Apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus 10 for aiding sexual activity includes a base 12 having first A and second B ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. A support 14 is provided to support

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to an apparatus for aiding sexual activity. BACKGROUND Sexual activity is an important aspect of human relationships, not only for reproduction but also providing emotional and physical pleasure. However, this can be challenging for people with physical disabilities, due to the weight bearing nature of physical intercourse. Many conventional sexual positions for a couple can become impossible if the "giving" or "penetrating" partner has an injury or disability, for example to their back or limbs. These difficulties can cause negative impacts on mental health and the relationship. Existing devices, such as chairs and bondage (BDSM) tables can be used to help position a sexual partner. These are typically directed to the position and support of a "receiving" partner. However, these devices do no provide support to a "giving" or penetrating partner. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for aiding sexual activity, the apparatus comprising: a base having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends; a support to support a first user, the support being mounted on the base towards the first end of the base; and a seat to support a second user, the first seat being slidably mounted on the base such that it can slide along the longitudinal axis between the support and a location at or near the second end of the base. In typical use, the first user is a "receiving" partner and the second user is a "giving" partner or penetrating partner. The first user may be in either a prone or supine position on the support, whilst the second user sits on the seat facing the first user. The seat provides weight bearing support to the giving partner, whilst enabling backwards and forwards motion along the longitudinal axis. The base may comprise a rail extending between the first and second ends. The rail may extend along the longitudinal axis. The seat may be slidably mounted on the rail. The seat may be supported in on the rail in any manner which enables a sliding movement along the rail. For example, the seat may be provided with bearings, such as rollers, which engage with the rail. The support may be mounted on the rail. The base may be height adjustable. This adjustment provides comfort and ease of use for the second user. The base may comprise one or more leg members. The leg members may be height adjustable. In one embodiment, the base comprises one or more leg members mounted on the rail, optionally wherein the one or more leg members are height adjustable. For ease of storage, the one or more leg members may be removable or foldable. For example the one or more leg members may be foldable into or under the base. The one or more leg members may comprise an elongate foot, which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis. The elongate foot provides stability so that one leg is required at each of the first and second ends of the base. A further leg member may be provided at a position between the first and second ends of the base. The base may comprise a handle and wheel for ease of transport. The wheel may be provided on at least one of the one or more leg members. In one embodiment, the one or more leg members are provided at the second end of the base and wherein no leg members are provided at the first end of the base. This allows the first end to be mounted on an item of furniture, such as a bed or chair, whilst the second end is supported by the one or more leg member. A transverse member may be provided at the first end of the base, wherein the transverse member is configured to support the first end of the base on an item of furniture, whilst the second end of the base is supported by the one or more leg members. The transverse member may be mounted on the rail. This embodiment is more compact, allowing ease of storage. In another embodiment, the one or more leg members are provided at each of the first and second ends of the base. This arrangement enabling both ends to be free standing, without requiring either end to be mounted on furniture. The base may comprise one or more leg at a mid-region between the first and second ends. The support may be elongate, extending along the longitudinal axis. The width of the support may be non-uniform along its length, wherein the width is greater towards the first end of the base. The support may comprise a supporting surface which in use is in contact with the first user. The support may comprise an attachment member for attachment to the base. The distance between the support surface and the attachment member may be adjustable to thereby enable height adjustment of the support. For example, spacers may be insertable between the attachment member and supporting surface. The support may comprise one or more attachment point to enable accessories to be attached to the support. Examples of suitable accessories include vibration massagers. The support may have a first section towards the first end of the base and a second section towards the second end of the base, wherein the width of the first section may be greater than the width of the second section. In use, this configuration enables the first user to have their legs astride the second