Patent Application
20220226147
The present invention relates to the domain of male contraceptive devices and comes from the category A61 F 6/02 (“Contraceptive devices for use by males”) in the meaning of the International Patent Classification. More specifically the invention relates to an annular device which does not require either taking hormones or surgery, in order to get a contraceptive effect in men. The invention also relates to a use of this annular device and to a production process thereof.
A device for contraception by increasing the temperature in the scrotum is known, for example, from the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,939 A. This device consists of a heating pocket receiving the scrotum and which attaches to the penis by a pair of attachment bands. The contraceptive effect results from the principle that heat stops spermatogenesis. The pocket has a double wall allowing insertion of a heating element electrically connected to a power source.
This type of solution is not ergonomic, and the lack of comfort makes the device unattractive. Further, the presence of an electric heating element poses some risks for the user. It should also be observed that the use of heating briefs, as shown in particular by the document CN 103919284 A, has not caused a sensation.
Another method for heating the testicles is taking hot baths in which the testicles are regularly submerged in hot water. This method is not convenient and is time-consuming because it involves a complicated process with a complex structure. Further, it does not avoid the risk of burns.
There therefore remains the need for improving the devices with which to get a male contraceptive effect in terms of ergonomics and comfort while having an effectiveness for avoiding getting temperature conditions favorable to spermatogenesis.
The condom corresponds to a widespread solution for contraception. However, it constitutes a disposable product which is relatively costly and ecologically debatable. Further, the failure rate is non-negligible, which can be attributed to the fact that it can slide unseen or can tear. It remains vulnerable to risks of damage (in combination with certain chemical contraceptive supplied to the outside or because of handling which attacks the material). Further, the condom interferes with the sexual act and can have a blocking or attenuating effect on sensations.
To improve the situation, the invention relates to a male contraceptive device suited for encircling a shaft by having a generally annular shape around a virtual longitudinal axis, where the device comprises:
Typically, the surface portion is formed at least in part by the inner grip surface and/or by retaining means forming a slit which extends under the inner grip surface.
The scrotal skin portion may be placed and held between the shaft placed in the inner volume and the surface portion with a retaining effect which is not uncomfortable, for thermal male contraceptive effect in the raised state of the device with the shaft and the scrotal skin of the empty scrotum encircled.
A very good compromise between comfort and retaining the scrotal skin results is obtained with tightened protrusions, in particular on an (inner) surface portion for the contact against the scrotal skin. It is therefore preferable to arrange at least 8 protrusions belonging to a single circular trajectory in a transverse section of the annular device, over a half (semi-circumference, meaning over a semi-ring) for contact with the scrotal skin. It is understood that a series of at least 15 or 16 protrusions on such a half ring (alignment of 15 or 16 protrusions on a generally semicircular path) may be provided for making the points of contact with retaining effect denser. These protrusions, which project inward, serve to multiply the discrete/discontinuous contact zones for which the spacing is reduced. Preferably at least 20 to 25 protrusions are distributed over a full circumference according to a transverse section view of the ring.
In a preferred embodiment, the two annular edges, the outer face and the inner face are formed by a single body, typically made in a single part. When retaining means forming a slit are provided, the means may also be formed from this deformable plastic body. Alternatively, such retaining means may be added onto the body, typically from the side of the lower part.
By way of these arrangements, in particular with protrusions, the device forms a penis-scrotal ring, where the inner face exerts a holding action on the scrotal skin portion in a configuration encircling both the shaft and the empty scrotum. The device provides a convenient way to move and raise the testicles, by sliding the inner face rearward against the shaft, and by inter-spacing the empty scrotum in the opposite direction between the shaft and the inner attachment surface. The rear edge of the device then acts as damn/barrier to prevent the testicles from descending, the testicles remaining near the inguinal canal. The protrusions led to an improvement in testicles holding to supra-scrotal position in order to induce an increase of the temperature of the testicles with the body as the only heat source, by limiting the sliding during motion (e.g. walking, running, jumping, etc.). They improve the general hold of the ring to the root of the shaft.
