Patent Grant
10085914
The present invention relates to devices for sexual pleasure and more particularly to adult devices providing higher amplitude vibrations, aperiodic stimulation, and exploiting high speed motors for reduced cost.
The sexual revolution, also known as a time of “sexual liberation”, was a social movement that challenged traditional codes of behavior related to sexuality and interpersonal relationships throughout the Western world from the 1890s to the 1980s. However, its roots may be traced back further to the Enlightenment and the Victorian era in the Western world and even further in the Eastern world. Sexual liberation included increased acceptance of sex outside of traditional heterosexual, monogamous relationships (primarily marriage) as well as contraception and the pill, public nudity, the normalization of homosexuality and alternative forms of sexuality, and the legalization of abortion.
At the same time the growing acceptance of sexuality and masturbation resulted in the growth of a market for sexual devices, also known as sex toys, and then with technology evolution the concepts of “cyber-sex,” “phone sex” and “webcam sex.” A sex toy is an object or device that is primarily used to facilitate human sexual pleasure and typically is designed to resemble human genitals and may be vibrating or non-vibrating. Prior to this shift there had been a plethora of devices sold for sexual pleasure, although primarily under euphemistic names and a pretense of providing “massage” although their history extends back through ancient Greece to the Upper Paleolithic period before 30,000 BC. Modern devices fall broadly into two classes: mechanized and non-mechanized, and in fact the American company Hamilton Beach in 1902 patented the first electric vibrator available for retail sale, making the vibrator the fifth domestic appliance to be electrified. Mechanized devices typically vibrate, although there are examples that rotate, thrust, and even circulate small beads within an elastomeric shell. Non-mechanized devices are made from a solid mass of rigid or semi-rigid material in a variety of shapes.
Not surprisingly many early mechanized devices within the prior art were primarily intended to automate the motion of penetrative intercourse. Such prior art includes for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,722,327; 4,790,296; 5,076,261; 5,690,604; 5,851,175; 6,142,929; 6,866,645; 6,899,671; 6,902,525; 7,524,283 and U.S. Patent Application 2004/0,147,858. In contrast to these mechanized devices producing repeated penetrative action, vibrators are used to excite the nerve endings in the pelvic region, amongst others, of the user such as those same regions of the vagina that respond to touch. For many users the level of stimulation that a vibrator provides is inimitable. They can be used for masturbation or as part of sexual activities with a partner. Vibrators may be used upon the clitoris, inside the vagina, inserted into the rectum, and against nipples either discretely or in some instances in combination through multiple vibratory elements within the same vibrator or through using multiple vibrators.
Vibrators typically operate through the operation of an electric motor wherein a small weight attached off-axis to the motor results in vibration of the motor and hence the body of the portion of the vibrator coupled to the electric motor. They may be powered from connection to an electrical mains socket but typically such vibrators are battery driven which places emphasis on efficiency to derive not only an effective vibration but one over an extended period of time without the user feeling that the vibrator consumes batteries at a high rate. For example, typical vibrators employ 2 or 4 AA batteries, which if of alkaline construction, each have a nominal voltage of 1.5V and a capacity of 1800 mAh to 2600 mAh under 500 mA drain. As such, each battery under such a nominal drain can provide 0.75 W of power for 3 to 5 hours such that a vibrator with 2 AA batteries providing such lifetime of use must consume only 1.5 W in contrast to less than 3 W for one with 4 AA batteries. More batteries consume more space within devices which are generally within a relatively narrow range of physical sizes approximating that of the average penis in penetrative length and have an external portion easily gripped by the user thereby complicating the design. Typically, toys that are large due to power requirements are not as successful as more compact toys.
Example of such vibrators within the prior art include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,573,499; 6,902,525; 7,108,668; 7,166,072; 7,438,681; 7,452,326; 7,604,587; 7,871,386; 7,967,740 and U.S. Patent Applications 2002/0,103,415; 2003/0,195,441 (Wireless); 2004/0,082,831; 2005/0,033,112; 2006/0,074,273; 2006/0,106,327; 2006/0,247,493; 2007/0,055,096; 2007/0,232,967; 2007/0,244,418; 2008/0,071,138; 2008/0,082,028; 2008/0,119,767; 2008/0,139,980; 2009/0,093,673; 2008/0,228,114; 2009/0,099,413; 2009/0,105,528; 2009/0,318,753; 2009/0,318,755; 2010/0,292,531; 2011/0,009,693; 2011/0,034,837; 2011/0,082,332; 2011/0,105,837; 2011/0,166,415; 2011/0,218,395; 2011/0,319,707; 2012/0,179,077; 2012/0,184,884; and 2012/0,197,072.
