Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a device and a method for enhancing erection, for overcoming erectile dysfunction.

Background art

[0002] Erection problems is a common trouble which may occur due to for example physiological or psychological problems, advancing age, premature relaxation prior to completion of coitus etc. This may lead to that men as well as their partners become unsatisfied while having sex.

[0003] The parts of the penis are the base, shaft, glans, and foreskin. The tissues that make up the penis include the dorsal nerve, blood vessels, connective tissue, and erectile tissue (corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum). The urethra passes from the bladder to the tip of the penis. Corpus cavernosum is one of two columns of spongy tissue that runs through the shaft (body) of the penis. The corpus cavernosum forms most of the penis and contains blood vessels that are to be filled with blood to help make an erection. A number of muscles work together to physically and functionally support the penis when erect and then gradually contract after ejaculation. It is known that the veinal return flow of blood (i.e. , outflow from each corpus cavernosum) to the body is accomplished, at least in part, by blood flowing in veins (e.g., superficial dorsal vein and deep dorsal vein) located near the outer circumference of the penis. To achieve erection, the brain sends impulses to the nerves in the penis to cause the multiple muscles around each corpus cavernosum to relax. This allows blood to flow, in part via cavernosal arteries (deep artery of the penis), into the open spaces inside each respective corpus cavernosum. This blood creates pressure which makes the penis expand which in turn compresses the veins that normally allow blood to drain. Once the blood is trapped, a muscle located in the corpus cavernosum helps to sustain the erection. An erection is reversed once the muscles in the penis contract preventing further blood flow into the corpus cavernosum and allowing veinal return flow of blood through veins and other veins to the body from each corpus cavernosum. [0004] It may happen that this erection procedure is not working completely. There are therefore many prior art devices and methods for overcoming such erectile dysfunction. A very common “solution” to the problem with erection is to use different kind of drugs. These drugs are normally very expensive, and many men are not comfortable to use drugs for the purpose, and the drugs may also affect other parts of the body and cause other unwanted side-effects. Further, it may be very difficult with the timing of when to use the drugs, since the sex act may of course occur “unexpectedly”, with no or very short foreplay, or the opposite, take a lot of time before it actually is time.

[0005] As an alternative to the use of drugs, physical devices are invented, which often may be a better solution and for some people also a more preferred solution to the problem than the use of drugs. Such prior art devices and methods include for example rings and other pressure applying devices that completely encircle the penis and constrict blood circulation in the penis to hopefully sustain an erection. However, penile constrictor rings and other pressure type devices have disadvantages. For example, there is problems with timing and application, since it is difficult to perfectly time and apply the devices just before an erection occurs. Further, there is safety issues, since if the device is left in place too long, it may result in permanent damage to the penis because of restricted circulation. Another aspect is that, if applied and fully operative at the moment of orgasm and ejaculation, the prior art device may interfere and reduce the pleasurable sensations of orgasm and ejaculation or even inhibit ejaculation altogether by constriction of the urethra, prohibiting the natural passage of bodily fluids. Known devices are not easy to adjust or dismount at any time during intercourse, which also is a problem.

[0006] The above-described problems needs to be solved why there is a need of an inventive method and an inventive, cheap, and easy to use device for the purpose. Summary of invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve at least some of the above- mentioned problems. This object is met by a device and a method for overcoming erectile dysfunction according to the appended claims.

[0008] According to an aspect, a device arranged for overcoming erectile dysfunction is disclosed. The device is arranged to be positioned close to a user’s body such that the device encloses a base of a user’s penis and a base of the user’s scrotum, wherein the device encloses a common base of the scrotum and the penis (i.e. their common base). The device comprises a band with a first end and an opposite second end, and a locking device. The locking device is arranged at the second end of the band and is arranged for receiving the first end of the band and for permitting movement of the band in a first direction, from the first end towards the second end of the band. Further, the locking device is arranged for preventing movement of the band in a second direction opposite the first direction, when the locking device has received the first end of the band. The locking device further has a manually actuated releasing means for releasing of the band from the locking device such that the locking device is movable in the second direction. By such device, a better result for enhancing erection is achieved and which device makes it easy and more comfortable for the user to apply and use such a device compared to known penile constrictor rings and other pressure type devices. By the inventive device, it is easy to keep the product in a “ready” state, and use it if necessary, during the sex act. The device further is much cheaper and easy to produce than known devices and compared to drugs used for the purpose.

