Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device, in particular for stimulation of body parts, a set comprising the device and an evacuation system, a valve mechanism for the device and a use of the device.

Background Art

Devices for stimulation of body parts are available in various shapes and sizes. A typical such de- vice for stimulation of body parts might be a dildo or a vibrator used for sexual stimulation. An example of such a device is e.g. known from US7828717B2.

Typically, the shape and size of such known stimulation devices are static and cannot be adapted to the respective individual need of the user. However, each user might prefer a different shape of the stimulation device for the user's respective physical comfort while using it.

Disclosure of the Invention

The problem to be solved by the present inven- tion is therefore to provide a stimulation device that can be adapted in shape and size to the respective needs of the user.

The subjects of the independent claims solve this problem. Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention concerns a device, in particular for stimulation of body parts, comprising a valve mechanism adapted to evacuate and vent a volume and to maintain a respective state of the volume. In addition, the device comprises a flexible shell forming said volume. A bulk material is comprised in said volume and thus is comprised in particular also in the flexible shell.

Maintaining the respective state of the volume refers to keeping the volume within the shell constantly at the same pressure. By means of evacuating and flushing the shell with air, the size of the volume can be changed. In particular, by means of evacuating and flushing the shell with air, the pressure within the shell can be changed.

If the volume is flushed, the bulk material comprised within the shell can be moved since there is enough space or air between the individual bulk particles. Therefore, the shape of the volume respectively the shell can be changed and adapted to the specific need accord- ingly.

By means of evacuating the volume, a negative relative pressure is created and the bulk material is wedged together, respectively jammed or clogged together, in the flexible shell, such that the bulk material stiffens and the bulk material surrounded by the shell results in a essentially stiffened respectively hardened shape. The stiffened shape lasts until the venting of the device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flexible shell encloses the valve mechanism except for an opening to evacuate and vent the volume.

The opening might be reduced to the entrance hole of the air only but might also extend over a certain section of the valve. In particular, the opening is ar- ranged on a side of the valve mechanism facing away from the extension of the shell. In particular, the opening forms the only edge of the shell, wherein the rest of the shell is formed in particular in once piece.

In a further embodiment of the device, the flexible shell is formed in one piece. Being formed in one piece refers in particular to a shell that forms one sur- face. Such a surface can also be the result of several pieces of shell material that are connected with joints to form one surface.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the material of the shell is selected from the group consisting of native elastomers, reinforced elasto- mers, composite materials, in particular fabrics, fibres, or polymers, rubber, silicone, elastomers, composite hy- brid materials, latex or a combination thereof.

Advantageously, the bulk material is a granular or formable material. It might consist of heterogeneous or homogenous sized and/or formed particles. Advantageously, the material is selected from the group consisting of non- toxic ground materials such as PE, PET, PEEK, PP, PTFE, TPE, PC, PS and other polymers of organic and inorganic materials, or combinations / mixtures thereof.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the de- vice has a longitudinal axis and the valve mechanism and the shell are arranged in particular next to each other, essentially along this longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the shell covers partly the valve mechanism with only said opening uncovered. The opening is advantageously arranged at an interconnection of the shell and the valve mechanism, advantageously the opening faces in a direction away from the shell. In particular, if the shell is facing in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the device, the opening faces in the opposite direction of the longitudinal axis.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the shell extends until the side of the valve mechanism that faces away from the shell. Therefore, along the longitudinal axis of the device, the shell extends along the full longitudinal extension of the device, wherein on both ends of the longitudinal axis, the device ends with the shell. There is only an opening in the shell for the air to enter or leave the valve mechanism. Advan- tageously, the shell encircles the opening. In particular, only a small opening of the size of the air entrance for the valve mechanism is left uncovered by the shell.

An advantageous device comprises means for con- trolling the valve mechanism, in particular for activating the flushing and/or evacuation of the volume. In particu- lar, such means might be a button or an electronic signal.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the valve mechanism is adapted to connect to an evacuation system for evacuating the volume. Such evacuation system might be an external evacuation station, wherein the valve mechanism is adapted to connect to such a station.

