Description

DISPOSABLE DEVICE FOR WOMEN

Technical Field

[1] This invention relates to disposable and collapsible devices for sexual aid and for the cleansing and antisepsis of the vagina. Background Art

[2] For self-treatments of vaginal irritation, itching, or infections and for regular hygiene of the vagina, difficulties usually arise because the inner end of the vagina is ring- shaped, with the vaginal dome collapsing against the uterine cervix (anterior and posterior fornix). In addition, the vaginal walls are normally collapsed against each other; and the inner surfaces of the vaginal walls have multiple rugae, villi, folds, and creases. US Pat. No. 5,045,058 to Demetrakopoulos disclosed a phallic-shaped apparatus for the cleansing and antisepsis of the vagina that has some advantages over standard douching techniques. The apparatus, with a phallic- shaped solid soap body, can overcome the limitations of douching, simply because the user can stretch the vagina walls, sequentially even particular parts of the vagina, when applying soap and medication to these parts. The apparatus can deliver the lather formed on the outer surface of the phallic- shaped body to appropriate areas of the vagina. This stretching of the vagina may also allow for the draining of undesirable vaginal secretions from between inflamed rugae or folds. Therefore, it is the phallic or dildo-like shape that makes the apparatus efficient and effective at disinfecting the vagina, particularly when medicated solutions are used. Unfortunately, the reusable feature of the apparatus itself may cause some health concerns.

[3] In a very different field, dildos have been commonly used for sexual aid by stimulation of erogenous zones of the human body. Examples include the use of dildos for insertion into body orifices such as the vagina. The development of modern plastics and other moldable materials has enabled the mass production of dildos in a wide variety of forms in shape, design texture, and size. Dildos can be as simple as solid smooth-edged/contoured cylinders or as complex as replicas of human penises. Because of the material costs, dildos are mostly designed for reuse. However, even if people are willing to spend time and money, it is still burdensome to clean or sterilize dildos thoroughly after use to avoid any health concerns. Many dildos, mostly made of less expensive materials, cannot be sterilized via boiling or washing with detergents.

[4] Although people have accepted sexual aid devices such as dildos or vibrators for enhancing sexual pleasure, most people want to keep sexual devices concealed when not in use for fear of embarrassment. Therefore online sales of sexual devices become popular and more dominant than sex shops. However, it is very difficult to conceal

dildos in marketing, selling, purchasing, and storing because of their solid materials and considerable shapes and sizes. Thus some dildos are made at small sizes, but they have compromised effectiveness; others are made in shapes of regular toys or products, but they waste extra materials and time. US Pat. No. 6,599,236 to Castro disclosed a dildo in the form of a hollow shaft filled with a heated liquid. The shaft had to be rigid and/or thick enough to have the internal thread so that it can be kept sealed in use. Therefore, like other solid dildos, the dildo is not collapsible; the filled liquid serves only as a heating medium but not as a support . There are some thick-shelled rubber dildos with integral hand pumps, available in the current market, called 'inflatable dildos' with the capacity of increasing lateral size with air. However, just like other dildos, they are not collapsible and cannot be packed into a small package because of their full longitudinal sizes and considerable lateral sizes. All these limit or suppress the marketing power, distribution capacity, and market supply of dildos since no major retail outlet sells dildos in any current forms.

[5] Therefore, it would be very desirable to have a simple device 1) that can be used for the cleansing and antisepsis of the vagina; 2) that can function fully as a dildo of any predetermined size; 3) that is collapsible and able to be packed and sealed in a small package, substantially like a condom; 4) that is light for shipping and handling, convenient to carrying or storing, and easy to use; and 5) that is cheap enough to be disposable after one-time use. Thus, such a device would be more acceptable to the public, more marketable, and more suitable to be sold not only through the Internet or mail order but also in pharmacies and major retail stores.

[6] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide such a device that has all these advantages described above. Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. Disclosure of Invention Disclosure of Invention

[7] This invention presents a disposable and collapsible device both for sexual aid and for vaginal cleaning and hygiene and its methods of use.

[8] In accordance with several embodiments, the disposable and collapsible device comprises a pouch or bladder that is shaped substantially as a smooth-contoured cylinder at one end, like an ordinary condom without the nipple-end, and made of a sheet of a flexible, inelastic, airtight, and durable material. The bladder has an opening at the other end that can be fluid-tightly sealed by a standard valve or closure means or the like. The bladder can be inflated or filled by fluid through such a means. When inflated or filled, the bladder can penetrate the vagina as a dildo. The bladder can be collapsed, packed, and sealed into a small package when empty. Such a bladder can be

easily molded or textured in a variety of shapes, designs, colors, or sizes. It can be coated permanently with a layer of a material, such as a flexible absorbent material or an elastomeric gel that has the general tactile feel of human flesh. It can also have a temporary coating of a material, such as lubricant agent or liquid detergent.