Within these prior art embodiments of vibrators different approaches have been described to provide different stimulation mechanisms other than simple vibration. Some of these, such as rotating rows or arrays of balls, typically metal, have been commercially successful. However, others have not been commercially successful to date including, for example, the use of linear screw drive mechanisms to provide devices that adjust in length. Another approach has been to include a rotary motor with a profiled metal rod to either impact the device's outer body or provide rotary motion of the device head. Accordingly, today, a wide range of vibrators are offered commercially to users but most of them fall into several broad categories including:
Clitoral: The clitoral vibrator is a sex toy used to provide sexual pleasure and to enhance orgasm by stimulating the clitoris. Although most of the vibrators available can be used as clitoral vibrators, those designed specifically as clitoral vibrators typically have special designs that do not resemble a vibrator and are generally not phallic shaped. For example, the most common type of clitoral vibrators are small, egg-shaped devices attached to a multi-speed battery pack by a cord. Common variations on the basic design include narrower, bullet-shaped vibrators and those resembling an animal. In other instances, the clitoral vibrator forms part of a vibrator with a second portion to be inserted into the vagina wherein they often have a small animal, such as a rabbit, bear, or dolphin perched near the base of the penetrative vibrator and facing forward to provide clitoral stimulation at the same time with vaginal stimulation. Prior art for clitoral stimulators includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,670,280 and 8,109,869 as well as U.S. Patent Application 2011/0,124,959.
In some instances, such as the We-Vibe™, the clitoral vibrator forms part of a vibrator wherein another section is designed to contact the “G-spot.” Prior art for such combined vibrators includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,931,605, U.S. Design Pat. Nos. 605,779 and 652,942, and U.S. Patent Application 2011/0,124,959.
Dildo-Shaped: Typically these devices are approximately penis-shaped and can be made of plastic, silicone, rubber, vinyl, or latex. Dildo is the common name used to define a phallus-like sex toy, which does not, however, provide any type of vibrations. But as vibrators have commonly the shape of a penis, there are many models and designs of vibrating dildos available including those designed for both individual usage, with a partner, for vaginal and anal penetration as well as for oral penetration, and some may be double-ended.
Rabbit: As described above these comprise two vibrators of different sizes. One, a phallus-like shaped vibrator intended to be inserted in the user's vagina, and a second smaller clitoral stimulator placed to engage the clitoris when the first is inserted. The rabbit vibrator was named after the shape of the clitoral stimulator, which resembles a pair of rabbit ears.
G-Spot: These devices are generally curved, often with a soft jelly-like coating intended to make it easier using it to stimulate the g-spot or prostate. These vibrators are typically more curved towards the tip and made of materials such as silicone or acrylic.
Egg: Generally small smooth vibrators designed to be used for stimulation of the clitoris or insertion. They are considered discreet sex toys as they do not measure more than 3 inches in length and approximately ¾ inches to 1¼ inches in width allowing them to be used discretely, essentially at any time.
Anal: Vibrators designed for anal use typically have either a flared base or a long handle to grip, to prevent them from slipping inside and becoming lodged in the rectum. Anal vibrators come in different shapes but they are commonly called butt plugs or phallus-like vibrators. They are recommended to be used with a significant amount of lubricant and to be inserted gently and carefully to prevent any potential damage to the rectal lining.
Vibrating Cock Ring: Typically a vibrator inserted in or attached to a cock ring primarily intended to enhance clitoral stimulation during sexual intercourse.
Pocket Rocket (also known as Bullet): Generally cylindrical in shape one of its ends has some vibrating bulges and is primarily intended to stimulate the clitoris or nipples, and not for insertion. Typically, a “pocket rocket” is a mini-vibrator that is typically about three to five inches long and which resembles a small, travel-sized flashlight providing for a discreet sex toy that can be carried around in a purse, pouch, etc. of the user. Due to its small dimension, it is typically powered by a single battery and usually has limited controls; some may have only one speed.
Butterfly: Generally describing a vibrator with straps for the legs and waist allowing for hands-free clitoral stimulation during sexual intercourse. Typically, these are offered in three variations, traditional, remote control, and with anal and/or vaginal stimulators, and are generally made of flexible materials such as silicone, soft plastic, latex, or jelly.
However, to date within the adult device industry as the majority of vibrators exploit the same core vibratory motors their performance despite a wide range of packaging, materials, colours, shapes, etc. is fundamentally the same. Referring to
However, two vibrators stood outside the typical performance of vibrating motor adult devices. These were the vibrator 2, e.g. Hitachi Wand 1020 in
However, prior art studies within laboratory environments have typically employed significantly lower displacements of approximately 0.002 mm for women and 0.005 mm-0.050 mm for men respectively and the frequency/amplitude measurements of Prause et al were “unloaded” in that they were not characterised with the application of force or pressure to hold the device against the desired area but it is anticipated that such mechanical loading would significantly reduce amplitude and lower frequency. In many instances users may find the limitations of the vibrator 2 approach, e.g. mains power with cable to a wall socket, difficult to overcome, may find the physical profile/geometry of the vibrator 2 approach intimidating and/or interfering with their use of the adult device. Similarly, vibrator 3 has limited functionality and the inventors anticipate tight positional requirements to exploit the desired effect upon the user's clitoris. Neither vibrator 2 nor vibrator 3 is suitable for penetration to access/stimulate the G-spot not support the common use of vibrators by users within their vagina and/or rectum.
