Penile gripping device

Abstract

A gripping device 10 for gripping a distal portion of a penis comprises a threaded collar element 12 and a threaded tube element 20 rotationally mounted together. The gripping device 10 further compri

Description

The present invention relates to a gripping device for gripping a distal portion of a penis, for example when treating Peyronie’s disease. Peyronie’s disease is a medical condition which prevents a penis from stretching when erect and causes the penis to curve towards one side. This can lead to painful erections and erectile dysfunction. Treatment of Peyronie’s disease often involves stretching and bending the penis in a direction opposite to the direction of curvature. This form of treatment can be very difficult to achieve manually. WO2017 / 214235A1 describes a penile traction device which can assist with this form of treatment. The traction device comprises a base which contacts the human body while a traction force is being applied to the penis. The traction device also comprises a longitudinally-adjustable portion which applies a longitudinal traction force to the penis. The traction device also comprises a pivotable portion which pivots relative to the longitudinally-adjustable portion so as to apply a bending force to the penis. The pivotable portion comprises a clamp that releasably clamps a distal portion of the penis so that the traction and bending forces can be transferred to the penis. In order to clamp the penis sufficiently, a significant clamping force must be applied to the distal portion of the penis. However, the clamping surfaces of the clamp are moved in discrete steps, and the ideal clamping force (i.e. the amount of force which adequately clamps the distal portion of the penis whilst remaining comfortable for the user) can often be somewhere between two of those discrete steps. Thus, the applied clamping force often either is insufficient to retain the distal portion of the penis or is intolerably painful and potentially injurious to the user. It is therefore desired to provide improvements relating to penile gripping devices. Thus, according to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a gripping device for gripping a distal portion of a penis, the gripping device comprising: a first threaded element and a second threaded element, wherein the first threaded element and the second threaded element are rotationally mounted together; and one or more gripping elements, each gripping element having a ramp to be driven by the first threaded element and a free end for gripping a distal portion of a penis, wherein rotation of the first threaded element relative to the second threaded element causes the first threaded element to move longitudinally along the ramp of the gripping element thereby forcing the free end of the gripping element to move radially inwardly to grip the distal portion of the penis. As will be appreciated, the present invention can provide a more comfortable way in which to grip a distal portion of a penis, for example when treating Peyronie’s disease. In particular, upon rotating the threaded elements relative to one another, the one or more gripping elements can each be progressively forced radially inwardly. The gripping force can therefore be gradually and / or continuously (i.e. non-discretely) adjusted. This means that the gripping force can more easily be adjusted so as to be sufficient to grip the distal portion of the penis whilst remaining tolerable for the user. In embodiments, the first threaded element may comprise a threaded collar element. The second threaded element may comprise a threaded tube element. The first threaded element may comprise an internally threaded region. The second threaded element may comprise an externally threaded region. The first threaded element may be mounted on the second threaded element. The first threaded element may surround the second threaded element. The first threaded element may comprise a radially projecting lip for forcing the one or more gripping elements radially inwardly (i.e. via the one or more ramps). The lip may be circumferential. The lip may have a curved contact surface for contacting the one or more gripping elements (i.e. via the one or more ramps). These embodiments can help to establish and / or maintain the driving contact between the first threaded element and the one or more gripping elements (i.e. via the one or more ramps). The first threaded element may comprise external grooves. The external grooves may extend generally longitudinally. These embodiments can help to increase friction between the operator’s hand and the first threaded element during manual operation. In embodiments, the one or more gripping elements may comprise plural gripping elements. The plural gripping elements may comprise at least three gripping elements, at least four gripping elements or at least five gripping elements. The plural gripping elements may be distributed circumferentially. The plural gripping elements may be uniformly distributed (i.e. uniformly spaced from one another) circumferentially. These embodiments can allow the gripping force to be evenly distributed about the circumference of the penis. In embodiments, the one or more gripping elements may be elongate. The one or more gripping elements may extend longitudinally. The one or more gripping elements may comprise one or more arm-like gripping elements. The one or more gripping elements may extend longitudinally away from the first threaded element and / or second threaded element. The one or more gripping elements may be connected to the second threaded element. The one or more gripping elements may be resiliently connected to the second threaded element. The one or more gripping elements may (e.g. resiliently) flex radially inwardly to grip the distal portion of the penis when forced radially inwardly by the first threaded element. The one or more gripping elements may (e.g. resiliently) unflex radially outwardly to release the distal portion of the penis when no longer forced radially inwardly by the first threaded element. These embodiments can allow the one or more gripping elements to return to their original position automatically when no longer forced radially inwardly by the first threaded element. In embodiments, each ramp may be a radially projecting ramp. Each ramp may be an externally projecting ramp. Each ramp may have a height which varies (e.g. increases) with respect to the longitudinal direction (e.g. longitudinally away from the first threaded element and / or second threaded element). Each ramp may have a height which varies (e.g. increases) linearly with respect to the longitudinal direction (e.g. longitudinally away from the first threaded element and / or second threaded element). Each ramp may have a constant gradient. These embodiments can allow an even progression of force to be applied upon rotation of the threaded elements relative to one another. In embodiments, each free end may be removably mounted to its gripping element. These embodiments can facilitate manufacture of the device and / or allow the free end to be removed and replaced as desired. Each free end may comprise a pad for contacting the distal portion of the penis. The pad may be formed of a rubber or foam material. These embodiments can help to improve comfort for the user. As will be appreciated, in use, rotation of the first threaded element relative to the second threaded element in a first rotational direction causes the first threaded element to move longitudinally relative to the second threaded element in a first longitudinal direction. This causes the first threaded element to move longitudinally onto and / or along each ramp of the one or more gripping elements in the first longitudinal direction thereby forcing the free end of each of the one or more gripping elements to move radially inwardly to grip the distal portion of the penis. Furthermore, in use, rotation of the first threaded element relative to the second threaded element in a second rotational direction (opposite to the first rotational direction) causes the first threaded element to move longitudinally relative to the second threaded element in a second longitudinal direction (opposite to the first longitudinal direction). This causes the first threaded element to move longitudinally along and / or off each ramp of the one or more gripping elements in the second longitudinal direction thereby allowing the free end of each of the one or more gripping