Erectile Dysfunction Treatment System and Method

Abstract

An erectile dysfunction treatment system comprises a main cylinder, an angled proximal end extending from one end of the main cylinder, a weighted distal end extending from the opposite end of the main cylinder, and at least one vacuum line attachment connected to and extending from the main cylinder. The proximal end may be attachable and may assume numerous shapes and angles to accommodate insertion of the penis. The distal end may also be attachable and may include varying weights to apply traction to the penis when in use. Use of the erectile dysfunction treatment system involves choosing the angle of the proximal end, choosing the weight of the distal end, inserting the penis, applying vacuum, allowing the weighted and evacuated device to apply traction to the penis for a therapeutic amount of time, and finally allowing air to return into the evacuated device and removing the system.

Claims

1. An erectile dysfunction treatment system comprising: A main cylinder; an angled proximal end with an opening extending from one end of the main cylinder; a weighted distal end extending from the opposite end of the main cylinder; and at least one vacuum line attachment connected to the main cylinder.

2. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 1 wherein the main cylinder's length may vary.

3. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 1 further comprising a sealing flange around the opening of the angled proximal end.

4. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 1 wherein a custom fitted sleeve may be inserted into the opening of the angled proximal end with one end seated around the sealing flange.

5. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 1 wherein the angle of the proximal end may vary.

6. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 1 wherein the weight of the distal end may vary.

7. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 1 wherein the distal end may include attachment points for accessories.

8. An erectile dysfunction treatment system comprising: A main cylinder; an angled proximal end extending from the main cylinder; at least one weighted distal end attachable to the main cylinder; and at least one vacuum line attachment connected to the main cylinder.

9. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 8 wherein the main cylinder's length may vary.

10. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 8 further comprising a sealing flange around the opening of the angled proximal end.

11. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 8 wherein a custom fitted sleeve may be inserted into the opening of the angled proximal end with one end seated around the sealing flange.

12. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 8 wherein the angle of the proximal end may vary.

13. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 8 wherein the weight of the distal end may vary.

14. The erectile dysfunction treatment system of claim 8 wherein the distal end may include attachment points for accessories.

15. An erectile dysfunction treatment kit comprising: A main cylinder; at least one angled proximal end, the end being attachable to the main cylinder; at least one weighted distal end, the end being attachable to the main cylinder, with attachment points for accessories on the opposite end of the end being attachable to the main cylinder; and at least one vacuum line attachment connected to and extending from the main cylinder.

16. The erectile dysfunction treatment kit of claim 15 wherein the main cylinder's length may vary.

17. The erectile dysfunction treatment kit of claim 15 further comprising a sealing flange around the opening of the angled proximal end.

18. The erectile dysfunction treatment kit of claim 15 wherein a custom fitted sleeve may be inserted into the opening of the angled proximal end with one end seated around the sealing flange.

19. The erectile dysfunction treatment kit of claim 15 wherein the angle of the proximal end may vary.

20. The erectile dysfunction treatment kit of claim 15 wherein the weight of the distal end may vary.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention directed by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the attachable weighted distal end of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 4B is a side sectional view of the attachable weighted distal end of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the attachable proximal end of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 5B is a side sectional view of the attachable weighted distal end of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main cylinder of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a side view of a person using the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be understood that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a reference to an element is a reference to one or more elements and includes all equivalents known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word or should be understood as having the definition of a logical or rather than that of a logical exclusive or unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described. But any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein should also be understood to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.

[0031] References to one embodiment, an embodiment, an alternative embodiment, various embodiments, etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include particular features, structures, or characteristics. However, not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular features, structures, or characteristics. Further, repeated use of the phrase in one embodiment, or in an exemplary embodiment, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment although they may. A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation of such an erectile dysfunction treatment system. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the invention may be configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art.

[0033] The exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system and method will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system 100 comprises an attachable angled proximal end 102 with a fitted opening 108, a main cylinder 104, and a weighted attachable distal end 106. In one embodiment of the invention, the components attach to one another by a basic threaded screw method. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other mechanical means for attaching the components to one another may be used such as, but not limited to, a bayonet mount or other grooved fittings. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the components are made of a clear, medical-grade polycarbonate resin plastic. However, persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that alternative embodiments may be made from a number of materials such as, but not limited to, clear acrylic plastics, ABS plastic, polycarbonates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or various other plastic equivalents.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system 200 comprises a main cylinder with an angled end 202 with a fitted opening 206, and a weighted attachable distal end 204. In one embodiment of the invention, the components attach to one another by a basic threaded screw method. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other mechanical means for attaching the components to one another may be used such as, but not limited to, a bayonet mount or other grooved fittings. In another embodiment, the distal end may simply consist of an integrated distal end, thus making a single contiguous unit. As with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the components are made of a clear, medical-grade polycarbonate resin plastic. However, persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that alternative embodiments may be made from a number of materials such as, but not limited to, clear acrylic plastics, ABS plastic, polycarbonates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or various other plastic equivalents.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled erectile dysfunction treatment system 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The invention is designed to provide the user with a smooth, near-contiguous interior so as to eliminate rough edges which may hurt highly innervated and sensitive tissues. In one embodiment of the invention, the erectile dysfunction treatment system 300 may be one single contiguous unit with the angled proximal end and weighted distal end as mere extensions of the main cylinder. In another embodiment of the invention, the angled proximal end may be an extension of the main cylinder with the weighted distal end being attachable to the main cylinder. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the angled proximal end may attach to the main cylinder with the distal end also attachable to the main cylinder.

