Prostate Massage Apparatus Prostatamassagevorrichtung Appareil De Massage De La Prostate

(19) &

(11) EP 2 098 209 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: A61H 21/00 (2006.01) A61H 39/04 (2006.01) 26.10.2011 Bulletin 2011/43

(21) Application number: 09153839.7

(22) Date of filing: 27.02.2009

(54) Prostate massage apparatus Prostatamassagevorrichtung Appareil de massage de la prostate

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventor: Takashima, Jiro AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR Houston, TX 77055 (US) HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (74) Representative: Giovannini, Francesca et al Osha Liang (30) Priority: 03.03.2008 US 41501 32, avenue de l’Opéra 75002 Paris (FR) (43) Date of publication of application: 09.09.2009 Bulletin 2009/37 (56) References cited: WO-A-2007/012792 US-A- 5 797 950 (73) Proprietor: Takashima, Jiro Houston, TX 77055 (US)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 2 098 209 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 2 098 209 B1 2

Description [0007] U.S. Patent No. 2,478,786, issued to H. M. Smallen, describes a prostate gland massaging imple- BACKGROUND OF INVENTION ment that is operated by hand. This implement includes a lever having an interior handle which constitutes a pow- Field of the Invention 5 er arm to extend down in front of the abdomen and a substantially horizontal portion extending under the groin [0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for and offset laterally to avoid the genital organs. The im- preventing and treating prostate abnormalities, including plement has an upwardly and forwardly bent posterior benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. More portion which forms the work arm. This work arm extends particularly, the present invention relates to devices for 10 into the rectal passage to bear against the frontal wall massaging the prostate gland. thereof adjacent the prostate gland. The bent portion between the horizontal and the posterior portions serves Background Art as a fulcrum point against the front wall of the rectal open- ing when the implement is subject to pivotal movement [0002] Prostate isa compound tubuloalveolar exocrine 15 around this point. glad that is part of the male reproduction system in mam- [0008] The inventor of the present application has in- mals. Common prostate abnormalities include benign vented several prostate massaging devices, as disclosed prostate hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate can- in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,797,950; 5,861,000; 6,589,193; cer. BPH is a condition with enlarged prostate gland, of- 6,802,850; and7,211,059; andpublished U.S. Patent Ap- ten occurs in older men. Severe BPH can cause urination 20 plication Nos. 2002/0040200; 2004/0158182; and difficulties due to the enlarged prostate pressing against 2005/0266048. These devices are operated by the con- the urethra. BPH can be treated with medication or with traction of the sphincter muscles, without the need of surgery that removes part of the prostate. hand operations. FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrate two of such de- [0003] Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. vices. There are different forms of prostatitis. Acute prostatitis 25 [0009] As shown in FIG. 1, a device for prostate mas- and