Additionally, physical dimensions of many adult devices are limited; particularly the diameter, and accordingly designs exploiting axial motors with non-axial elements (e.g. off-axis weights) have held sway within commercial designs. Such a motor 1030 is depicted in
In fact the experiences of users established by the inventor is that the vibration range of the motor within the vibrator yielding satisfactory response is in the unloaded scenarios between 2,000 RPM≤vVIBRATION≤7,000 RPM. Whilst outside the ranges determined from clinical studies the vibratory amplitude of adult devices commercially is significantly higher than the very low amplitude clinical study vibrations. Further, users prefer large amplitude variation but it takes a lot of power (torque) to spin a heavy weight and small electric motors such as motor 1030 depicted in
Due to the constraints listed above the prior art within the adult device industry is for vibration motors to be designed to spin at the same speed as the off center weight by attaching the weight directly to the motor drive shaft. The weights are normally the same outside diameter as the motor in order to produce the maximum vibration force. Accordingly, as designers want as much vibration power as possible, the motor and weight outside diameter are typically the same or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inside of the adult device allowing the motor diameter to be made as large as possible within the constraints of the adult device and produce as much torque as possible.
However, smaller higher efficiency motors in order to produce large amounts of power must be operated such that they are running at, typically, 10,000 RPM≤fROTATION≤30,000 RPM which is outside the range of the desired vibration. In order to produce a vibration frequency in 2,000 RPM≤vVIBRATION≤7,000 RPM from a motor operating at 10,000 RPM≤fROTATION≤30,000 RPM then the inventors exploit gearing in order to allow the same motor to produce more power by operating at increased RPM while still providing vibration at the pleasurable lower frequency(ies). Accordingly, the inventor has established designs allowing for the appropriate gearing to allow heavy weights to be spun with small diameter and high efficiency whilst removing the limitation that the gear reduction lead to an increase in the outside diameter of the adult device. As adult devices have very limited space for the motor and weight system, adult devices cannot be made larger from a practical use point of view, and gear reduction increases the outside diameter of the vibration motor system, adult devices within the prior art do not use gear reduction.
Accordingly, in order to overcome this design limitation the inventor has established devices which beneficially provide users with adult devices providing high impact (amplitude) vibration in a range of physical geometries compatible with providing internal and/or external stimulation to the user. Further, these devices can offered at low cost and/or low manufacturing cost with extended operating life. Accordingly, the inventor has beneficially established axial designs, non-axial designs, flexible drive designs, aperiodic drive designs, and linearly driven designs to provide a range of design solutions to designers for implementing vibrators with low cost, high impact, targeted frequency characteristics, increased efficiency, and increased power.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
It is an object of the present invention to mitigate limitations within the prior art relating to devices for sexual pleasure and more particularly to adult devices providing higher amplitude vibrations, aperiodic stimulation, and exploiting high speed motors for reduced cost.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a device comprising:
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided an adult device for sexual stimulation providing vibratory motion within a first predetermined frequency range comprising a motor operating at a second predetermined frequency range substantially higher than the first predetermined frequency range disposed within a first portion of the adult device and a reduction assembly and asymmetric rotatable weight within a second portion of the adult device wherein the first and second portions may be offset relative to one another due to the use of a flexible drive shaft from the motor to the reduction assembly.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a device for sexual stimulation comprising:
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided an adult device for sexual stimulation comprising:
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
The present invention is directed to devices for sexual pleasure and more particularly to adult devices providing higher amplitude vibrations, aperiodic stimulation, and exploiting high speed motors for reduced cost whilst operating at desirable low frequencies with increased power and efficiency without increasing overall device diameter.
The ensuing description provides representative embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an embodiment or embodiments of the invention. It being understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions and not the sole implementation. Various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention can also be implemented in a single embodiment or any combination of embodiments. It would also be evident that an embodiment may refer to a method or methods of manufacturing a device for sexual pleasure rather than the actual design of a device for sexual pleasure and that vice-versa an embodiment of the invention may refer to a device or devices rather than the method or methods of manufacturing.
Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. The phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting but is for descriptive purpose only. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not to be construed as there being only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component feature, structure, method, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. It would also be evident that an embodiment and/or the phraseology and/or terminology may refer to a method or methods of manufacturing a device for sexual pleasure rather than the actual design of a device for sexual pleasure and that vice-versa an embodiment and/or the phraseology and/or terminology may refer to a device or devices rather than the method or methods of manufacturing.
Reference to terms such as “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “front” and “back” are intended for use in respect to the orientation of the particular feature, structure, or element within the figures depicting embodiments of the invention. It would be evident that such directional terminology with respect to the actual use of a device has no specific meaning as the device can be employed in a multiplicity of orientations by the user or users.