In men, induction of a temperature increase of a few degrees in the testicles held over a long time and repeated daily leads to a reduction of the production of sperm and of their mobility. The device serves to displace the testicles, from the scrotum to the root of the shaft near the outer orifice of the inguinal canal, i.e. in a warmer area. The use remains simple because placement of the penis and scrotum inside the ring without the testicles is a quick operation.
Reversibility of the method (temporary infertility/individually controlled), and the absence of side effects are further significant advantages.
Preferably, the device has a ring shape, and material making up the flexible and deformable inner face makes it possible to slide the ring around the shaft and the scrotum, without effect of striction on the shaft, so long as the ring is in contact by the rear edge against the abdominal area of the groin.
According to a particular option, the device is essentially made of elastomer, typically a silicone. This type of flexible but adhering material, presence of specific protrusions in a ring design (ring whose diameter may be preset according to a suitable size, for example by choosing between at least three sizes: 30 mm, 40 mm and 50 mm diameter or 33, 38 and 43 mm, as nonlimiting examples), allow the device to be held/maintained in place while guaranteeing a stability of the testicles at an optimal position for induction of a small temperature increase with the user body as the only heat source and by preventing the device from causing a penile restriction or any other alteration of the corpora cavernosa of the penis.
It may be advantageous, in particular for optimizing comfort, to use a rear edge perpendicular (for the most part) to the longitudinal axis.
Rows of protrusions are formed in the longitudinal direction, on the inner face, with a staggered arrangement of the protrusions in order to reduce the size of the spaces between the protrusions (the maximum inter-protrusion distance may be less than 5 or 7 mm, for example, on the inner face including the surface portion for the scrotal contact, or at least as it relates to a part forming half of the inner face). More generally, a network of protrusions is formed with rows of at least three or four protrusions along the longitudinal direction.
According to a specific feature, the inner face has an annular configuration with which to define a through passage whose radial extension measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, is at least 27 mm and at most 53 mm in an undeformed state (material not stretched).
The device may have a longitudinal dimension (measured along the longitudinal axis) larger than the maximum thickness of the device.
According to a specific feature, the device has a shape which is different from the toroidal shape by a section which is oblong instead of circular (oblong section along a section made in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis).
As a nonlimiting example, the through passage delimited by the inner face is adapted to be deformed by elastic deformation of the flexible material forming the device, where the distance between the two annular edges is preferably comprised between 15 and 24 mm at least on the side of the surface portion for the scrotal contact.
Optionally, the protrusions have the shape of bulges/nubs, the device comprising a flexible polymer material to define the nubs (a network of bulges/nubs constitutes a good compromise between the requirement of comfort and the adhesion to the skin of the penis and/or the scrotum).
According to a specific feature, the Shore A hardness of the flexible material is advantageously included between 8 and 30, for example of order 10 or 15. A low hardness significantly improves the comfort, because the material is softer, whereas the nubs or similar protrusions improve the anti-slip effect.
When the nubs have half-bead shape, they can have different diameters, for example depending on the position thereof, in order to improve the grip and give a rounder general inner shape.
It may be advantageous to form at least five bulges/nubs per square centimeter of inner grip surface. According to an option, at least eight nubs per square centimeter are provided, where this arrangement is preferably valid for the entirety of the inner face. Thus, the typically low hardness of the material combines with the irregularity of the inner grip surface in order to get a very good compromise between comfort and staying in position.
According to a specific feature, the perimeter of the nubs (and therefore the size of these nubs) increases when going away from the two annular edges of the device.
A device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features:
According to a specific feature, locally the two projections form a same device's extra thickness, where a maximum thickness of the device, at least on the upper side of the device, is obtained.
According to a specific feature, the protrusions have a hollow and/or are a suction-cup shape. At least for a part of the protrusions, they may be wider than high, while also typically having a height of around 1 mm (each protrusion being significant, fully visible individually to the naked eye).