[0009] The problem of remedying dysfunctional erection is thereby solved by that the new device is arranged for a new positioning of the device, such that the device encloses the common base of the scrotum and the penis, which is not known. The new positioning of the device means that the blood is prevented from flowing back effectively, which helps to preserve the erection, and by that the position constitutes a "ready position" as explained above is more discreet for the user and with less risk of the other party sensing/being damaged by the device. [0010] According to an embodiment, at least the band of the device is made of polymer-based material. By using a polymer-based material in the band (or the complete product), a certain resilience is achieved that causes the band to tighten all the way around the common base of the scrotum and penis, and at the chosen locked position, a clamping with a comfortable feel, without the feel of chafing or discomfort for the user, is provided.

[0011 ] According to an embodiment, the device may be made of transparent material. This enables the device to be more or less invisible, which may be practical and less embarrassing for the user, if the user by some reasons would feel embarrassed.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the band is elastic in its length direction, wherein any locked position of the locking device along the band of the ring- shaped device corresponds to an elastic locked position. As mentioned before, a polymer-based material enables a certain resilience, but if an even more resilient function is wanted, the band may be elastic, i.e. comprise elastic material or comprise at least parts of elastic material. This may provide a better comfort and reduce the need of unlocking the band from the locking device, for smaller changes of the diameter/size of the device.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the band comprises a first side, which in a using position of the device is intended to face the penis and the scrotum of the user, and a second side, which is opposite the first side and thus faces away from the penis and the scrotum of the user, wherein at least a first part of the first side comprises a pattern which is arranged to apply a pressure to the penis at certain positions along the first part of the first side of the band. This is an alternative solution to provide even more function to the device for certain applications or special needs of some users. The pattern may vary in any way and may be a pattern which also is arranged to correspond to locking arrangements of the locking device or simply to provide certain characteristics to the device. The pattern may be transversal or longitudinal grooves, rails, knots or other patterns within the scope of the invention. The pattern may be arranged along the whole length of the band or at certain parts, for contact with the penis or scrotum at certain positions.

[0014] According to an embodiment, at least the first part of the first side comprises at least one protrusion which faces away from the first side. Tests made implies that an increased pressure at certain position of the penis may help to provide a “throttling” of the blood supply, which may help to keep the erection longer.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the at least one first part comprises a section without the pattern or the at least one protrusion. This means that the pattern may be repeated along the band with areas without the pattern.

[0016] According to an aspect of the invention, a method for overcoming erectile dysfunction by using a device according to any of the preceding claims is disclosed. The method comprises positioning of the device at a base of a penis and a base of a user’s scrotum. The method further comprises forming the device to a ring-shape by inserting the first end of the band into the locking device, and further, after positioning and forming of the device, tightening the ring-shaped device by sliding the locking device in the first direction along the band to a first position such that the device clamps around a common base of the base of the penis and the base of the scrotum. The positioning of the device thus is intended to be near the body, at the common root/base of penis and the scrotum (sack), which means so to speak behind the scrotum sack, and possible to enclose the common base behind the scrotum sack and the base of the penis. The forming of the device to a ring-shape may be made either before or after the positioning. If the forming is made before the positioning, the device must have a large “diameter” (the device must not necessarily be perfectly round) such that the penis and scrotum sack may be inserted into the ring-shaped device and positioned behind the scrotum sack at the common base of the scrotum sack and the penis and after that tightened, to fit around the base of the “complete package” (scrotum and penis). It is easier to first position the device in an open state, at the correct position near the body and at the common base (the base of the scrotum and the base of the penis) such that it is possible to enclose the common base. After this, the forming may take place by inserting the first end of the band into the locking device, and then, after positioning and forming of the device, tightening the ring- shaped device by sliding the locking device in the first direction along the band to a first position such that the device encloses and clamps around a common base of the base of the penis and the base of the scrotum.

