PET GROOMING AND SKIN CARE TOOL AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE TOOL

Abstract

A comfortable single-piece male incontinence control device (100) permitting conscious micturition without adjustment or removal of the device (100). The device having a continuous loop of an elastic compression band (110) configured and arranged to securely encircle a flaccid penis P without inflicting penile ischemia, and a bump (120) on the elastic compression band (110) projecting inward into the lumen (119) defined by the band (110) for pressing against and constricting the urethra U of a wearer W.

Claims

1. A male incontinence control device, comprising: (a) a continuous single-piece loop of an elastic compression band defining a lumen, the elastic compression band configured and arranged to securely encircle a flaccid penis without inflicting penile ischemia, and (b) an inwardly projecting bump on the elastic compression band configured and arranged for pressing against and constricting the urethra of a wearer.

2. The male incontinence control device of claim 1 wherein (i) the lumen has an elliptic cross-section with a major axis centered through a top and bottom portion of the elastic compression band and a minor axis centered through side portions of the elastic compression band, and (ii) the volumetric center of the bump is essentially aligned with the minor axis.

3. The male incontinence control device of claim 1 wherein the elastic compression band has a shore durometer of 5 A to 30 A.

4. The male incontinence control device of claim 1 wherein the elastic compression band has a Young's Modulus of 5 to 30 psi.

5. The male incontinence control device of claim 1 wherein the ultimate elongation of the elastic compression band is at least 100%.

6. The male incontinence control device of claim 3 wherein the elastic compression band has a thickness of 1 to 5 mm and the lumen has an axial length of 1 to 2 cm.

7. The male incontinence control device of claim 1 wherein the bump is elastic, formed as a single-piece with the continuous loop, and radially extends 5 to 15 mm into the lumen.

8. The male incontinence control device of claim 7 wherein the elastic compression band and the elastic bump each have (i) shore durometers of 5 A to 30 A, (ii) Young's Modulus of 5 to 30 psi, and (iii) ultimate elongation of at least 100%.

9. The male incontinence control device of claim 1 further comprising two removal appliances extending radially outward from the elastic compression band, configured and arranged for manual fingertip engagement to facilitate manual outward radial stretching of the elastic compression band.

10. The male incontinence control device of claim 9 wherein the removal appliances are removal loops extending radially outward from the elastic compression band, configured and arranged to accommodate passage of at least one fingertip through each removal loop to facilitate manual outward radial stretching of the elastic compression band.

11. The male incontinence control device of claim 2 further comprising diametrically opposed first and second removal loops extending radially outward from the elastic compression band in alignment with the minor axis of the lumen, the removal loops configured and arranged to accommodate passage of at least one fingertip through each removal loop to facilitate manual outward radial stretching of the elastic compression band.

12. The male incontinence control device of claim 11 wherein the second removal loop is closest to the bump, and the first removal loop projects both radially outward and axially forward from the elastic compression band.

13. The male incontinence control device of claim 12 wherein the second removal loop curves axially forward from the elastic compression band at a radius of curvature of between about 1 to 2 cm.

14. The male incontinence control device of claim 11 further comprising radial wings formed as a single-piece with the elastic compression band and extending radially outward from the side portions of the elastic compression band between the diametrically opposed removal loops, the radial wings having an axial length of less than that of the elastic compression band so as to provide a limited area of increased radial thickness of elastic material to the side portions of the elastic compression band.

15. The male incontinence control device of claim 14 wherein the radial wings extend a radial distance of between 2 and 10 mm from the elastic compression band.

16. The male incontinence control device of claim 1 further comprising a generally spherical object having a durometer different from the bump replaceably captured within the bump.

17. The male incontinence control device of claim 1 wherein the bump is selectively attachable and detachable to the elastic compression band.

18. A method of controlling male incontinence, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a male incontinence control device in accordance with claim 1, (b) manually radially stretching the continuous elastic compression band so as to enlarge the lumen, (c) inserting the penis of a male in need of incontinence control through the enlarged lumen with the bump on the device positioned proximate the underside of the penis, and (d) releasing the band whereby (i) the band contracts around the shaft of the penis, and (ii) the bump presses against and restricts the urethra.

19. A method of urinating while wearing a male incontinence control device in accordance with claim 1, comprising the step of consciously initiating voiding of the bladder without adjusting or removing the device, whereby (i) the bladder contracts, (ii) the bladder outlet relaxes, and (iii) the flow of urine within the urethra exerts a pressure sufficient to overcome the pressure exerted upon the urethra by the bump on the device so as to permit micturition.