chronic bacterial prostatitis may be treated with an- sage has a generally rod- shape body comprising a head tibiotics, while chronic non- bacterial prostatitis, which ac- portion 112 designed to contact the prostate through the counts for about 95% of prostatitis diagnoses, may be rectum, a neck portion 123, and a retainer portion 114. treated with a variety of modalities, including α-adrener- The neck portion 123, having gradually reducing diame- gic blockers, physical therapy, psychotherapy, and anti- 30 ters from the head portion 112, is designed to allow con- histamines. traction of the sphincter muscle to push the device up- [0004] Chronic non- bacterial prostatitis may lead to flu- ward to massage the prostate. The retainer portion 114, id build up in the prostate, resulting in a congested pros- which joins the neck portion 123 at the bend 121 to form tate. One treatment for chronic non-bacterial prostatitis a generally C-shape, is designed to prevent the device is the prostate massage. Some urologists believe that 35 from completely slipping into the rectum and also to con- the most effective treatment for such prostatitis is for the tact the perineum-groin area, thereby forcing the head doctor to massage the prostate at regular intervals. How- portion 112 to contact the prostate. ever, such massages can be difficult to obtain because [0010] FIGs. 2A and 2B show another prostate mas- it often requires frequent visits by the patients to doctor’s saging device invented by the present inventor, illustrat- offices, which is associated with considerable expense 40 ing the location of the device in the rectum 24 before and inconvenience.Therefore, there is a need for devices (FIG. 2A) and after (FIG. 2B) sphincter muscle 26 con- that would allow an individual to carry out his own pros- traction. As the device is pushed up by the sphincter 26 tatic massage. contraction, the head portion 42 presses against the [0005] Since prostate is located proximate the anus, prostate 28, as shown in FIG. 2B. When the sphincter various devices that can contact prostate gland through 45 muscles 26 relax, the device will slide downward, result- rectal wall have been devised in the art. For example, ing in less compression of the prostate, as shown in FIG. U.S. Patent No. 4,542,753, issued to Brenman et al., dis- 2A. Therefore, repeated contraction and relaxation of the closes an apparatus having electrodes and circuitry for sphincter muscles can produce the desired massage of generating electrical signals to stimulate prostate gland the prostate without using a hand. and erectile tissue, after the device is disposed in the 50 [0011] These prior art devices provide convenient rectum. ways to massage a congested prostate. However, there [0006] U.S. Patent No. 5,404,881, issued to Cathaud remains a need for improved prostate massage devices. et al., describes a trans-rectal probe made of a flexible self-supporting polymer material. The flexibility of the pol- SUMMARY OF INVENTION ymer material enables it to comply with the shape therein, 55 making it possible to achieve safe and reliable positioning [0012] One aspect of the invention as claimed relates of an instrument for detection or therapeutic treatment of to apparatus for massaging a prostate. An apparatus in an organ (such as prostate) through the rectum. accordance with one embodiment of the invention in-

