Patent Grant
7946977
The present invention generally relates to phallic devices for sexual stimulation that also include audio features for playing prerecorded audio and/or personalized audio.
Dildos and vibrators are distributed throughout the world generally in sexual novelty shops and through internet merchants. These devices can be used as sexual aids and given merely as gag gifts, for example, at an office party to embarrass the recipient. Dildos and vibrators are usually phallic shaped so as to resemble the form (if not the size) of the penis or phallus. Typically, the term “dildo” generally refers to and includes phallic-shaped devices that are static or non-vibrating, while the term “vibrator” generally refers to and includes phallic-shaped devices that include a system for causing vibration of the device.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a phallic device for sexual stimulation generally includes a housing and at least one end cap attached to the housing. The end cap includes a data access device for accessing audio data from a data device. The end cap further includes a sound emitter for emitting audio corresponding to the audio data accessed by the data access device from the data device.
Further aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding features throughout the several views of the drawings.
The following description of exemplary embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its applications, or uses.
A phallic device according to one aspect of the present invention generally includes a housing and at least one end cap attached to the housing. The end cap includes a data access device or means for accessing audio data from a data device. The end cap also includes a sound emitter or means for emitting audio. During operation, the sound emitter produces audio (e.g., voice messages, music, instructions, natural sounds, artificial sounds, etc.) corresponding to the audio data accessed by the data access device. In some embodiments, the end cap is configured to resemble a figurine of a famous person, and the audio data includes voice messages with at least one predetermined speech characteristic (e.g., inflections, accents, a foreign language, etc.) coordinated or associated with the famous person.
Another aspect of the present invention provides an end cap for a phallic device. In one embodiment, the end cap is configured to be retrofit (e.g., threadably engaged, etc.) onto an existing phallic device to thereby provide the phallic device with audio capabilities. For example, an existing end cap of the phallic device can be removed and replaced with an end cap having a data access device and a sound emitter.
In another aspect of the invention, the invention provides a plurality of interchangeable data devices each having audio data. By selecting from amongst the interchangeable data devices, the user can thus select the audio that is played by the phallic device.
In yet another aspect, the invention provides a plurality of interchangeable end caps. Each end cap includes a data device having audio data, and a data access device or means for accessing the audio data. Each end cap also includes a sound emitter or means for emitting audio that corresponds to the audio data. Accordingly, the user can thus select which audio is played by selecting an end cap and then attaching the selected end cap to the phallic device.
Further aspects include methods of using such phallic devices, end caps, and audio features thereof. For example, various methods include customizing the audio data for playback by the phallic device as described herein.
Referring now to
The outside of the housing 102 is generally phallic-shaped so as to resemble the form (if not the size) of a human penis. The housing 102 can be provided in various sizes and colors. In addition, a wide range of materials can be used for the housing 102, including rubber, gel foams, plastics, silicone, and other suitable materials. In various embodiments, the housing 102 is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, colored, formed of a material, etc.) in a manner similar to existing commercially available dildos and vibrators. As described herein, various embodiments include an end cap that is retrofit onto an existing dildo or vibrator.
As shown in
With further reference to
In addition, various embodiments include the switch 114 being used to control the operation of the audio features as well. That is, the manner in which the operation of the vibration feature is controlled may also be used for controlling operation of the audio system. Alternatively, and as shown in the figures and described herein, there may be separate (or at least partially separate) systems for controlling the operation of the audio features and the vibration feature. Various embodiments includes means (e.g., switch 114, etc.) for controlling operation of the vibration feature that is entirely independent and distinct from the means (e.g., on/off push-button switch 127, volume control switch 128, etc.) for controlling operation of the audio features.