[0017] By such method, a better result for enhancing erection is achieved and which method also makes it easy and more comfortable for the user to apply and use such a device compared to known penile constrictor rings and other pressure type devices. By the method and the use of the device, it is easy to keep the product in a “ready” state, and use it if necessary, during the sex act. As mentioned above, erection is initiated by that the brain sends impulses to the nerves in the penis to cause the multiple muscles around each corpus cavernosum penis to relax. This allows blood to flow, in part via cavernosal arteries (deep artery of the penis), into the open spaces inside each respective corpus cavernosum. This blood creates pressure which makes the penis expand which in turn compresses the veins that normally allow blood to drain. Once the blood is trapped, a muscle located in the corpus cavernosum helps to sustain the erection and the inventive method and the use of the device makes sure that the blood is trapped which helps to improve and sustain erection. The problem of remedying dysfunctional erection is thereby solved by the new positioning of the device, such that the device encloses the common base of the scrotum and the penis. As explained above, the new positioning of the device means that the blood is prevented from flowing back effectively, which helps to preserve the erection, and by that the position constitutes a "ready position" makes it more discreet for the user and with less risk of the other party sensing/being damaged by the device.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the method further comprising after the tightening, additionally tightening the ring-shaped device by sliding the locking device in the first direction along the band to a second position, where a diameter of the ring-shaped device in the second position is smaller than a diameter of the ring-shaped device in the first position. By tightening the device, the user may keep the erection for a longer period if necessary, during the sex act. It is also possible for the user to perform the method steps of positioning, forming, and tightening the device only to keep the product in a “ready” state, and if needed, perform the added method step of tightening the device even more, to get or keep an erection. Prior art devices must normally be put on during the act and is then not possible to tighten in an easy and discreet way. The term “diameter” is to be interpretated as an average distance between opposite sides of the device when ring-shaped which means that the device not necessarily is totally round in its ringshape. This applies throughout the whole application.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the method further comprising releasing the locking device from its locked position to the band by using the manually- actuated releasing means and sliding the locking device in the second direction along the band to a third position, where a diameter of the ring-shaped device in the third position is larger than the diameter of the ring-shaped device in the second position, such that the device releases the clamp or tight grip around the base of the penis and the base of the scrotum (i.e. the common base of the scrotum and penis). This enables the user to control the erection both according to tightening or loosening the pressure around the genitals and thereby control the erection in an easy and manageable manner which prior art solution fails to do. The releasing function may be performed in many different ways for unlocking the locking device from the band, depending on the construction design of the device.

[0020] Further possible features and benefits of this solution will become apparent from the detailed description below. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. Further features of, and advantages of, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person realizes that different features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Brief description of drawings

[0021] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain aspects and exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and aspects set forth herein; rather, the embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0022] Fig. 1 a is a side view of a part of a male body showing male genitals and a device according to the invention when positioned in an inventive position around a common base of the scrotum and the penis, in a “ready for use” state.

[0023] Fig. 1 b is a side view of a part of a male body showing male genitals when the penis is erected, due to that the device is tightened around the common base of the scrotum and the penis, wherein the device is in a using position.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention when in a ring-shaped condition, which also is a using condition of the device.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the inventive method.