section, which having their upper body supported by the first section, in either a prone or supine position. The support may comprise a third section between the first and second sections, wherein the width of the third sections tapers between with of the first section and the width of the second section. A first portion of the support may be configured to have an adjustable incline, wherein the angle of inclination is adjustable between a fully reclined position in which the first portion lies flat against the base and a fully inclined position in which an end of the first portion of the support located nearest the first end of the base is raised. The first portion of the support may be adjustable to positions between the fully reclined position and the fully inclined position. The support may comprise a second portion adjacent the first portion and positioned between the first portion and the second end of the base, wherein the second portion is not inclined. This configuration enables the first user to sit on the second portion with their back supported by the first portion. The seat may comprise a support surface to receive the second user. The seat may comprise a coupling member to couple with the base in a sliding arrangement. For example, the coupling member may comprise rollers which in use engage with a rail of the base. The distance between the support surface and the coupling member may be adjustable to thereby enable height adjustment of the seat. For example, spacers may be insertable between the coupling member and supporting surface. The seat may comprise one or more attachment point to enable accessories to be attached to the seat. Examples of suitable accessories include dildos. The apparatus may comprise one or more legrests, wherein each of the one or more legrests are mounted on the base and have a leg-supporting surface to support a leg of the first user, wherein each legrest is configured so that the leg-supporting surface is positioned between the support and the second end of the base, and at a height above the sliding seat. The legrests enable the first user to have their lets comfortably supported in a raised position whilst they are sitting on the support. The position of the leg-support surface of the one or more legrests may be adjustable in three dimensions. The leg-supporting surface of each of the one or more legrests may be adjustable in one or more of (a) its angular position relative to the base about a vertical axis, (b) its distance from the support, parallel to the longitudinal axis and (c) its height above base. The apparatus may comprise a foot rest to support the feet of the first user, the foot rest being located on the base below the support. The foot rest is configured so that the when the first user is sitting on the support, their calves can rest against the foot rest. The apparatus may comprise one or more one knee rest provided to support the knee(s) of a first user positioned on the support. The one or more knee rests are configured so that the first user may rest their knees on the knee supports when in a prone position on the support, facing the first end of the base. The one or more knee supports may be mounted on the base. The one or more knee rests may be positioned in a region below the support. The one or more knee supports may be configured such that edges of each of the one or more knee support extends out in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis further than edges of the support. The one or more knee rests may be positioned in a region below the second section of the support. The one or more knee supports may be configured such that edges of each of the one or more knee support extends out in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis further than edges of the second section of the support. The one or more knees rest may be mounted between two or more leg members. The apparatus may comprise a further supporting surface extending on either side of the support, wherein the further supporting surface comprises: a. on a first side of the support, a first portion extending adjacent and parallel to the rail in a direction towards the second end of the base, the first portion having a first end adjacent the support and a second end adjacent the second end of the base, wherein the first portion is inclined so that the second end is lower than the first end; b. on the second side of the support, a second portion extends towards the second end of the base, wherein the second portion is spaced from the rail, to leave a gap dimensioned to accommodate the second user's leg. This provides a suitable support for the "pretzel" sexual position. A sex toy may be removably mounted on one or both of the support and the seat. The sex toy may comprise a sex toy accessory mounted on a harness, the harness being provided with first attachment means, and wherein one or both of the support and the seat are provided with second attachment means, such that in use the first and second attachment means cooperate to secure the harness to the support and / or seat. The sex toy comprises a vibrating sex toy. Examples of suitable sex toys include clitoral stimulators, dildos and anal sex toys. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. Moreover the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an apparatus for aiding sexual activity according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus according to the first embodiment; Figure 3 is an end view of the apparatus according to the first embodiment; Figure 4 is a side view of an apparatus for aiding sexual activity according to a second embodiment; Figure 5 is a plan view of the apparatus according to the second embodiment; Figure 6 is an end view of the apparatus according to the second embodiment; Figure 7 is a side view of the apparatus according to the second embodiment with legs extended; Figure 8 is a plan view of the apparatus according to the second embodiment with legs extended; Figure 9 is an end view of the apparatus according to the second embodiment with legs extended; Figure 10 is a side view of an apparatus for aiding sexual activity according to a third embodiment; Figure 11 is a plan view of the apparatus according to the third embodiment; Figure 12 is an end view of the apparatus according to the third embodiment; Figure 13 is a side view of an apparatus for aiding sexual activity according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 14 is a plan view of the apparatus according to the fourth embodiment; Figure 15 is an end view of the apparatus according to the fourth embodiment; Figure 16 is a side view of a vibration accessory mounted on the support of the second embodiment; Figure 17 is a plan view of the vibration accessory and support of Fig 16; Figure 18 is a plan view of a vibration accessory mounted on a harness; Figure 19 is an end view of the vibration accessory and support of Fig 16; Figure 20 is a top view of a vibration accessory according to an embodiment; Figure 21 Is a bottom view of the vibration accessory of Fig 20; Figure 22 is a side view of the vibration accessory of Fig 22; Figure 23 is an end view of a dildo accessory mounted on a sliding seat, according to an embodiment; Figure 24 is a side view of the dildo accessory of Fig 23; Figure 25 is a top view of the dildo accessory of Fig 23; Figure 26 is a top of a dildo accessory on a harness, according to an embodiment; Figure 27 is a plan view of the apparatus according to a fifth embodiment; Figure 28 is an end view of the apparatus according to a fifth embodiment; Figure 29 is a side view of the apparatus according to a fifth embodiment; and Figure 30 is a side view of an apparatus according to an embodiment, arranged to be the mirror image of Fig 29. DETAILED DESCRIPTION First embodiment A first embodiment of the apparatus is illustrated in Figs 1-3. The apparatus 10 is in the form of a bench comprising a base 12, a support 14 and a sliding seat 16. The base 10 has a first end A, a second end B and a longitudinal axis extending between them. The base 10 has a rail 18 extending along the longitudinal axis. The rail 18 is mounted on leg members 20-24 located at the first end, second end and mid region. Each of the leg members is height adjustable, for example by a spring-loaded pin mechanism or other suitable adjustment means. The leg members 20-24 can be either removed or folded under the rail 18 for storage. Each leg member is provided with a transversely extending foot 26-30 for stability. The apparatus is provided with a handle and wheels for ease of transport. The support 14 has a supporting surface which in use is in contact with the first user. The supporting surface has a cleanable surface, with padding underneath for comfort. The support 14 has a first portion 32 and a second portion 34. The first portion 32 is adjacent the first end of the base, whilst the second portion 34 is positioned between the first portion 32 and sliding seat 16. The first portion 32 is provided with a pivot, such as a hinge, at one end, thereby enabling the angle of inclination to be adjusted from a fully inclined position (e.g. upright) to a fully reclined position (e.g. flat), including positions in between. The first portion 32 is held securely in its selected position by a rod 36 pivotally connected to the first portion 32 at one end and removably attached to the base at its other end, for example by a spring-loaded pin and detent mechanism. The first and second portions 32,34 are adjacent one another. When the first portion 32 is in the fully reclined position (i.e. flat), the two portions form a flat support. When the first portion 32 is fully upright or partially inclined, it forms a backrest, whilst the second portion 34 forms a seat. The seat 16 has a support surface 38 to receive the second user and a coupling member 40 to couple with the rail 18. The support surface 38 has a cleanable surface, with padding underneath. The coupling member has a set of rollers which engages with the rail 18. Although not shown, the distance between the support surface and the coupling member may be adjustable to enable height adjustment of the seat. For example, spacers may be insertable between the coupling member and supporting surface. A pair of legrests 42 are provided for supporting the legs of the first user in an elevated position. The leg rests 42 have leg supporting surfaces 44 supported by members 46a,b mounted to the rail 18 at a pivot joint 48. The leg supporting surfaces 44 are positioned at a height above the rail 18 and are located on either side of the rail 18, i.e. transverse to the longitudinal axis. Members 46a,b and pivot joint 48 enable adjustment of each leg rest 42. Pivot joint 48 enables rotation about the vertical axis, whilst member 46a allows height adjustment and member 46b allows adjustment of the distance between pivot joint 48 and 7 