2 3 EP 2 098 209 B1 4 cludes a body having a substantially ellipsoid shape and ous shapes of the bodies and retainer bars that may sized to fit in a rectum through a sphincter, wherein the be used with embodiments of the invention. body comprises a head portion and a neck portion, wherein the head portion is configured to contact the FIG. 8 shows an illustration of a sectional view of a prostate through the rectum wall when inserted in the 5 lower portion of a human body, illustrating the loca- rectum, and wherein the neck portion has a tapered sections of the two acupressure points. tion with gradually reducing diameters distal to the head portion; and a retainer bar joined the body at one end of FIG. 9 shows a diagram illustrating a prostate mas- the neck portion to form a substantially T-shaped struc- saging apparatus in use. ture, wherein the retainer bar comprises two contact10 points for contacting a first acupressure point, which is DETAILED DESCRIPTION located in the perineum region between the anus and the scrotum, and a second acupressure point, which is lo- [0015] Embodiments of the invention relates to pros- cated about midway between the anus and the lower end tate massage apparatus that rely on sphincter muscles of the coccyx, wherein the head portion and the two con- 15 to provide the massage action, i.e., converting the tact points are configured such that they can contact the sphincter’s contraction and relaxation actions to an up- prostate, the first acupressure point, and the second acu- and-down motion of the device in the rectum to massage pressure point simultaneously. the prostate. In addition, the apparatus in accordance [0013] Other aspects and advantages of the invention with embodiments of the invention can provide pressure will be apparent from the following description and the 20 in the perineum region and a region midway between the appended claims. anus and the lower end of the coccyx (tail bone) to produce acupressure therapeutic effects to stimulate these BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS areas for therapeutic purposes. Embodiments of the in- ventionare based on unexpected findings that pressuring [0014] 25 the two acupressure points while massaging the prostate can provide improved user experience. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a prior art prostate massaging appa- compression at these two acupressure points while mas- ratus. saging the prostate was unexpectedly found to provide comfortable and pleasant feelings to the users. The FIGs. 2A and 2B show a prior art prostate massaging 30 pleasant feelings will encourage the use of the devices apparatus in use. and therefore promote patient compliance. [0016] Acupuncture is gradually gaining acceptance FIG. 3A shows a prostate massaging apparatus in around the world for its medical benefits, particularly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. the relief and management of pains. World Health Or- 35 ganization (WHO) has published a uniform, standardized FIG. 3B shows the apparatus of FIG. 3A, illustrating nomenclature for acupuncture, "Standard acupuncture the dimensions. nomenclature," Second edition, 1993 (ISBN 9290611057). FIG. 3C illustrates another example of an apparatus [0017] The perineum region includes the CV1 acupoint of the invention, showing an example of different 40 (Chinese name: Huiyin; Japanese name: Ein; Wade- shapes of the retainer bars and the contact points. Gilles name: Hui Yin), which is located between the anus and the scrotum, as shown in FIG. 8. CV1 acupoint is FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention the first acupoint along the Conception Vessel Meridian. having a body portion flexibly joined with the retainer In acupuncture, CV1 is for the treatment of various gen- bar. 45 itourinary disorders, hemorrhoid conditions, and rectal prolapse. Thus, applying acupressure to the perineum FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention region may provide therapeutic benefits. having one of the contact points adjustably attached [0018] Theregion about midway between the anus and to the retainer bar. the tip of coccyx includes the GV1 acupoint, as shown in 50 FIG. 8. This region will be referred to as the "GV1 region" FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the invention in the following description. GV1 is the first acupoint along having one of the contact points adjustably attached the Governor Vessel Meridian. Its Chinese name is to the retainer bar and the body portion flexibly joint- "Chang Qiang" (Japanese name: Chokyo; Wade-Gilles ed with the retainer bar. name: Chang Chiang). In acupuncture, GV1 is for the 55 treatment of hemorrhoid, rectal prolapse, anal fissure, FIG. 7 shows several variations and modifications and various genitourinary ailments, including urinary of the prostate massaging apparatus in accordance tract disorder, urine retention, sexual exhaustion, impo- with embodiments of the invention, illustrating vari- tence, and seminal emission. See: httn://www.yinyang-

