Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessible sex toy holder for people with hand limitations.

Background Art

[0002] Many people do not have the dexterity to be able to self-pleasure themselves. For example, some people may not have hands, or may have hands that quickly fatigue or cramp if used for self-pleasure. Other people may lack the fine motor skills required to self-pleasure themselves, with or without a sex toy.

[0003] To the best of the inventors’ knowledge, there are currently no sex toys for people with hand limitations. Available products tend to be too heavy, too small, have small buttons or otherwise require a degree of hand control (e.g. dexterity, strength, etc.) that precludes them from being readily used by people with hand limitations.

[0004] It would be advantageous to provide an accessible sex toy holder for people with hand limitations.

Summary of Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a sex toy holder comprising a distal portion configured to be received at a user’s thighs, an intermediate portion configured to receive and hold a sex toy and a proximal portion. Movement of the proximal portion during use of the holder manipulates the held sex toy, and the proximal portion has a shape and configuration that enables such movement without needing to be gripped by the user.

[0006] Advantageously, the sex toy holder disclosed herein transfers reliance on fine motor skills (i.e. as would be required to directly grip a sex toy or otherwise self-pleasure) over to gross motor skills and/or other muscle groups. The shape and configuration of the holder’s proximal portion enables people with hand limitations to move the holder and thereby selfpleasure themselves. [0007] It is envisaged that off the shelf sex toys (e.g. penis sleeves, vibrators, dildos and wands) can be used with the holder, thus increasing their accessibility and comfort for users with hand limitations.

[0008] In specific embodiments, described in further detail below, the proximal portion may have a relatively large shape, which allows the user to hug it into their body and position the sex toy where they need it. The proximal portion may, for example, be made of memory foam to increase comfort and intimacy as users hug into it, and can also be flexible for use with different body types, positions and accessibility needs.

[0009] In some embodiments, the distal portion may be configured for clamping between the user’s thighs. The distal portion may, for example, comprise two legs, the legs being configured to be squeezed together when clamped between the user’s thighs, securely holding the distal end of the holder in an appropriate position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the intermediate portion may have one or more cavities, each cavity being configured to receive and hold a sex toy. An angle of the or each cavity may be such that the retained sex toy is presented to the user (in use) in an anatomically appropriate orientation for a penis or a vagina.

[0011] In specific embodiments, described in further detail below, the intermediate portion has a series of cavities: two in the front and one at the back of the holder. These are designed to hold sex toys (both penis sleeves, and vibrator s/dildos of various sizes) so that the user can place their toy of choice into an appropriate cavity.

[0012] In some embodiment, the proximal and distal portions may be separable from one another (e.g. via a releasable connection). Such would enable the holder to be split into component portions for cleaning etc., bearing in mind that different materials are likely to be used for the proximal and distal portions. This separability would also enable a user to switch between different proximal portions (e.g. larger or smaller, having a different shape, or made from a softer/harder material, etc.) to suit their particular needs at that moment.

[0013] In some embodiments, an additional attachment (e.g. a strap, handle or holder) may be provided with the sex toy holder so that the user can maintain contact with the proximal portion (in use). Such an additional attachment may be provided integrally with the proximal portion, for example, or may be separate but attachable to the holder (e.g. a cinch strap for wrapping around the legs of the distal portion, as described below). [0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts which, once assembled, provide the sex toy holder of the present invention. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides replacement parts (particularly replacement proximal distal portions, e.g. having different shapes and configurations) for use with the sex toy holder of the present invention.

[0015] Additional features and advantages of the various aspects of the present invention will be described below in the context of specific embodiments. It is to be appreciated, however, that such additional features may have a more general applicability in the present invention than that described in the context of these specific embodiments.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sex toy holder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the opposite side of the sex toy holder of Figure 1;

[0019] Figure 3 shows a side view of the sex toy holder of Figure 1;

[0020] Figure 4 shows an opposite side view of the sex toy holder of Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a sex toy holder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of cinch strap being used to clamp together the legs of the distal portion of a sex toy holder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the proximal portion of a sex toy holder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, around which is a handle; and

[0024] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a sex toy holder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where the proximal and intermediate/distal portions have been separated. Description of Embodiments

[0025] As described above, the present invention provides a sex toy holder comprising a distal portion configured to be received at a user’s thighs, an intermediate portion configured to receive and hold (or otherwise retain) a sex toy and a proximal portion. Movement of the proximal portion when using the holder manipulates a held sex toy, and the proximal portion has a shape and configuration that enables such movement without needing to be gripped by the user.