[9] For use, the device is first inflated or filled, either by blowing or by pouring water in, through the valve or closure means or the like. When used as sexual aid, it can be either pre-lubricated or lubricated if desired. The method of use for the inflated or filled device is the same as that of ordinary dildos. When enclosing a mini- vibrator, the device functions as a conventional vibrator. For vaginal cleaning and hygiene, the device's method of use may depend on the physical forms of substances or medicines used. Medication or antiseptics in cream or gel are preferably applied onto the outer surface of the inflated or filled device before the device is inserted into the vagina. However, medication or antiseptics in liquid or solution are preferably, with water or alone, filled into the chamber of the device. After poking a few small holes in its walls with a sharp object such as a pinhead, the user inserts the device into the vagina and moves it to the appropriate areas. The medicine is delivered through the holes under the internal fluid pressure. When finished or discharged, the device is withdrawn from the vagina. The device can be refilled and inserted into the vagina repeatedly if desired. Similarly, the poked device can be also utilized for washing the vagina with detergent and water. After use, the device or only the bladder may be disposed. Brief Description Of Drawings

[10] Fig. 1 is a perspective sectional view of an inflated or filled device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[11] Fig. 2 is a perspective sectional view of an inflated or filled device with ring textures in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[12] Fig. 3 is a perspective sectional view of an inflated or filled device with a bubble surface in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[13] Fig. 4 is a perspective sectional view of an inflated or filled device with a coating in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[14] Fig. 5 is a perspective sectional view of an inflated or filled device with small holes in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[15] Fig. 6 is a sectional view of an inflated or filled device with double rounded ends in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[16] Fig. 7 is a perspective sectional view of a liquid-filled device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[17] Fig. 8 is a perspective sectional view of a liquid-filled device with ring textures and small holes in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[18] Fig. 9 is a perspective sectional view of a liquid-filled device enclosing a mini-

vibrator in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[19] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of a liquid-filled device with a detachable pouch in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[20] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a cap or closure integrated with a valve in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[21] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a cap or closure integrated with a vibrator in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Best Modes

[22] A preferred embodiment of the present invention, device 16, is illustrated in Fig. 1.

The device comprises a standard valve 20 for inflatable articles, as well known in the art, and a collapsible airtight bladder, sheath, or pouch 30 that is in the shape of phallic cylinders or condoms and is made of a sheet of a flexible, inelastic, and durable material, such as flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The pouch comprises a substantially cylindrical body 32, an opening or open-end 34 that has a rim or flange 35 at its periphery, and a rounded head or close-end 36. By its rim, the open-end is connected, sealed, and/or welded air-tightly with a seat or base 22 of valve 20. The chamber of pouch 30 is in fluid communication with the environment only through valve 20 and, when fully stretched, is substantially of size of the penis. A plug 24 and flap 26 of the valve can close the opening or tube of the valve.

[23] As illustrated in Fig. 2, device 16 can be textured with rings 40 on the outer surface of body 32. A plurality of rings 40 are spaced substantially equidistantly along the length of the body and molded or fastened onto the outer surface. Ring 40 is preferably made of a solid material. The ring texture is only one of a wide variety of textures that can be textured on the outer surface.

[24] As illustrated in Fig. 3, device 16 can alternatively have a spotty surface with bubbles 42, instead of a smooth one, on body 32. Pouch 30 is so molded that bubbles 42 are hollow and are only in fluid communication with the main chamber of the pouch. The bubble spot is only one of a variety of the hollow posts that can be molded into body 32.

[25] As illustrated in Fig. 4, device 16 can alternatively have an additional coat or coating

44 on the outer surface of pouch 30. Coating 44 is a layer of liquid or solid flexible materials and is mounted or fastened onto the outer surface either temporarily or permanently. As well known in the art, coating is an economic and efficient way to improve the physical and chemical properties of pouch 30. A coat of a flexible absorbent material can increase the liquid absorbability of the device; a coat of an elastomeric gel may provide the general tactile feel of human flesh; a coat of latex may provide further hygiene; and a temporary coating of lubricant agent can reduce the friction of the device with the human skin.

[26] As illustrated in Fig. 5, device 16 can alternatively have a plurality of small holes 38 in the walls of pouch 30. The holes are preferably made in or near head 36. Fluid inside the pouch can escape through the holes slowly or quickly, depending on the size and number of the holes, which can be made by manufacturers or by users poking the walls of pouch 30 with a needle or pinhead.

[27] The flexibility or collapsibility of pouch 30 allows emptied or deflated device 16 to be packed into a small package (not shown). Such a package may be sealed in ways well known in the art for hygiene, convenience, and concealment. The package can be torn open or pulled apart at its bonded seams, as known in the art.