3 5 EP 2 098 209 B1 6 house.com/acununeturepoints/gy1. Thus, applying [0024] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the pressure to this region may provide therapeutic benefits. body 31 of this apparatus has a head portion 32 and a [0019] In order to massage the prostate and, at the neck portion 33. The head portion 32 may have a gen- same time, apply pressure to the perineum and the GV1 erally bulbous shape and is configured to contact the regions, apparatus in accordance with embodiments of 5 prostate (through the rectum wall). The neck portion 33 the invention generally have a substantially T-shaped may have a generally rod or cone shape with gradually configuration. FIG. 3A shows one such example, which decreasing diameters (i.e., tapered) towards the joint is displayed in an inverted-T orientation. (i.e., the diameters decrease in a direction from the head [0020] As shown in FIG. 3A, a prostate massage ap- portion 32 towards the retainer bar 34). The tapered con- paratus 30 in accordance with one embodiment of the 10 figuration of the neck portion 33 allows the contraction invention includes a body 31 and a retainer bar 34, joined of the sphincter muscles to push the body 31 upward in a substantially T-shaped configuration. The T-shape during use (as shown in FIG. 2B). configuration need not have a precise 90° joint, as illus- [0025] The retainer bar 34 serves to prevent the body trated by the dotted horizontal line H and vertical line V 31 from slipping completely into the rectum or reaching shown in FIG. 3B. In this illustration, the horizontal line 15 too far up. In addition, in accordance with embodiments H and the vertical line V are drawn passing through the of the invention, the retainer bar 34 provides "contact longitudinal axes (the axes along the longer dimensions) points" that can apply pressures to both the perineum of the body and the retainer bar, respectively. Preferred and the GV1 regions. In the embodiment shown in FIG. embodiments have the substantially T-shaped in a con- 3A, the retainer bar 34 has bent ends (the L-shaped end figuration like an "italicized" T such that the two angles 20 portions of the retainer bar 34 bend toward the body 31) formed by the body and the retainer are not rectangles. that include knobs (or bulbous structures) 35 and 36 for In preferred embodiments, the body 31 tilts (inclines) contacting and applying pressure to the perineum and backward, i.e., towards knob 36 that is designed to con- the GV1 regions, respectively. tact the GV1 acupressure point. [0026] The structural features (e.g., knobs 35, 36) that [0021] Referring to FIG. 3B, since a device of the in- 25 are designed to contact the perineum and GV1 regions vention is for massaging the prostate and applying pres- will be referred to generally as "contact points" in this sures to two acupressure points, the three distances D 1, description. Note that they need not have the bulbous D2, and D 3 shown in FIG. 3B should be properly sized to shape as shown in FIG. 3A. Instead, they may be in any fit an individual. For an average adult, D1 is about 2.5 - shape, including ellipsoidal shape, cylindrical shape, 4.5 inches (about 7 - 12 cm), preferably about 3 inches 30 cone shape, and the like. Furthermore, a "contact point" (about 8 cm); D 2 is about 2.5-5 inches (about 7 - 13 cm), may be simply a surface or an area on the retainer bar preferably about 3.5 inches (about 9 cm); and D 3 is about 34 intended to contact the perineum or the GV1 region. 3 - 5.5 inches (about 8 - 14 cm), preferably about 3.75 See for example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, in inches (about 10 cm). which the contact point 35’ is simply the round end of the [0022] Note that the distances of the two contact points 35 retainer 34’, while the contact point 36’ is a bulge at the (D4 and Ds in FIG. 3B) on the retainer bar need not be end of the retainer 34’. One of ordinary skill in the art equally spaced from the joint, where the body 31 meets would appreciate that the "contact points" of a device of the retainer 34. In addition, the two contact points 35 and the invention may have any shape. 36 are at different distances from the horizontal lineH [0027] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the re- that passes through the retainer 34, with the contact point 40 tainer bar 34 has ends that bend towards the body 31. 36, which is designed to pressure the GV1 region, farther Note that such bent ends are not necessary for embod- off the horizontal line H. iments of theinvention. For example, some embodiments [0023] Referring again to FIG. 3A, the body 31 of the of the invention may have the knobs 35 and 36 attached device is generally an elongated ellipsoid, which may directly to the ends of the retainer bar 34 without the have bumps and/or indentations (as in the embodiment 45 intervening bend sections. In other examples, the retain- shown) to better fit the inside of a rectum or to have better er34 may have gradual curves (instead of relatively sharp prostate massage functions. The diameters of the body bends as shown in FIG. 3A), as shown in FIG. 3C, to 31 should be sized to be inserted into a human rectum facilitate the application of pressures to the perineum and through sphincter. Typically, the largest diameter of the GV1 regions. generally rod shaped body 31 may be about 2 inches 50 [0028] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3A also in- (about 5 cm) or less, more preferably about 1.5 inch cludes a reinforcement handle (ridge) 37 attached to the (about 4 cm) or less. The length of the body 31 should underside of the retainer bar 34 to give it more rigidity. be long enough to reach the prostate, but not too much However, in accordance with some embodiments of the longer. Thus, the body 31 is preferably about 3 - 6 inches invention, the retainer bar 34 may be without such a re- (about 8 - 15 cm) long (as measured from the top of the 55 inforcement handle 37, while some embodiments may head to the joint at the retainer bar), more preferably even include retainers with some flexibility to help reduce about 4 - 5 inches (about 10 - 13 cm) long, and most the pressure applied at the acupressure points. preferably about 4 - 4.5 inches (about 10 - 12 cm) long. [0029] As noted above, embodiments of the invention