Reference to terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, integers or groups thereof and that the terms are not to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. Likewise the phrase “consisting essentially of”, and grammatical variants thereof, when used herein is not to be construed as excluding additional components, steps, features integers or groups thereof but rather that the additional features, integers, steps, methods, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, device or method. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element or method.
A “user” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to an individual engaging a device according to embodiments of the invention wherein the engagement is a result of their personal use of the device or having another individual using the device upon them.
A “vibrator” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to an electronic sexual pleasure device intended for use by an individual or user themselves or in conjunction with activities with another individual or user wherein the vibrator provides a vibratory mechanical function for stimulating nerves or triggering physical sensations.
A “dildo” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a sexual pleasure device intended for use by an individual or user themselves or in conjunction with activities with another individual or user wherein the dildo provides non-vibratory mechanical function for stimulating nerves or triggering physical sensations.
An “adult device”, “sex toy” or “sexual pleasure device” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a sexual pleasure device intended for use by an individual or user themselves or in conjunction with activities with another individual or user which can provide one or more functions including, but not limited to, those of a dildo and a vibrator. The sexual pleasure device/toy can be designed to have these functions in combination with design features that are intended to be penetrative or non-penetrative and provide vibratory and non-vibratory mechanical functions. Such sexual pleasure devices can be designed for use with one or more regions of the male and female bodies including but not limited to, the clitoris, the clitoral area (which is the area surrounding and including the clitoris), vagina, rectum, nipples, breasts, penis, testicles, prostate, and “G-spot.” In one example a “male sexual pleasure device” is a sexual pleasure device configured to receive a user's penis within a cavity or recess. In another example, a “female sexual pleasure device” is a sexual pleasure device having at least a portion configured to be inserted in a user's vagina or rectum. It should be understood that the user of a female sexual pleasure device can be a male or a female when it is used for insertion in a user's rectum.
Texture as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a feel of a surface of a device and is generally described and/or defined in terms of smoothness, roughness, hardness, softness, waviness, and form. Such texturing may adjust the feeling of the device in respect of contact to a user and may control and/or adjust friction between the device and human skin/tissue. Surface texture may be isotropic or anisotropic. Textures may be, but not limited to, smooth, rough, ridged, dumped, grainy, and may refer to the visual and/or tactile qualities of the surface.
A “nubby” or “nubbies” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a projection or projections upon the surface of a sexual pleasure device intended to provide additional physical interaction. A nubby can be permanently part of the sexual pleasure device or it can be replaceable or interchangeable to provide additional variation to the sexual pleasure device.
An “accessory” or “accessories” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to one or more objects that can be affixed to or otherwise appended to the body of a sexual pleasure device in order to enhance and/or adjust the sensation(s) provided. Such accessories can be passive, such as nubbies or a dildo, or active, such as a vibrator.
Within embodiments of the invention described below in respect of
Female users of adult devices generally request a high amplitude, deep rumble type of vibration rather than the high pitched vibration from prior art vibrators. Generating a low frequency vibration requires that the weights be maximized which coupled with considering the target speed range (RPM) of the motor means making the weight longer, higher density, and/or larger diameter. However, using metals with densities higher than tungsten, a commonly used high density material, is generally too expensive. At the same time as noted supra weights cannot get larger in diameter without increasing the diameter of the toy which is difficult given human physiology and user preferences. As a consequence research and development for adult devices has ended to focus on small motors and improving their starting torque, in order to get the large weight moving initially, and performance over the desired vibration frequency range 2,000 RPM≤vVIBRATION≤7,000 RPM, such that the off center weights have gotten longer.
Concurrently as vibration weights have got longer and heavier then the motor shaft diameter has had to increase in order to prevent the weight from bending the shaft if the device is accidentally impacted or dropped. Some manufacturers have put a support bushing on the far side of the weight so that the motor shaft is not solely relied upon to support the weight during impact in order to have the desired large weight without increasing the motor shaft diameter. Other manufacturers exploit designs with shafts on both ends of the motor and half-length weights on each end in order to also remove the need for a larger motor shaft or for a separate weight support bushing. As evident from embodiments of the invention the motor shaft does not require increasing in diameter as the weight may be mounted on one or two bushings and through the use of flexible drive shafts is isolated from the weight.
The ability of small motors to start spinning is significantly impaired with large weights coupled to their drive shafts. Although designers can install large weights and support them with an additional bushing, a motor with its weight attached directly to the motor shaft, as with prior art vibrators, still reaches a limit as to how large a weight a motor can actually start spinning Although a motor may have enough power when spinning at 5,000 RPM to spin a large weight, it is generally the ability of the motor to produce enough torque at 0 RPM to actually start the weight spinning that limits the weight. Embodiments of the invention address this by reducing the motor's required starting torque by the same ratio as the gear reduction applied to reduce its output when driving the weight. Accordingly, a 4:1 reduction in order to achieve a 5,000 RPM mechanical weight vibration with a motor operating at 20,000 RPM also means that the starting torque at 0 RPM is reduced to 25% of a prior art design. It would be evident, that as described below in respect of embodiments of the invention, that a wide range of reduction ratios may be provided through single stage and multi-stage reduction drives.