[0037] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the attachable weighted distal end of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the preferred embodiment, the attachable weighted distal end is cylindrically shaped and made of a plastic housing 402 which may made of a clear, medical-grade polycarbonate resin plastic. However, persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that alternative embodiments may be made from a number of materials such as, but not limited to, clear acrylic plastics, ABS plastic, polycarbonates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or various other plastic equivalents. The plastic attachable weighted distal end may be hollow with a fixed amount of a dense material added to create a fixed weight for distraction therapy. Alternative embodiments may assume different shapes, and may be made from other materials such as, but not limited to, wood, metal or stone. In one embodiment of the invention, the weighted distal end attaches to the end of the main cylinder by a basic threaded screw method with the female threaded component 404 located on one end. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other mechanical means for attaching the components to one another may be used such as, but not limited to, a bayonet mount or other grooved fittings. On the opposite end, numerous accessories 406 may be attached. In this view, a utility hook for hanging extra weight is depicted. However, in other embodiments of the invention, accessories such as, but not limited to, loops, lights, pump mounts, battery mounts may be attached. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the opposite end of the distal end may also be threaded so as to accommodate additional weighted units to create a greater distractive force when in use.

[0038] FIG. 4B is a side sectional view of the attachable weighted distal end of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the sectional view, a housing for a vacuum pump line attachment 408 is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the weighted distal end attaches to the end of the main cylinder by a basic threaded screw method with the female threaded component 404 located on one end. On the opposite end, numerous accessory attachment means 406 may be attached. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other mechanical means for attaching the components to one another may be used such as, but not limited to, a bayonet mount or other grooved fittings. The plastic weighted distal end may be hollow with a fixed amount of ballast 410 which may be added to the space inside the plastic housing. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the ballast may consist of a dense material such as, but not limited to, iron, iron alloy or lead. In other embodiments, the ballast may consist of water with an inlet at the opposite end of the threaded component where the accessory hook is depicted.

[0039] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the attachable proximal end of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the preferred embodiment, the attachable angled proximal end is cylindrically shaped, yet angled, and made of a plastic housing 502 which may made of a clear, medical-grade polycarbonate resin plastic. However, persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that alternative embodiments may be made from a number of materials such as, but not limited to, clear acrylic plastics, ABS plastic, polycarbonates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or various other plastic equivalents. A sealing flange 504 may include a sealing constriction ring which is attachably mounted on the angled proximal end in the vicinity of the fitted opening 506, the sealing flange including a generally ring-shaped body having a circumferentially extending engagement formation for releasable sealing engagement with the angled proximal end in the vicinity of the fitted opening. In the preferred embodiment, the sealing flange 504 will be round shaped and circumferentially shaped the same as the edge of the angled end.