4 7 EP 2 098 209 B1 8 allow an user to massage a prostate while pressuring preciate that various modifications and variations are two acupressure points, CV1 and GV1. Since the dis- possible without departing from the scope of the inven- tances between these points may vary slightly among tion. different individuals, some embodiments of the invention [0033] Apparatus in accordance with embodiments of may provide some flexibilities with regard to the shape 5 the invention may be made of any suitable materials, or configuration of the devices used for the massage. For including plastics, polymers, rubbers, elastomers, sili- example, some embodiments may provide flexibility in con, composites, metals and alloys. An apparatus of the terms of how the body portion joins the retainer bar, as invention may or may not be made entirely of a single illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows one example of an materials. For example, the head portion of the apparatus embodiment of the invention, in which the body portion 10 may be made of a rubber-like material, while the neck 41 and the retainer bar 44 are joined by a pivot mecha- portion may be made of a rigid material, or vice versa. nism 49 such that the body 41 may joint the retainer 44 Alternatively, the apparatus may be made of one material at different angles. The pivot mechanism 49 may allow in the interior (e.g., metal or alloy), while the exterior of a user to select a proper angle and fix the angle during the apparatus may be made of another material (e.g., a use. Alternatively, the pivot mechanism 49 may allow the 15 rubber-like material). joint to rotate during use, i.e., to allow some angular free- [0034] FIG. 9 shows a prostate massage device of the dom during use. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the invention in use. As shown, the massage device 90 is pivot mechanism 49 may include a mechanism that allow inserted in a rectum, the head portion 92 of which lightly the body portion 41 to be adjusted up and down such contacts the prostate through the rectum wall, while the that the body portion 41 is situation at different distances 20 neck portion 93 is in contact with the sphincter muscles. from the retainer bar 44. All these flexible mechanisms The contact points 95 and 96 of the device contacts the will be generally referred to as "flex joints," and the man- CV1 and GV1 acupressure points, respectively. When ner the body portion 41 joins the retainer bar 44 will be the sphincter muscles contract, the device 90 will slide referred to as "flexibly joined." up due to the tapered shape of the neck portion 93. When [0030] In addition to allowing flexibility at the body and 25 the device slides up, it will rub against the prostate and retainer bar join, some embodiments of the invention may also put pressure on the CV1 and GV1 acupressure allow flexibility in the distances between the "contact points. When the sphincter muscles relax, the device will points" that are designed to pressure the CV1 and GV1 slide down to its original location, as shown in FIG. 9. acupressure points. For example, FIG. 5 shows one em- Thus, repeated contraction and relaxation of the sphinc- bodiment of the invention, in which the contact point 56 30 ter muscles will result in up and down movements of the is adjustably attached to the retainer bar 54 via an ad- device, leading to massage of the prostate, as well as juster mechanism 59. While in this embodiment, only the pressuring of the CV1 and GV1 acupressure points. contact point 56 is shown to be "adjustably attached to" [0035] Advantages of the invention may include one the retainer bar 54, one of ordinary skill in the art would or more of the following. A device of the invention can appreciate that the other contact point 55 may also be 35 provide prostate massage by the user by the action of made adjustable without departing from the scope of the the sphincter muscles; no hand operation is needed. In invention. addition, a device of the invention can provide pressures [0031] Similarly, the flexibility may be allowed both at to the perineum and GV1 regions, while massaging the the joint (as shown in FIG. 4) and the contact points (as prostate. The simultaneous pressuring of these acupres- shown in FIG. 5). FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the 40 sure points can provide additional therapeutic benefits invention, in which the body portion 61 joins the retainer to the users. bar 64 in a flexible manner via a pivot mechanism 68. At [0036] While the invention has been described with re- the same time, the contact point 66 is also "adjustably spect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled attached to" the retainer bar 64 by an adjuster mecha- in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate nism 69. The term "adjustably attached to" means the 45 that other embodiments can be devised which do not contact points are not fixedly attached to the retainer depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed here- bars. in. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be lim- [0032] The above examples illustrate some variations ited only by the attached claims. of how the body portions can be joined with the retainer bars and how the contact points can be varied. In addi- 50 tion, the body portions and the retainer bars of embodi- Claims ments of the invention may have various shapes. For example, some possible shapes of the body portion have 1. An apparatus for massaging a prostate, comprising been disclosed in the patents and patent applications by a body (31) having a substantially ellipsoid shape the inventor of the present invention, as noted above. 55 and sized to fit in a rectum through a sphincter, Some of these variations are illustrated in FIG. 4. Note wherein the body (31) comprises a head portion (32) that these examples in FIG. 4 are provided for illustration and a neck portion (33), wherein the head portion purpose only. One of ordinary skill in the art would ap- (32) is configured to contact the prostate through the