Because motor torque is not significantly reduced with higher RPM, the power output of a motor at 20,000 RPM can be close to 4 times the power it will put out at 5,000 RPM. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention allow more than a doubling of the vibration energy to be generated within the same diameter adult device and still vibrate within the 2,000 RPM≤vVIBRATION≤7,000 RPM as well as supporting mechanical actions at much lower RPM. Beneficially embodiments of the invention allow for a larger weight to be started spinning by the motor by reducing the required torque when the motor tries to spin up from 0 RPM. Such larger weights may be derived from density, length, radius, or a combination thereof.
Further, as electrical motor efficiency improves with higher RPM, and accordingly, motors employed within embodiments of the invention may produce significantly more vibration power yet not consume more electrical power. Accordingly, the user of an adult device may experience improved vibration for the same length of time as with a prior art vibrator and not require a larger battery or replacement battery. As noted supra small DC motors operate best at high RPM, 10,000 RPM≤fROTATION≤30,000 RPM, for highest efficiency and accordingly, prior art adult device motors sacrifice efficiency in order to achieve the 2,000 RPM≤vVIBRATION≤7,000 RPM vibration frequency range people enjoy. Operating in this frequency range can reduce a motor's efficiency by 50% or more.
The vibration “g-force”, or centrifugal force F, is equal to the mass being rotated multiplied by the square of the angular velocity multiplied by the radius of the rotating mass. Accordingly, the length of the weight acts to linearly increase the mass. However, if the density of the weight increases then the same mass can be made with an increased radius, essentially it's “center of mass radius.” and it increases linearly with the length of the weight. Accordingly, for low cost weights of a single material the adult device designer can only increase the length of the weight within a fixed diameter adult device to increase effective vibrational force. However, exploiting materials of increased density and reduced dimensions can provide the same equivalent mass but with an increased effective centre of mass radius.
If the motor 210 were attached to an outer body surrounding the vibratory motor 200 then the ring gear 220 would rotate within the outer body. Accordingly, the ring gear 220 may itself directly or through attachments, be asymmetric in weight distribution such that rotation of the ring gear 220 results in vibration of the vibratory motor 200 within the housing it is disposed. It would be evident that first to fourth gears 230, 240, 270, and 280 engage and drive ring gear 220 as well as providing mechanical integrity for the assembly with the frame(s) 250.
With respect to the ratio of such a vibratory motion in respect of ring gear 220 relative to motor 210 then let R be the number of teeth in ring gear 220, S be the number of teeth in second gear 240, and P be the number of teeth on first, third and fourth gears 230, 270, and 280. Further, a design constraint is that all teeth on first to fourth gears 230, 240, 270, and 280 have the same pitch, or tooth spacing to ensure that the gear teeth mesh. The second design constraint is that R=2×P+S, i.e. the number of teeth in the ring gear is equal to the number of teeth in the middle sun gear plus twice the number of teeth in the planet gears. If we now let TR represent turns of the ring gear 220, TS represent turns of the second gear 240, and TY represent turns of the first gear 220 then we establish Equation (1) below. Accordingly, it would be evident that each turn of first gear 240 drives ring gear 220 as given by Equation (1) and hence the vibratory motor 200 has a reduction gear of ratio R/P. For example, if [R=12; S=18; P=42] then the reduction ratio is 12/42. Accordingly, a compact high speed motor 210 may be employed to drive the vibratory motor 200 such that the high efficiency high power high speed motor is reduced through the gearing to provide the lower frequency vibrations for a given diameter. It would be evident that a range of other gear ratios may be provided according to the characteristics of the motor, adult device, etc.
It would be evident that the diameter of vibratory motor 200 is larger than the motor 210 which within the description supra which may limit the use of high speed high efficiency high power motors to provide the desired vibratory function in the target frequency range. However, as depicted in
Additionally, the ring gear 320 is restrained longitudinally through bearing 360 which mounts to a central shaft coupled to second gear 240. Accordingly, if the motor 210 and frame were physically restrained with respect to an outer body surrounding the vibratory motor 300 then the ring gear 320 would rotate within the outer body. Accordingly, the ring gear 320 may itself directly or through attachments, be asymmetric in weight distribution such that rotation of the ring gear 320 results in vibration of the vibratory motor 300 within the housing it is disposed. It would be evident that first to fourth gears 230, 240, 270, and 280 engage and drive ring gear 320 as well as providing mechanical integrity for the assembly with the frame(s) 250. In contrast to vibratory motor 200 in
Optionally, the ring gear 320 may also be mounted via a second bearing on the other side, not shown for clarity, according to the mechanical/physical requirements and/or limitations of the vibratory motor 300 and the adult device it fits within or allowing for higher weight asymmetry to be managed, device lifetime increased, etc. Optionally, other bearings may be provided such as in association with one or more of the first gear 230, second gear 240, third gear 270, and fourth gear 280. For example, a bearing/mount for the drive shaft coupled to the first gear 230 from the flexible drive shaft 370 may be employed reducing axial strain on the drive shaft coupled to the first gear 230.