[28] After removed from the package, device 16 is inflated by air or filled by liquid. The user loads the device either by blowing or by filling a liquid in through valve 20. The liquid is preferably warmed before the fill. The user can lubricate the outer surface of pouch 30 if desired. Thus, the device can be ready for use as a full sized dildo. The tactile sensation is enhanced by textures 40 or by filled bubbles 42. Furthermore, the use of the device as dildo may relax the muscle of vagina first so that the device with medication can be easily inserted into the vagina for the application of a medicine or an antiseptic thereafter.

[29] Device 16 can be an alternative to or replacement of a vibrator for enhancing sexual pleasure if the device encloses a mini- vibrator in the chamber of pouch 30 (not shown, but similarly illustrated in Fig. 9 for a mini-vibrator 50 in device 18). The make and use of mini- vibrators are known in the art. For mini- vibrators with a wireless or remote control, such a mini- vibrator may be pre-enclosed in device 16 when manufactured and its cord for a remote control, if any, may be pre-installed through base 22 (not shown, but similarly illustrated in Fig. 12 for a vibrator 50'). After inflating or filling device 16, the user starts the vibration. The mini-vibrator should also be waterproof or functional in liquid if the device intends to be filled with a liquid. For mini- vibrators without wireless or remote controls, the user starts such a mini- vibrator before inserting it into the device. This operation can be performed before or after filling the device with a liquid. However, if the device is inflated with air, the operation should be done before inflating. If flap 26 of valve 20 is too much of an obstacle against the insertion of the mini-vibrator, valves with different designs or mechanisms (not shown) should be used instead. It is known in the art that the tube and the check means of some valves are separable or detachable before closing. Such valves can provide wider openings for the insertion of the mini-vibrator. Therefore, the mini- vibrator may be recharged and reused.

[30] For the cleansing and antisepsis of the vagina, the user first applies a layer of the medicine or antiseptic on the outer surface of pouch 30 if the substance, in a physical form such as cream, can be temporally coated on the surface. Then the user inserts the

device into the vagina, moves it to appropriate or needed areas of the vagina and withdraws it from the vagina when finishing. This procedure is repeated until sufficient substance has been delivered to the needed areas. Device 16 with coating 44 of absorbent material can absorb liquid medicines or antiseptics well and, then, can be used in a similar procedure.

[31] Furthermore, the user can fill medicines or antiseptics in liquid or solution, mixed with water or alone, into device 16 when loading it. After poking a few small holes 38, preferably on the area near head 36, in the walls of pouch 30 with a fine sharp object such as a pinhead, the user inserts the device into the vagina and moves it to the appropriate areas. The substance (medicine or antiseptic) is delivered through holes 38 under the internal fluid pressure. The user may squeeze the device to accelerate the delivering process. When finished or discharged, the device is withdrawn from the vagina. Holes 38 are small in size so that the discharge process of the device through the holes is slow enough to allow the device to be refilled and inserted into the vagina repeatedly. A pre -holed device 16 can be utilized in the same manner.

[32] Furthermore, the poked or pre-holed device 16 can be also utilized for washing the vagina with detergent liquid or water in the same way as described above. This procedure can be repeated until the vagina has been adequately flushed.

[33] After use, the device may be disposed to further avoid any potential for sexually transmitted diseases or other health concerns.

[34] As illustrated in Fig. 6, device 16' - an alternative to device 16 - comprises a standard valve 20', a collapsible bladder 30' in the shape of a cylinder with two rounded-ends and of a sheet of a flexible and inelastic durable airtight material, and an opening 34' in the wall of the bladder. Valve 20' is almost identical to valve 20 except that the former has a base 22' significantly smaller than base 22 of the latter. Bladder 30' can be also formed with two pouches 30 that are air-tightly and smoothly connected by their rims 35 (not shown). Opening 34' is preferably located at the substantial middle of bladder 30' and air-tightly sealed with base 22' at their peripheries. The chamber of bladder 30' is in fluid communication with the environment only through valve 20'. Device 16' can be loaded by air or liquid and used as a dildo with double heads.

[35] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention, device 18, is illustrated in

Fig. 7. This device comprises a partially removable closure 20" - a threaded neck or mouth and cap structure of a bottle, as well known in the art, made of rigid materials - as a replacement for valve 20 in device 16. A shoulder or base 22" is connected to the threaded neck and seals open-end 34 of pouch 30 fluid- tightly by its rim 35. A cap 24" can be screwed and secured onto the neck to seal the mouth and, therefore, the pouch fluid-tightly. Device 18 is easy to use with liquid. A user simply unscrews cap 24" off the neck, fills the pouch with preferably warm or warmed water or liquid through the

mouth, and screws the cap on again. The filled device 18 can be used as a dildo or a tool for the cleansing and antisepsis of the vagina like devices 16. The body of device 18 - pouch 30 - can be also textured or molded like that of device 16. As illustrated in Fig. 8, device 18 is poked or pre-holed and textured with a plurality of rings 40. If cap 24" is integrated with valve 20, as shown in Fig. 11, device 18 can be conveniently used for both air and liquid. After use, the device is disassembled; the pouch is disposed; and optionally the cap may be kept and reused.