Detailed description

[0026] Fig. 1 a shows a side view of a part of a male body showing male genitals and a device 1 according to the invention when positioned in an inventive position, close to a user’s body 20 such that the device 1 may enclose a base 10 of a user’s penis 11 and a base 15 of the user’s scrotum 16, i.e., around a common base 10, 15 of the scrotum 16 and the penis 11 . This is a so to speak a “ready for use” position of the device 1 which is also symbolized by that the penis 11 is in a nonerected condition. Fig. 1 b shows the device 1 in a using position, where the device 1 is tightened around the common base 10, 15 of the scrotum 16 and the penis 11 such that it clamps around the common base 10, 15, which is symbolized by that the penis 11 is in an erected condition. Fig. 2 shows only the device 1 and when it is in a ring-shaped using position. The figures will now be described in detail.

[0027] The device 1 comprises a flexible band 2 with a first end 2a and an opposite second end 2b. A locking device 3 is arranged at the second end 2b of the band 2. The locking device 3 is arranged for receiving the first end 2a of the band 2 as well as the band 2, in order to form a ring-shaped device 1 , for use around the common base 10,15 of the penis 11 and scrotum 16, wherein the common base 10, 15 comprises the base 10 of the penis 11 and the base 15 of the scrotum 16. The band 2 preferably has a locking pattern 2c, for example a toothed pattern or other grip arrangement pattern, arranged for cooperation with grip arrangements 3a of the locking device 3, for locking the band 2 in any position along the band by means of the locking device 3. For example, the first end 2a of the band 2 is insertable into the locking device 3, wherein the locking device 3 comprises a through hole in which the first end 2a may be inserted and in which the band 2 may run through. Thus, the locking device 3 is further arranged for permitting movement of the locking device 3 in a first direction X, from the first end 2a towards the second end 2b of the band 2 and for preventing movement of the locking device 3 in a second direction Y, which is opposite the first direction X, when the locking device 3 has received the first end 2a of the band 2. This may be solved by that the locking pattern 2c as mentioned above, is toothed, or in other words a serrated design, and the grip arrangements 3a of the locking device 3 is a flexible tongue arranged for a snap-locking function. Thus, a first side of each “tooth” of the locking pattern 2c, which first side faces the first end 2a of the flexible band 2, is inclined, such that the grip arrangements 3a of the locking device 3a in the form of a snap-lock, may slide along the first side when tightening the device 1 . The locking device 3 is thereby arranged for permitting movement of the locking device 3 in a first direction X, from the first end 2a towards the second end 2b of the band 2. A second side of each “tooth” of the locking pattern 2c is substantially perpendicular to the extension of the band 2, such that the snap-lock 3a of the locking device 3 snaps towards the band 2, wherein the locking device 3 thereby is arranged for preventing movement of the locking device 3 in a second direction Y.