elements to move radially outwardly to release the distal portion of the penis. In embodiments, the gripping device may comprise a mount for mounting the gripping device to a penile traction and / or bending device. The mount may be connected to the second threaded element. The mount may be connected to the second threaded element via one or more bracing elements. The one or more bracing elements may comprise one or more side bracing elements and / or one or more base bracing elements. The one or more bracing elements may be elongate. The one or more bracing elements may extend longitudinally. The one or more bracing elements may extend longitudinally between the mount and the second threaded element. The one or more bracing elements may comprise one or more strut-like elements. The one or more bracing elements may be connected to both the mount and the second threaded element. In embodiments, the mount may be removably mountable to the traction and / or bending device. Thus, the gripping device may be provided separately from the traction and / or bending device, e.g. as an enhancement and / or as a replacement part for a penile traction and / or bending assembly. The mount may comprise one or more projections for mounting the gripping device to the traction and / or bending device. The one or more projections of the gripping device may (e.g. removably) engage with one or more corresponding apertures of the traction and / or bending device. The one or more projections may be connected to the mount. The one or more projections may be resiliently connected to the mount. The one or more projections may (e.g. resiliently) flex (and then at least partially unflex) during engagement of the mount with the traction and / or bending device. Flexing the one or more projections again may disengage the mount from the traction and / or bending device. One or more of the projections may comprise a ridge for engaging with the traction and / or bending device. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a penile traction and / or bending assembly comprising: a penile traction and / or bending device; and a gripping device as described herein in any aspect or embodiment. In embodiments, the traction and / or bending device may comprise a base which contacts the human body while a traction force and / or a bending force is being applied to a penis. The traction and / or bending device may comprise a longitudinally-adjustable portion which applies a longitudinal traction force to the penis. The traction and / or bending device may comprise a pivotable portion which pivots relative to the base and / or relative to the longitudinally-adjustable portion so as to apply a bending force to the penis. The gripping device may be provided on the longitudinally-adjustable portion and / or on the pivotable portion so that the traction force and / or the bending force can be transferred to the penis. As indicated above, the traction and / or bending device (e.g. the longitudinally-adjustable portion and / or the pivotable portion) may comprise one or more apertures corresponding to the one or more projections of the gripping device. It will be appreciated that the term “longitudinal” and the like as used herein means axially or orthogonal to the direction of rotation of the first threaded element relative to the second threaded element. It will also be appreciated that the term “radial” and the like as used herein means normal to the direction of rotation of the first threaded element relative to the second threaded element. It will also be appreciated that the term “circumferential” and the like as used herein means concentric with the direction of rotation of the first threaded element relative to the second threaded element. By way of example only, embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gripping end of a penile gripping device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an operable end of the gripping device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view of the operable end of the gripping device of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the gripping device of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is an end view of the gripping end of the gripping device of Figure 1. Figures 1-5 show a penile gripping device 10 for gripping a distal portion (i.e. glans) of a penis. The gripping device 10 comprises a collar element 12 having an internally threaded region 14. The gripping device 10 further comprises a tube element 20 having an externally threaded region 22. The collar element 12 is rotationally mounted onto and surrounds the tube element 20. The gripping device 10 further comprises five longitudinally elongate arm-like gripping elements 24, which are uniformly distributed circumferentially about and extend away from the tube element 20. Each gripping element 24 has an external radially projecting ramp 26 which can be driven radially inwardly by longitudinal movement of the collar element 12 relative to the tube element 20. Each ramp 26 has a height which increases linearly with respect to the longitudinal direction to give a constant gradient and thus allow gradual and continuous adjustment of a radially inward force. To assist with making driving contact with the ramps 26, the collar element 12 comprises a radially projecting circumferential lip 16 with a curved contact surface. The collar element 12 also has external longitudinal grooves 18 which help to increase friction between the operator’s hand and the collar element 12 during manual rotation. Each gripping element 24 also has a removable free end 28 with a foam or rubber pad 30 which grips the distal portion of the penis in use. The gripping device 10 also comprises a mount 32 for removably mounting the gripping device 10 to a penile traction and bending device (not shown) to form an overall assembly. The mount 32 is connected to the tube element 20 via two elongate side bracing strut elements 34 and one elongate base bracing strut element 36 which each extend longitudinally between the mount 32 and the tube element 20. Although not shown in the drawings, the traction and bending device can include a base which contacts the human body while the traction and bending forces are being applied, a longitudinally-adjustable portion which applies a longitudinal traction force, and a pivotable portion which pivots relative to the longitudinally-adjustable portion so as to apply a bending force. The gripping device 10 can be mounted onto the pivotable portion so that the traction and bending forces can be transferred to the penis. The mount 32 has a projection 38 with a ridge 40 for removably engaging with a corresponding aperture in the traction and bending device. The projection 38 is resiliently connected to the mount 32 to allow the projection 38 to flex and then at least partially unflex during engagement with the aperture in the traction and bending device. In use, the distal end of the penis is inserted into the gripping end of the gripping device 10 (i.e. the end shown in the foreground of Figure 1). Rotation of the collar element 12 relative to the tube element 20 in a first rotational direction (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3) then causes the collar element 12 to move longitudinally in a first longitudinal direction towards the gripping end (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 4) onto and then along the ramps 26. This in turn forces the free ends 28 of the gripping elements 24 to flex resiliently radially inwardly in a first radial direction (as indicated by the arrows in Figure 5) to grip the distal portion of the penis. The penis can then be treated to alleviate the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease by stretching and bending the penis using the penile traction and bending device. Following this treatment, rotation of the collar element 12 relative to the tube element 20 in a second rotational direction (opposite to the arrow in Figure 3) causes the collar element 12 to move longitudinally in a second longitudinal direction away from the gripping end (opposite to the arrow in Figure 4) along and off the ramps 26. This in turn allows the free ends 28 of the gripping elements 24 to unflex resiliently radially outwardly in a second radial direction (opposite to the arrows in Figure 5) to release the distal portion of the penis. To dismantle the assembly, the projection 38 can be flexed again to disengage the ridge 40 from the traction and bending device.

