阅读说明：本技术 具有芯构件的可膨胀构件 (Expandable member with core member ) 是由 瑞安·厄尔·弗雷德里克 保罗·约翰·金代莱 马修·李·纳尔逊 于 2020-05-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：根据一方面,一种可膨胀植入件(200)包括构造为保持流体的流体储存器(202)；可膨胀构件(210)；以及构造为将流体从流体储存器输送到可膨胀构件的泵组件(206),可膨胀构件包括主体构件(250)和芯构件(252、254、256),该主体构件限定第一空腔(262)和第二空腔(264),该芯构件设置在第一空腔内,第二空腔构造为接收流体。(According to one aspect, an expandable implant (200) includes a fluid reservoir (202) configured to hold a fluid; an expandable member (210); and a pump assembly (206) configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member, the expandable member including a body member (250) defining a first cavity (262) and a second cavity (264), and a core member (252, 254, 256) disposed within the first cavity, the second cavity configured to receive the fluid.)

1. An expandable implant, comprising:

a fluid reservoir configured to hold a fluid;

an expandable member; and

a pump assembly configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member,

the expandable member includes a body member defining a first cavity and a second cavity, and a core member disposed within the first cavity, the second cavity configured to receive a fluid.

2. The expandable implant according to claim 1, wherein the body member has a first softness and the core member has a second softness, the first softness being different than the first softness.

3. The expandable implant according to claim 1, wherein the body member has a first softness and the core member has a second softness, the second softness being greater than the first softness.

4. The expandable implant according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the first cavity is fluidly isolated from the second cavity.

5. The expandable implant according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the expandable member has a first end portion and a second end portion, the second cavity extending from a location adjacent the first end portion to a location adjacent the second end portion.

6. The expandable implant according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the first cavity extends in a first direction and the second cavity extends in a second direction, the first direction being substantially parallel to the second direction.

7. The expandable implant according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity and a fourth cavity, the body member includes a second core member, the second core member is disposed within the third cavity, and the fourth cavity is configured to receive a fluid.

8. The expandable implant according to any of claims 1-6, wherein core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity and a fourth cavity, the body member includes a second core member, the second core member is disposed within the third cavity, the fourth cavity is configured to receive a fluid, and the first cavity extends substantially parallel to the second, third, and fourth cavities.

9. The expandable implant according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the first cavity has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

10. The expandable implant according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the first cavity has an elongated cross-sectional shape.

11. The expandable implant according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the first cavity has an elongated and curved cross-sectional shape and the second cavity has a circular cross-sectional shape.

12. The expandable implant according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the expandable member defines a longitudinal axis, the first cavity being aligned along the longitudinal axis, the second cavity being offset from the longitudinal axis.

13. The expandable implant according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the expandable member defines a longitudinal axis, the second cavity is aligned along the longitudinal axis, and the first cavity is offset from the longitudinal axis.

14. The expandable implant of claim 1, wherein the core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity, and the body member includes a second core member disposed within the third cavity.

15. The expandable implant according to any of claims 1-14, wherein the body member defines a third cavity configured to receive a fluid.

16. An expandable implant, comprising:

a fluid reservoir configured to hold a fluid;

an expandable member; and

a pump assembly configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member,

the expandable member includes a body member defining a first cavity and a second cavity, and a core member disposed within the first cavity, the second cavity configured to receive a fluid.

17. The expandable implant according to claim 16, wherein the body member has a first softness and the core member has a second softness, the first softness being different than the first softness.

18. The expandable implant according to claim 16, wherein the body member has a first softness and the core member has a second softness, the second softness being greater than the first softness.

19. The expandable implant of claim 16, wherein the first cavity is fluidly isolated from the second cavity.

20. The expandable implant according to claim 16, wherein the expandable member has a first end portion and a second end portion, the second cavity extending from a location adjacent the first end portion to a location adjacent the second end portion.

