JP7723964B2 - Protective Materials - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a protective device, particularly a protective device to be worn around the genital area of the human body, such as the anus or perineum.

When genital conditions such as hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, buttock furuncles, postpartum uterine prolapse, and perineal tears occur, they can cause pain in daily life, especially when sitting. Pain caused by conditions in these areas can cause significant discomfort, raising concerns about a decline in quality of life (QOL).

Patent Document 1 discloses a topical medicinal device that is worn on the area where a genital disorder such as anal fissure, hemorrhoids, or rectal prolapse has occurred, and that comprises a base fabric on which an adhesive layer containing a medicinal ingredient and an adhesive is disposed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 62-283921

By promoting good blood circulation in this area before such genital diseases develop, it is expected that the onset of the disease can be prevented, and even after the disease has developed, protecting the genitals can be expected to alleviate pain or prevent it from worsening.

The present invention was made in light of the above circumstances, and its objective is to provide a protective member that can suppress pain caused by genital disorders that can lead to a decrease in the quality of daily life.

To achieve the above objectives, the protective member of the present invention comprises a flexible and extensible private parts covering part that has an inner surface conforming to the shape of the private parts and is attached to the private parts to cover them, and a hollow part formed in the private parts covering part, and the hollow part in the private parts covering part of this protective member is filled with a material that can be heated or cooled.

When the protective member is attached to the genitals, the flexible and stretchable genital covering part covers and protects the genitals, thereby alleviating pain caused by genital disorders such as hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse, or perineal lacerations.

Furthermore, for example, if the material filled in the hollow space formed in the genital covering is heated and the protective member is attached to the genitals, it promotes improved blood circulation in the genitals and surrounding areas, thereby preventing genital diseases or preventing the worsening of diseases.

This prevents pain caused by genital diseases from impairing the quality of daily life.

The hollow portion of this protective member has voids, which are formed in a branch-like or capillary-like pattern.

Furthermore, the filler material filled into the hollow space has heat-retaining properties and may be liquid or gel-like, and may be capable of being heated, for example, in a microwave oven, microwave, microwave heater, electric cooking appliance, or other heating appliance.

This protective member is equipped with a tube that is formed continuously with the hollow portion and opens the hollow portion to the atmosphere. Filler material is introduced into the hollow portion via the tube, and this filler material is discharged from the hollow portion.

Furthermore, the tube is formed so that its wall thickness is [1/2 of the tube's outer diameter ≧ the tube's inner diameter], and a check valve is placed in the tube to prevent the filler material filled in the hollow portion from leaking out.

Furthermore, the tube may be closed by being folded toward the hollow portion, or the tube may be bent and maintained in the bent state.

This protective member includes an exterior material that is attached to the private parts covering portion and covers the private parts covering portion.

Furthermore, this protective member may be equipped with a temperature control mechanism that heats or cools the filler material.

The genital area to which the protective member is attached may be the anus, the perineum, or even the vaginal opening.

More specifically, the invention of claim 1 solves the above-mentioned problems by providing a flexible and extensible genital covering part with an inner surface that conforms to the shape of the genitals and is attached to the genitals to cover them, and a hollow part formed in the genital covering part by branch-like or capillary-like voids.

The invention of claim 2 solves the above-mentioned problem by, in addition to the configuration of the protective member described in claim 1, filling the hollow portion with a liquid or gel filler.

The invention of claim 3 solves the above-mentioned problem by further comprising, in addition to the configuration of the protective member described in claim 2, a tube formed continuously with the hollow portion and opening the hollow portion to the atmosphere.

The invention of claim 4 solves the above-mentioned problem by, in addition to the configuration of the protective member described in claim 3, having a wall thickness of the tube that satisfies [1/2 of the outer diameter of the tube ≧ the inner diameter of the tube].

The invention of claim 5 solves the above-mentioned problem by providing the protective member configuration of claim 3 or claim 4, and also by providing the tube with a check valve that prevents the filler filled in the hollow portion from leaking out.

The invention of claim 6 solves the above-mentioned problem by incorporating the configuration of the protective member described in any one of claims 3 to 5, in which the tube is closed by being folded toward the hollow portion.