A further advantageous embodiment of the in- vention comprises a filter unit. Advantageously, such fil- ter unit is arranged between the valve mechanism and the bulk material. In particular, such valve mechanism is adapted to prevent the bulk material to intrude the valve mechanism. In addition, such a filter might prevent the volume respectively the bulk material to be contaminated with dirt, bacteria or other microorganisms that could cause hazardous fouling within the volume, or water from the outside.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises additionally to the volume a second volume. Ad- vantageously in such an embodiment, the valve mechanism is not only connected with the volume but also with the second volume. The valve mechanism is adapted to evacuate and flash the second volume. In particular, for an embodiment with a volume and a second volume, the valve mechanism has a connection to the volume and a second connection to the second volume.

Advantageously, the second volume can be ar- ranged within the volume. Such arrangement of the second volume within the volume would in particular correspond to an inflatable chamber that is arranged within the volume. In addition, such arrangement of the second volume would allow to increase the total size of the end of the shell that faces away from the valve mechanism, in particular the shapeable part of shell, by blowing it up like a bal- loon. Such inflatable chamber might be used to adapt the pressure within the volume.

A further advantageous embodiment might com- prise a second volume that is arranged outside the volume. Such second volume might have its individual connection to the valve mechanism. In addition, such a second volume might enclosed within the shell. In particular, it might be enclosed within the shell but separated from the volume by means of a separating wall. Advantageously, such second volume is arranged close to the valve mechanism. Advanta- geously, the second volume V ₂ is smaller than the volume V ₁ , in particular V ₂ ≤ 1/3 V ₁ .

In particular, the second volume can be con- trolled independently from the volume by means of an addi- tional control means, e.g. an additional button.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the sec- ond volume might be arranged outside the volume and en- closed by a second shell. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the volume and the second volume do not share the same shell. The shell and the second shell might be of different materials, in particular from different material of the list mentioned before for the shell.

There might be a further advantageous embodi- ment of the invention, wherein the device comprises one or more functional elements arranged within the volume. Such elements might be attached at the inner side of the flex- ible shell, within the volume.

The one or more functional elements are in par- ticular one or more electrical elements. The electrical elements might be in particular vibrating elements, tem- perature control elements, sensors, and/or actuators, in particular pressure sensors, temperature sensors and/or thermal and/or mechanical actuators, such as e.g. heating cartridges and valves. Such functional elements might serve to personalize the stimulation experience for the user of the device. In particular, such elements might be control- lable individually. It might be possible, that a specific controller in the device can run a program that might ac- tivate the respective functional elements in a specific order or intensity.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the vol- ume is sectioned into one or more compartments. In partic- ular, such compartments might have the form of fingers, in particular the shape of two or three fingers. In further embodiments, such compartments might advantageously also have the form of lumps and/or bumps.

A second aspect of the invention refers to a set of the device according to the first aspect of the invention and an evacuation system. The opening of the device is configured to connect to the evacuation system. Such evacuation system might be a docking station wherein the device is not only evacuated but which also provides an interface for re-charging the device.

Advantageously, the set comprises further a mould, wherein the mould is designed as a template for the form of the shell and the bulk material. If the device is in a flushed state, the device can be pressed into the mould, such that the volume and the shell form accordingly to the form of the mould. While pressed into the mould, the volume is evacuated and the bulk material in the volume wedges such that the shell and the material harden in the shape of the mould.

A third aspect of the invention refers to a mould for the set according to the second aspect of the invention.

A fourth aspect of the invention refers to a valve mechanism for the device according to the first as- pect of the invention. The valve mechanism comprises an energy source, a vacuum pump, a valve and a controller. The controller is adapted to control the valve mechanism and might be adapted to control the functional elements, if present.

Advantageously, the valve mechanism comprises a cover that is adapted to protect the valve mechanism and in particular, to prevent misuse of the valve, e.g. the unintentional pressure of a button to control the valve mechanism. A fifth aspect of the invention refers to the use of the device according to the first aspect of the invention. The device might be used for the stimulation or massage of body parts.