21. The expandable implant of claim 16, wherein the first cavity extends in a first direction and the second cavity extends in a second direction, the first direction being substantially parallel to the second direction.

22. The expandable implant according to claim 16, wherein the core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity and a fourth cavity, the body member including a second core member disposed within the third cavity, the fourth cavity configured to receive a fluid.

23. The expandable implant according to claim 16, wherein the core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity and a fourth cavity, the body member includes a second core member disposed within the third cavity, the fourth cavity is configured to receive a fluid, and the first cavity extends substantially parallel to the second, third, and fourth cavities.

24. The expandable implant according to claim 16, wherein the expandable member is an elongate member.

25. The expandable implant of claim 16, wherein the first cavity has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

26. The expandable implant of claim 16, wherein the first cavity has an elongated cross-sectional shape.

27. The expandable implant of claim 16, wherein the first cavity has an elongated and curved cross-sectional shape and the second cavity has a circular cross-sectional shape.

28. The expandable implant according to claim 16, wherein the expandable member defines a longitudinal axis, the first cavity being aligned along the longitudinal axis, the second cavity being offset from the longitudinal axis.

29. The expandable implant according to claim 16, wherein the expandable member defines a longitudinal axis, the second cavity is aligned along the longitudinal axis, and the first cavity is offset from the longitudinal axis.

30. The expandable implant according to claim 16, wherein the core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity, the body member includes a second core member, the second core member is disposed within the third cavity.

31. The expandable implant according to claim 16, wherein the body member defines a third cavity configured to receive a fluid.

32. An expandable implant, comprising:

a fluid reservoir configured to hold a fluid;

an expandable member; and

a pump assembly configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member,

the expandable member includes a body member defining a plurality of cavities configured to receive a fluid and a core member softer than the body member.

33. The expandable implant according to claim 32, wherein the core member extends in a first direction and a first one of the plurality of cavities extends in a second direction, the first direction being substantially parallel to the second direction.

34. An expandable implant, comprising:

a fluid reservoir configured to hold a fluid;

an expandable member; and

a pump assembly configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member,

the expandable member includes a body member defining a cavity and a core member disposed within the cavity of the body member, the core member defining a cavity configured to receive a fluid.

35. The expandable member of claim 34, wherein the cavity of the body member is configured to receive a fluid.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to body implants, and more particularly, to body implants such as penile prostheses including inflatable members.

Background

One treatment for male erectile dysfunction is the implantation of a penile prosthesis, which mechanically erects the penis. Some existing penile prostheses include inflatable cylinders or members that can be inflated or deflated using a pump mechanism. In some prior devices, the expandable cylinders or members required a relatively large amount of force to expand. Further, in some prior devices, the pump mechanism may require multiple sequential squeezes or activations to expand the column or member.

Accordingly, it would be useful to provide a body implant, such as a penile prosthesis, that includes an improved cylinder or member that can be more easily inflated.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, an expandable implant includes a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid; an expandable member; and a pump assembly configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member, the expandable member including a body member defining a first cavity and a second cavity, and a core member disposed within the first cavity, the second cavity configured to receive the fluid.

In some embodiments, the body member has a first softness and the core member has a second softness, the first softness being different than the first softness. In some embodiments, the body member has a first softness and the core member has a second softness, the second softness being greater than the first softness.

In some embodiments, the first cavity is fluidly isolated from the second cavity. In some embodiments, the expandable member has a first end portion and a second end portion, the second cavity extending from a location adjacent the first end portion to a location adjacent the second end portion. In some embodiments, the first cavity extends in a first direction and the second cavity extends in a second direction, the first direction being substantially parallel to the second direction.

In some embodiments, the core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity and a fourth cavity, the body member includes a second core member, the second core member is disposed within the third cavity, and the fourth cavity is configured to receive a fluid. In some embodiments, the core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity and a fourth cavity, the body member includes a second core member, the second core member is disposed within the third cavity, the fourth cavity is configured to receive a fluid, and the first cavity extends substantially parallel to the second cavity, the third cavity, and the fourth cavity.