As shown in
Further embodiments include a remote control device that can be used to control the operation of the vibration-generating motor and/or audio system. For example,
Signals 818 received by the controller 816 provide information to the controller 816 for causing the controller 816 to select a particular vibration mode (e.g., on/off, fast vibrations, slow vibrations, pulsating, wave, randomly changed rhythms, etc.). Accordingly, the vibration mode can thus be remotely controlled by a user via the external remote control 814. As described herein, various embodiments also or alternatively include the remote control device being used to remotely control the audio features as well. In
Referring back to
The end cap 104 includes an audio system. The end cap 104 also includes connectors 118 for switchably connecting the audio system to the batteries 110 when the end cap 104 is threadably engaged to the housing 102. As shown in
The audio system includes means for accessing audio data from a data device. The audio system also includes means for producing audio (e.g., voice messages, music, instructions, other sounds, etc.) corresponding to the audio data. As shown in
In the illustrated embodiment of
As shown in
Alternatively, other data devices can be used with a phallic device of the present invention. Exemplary data devices include flash memory cards, memory sticks, other ROM storage devices, other computer readable media for storing audio, random access memory (RAM), read/writable data devices, etc. The particular type/form of data device used can depend, for example, on the particular type/form data access device within the end cap. Conversely, the particular type/form of data access device within the end cap can depend, for example, on the particular type/form data device(s) to be used. In various embodiments, the data device and data access device are relatively small so that the phallic device remains a portable hand-held device.
Various embodiments include writable data devices such that a user can modify (e.g., add, delete, update, re-record, etc.) audio data of the writable data device. In some embodiments, a user can create personal, individualized, customized personal messages that are written to the data device, wherein the personal messages can be then be played during use of the phallic device. For example, personalized messages can be played one after another without interruption even though the messages were created or recorded at different times. The user can also delete or update messages, for example, by recording new or more current messages. In various embodiment, the personalized messages can be played simultaneously with prerecorded audio. For example, recorded voice messages may be played with background prerecorded music.
Various embodiments allow a user to customize audio data by selectively downloading audio data from an Internet website to a data device for later playback by the phallic device. For example, and as shown in
Also shown in
Accordingly, the cradle or other remote device 1044 permits users the opportunity to customize their own recordings in addition, or as an alternative, to relying on the Internet for making custom recordings. But when custom recordings are made “offsite” (given from one person to another from a remote location), the Internet can be used for making the custom recordings used in conjunction with the “cradle” and a hot wire. Additionally, or alternatively, various embodiments will also permit the user to coordinate a telephone recording with an Internet website as a means of making the customized voice modules and recordings. By way of example only, various embodiments can include one or more of the systems for producing voice messages described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,414 entitled “Voice Message Keepsake System”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,206 entitled “Voice Message Keepsake System”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,078 entitled “Voice Message Keepsake System”; and/or U.S. Pat. No. 6,356,626 entitled “Point to Point Voice Message Processor, Method and Recording/Playback Device”.
The ability to record personal messages can provide several advantages. For example, an individual purchaser may record personal messages, and then give the phallic device with the personally recorded messages as a gift to a lover. This provides users with the opportunity to re-record messages over existing personal messages and keep these messages fresh or current by updating the messages periodically. The ability to leave customized messages which are later played while using the phallic device can perhaps heighten the sexual response.
In the illustrated embodiment, the data device 120 is removable from the end cap 104. In other embodiments, however, the data device 120 may be integrated into or fixedly disposed within the end cap 104. For example, other embodiments include playback circuitry (and record circuitry in some embodiments) mounted on a printed circuit board, which is disposed within the end cap 104. In such embodiments, the computer chip(s) include audio data that is communicated to a sound emitter (e.g., speaker). In response, the sound emitter emits audio consistent with the audio data from the computer chip(s). In one embodiment, the end cap 104 includes a plurality of computer chips, and at least one controller (e.g., rotary switch, etc.) for allowing the user to select from amongst the plurality of computer chips. By selecting a particular computer chip, the user is thus able to select which audio is played. Additionally, or alternatively, a phallic device may include means (e.g., wireless, wired, combinations thereof) for connecting or linking to a network (e.g., the Internet, etc.) to download audio data from the Internet for playback by the audio system within the end cap. In various embodiments, the phallic device includes one or more of the audio features for enabling customized recordings described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,570,414; 5,490,206; 5,425,078; and/or U.S. Pat. No. 6,356,626. Alternatively, other suitable audio features can be included within the end cap for enabling customized recordings.