A sixth aspect of the invention refers to a method for shaping the device. The method comprises the steps of pressing at least a section of the shell forming the volume into a mould, while the volume is in a flushed state, such that at least the section of the shell form- ing the volume adapts to the shape of the mould. In addi- tion, the method comprises to step of evacuating the vol- ume while at least a section of the shell forming the volume is pressed into the mould and adapted to the shape of the mould. And eventually removing the device from the mould. At least a section of the shell forming the volume has the shape of the mould after this proceeding. There- fore, the method serves to shape the shell forming the volume and therefore the device into a specific shape de- fined by the mould.

A seventh aspect of the invention refers to a further device, in particular for stimulation of body parts, comprising a bellow mechanism adapted to create essentially atmospheric pressure in a volume in an ex- tended state, or a slight relative negative pressure, and a slight overpressure in the volume in a compressed state. The bellow mechanism is adapted to maintain a re- spective state of a volume. A flexible shell is forming the volume and a bulk material is comprised within said volume. In an extended state of the bellow mechanism, the flexible shell and the bulk material are hardened in a specific shape. This means, that the bulk material can- not move within the flexible shell, which is why the shape of the volume respectively the flexible shell con- taining the bulk material cannot be changed. In the com- pressed state of the bellow mechanism, the slight over- pressure in the volume allows the bulk material to move within the flexible shell, since the overpressure creates air space between the bulk material pieces.

In particular, in a compressed state of the bellow mechanism the shell is not under tension and the volume comprising the bulk material can be formed into the preferred shape. In the extended state of the bellow mech- anism the shell and the shell with the bulk material hard- ens into the respective shape, in particular if there is a slight relative negative pressure within the shell.

In an advantageous embodiment of a further device the flexible shell encloses the bellow mechanism completely.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the further device, the flexible shell is formed in one piece.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the further device, the material of the flexible shell is se- lected from the group consisting of native elastomers, reinforced elastomers, composite materials, in particular fabrics, fibres, or polymers, rubber, silicone, elasto- mers, composites, hybrid materials, latex or a combina- tion thereof.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a further device, the bulk material is selected from the group consisting of non-toxic ground materials such as PE, PET, PEEK, PP, PTFE, TPE, PC, PS and other polymers of organic and inorganic materials, or combinations/mix- tures thereof.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the further device, the device has a longitudinal axis and the bellow mechanism and the shell are arranged essen- tially along this longitudinal axis, in particular wherein the shell has no opening.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the further device according to one of the preceding claims 22 to 27, wherein the shell extends until the side of the bellow mechanism facing away from the shell.

A further advantageous embodiment of the fur- ther device comprises means, in particular a button (5), for controlling the bellow mechanism (15), in particular for activating the compression/extension of the bellow mechanism.

A further advantageous embodiment of a fur- ther device comprises a filter unit that is arranged be- tween the bellow mechanism and the bulk material, in par- ticular for preventing the bulk material to intrude the bellow mechanism.

A further advantageous embodiment of a fur- ther device comprises a second volume, wherein the bellow mechanism is in particular also connected with the second volume.

A further advantageous embodiment of a fur- ther device, wherein the second volume is arranged within the volume, or arranged outside the volume and enclosed by the flexible shell, or arranged outside the volume and enclosed by a second shell.

A further advantageous embodiment of the fur- ther device comprises one or more functional elements that are arranged within the volume. In particular, wherein the one or more functional elements are one or more electrical elements, in particular wherein the func- tional elements are one or more of vibrating elements, of temperature control elements, of sensors, and/or of actu- ators.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the further device, the volume is sectioned into one or more compartments, in particular into the shape of two or three fingers.

An eighth aspect of the invention refers to a set of the device or the further device and a mould, wherein the mould is designed as a template for the form of the shell and the bulk material.

A ninth aspect of the invention refers to the use of the further device for the stimulation or massage of body parts.

A tenth aspect of the invention refers to a method for shaping the further device comprising the steps: pressing at least a section of the shell forming the volume into a mould, while the bellow mecha- nism is in an compressed state, such that at least the section of the shell forming the volume adapts to the shape of the mould, releasing the bellow mechanism into an ex- tended state while at least a section of the shell form- ing the volume is pressed into the mould to harden the shape of the volume in the mould, and removing the device from the mould in with the hardened shape of the volume.