In some embodiments, the expandable member is an elongate member. In some embodiments, the first cavity has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the first cavity has an elongated cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the first cavity has an elongated and curved cross-sectional shape and the second cavity has a circular cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, the expandable member defines a longitudinal axis, the first cavity is aligned along the longitudinal axis, and the second cavity is offset from the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the expandable member defines a longitudinal axis, the second cavity is aligned along the longitudinal axis, and the first cavity is offset from the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the core member is a first core member, the body member defines a third cavity, and the body member includes a second core member disposed within the third cavity. In some embodiments, the body member defines a third cavity configured to receive a fluid.

According to another aspect, an expandable implant includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold a fluid; an expandable member; and a pump assembly configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member, the expandable member including a body member defining a plurality of cavities configured to receive the fluid and a core member softer than the body member.

In some embodiments, the core member extends in a first direction and a first one of the plurality of cavities extends in a second direction, the first direction being substantially parallel to the second direction.

According to another aspect, an expandable implant includes a fluid reservoir configured to hold a fluid; an expandable member; and a pump assembly configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the expandable member, the expandable member including a body member defining a cavity and a core member disposed within the cavity of the body member, the core member defining a cavity, the cavity of the core member configured to receive the fluid.

In some embodiments, the cavity of the body member is configured to receive a fluid.

Drawings

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an expandable implant according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an inflatable penile implant according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable member of the penile implant of FIG. 2 taken along line A-A;

4-8 are cross-sectional views of an expandable member according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the expandable member of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are side views of the expandable member of FIG. 8;

fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the expandable member of fig. 8.

Detailed Description

Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the disclosure.

The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open transition). The terms "coupled" or "movably coupled," as used herein, are defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and mechanically.

In general, embodiments are directed to body implants. For example, in some embodiments, the body implant is configured to be disposed within a pelvic region of a patient. For example, the body implant may be a penile implant. In other embodiments, the implant is configured to be disposed within a different portion of the patient's body. The term patient or user may be used hereinafter for a person who benefits from the disclosed medical device or method of the present disclosure. For example, the patient may be a person whose body is implanted with a medical device.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a body implant 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the implant is an expandable bodily implant. The body implant includes a fluid reservoir 102, an expandable member 104, and a pump assembly 106. The fluid reservoir 102 is operatively coupled to the pump assembly 106, and the pump assembly 106 is operatively coupled to the expandable member 104. According to one aspect, the pump assembly 106 is configured to convey fluid between the fluid reservoir 102 and the expandable member 104.

In some embodiments, the implant 100 is a penile implant. In some such embodiments, the expandable member 104 can be implanted in the corpus cavernosum of the user, the fluid reservoir 102 can be implanted in the abdomen or pelvic cavity of the user (e.g., the fluid reservoir 102 can be implanted in a lower portion of the abdominal cavity or an upper portion of the pelvic cavity of the user), and the pump assembly 106 can be implanted in the scrotum of the user.

The pump assembly 106 includes a spherical pump 108 and an actuator or contraction mode actuator 112. In the inflation mode, the user can operate the bulb pump 108 (e.g., squeeze the bulb pump 108, release, then squeeze again, etc.) to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir 102 to the pump assembly 106, and from the pump assembly 106 to the inflatable member 104, to achieve a desired stiffness in the inflatable member 104. To collapse the expandable member 104, the user may position the collapsed mode actuator 112 and activate the collapsed mode actuator 112 to place the implant 100 in the collapsed mode.

In some embodiments, the retraction mode actuator 112 is movably coupled to the pump assembly or the valve body. In some examples, the contracting mode actuator 112 includes a protrusion that, when depressed, causes the valve body to define a fluid passage from the expandable member 104 to the fluid reservoir 102 in order to contract the expandable member 104. In some examples, the retraction mode actuator 112 includes a push rod or button. In some examples, the user presses the collapsed mode actuator 112 once (e.g., without holding the collapsed mode actuator 112) to cause fluid to be expelled from the expandable member 104.

