrically powered seat.
Therefore in accordance with the present
invention there is provided a furniture apparatus
which comprises a rigid frame member adapted to stand
upright on a floor, said rigid frame member having a
first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis
therebetween; means for supporting a woman from said
frame~member; said means for supporting said woman
from said frame member- comprising a first seat member
secured to said frame member, said first seat member
having a forward end facing toward said second end of
said frame member and accommodating said woman
forwardly seated therein; and means for providing
support to a man on said frame member; said means for
providing support to said man on said frame member
comprising a second seat member, said second seat
member having a forward end and a rear end and a
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longitudinal axis therebetween, said forward end of
said second seat member facing toward said first end
of said frame member, said second seat member
accommodating said man forwardly seated thereon, said
longitudinal axis of said second seat member being
substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of
said rigid frame member, and second seat member being
movable parallel to said longitudinal axis of said
second seat member between a first position and a
second position; wherein said first and second seat
members generally face each other; and wherein said
forward end of said first seat member is positioned
relative to said forward end of said second seat
member such as to allow said man and said woman to
engage in intercourse with each other when said woman
is forwardly seated in said first seat member and in
a fixed position relative to said first seat member,
and said man is forwardly seated in said second seat
member and in a fixed position relative to said
second seat member, and said second seat member
oscillates from said first position to said second
position; and further comprising means for moving
said second seat member parallel to said longitudinal
axis of said second seat member between said first
position and said second position while said woman is
forwardly seated in said first seat, said man is
forwardly seated on said second seat, and said man
and said woman are engaged in intercourse with each
other; and wherein said means for moving said second
seat member between said first position and said
second position comprises a first motor and means for
oscillating said second seat member between said
first position and said second position.
Further objects and advantages of my invention
will become apparent from a consideration of the
drawings and ensuing description thereof.
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DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 2 is a front elevation of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
Figure 3 is a right side elevation of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a right side elevation of a modification of the
present invention showing a motorized seat;
and Figure 5 is a right side elevation of the modification
of the invention shown in Figure 4, with the back rest in a
horizontal position.
DESCRIPTION
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a
longitudinally moveable male partner's seat (hereinafter "male
support", generally designated (1) in the figures) and a
longitudinally fixed female partner's seat (hereinafter "female
support", generally designated (2) in the figures) are supported
upon a frame (generally designated (3) in the figures).
Unless stated otherwise, orientation nomenclature
throughout this specification conforms to the perspective of the
a person operably seated on the male support (1), hence: The
"front" of the device is "behind" the female support (2); the
"back" of the device is behind the male support (1); and the left
and right sides of the device are oriented according to a
forward-directed person seated on the male support (1). In
addition, it is understood that the present invention is provided
with a system of legs by which it the apparatus may stand upright
when in operation. Accordingly, in the following disclosure
reference to the "height" of various components of the apparatus
refer to the distance above a horizontal floor upon which the
apparatus may be considered to be standing.
The frame (3) comprises three pairs of fixed legs (4). On
each side of the frame (1), a front leg (4a) is attached to a
middle leg (4b) with a horizontal, forward side top frame member
(5) and a horizontal, forward side bottom frame~member (6,)
respectively. The two middle legs (4b) are secured to each
other with a horizontal bottom frame member (7) and a horizontal
top frame member (8). The two front legs (4a) are attached to
each other with a horizontal, front bottom frame member (9) and a
horizontal, front top frame member (10). In the preferred
embodiment of the invention the two forward side top frame
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members (5) are spaced apart, measuring approximately 6 inches
from outside to outside. This relatively narrow spacing' of the
two forward side top frame members (5) allows for them to be
straddled by a man's legs when he is seated upon the man's seat
(15).