More generally such protrusions, sufficiently marked, form large interstitial spaces compliant with perspiration.
In an optional embodiment, the ring body has a notch for passage of the scrotal skin over the front edge side.
According to a specific feature, the median plane separating the device in two halves is a plane of symmetry, preferably a vertical plane of symmetry cutting/passing through the upper surface portion and the inner grip surface.
Optionally, the two projections form compression points, by serving to stabilize and prevent sliding of the testicles (sliding which could lead to their descent in the scrotum). They improve maintaining of the testicles in supra-scrotal position by the action of the ring forming body.
The ring, by firmly enclosing the penis and scrotum, exerts an upward counterforce serving to keep the testicles and the intended position. Likewise as it relates to the part of the scrotum which consequently cannot be inserted into the ring (part of the perineal zone), it is observed that it is tensed and held empty by the counter pressure exerted by the ring holding the penis and the scrotum.
The option with the two projections (forming restraining/compression points) advantageously limits the risk that the testicles could just the same migrate towards the perineal zone (poorly placed ring, sports practice, etc.), driving a slight sliding of the ring on the penis and the scrotum and therefore releasing the exerted counter pressure. Indeed, the projections contribute to barring the route to the testicles by exerting a pressure on the paths for descent around the ring towards the perineal zone.
Optionally, the material constituting the device is impermeable, preferably hydrophobic. This hydrophobic property typically serves to define a contact angle with liquid water (water in droplet/drop form) over 100°. This angle, for example, is of order 110-111° for a silicone type material.
According to a feature, the flexible material body forming the ring is solid, being free of internal cavities between the inner face and the outer face.
As a nonlimiting example, the average thickness of the material in the body forming the ring may be included between 1.5 and 7 mm, preferably between 2 and 5 mm. Thus, the external bulk of the device around the shaft is minimized.
The traction strength of the material may be at least 5 MPa. Further, a use of the device in order to easily place, hold and provide the effectiveness of the contraceptive device by displacement of the testicles is possible.
More specifically, the device is used in order to provide male contraception by encircling a shaft and the scrotal skin of the empty scrotum, in particular during a daily time greater than or equal to 14 or 15 hours, such that the protrusions of the inner face are in contact with the scrotal skin and exert a pressure upward or against gravity, which keeps the testicles in a proximal position near the inguinal canal (meaning in supra-scrotal position, near the root of the penis).
The raising effect or antigravity effect of the device, operating as an exoprosthesis, prevents the testicles from moving away from the warm zones of the body (which induces a heating of these testicles as compared with a lower position).
According to a specific feature, interstitial zones extend between the protrusions (which may greatly ease sweating/perspiration), such that the device is particularly suited for prolonged wearing, preferably for a time over 12 hours.
Putting it on is simple: it can be done seated, standing, lying on the back, lying on the side. The testicles position keeping is even described as agreeable and pleasant by many users.
An option for putting the device on may consist, for the user, of lying on the back and sliding the device around the shaft, along a direction equal or similar to the direction of gravity, and then raising the scrotal skin (empty scrotum) into the inner volume formed by the annular body of the device and/or in a slit of the retaining means. Whether in standing position or seated position, the device holds and supports from below the scrotal skin inserted in the inner volume or in the slit, respectively, because of the surface portion for the scrotal contact (surface portion which is part of the inner grip surface or which delimits the slit).
A local excess thickness of the device in this zone may make the effect of supporting the empty scrotum easier.
Typically, the effectiveness of the contraceptive effect is verified by routine, for example every 3 months, sperm analysis, called spermograms. Before wearing the ring, it may be timely to do an analysis for verifying the fertility of the person.
It is expected that the ring will be worn for around 15 hours per day without interruption. This length is indicative, knowing that an exceptional day with a lower wearing time is not problematic.
