Suction-based attachment system

Abstract

According to one example, a suction-based attachment system includes a body plate configured to be positioned against a pelvis of a person, and a suction docking protrusion coupled to the body plate. The body plate has a rear surface configured to face a person's pelvis and a front surface configured to face away from the person's pelvis. The suction abutment projection includes a suction abutment surface configured to operate as an attachment area for a suction cup included on the prosthetic device via an air vacuum formed between the suction abutment surface and the suction cup included on the prosthetic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to intimate articles for improving physiological needs, and more particularly to a suction-based attachment system for improving physiological needs. Background Art

[0002] The use of prosthetic devices to improve physiological needs (e.g., sexual needs) is well known. These devices come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations, and are made of various formulations of plastics, synthetic rubbers, and silicones. In addition, some of these devices are movable or vibrate to enhance the stimulating experience of the device. Devices including such features are often referred to as "vibrators", while devices not including such features are generally referred to as "dildos". However, these typical prosthetic devices may be defective. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one example, a suction-based attachment system includes a main body plate configured to be positioned against a person's pelvis and a suction docking protrusion coupled to the main body plate. The main body plate has a rear surface configured to face the person's pelvis and a front surface configured to face away from the person's pelvis. The suction docking protrusion includes a suction docking surface configured to operate as an attachment area for a suction cup included on a prosthetic device via an air vacuum formed between the suction docking surface and the suction cup included on the prosthetic device.

[0004] Certain examples in the present disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. For example, the suction-based attachment system may allow the use of a suction cup already built into a prosthetic device (via an air vacuum formed between the suction docking surface and the suction cup) and mount the prosthetic device to the suction docking surface without using an additional attachment system (e.g., a strap, an O-ring, or a hook system). Additionally, in some examples, the suction-based attachment system may allow the use of many different prosthetic devices, where each device can be easily removed and replaced with a different device.

[0005] Certain examples in the present disclosure may include some, all, or none of the above technical advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] To more fully understand the present disclosure and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1A An example of a suction-based attachment system is illustrated that has a suction docking system coupled to a user and a prosthetic device removed from the suction docking system.

[0008] Figure 1B illustrates Figure 1A a suction-based attachment system in which a prosthetic device is coupled to a suction docking system.

[0009] Figures 2A to 2D is Figure 1A various views of a suction docking system of

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the operation of a suction-based attachment system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The examples of the present disclosure are best understood by reference to the Figures 1A to 3 accompanying drawings, with the same reference numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

[0012] The use of prosthetic devices to address physiological needs is well known. These devices come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations and are made of plastics, synthetic rubbers, and silicones of various formulations. In addition, some of these devices are movable or vibrate to enhance the stimulatory experience of the device. Devices that include such features are often referred to as "vibrators," while devices that do not include such features are generally referred to as "dildos." However, these typical prosthetic devices can be defective.

[0013] For example, a typical prosthetic device may require the user to hold the device with his or her hand or have a partner operate the device with their hand. This may be insufficient if the user or partner prefers a hands-free experience (or has a medical need for it). As another example, some prosthetic devices may have a suction cup that allows the device to be mounted to a floor, wall, or piece of furniture. This use of a prosthetic device may be uncomfortable, inconvenient, or may exclude the user's partner. As another example, some prosthetic devices may be used with a garter system that uses straps, O-rings, or a hook system to hold the prosthetic device in place on the garter system. However, this may require a specially made prosthetic device rather than a commercially widely available prosthetic device. This may also make it difficult to easily remove the prosthetic device and / or replace it with a different prosthetic device. In contrast, Figures 1A to 3 the suction-based attachment system 10 of

[0014] Figures 1A to 1B illustrates an example of a suction-based attachment system 10. In the illustrated example, the suction-based attachment system 10 includes a suction docking system 14, a garter 50, and a prosthetic device 54 having a suction cup 66. In an example of operation, the suction docking system 14 is worn by the user (e.g., as in Figures 1A to 1BAs seen in the figure, it is worn against the user's pelvis), where the strap 50 secures the suction docking system 14 to the user. The user attaches the prosthetic device 54 to the suction docking system 14 by pressing the suction cup 66 of the prosthetic device 54 against the suction docking surface 38 of the suction docking system 14. The user can then start using the prosthetic device 54. Additionally, the user can remove the prosthetic device 54 from the suction docking system 14 and replace it with a different prosthetic device 54.