The invention of claim 7 solves the above-mentioned problem by maintaining the tube in a bent state in addition to the configuration of the protective member described in any one of claims 5 to 6.

The invention of claim 8 solves the above-mentioned problem by further comprising an exterior material that is attached to the private parts covering portion and covers the private parts covering portion in addition to the configuration of the protective member described in any one of claims 2 to 7.

The invention of claim 9 solves the above-mentioned problem by incorporating a temperature control mechanism that heats or cools the filler in addition to the configuration of the protective member described in any one of claims 2 to 8.

The invention of claim 10 solves the above-mentioned problem by incorporating the configuration of the protective member described in any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the genital area is the anus.

The invention of claim 11 solves the above-mentioned problem by incorporating the configuration of the protective member described in any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the genital area is the perineum.

The invention of claim 12 solves the above-mentioned problem by incorporating the configuration of the protective member described in any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the genital area is the vaginal opening.

This invention prevents pain caused by genital disorders from impairing the quality of daily life.

1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an outline of a configuration of a protection member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the outline of the configuration of the protection member according to the present embodiment. 10 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the configuration of the tube of the protection member according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating the outline of the configuration of the tube of the protection member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating the outline of the configuration of the tube of the protection member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the outline of the configuration of the protection member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the protective member according to the present embodiment is worn. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the protective member according to the present embodiment is worn. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the protective member according to the present embodiment is worn. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the protective member according to the present embodiment is worn. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating an outline of a temperature adjustment mechanism for heating or cooling the material of a protection member according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic side view illustrating an outline of the configuration of a protection member according to another embodiment.

Next, a protective member according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of a protective member according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the overall configuration of a protective member according to this embodiment.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the protective member 1 mainly comprises a private parts covering portion 10, a hollow portion 20 formed in the private parts covering portion 10, a tube 30 communicating with the hollow portion 20, and a check valve 40 disposed in the tube 30.

In this embodiment, the genital covering portion 10 is made of an elastic resin (e.g., elastomer) that is flexible, has an ultra-low hardness (hardness of 20° or less) according to Durometer Type E (Shear E) in accordance with JIS K 6253, which is significantly softer than the hardness of skin, and has an elongation rate of 70% or more, which is equal to or greater than the elongation rate of skin.

In this embodiment, this genital covering part 10 has an inner surface 10a that conforms to the shape of the genitals, such as the anus and perineum, and an outer surface 10b opposite the inner surface 10a. The inner surface 10a is attached to the genitals to cover them.

Furthermore, the private parts covering portion 10 is formed with an arbitrary thickness between the inner surface 10a and the outer surface 10b, and the hollow portion 20 is formed at this arbitrary thickness.

The hollow portion 20 is any space that is filled with a filler material that can be heated or cooled, and in this embodiment, it is configured with a gap 20a.

In this embodiment, the voids 20a are formed in a branch-like or capillary-like shape so as to encompass the private parts covering portion 10, and these voids 20a are filled with a filler. In other words, the protective member 1 has a hollow portion 20 formed by the branch-like or capillary-like voids 20a in the private parts covering portion 10, and this hollow portion 20 is filled with a liquid or gel-like filler.

In this embodiment, the filler material filled into the gap 20a of the hollow portion 20 is assumed to be a water-based material with a high specific heat capacity and excellent heat retention, such as a solution or gel, but it may also be, for example, a polymeric substance containing a polymer absorbent, liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers, or liquid-absorbent granular materials.

In this embodiment, the tube 30 is cylindrical or flattened elliptical, having a base end 30a and a tip 30b. The base end 30a is continuous with the hollow portion 20, and the tip 30b protrudes from the hidden portion covering portion 10, opening the hollow portion 20 to the atmosphere. In other words, the protective member 1 further includes a tube 30 that is continuous with the hollow portion 20 and opens the hollow portion 20 to the atmosphere.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the general configuration of tube 30. As shown in the figure, tube 30 is formed so that its wall thickness T satisfies [1/2 of the tube's outer diameter Φ1 ≧ the tube's inner diameter Φ2]. In other words, tube 30 has a wall thickness that satisfies [1/2 of the tube's outer diameter Φ1 ≧ the tube's inner diameter Φ2].