[0026] The overarching aim of the present invention is to provide a sex toy holder that will enable people with hand limitations (or any other relevant limitations) to self-please themselves. The holder should be as accessible as possible, providing for flexibility in the positions required by individual users, considering factors such as their best breathing positions, the angles at which the retained sex toy or toys present, as well as features that may provide physical support as well as sensory support (e.g. cuddle and intimacy support).

[0027] The sex toys which the holder can hold may, for example, include off-the-shelf penis sleeves, vibrators, dildos and wands. Alternatively, bespoke sex toys may be used.

[0028] The sex toy holder of the present invention has a proximal portion that has a shape and configuration which enables it to be moved without having to be physically gripped by the user. In use, movement of the proximal portion causes the held sex toy to be manipulated in a self-pleasing manner. Providing such a proximal portion means that a user with impaired hand function (or no hands) is still capable of moving the portion.

[0029] The proximal portion may have any shape and configuration which is compatible with the uses described herein, bearing in mind the myriad of ways in which users of the holder may be prevented from gripping an object. In some embodiments, for example, the proximal portion may have a substantially cylindrical shape and configuration, such being a shape that is capable of being moved using only gross motor skills (as well as being relatively easy to manufacture).

[0030] The proximal portion may have any physical size although, generally speaking and within reason, larger is better. Many existing sex toys or sex toy holders are simply too small to be operated by people with hand impairments. For example, the proximal portion may have a length of between about 30 and about 50 cm and a diameter (or cross-sectional width, in the event of the proximal portion being non-circular) of between about 10 cm and about 20 cm. As described below in the context of the accompanying Figures, preliminary tests have shown this to be a good practical size for a variety of users. It is envisaged, however, that larger proximal portions may be beneficial, particularly for cuddling and intimacy.

[0031] The proximal portion may be formed from any suitable material and may, in some embodiments, have a surface covering. Typically, the proximal portion would have a soft outer surface (either in the form of a soft cover or softness being an inherent feature of the substance used to form the portion), such generally being easier to move and more comfortable in use. In some embodiments, such as those described below, a removable sleeve or cover may be provided over the proximal portion. This sleeve can be removed for washing, for example, or to be replaced with another sleeve that provides a different tactile or sensory experience for the user. In such embodiments, the cover may include a zipper to enable its removal. The cover may, for example, feature a length long zip on the side, with large loop to allow unzipping when required.

[0032] The outer surface of the proximal portion may also have a texture that provides for improved handling or an improved feel. In some embodiments, for example, the outer surface may have laterally or longitudinally arranged ribs or furrows. Materials such as cotton or flannelette may also be used to improve the user’s experience.

[0033] The proximal portion may be rigid in configuration or may be deformable into a desired shape. For example, the proximal portion may comprise or be formed from memory foam, which provides flexibility as an inherent property and provides a premium sensory experience of touch and intimacy.

[0034] The sex toy holder of the present invention also has a distal portion that is configured to be received at a user’s thighs. The distal portion may be configured to be received and/or clamped between the user’s thighs, although this may not be appropriate for all users (e.g. users who lack sufficient leg strength to do such). In such cases, the holder either needs to not rely on the user’s leg strength or thighs for active clamping, or should work with the smallest amount of active clamping by the user.

[0035] The distal portion may take any form that is compatible with the uses described herein, bearing in mind the impairments which users of the holder are likely to have. In one embodiment, described in further detail below, the distal portion includes two legs which are configured to be squeezed together when clamped between the user’s thighs.

[0036] Materials suitable for forming the distal portion likely differ from those of the proximal portion, given their different purposes in the holder and its more demanding mechanical requirements. In the prototypes produced by the inventors, injection moulded EVA foam has been used to form this portion of the holder. Such a material can also provide a surface texture compatible with gripping and stronger holding at the user’s thighs.

[0037] The sex toy holder of the present invention also has intermediate portion that is configured to receive and hold (or otherwise retain) a sex toy. Again, the intermediate portion may take any form that is compatible with the holder’s other features and uses described herein, bearing in mind the requirement that it be able to receive and securely hold a sex toy during use of the holder.

[0038] In some embodiments, the intermediate portion may include one or more cavities, each of which are configured to receive and hold a sex toy. The cavities may extend through the intermediate portion (i.e. from one side to another) or just extend part way into the holder. The cavities may be located on one side of the holder, on opposite sides of the holder, or spaced around the holder.