[0028] The locking device 3 further has a manually actuated releasing means 3b for releasing of the band 2 from the locking device 3 such that the locking device 3 is movable in the second direction Y. The releasing means 3b may be a “button” or the like, which is arranged to release the grip arrangements 3a of the locking device 3a, i.e. making the flexible tongue of the locking device 3 release from its locking position on the second side of the “tooth” of the locking pattern2c. By that, the size of the device 1 is possible to reduce, by sliding the locking device 3 relative the band 2 in the first direction X. The size reduction is more or less a reduction of a diameter of the device 1 , even if the device 1 not necessarily is round in the using mode. The locking device 3 is, so to speak, automatic by that the locking device 3 is arranged for preventing movement in the second direction Y opposite the first direction X. When the locking device 3 is moved along the band 2 in the first direction X, it automatically engages with the locking pattern 2c, by the grip arrangements 3a, which as mentioned may be a flexible tongue or the like which has an engaging portion which reaches into the through hole of the locking device and snaps/engages with the locking pattern 2c (for example snapping over toothed edges of the locking pattern 2c as explained above). The locking device 3 may comprise different kinds of locking engagements/grip arrangements 3a, and different types of releasing devices 3b. For example, the grip arrangement 3a of the locking device 3 is the same detail as the releasing device 3b, wherein the grip arrangement/releasing device 3a, 3b is maneuverable also for releasing the grip with the looking pattern 2c of the band 2. It is preferred that the releasing function/releasing device 3b is easy to reach and maneuver, to make the device 1 easy to release, or increase the size or diameter of the device 1 , for good functionality and comfort. By the releasing function via the releasing device 3b, for releasing of the band 2 from the locking device 3/grip arrangement 3a, the locking device 3 is as mentioned movable in the second direction Y, for increasing the size of the device 1 , or open it by sliding the locking device 3 until the first end 2a of the band 2 leaves the locking device 3. [0029] Preferably at least the band 2 of the device 1 is made of polymer-based material which both is a cost-efficient material which and a material which exhibits a certain resilience which causes the band 2 to tighten all the way around the common base 10, 15 of the scrotum 16 and penis 11 . This provides that, at the chosen locked position, a clamping with a comfortable feel is achieved, without the feel of chafing or discomfort for the user. The polymer-based material may further be made transparent to be more or less invisible, which may be practical and less embarrassing for the user, if the user by some reasons would feel embarrassed. Further, the band may optionable be even more elastic in its length direction, compared to just the use of polymer-based material. Instead, a more elastic material is used, which of course may be some kind of polymer-based material or any other material with elastic characteristics, wherein any locked position of the locking device 3 along the band 2 of the ring-shaped device 1 corresponds to an elastic locked position. This may provide an even better comfort and reduce the need of unlocking the band from the locking device, for just smaller changes of the diameter/size of the device 1.

[0030] The band 2 comprises a first side 4 (inside), which in a using position of the device 1 is intended to face the penis 11 and the scrotum 16 of the user. The band 2 further comprises a second side 5 (outside), which is opposite the first side 4 and thus faces away from the penis 11 and the scrotum 16 of the user. The looking pattern 2c may be arranged at the first side 4 or the second side 5 of the band 2, and in Fig. 2, the looking pattern 2c is arranged at the first side 4 (inside 4). Alternative embodiments, which are not visible in any figure, may comprise a first part 4a of the first side 4 which comprises a pattern (erection enhancing pattern) or one or more protrusions, which is/are arranged to apply a pressure to the penis 11 at certain positions along the first part 4a of the first side 4 of the band 2. The pattern may be transversal or longitudinal grooves, rails, knots or other patterns within the scope of the invention. The pattern may be arranged along the whole length of the band or at certain parts, for contact with the penis 11 or scrotum 16 at certain positions. Of course, the locking pattern 2c may be a part of or the complete erection enhancing pattern if applicable and at the same time function as the locking function in cooperation with the locking device 3. [0031] When a user is about to use the device 1 for, he applies the inventive method for overcoming erectile dysfunction. The user thereby positions the device 1 close to his body 20 behind the scrotum 16, such that the device 1 may enclose the base 10 of the penis 11 and the base 15 of the scrotum 16 (the common base 10, 15) and then forms the device 1 to a ring-shape by inserting the first end 2a of the band 2 into the locking device 3. Of course, he instead can start with the step of forming and the thread the genitals through the ring-shaped device 1 to the proper position around the common base 10, 15 of the penis 11 and scrotum 16, close to the body, behind the scrotum 16. Now, the device 1 is in a “ready to use” position which is visible in Fig. 1a. After the positioning and forming of the device 1 , he may tighten the ring-shaped device 1 by sliding the locking device 3 in the first direction X along the band 2 to a first position such that the device 1 at least stay in a comfortable position and slightly clamps or clamps more firmly (depending on the situation and timing when he wants the erection) around the common base 10, 15 of the penis 11 and the scrotum 16. This may also correspond to a “ready to use” position.