Claims

1. A gripping device for gripping a distal portion of a penis, the gripping device comprising: a first threaded element and a second threaded element, wherein the first threaded element and the second threaded element are rotationally mounted together; and one or more gripping elements, each gripping element having a ramp to be driven by the first threaded element and a free end for gripping a distal portion of a penis, wherein rotation of the first threaded element relative to the second threaded element causes the first threaded element to move longitudinally along the ramp of the gripping element thereby forcing the free end of the gripping element to move radially inwardly to grip the distal portion of the penis.

2. A gripping device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first threaded element comprises a threaded collar element.

3. A gripping device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second threaded element comprises a threaded tube element.

4. A gripping device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first threaded element comprises an internally threaded region.

5. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second threaded element comprises an externally threaded region.

6. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first threaded element comprises a radially projecting lip for forcing the one or more gripping elements radially inwardly.

7. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first threaded element comprises external grooves.

8. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more gripping elements comprises plural gripping elements.

9. A gripping device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plural gripping elements comprises at least three gripping elements, at least four gripping elements or at least five gripping elements.

10. A gripping device as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the plural gripping elements are distributed circumferentially.

11. A gripping device as claimed in claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the plural gripping elements are uniformly distributed.

12. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more gripping elements extend longitudinally away from the first threaded element and / or second threaded element.

13. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more gripping elements are resiliently connected to the second threaded element.

14. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more gripping elements resiliently flex radially inwardly to grip the distal portion of the penis when forced radially inwardly by the first threaded element.

15. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more gripping elements resiliently unflex radially outwardly to release the distal portion of the penis when no longer forced radially inwardly by the first threaded element.

16. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each ramp has a constant gradient.

17. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each free end is removably mounted to its gripping element.

18. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each free end comprises a pad for contacting the distal portion of the penis.

19. A gripping device as claimed in claim 18, wherein each pad is formed of a rubber or foam material.

20. A gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping device comprises a mount for mounting the gripping device to a penile traction and / or bending device.

21. A gripping device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the mount is connected to the second threaded element via one or more bracing elements.

22. A gripping device as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the mount is removably mountable to the traction and / or bending device.

23. A gripping device as claimed in claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein the mount comprises one or more projections for mounting the gripping device to the traction and / or bending device.

24. A gripping device as claimed in claim 23, wherein one or more of the projections comprises a ridge for engaging with the traction and / or bending device.

25. A penile traction and / or bending assembly comprising: a penile traction and / or bending device; and a gripping device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.A

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