[0039] The cavities may include any locking mechanism that may be required to securely hold the sex toy, bearing in mind that such will need to be operable by persons having limited hand movement. In some embodiments, for example, one or more of the cavities may be lined with a non-slip material. In the prototypes produced by the inventors, the non-slip material was a silicon material having a low shore hardness, but any material having non-slip characteristics could just as easily be used. In such embodiments, a complimentary shaped part of the sex toy can simply be inserted into the respective cavity, with friction holding the two together with a degree of security compatible with the intended use. Such a “lock in place” insert is expected to be operable by a majority of users.

[0040] In some embodiments, an angle of one or more of the cavities is such that the held sex toy presents to the user in use in an anatomically appropriate orientation for a penis (e.g. when the sex toy is a penis sheath) or vagina (e.g. when the sex toy is a dildo). The cavity angles are designed based on both male and female anatomy and optimized vagina angles and penis erection angles. In addition, the use of flexible silicon allows for minor angle adjustments and movements to find the best position when playing.

[0041] In embodiments where in intermediate portion includes two or more cavities, one cavity may present a held sex toy in an anatomically appropriate orientation for a penis, and another present a held sex toy in an anatomically appropriate orientation for a vagina. [0042] The cavities need not be the same size, as a larger cavity may allow for using multiple or double function sex toys, as well as accommodating smaller and larger sex toys.

[0043] The sex toy holder may be provided as a single unit or one or more of the portions may be separable from one another. For example, the proximal and distal portions may be separable from one another in order for differently shaped/configured proximal portions to be switched, or in order to wash the proximal portion. The intermediate portion may, in some embodiments, also be separable from the proximal and/or distal portions. Alternatively, and as is the case in the embodiments described below, the intermediate and distal portions may be provided integrally formed.

[0044] In some embodiments, for example, a releasable connection between the proximal and distal portions may allow the user to join and separate the proximal and distal portions. In the prototypes produced by the inventors, off the shelf premium mechanisms were used and were operable to attach and detach the two portions. For example, the inventors note that FIDLOCK® SNAP® products are commonly used in outdoor soft goods and are strong when attached. These fasteners can be glued in place, using durable waterproof adhesives commonly used in swimming products

[0045] As described above, the sex toy holder may also have an attachment configured to enable a user to maintain contact with the proximal (and/or distal) portion. Such attachments may, for example, include straps, handles or holders, to assist users with lower dexterity use the holder. They could be an addition to a sex toy to assist with holding, or an addition to the holder for leg and hands free operation, for example. Any aids which may provide extra assistance to users who have impaired hand and leg strength, and which are otherwise compatible with the holder, may be used.

[0046] For example, clamping aids may be provided for use with the distal portion. In the embodiments described below, for example, once the sex toy has been inserted in the silicon adaptor, the user can tighten the bottom pegs with a wrap-around strap. This means that the user does not have to use their legs for active clamping and holding the sex toy in place, resulting in a more pleasurable experience. By tightening the strap, the sex toy will be secured in place with minimal movement. It is envisaged that a soft neoprene strap with a large loop for pulling, and a Velcro® surface for flexible adjustment, would suffice.

[0047] Movement aids may also be provided for use with the proximal portion. For example, straps similar to those described above could be used to ensure that the user’s hand (or arm) remains in physical contact with the proximal portion. A specific embodiment of such will be described in further detail below.

[0048] Specific embodiments of sex toy holders in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the Figures.

[0049] Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, shown is a sex toy holder in the form of joystick 10. Joystick 10 has a proximal portion shown in the form of flexible top 12, a distal portion shown in the form of clamping aid 14 and an intermediate portion which, in this embodiment, is provided in the form of sex toy holders 16 in the clamping aid 14.

[0050] Clamping aid 14 has two legs 18 and 20, which are receivable between a user’s thighs in use. Squeezing the legs 18 and 20 together anchors the distal end 14 of the joystick 10 in an appropriate position and securely retains any sex toys (not shown) in holders 16.

[0051] Flexible top 12 has an outer cover 22 made from a material such as cotton, which provides users with a pleasing tactile sensation in use. Cover 22 is provided with a zipper 24 so that it can be removed (e.g. for washing) by a user pulling on the large loop 26. Cover 22 covers a cylindrical body that is formed from a memory foam, which has an inherent flexibility and softness, providing physical support as well as an improved sensory experience. As can be seen in Figure 5, top 12 may be bent into any desirable shape.

[0052] In prototypes produced by the inventors, the flexible top 12 had a length of about 50 cm and a diameter of about 16 cm, whilst the clamping aid 14 had a length of about 39 cm and a diameter of about 14 cm.