The inner diameter of the device may be selected from several sizes, for example three sizes, or at least five or six sizes. The usual categories can be found: “S” for small diameter that does not exceed 30 or 33 mm, “M” for medium diameter (of order 35 or 40 mm) and “L” for a large diameter of order 43 or 45 mm. An “XL” category for a very large size may for example correspond to a diameter of about 50 mm. An “XXL” category may also be provided, for example with an inner diameter of 52 or 53 mm. Analogously, an “XS” category for a very small size may for example correspond to a diameter of about 25 or 26 mm. An “XXS” category may also be provided, for example with an inner diameter of about 23 mm. In any case, the inner diameter will typically be included between 20 and 55 mm, preferably between 23 and 52 mm.
By choosing the most appropriate diameter, wearing this device is easily tolerated. The male contraceptive device may be compact and provided with tightening or compression points, in order to be compatible with a large number of activities, including the most physical or which demand the most unusual movements. As for the position lying on the stomach, which can be less agreeable, it remains unusual and is not taken for long while the user is awake.
A process of manufacturing the male contraceptive device according to the invention is also proposed by using a mold, wherein the process comprises the steps consisting essentially of:
The thermoset polymer may be a highly stretchable type, for example stretchable over 400 or 500% before rupture, which easily allows getting a very oval shaped stretched shape of the device. Typically, the stretching may be chosen in the range from 600 to 1000% (DIN 53 504 S2 standard). This greatly limits the risk of constriction when periodically wearing the device, for example about 15 hours per day.
The device may optionally be obtained by injection molding of a ready to use mixture (of components A and B). As is well known, these components are directly added to the molding machine by injection from the initial containers by means of a metering and mixing unit. The mixture, the compound of the two components in a ratio 1:1, is injected into the heated mold. As an example, the heating power corresponds to mold temperatures of 170 to 230° C.; the silicone rubber crosslinked by addition vulcanizes in a few seconds, without dissociation products.
The high setting speed and the easy unmolding allows an entirely automated production of a large number of items in short cycle times.
As an example, a material may be used resulting from a mixture of two elastomer or silicone components (optionally each having a similar viscosity, for example of around 70 in the meaning of the DIN 53018 standard, at 20° C.). The vulcanized/crosslinked mixture may have a density of 1.07 g/cm3 and a hardness of around 8 (Shore A hardness).
The device may be designed based on Silopren LSR 2010 TP 3740, the material thus being a standard silicone rubber obtained by bi-component injection molding.
More generally, the material may be silicone-based and have a traction strength included between 1.9 and 5 N/mm2 (according to the DIN 53 504 S2 measurement standard).
Optionally, the tearing strength may be included between 3 and 13 N/mm, preferably between 4 and 9 N/mm.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the following description of several of the embodiments thereof, given as nonlimiting examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
Referring to
The outer face F2 of the device 1 may extend between two opposite axial ends. The outer face F2 is for example smooth and forms continuously rounded circumference. Here, the two axial ends may be defined by two respective annular edges 10a, 10b. The rear edge 10a is designed and positioned to come stop against the side of the root of the shaft 2 in the worn state of the device 1 with the shaft 2 encircled.
As shown in
The top of the shaft 2 may engage against a concave upper surface portion 21 of the device 1, as can be seen in
In the example from
The surface portion 33 for the scrotal contact, defined straight below the upper surface portion 21 in order to provide pressure on the empty scrotum 6, corresponds to a surface area of at least 2 or 3 cm2.
In the embodiments shown, the inner adhering surface 30 extends over the majority or the entirety of the inner face F1 such that the protrusions 3 are present in zones opposite each other.
Here, the upper surface portion 21, concave, of the inner face F1 allows contact with the shaft 2 from the side of the superficial dorsal vein thereof while providing a guiding and stabilizing effect. Protrusions 3, here in the form of nubs, may be provided in this upper surface portion 21. The inner face F1 may be locally extended (preferably forward) and/or provided with support or compression points, which serve to increase the contact zone between the shaft 2 and this upper surface portion 21.