member 46a. The adjustment of members 46a,b is provided by a spring-loaded pin mechanism or other suitable adjustment means. The supporting surface 44 has a cleanable surface and is padded for comfort. The legrests 42 may be removed at the pivot joint for ease of storage. A foot rest 50 is provided below the second portion 34 of the support 14 to provide an alternative placement of the first user's feet. The foot rest 50 is mounted on leg member 22. Second embodiment A second embodiment is illustrated in Figs 4-9. This embodiment contains many of the same features as the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for similar features. In this embodiment, the apparatus is only provided with a leg member 24 at the second end B. The length of leg member 24 is adjustable, with Figs 4-6 showing leg member 24 in its shortest length and Figs 7-9 showing leg member 24 fully extended. No leg member is provided at first end A. At end A, a transverse member in the form of a transverse bar 58 is provided at the end of the rail 18 to provide stability. In use, the first end A is mounted on an item of furniture, such as a bed, chair or other suitable surface, whilst the second end B is supported by leg member 24 which rests on the floor. Leg member 24 can be removed or folded for ease of storage, for example under a bed. This arrangement provides a version which is more compact, lighter and easier to store. In addition, the first user has both the emotional and physical the comfort of the support being mounted on their bed or the like. The support 14 has a first section 52 towards end A and a second section 54 towards end B. The first and second sections 52,54 form a one-piece support, which lies flat on the rail 18. The second section 54 has a smaller width than the first section 52, which enables the first user's legs to be positioned on either side of the first portion. A third section 56 is provided between the first and second sections. The width of the third section 56 tapers between width of the first section and the width of the second section. In this embodiment, the angle of the support is not adjustable. Third embodiment A third embodiment is illustrated in Figs 10-12. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment due to the arrangement of the legs. The leg members 20,24 are relatively short and not adjustable. This apparatus is suitable for being mounted on the floor, a bed or other suitable surface. Fourth embodiment A fourth embodiment is illustrated in Figs 13-15. This embodiment has a similar arrangement to the first embodiment of Figs 1-3, with the support 14 as disclosed in the 8 second embodiment. This embodiment is also provided with knee supports 60,62 which provide the first user support for their knees when in a prone position and facing direction A. The knee supports 60,62 are mounted on cross bars 64,66 extending between leg members 20,22. Fifth embodiment A fifth embodiment is illustrated in Figs 27-30. As with the first embodiment, the apparatus has a base comprising a rail mounted on extendable leg members. Mounted on the rail are a support and a sliding seat. Further supporting surfaces 68,70 are also provided to give support to the users for a range of different sexual positions, including the pretzel position. In the pretzel position, the first user lies on their side, with their lower leg straight and their top leg bent, whilst the second user straddles the lower leg. The further supporting 68,70 surfaces are configured to support both legs of the first user in this position. The further supporting surfaces extend on each side of the support at end A, at a height substantially level with the support. On a first side, a portion 72 of the further supporting surface extends adjacent and parallel to the rail from the support to end B. This portion 72 is dimensioned to be sufficiently wide to support a leg of the first user but sufficiently narrow to enable it to be straddled by the second user. The portion 72 is angled from a first end adjacent the support to its second end adjacent end B, which is at a lower height. On a second side, the further supporting surface is shaped so that a portion 74 extends outwards away from the rail and towards end B. The portion 74 is configured so that there is a gap 76 adjacent the rail, extending from the support to end B. The surface on this side is substantially flat, i.e. in a plane parallel with the rail. Fig 30 illustrates a mirror image of Fig 29, i.e. configured for the first user to lie on their opposite side. Accessories Accessories for the apparatus are illustrated in Figs 16-26. Figures 16,17&19 illustrate a massager accessory 78 mounted to support. The massager accessory 78 has a harness 80 with a harness body 82 and four straps 84 extending from the body. On the body is mounted a vibrating massager 88. This may be mounted in any way, including stitching, adhesive and mechanical fixings. In use, the body of the harness is positioned on the support, and secured in position by attaching the straps to the attachment points 86 under the support. Fig 18 illustrates the massager accessory and harness, whilst Figs 20-22 illustrate the massager accessory without the harness. Figs 23-26 illustrate a dildo accessory 90 for mounting to the sliding seat. The dildo is mounted on a harness, for example as described with reference to Figs 16,17&19. The harness is secured to the attachment points under the sliding seat.