5 9 EP 2 098 209 B1 10

rectum wall wheninserted in the rectum, and wherein 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retainer bar the neck portion (33) has a tapered section with grad- (34) is made of a flexible material. ually reducing diameters distal to the head portion (32), characterized in that the apparatus further 14. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus is made of comprises 5 a material selected from the group consisting of plas- a retainer bar (34) joined the body (31) at one end tic, polymer, rubber, elastomer, silicon, composite, of the neck portion (33) to form a substantially T- metal, and alloy. shaped structure, wherein the retainer bar (34) comprises two contact points (35, 36) for contacting a first acupressure point located in the perineum re- 10 Patentansprüche gion between the anus and the scrotum, and a second acupressure point located about midway be- 1. Gerät zum Massieren einer Prostata, umfassend ei- tween the anus and the lower end of the coccyx, nen Körper (31) miteiner im wesentlichenellipsoiden wherein the head portion (32) and the two contact Form und passenden Größe, um durch einen points (35, 36) are configured such that they can15 Sphinkter hindurch in ein Rektum zu passen, wobei contact the prostate, the first acupressure point, and der Körper (31) ein Kopfteil (32) und ein Halsteil (33) the second acupressure point simultaneously. umfasst, wobei das Kopfteil (32) eingerichtet ist, durch die Wand des Rektums hindurch die Prostata 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retainer bar zu berühren, wenn es in das Rektum eingeführt ist, (34) has a curved shape with the two ends of the 20 und wobei das Halsteil (33) distal zum Kopfteil (32) retainer bar (34) curved towards the body (31). einen sich verjüngenden Abschnitt mit sich schritt- weise verringernden Durchmessern aufweist,da- 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one of the durch gekennzeichnet, dass das Gerät darüber two contact points (35, 36) comprises an end portion hinaus umfasst of the retainer bar (34). 25 einen Haltestab (34), der an einem Ende des Hals- teils (33) mit dem Körper (31) verbunden ist, um eine 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the im wesentlichen T-förmige Struktur zu bilden, wobei two contact points (35, 36) comprises a bulbous der Haltestab (34) zwei Kontaktstellen (35, 36) zum structure. Berühren eines ersten Akupressurpunktes, der sich 30 im Perineumbereich zwischen dem Anus und dem 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two contact Skrotum befindet, und eines zweiten Akupressur- points (35, 36) are separated by a distance of about punktes, der sich ungefähr mittig zwischen dem 7.6 cm. Anus und dem unteren Ende des Steißbeins befindet, umfasst, 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a largest diameter 35 wobei das Kopfteil (32) und die beiden Kontaktstel- on the body (31) is no larger than about 5.1 cm. len (35, 36) so eingerichtet sind, dass sie die Pro- stata, den ersten Akupressurpunkt und den zweiten 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a length of the Akupressurpunkt gleichzeitig berühren können. body (31) is about 8.9 - 12.7 cm. 40 2. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Haltestab (34) 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially eine gebogene Form aufweist und die beiden Enden T-shaped structure has a configuration that the two des Haltestabs (34) in Richtung zum Körper (31) ge- angles formed by the body (31) and the retainer bar bogen sind. (34) are not rectangles. 45 3. Gerät nach Anspruch 2, wobei mindestens eine der 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body (31) is beiden Kontaktstellen (35, 36) einen Endanteil des flexibly joined with the retainer bar (34). Haltestabs (34) umfasst.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the 4. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei mindestens eine der two contact points (35, 36) is adjustably attached to 50 beiden Kontaktstellen (35, 36) eine knollenförmige the retainer bar (34). Struktur umfasst.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the body (31) is 5. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei die beiden Kontakt- flexibly joined with the retainer bar (34). stellen (35, 36) sich in einem Abstand von ungefähr 55 7,6 cm voneinander befinden. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body (31) and the retainer bar (34) are made of different materials. 6. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei ein größter Durch- messer des Körpers (31) nicht größer als ungefähr