An anti-slip effect may be obtained from the formation of protrusions 3, typically nubs laid out in parallel rows R1, R2, in combination with a relatively low hardness of the material M forming the device 1 (for example a hardness less than or equal to 30 on the Shore A scale). This anti-slip effect may be provided at least in the upper surface portion 21 in order to limit the risk of slipping of the device 1 during phases of movement of the wearer (e.g. walking, running, jumping, etc.).
In the options shown in
Preferably, several tens of nubs, each visible to the naked eye, are formed in order to form the grip surface 30. In the examples from the Figures, the protrusions 3 are typically nubs laid out in parallel rows which each completely circle the longitudinal axis X. As can be clearly seen in
As shown in
To make this insertion of the shaft 2 through the central through passage 5 easier, the inner face F1 may have a generally circular circumference with possible exceptions, in particular when one or more projections 7a, 7b are provided as in the case shown in
The projections 7a, 7b protrude for example inward (relative to the rest of the inner face F1) with a height of at least 1 or 2 mm and/or, typically, may have an extension dimension towards the longitudinal axis X which is greater than the height of the protrusions 3. These projections 7a, 7b may each optionally include other protrusions 3 in the form of nubs, as in the remainder of the inner face F1.
The projections 7a, 7b limit one of the types of descent of the testicles T. The path for possible bypass of the ring is in fact blocked by the projections 7a, 7b preventing the testicles T from migrating from the perineal zone. The projections 7a, 7b are flexible, typically with a large capacity for deformation in order to adapt to the morphology of each user and to different movements and postures.
In the nonlimiting example from
Now referring to
Whether it is with the device from
The material constituting the device 1 is weakly compressible or incompressible and has a density at least equal to 1, for example at least equal to 1.04. This is a flexible material M which has a significant extensibility. When the device 1 is made of a single material part, this material M may have anti-sliding properties. It typically involves a silicone.
Of course, the flexible material M of the device 1 may be stretched without risk of tearing, in particular in radial directions, knowing that the lengthening thereof before rupture is at least 400%, for example, preferably from 650 to 1000%.
The protrusions 3 may be present on the inner side of these projecting elements 8, 9 but not on the front surface with the possible exception of a row or edge of protrusions 3b projecting forward from the front surface defined in the corresponding element 8 or 9.
The thickness e of the projecting elements 8, 9 or of any other analogous extension 17 may be less than the thickness E2 of the body 15 in the upper part, for example by being two times smaller than the thickness E2. Referring to
It is understood that the projecting elements 8, 9 and the protrusions 3, here distributed in several facing zones on the inner face F1, improve the general hold of the device 1 to the root of the shaft 2. The protrusions 3 may be directly integrated with the flexible material M constituting the device. In variants, the flexible material M is not the sole component of the device 1 and may only form an added/overmolded coating on another layer of flexible and stretchable material.
Further, as can be seen in
The
Having such projecting elements 8, 9, 17 allow the inner face in contact with the shaft 2 to be locally extended. More generally, it is understood that the inner face F1 may have, preferably on the side of the upper surface portion 21, at least one among:
In a part of the device 1 complementary to that which comprises the extension 17 or the elements 8, 9, a space or a slit 41, 42 which extends transversely over a portion of the periphery of the ring, as shown for example in
In a variant, the device 1 may consist of a ring having a symmetry of revolution around the longitudinal axis X. In this case, the device 1 may be formed uniquely by the body 15 shown in
Further, as shown in
Optionally, the device 1 breaks down into two identical halves 11, 12 separated from each other by the median plane P, and may further not have any portions projecting forward or rearward. The device 1 could have a front and a rear surface which are identical. This makes it possible to place the device 1 on the shaft 2 without risk of mistaking the insertion direction.
In these embodiments, the protrusions 3 of the inner face F1 may have the shape of nubs, for example the shape of half-beads entirely formed with the layer forming the inner face F1. Although the figures show an inner face F1 provided continuously with protrusions 3, areas without protrusion may also be provided.