20. A method of removing a male incontinence control device in accordance with claim 11 from operable engagement with a penis, comprising the steps of: (a) inserting at least one finger tip from a first hand into the first removal loop, and inserting at least one finger tip from a second hand into the second removal loop, (b) manually stretching the elastic compression band so as to enlarge the lumen by pulling the loops away from one another, and (c) sliding the manually stretched elastic compression band off the penis.

21. A method of removing a male incontinence control device in accordance with claim 11 from operable engagement with a penis, comprising the steps of: (a) inserting at least a first and a second finger tip from a first hand into the first removal loop, and inserting at least a first and a second finger tip from a second hand into the second removal loop, (b) manually radially stretching the elastic compression band so as to enlarge the lumen by both pulling the loops away from one another and expanding the first and second finger tips in each removal loop away from one another, and (c) sliding the manually stretched elastic compression band off the penis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a front view of the invention depicted in FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a side view of the invention depicted in FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a top view of the invention depicted in FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the invention depicted in FIG. 2 taken along line 5-5.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a side view of the invention depicted in FIG. 1 equipped with axial wings.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a top view of the invention depicted in FIG. 6.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a front view of a second embodiment of the invention and multiple spherical objects configured and arranged for selective insertion into the bump.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention equipped with a generally spherical object replaceably captured within the bump.

[0036] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention having a detachable and replaceable bump.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 10 with the bump attached to the band.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a side view of the invention depicted in FIGS. 1-5 worn by an individual.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Definitions

[0040] As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase essentially aligned, when used in reference to the position of the volumetric center of the bump relative to the minor axis of the lumen, means less than about 2 mm distance from the minor axis along a 90 straight-line.

[0041] As utilized herein, including the claims, the phrase generally spherical object means an object having no sharp edges or corners, such as a sphere, a torus, an ellipsoid, an egg-shaped object, a pear-shaped object, a 100-sided polyhedron, etc.

TABLE-US-00001 Nomenclature Table Ref. No. Name 100 Male Incontinence Control Device 110 Elastic Compression Band Elastic Cylindrical Annulus Sleeve 110a Top Portion of Elastic Compression Band 110b Bottom Portion of Elastic Compression Band 110s Side Portions of Elastic Compression Band 119 Lumen Through the Elastic Compression Band Void 119 Axial Directions of Lumen 119.sub.1 Forward Axial Direction of Lumen 119.sub.2 Rearward Axial Direction of Lumen 119 Radial Directions of Lumen 119x Length of Lumen 120 Bump Protrusion 130 Removal Appliances (Loops) Gripping Appendages 131 First Removal Appliance 132 Second Removal Appliance 140 Radial Wings 141 First Radial Wing 142 Second Radial Wing 150 Axial Wings 151.sub.1 First Forward Axial Wing 152.sub.1 Second Forward Axial Wing 151.sub.2 First Rearward Axial Wing 152.sub.2 Second Rearward Axial Wing 200 Insert 300 Post for Detachable Mounting of Bump 410 Inelastic Length of Band 420 Elastic Length of Band 430 Connection Mechanism P Penis P.sub.1 Shaft of Penis P.sub.2 Underside of Penis S Scrotum U Urethra W Wearer

Construction

[0042] The male incontinence control device 100 is designed with comfort being one objective. It is constructed with a low modulus of elasticity elastomer material that allows the user to remain unaware of its presence throughout the day, when properly sized.

[0043] The male incontinence control device 100 is preferably configured and arranged not to completely impede urinary flow, but to greatly reduce involuntary urine flow while remaining comfortable to wear without inconvenience. In its preferred configuration and arrangement, persons wearing the device 100 may experience minor leakage for a variety of reasons throughout the day. Sudden increases in intravesical pressure may be generated when lifting a heavy weight, pressures from a full bladder, involuntary relaxation of the sphincter, or simply coughing or sneezing, in addition to urge incontinence.

[0044] The profile of the male incontinence control device 100 is modest in each dimension, which minimizes body contact and any tendency for movement. Comfort is directly related to the degree of constriction, which affects blood flow, and friction. Friction is created by contact pressures and movement between the device 100 and the surface of the skin.