[0053] Sex toy holders 16 are, in this embodiment, provided in the form of three cavities 28, 30 and 32. Cavities 28 and 30 are on one side of the joystick 10 (see Figures 2 and 4) and cavity 32 is on the opposite side (see Figures 1 and 3). Cavities 28 and 30 overlap with each other to define a “Figure 8” configuration, which allows for using multiple or double function sex toys, as well as accommodating smaller and larger sex toys. In the embodiment shown, cavities 28 and 30 extend through the clamping aid 14 and join with cavity 32, although this need not be the case in all embodiments. The cavities are all lined with a moulded silicon part 34 which has a low shore hardness and which prevents retained sex toys from slipping around too much. The softer form of the silicon part 34 may also allow some degree of play of retained sex toys, which may make them more comfortable.

[0054] In Figure 4, cavities 28 and 30 are angled generally downwardly such that a sex toy (e.g. a dildo) held by either (or both) cavity would present at an upward angle, compatible with insertion into a vagina in an in use position of the joystick 10. Similarly, in Figure 3, cavity 32 is angled generally upwardly, such that a sex toy (e.g. a penis sleeve) held by the cavity would present at a downward angle that is compatible with receiving an erect penis.

[0055] Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, shown are examples of aids which can help to make use of the joystick 10 even easier, by providing extra assistance for users having relatively low hand and/or leg strength. Referring firstly to Figure 6, a strap 36 is shown cinched around the legs 18 and 20 of clamping aid 14. Strap 26 clamps legs 18 and 20 together and thus securely retains the sex toy(s) in the holder 16 (in cavity 28, 30 and/or 32), without requiring any effort by the user. This may be beneficial in circumstances where clamping thighs together is difficult (or even not possible) for the user.

[0056] Once the toy is inserted in the cavity 28, 30 or 32, the user can tighten the bottom legs 18 and 20 with the provided wrap around strap 36. This means the user does not have to use their legs for active clamping and holding the toys in place, which may result in a more pleasurable experience for them. Strap 36 may be provided in the form of a soft neoprene strap with a large loop for pulling, and a Velcro® surface for flexible adjustment.

[0057] Referring to Figure 7, a hand strap 38 is shown fastened around the flexible top 12 of joystick 10. Hand strap 38 can be used in a conventional manner to keep the user’s hand (or arm, or other appendage) in physical contact with the flexible top 12 at all times. Such may also help to reduce fatigue and improve useability.

[0058] Referring finally to Figure 8, shown is a sex toy holder in the form of joystick 100 which includes a lock mechanism 140 via which its flexible top 112 and clamping aid 114/sex toy holder 116 can be releasably joined to and detached from each other. As can be seen, a male part 142 of the clamping aid 114 is receivable into a complementary female recess 144 of the flexible top 112. Although not shown, an uppermost surface of the male part 142 includes a fastener which engages with and releasably fastens to a complementary fastener inside the recess 144 (also not shown).

[0059] The inventors expect that many off the shelf mechanisms will be suitable for attaching and detaching flexible top 112 and clamping aid 114/sex toy holder 116. One series of products with which the inventors are familiar are FIDLOCK® SNAP products, which are commonly used in outdoor soft goods and are strong when attached. These fasteners can be glued in place, using durable waterproof adhesives commonly used in swimming products. The male mechanism has a flat surface, when the female counterpart is placed above the magnetic force cause the lock to emerge. Magnets (not shown) may be used guide the fastening components, which lets them close automatically with an audible click, after which a mechanical engagement (not shown) keeps them securely locked. Such a configuration would allow a user to quickly open the lock 140 (and this separate the joystick’s 100 portions) with only one hand, using simple movements such as rotating, sliding or tilting.

[0060] It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a number of new and useful advantages. For example, specific embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages:

• to the inventors’ knowledge, this is the first accessible sex toy holder for people with hand limitations;

• the holder is versatile and flexible, and can be adapted in many ways to suit the needs of users having a wide variety of requirements;

• the holder is versatile across a range of pre-existing and bespoke sex toys offering further options for use;

• the holder can help assist users’ endurance, dexterity and coordination;

• the holder is gender fluid, designed for both male and female anatomy as well as for users who may identify across genders or may be transitioning;

• the soft cuddly design, shape and material increases both functional benefits of self-pleasure as well as emotional benefits of intimacy; and

• the holder is simple in construction and can easily be broken down for cleaning.

[0061] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0062] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. [0063] It is to be understood that any prior art publication referred to herein does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.