Flexible drive shaft 370 may be formed from a variety of materials including, but not limited, silicone, rubber, flexible plastics, and metal according to the overall torque, power, RPM, load, etc. Flexible drive shafts may be formed by a variety of designs including a single solid shaft, a plurality of layered tensile wires without a hollow core, or a plurality of layered tensile wires with a hollow core, for example. Attachment of the flexible drive shaft to the shaft of a motor and/or gear may be provided through an interference fit, clamping, welding, soldering, gluing, and other techniques known within the art. Tensile wire designs may exploit low carbon spring steel, medium carbon spring steel, high carbon music wire, high carbon rocket wire, stainless steel (e.g. Class 1 Hard), stainless steel spring tempered, low carbon stainless steel, nickel titanium (nitinol, e.g. Nitinol 55, Nitinol 60, etc.), Nitronic 50 spring tempered, spring tempered phosphor bronze, Inconel nickel alloy, Monel nickel copper alloy, copper alloy, Kevlar™, silicone, axially fiber reinforced silicone, as well as other metals, plastics, high strength nanofibers etc.
Referring to
As depicted in cross-section Z-Z the first gear 440 driven by the shaft 490 couples to second gear 450 and therein third gear 430 which is equivalent to first gear 440 in terms of teeth, tooth pitch, diameter etc. Accordingly, first and third gears 440 and 430 drive the ring gear 420, which has disposed radially an asymmetric weight distribution leading to vibration during operation. Alternatively, the motor 210 may be coupled via a flexible drive shaft, bearing, and drive shaft to second gear 450 which is reduced in size/teeth and couples to larger first and third gears 440 and 430 respectively.
Now referring to
Referring to
As evident in insert 600B this displacement is periodic, with a frequency determined by the number of “spokes” of third gear 610 but highly asymmetric in that for the majority of time the point ℑ is closer to the axis of the third gear 610 and moving slowly but has rapid positive displacements such that if the point ℑ impacted an outer surface of the adult device comprising the vibratory motor 600 then the user would sense high intensity “thumps” rather than vibration. As evident with assembly 6000 additional assemblies of fourth and fifth gears 620 and 630 respectively may be disposed around the periphery of the vibratory motor 600. Whilst assembly 6000 is depicted disposed at another “spoke” of the third gear 610 it would be evident that optionally additional assemblies 6000 may be disposed in a particular region such that the user senses a moving series of “thumps.”
Now referring to
Referring to
It would be evident that impact gear 940 and drive gear 945 may be formed from a single piece-part and that the drive gear 945 is actually a ring gear of an embodiment of the invention described supra in respect of
Within the embodiments of the invention description supra in respect of
Referring to
Now referring to
However, the drive shaft of the drive wheel 1230 where it does pass through the ring 1220 may then be used to couple to a subsequent assembly with ring 1220 such as depicted in
Within each of first and second adult devices 1300A and 1300B respectively the flexible drive shaft passes through a bushing/grommet which maintains the position of the flexible drive shaft relative to the other elements of the adult device. Accordingly, referring to first adult device 1300A the bushing 1370 positions the flexible drive shaft 1330 centrally at the narrow necked portion of first adult device 1300A. Accordingly, if the outer body allows the main vibrating body portion with asymmetric weight vibratory motor 1320 to bend relative to the power section 1310 the flexible drive shaft 1330 does not move, as in twist etc., within the power section 1310 but within the body portion containing asymmetric weight vibratory motor 1320. Similarly, bushing 1380 performs the same function within second adult device 1300B for the flexible drive shaft 1350 between the power section 1340 and asymmetric weight vibratory motor 1360.