As shown in
In various embodiments, the level of sound emitted by the speaker 124 can be adjustably controlled by a volume control, e.g., rheostat. In the illustrated embodiment, the volume control is a rotationally adjustable annular ring 128 (
The phallic device 100 further includes at least one switch 127 for switchably connecting the audio system to the batteries 110. As shown in
Further embodiments include other suitable switches for controlling operation of the audio system, such as push-button switches, electrical terminals (e.g., externally disposed on the end cap 104 and/or housing 102) for switchably connecting the audio system to the batteries 110 when the electrical terminals are placed in contact with the user's body, motion-responsive switches, light-sensitive switches, temperature-sensitive switches, compression switches, voice activated switches, etc. One exemplary embodiment includes a push-button switch provided on the end cap and/or the housing that allows the user to turn on/off the audio system and to also cycle through different audio (e.g., cycle through different computer chips, different data devices within the end cap, etc.) by successively pressing the push-button switch.
Further embodiments include a remote control device that can be used to control the operation of the vibration-generating motor and/or audio features. For example,
Signals 818 received by the controller 816 provide information to the controller 816 for causing the controller 816 to turn on/off the audio system and/or to select the particular audio to be played by the audio system. Accordingly, the operating mode for the audio system can thus be remotely controlled by a user via the external source 814. As described herein, various embodiments also or alternatively include a remote control device that allows the user to remotely control the vibration features, if any, of the phallic device. In
Other aspects of the invention provide an end cap that can be retrofit onto an existing dildo, vibrator, or other sexual device in order to provide audio features to the existing dildo/vibrator, thereby increasing its functionality and commercial appeal. For example, an existing end cap of the phallic device can be removed and replaced with an end cap having an audio system. In one embodiment, the end cap having the audio features includes a threaded portion that is compatible with the threads of the existing vibrator housing. A standard vibrator can thus become a talking or other sound-producing phallic device by simply removing (e.g., unscrewing, etc.) the original end cap from the vibrator and threadably engaging an end cap of the present invention onto the vibrator. To accommodate the audio system, the retrofittable end cap may be slightly larger than the existing end cap. The end cap can include one or more computer chips for playing personalized voice messages, instructions, music, natural sounds, artificial sounds, etc. In some embodiments, the computer chip(s) can also allow the user to create and/or recreate personalized audio, such as voice messages and instructions.
The retrofitted end cap can also include a switch for controlling operation of the vibration feature (e.g., turn on or off, increase or decrease vibration speed, change rhythm or pulsations of vibrations, etc.). Accordingly, the vibrator is still able to perform all of its original functions but now has audio capabilities by way of the retrofitted end cap. Accordingly, these embodiments can convert an existing vibrator having a user-controllable vibration feature (e.g., activating, deactivating, adjusting the speed, rhythm, etc.) into a more desirable product by retrofitting an end cap that not only maintains that user control of the vibration feature, but which also provides an audio feature by which the user can play personally recorded and/or prerecorded messages.
In various embodiments, audio can be coordinated with the external appearance of the phallic device. For example, the phallic device housing can be provided in a particular color so as to resemble the skin color of a person of a particular nationality. In such embodiment, the audio may include prerecorded messages with speech inflections, patterns, accents, foreign language, stereotypical grammar, etc. associated with the nationality that the phallic device housing is intended to resemble. Or, for example, the phallic device housing can be tiger-striped in color, and the audio can include prerecorded messaging of a tiger roaring. As yet another example, the phallic device can be sized, shaped, and colored consistent with an elephant's penis, and the audio can include prerecorded elephant sounds. Such features may further increase the commercial appeal of these phallic devices, for example, as gag gifts.