[0045] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, according to the principles of the invention, the main body construction of the male incontinence control device 100 is a generally elastic cylindrical annulus, referred to herein as a sleeve or continuous loop elastic compression band 110, and an integrated protrusion, referred to herein as a bump 120, on the interior wall. The band 110 and bump 120 are preferably formed as a single-piece. Attached gripping appendages, referred to herein as removal appliances or removal loops 130, are preferably provided.

[0046] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer surface and the inner surface of the sleeve 110 defines the majority of the body of the sleeve 110. The inner face of the sleeve 110 bounds a cylindrical void, referred to herein as a lumen 119, which receives the penis P in the applied condition. The inner circumference of the sleeve 110 corresponds to, but is less than that of the flaccid penis P so as to securely encircle the flaccid penis P without inflicting penile ischemia.

[0047] An elastic compression band 110 having a thickness of 1 to 5 mm and defining a lumen 119 having an axial length of 1 to 2 cm is generally effective for providing a combination of comfort and superior performance.

[0048] The continuous loop elastic compression band 110 can be conveniently demarcated for purposes of describing the relative location of features and components on the continuous loop elastic compression band 110 as having a top portion 110a, a bottom portion 110b, and side portions 110s. The lumen 119 defines an axial direction 119 and radial directions 119. The axial direction 119 has a forward axial direction 119.sub.1 and a rearward axial direction 119.sub.2. The lumen 119 has an axial length 119x.

[0049] The lumen 119 can have an elliptic cross-section with a major axis centered through the top 110a and bottom 110b portions of the elastic compression band 110 and a minor axis centered through the side portions 110s of the elastic compression band 110.

[0050] The continuous loop elastic compression band 110 provides a relatively large cylindrical surface area in contact with the surface of the penis P relative to that of the small integrated protrusion 120 deposed at the lower 110b interior of the main sleeve body 110 which concentrates upward pressure on the urethra U located on the underside P.sub.2 of the penis P to impede urinary flow. This spreads constriction forces over a larger area around the perimeter of the penis P, relative to other configurations such as a cylindrical shaped (cross-section) loop, thereby allowing for normal blood flow and avoiding penile ischemia by minimizing constriction pressure. The distributed constriction force results in low pressures on the grouping of veins, arteries, and nerves commonly referred to as the neurovascular bundle, which ensures normal circulation and comfort.

[0051] The continuous cylindrical sleeve 110 is composed of a rubber, silicone or other elastomer commonly known to the trade. The sleeve 110 preferably has (i) a shore durometer of 5 A to 30 A, (ii) a low modulus of elasticity (i.e., a Young's Modulus of 5 to 30 psi and preferably 5 to 20 psi), and (iii) an ultimate elongation of at least 100%. A durometer of less than about 5 A tends to provide insufficient constriction force when used, while a durometer of greater than about 30 A tends to be excessively difficult to stretch when donning and doffing the device 100. Similarly a modulus of elasticity of less than about 5 psi tends to provide insufficient constriction force when used, while a modulus of elasticity of greater than about 30 psi tends to be excessively difficult to stretch when donning and doffing the device 100. Finally, an ultimate elongation of less than 100% tends to be excessively difficult to stretch a sufficient amount when donning and doffing the device 100.

[0052] Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, an integrated protrusion 120 is deposed on the inner wall of the continuous cylindrical sleeve 110 at the bottom 110b, extending radially inwardly and upward when in the applied condition for pressing against and constricting the urethra U of a wearer W.

[0053] A bump 120 which radially extends 5 to 15 mm into the lumen 119 is generally effective for providing a combination of comfort and superior performance.

[0054] In the preferred embodiment, the bump 120 has an uppermost convex surface, and is integrally attached to the lower 110b interior of the inner wall of the sleeve 110. The bump 120 preferably projects radially inward 119 directly towards the center of the lumen 199. Other embodiments may include, but are not limited to, protrusions composed of caps or inserts, which may not be an integral component to the sleeve 110 itself.

[0055] Referring generally to FIGS. 8-11, the bump 120 may be of solid elastomer material or may incorporate a variety of insert/snap-on components 200 of different size, shape and/or hardness (durometer) for insertion into a void within the bump 120 to increase hardness, adding to upward pressure on the urethra U. Alternatively, bumps 120 of different size, shape and/or hardness (durometer) may selectively attachable to the continuous cylindrical sleeve 110 via an inwardly projecting post 300 on the sleeve 110 to adjust upward pressure on the urethra U.