By forming the wall thickness T of the tube 30 so that it satisfies [1/2 of the tube's outer diameter Φ1 ≧ the tube's inner diameter Φ2], the tube 30 becomes thick-walled, and the shape of the tube 30 is maintained as a cylinder or ellipse, even if the material of the tube 30 is an elastomer with ultra-low hardness and flexibility.

As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the check valve 40 is disposed on the inner surface of the tube 30 and prevents the filler material filled in the hollow portion 20 from flowing back toward the tip 30b of the tube 30. In other words, the tube 30 is equipped with a check valve 40 that prevents the filler material filled in the hollow portion 20 from flowing out.

In this embodiment, the check valve 40 may be made of resin and formed integrally with the tube 30 on the inner surface of the tube 30, or it may be a separate piece arranged on the tube 30.

In this embodiment, the check valve 40 may be a biomimetic artificial valve (heart valve, venous valve), duckbill valve, umbrella valve, or other valve.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4(a), the distal end 30b of the tube 30 may be folded toward the proximal end 30a and the hollow portion 20, thereby closing the tube 30 as shown in Figure 4(b).

In this case, the filler material filled in the hollow portion 20 is prevented from flowing back toward the tip 30b of the tube 30 without the need to place a check valve 40 in the tube 30, making it possible to easily configure the protective member 1.

Furthermore, if the tube 30 is formed to be relatively long, as shown in Figure 5, when the tip end 30b side is bent at any position on the base end 30a side, the tube 30 is closed because the wall thickness T of the tube 30 is formed to be thick in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the tube 30 is closed by the simple action of bending the tube 30, which has a sufficiently thick wall T. This allows even those with weak strength, such as the elderly or sick, to easily close the tube 30.

In this case, it is preferable that the outer surface 10b of the private parts covering part 10 is provided with a pocket structure (not shown) so that the bent tube 30 can be stored within this pocket structure.

Figure 6 is a schematic side view illustrating the general configuration of the protective member 1. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the protective member 1 has an exterior material 60 attached to the private parts covering portion 10, which covers the entire private parts covering portion 10.

In this embodiment, the outer covering 60 is made of a highly elastic material that is gentle on the skin, such as silicone or organic fibers, making it easy to attach and detach from the genital covering 10 and capable of being washed and reused.

When this outer covering material 60 is attached to the private parts covering part 10, it also covers the tube 30, which has its tip 10b bent toward its base end 10a, preventing the tube 30 from swinging unexpectedly.

Next, we will explain the procedure for using the protective member 1 of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the tube 30 is formed to be relatively short, and a check valve 40 is disposed in this tube 30.

First, the hollow portion 20 of the private parts covering portion 10 is filled with a filler. In this embodiment, the filler is made of a water-based material with a high specific heat capacity and excellent heat retention, such as a solution or gel, and is filled into the hollow portion 20 through the opening on the tip 30b side of the tube 30.

In this embodiment, the hollow portion 20 has branch-like or capillary-like voids 20a formed to encompass the private parts covering portion 10. Therefore, when the hollow portion 20 is filled with a filler material, the filler material is dispersed evenly throughout the private parts covering portion 10.

In this embodiment, when the hollow portion 30 is filled with filler material, the check valve 40 prevents the filler material from flowing back toward the tip 30b of the tube 30.

Next, depending on the purpose of using the protective member 1, the filling material filled in the hollow portion 20 is heated or cooled via the private parts covering portion 10. If the purpose of using the protective member 1 is, for example, to promote improved blood circulation in the private parts, the filling material or the private parts covering portion 10 is heated.

In this embodiment, the filler is made of a material with excellent heat retention properties, so heating the filler through the private parts covering portion 10 provides an excellent heat storage effect.

When heating the filler through the private parts covering portion 10, in this embodiment, the protective member 1 filled with the filler is placed in a heating device such as a microwave oven or a container with a heater, which is an electronic cooking appliance, and heated.