[0015] In some examples, the suction-based attachment system 10 may allow the user to use the prosthetic device without the user having to hold the prosthetic device with one or more of their hands (e.g., it can be hands-free). In some examples, it may also allow the prosthetic device to be enjoyed by the user and their partner. Also, in some examples, it may also allow the use of a suction cup that is already built into the prosthetic device and mount the prosthetic device to the suction docking system 14 without using an additional attachment system (e.g., straps, O-rings, or hook systems). Additionally, it may allow for easy removal of the prosthetic device. For example, in some examples, since the suction-based attachment system 10 does not require additional connectors (e.g., straps, O-rings, or hook systems) to hold the prosthetic device in place, removing the prosthetic device is as simple as sliding a finger between the suction docking surface 38 and the bottom of the suction cup 66 to allow air to flow between the suction docking surface 38 and the suction cup 66, thereby releasing the connection between them. Additionally, in some examples, it may allow for the use of many different prosthetic devices, where each device can be easily removed and replaced with a different one.

[0016] In Figures 1A to 1B the example illustrated in the figure, the suction-based attachment system 10 includes the suction docking system 14. Figures 2A to 2D Various views of the suction docking system 14 are illustrated. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the suction docking system 14, Figure 2B is a front view of the suction docking system 14, Figure 2C is a side view of the suction docking system 14, and Figure 2D is a rear view of the suction docking system 14.

[0017] In the example illustrated, the suction docking system 14 includes a main body plate 18 and a suction docking protrusion 34. The main body plate 18 can be any structure that can be positioned against the pelvis of a user (e.g., a person). In the example illustrated, the main body plate 18 includes a front surface 22 and a rear surface 26. When the main body plate 18 is positioned against the user's pelvis (as Figures 1A to 1B(as shown), the front surface 22 faces away from the user's pelvis, and the back surface 26 faces the user's pelvis. To assist in positioning against the user's pelvis, the back surface 26 may be concave (rather than flat or convex). In some examples, this concave shape of the back surface 26 may allow the main body plate 18 to more appropriately fit the user's body structure and / or may allow it to be seated comfortably against the user's pelvis.

[0018] The main body plate 18 may have any size and / or shape that allows it to be positioned against the user's pelvis. For example, the main body plate may have an irregular triangular shape, as Figures 1A to 2D (as shown). The main body plate 18 may be made of any material for intimate products. For example, the main body plate 18 may be made of metal, glass, plastic (e.g., polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)), synthetic rubber, silicone, any other body-safe material, or any combination of the foregoing materials. In some examples, the main body plate 18 is made of a smooth material and / or a non-porous material such as ABS.

[0019] The main body plate 18 may include one or more strap holes 30 that extend through all or part of the thickness of the main body plate 18 (i.e., the thickness between the front surface 22 and the back surface 26). The strap holes 30 may allow a strap (e.g., the strap 50) to be attached to the main body plate 18. For example, a strip of the strap 50 may be inserted through the strap hole 30 to attach the strap 50 to the main body plate 18. Then, as Figures 1A to 1B (as shown), the strap may be used to secure the suction docking system 14 to the user. The strap holes 30 may extend completely through the thickness of the main body plate 18 (as shown), or may only extend through only part of the thickness (e.g., to form an archway for a strip of the strap that can be used for attachment). The main body plate 18 may include any number of strap holes 30, such as one strap hole 30, two strap holes 30, three strap holes 30, four strap holes 30, six strap holes 30, or any other number of strap holes 30. The strap holes 30 may be located at any position on the main body plate 18. In the Figures 1A to 2D (as shown) example, the main body plate 18 includes four strap holes 30a-30d, where each strap hole 30 is located in (or near) a bend point of the irregular triangular shape so as to be located at the four corners of the main body plate 18. In some examples, the main body plate 18 may not include any strap holes 30.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the suction docking system 14 further includes a suction docking projection 34 that allows the prosthetic device 54 to be attached to the suction docking system 14. As illustrated, the suction docking projection 34 may extend outwardly from the front surface 22 (or any other portion) of the main body plate 18. The suction docking projection 34 may extend outwardly from the front surface 22 (or any other portion) of the main body plate 18 by any distance. For example, it may extend outwardly from the front surface 22 (or any other portion) of the main body plate 18 by 0.1 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, any other distance, or any range between 0.1 inches and 2 inches.