In various embodiments, the end caps can be configured (e.g., shaped, sized, colored, etc.) to resemble recognizable objections, such as a caricature or figurine of a famous person, the recipient of the device as a gag-gift, or an end-user of the device. The audio may include prerecorded messages coordinated with the recognizable object. For example,
In various embodiments, a phallic device (e.g., 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, etc.) can also include at least one light source, at least one power source for powering the light source, and at least one switch for switchably connecting the light source to the power source. For example,
The LEDs 930 may be configured to produce thematic light that is coordinated to the audio emitted by the audio system within the end cap 904. For example, the end cap 904 may play music (e.g., stars and stripes, etc.), and the LEDs may produce light 932 that pulsates (e.g., strobe-light effect, etc.) to the beat of the music and/or that is color-coordinated (e.g., red, white and blue, etc.) to the music.
The LEDs 930 can be coupled to (e.g., positioned within or embedded within) the housing 902. The housing 902, in turn, can be translucent or transparent to allow light 932 from the LEDs 930 to be transmitted therethrough. Additionally, or alternatively, LEDs can be coupled to (e.g., positioned within or embedded within) the end cap, and the end cap can be translucent or transparent to allow light from the LEDs to be transmitted therethrough.
The LEDs 930 can receive electrical power from the same power source as does the audio system. Alternatively, the LEDs 930 can receive electrical power from a different power source than the audio system.
The phallic device 900 can also include a controller (e.g., an integrated circuit/printed circuit assembly and at least one switch) for controlling operation of the LEDs 930. In one embodiment, the LEDs 930 are controlled by the same controller and switch as the audio system. Alternatively, the means for controlling operation of the LEDs 930 can be separate and distinct from the means for controlling operation of the audio features.
In some embodiments, a phallic device may include an audio system within the end cap, LEDs, an end cap, and a housing all tailored or configured consistent with a particular theme. For example, another embodiment includes a phallic device configured consistent with a wedding theme such that the outer surface of the housing is configured to resemble a male torso in a tuxedo, the end cap is configured to resemble the male's head, the audio system plays a bridal march, and LEDs pulsate to the bridal march music. This particular wedding theme-oriented phallic device might then make an excellent gag-gift at a bachelorette party.
Or, for example, one embodiment includes a Halloween-oriented phallic device in which LEDs produce orange and black light display, the outer surface of the housing is configured to resembles a skeletal bone, the end cap is configured to resemble a jack-o-lantern, and the audio system plays spooky or scary music. This Halloween-oriented phallic device might then make an excellent gag-gift or attendance prize at a Halloween party.
In various embodiments, a phallic device having one or more of the audio features described herein also includes means (e.g., wireless, wired, combinations thereof) for connecting or linking to an Internet website. The phallic device includes a controller (e.g., within the end cap and/or housing) capable of receiving signals from the Internet website. The signals received by the controller provide information to the controller for causing the controller to select a particular operating mode (e.g., on/off, fast vibrations, slow vibrations, pulsating, wave, randomly changed rhythms, etc.) for the vibration feature and to control what audio is played by the audio system within the end cap. In various embodiments, the vibrations and audio can be controlled so as to coordinate with what is being visually displayed at the Internet website on the user's computer screen.
In various embodiments, a phallic device having one or more audio features (e.g., recording and/or playback features described herein) can also include one or more ornaments or decorations coupled to the outer surface of the end cap and/or housing. For example, one particular embodiment of a phallic device includes end cap having audio features and an outer surface decorated with costume jewelry (e.g., cubic zirconium, plastic replicas of rubies, emeralds, etc.) on the end cap.
The teachings of the present invention can be applied in a wide range of devices, including vibrators, vibrating dildos, static or non-vibrating dildos, among other sexual toys and novelty toys. Accordingly, the specific references to vibrators and dildos should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to any specific form/type of sexual toy or device.
The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/607,309, filed on Sep. 7, 2004. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/610,616, filed on Sep. 16, 2004. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
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