6 11 EP 2 098 209 B1 12

5,1 cm ist. dans lequel la partie de tête (32) et les deux points de contact (35, 36) sont configurés tels qu’ils puis- 7. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine Länge des Kör- sent être en contact avec la prostate, le premier point pers (31) ungefähr 8,9 - 12,7 cm beträgt. de digitopuncture et le second point de digitopunc- 5 ture simultanément. 8. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei die im wesentlichen T-förmige Struktur so eingerichtet ist, dass die bei- 2. Le dispositif de la revendication 1, dans lequel la den von dem Körper (31) und dem Haltestab (34) barre de retenue (34) a une forme courbée avec les gebildeten Winkel nicht rechtwinklig sind. deux extrémités de la barre de retenue (34) courbés 10 vers le corps (31). 9. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Körper (31) flexi- bel mit dem Haltestab (34) verbunden ist. 3. Le dispositif de la revendication 2, dans lequel au moins un des deux points de contact (35, 36) com- 10. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei mindestens eine der prend une partie d’extrémité de la barre de retenue beiden Kontaktstellen (35, 36) auf eine einstellbare 15 (34). Weise an dem Haltestab (34) befestigt ist. 4. Le dispositif de la revendication 1, dans lequel au 11. Gerät nach Anspruch 10, wobei der Körper (31) fle- moins un des deux points de contact (35, 36) com- xibel mit dem Haltestab (34) verbunden ist. prend une structure en bulbe. 20 12. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Körper (31) und 5. Le dispositif de la revendication 1, dans lequel les der Haltestab (34) aus unterschiedlichen Werkstof- deux points de contact (35, 36) sont séparés d’une fen hergestellt sind. distance d’environ 7,6 cm.

13. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Haltestab (34) 25 6. Le dispositif de la revendication 1, dans lequel le aus einem flexiblen Werkstoff hergestellt ist. plus grand diamètre du corps (31) n’est pas plus grand qu’environ 5,1 cm. 14. Gerät nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Gerät aus einem Werkstoff hergestellt ist, der aus der aus Kunststoff, 7. Le dispositif de la revendication 1, dans lequel la Polymer, Gummi, Elastomer, Silikon, Verbundwerk- 30 longueur du corps (31) est d’environ 8,9-12,7 cm. stoff, Metall und Legierung bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt ist. 8. Le dispositif de la revendication 1, dans lequel la structure substantiellement en forme de T a une configuration telle que les deux angles formés par le Revendications 35 corps (31) et la barre de retenue (34) ne sont pas droits. 1. Dispositif pour masser une prostate, comprenant un corps (31) ayant une forme substantiellement el- 9. Le dispositif de la revendication 1, dans lequel le lipsoïdale et dimensionné pour s’adapter dans un corps (31) est joint de manière flexible à la barre de rectum à travers un sphincter, dans lequel le corps 40 retenue (34). (31) comprend une partie de tête (32) et une partie de col (33), dans lequel la partie de tête (32) est 10. Le dispositif de la revendication 1, dans lequel au configurée pour entrer en contact avec la prostate à moins un des deux points de contact (35, 36) est travers la paroi du rectum quand elle est insérée attaché de manière réglable à la barre de retenue dans le rectum, et dans lequel la partie de col (33) 45 (34). a une section effilée avec des diamètres se réduisant graduellement distalement à la partie de tête (32), 11. Le dispositif de la revendication 10, dans lequel le caractérisé en ce que le dispositif comprend en corps (31) est joint de manière flexible à la barre de outre retenue (34). une barre de retenue (34) jointe au corps (31) à une 50 extrémité de la partie de col (33) pour former une 12. Le dispositif de la revendication 1, dans lequel le structure substantiellement en forme de T, dans le- corps (31) et la barre de retenue (34) sont faits de quel la barre de retenue (34) comprend deux points matériaux différents. de contact (35, 36) pour entrer en contact avec un premier point de digitopuncture situé dans la région 55 13. Le dispositif de la revendication 1, dans lequel la périnéale entre l’anus et le scrotum, et un second barre de retenue (34) est faite d’un matériau flexible. point de digitopuncture situé environà mi- chemin entre l’anus et l’extrémité inférieure du coccyx, 14. Le dispositif de la revendication 1, le dispositif étant

7 13 EP 2 098 209 B1 14 fait d’un matériau sélectionné du groupe consistant en un plastique, un polymère, du caoutchouc, un élastomère, du silicium, un composite, un métal et un alliage. 5

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• US 4542753 A [0005] • US 6802850 A [0008] • US 5404881 A, Cathaud [0006] • US 7211059 A [0008] • US 2478786 A, H. M. Smallen [0007] • US 20020040200 A [0008] • US 5797950 A [0008] • US 20040158182 A [0008] • US 5861000 A [0008] • US 20050266048 A [0008] • US 6589193 A [0008]