[0056] Referring generally to FIGS. 2 and 5, when the lumen 119 defined by the continuous loop elastic compression band 110 has an elliptic cross-section, the volumetric center of the bump 120 is preferably essentially aligned with the minor axis of the lumen 119.

[0057] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, the male incontinence control device 100 may have gripping appendages, referred to herein as removal appliances or removal loops 130 in the preferred embodiment, integrally attached to the continuous cylindrical sleeve 110. A first removal appliance 131 is deposed at the upper perimeter outer wall 110a extending radially outward, and an opposed second removal appliance 132 is deposed at the lower perimeter outer wall 110b. The lower removal appliance 132 may be attached at a forward 119.sub.1 angle to the main body 110 and a forward 119.sub.1 angle when in the applied condition. This forward 119.sub.1 bias from a horizontal or vertical axis, which is directed away from the body, can reduce contact with skin around the penis P.

[0058] The removal appliances 130 may be of any shape capable of allowing the continuous cylindrical sleeve 110 to be manipulated as necessary with ease and efficiency. Elderly men or those with impaired vision or dexterity should have little difficulty placing the device 100 into the proper position, particularly when the removal appliances 130 are formed as loops.

[0059] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, the removal appliances 130 are preferably configured and arranged for manual fingertip engagement to facilitate manual outward radial stretching of the elastic compression band 110. For ease of use, the removal appliances 130 are preferably diametrically opposed removal loops configured and arranged to accommodate passage of at least one fingertip and preferably two fingertips through each removal loop to facilitate manual outward radial stretching of the elastic compression band 110. When the lumen 119 defined by the continuous loop elastic compression band 110 has an elliptic cross-section, the removal appliances preferably extend radially outward from the elastic compression band in alignment with the minor axis of the lumen 119.

[0060] Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 12, the removal appliance 130 closest to the bump 120 will typically contact and rub against the scrotum S during normal usage. In order to minimize any discomfort this removal appliances 130 can be angled axially forward 119.sub.1 from the elastic compression band 110. To further minimize any discomfort this scrotum-engaging removal appliances 130 preferably curves axially forward 119.sub.1 from the elastic compression band 110 at a radius of curvature of between about 1 to 2 cm, with the understanding that the curvature may be a compound curve with or without some linear segments which approximates a radius of curvature of between about 1 to 2 cm.

[0061] The gripping appendages 130 of other embodiments may be of another shape, size, material and position, lending to aesthetic or functional qualities.

[0062] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-4, the male incontinence control device 100 may include opposed trimmable appendages, referred to herein as radial wings 140 extending radially outward from the continuous loop elastic compression band 110.

[0063] The radial wings 140 preferably have an axial 119a length of less than that of the elastic compression band 110 so as to provide a limited area of increased radial thickness of elastic material to the side portions 110s of the elastic compression band 110.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the opposed removable radial wings 140 project laterally (i.e., radially) from the side portions 110s of the sleeve 110 outer wall a radial distance of between 2 and 10 mm when in the applied condition, with a first radial wing 141 projecting from a first side portion and a second radial wing 142 projecting from a second side portion. The radial wings 140 are preferably constructed of the same soft elastic material as the sleeve 110, sufficient in volume to increase sleeve 110 tension when in the applied condition and therefore, when removed or reduced, will decrease tension to adjust for varying user needs.

[0065] To adjust for proper tension and to ensure normal blood circulation when in the applied condition, the opposing radial wings 140 may be trimmed using common scissors to incrementally remove material.

[0066] Referring generally to FIGS. 6 and 7, the male incontinence control device 100 may, in addition to or instead of the radial wings 140, include forward 119.sub.1 and/or rearward 119.sub.2 extending pairs of laterally opposed trimmable appendages, referred to herein as axial wings 150 extending from the continuous loop elastic compression band 110.

[0067] The removable axial wings 150 project longitudinally (i.e., axially) forward 119.sub.1 and/or rearward 119.sub.2 from the side portions 110s of the sleeve 110 an axial distance of between 2 and 10 mm when in the applied condition. A first forward axial wing 1511 projects from a first side portion 110s and a second forward axial wing 1521 projects from a second side portion 110s. In similar fashion, a first rearward axial wing 1512 projects from a first side portion 110s and a second rearward axial wing 1522 projects from a second side portion 110s. The axial wings 150, as with the radial wings 140 are preferably constructed of the same soft elastic material as the sleeve 110, sufficient in volume to increase sleeve 110 tension when in the applied condition and therefore, when removed or reduced, will decrease tension to adjust for varying user needs.