At least two series of protrusion may be provided, structurally different or not. In the example from
The semi-beads or similar nubs covering the inside of the ring-shaped body 15 improve the retaining/stabilization of the skin of the scrotum 16 and skin of the penis. They serve to improve keeping the testicles T in supra-scrotal position at the root of the shaft near the outer orifice of the inguinal canal, in order to induce an increase in temperature of the testicles with the human body as the only heat source.
On
The axial extension L15 of the body 15 is between 15 and 24 mm and may be constant (see distance measured longitudinally between the two edges 10a, 10b) except in the upper part where optional projecting elements 8, 9, 17 are provided (with a locally larger axial extension L15′). When the axial extension L15 is over 15 mm, at least seven or eight different rows, or at least seven or eight protrusions or more may be provided placed on a longitudinal segment going from the rear edge 10a to the front edge 10b.
Referring to
This type of structure and the soft contact makes the device 1 particularly well suited for playing regular or intensive sports. The additional presence of projections 7a, 7b like those that can be seen in
In the options with a symmetry relative to the plane P, the virtual longitudinal axis X constitutes a central axis equidistant between the upper surface portion 21 and the surface portion 33. Optionally, as can be seen in
A thickness of the penis-scrotum ring, which increases progressively away from each of the annular edges 10a, 10b (thickness gradient in the ring), can also be provided, for example with the maximum thickness substantially at the midpoint between the two axial annular ends. The thickness E1 may be the same, with a single profile, which is of interest for forming a ring which is worn in both directions, with interchangeable edges 10a, 10b in order to form the front and rear.
Further, the protrusions 3 of the device 1 may have a larger section away from the two edges 10a, 10b. This increase of section makes the device 1 comfortable even with a large height of the protrusions 3, for example greater than or equal to 0.9 or 1 mm. The interstitial zones between the nubs or protrusions 3 can make perspiration easier, which makes the device 1 particularly suited to extended wearing, typically for a time of over 12 hours.
Compared to the device from
The characteristic dimension of the through passage 5, here an inner diameter D, may be of about 40 mm. For comfortably wearing the device 1, it may be attractive for the user to select their size, for example among diameters D of 30, 40 or 50 mm.
Now referring to
Independently of the way of implementing the protrusions 3 and forming the upper part, the slit 41 may be of interest in that it forms a passage allowing insertion of an end of the empty scrotal pocket (part of the scrotal skin) with a retaining effect fairly comparable to the retaining of a strap, for example. The elasticity of the material of the device 1 serves to separate this slit 41 at the time of insertion. If this end is slid through the slit 41 in order to come out below the side of the end surface F2, the separated slit 41 is then re-closed and risk of the scrotal skin portion 16 coming back out by the rear of the inner volume V is minimized.
Of course, with this device 1 provided with a slit 41, the user may just as well choose to place the scrotal skin portion 16 in the slit 41 or in a lower part of the inner volume V as in the case shown in
As shown in
Referring to
This type of radial displacement may accompany a natural expansion of the scrotum.
The scrotal skin 6 may selectively be slid through this slit 42 from the rear edge 10a to come out from the side of the front edge 10b. The slit 42 which is separated during this insertion of the scrotal skin 6 may then close up and the risk of the scrotal skin portion 16 coming back out by the rear of the inner volume V is minimized.
More generally, any retaining means may be provided to form the slit 42 and define one or more surface portions 233 against which the scrotal skin 6 is engaged with an adhesion/grip force.
Of course, with this device 1 provided with a slit 42, the user may just as well choose to place the scrotal skin portion 16 in the slit 42 or in a lower part of the inner volume V as in the case shown in
As illustrated in
In the exemplary embodiment of
At least for some protrusions 3, the lateral surface delimiting the hollow 43 may be non-cylindrical, a conic section which flares towards the contact surface of the protrusions 3.