Two back legs (4c) are attached to each other with a
horizontal top frame member (11) and a horizontal bottom frame
member (12), respectively. Each back leg (4c) is secured to the
rest of the frame (3) with a back side top frame member (13) and
a back side bottom frame member (14), which extend from the back
legs (4c) to the horizontal top frame member (8) and the bottom
frame member (7), respectively.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention the overall
length of the frame (3), as measured from the back legs (4c) to
the front legs (4a) is approximately 59 inches; and the height of
the forward side top frame members (5) is approximately 14
inches. The two back legs (4c) are provided with wheels (40}, so
that the apparatus may be readily transported. 'The bottoms of
the middle legs (4b) and the front legs (4a) are provided with
skid resistant feet (41) which help retain the apparatus from
moving across the floor during operation. Preferably the frame
(3) is constructed of tubular aluminum, but it is within the
scope of this invention to use any other common framing materials
in the construction of this device.
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The male support (1) comprises a cushioned seat (15) which
rests upon three adjustable pneumatic supports (16). In the
preferred embodiment of the invention the seat (15) is
approximately 24 inches high (i.e. above the floor). The three
adjustable pneumatic supports (16) are bellow-like in
construction and are each provided with pneumatic valves (not
shown) so that the air pressure Within the pneumatic supports
(16) may be adjusted. The pneumatic supports (16) are secured
upon the seat support plate (17) which, in turn, is secured on
top of an adjustable-height seat support shaft (23). The seat
support shaft (23) is rigidly secured to a pair of linear
bearings (18) which ride on longitudinally oriented bearing
shafts (19), respectively. The seat support shaft (23) is
additionally secured (by belt clamp (24)) to belt (22). The belt
(22) rides on pulleys (21). Each of pulley (21) freely pivots
about a pulley shaft (26) that is supported by a pair of bearings
(25). In the preferred embodiment of the invention the pulleys
(21) are approximately 6 inch diameter and their centers are
spaced approximately 14 inches apart. The bearings (25) are
permanently secured to the respective forward side top frame
members {5).
A joy stick (30) is pivotally attached to the frame (3) by a
joy stick shaft (36) and a pair of bearings (35) which are
secured to secured to the frame (3). The joy stick extension
(32) is connected to one end of the joy stick actuator (33) by~a
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clevis joint (34), or similar pinned connection. The opposite
end of the joy stick actuator (33) is secured to the underside of
the pulley belt (22) by a belt clamp (37). In the preferred
embodiment of the invention, the joy stick actuator (33) is
secured to the belt clamp (37) with a pin-type connection (38).
The female support (2) comprises a multi-panel back rest
(50) having a top panel (50a), a middle panel (50b), and a lower
panel (50c). Adjacent back rest panels (50a), (50b) and (50c)
are pivotally attached to one another by a pinned connection
(51); and forward end of the lower back panel (50c) is
additionally pivotally attached to the frame (3) by a pin-type
connection (54) between the lower panel (50c) and forward
extensions (53) of the back side top frame member on the right
and left sides of the apparatus, respectively. A cushion (58) is
attached to the "top" side of each of the back rest panels (50a),
(50b) and (50c). The angle of incline between adjacent back rest
panels may be adjusted by varying the distance between the
outboard ends of corresponding pairs of adjustment screw brackets
(57) which are rigidly attached to the "bottom"'side of each of
the back rest panels (50a), (50b) and (50c), respectively. The
distance between adjacent pairs of adjustment screw brackets (57}
may be adjusted by rotating the appropriate back rest adjustment
screw (55) which is threadedly engaged with the respective
adjustment screw bracket (57). A handle (56) may be provided on
each back rest adjustment screw (55) for facilitating its
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rotation. A fixed adjustment screw bracket (58) is secured to
frame (3) so that the angle of the lower panel (50c) (relative to
the frame (3) itself) may be adjusted. The multi-panel back rest
(50) is preferably the same width as the forward end of the frame
(3) (approximately 22 inches), such that when the back rest (50)
is in the horizontal position the individual back rest panels
(50a), (50b) and (50c) are each supported by the back side top
frame members (13). When the multi-panel back rest (5) is in the
horizontal position the top of the cushions (58) are preferably
approximately 22.5 inches above the floor.
