Patent Application
20230023890
Embodiments of the invention relate to a stimulation device, and more particularly, to an air pressure field stimulation device.
Stimulation of skin has many beneficial effects, including raising blood flow in the area, and stimulating nerve endings. In addition, on a human body, a vulva includes organs including a clitoris, mons pubis, labia majora, and labia minora surrounding the vagina. The glans clitoris is a portion of the clitoris that is on the vulva, external to the vagina. The glans clitoris is sexually responsive, having thousands of nerve endings. The vulva (and vagina) is sexually responsive as well. Stimulation of a person's glans clitoris increases blood flow to the area and provides sexual pleasure. There exists a need for improvements in personal massagers that can provide increased stimulation.
In one embodiment, there is provided a stimulation device comprising: a cup comprising a cavity; a driver, wherein the driver comprises: a voice coil motor comprising an extendable actuator, wherein the extendable actuator is affixed to an underside surface of the cup; a processor; and a memory, wherein the memory contains instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the driver to intermittently change a volume of the cavity of the cup from a first volume to a second volume.
In another embodiments, there is provided a stimulation device comprising: a cup comprising a cavity; a plurality of inward-facing protrusions disposed on an inner side surface of the cup; a driver, wherein the driver comprises: a voice coil motor comprising an extendable actuator, wherein the extendable actuator is affixed to an underside surface of the cup; a processor; and a memory, wherein the memory contains instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the driver to intermittently change a volume of the cavity of the cup from a first volume to a second volume.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the present teachings and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present teachings.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely representations, not necessarily intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only example embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering may represent like elements. Furthermore, certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity.
Disclosed embodiments provide an improved stimulation device. Embodiments of the improved stimulation device include a cup and a driver. The cup has a cavity surrounded by a rim. In use, a user positions the rim such that an opening to the cavity is over an area of a user's body to be stimulated (for example, the clitoris). A sealed-, or substantially-sealed, main chamber is formed by the cavity walls and the user's body (skin surrounding the clitoris). A pressure field is generated in the main chamber. The device may further include an auxiliary chamber that is pneumatically connected to the main chamber via a conduit. An auxiliary chamber volume adjuster allows the user to vary the volume of the auxiliary chamber, which varies a total combined volume of the pneumatically connected main chamber and auxiliary chamber. The change in total volume causes a change in pressure experienced by the user. This allows the user to adjust the pressure based on comfort and pleasure as per user preferences. In some embodiments, the stimulation device is a sex toy. In some embodiments, the stimulation device is a medical device.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments”, “embodiments,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in some embodiments”, “in embodiments,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
Moreover, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined (“mixed and matched”) in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope and purpose of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms “a”, “an”, etc., do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term “set” is intended to mean a quantity of at least one. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or “including”, or “has” and/or “having”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, and/or elements.
For the purposes of disclosure, the word, “substantially” is defined as “for the most part”. It means “to a great extent,” but having some room for some minor variation.
Throughout this disclosure, a legend is used to indicate orientation of the various views of disclosed embodiments with respect to an X, Y, and Z axis.
As the driver (1973 of
Conversely, when the user pulls tab 2012, it increases volume Va, which in turn increases volume Vt, lowering the pressure within chamber 2008. Thus, embodiments allow the user to adjust the volume Vt, thereby adjusting the pressure experienced on skin 2025 of the user. The pressure can be changed during operation. Thus, as an example, a user can start use of the device with a lower pressure, and then build up to an increased pressure during use, based on preference and comfort of the user. Conversely, a user could also start use of the device with a higher pressure, and then reduce pressure to a decreased pressure during use, based on preference and comfort of the user.
In embodiments, the auxiliary chamber 2110 is expandable and collapsible using a flexible resilient material such as silicone to mold over-center hinges within the adjacent volume walls. This allows the volume of the auxiliary chamber to be set to a desired volume, and then the user can let go of the tab and the tab remains in the position set by the user. In embodiments, the auxiliary chamber volume adjuster comprises a tab configurable to be pulled and pushed to adjust the second volume.
The stroke length of the actuator 2206 can also be controlled and/or adjusted during operation in some embodiments. In embodiments, the actuator 2206 is electromagnetic and operates by using a copper coil energized by an electric current and one or more permanent magnets. The force generated by the coil is proportional to the magnetic field and the direction and magnitude of the electric current. The level of electric current can change the position of the actuator. Switching the direction of the current changes the direction of the force. In embodiments, the voice coil motor comprises an extendable actuator, and the extendable actuator is affixed to an underside surface of the cup.