[0021] In the illustrated example, the suction docking projection 34 includes a suction docking surface 38. The suction docking surface 38 may be any surface that operates as an attachment area for a suction cup 66 included on the prosthetic device 54 via an air vacuum formed between the suction docking surface 38 and the suction cup 66 included on the prosthetic device 54. In some examples, since the suction docking surface 38 operates as an attachment area for the suction cup 66 included on the prosthetic device 54 via an air vacuum formed between the suction docking surface 38 and the suction cup 66, the prosthetic device 54 may be firmly attached to the suction docking surface 38 (and the suction docking system 14) using only the suction force generated by the suction cup 66. In some examples, this may allow the suction-based attachment system 10 (and the suction docking system 14) to not have any additional connectors (e.g., straps, O-rings, or hook systems) for attaching the prosthetic device 54 to the suction docking system 14 (e.g., to the main body plate 18 or the suction docking projection 34 of the suction docking system 14). In some examples, this may allow for easier attachment and replacement of the prosthetic device(s) 54 because a person only needs to press the suction cup 66 against the suction docking surface 38 (in order to create an air vacuum).

[0022] The suction docking surface 38 can be configured in any way to operate as an attachment area for a suction cup 66 included on the prosthetic device 54. For example, the suction docking surface 38 can be a smooth surface and / or a non-porous surface. This can allow an air vacuum to be formed between the suction docking surface 38 and the suction cup 66, thereby attaching the suction cup 66 to the suction docking surface 38. As another example, the suction docking surface 38 can be a concave surface that curves inwardly toward the front surface 22 of the main body plate 18, a flat surface (i.e., a surface without depth and / or curvature), or a convex surface that curves outwardly away from the front surface 22 of the main body plate 18, each of which can allow an air vacuum to be formed between the suction docking surface 38 and the suction cup 66. In some examples, the suction docking surface 38 can be configured to operate as an attachment area for a suction cup 66 included on the prosthetic device 54 via an air vacuum formed between the suction docking surface 38 and the suction cup 66 included on the prosthetic device 54 by being a smooth, non-porous, and concave surface. In some examples, such a smooth, non-porous, and concave surface can allow for a secure connection to the prosthetic device 54 via suction without the need for additional straps, O-rings, hook systems, and / or other connectors.

[0023] In Figures 1A to 2D the example illustrated, the suction docking surface 38 is a concave surface that curves inwardly toward the front surface 22 of the main body plate 18 (e.g., it curves inwardly like the inside of a circle). In some examples, such a concave surface can provide a more secure attachment between the suction cup 66 and the suction docking surface 38 compared to a flat surface or a convex surface. The concave surface of the suction docking surface 38 can curve inwardly toward the front surface 22 by any amount (e.g., it can have any radius of curvature).

[0024] The suction docking surface 38 can have any size and / or shape that allows it to operate as an attachment area for a suction cup 66 included on the prosthetic device 54. For example, the suction docking surface 38 can have a surface area that allows it to be used to attach prosthetic devices of any size. As another example, the surface area of the suction docking surface 38 can be shaped as a circle, a square, a rhombus, any other shape that will fit the suction cup 66 of the prosthetic device 54, or any combination of the foregoing shapes.