An eleventh aspect refers to a mould config- ured for the use in the method for shaping the further device.

It is understood that the definitions and ex- planations used for the device can also be applied for the further device. It is understood that the various embodi- ments, preferences, and method steps as disclosed in the specification may be combined at will, if not otherwise specified or explicitly excluded. Other advantageous em- bodiments are listed in the dependent claims as well as in the description below.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become ap- parent when consideration is given to the following de- tailed description thereof. Such description makes refer- ence to the annexed drawings, wherein: Fig 1. shows a schematic of a device according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2a and 2b show schematics of devices ac- cording to further advantageous embodiments of the inven- tion; Fig 3 shows a schematic of a further advanta- geous embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4a and 4b show schematics of further ad- vantageous embodiments of the device according to the in- vention; Fig. 5a and 5b show a schematic of a valve mechanism according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic of a set of a device and an evacuation system according to an advantageous em- bodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a schematic of method steps ac- cording to an advantageous method for shaping the device; and

Fig. 8 shows an advantageous embodiment of a further device. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

While there are shown and described presently preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be dis- tinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and prac- ticed within the scope of the following claims.

The embodiments of the device 100 shown in Fig. 1 to 7 all comprise a valve mechanism 1, adapted to evacuate and vent a volume and to maintain a respective state of the volume. The embodiments further comprise a flexible shell 2 forming the volume and a bulk material 3 comprised within the volume. In the flushed state of the volume, the flexible shell 2 and the bulk material 3 are adaptable to a shape. In the evacuated state of the volume, the bulk material 3 and the flexible shell 2 are essentially hard- ened in the shape present at the time of the evacuation.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic of an advantageous embodiment of the invention. The flexible shell 2 encloses the valve mechanism 1 except for an opening 4 that is adapted to evacuate and vent the volume.

Advantageously, the flexible shell 2 in Fig. 1 is formed in one piece. However, the flexible shell 2 can also be formed out of multiple pieces which are connected together forming one outer shell 2.

The device 100 in Fig. 1 has a longitudinal axis 200, wherein the valve mechanism 1 and the shell 2 are arranged essentially along this longitudinal axis 200. The opening 4 is advantageously arranged on a side of the valve mechanism 1 that faces away from the shell 2. In particular, the opening 4 is arranged close by or directly along the longitudinal axis 200 of the device 100.

Advantageously, as shown in the figure, the shell 2 extends until the side of the valve mechanism 1 that faces away from the shell and encircles the opening 4. In particular, the opening 4 might be encircled very tightly. In particular, only a small opening 4 of the size of the air entrance for the valve mechanism 1 is left uncovered by the shell 2.

In addition, the embodiment in Fig. 1 advanta- geously has means for controlling the valve mechanism. Such means might be in particular a button 5 for evacuating the flushing volume. Advantageously, the button 5 is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the device 100. However, the button 5 might be arranged anywhere at the device 100, as long as it is connected with the valve mechanism 1 to control the same. Such means might also be comprised in the embodiments shown in other figures.

Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment of the invention as shown in Fig. 1 might comprise a filter unit 6. The filter unit 6 in this embodiment is arranged between the valve mechanism 1 and the bulk material 3. In partic- ular, the filter unit 3 prevents the bulk material 3 to intrude the valve mechanism 1. In addition, the filter unit 6 might prevent dirt and water to intrude the volume. Such filter unit 6 might also be comprised in other embodiments shown in the figures.

Advantageously, the material of the flexible shell 2 of the shown embodiment of the device is selected from the group consisting of native elastomers, reinforced elastomers, composite materials, in particular fabrics, fibres, or polymers, rubber, silicone, elastomers, compo- sites, hybrid materials, latex or a combination thereof.