Alternatively, as depicted in
Within the preceding embodiments of the invention such as those depicted within
Within the embodiments presented supra the overall concept provides an inline gear reduction reducing the input RPM of typical motors within the range 10,000 to 20,000 RPM to an applied rotation rate reduced by an order of magnitude or more or by factors less than an order of magnitude. In embodiments of the invention a flexible drive shaft may drive the gear reducer within different configurations including, but not limited to those, depicted and described supra in respect of
A second configuration is a single bend design such as depicted in
The inventors exploited a simple experimental configuration to assess drive shaft geometries, materials, etc. wherein
The current in the drive motor can be measured and will vary depending on the power losses in the system. By measuring the initial current of the system and then the current while the test is running the difference between the two values can be calculated. When comparing these values the lower the better for current difference as there is less power draw for that specific configuration. If the output thread wheel rotation was zero despite operation of the drive motor it implies slipping of the drive wheel relative to the thread wheel as does a reduction ratio higher than that designed. Referring to
In each instance it is evident that approximately 20 g force is required for the tread wheel to be engaged fully by the drive wheel wherein the output rotation is ˜3,00 RPM reduced from a loaded input rotation of ˜8,500 RPM for the flat urethane and flat rubber versus an output rotation of ˜4,000 for the silicone and buna o-rings. These achieved the approximately reduction of ˜2:1 of the design configuration. Referring to
Now referring to
Now referring to
Now referring to
The reduction/tread wheel may be simply machined such as depicted in fifth image 2125 or have a material added around the surface engaged by the drive wheel, e.g. the inner surface as depicted in sixth image 2130 in
The geometry of the reduction wheel may vary as evident with first to fourth wheels 2135 to 2150 respectively. As depicted:
Now referring to
Alternatively a cyclic linear drive, such as depicted and described in respect of
Any gear combination can be done also with wheels and smooth receiving mating surface. Rubber wheels can be designed to compress slightly with careful placement and provide good traction and long life. Wheels in many instances have the advantage over gears in that they tend to be quieter running and do not need lubrication. Accordingly, the inventors note that the embodiments of the invention described supra in respect of
Some energy is wasted in heat due to the wheel deforming as it rolls over the smooth mating surface. The mating surface can have a mat or textured surface finish that optimizes traction of the wheel to minimize the “load” that the wheel needs to exert on the matting surface in order to not slip. Decreasing the wheel load and subsequent wheel deformation will reduce wasted energy in the form of heat. Both the wheel (gear) and the mating drive surface (gear) can be made of many combinations of a variety of plastics, synthetics rubbers, urethanes and many metals. In both instances of wheels and gears designs with low friction materials can provide for designs with high lifetime, high efficiency and without the requirement for lubricants. However, in other embodiments of the invention lubricants may be employed either as surface treatments or in bulk.
Appropriate selection of materials and design can provide long life and quiet operation with either wheeled or gear based systems that run dry or with the use of sintered bushings and thin oil films or the use of oil baths. All standard lubrication techniques can be employed for both the shaft and bushings as well as the gear or wheel drive systems. For long life (low wear) wheel and receiving surface can also be made with both made from metal or both plastic and the use of small contact area and smooth polished surfaces and an oil lubricating film can be used because the thin film of oil between the two can achieve good traction. Through squeeze film lubrication techniques, the two parts have a high friction between them, but the parts do not actually touch each other. Wear is minimized as there is always a microscopic layer of oil between the two, typically metal, surfaces. In embodiments of the invention the bearings and shafts can be made from metal/plastic, or plastic/metal or dissimilar metal/metal or dissimilar plastic/plastic combinations. Likewise the (gear/wheel) and (gear/mating surface) components can be made from metal/plastic, or plastic/metal or (similar or dissimilar) metal/metal or (similar or dissimilar) plastic/plastic combinations.
Embodiments of the invention may exploit elastomers, natural rubbers, synthetic rubber for soft tires, e.g. tire around edge of wheel in first image 2110 or fourth image 2120 in
Embodiments of the invention may exploit metals and plastics for the hubs such as in first image 2110 or for the body of the reduction wheel such as depicted in fifth and sixth images 2125 and 2130 in
Within the embodiments of the invention the flexible drive shaft may be formed from a variety of materials in their elastic range. Theses materials can also have different shapes. Using metal as an example a spring can be used as well as a solid bar or braided wire, such that almost any material could potentially be employed provided the requirement performance was within its conditions. Some of the materials that can be employed include, but are not limited to: plastic in solid rods or engineered shapes; Polyoxymethylene; Polyoxymethylene; Vesconite™; metal in solid rod or engineered shapes; Spring metal; Stainless steel wire in different sizes and braids, e.g. 7×7; 19×1, etc.; and Nickel titanium rods.
A specific shape of plastic that can be used for the flexible drive shaft without adapters is tubing. Materials may include, but are not limited to, Silicone, for example platinum cured or peroxide cured; Gum rubber; Synthetic rubber; Fluorinated ethylene propylene; Perfluoropolymers such as MFA and PFA; Polyethylene; Polytetrafluoroethylene Polyvinyl chloride; and BPT.
Drive wheels, drive shafts, etc. may be supported by mounts that support the drive wheel, drive shaft, etc. on one side, both sides, with two bushings, one bushing or no bushings. A mount supported by an arm allows a constant pressure to be applied to keep the wheel in contact with the reduction gear/wheel. Bushings may be formed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, sintered bronze, polyoxymethylene, Vesconite™, etc.