[0068] To adjust for proper tension and to ensure normal blood circulation when in the applied condition, the axial wings 150 may, as with the radial wings 140, be trimmed using common scissors to incrementally remove material.

[0069] Other embodiments may include removable features of another shape or size sufficient to modify functional qualities.

[0070] The male incontinence control device 100 (i.e., the continuous loop elastic compression band 110, bump 120, removal appliances 130 and radial wings 140) may be formed as a unitary molding of the elastomer material, employing injection, transfer, or compression molding processes.

[0071] Other embodiments may incorporate rigid inelastic sections within the cylindrical annulus 110, which may be composed of, but not limited to, thermoplastics including ABS, polypropylene and nylon or thermosetting materials including phenolic and melamine, ceramics or hard elastomers, in addition to section(s) of soft elastic material. Referring generally to FIG. 13, one example of an embodiment incorporating a rigid inelastic section is a continuous loop band 110 formed from a rigid upper section body 410 and a flexible lower section 420 connected by a suitable connection mechanism 430. The ratio between the peripheral length of the rigid upper section body 410 and the peripheral length of the flexible lower section 420 can be varied.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made in the described embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the present invention. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.

Method of Donning to Control Incontinence

[0073] The device 100 is operable for controlling male incontinence, by (i) manually radially stretching the continuous elastic compression band 110 so as to enlarge the lumen 119, (ii) inserting the penis P of a male W in need of incontinence control through the enlarged lumen 119 with the bump 120 on the device 100 positioned proximate the underside P.sub.2 of the penis P, and (iii) releasing the band 110 whereby the band 110 contracts around the shaft P.sub.1 of the penis P, and the bump 120 presses against and restricts the urethra U.

[0074] Expanding the sleeve 110 for application to the shaft Pi of the penis P near the base can be achieved by insertion of the index finger and middle finger (not shown) of each hand (not shown) into the sleeve 110 center and pulling in opposite directions. The low modulus characteristic of the elastomer allows the unit 110 to be stretched sufficiently prior to positioning in the applied condition. The removal therefrom can be achieved by use of the respective gripping appendages 130, when stretched in opposite radial directions.

[0075] The proper unit size and/or tension for different users varies, which could be addressed by manufacturing different size devices 100. This invention partially addresses such sizing needs with its design. Users W requiring less tension can remove material from the radial ring (i.e., the radial wings 140) outside the main body 110. After the proper tension is established, no additional sizing or adjustments should be necessary.

Urinating while Wearing the Device

[0076] Removal or adjustment of the device 100 is not necessary prior to, during, or after urination, due to the flexible characteristics of the soft body construction.

[0077] A male W wearing the device 100 can urinate while wearing the device 100 by consciously initiating voiding of his bladder without adjusting or removing the device 100, whereby (i) the bladder contracts, (ii) the bladder outlet relaxes, and (iii) the flow of urine within the urethra exerts a pressure sufficient to overcome the pressure exerted upon the urethra by the bump 120 on the device 100 so as to permit micturition.

Overnight Use

[0078] When necessary or desired, the device 100 may be worn throughout the night. However, it is recommended that the device 100 be positioned forward from the base of the penis P to gain skin relief after daytime use positioned at or near the base. During daytime use, if positioned forward, performance would normally be degraded, but not so at night, due to reduced intravesical pressures when lying down.

Method of Doffing

[0079] The device 100, when equipped with removal loops 130, can be removed from operable engagement with a penis P by (i) inserting at least one finger tip from a first hand into a first removal loop 131, and inserting at least one finger tip from a second hand into the other removal loop 132, (ii) manually stretching the elastic compression band 110 so as to enlarge the lumen 119 by pulling the loops 130 away from one another, and (iii) sliding the manually stretched elastic compression band 110 off the penis P.

[0080] Alternatively, a wearer W can insert at least a first and a second finger tip from a first hand into the first removal loop 131, and inserting at least a first and a second finger tip from a second hand into the other removal loop 132, and then, in addition to manually stretching the elastic compression band 110 so as to enlarge the lumen 119 by pulling the loops 130 away from one another, expanding the first and second finger tips in each removal loop 130 away from one another.