[0025] The suction docking surface 38 can be angled relative to the main body plate 18. For example, the suction docking surface 38 can be at an inclined angle relative to the main body plate 18. An example of such an inclination is illustrated in Figure 2C as the inclination angle 46. The inclination angle 46 represents the inclination of the suction docking surface 38 relative to the main body plate 18 (e.g., when the main body plate 18 is positioned upright, the inclination of the suction docking surface 38 relative to the horizontal plane passing through the main body plate 18, as shown in Figure 2C(as seen in). In the illustrated example, the suction docking surface 38 is angled upward relative to the main body plate. This upward angle can be any angle 46 greater than 90 degrees and less than 135 degrees, such as approximately 95 degrees (where approximately means + / - 3 degrees), approximately 100 degrees, approximately 110 degrees, approximately 120 degrees, in the range from approximately 95 degrees to approximately 110 degrees, or in the range from approximately 95 degrees to approximately 100 degrees. In some examples, the upward angle of the suction docking surface 38 can provide one or more technical advantages. For example, typical strap systems for prosthetic devices (e.g., strap systems using strips, O-rings, or hook systems) may not properly hold the prosthetic device. Unfortunately, this can cause typical prosthetic devices to sag or droop. In contrast, in some examples, the upward angle of the suction docking surface 38 can counteract this "sagging" or "drooping", resulting in the prosthetic device 54 being more "upright" when attached to the suction docking system 14. In some examples, this may result in an even more realistic experience.

[0026] Although Figures 1A to 2D the suction docking surface 38 is illustrated as having an upward angle, in other examples, the suction docking surface 38 may not be angled at all (i.e., an angle 46 of 90 degrees) or the suction docking surface 38 may have a downward angle (i.e., an angle 46 less than 90 degrees and greater than 45 degrees).

[0027] In the illustrated example, the suction docking protrusion 34 also includes an edge 42. The edge 42 surrounds all or part of the suction docking surface 38. Additionally, the edge 42 extends outward from the suction docking surface 38 such that the edge 42 is elevated relative to the suction docking surface 38. The edge 42 can be used by the user as a visual and / or physical cue for aligning the suction cup 66 with the suction docking surface 38. Additionally, if the suction cup 66 is not fully positioned within the edge 42, the edge 42 can prevent the suction cup 66 from attaching to the suction docking system 14.

[0028] Similar to the suction docking surface 38, the edge 42 can be angled relative to the main body plate 18. For example, the edge 42 can be angled relative to the main body plate 18. This angle of the edge 42 can match the angle of the suction docking surface 38. For example, both the edge 42 and the suction docking surface 38 can have the same upward angle (i.e., the same angle 46 greater than 90 degrees and less than 135 degrees). In other examples, the edge 42 can have a different angle compared to the suction docking surface 38. For example, the suction docking surface 38 can have an upward angle while the edge 42 is not angled relative to the main body plate 18 (i.e., at 90 degrees).

[0029] The suction docking protrusion 34 (including the suction docking surface 38 and the edge 42) can be made of any material for intimate products. For example, the suction docking protrusion 34 can be made of metal, glass, plastic (such as polycarbonate, ABS), synthetic rubber, silicone, any other body-safe material, or any combination of the foregoing materials. In some examples, the suction docking protrusion 34 is made of a smooth material and / or a non-porous material such as ABS.

[0030] The suction docking protrusion 38 can be integrally formed with the main body plate 18. As an example in this regard, the entire suction docking system 14 (including the main body plate 18 and the suction docking protrusion 38) can be formed of the same material (such as ABS) using a single injection mold. In other examples, the suction docking protrusion 38 can be formed separately from the main body plate 18. In such examples, the suction docking protrusion 38 can be coupled to the main body plate 18 (such as using an adhesive or a connection system).

[0031] In Figures 1A to 1B the illustrated example, the suction-based attachment system 10 further includes a strap 50. The strap 50 can be any device or structure that can be coupled to the suction docking system 14 and can further couple the suction docking system 14 to the user. In some examples, the strap 50 can allow the suction docking system 14 and the attached prosthetic device 54 to be worn by the user for a hands-free experience.

[0032] In Figures 1A to 1B the illustrated example, the strap 50 is a strip-based strap. Such a strip-based strap system includes strips (such as four strips), each having a first end inserted through a strap hole 30 in the main body plate 18 and each also having a second end attached together all around the user's back side (such as using a clip system). In other examples, the strap 50 can be a material-based strap. Such a material-based strap includes a piece of material (such as leather, fabric, (one or more) synthetic materials) into which the suction docking system 14 can be inserted. Such a material-based strap can cover all or part of the main body plate 18 but may not cover the suction docking protrusion 34. The material-based strap can additionally include strips that couple the strap to the user (similar to the strip-based strap). In other examples, the material-based strap can be worn (such as similar to an undergarment, shorts, or clothing) or can be attached to a wearable item.