In this embodiment, the filler material that fills the branch-like or capillary-like voids 20a and is evenly dispersed throughout the private parts covering portion 10 is heated, so the entire protective member 1 is heated evenly.

In addition, by placing the protective member 1 in a microwave oven and heating it, the filler can be heated through the private parts covering part 10 in a relatively short time, and the protective member 1 can also be expected to have a sterilizing effect, making it hygienic.

On the other hand, if the purpose of using the protective member 1 is, for example, to provide a cooling sensation when the protective member 1 is worn on the genitals, the filling material is cooled via the genital covering portion 10.

When cooling the filler through the hidden area covering portion 10, in this embodiment, cooling may be performed, for example, by immersing the protective member 1 in cold water.

Furthermore, if the purpose of using the protective device 1 is, for example, to relieve pain in the genital area, heating or cooling of the filling material or genital covering portion 10 can be performed as needed.

Next, the outer covering material 60 is attached to the private parts covering part 10, and the protective member 1 is attached to the private parts.

In this embodiment, the private parts covering part 10 of the protective member 1 is formed from an elastomer that has ultra-low hardness, flexibility, and high extensibility, so when donning the protective member 1, the wearer can easily place the private parts covering part 10 on their private parts and don the protective member 1.

Furthermore, because the genital covering portion 10 is made of an elastomer that has ultra-low hardness, flexibility, and high extensibility, it fits snugly around the genitals, providing a comfortable fit for the wearer, without affecting the wearer's appearance.

Figures 7 to 10 are diagrams illustrating how the protective member 1 is worn. As is clear from the figures, wearer P1 is a male and wearer P2 is a female.

For example, when using the protective member 1 for the purpose of preventing anal diseases such as hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse, or for the purpose of relieving pain, the protective member 1 is attached to the anuses of wearers P1 and P2, as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

When attaching to the anus, the inner surface 10a of the genital covering part 10 is placed so as to cover the anus of the wearers P1 and P2, and the protective member 1 is attached to the anus. In this case, for example, the inner surface 10a of the genital covering part 10 may be coated with a hydrocolloid or the like, and the genital covering part 10 may be attached to the anus.

In this way, when the protective member 1 is attached to the anus, the anus is covered and protected by the flexible and stretchable genital covering part 10, thereby alleviating pain caused by anal disorders such as hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse.

Furthermore, when the protective member 1 filled with the heated filler material via the genital covering part 10 is attached to the anus, it promotes improved blood circulation in and around the anus, thereby preventing hemorrhoids or preventing their worsening.

This prevents pain caused by anal diseases from impairing the quality of daily life.

On the other hand, when the protective member 1 is used for the purpose of alleviating pain in the genital area due to perineal lacerations, for example, the protective member 1 is attached to the perineal area of the wearer P2, as shown in Figure 9.

When wearing the protective member 1 on the perineum, the inner surface 10a of the genital covering part 10 is placed so as to cover the perineum of the wearer P2, and the protective member 1 is worn on the perineum. In this case, for example, the inner surface 10a of the genital covering part 10 may be provided with a hydrocolloid or the like, and the genital covering part 10 may be attached to the perineum.

In this way, when the protective member 1 is attached to the perineal region, the perineal region is covered and protected by the flexible and stretchable genital covering part 10, thereby alleviating pain caused by perineal disorders such as perineal lacerations.

On the other hand, when the protective member 1 with the heated filler material is worn on the perineum via the genital covering part 10, it promotes improved blood circulation in the perineum and surrounding area, which can help prevent perineal diseases and warm the wearer's body, known as "warming."

Furthermore, when using the protective member 1 for purposes such as preventing uterine prolapse after childbirth or alleviating pain associated with uterine prolapse, the protective member 1 is attached to the vaginal opening of the wearer P2, as shown in Figure 10.

When attaching the protective member 1 to the vaginal opening, the inner surface 10a of the genital covering part 10 is placed so as to cover the vaginal opening of the wearer P2, and the protective member 1 is attached to the vaginal opening. In this case, for example, the inner surface 10a of the genital covering part 10 may be coated with a hydrocolloid or the like, and the genital covering part 10 may be attached to the vaginal opening.