[0032] The user may then further tighten the ring-shaped device 1 by sliding the locking device 3 in the first direction X along the band 2 to a second position, wherein the size/the diameter of the ring-shaped device 1 in the second position is smaller than the size/the diameter of the ring-shaped device 1 in the first position. The locking device 3 automatically prevents a motion backwards in the second direction Y, by the automatic snapping engagement with the locking pattern 2a. This position is visible in Fig. 1b, where the clamping around the common base 10, 15 of the penis 11 and the scrotum 16, enhances the erection. As described above, to achieve erection, the brain sends impulses to the nerves in the penis to cause the multiple muscles around each corpus cavernosum to relax. This allows blood to flow, in part via cavernosal arteries into the open spaces inside each respective corpus cavernosum. This blood creates pressure which makes the penis expand which in turn compresses the veins that normally allow blood to drain. Once the blood is trapped, a muscle located in the corpus cavernosum helps to sustain the erection. An erection is reversed once the muscles in the penis contract preventing further blood flow into the corpus cavernosum and allowing veinal return flow of blood through veins and other veins to the body from each corpus cavernosum. By the clamping around the common base 10, 15 of the penis 11 and scrotum 16, the blood is trapped which helps to sustain the erection.

[0033] Another great advantage with the inventive device 1 is that it is easy to release the locking device 3 from its locked position to the band 2, so that the venial return flow of blood through veins and other veins to the body from each corpus cavernosum is allowed, wherein the erection may be controlled. This is done by means of the releasing device 3b, wherein after releasing it is possible to slide the locking device 3 in the second direction Y along the band 2 to a third position which of course could be the same position as the first position or any other position along the band 2, where a diameter of the ring-shaped device 1 in the third position at least is larger than the diameter of the ring-shaped device 1 in the second position. This enables the user to easily adapt the pressure around the common base 10, 15 of the penis 11 and the scrotum 16 such that the device 1 either releases the clamping by the releasing and sliding the locking device 3 in the second direction Y or tighten the clamping by sliding the locking device 3 in the first direction X, depending on the situation and need of the user. Of course, it also is easy to remove the device 1 by removing the band 2 from the locking engagement with the locking device 3, that is by sliding locking device 3 in the second direction Y, until the first end 2a of the band 2 leaves the opening of the locking device 3.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the inventive method for enhancing erection for overcoming erectile dysfunction, as described above, by using a device 1 according to the description above. The method comprises the steps of: positioning 102 of the device 1 at a base 10 of a penis 11 and a base 15 of a user’s scrotum 16, forming 104 the device 1 to a ring-shape by inserting the first end 2a of the band 2 into the locking device 3, after positioning 102 and forming 104 of the device 1 , tightening 106 the ring-shaped device 1 by sliding the locking device 3 in the first direction X along the band 2 to a first position such that the device 1 clamps around the base 10 of the penis 11 and the base 15 of the scrotum 16. The clamp is so to speak around a common base 10, 15 of the penis 11 and scrotum 15.

[0035] The method further may comprise an additional step, after the tightening 106, by additionally tightening 108 the ring-shaped device 1 by sliding the locking device 3 in the first direction X along the band 2 to a second position, where a diameter of the ring-shaped device 1 in the second position is smaller than a diameter of the ring-shaped device 1 in the first position.

[0036] The method further may comprise an additional step of releasing 109 the locking device 3 from its locked position to the band 2 by using the manually- actuated releasing means 3b and sliding 110 the locking device 3 in the second direction Y along the band 2 to a third position, where a diameter of the ring- shaped device 1 in the third position is larger than the diameter of the ring-shaped device 1 in the second position, such that the device 1 releases the clamp around the base 10 of the penis 11 and the base 15 of the scrotum 16 (common base).

[0037] By the device 1 and the method, including an optimal positioning of the device around the common base 10, 15 of the penis 11 and scrotum 16, a better and more comfortable, easy adjusted and controllable way of achieving an enhanced erection is achieved, by that the blood flow is controlled in a better way to/from the important veins and muscles in the male genitals.

[0038] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0039] Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more."