[0033] In Figures 1A to 1BIn the example illustrated, the suction-based attachment system 10 further includes a prosthetic device 54 having a suction cup 66. The prosthetic device 54 can be any device for improving physiological needs and having a suction cup. For example, the prosthetic device 54 can be a vibrator having a suction cup, a dildo having a suction cup, or any other device for improving physiological needs and having a suction cup. In some examples, the prosthetic device 54 can be a commercially available device for improving physiological needs that has a built-in suction cup or can be attached to a suction cup. In some examples, this can be advantageous because the user may not need to purchase a specially made prosthetic device to use with the suction-based attachment system 10. Instead, in some examples, the user can use one (or more) of a number of different commercially widely available prosthetic devices that already have a built-in suction cup or can be used with a suction cup. Additionally, in some examples, if the user already has a favorite prosthetic device that includes a suction cup, that favorite prosthetic device can be used with the suction-based attachment system 10.

[0034] In Figures 1A to 1B In the example illustrated, the prosthetic device 54 includes a first end 58 and a second end 62. The first end 58 includes the suction cup 66. The suction cup 66 can be any well-known suction cup (or suction device). For example, the suction cup 66 can be a flexible cup-shaped device that is airtight and includes a concave region that can be used to trap air inside it. When the concave region of the suction cup 66 is pressed against a surface (e.g., the suction docking surface 38), the trapped air is forced out of the concave region of the suction cup 66, creating an air vacuum between the suction cup 66 and the surface. This air vacuum (and the external air pressure) can removably attach the suction cup 66 to the surface. To remove the suction cup 66 (and the prosthetic device 54), the user can deform the suction cup 66 (e.g., slide a finger between the suction cup 66 and the surface), causing air to flow into the suction cup 66 and breaking the air vacuum. The suction cup 66 can have any size and / or shape and can be made of any material capable of creating and maintaining an air vacuum (e.g., it is airtight).

[0035] The second end 62 can be used to improve physiological needs. For example, the second end 62 can be shaped for contact with and / or insertion into a sexual organ. The second end 62 extends outwardly from the first end 58 and can extend outwardly from the first end 58 by any distance. For example, the second end 62 can extend outwardly from the first end 58 by 1 inch, 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches, or any other amount.

[0036] Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the suction-based attachment system 10 may be modified, added to, or omitted. For example, the suction-based attachment system 10 may include additional components, or may not include one or more of the components discussed above. As an example in this regard, the suction-based attachment system 10 may not include the suction docking protrusion 34. Instead, the suction docking surface 38 may be included on the main body plate 18 (or may be part of the main body plate 18). As another example, the suction-based attachment system 10 may not include the rim 42. Additionally, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the size and / or shape of the suction-based attachment system 10 or any other component of the suction-based attachment system 10 may be changed.

[0037] Figure 3 An example of the operation of a suction-based attachment system is illustrated. The steps of method 300 are described as being performed using Figures 1A to 2D the suction-based attachment system 10. However, in some examples, one or more (such as all) of the steps of method 300 may be performed using any other suction-based attachment system. Additionally, one or more (such as all) of the steps of method 300 may be performed by the manufacturer of the suction-based attachment system 10, the seller of the suction-based attachment system 10, the intermediary of the suction-based attachment system 10, and / or the user of the suction-based attachment system 10.

[0038] Method 300 begins at step 304. At step 308, the suction docking system 14, the strap 50, and the prosthetic device 54 are received. The suction docking system 14, the strap 50, and the prosthetic device 54 may be received in any manner. For example, the suction docking system 14, the strap 50, and the prosthetic device 54 may be received because they are purchased, delivered, retrieved from a repository, received in any way, or any combination of the foregoing. Each of the suction docking system 14, the strap 50, and the prosthetic device 54 may be received in the same manner (e.g., purchasing each of them), or one or more of the suction docking system 14, the strap 50, and the prosthetic device 54 may be received in a different manner compared to the others (e.g., the suction docking system 14 and the strap 50 may be purchased, and the prosthetic device 54 may be retrieved from a repository).