In this way, when the protective member 1 is attached to the vaginal opening, the flexible and stretchable genital covering part 10 covers and protects the vaginal opening, thereby preventing, for example, uterine prolapse after childbirth or alleviating the pain associated with it.

When the protective member 1 is removed from the genital area, such as the anus or perineum, at an appropriate time, such as when bathing or defecating, the outer covering material 60 can be removed from the genital covering part 10 and washed.

Furthermore, when replacing the filler material filled in the hollow portion 20, the filler material is discharged through the tube 30, the hollow portion 20 is cleaned, and new filler material is filled into the hollow portion 20. Alternatively, a separate tube with a hardness equal to or greater than that of the check valve can be inserted into the check valve, cleaning water can be delivered through the tube, and the filler material can be discharged through the opening in the valve that is opened by the tube insertion. Two tubes can also be provided, one for delivering the liquid and the other for discharging.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the above embodiment, we have described cases where the protective member 1 is placed in a heating device such as a microwave oven and the filler is heated via the private parts covering part 10, or where the protective member 1 is immersed in cold water and the filler is cooled via the private parts covering part 10. However, the filler may also be heated or cooled using a temperature control mechanism that heats or cools it.

As shown in Figure 11, the temperature adjustment mechanism 50 may be a small heater connected to the shadow covering portion 10 and heating the filler material through the shadow covering portion 10, or it may be a small air cooler connected to the shadow covering portion 10 and cooling the filler material through the shadow covering portion 10.

Furthermore, the temperature adjustment mechanism 50 can select between heating and cooling depending on the application, and may be a device connected to the private parts covering part 10 to heat or cool the filling material or private parts covering part 10.

The temperature adjustment mechanism 50 may also be built into the private parts covering part 10 to heat or cool the filling material.

In the above embodiment, the hollow portion 20 is configured with gaps 20a, and these gaps 20a are formed in a branched or capillary-like manner to cover the genital covering portion 10. However, as shown in Figure 12, the hollow portion 20 may also be configured as a single hollow portion 20.

In the above embodiment, the private parts covering part 10 is described as being made of elastomer, but it may also be made of a material such as silicone or silicone gel.

In the above embodiment, the tube 30 is closed by bending the distal end 30b of the tube 30 toward the proximal end 30a at any position along the length of the tube 30. However, the tube 30 may also be closed using a clip, rubber band, or other member.

In the above embodiment, the case where the filling material or private parts covering portion 10 is heated or cooled and then the outer covering material 60 is attached to the private parts covering portion 10 has been described. However, the filling material or private parts covering portion 10 may also be heated or cooled after the outer covering material 60 is attached to the private parts covering portion 10.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Protective member 10 Private part covering part 10a Inner surface 10b Outer surface 20 Hollow part 30 Tube 40 Check valve 50 Temperature adjustment mechanism 60 Sheathing material

Claims (12)

a flexible and stretchable genital covering part that has an inner surface conforming to the shape of the genitals and is attached to the genitals to cover the genitals;
A protective member having a hollow portion formed by branch-like or capillary-like voids in the genital covering portion. The protective member according to claim 1, wherein the hollow portion is filled with a liquid or gel filler. The protective member according to claim 2, further comprising a tube formed continuously with the hollow portion and opening the hollow portion to the atmosphere. The protective member according to claim 3, wherein the tube has a wall thickness that is [1/2 of the outer diameter of the tube ≧ the inner diameter of the tube]. A protective member as described in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the tube is provided with a check valve that prevents the filling material filled in the hollow portion from leaking out. A protective member according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the tube is closed by folding it toward the hollow portion. A protective member according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the tube is held in a bent state. The protective member according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising an exterior material attached to the private parts covering portion and covering the private parts covering portion. A protective member according to any one of claims 2 to 8, which incorporates a temperature control mechanism for heating or cooling the filler. The protective member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the genital area is the anus. The protective member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the genital area is the perineum. The protective member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the genital area is a vaginal opening.