The female support (2) also comprises a seat (60), the
underside of which is attached to a seat frame (61). The seat
frame is pivotally attached to the forward extension (53) of the
back side top frame members by a pin-type connection (62), such
that the entire seat (60) and seat frame (61) assembly may pivot
up and down together about the rear of the seat frame (61).
Upright frame members (63) which are rigidly attached to the seat
frame (51) extend above the seat (60) on the left and right sides
of the apparatus, respectively. To each upright frame member
(63) is attached an arm rest frame member (69) and cushioned arm
rest (64). Beyond the rear end of each cushioned arm rest (64)
is a padded stirrup (65). The padded stirrup (65) is secured to
the frame (3) by a swivel-attached stirrup support bracket (71)
which is connected to the arm rest frame (69) and the adjustment
sleeve (70). The height of the padded stirrup (65) relative to
the arm rest (64) may be controlled by rotating the support post
(66) (by adjustment handle (68)), Which is in threaded engagement
with the stirrup height adjustment sleeve (70). In the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the nominal height of the
top of the padded stirrup (65) is approximately 33 inches above
the floor. The padded stirrup (65) is secured to the stirrup
support post (66) by a pin-type connection (67) such that the
padded stirrup may freely pivot about a horizontal axis: The
angle of incline of the entire seat (60), seat frame (61),
upright frame member (63), arm rest (64) and padded stirrup (65)
assembly may be adjusted together by the seat adjustment screw
(80). The seat adjustment screw (80) is pivotally connected to
the lower extension (81) of the seat frame; and is threadedly
engaged with a seat adjustment collar (82) which, in turn, is
secured to the forward side top frame members (5) on the left and
right sides of the apparatus, respectively.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cushions
(58) of the multi-panel back rest (50), the cushioned arm rest
(64), the padded stirrup (65), the woman's seat (60) and the
man's seat (15) are each covered with a vinyl (or similar)
material that can be easily cleaned.
OPERATION
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In operation a woman takes her position seated upon the
female support (2). Prior to boarding the female support (2),
the multi-panel back rest (50) may be adjusted to virtually any
position that is most comfortable to the woman. As discussed
above, by adjusting the back rest adjustment screws (55), the
multi-panel back rest (50) can be configured from straight and
horizontal to curved upright. In operation, the woman rests on
the seat (60), while the multi-panel back rest (50) supports her
upper body. Cushioned arm rests (64) are provided on each side
of the apparatus to provide additional support to the woman when
desired. Padded stirrups (65) are also provided on each side of
the apparatus. In operation, the padded stirrups (65) provide
support for the woman's legs. The height of the padded stirrup
may be adjusted to the desired position by adjusting the height
of the stirrup support post (66). Complete two axis
maneuverability of the padded stirrups (65) is provided by the
stirrup's pivot connection (67) to the support post (66) and by
the support post's (66) rotation within the adjustment sleeve
(70). In addition, the swivel-connected stirrup support brackets
(71) allow the woman vary the amount she spreads~her legs while
her legs are supported by the padded stirrups (65).
By adjusting the seat adjustment screw (80), (as discussed
above), the angle of the woman's seat (60) can be varied from
horizontal up to approximately 30 degrees. As the angle of the
woman's seat (60) is adjusted, the cushioned arm rests (64) and
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",~" the padded stirrups (65) move together with the seat (60). It
will be appreciated that by adjusting the angle of the woman's
seat (60) (and the cushioned arm rests (64) and padded stirrups
(65)), the woman (being seated upon the seat) will be restrained
from sliding towards the man's seat (15) when in operation.
It will be appreciated from a review of the above disclosure
that the various components of the female support (2) of the
present invention may be adjusted to comfortably support women of
different sizes and of different physical limitations, in
positions suitable for having intercourse.