A processor 2215 executes instructions stored in memory 2217 to implement functionality of disclosed embodiments. The memory 2217 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium including random-access memory (RAM), flash, static random-access memory (SRAM), or other suitable memory type. An internal battery 2213 may be used to power the processor 2215, actuator 2206, and other electronic components. By manipulating user interface 2219, which may include one or more buttons or switches that effect electronic control circuits prior to the user applying the device to the body part, the user can adjust the starting volume by activating the coils' energy to move the actuator's starting position. The current moves the actuator to a configuration such as shown in
Using the processor 2215 coupled to electronic control circuits 2205, the user can adjust the cup's volume during use by activating the energy in the coils to locate the actuator's ending position. The user chooses a smaller stroke for a smaller change in volume and a larger stroke for a larger volume change. In embodiments, a memory contains instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the driver to adjust a range of motion of the extendable actuator. In embodiments, the electronic current can be pulsed to allow the user to adjust the frequency of the stimulation.
Thus, the disclosed allow for enhanced control over the operation of the massager device by allowing adjustment of the pressure. In embodiments, by controlling the operation of the actuator 2206, the user can control the initial volume of the cup 2202. The initial volume affects how much pressure is applied during operation. Additionally, in embodiments, user can specify the maximum and/or minimum volumes of the cup 2202. In embodiments, this is accomplished by specifying a range of travel for the actuator 2206. By specifying a maximum and minimum range, the range of volume change, and thus, the range of pressures felt by the user, can be controlled by the user, enabling a customized user experience. Additionally, the operational speed of the voice coil motor 2204 may be controlled by the user, thereby allowing control of the rate of change of the cup's volume. This can provide improved pleasure and comfort for a user of disclosed embodiments.
A power source 2302 powers the processor 2304, motor 2314, and other electronic components. Power source 2302 may be a battery, which may be a replaceable, or internally sealed rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the battery may be USB-chargeable, inductively chargeable, or other suitable charging mechanism now known or hereafter developed. It should be recognized that any power source, now known or hereafter developed, may be used. More than one battery may be included in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the stimulation device may be powered by alternating current power, such as 120V or 240V standard household power, with a power adapter comprising voltage regulators to convert the power to an appropriate DC level (e.g. 12V DC).
The memory 2306 may include a non-transitory computer readable medium including, but not limited to, flash, EEPROM, static ram (SRAM), or other suitable storage type. The memory 2306 contains instructions, that when executed by processor 2304, enable embodiments of the present invention. The user interface 2310 may comprise one or more buttons, lights, buzzers, liquid crystal displays, and/or other suitable components for control and operation of the device.
The massager device further includes motor 2314. The direction of movement of motor 2314 may be controlled via a signal from input/output interface 2308. The device may further include a communication interface 2309, which may support a wired and/or wireless communication protocol, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, or other suitable communication protocol. Thus, in embodiments, the communication interface 2309 is a wireless communication interface. In some embodiments, the communication interface 2309 includes a Bluetooth transceiver. In some embodiments, the communication interface 2309 includes a Wi-Fi transceiver. In some embodiments, the user interface 2310 may not be present.
The communication interface 2309 can enable communication with a remote device 2321 such as a smartphone or tablet computer to enable additional user interface functions on the remote device. In some embodiments, the massager device may be controllable via an application on the remote device 2321, instead of, or in addition to user interface 2310.
In some embodiments, a user interface rendered on remote device 2321 may include additional options. In embodiments, the additional options include a speed setting 2322. The speed setting may have various available levels (e.g., level 1, 2, and 3). Each level may correspond to a different operational speed of motor 2314. In embodiments, the additional options include an initial cup volume setting 2324. The initial cup volume setting may have various available levels (e.g., option 1, 2, and 3). In embodiments, the additional options include a minimum cup volume setting 2326. The minimum cup volume setting may have various available levels (e.g., option 1, 2, and 3). In embodiments, the additional options include a maximum cup volume setting 2328. The maximum cup volume setting may have various available levels (e.g., option 1, 2, and 3). These settings may be stored in memory 2306, such that the preferences of the user are saved and retrieved on subsequent uses of the device.
Device 2400 includes a roller 2421. The roller 2421 is mechanically engaged with slot 2427 formed in frame 2423. The roller is configured to press against chamber surface 2426 with sufficient pressure to seal off a portion of the underlying chamber. The opposing force exerted by the chamber surface 2426 against the roller 2421 provides friction that maintains the roller 2421 in a given position.
The roller 2421 is shown in an intermediate position. Conduit 2431 pneumatically connects main chamber (opening 2408), to the auxiliary chamber 2436, utilizing principles similar to those shown and described for
Unless otherwise noted, components of embodiments may be made of plastic, silicone, metal, composite, or another suitable material.
Some embodiments are waterproof such that they may be washed with fluids, like soap and water. Accordingly, the attachment points of the sheath and any other external portions are sealed where necessary. This allows a user to clean the device thoroughly between uses.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. The embodiments according to the present invention may be implemented in association with the formation and/or processing of structures illustrated and described herein as well as in association with other structures not illustrated. Moreover, in particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.