[0039] At step 312, the suction docking system 14 is coupled to a user (e.g., a person). As Figures 1A to 1B illustrated, this coupling may result in the main body plate 18 of the suction docking system 14 being positioned against the user's pelvis. In some examples, it may also allow the suction docking system 14 to be worn by the user (e.g., worn against the user's pelvis, as Figures 1A to 1B(as seen in), thereby allowing for hands - free use of the suction - based attachment system 10. The suction docking system 14 can be coupled to the user in any manner. For example, the strap 50 can be attached to the suction docking system 14 (e.g., attached to the main body plate 18 via the strap holes 30), and then the strap 50 can be used to secure the suction docking system 14 to the user, as also seen in Figures 1A to 1B (as seen in). In other examples, the strap 50 may already be attached to the suction docking system 14, and the coupling may simply involve using the strap 50 to secure the suction docking system 14 to the user. As an example in this regard, the suction docking system 14 can be purchased with the strap 50 already attached to it (or the suction docking system 14 may already be integrated into the strap 50).

[0040] At step 316, the suction cup 66 of the prosthetic device 54 is pressed against the suction docking surface 38, thereby attaching the prosthetic device 54 to the suction docking surface 38 (and the suction docking system 14). Pressing of the suction cup 66 can force the retention zone out of the suction cup 66, thereby creating an air vacuum between the suction cup 66 and the suction docking surface 38. This air vacuum (and thus the air pressure outside the prosthetic device 54) can removably attach the prosthetic device 54 to the suction docking surface 38 (e.g., it can temporarily hold the prosthetic device 54 on the suction docking surface 38). In some examples, this can allow the prosthetic device 54 to be easily attached to the suction docking surface 38 (e.g., without using additional connectors such as straps, O - rings, or hook systems). For example, in some examples, attaching the prosthetic device 54 to the suction docking surface 38 is as simple and easy as aligning the suction cup 66 within the edge 42 of the suction docking protrusion 34, and then applying pressure to remove the air between the suction cup 66 and the suction docking surface 38 and achieve proper suction.

[0041] At step 320, the suction - based attachment system 10 is used. The suction - based attachment system 10 can be used in any manner. For example, the prosthetic device 54 of the suction - based attachment system 10 can be used to address physiological needs.

[0042] At step 324, the prosthetic device 54 is removed from the suction docking surface 38. The prosthetic device 54 can be removed from the suction docking surface 38 in any manner. For example, the user can deform the suction cup 66 (e.g., slide a finger between the suction cup 66 and the suction docking surface 38), thereby causing air to flow into the suction cup 66 and breaking the air vacuum. In some examples, this allows the prosthetic device 54 to be easily removed from the suction docking surface 38 (e.g., without unfastening additional connectors such as straps, O - rings, or hook systems).

[0043] At step 328, the user decides whether to use another prosthetic device 54. If the user decides not to use another prosthetic device 54, method 300 moves to step 332, where the method ends. On the other hand, if the user decides to use another prosthetic device 54 (such as a second prosthetic device 54 having a different size and / or shape compared to the first prosthetic device), the method moves back to step 316, where the suction cup 66 of the second prosthetic device 54 is pressed against the suction docking surface 38 to attach the second prosthetic device 54 to the suction docking surface 38 (and the suction docking system 14). Then, steps 316 through 328 are repeated. Steps 316 through 328 can be repeated for any number of prosthetic devices 54.

[0044] Method 300 can be modified, added to, or omitted. For example, one or more steps of method 300 can be performed in parallel or in a different order.

[0045] This specification has been written with reference to various non - limiting and non - exhaustive examples. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that within the scope of this specification, various substitutions, modifications, or combinations can be made to any of the disclosed examples (or portions thereof). Accordingly, additional examples not explicitly set forth in this specification are envisioned and understood to be supported by this specification. For example, such examples can be obtained by combining, modifying, or reorganizing any of the disclosed components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, etc. of the various non - limiting and non - exhaustive examples described in this specification.