In operation a man takes his position seated upon the man's
seat (15) and facing a woman seated in the woman's seat (60).
In the preferred embodiment of the invention the man' seat (15)
is supported by three adjustable pneumatic supports (16). The
pneumatic supports (16) are of bellows-like construction. The
firmness of the pneumatic supports (16) may be adjusted by
varying the amount of air pressure inside of the supports (16).
Air may be introduced under pressure into the pneumatic supports
(16) through a pneumatic valve (91). It will be appreciated that
by varying the amount of firmness of the three pneumatic supports
(16), the amount of "wiggle" in the man's seat may be controlled.
In operation, it is considered desirable to have some "wiggle" in
the man's seat (15) which is independent of any movement of the
seat support plate (17) or the joy stick (30).
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The handle (31) of the joy stick (30) is within reach of a man
seated upon the man's seat (15). By alternately pulling or
pushing against the joy stick (30), the man can cause the seat
(15) and himself to respectively move farther from or closer to
the woman seated in the woman' s seat (60). When the joy stick
handle (31) is pushed "forward", the joy stick (30) pivots about
bearing (35), causing the joy stick extension (32) to move
"backward", the bottom of the pulley belt (22) to move "backward"
and the top of the pulley belt (22) to move "forward". The seat
support post (23), being secured to the top of the pulley belt
(22), moves "forward", causing linear bearing (18) and the man's
seat (15) to move "forward" upon the bearing shafts (19). In the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the joy stick actuator
(33) is attached to the bottom side of the pulley belt (22), thus
causing the man's seat to move "forward" and "backward" when the
joy stick is moved "forward"and "backward", respectively.
However, it is well understood that the actuator can
alternatively be connected to the top side of the pulley belt
(22), thus causing the male operator and the man's seat (15) to
move towards the woman and the woman's seat (60)' when the man
pulls "backward" on the joy stick (30).
In the preferred embodiment of the invention the length of
the joy stic)~ (30) and the length of the joy stick extension (32)
are approximately the same lengths. Accordingly, in the
preferred embodiment of the invention there is a 1-to-1 ration
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between the movement of the joy stick handle (31) and the
movement of the man's seat (15). However, it is understood that
the present invention can be modified such that the relative
lengths of the joy stick (30) and the joy stick extension (32)
either greater or less than 1-to-1, thus effecting respectively
either a smaller or greater movement of the man's seat (15) when
the joy stick handle (31) is moved.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention the man's seat
support post (23) and the joystick actuator (33) are clamped to
opposite ends of the top and bottom of the pulley belt,
respectively, to maximize the available length of travel of the
man' seat (15). In the preferred embodiment of the invention,
the forward end of the man's seat (15) is less than 1 inch from
the woman's seat (60) when the man's seat (15) is in its forward-
most position.
It will be appreciated from review of the preceding
disclosure that the construction of the male support (1) of the
present invention, provides for a comfortable seat (15) upon
which a man can be seated in an upright position. It will
further be appreciated that the entire weight of a man seated
upon the male support (1) of the present invention may be carried
by the man's seat (15). It is also noted that, since the man's
seat (15) is approximately 24 inches high he may comfortably sit
on the seat (15) with his feet on the ground, so that his feet
may provide support and stability as desired.
It will be appreciated from a review of the preceding
disclosure that when a woman and a man are each positioned upon
the apparatus in the manner described, and that by the man's
operating the joy stick so as to bring him to the woman, they can
have intercourse with each other. During intercourse the joy
stick can be pushed or pulled as desired to vary the depth of
penetration. In addition, limited movement of the man
(independent of the joy stick (30) motion) is afforded by the
"wiggle" in the man's seat (15) which rests upon pneumatic
supports (16).