[0040] FIG. 5B is a side sectional view of the attachable angled proximal end of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this view, the attachable angled proximal end is depicted as having a ninety-degree angle. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the angle may vary. In one exemplary embodiment, a kit is provided with ten-, twenty-, thirty-, forty-five, sixty- and ninety-degree attachments. The purpose of the angled attachments is to allow the user differing angles of distraction therapy coupled with preventing painful stress on the testicles and other sensitive areas. An inner sleeve 510 may be attachable to the sealing flange 504 and may assume numerous configurations designed for numerous purposes such as, but not limited to, blood flow constriction and sexual stimulation. The inner sleeve 510 may be made from numerous materials such as, but not limited to, latex, rubber or silicone. In one embodiment of the invention, the angled proximal end attaches to the end of the main cylinder by a basic threaded screw method with the female threaded component 508 located on one end. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other mechanical means for attaching the components to one another may be used such as, but not limited to, a bayonet mount or other grooved fittings.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main cylinder of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The main cylinder consists of a body 602, a proximal end 604 and a distal end 606. In this view, the proximal and distal ends of the main cylinder have threaded ends which the attachable angled proximal end may attach to the proximal end 604 and the attachable weighted distal end may attach to the distal end 606. The length of the main cylinder may vary to accommodate differing therapeutic needs of users of the system. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other mechanical means for attaching the components to one another may be used such as, but not limited to, a bayonet mount or other grooved fittings. Vacuum line attachments 608 are located at the distal end of the main cylinder and on the sidewall of the main cylinder body 602. Visual aids such as graduations 610 may be located on the outer sidewall of the main cylinder body. In the preferred embodiment, the main cylinder is made of a plastic housing 602 which may made of a clear, medical-grade polycarbonate resin plastic. However, persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that alternative embodiments may be made from a number of materials such as, but not limited to, clear acrylic plastics, ABS plastic, polycarbonates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or various other plastic equivalents.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum pump assembly may be detachably affixed to the main cylinder in more than one way, so that when attached and connected with a length of tubing, the pump assembly may be easily worked with the weighted distal end attached to the main cylinder. This feature provides two operational attributes in one device, both a vacuum device and a traction device. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that there are several types of vacuum pump assemblies which may be used with various embodiments of the present invention. In addition, persons skilled in the art will readily understand that varying therapeutic pressures may be applied and achieved through using differing vacuum pump assemblies known and appreciated in the art. In the present view, the vacuum line attachments 606 are depicted as standard vacuum hose attachments where a vacuum pump assembly serves as the one-way valve. However, in other embodiments of the invention, various check valves well known in the art may be attached to and extend from the main cylinder. In other embodiments of the invention, a valved male threaded coupling body may be used. Persons skilled in the art will understand that the vacuum line attachments 606 are designed to incorporate a quick release valve mechanism whether it be incorporated in the pump assembly or in the main cylinder pump attachments.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a side view of a person using the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this view, the user has inserted the penis into the angled proximal end. As illustrated, the main cylinder has been evacuated of air through a vacuum line attached to and then removed from the vacuum line attachments. Also illustrated in this view, the angled proximal end allows for the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system to hang freely when a vacuum has been applied while not placing pressure on other sensitive areas such as the testicles. A therapeutic distractive force F is applied to the penis by allowing the sealed and evacuated system to freely hang while the user is standing, seated or in a position where the weight of the distal end may apply a distractive force on the penis. In other uses, a user may use the system in different positions such as, but not limited to, sitting, standing or laying supine. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the use of the exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system affords the users numerous different treatment options through the use of angled proximal ends and weighted distal ends.

[0044] The exemplary erectile dysfunction treatment system operates differently than conventional pump systems in that the angled proximal end is designed to minimize pressure around the penile area. Prior to insertion, the penis and pubic area may be coated with a water-soluble lubricant to form a better seal and to provide for additional stimulation. A vacuum pump line or lines are then connected to the vacuum line attachments. The angled proximal end is held against the pelvic area immediately surrounding the penis so as to generally form a seal when a vacuum is applied. The lipped nature of the sealing flange 504 assists in forming the seal. In alternative embodiments of the invention, an inner sleeve may be inserted into the device which attaches to the sealing flange 504 and may assume numerous configurations and conformations designed for various purposes such as, but not limited to, formation of a tighter seal, blood flow constriction, and sexual stimulation. A partial vacuum is then created in the interior of the main cylinder by the user grasping a hand vacuum pump and gripping the vacuum pump in a repeated action. In other embodiments, an electric vacuum pump may be used.

[0045] Creation of a partial vacuum in the vacuum cylinder results in the application of an external negative pressure to the penis which results in filling of the penile erectile tissues with blood. As the penile tissues are filled with blood, the penis expands in length and girth and becomes rigid. Should discomfort result from the creation of the partial vacuum, the user may reduce the partial vacuum by operating a valve mechanism to a level which is comfortable. The user may also easily remove the device should discomfort continue. Once the user achieves a satisfactory result, a constriction ring may be placed around the base of the penis to maintain the penile rigidity. In the preferred embodiment, a pressure adjust valve is used to regulate the vacuum. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a standard hand-held vacuum pump that is self-sealing such that upon release of the pressure adjust valve, the main cylinder will equilibrate with atmospheric pressure. In alternative embodiments of the invention, warm water or other fluids may be added into the erectile dysfunction treatment system and a partial vacuum created by applying a pump to evacuate the water from the system thus creating a different vacuum effect.

[0046] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the exemplary male erectile dysfunction treatment system and method, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing the male erectile dysfunction treatment system and method according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the male erectile dysfunction treatment system and method may vary depending upon the particular context or application.

[0047] By way of example, and not limitation, the erectile dysfunction treatment system and method described in the foregoing patent application is principally directed towards using a standard hand-held vacuum pump. However, similar techniques may instead be applied to electric vacuum pumps, fluid-based systems or specialty enlargement systems, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

[0048] Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not others, persons skilled in the art will understand that this is for convenience. Each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. The words including, comprising, having, and with as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively, and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims to be added at a later date.

[0049] All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0050] Any amendment presented during the prosecution of the application for this patent is not a disclaimer of any claim element presented in the description or claims to be filed. Persons skilled in the art cannot reasonably be expected to draft a claim that would literally encompass each and every equivalent.