[36] As illustrated in Fig. 9, device 18 can enclose a mini- vibrator 50. The mini- vibrator is either waterproof or functional in water. Furthermore, the mini-vibrator is preferably wirelessly or remotely controllable. Its control can be built in or integrated with cap 24" (not shown, but similar to what is shown in Fig. 12 for a vibrator 50'). Before use, mini- vibrator 50 is usually kept separate from device 18. A user puts the mini- vibrator into the chamber of pouch 30 before or after filling the device with water. The filled device 18 containing the mini- vibrator functions as a vibrator for sexual aid. If cap 24" is replaced by a cap integrated with a valve as shown in Fig. 12, the device can be inflated by air as well. Furthermore, the device can be easily assembled and disassembled so that the mini- vibrator can be recharged and reused, but the rest or pouch is disposable.

[37] As illustrated in Fig. 10, device 18' - an alternative to device 18 - comprises a completely removable or detachable closure 20", including cap 24" and the threaded neck with base 22" and a top surface 26'. The two devices are different only in their ways of sealing pouch 30: at the top of the neck, with cap 24" , detachably for device 18' while at the bottom of base 22" permanently for device 18. Therefore, closure 20" is completely separable or detachable from the pouch, which substantially conforms to the inner surface of the neck. Before use, the collapsible pouch may be packed and sealed in a small package, just like a condom, and be kept separate from the closure. The user removes the pouch from the package, inserts the pouch through the mouth, mounts rim 35, preferably reinforced (not shown here), or a bead 35' of the pouch (as shown) on top surface 26' of the neck, fills the pouch up with water, and screws cap 24" onto the neck tightly. As a result, pouch 30 is filled, secured, and sealed fluid- tightly with closure 20". After use, the device is emptied and disassembled; the pouch is removed and disposed; and the closure can be kept for reuse. Similarly, pouch 30 of device 18' can be also textured like device 18.

[38] Cap 24" can be integrated with valve 20 which base 22 is merged into the cap cover at the cap center, as illustrated in Fig. 11. The integrated cap enables device 18 or 18' to be easy-to-use for both air and liquid. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 12, cap 24" can be also integrated with a waterproof vibrator 50', which control panel and batteries (not shown) are installed and enclosed in a case 52 on top of the cap and which vibrating

part is installed through an opening (not shown) at the center of the cap and seals the opening fluid- tightly. Replacing cap 24", the integrated cap with the control panel enables device 18 or 18' to function as a controllable vibrator for sexual aid.

Industrial Applicability [39] Accordingly the reader can see that, according to the various embodiments of the present invention, we have provided a disposable and collapsible device for sexual aid and for the cleansing and antisepsis of the vagina. [40] A number of advantages of the present invention, from the descriptions above, is evident:

• It is a simple, safe, effective, and economical device.

• It can be effectively used for the cleansing and antisepsis of the vagina.

• It is cheap enough to be disposable after one-time use for avoiding any health concerns.

• It can be easily packed in a small sealed package and concealed in marketing, selling, purchasing, and storing.

• It is a simple, cheap, effective, and safe alternative to or replacement of vibrators for sexual pleasure when enclosing a mini-vibrator.

• It significantly reduces the amount of materials needed for conventional dildos while it still functions fully as a dildo with any size, feel, and comfort.

• It is light in weight for easy and convenient carrying, shipping, and handling.

• It easily enhances comfort of use by filling with warm water.

• It can be easily manufactured in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors.

• It is suitable for sale not only through the Internet or mail order but also in pharmacies and retail stores as healthcare products.

[41] Therefore, according to the embodiments, the invention are more acceptable for the public, demandable, and marketable than similar products currently sold.

[42] While the above description contains many specificities, they should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the invention. For example, 1) there can be different combinations of the embodiments described above, such as a pouch with a smaller opening sealed by the valve with a small base as used in the bladder with double heads; 2) the device can be made in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors, such as having a pouch head in the shape of a semi- spherical surface in diameter larger than that of its cylindrical body; 3) the device can use a variety of different valves and closures in design or mechanism; and 4) the configuration of the device can be very

different from what are illustrated in the embodiments described above, such as having the open-end of the pouch sealed to the base of the valve or closure means on its top instead of on its bottom.

[43] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.