Embodiments of the invention may exploit a range of materials such as described within this specification including, for example, an embodiment of the invention, wherein:
The plastic for the bushings and gears would be low surface friction material such as Vesconite or Acetal. Where drive shafts are described in conjunction with wheels, gears, etc. and these are attached to the drive shaft then it would be evident that such attachment may be implemented using a range of techniques including, but not limited to, key shaft, cotter pins, interference fit, spring clip retaining washer, tapered section retaining ring, self-locking retaining ring, screws, and threads shaft or threaded shaft sections and nuts. Shafts may be stamped or formed irregularly for attachment of wheel and/or gear through interference fit. Flexible drive shafts may, be connected and/or clamped to another element or inserted within an opening and clamped, e.g. jawed chucks, pinched, glued, epoxied, heat-shrunk, for example or a combination thereof.
Whilst emphasis has been made to self-contained discrete devices it would be evident that according to other embodiments of the invention that the device can be separated into multiple units, such as for example a vibrator element coupled to an inserted body via a flexible tube in order to either keep the vibrator element external to the user's body or as part of a flexible portion of the body allowing user adjustment such as arc of a vaginal penetrative portion of a device. Optionally, it would also be evident that devices according to embodiments of the invention can be configured to be held during use; fitted to a harness; fitted via an attachment to a part of the user's body or another user's body, e.g., hand, thigh, or foot; or fitted via a suction cup or other mounting means to a physical object such as a wall, floor, or table.
Within embodiments of the invention with respect to devices and the electronic control the descriptions supra in respect of the Figures have described electrical power for vibrator elements as being derived from batteries, either standard replaceable (consumable) designs such as alkaline, zinc-carbon, and lithium iron sulphide (LiFeS2) types, or rechargeable designs such as nickel cadmium (NiCd or Nicad), nickel zinc, and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH). Typically, such batteries are AAA or AA although other battery formats including, but not limited to, C, D, and PP3. Accordingly, such devices would be self-contained with electrical power source, controller, and vibratory element(s) etc. all formed within the same body. It would be evident that the electronic controller and vibratory element(s) etc. are preferably low power, high efficiency designs when considering battery driven operation although electrical main connections can ease such design limits. In instances of wired interface remote controls and electrical mains connections then the cap may be fitted with an opening allowing the screw cap to be attached with the cable in a slot with rubber/elastomeric grommet/edge etc.
However, alternate embodiments of devices can be configured in so-called wand type constructions, see for example Hitachi Magic Wand within the prior art for example, wherein increased dimensions are typical but additionally the device includes a power cord and is powered directly from the electrical mains via a transformer. Optionally, a device can be configured with battery and electrical mains connections via a small electrical connector with a cord to a remote transformer and therein a power plug. Within embodiments of the invention to devices and the electronic control the descriptions supra in respect of the Figures the electrical control has been described as being within the device. However, optionally the controller can be remote to the device either connected via an electrical cable or communicating via an indirect means such as wireless communications for example. Additionally, the electronic controller has been primarily described as providing control signals to the active elements of the device. However, in some embodiments of the invention the electronic controller can receive inputs from sensors embedded within the device or external to the device. For example, a sensor can provide an output in dependence upon pressure applied to that portion of the device by the user, for example from vaginal contractions, wherein the controller can adjust one or more aspects of the device. Alternatively, the frequency of vibration may be varied based upon sensors within the body and/or handle of the adult device allowing the device's characteristics to be varied based upon the pressure applied by the user to the body and the user or another party to the handle. In other embodiments of the invention these sensors and/or control circuit.
Embodiments of the invention described supra in respect of
It would also be evident that whilst embodiments of the invention have been described with respect to single ratio reduction assemblies that alternate embodiments of the invention may allow for variable reduction assemblies. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention multiple heads, each comprising a different reduction ratio assembly, may be applied to a common body that contains the high speed motor, controller, and batteries for example. Alternatively, a design may provide the user with the ability to selectively engage one of a plurality of reduction assemblies, e.g. selecting a different drive gear to engage the same ring gear or selectively connecting the drive to an outer gear rather than an inner gear or the outer teeth of a ring gear rather than teeth on an inner element of the ring gear.
It would also be evident that whilst embodiments of the invention have been described with respect to asymmetric weights formed upon rotating elements of the ratio reduction assembly(ies) that an asymmetric weight may be applied to an output shaft of a ratio reduction assembly either alone or in combination with other asymmetric weights.
It would also be evident that whilst embodiments of the invention have been described with respect to asymmetric weights formed upon rotating elements that the rotating elements may impart other sensations to the user's body or the body of a user to whom the device is applied such as rotating sets of beads or ball bearings, rotating nubbies, etc.
Specific details are given in the above description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is understood that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits can be shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques can be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
Implementation of the techniques, blocks, steps and means described above can be done in various ways. For example, these techniques, blocks, steps and means can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processing units can be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described above and/or a combination thereof.
Also, it is noted that the embodiments can be described as a process, which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart can describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations can be rearranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not included in the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.
The foregoing disclosure of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure.
Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/025,532 filed on Jul. 17, 2014 entitled “Methods and Devices Relating to Vibratory Adult Devices,” the entire contents of which are included herein by reference.
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