Claims

1. A suction-based attachment system, comprising: A suction docking system, the suction docking system comprising: A main body plate configured to be positioned against a person's pelvis, the main body plate having a concave rear surface configured to face the person's pelvis, and the main body plate further having a front surface configured to face away from the person's pelvis; and A suction docking protrusion extending outward from the front surface of the main body plate, the suction docking protrusion having a suction docking surface and an edge surrounding the suction docking surface, the suction docking surface configured to operate as an attachment area for a suction cup included on a prosthetic device via an air vacuum formed between the suction docking surface and the suction cup included on the prosthetic device, the suction docking surface being a concave surface, and the suction docking surface and the edge being at an upwardly inclined angle with respect to the main body plate; A strap configured to be coupled to the main body plate and further configured to couple the suction docking system to a user; and The prosthetic device having a first end and a second end, the first end having the suction cup configured to be removably attached to the suction docking surface of the suction docking protrusion via an air vacuum formed between the suction docking surface and the suction cup included on the prosthetic device, and the second end extending outward from the first end.

2. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 1, wherein, The suction-based attachment system does not have any additional connectors for attaching the prosthetic device to the main body plate or the suction docking protrusion.

3. A suction-based attachment system, comprising: A main body plate configured to be positioned against a person's pelvis, the main body plate having a rear surface configured to face the person's pelvis, and the main body plate further having a front surface configured to face away from the person's pelvis; And A suction docking protrusion coupled to the main body plate, the suction docking protrusion having a suction docking surface configured to operate as an attachment area for a suction cup included on a prosthetic device via an air vacuum formed between the suction docking surface and the suction cup included on the prosthetic device.

4. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, wherein, The suction-based attachment system does not have any additional connectors for attaching the prosthetic device to the main body plate or the suction docking protrusion.

5. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, further comprising a strap configured to be coupled to the main body plate and further configured to couple the main body plate to the person.

6. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, further comprising the prosthetic device having a first end and a second end, the first end having the suction cup configured to be removably attached to the suction docking surface of the suction docking protrusion via an air vacuum formed between the suction docking surface and the suction cup included on the prosthetic device, and the second end extending outward from the first end.

7. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, wherein The suction docking surface is at an upwardly inclined angle with respect to the main body plate.

8. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, wherein, The suction docking surface is angled downward relative to the main body plate.

9. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, wherein, The suction docking surface is angled at 90 degrees relative to the main body plate.

10. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, wherein, The suction docking surface is a concave surface.

11. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, wherein, The suction docking surface is a flat surface.

12. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, wherein, The suction docking surface is a convex surface.

13. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, wherein, The suction docking protrusion is integrally formed with the main body plate, and wherein the suction docking protrusion extends outward from the front surface of the main body plate.

14. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, wherein, The suction docking protrusion also has an edge surrounding all or part of the suction docking surface.

15. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, wherein, The rear surface of the main body plate is a concave surface.

16. The suction-based attachment system according to claim 3, wherein, The suction docking surface is a non-porous surface.

17. A method, comprising: coupling a suction docking system to a user such that the main body plate of the suction docking system is positioned against the user's pelvis; and pressing a suction cup of a prosthetic device against the suction docking surface of the suction docking system so as to create an air vacuum between the suction cup and the suction docking surface, the air vacuum holding the prosthetic device on the suction docking surface.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: removing the suction cup of the prosthetic device from the suction docking surface of the suction docking system; and pressing a second suction cup of a second prosthetic device against the suction docking surface of the suction docking system so as to create a second air vacuum between the second suction cup and the suction docking surface, the second air vacuum holding the second prosthetic device on the suction docking surface.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein Pressing the suction cup of the prosthetic device against the suction docking surface of the suction docking system includes pressing the suction cup of the prosthetic device against the suction docking surface that is angled upward relative to the main body plate of the suction docking system.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The suction docking system does not have any additional connectors for attaching the prosthetic device to the main body plate or the suction docking surface.

Images