Claims

1. An apparatus for aiding sexual activity, the apparatus comprising:a base having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends;a support to support a first user, the support being mounted on the base towards the first end of the base; anda seat to support a second user, the first seat being slidably mounted on the base such that it can slide along the longitudinal axis between the support and a location at or near the second end of the base.

2. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises a rail extending between the first and second ends, wherein the seat is slidably mounted on the rail.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support is mounted on the rail.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the base is height adjustable.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises one or more leg members, optionally wherein the one or more leg members are height adjustable.

6. An apparatus according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the base comprises one or more leg members mounted on the rail, optionally wherein the one or more leg members are height adjustable.

7. An apparatus according to any of claims 5-6, wherein the one or more leg members are configured to be removable and / or or foldable.

8. An apparatus according to any of claims 5-7, wherein the one or more leg members are provided at the second end of the base and wherein no leg members are provided at the first end of the base.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a transverse member is provided at the first end of the base, wherein the transverse member is configured to support the first end of the base on an item of furniture, whilst the second end of the base is supported by the one or more leg members.

10. An apparatus according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the transverse member is mounted on the rail.

11. An Apparatus according to any of claims 5-7, wherein the one or more leg members are provided at each of the first and second ends of the base.

12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support has a first section towards the first end of the base and a second section towards the second end of the base, wherein the width of the first section is greater than the width of the second section.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a first portion of the support is configured to have an adjustable incline, wherein the angle of inclination is adjustable between a fully reclined position in which the first portion lies flat against the base and a fully inclined position in which an end of the first portion of the support located nearest the first end of the base is raised.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first portion of the support is adjustable to positions between the fully reclined position and the fully inclined position.

15. An apparatus according to any of claims 11-14, wherein the support comprises a second portion adjacent the first portion and positioned between the first portion and the second end of the base, wherein the second portion is not inclined.

16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more legrests, wherein each of the one or more legrests are mounted on the base and have a legsupporting surface to support a leg of the first user, wherein each legrest is configured so that the leg-supporting surface is positioned between the support and the second end of the base, and at a height above the sliding seat.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the position of the leg-support surface of the one or more legrests is adjustable in three dimensions.

18. An apparatus according to any of claims 16-17, wherein the leg-supporting surface of each of the one or more legrests is adjustable in one or more of (a) its angular position relative to the base about a vertical axis, (b) its distance from the support, parallel to the longitudinal axis and (c) its height above base.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more one knee rest provided to support the knee(s) of a first user positioned on the support, wherein the one or more knee rests are mounted on the base and is positioned in a region below the support.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19 when dependent on claim 12, wherein the one or more knee rests are positioned in the region below the second section of the support.

21. An apparatus according to any preceding claim when dependent on claim 2, comprising a further supporting surface extending on either side of the support, wherein the further supporting surface comprises:on a first side of the support, a first portion extending adjacent and parallel to the5 rail in a direction towards the second end of the base, the first portion having a first end adjacent the support and a second end adjacent the second end of the base, wherein the first portion is inclined so that the second end is lower than the first end;on the second side of the support, a second portion extends towards the second end of the base, wherein the second portion is spaced from the rail, to leave a gap dimensioned 10 to accommodate the second user's leg.

22. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a sex toy is removably mounted on one or both of the support and the seat.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the sex toy comprises a sex toy accessory mounted on a harness, the harness being provided with first attachment means, and15 wherein one or both of the support and the seat are provided with second attachment means, such that in use the first and second attachment means cooperate to secure the harness to the support and / or seat.

24. An apparatus according to any of claims 22-23, wherein the sex toy comprises a vibrating sex toy and / or a penetrating sex toy.

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