An advantage of the device 1 is the compactness thereof and the comfort of using it. It is well suited to providing male contraception once it is worn around 14 or 15 hours per day, where the TMC contraceptive effect (thermal male contraception) can be observed after 2 months of regular wear, analogously to what was verified by the work of Prof. Mieusset in the context of wearing a brief raising the testicles (Roger Mieusset and Louis Bujan: The potential of mild testicular heating as a safe, effective and reversible contraceptive method for men, International journal of andrology, 17:186-191, 1994).
The device 1 alone and without medical or surgical intervention constitutes an effective tool for contraception. The reversibility of the method and the absence of side effects are further significant advantages for a low-cost device 1.
The annular male contraceptive device 1 may be produced industrially by hot molding, in a mold which may typically be annular. The device 1 may be free of latex and be hypoallergenic. Preferably, it contains neither colorants nor bisphenol A, nor phthalate compounds, nor bleaching agents, nor toxins.
The production process for the device 1 may use a polymer, thermoset polymer for instance, in order to get a shape memory effect, such flexible material M being preferably silicone-based. The thermoset polymer is hot mold in ring shape in an annular cavity of the mold, while forming protrusions 3 on the inner face F1 by molding in corresponding hollow imprints of the mold. Such imprints are located facing an external peripheral part of the mold. The external surface could be formed smooth, without need for special imprints on the outer peripheral part of the mold.
The molding is typically injection molding. After cooling of the molded material, the device 1 results which is solid and has a relatively low hardness, where the material M is flexible and stretchable.
One or more surface treatment steps may be done, for example after solidification. The inner face F1 and the outer face F2 may in that way be made softer to the touch.
In an implementation variant, the device 1 may be obtained by an additive production technique. 3D printers from Wacker are suitable, for example, for using silicone as 3D printing material.
In this case, printing instructions are provided from a file representative of spatial coordinates of the device 1 (coordinates in a typically Cartesian reference frame). The silicone injector is next moved along a routine for reconstituting the successive layers with which to form the device 1. In the case of a flexible material M of silicone type, it may be deposited drop by drop with a high viscosity. The printing support or bed may be a glass support. At the end of depositing each layer, the droplets are fused by vulcanization with a UV source. This production mode may be well suited when there is a need to implement small production runs or prototypes.
As for the precise shape, the diameter D or analogous dimension, position of compression points, values or information as above provided have been specified solely for a non-limiting way of making the device 1.
In a variant implementation, apparent from
Further, accessorizing the device 1 with an appendage may be planned, for example an appendage, vibrating or not, for the clitoris. The appendage is either integrally formed with the body 15 by being joined to the outer face F2, or removably attached on an appropriate attachment member formed on the outer face (of the lower side of the device).
In some options, the device 1 may form a connected object or have a timer with which to determine the wearing time. With an electronic communication accessory, the user could connect/pair the device 1 with an application, typically an application downloadable over the Internet, in order to manage their contraception (time, effectiveness, break time, discussion forum for practices, etc.).
The contraception device 1 (control of the fertility) advantageously eliminate active heating zone: the supra-scrotal position of the testicles T, in contact with the body heat, is sufficient for getting the desired effect. It is therefore a self-heating constant temperature device 1 for personal use.
Thus, even though the examples shown illustrate a device 1 in the form of a ring made of one part or constantly closed, the device 1 may as needed form a loop that can be opened. In an option, the closed loop configuration is allowed with an adjustment of the length of the inner perimeter of the annular device.
The device 1 may optionally have the shape of an adjustable belt. Alternatively, an elastic hinge and closure means (including mechanical elements, for latching, self-adhering members, magnetic elements, other similar elements or combinations of these means) may be provided, with typically a lock for the loop configuration of the device 1.
A plastic part for which the hinge has a bistable nature, which may allow changing closure means or limiting the closure contact to a superposition between the ends of the device, could be used.
This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/FR2019/051254 filed May 28, 2019 which designated the U.S., the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FR2019/051254 | 5/28/2019 | WO | 00 |