It will be appreciated that although the above described
operation of the device facilitates two person's engaging in
intercourse, each person is entirely supported by the apparatus
itself, and, significantly, neither partner is required to
support the weight of the other. In addition, because the male
support (1) of the present invention allows the male partner to
sit upright, it will be appreciated that it is possible for a man
having upper body disabilities (or other physical handicaps) to
comfortably and safely have intercourse while seated upon this
device. Similarly, because the female support (2) of the present
invention can be adjusted to distribute the weight and to support
the female partner in a comfortable position, it is possible for
a woman liavirrg either upper or lower body disabilities or
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handicaps to comfortably and safely have intercourse while seated
upon this device.
A modified embodiment of the present invention is shown in
figures 4 and 5. In this modification of the invention, the
woman's back rest (150) comprises a single elongated back rest.
As with the preferred embodiment of the invention, in this
madification of the invention the back rest (150) may be
positioned from horizontal to nearly upright. In the modified
embodiment of the invention an electric linear actuator (200) in
communication with a telescopic actuator arm (201) automatically
raises or lowers the woman's back rest (150) to the desired angle
relative to the apparatus' frame (3a). In addition, in the
modified embodiment of the invention shown in figures 5 and 6 the
man's seat (15a) is provided with a removable back rest (202),
and seat belt (203), each of which components (202) and (203) may
be desirable for a male operator who has disabled legs. In
addition, in this modification of the invention, (figures 5 and
6), a variable speed electric motor (204) which is in
communication with the man's seat (15a), causes the male seat
(15a) to reciprocate approximately 2 inches "forward" and
"backward" when engaged. Another modification of the present
invention is the incorporation of a variable speed electric motor
(205) WhlCh is in communication with the woman's seat (60a).
The variable speed electric motor (205) causes the woman's set
(60a) to oscillate approximately 3/4 inch from side to side. In
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this modification of the invention the woman's seat (60a) rides
upon a linear ball bearing whose axis is approximately
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame (3a).
Another modification of the present invention shown in figures 5
and 6 is the attachment of a of foot rests (205), on each side of
the man's seat (15a). The foot rests (205), which are pivotably
connected to the man's seat (15a) are provided for support of the
woman's legs, (in place of the padded stirrups (65) used in the
preferred embodiment of the invention).
While the above description contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred
embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible, for
example:
A skirt, shroud or fender may be provided around the
frame so as to hide the various components of the
device from view;
The joy stick (30} may be positioned so that it is
within reach of both partners, or within reach of the
woman only;
A pair of joy sticks (30) may be provided, (one on each
side of the frame); rather than just one;
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The middle (4b) and the front (4a) legs may
alternatively be provided with locking wheels, rather
than skid resistant feet;
Secondary gears or pulleys may be provided (in place of
the 1-to-1 pulleys (21)) to either increase or decrease
the mechanical advantage between the joy stick (30) and
the man's seat (15);
The cushioned arm rests (64), the padded stirrups (65)
and the woman's seat (60) may be constructed to be
independently adjustable (rather than rigidly attached
to move together) ;
Retractable upright handle bars, secured to the frame
(3), may be provided for use by the male operator's
use;
The seats (15) and (60) may either be either square, or
"bike seat" configurations, or other shapes;
The woman's seat (60) may be constructed with pneumatic
supports (16) to provide "wiggle" for the woman's seat
(60);
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Pneumatic cushions, pliable foams, springs, fluids, or
other means may be constructed beneath either male (15)
or female (60) seats to provide "wiggle" to those
seats:
The man's seat (17) may be rigidly secured so as to
have now "wiggle" independent of the movement of the
joystick (30);
The linear bearing (18) component may be either ball
bearings, or soft metal (i.e. bronze, etc) bushings, or
other common means for facilitation reciprocating
linear motion of the man's seat (15);
The height of the man's seat may be adjustable, using
any common seat height adjustment methods;
The man's seat (15) can be provided with a back rest;
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not
by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
