Therapeutic prosthetic device

• US 7,527,589 B2
• Filed: 11/12/2007
• Issued: 05/05/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: EPD Scientific
• Original Assignee: John B. Squicciarini
• Inventors: Squicciarini, John B
• Primary Examiner(s): Gilbert; Samuel G
• Application Number:
  US11/938,661
• Publication Number:
  US 20080065187A1
• Time in Patent Office: 540 Days
• Field of Search: 600 38- 41, 128/842, 128/844, 128/845, 623/24, 623/25, 623/27, 623/57, 623/63, 623/66.1
• US Class Current: 600/39
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/26 Penis implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/41 Devices for promoting penis erection penis implants A61F2/26; massage of the genitals A61H19/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 19/32 for inserting the genitals therein, e.g. vibrating rings for males or breast stimulating devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/10 with further special therapeutic means, e.g. electrotherapy, magneto therapy or radiation therapy, chromo therapy, infrared or ultraviolet therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5002 Means for controlling a set of similar massage devices acting in sequence at different locations on a patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/501 connected to external computer devices or networks
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5058 Sensors or detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5084 Acceleration sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2230/00 Measuring physical parameters of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2230/505 used as a control parameter for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2230/65 Impedance, e.g. skin conductivity; capacitance, e.g. galvanic skin response [GSR]
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/02 with electric or magnetic drive
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control

Abstract

A male prosthetic device configured to be worn on a flaccid, partially-erect or erect penis which transmits tactile sensations through a stimulation material to the surface of the penis. The device includes a prosthesis with an outer surface and in inner chamber, a microprocessor, one or more sensors and one or more stimulation materials. The outer surface is configured to appear as a penis or other elongate body with hard or soft materials, with optional stimulation materials and sensors. The inner cavity is lined with stimulation material configured to contact the surface of the penis. Sensors for detecting sensation or direction can be disposed within, on, or separate from the device transmit signals electrically or wirelessly to the microprocessor, which is programmed to generate stimulation sensations in response to signals from the sensors, stimulation materials, or controllers that are transmitted to the stimulation material.

Claims

1. A therapeutic male prosthesis device for simulating natural sensations, the device comprising:

a unitary prosthetic body comprising an outer surface and an inner cavity integral with the unitary body, the inner cavity sized and adapted to receive a penis;

a sensor integrated with the unitary prosthetic body for sensing a movement, pressure and/or force of the unitary prosthetic body in an activity;

the sensor configured to generate signals based upon such movement, pressure and/or force,

a microprocessor configured for receiving signals from the sensor, the microprocessor adapted to generate a signal intended to represent a sensation;

an internal stimulation material covering at least a portion of the surface of the inner cavity for receiving the signal representing a sensation, the internal stimulation material comprising a plurality of controllable stimulation elements in electrical communication with the microprocessor; and

an external stimulation material covering at least portion of the outer surface of the unitary prosthetic body comprising a grid of stimulators;

wherein the unitary prosthetic body is configured to map and simulate a sensation on corresponding locations between the inner cavity and the outer surface.

2. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the external stimulation material covering at least portion of the outer surface of the unitary body is configured to receive the signal representing a sensation.

3. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the unitary prosthetic body is configured to sense a sensation applied to the outer surface and simulate a similar sensation at a corresponding location on the inner cavity.

4. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the unitary prosthetic body is configured to sense a sensation applied to the inner cavity and simulate a similar sensation at a corresponding location on the outer surface.

5. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the stimulation material covering at least portion of the outer surface is configured to deliver electronically controlled stimuli based on electric signals generated from the microprocessor.

6. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner cavity comprises a mesh configured to expand or stretch as the penis may become fully erect during use of the device.

7. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the inner cavity is configured to communicate with a condom comprising conductive media.

8. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises at least one pressure pad.

9. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the internal stimulation material comprises a grid of sensors and stimulators.

10. A therapeutic male prosthesis device for simulating natural sensations, the device comprising:

a unitary prosthetic body comprising an outer surface and an inner cavity integral with the unitary body, the inner cavity sized and adapted to receive a penis;

a sensor integrated with the unitary prosthetic body for sensing a movement, pressure and/or force of the unitary prosthetic body in an activity;

the sensor configured to generate signals based upon such movement, pressure and/or force,

a microprocessor configured for receiving signals from the sensor, the microprocessor adapted to generate a signal intended to represent a sensation;

an internal stimulation material covering at least a portion of the surface of the inner cavity for receiving the signal representing a sensation, the internal stimulation material comprising a plurality of controllable stimulation elements in electrical communication with the microprocessor; and

an external stimulation material covering at least portion of the outer surface of the unitary prosthetic body comprising a grid of stimulators,

wherein the external stimulation material comprises a grid of sensors.

11. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 10, further comprising a fluid reservoir.

12. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 10, further comprising a fluid port configured for communication of at least one among the group consisting of fluid, lubricant, gel, liquid, hormone treatment, medication, and sperm to the outer surface.

13. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 10, further comprising a heating element.

14. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 10, wherein the internal stimulation material is controllable by one or more selected among the group consisting of the individual user, a partner, and a third party.

15. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 10, wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive instructions from one or more selected among the group consisting of a television, computer, movie, audio file, and Internet communication.

16. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 10, further comprising a scrotum chamber configured to secure the device to the user.

17. A male prosthesis device in accordance with claim 10, wherein the unitary prosthetic body is configured to sense a sensation applied to the inner cavity and simulate a similar sensation at a corresponding location on the outer surface.

18. A therapeutic male prosthesis device for simulating natural sensations, the device comprising:

a unitary prosthetic body comprising an outer surface and an inner cavity integral with the unitary body, the inner cavity sized and adapted to receive a penis;

a sensor integrated with the unitary prosthetic body for sensing a movement, pressure and/or force of the unitary prosthetic body in an activity;

the sensor configured to generate signals based upon such movement, pressure and/or force,

a microprocessor configured for receiving signals from the sensor, the microprocessor adapted to generate a signal intended to represent a sensation;

an internal stimulation material covering at least a portion of the surface of the inner cavity for receiving the signal representing a sensation, the internal stimulation material comprising a plurality of controllable stimulation elements in electrical communication with the microprocessor; and

an external stimulation material covering at least portion of the outer surface of the unitary prosthetic body comprising a grid of stimulators,

wherein at least one of the internal stimulation material and the external stimulation material comprises a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) pad.