Advantageously, the material of the bulk mate- rial 3 of the shown embodiment of the device is selected from the group consisting of non-toxic ground materials such as PE, PET, PEEK, PP, PTFE, TPE, PC, PS and other polymers of organic and inorganic materials, or combina- tions/mixtures thereof.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the valve mechanism 1 is adapted to connect to an evacua- tion system 10 for evacuating the volume. Fig. 2a and 2b show further embodiments of the device 100 according to the invention, wherein each embod- iment comprises a second volume. The valve mechanism 1 is connected with the second volume by an individual connec- tion to vent and evacuate the second volume. In particular, the second volume V2 is smaller than the volume V ₁ , in particular V ₂ ≤ 1/3 V ₁ .

As shown in Fig. 2a and 2b, the second volume might be separated from the first volume by a second shell 7.

In Fig. 2a, the second volume is arranged close by the valve mechanism 1. In particular, the second volume can be controlled independently from the volume by means of an additional control means, in particular an additional button. The second volume is enclosed by a second shell 7. In particular, the second shell might be thinner or thicker than the shell 2 itself. A material layer is arranged be- tween the volume and the second volume.

In Fig. 2b, the second volume is arranged within the volume. In particular, the second volume extends along the longitudinal axis 200 of the device 100. In par- ticular, the second volume extends along less than 1/3 of the extension of the device 100 along the longitudinal axis 200. A second shell 7 encloses the second volume.

Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the in- vention. The device 100 in Fig. 3 comprises functional elements 8 that are attached at the inner side of the flexible shell within the volume. The functional elements might be electrical elements that are connected to the valve mechanism 1. The valve mechanism might comprise a controller and an energy source for the functional ele- ments. The functional elements might be vibrating elements, elements for controlling the temperature of the bulk mate- rial or the shell, sensors and/or actuators. Fig. 4a and 4b show further embodiments of the invention, wherein the volume is sectioned into one or more compartments 9. In Fig. 4a, the compartment has a thumb- like shape. In Fig. 4b, the volume is sectioned into mul- tiple compartments 9, which form in particular three fin- gers. The shell 2 surrounds the compartments 9.

Fig. 5a and 5b show an enlarged view of the valve mechanism 1. The valve mechanism 1 comprises in par- ticular an energy source 101, a vacuum pump, a valve 103, and a controller 104. As shown in Fig. 5b, the opening 4 and the means 5 for controlling the valve mechanism 1 might be protected with a cover 41 adapted to prevent misuse of the valve 103.

Fig. 6 shows a set of the device 100 according to an aspect of the invention. The set comprises the device 100 and an evacuation system 10. The opening 4 of the valve mechanism 1 is adapted to connect to the evacuation system 10 to evacuate the volume. Such evacuation system might be designed as a docking station, wherein the device 100 is docking to the station in an upright position as shown in Fig. 6. However, the docking station might be designed such that the device is docking to it in a horizontal position. In particular, the evacuation system is not only evacuating the volume but might also the energy source of the device at the same time.

Fig. 7a-c show the schematic of method steps according to an advantageous embodiment of a method for shaping the device 100. A mould 11 is used for shaping the device. As shown in Fig. 7a, the device 100 with a flushed volume is brought into the mould 11. Advantageously, only the section that is shapeable is brought into the mould 11. If positioned in the mould 11, the volume is evacuated until it hardens. Afterwards, the mould 11 is removed. The device 100 removed from the mould 11 and has adapted the shape of the mould 11.

Fig. 8a and 8b show an advantageous embodiment of a further device 101 in two different states. Fig. 8a shows the further device 101 with a bellow mechanism 15 in an extended state. The shell 2 is under tension and the volume comprising the bulk material 3 in the flexible shell 2 is hardened in the respective shape. In Fig 8b, the further device 101 is in a second state. The bellow mech- anism 15 is compressed and therefore the air or other gas in the bellow mechanism 15 is pressed into the volume and creates a slight overpressure in the volume. Therefore, the bulk material 3 in the volume is free to move within the shell 2 and the shell with the bulk material are adapt- able to a respective shape.

A preferred use of all the demonstrated embod- iments in the figures is for the stimulation or massage of body parts.

The further device 101 in Fig. 8 might also be embodied with features shown in Fig. 1 to 5 of the device 100 as well as applied with the method shown in Fig. 7.