The spherical pump 108 may be a flexible member defining a cavity. In some embodiments, a spherical pump 108 is coupled to and extends from the valve body. The spherical pump 108 may be an extrusion pump. The spherical pump 108 may utilize suction and pressure to move fluid into and out of the cavity of the spherical pump 108 in the expansion mode. For example, a user may press or squeeze the ball pump 108 to expel fluid out of the cavity, and when the flexible member returns to its original shape, the suction created pushes the fluid into the cavity of the ball pump 108. In some examples, the spherical pump 108 may have a spherical spring rate designed to refill the spherical pump 108 within a selected time frame.

In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 104 includes a body member 120 and a core member 122. The body member 120 includes or defines a first cavity 124 and a second cavity 126. In some embodiments, the core member 122 is disposed within the first cavity 124. The second cavity 126 is configured to receive a fluid. For example, in some embodiments, in the inflation mode, the bulb pump 108 may be activated or squeezed to deliver fluid to the second cavity 126 of the body member 108 to inflate the inflatable member 104.

In some embodiments, the core member 122 has a softness that is greater than the softness of the body member 120. In other words, the core member 122 is softer or more flexible than the body member 120. For example, in some embodiments, the core member 122 may have a lower (or softer, or more flexible) hardness than the body member 120. In some embodiments, the core member 122 is formed of a material that is softer than the material forming the body member 120. In other embodiments, the core member 122 is formed from the same material as the body member 120.

In some embodiments, the expandable member 104 includes more than one core member. For example, in some embodiments, the expandable member 104 includes two, three, four, or more core members.

In some embodiments, the first cavity 124 is separate from or disposed apart from the second cavity 126. In some embodiments, the first cavity 124 is fluidly isolated from the second cavity 126.

In some embodiments, the combination of body member 120 and core member 122 allows or facilitates the expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user may inflate the expandable member by actuating the ball pump a fewer number of times. Further, in some embodiments, the body member and core member may help to maintain the expandable member in a cylindrical shape (rather than a flat or semi-planar shape) when the expandable member is in its collapsed configuration.

Figure 2 illustrates an inflatable penile prosthesis or implant 200 having a pump assembly 206 according to one aspect. The penile prosthesis 200 may include a pair of inflatable cylinders 210, and the inflatable cylinders 210 are configured to be implanted in a penis of a patient. For example, one of the inflatable cylinders 210 may be disposed on one side of the penis, while the other inflatable cylinder 210 may be disposed on the other side of the penis. Each expandable cylinder 210 may include a first end portion 224, a cavity or expansion chamber 222, and a second end portion 228 having a trailing tip 232.

The pump assembly 206 may be implanted in the scrotum of a patient. A pair of catheter connectors 205 can attach the pump assembly 206 to the inflatable column 210 such that the pump assembly 206 is in fluid communication with the inflatable column 210. Further, the pump assembly 206 may be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 202 via the catheter connector 203. The fluid reservoir 202 may be implanted in the abdomen of the user. The inflation chamber or portion 222 of the inflatable column 210 may be disposed within the penis. The first end portion 224 of the inflatable column 210 may be at least partially disposed within the coronal portion of the penis. The second end portion 228 may be implanted into a pubic region of the patient by being adjacent a posterior tip 232 of the pubic bone.

To implant the expandable cylinder 210, the surgeon may first prepare the patient. Surgeons typically make an incision in the area of the penis scrotum (e.g., where the base of the penis meets the top of the scrotum). From the penile scrotum incision, the surgeon may dilate the patient's corpus cavernosum to prepare the patient to receive the expandable cylinders 210. The corpus cavernosum is one of two parallel columns of erectile tissue that form the back of the main body of the penis, e.g., two elongated columns that extend substantially the length of the penis. The surgeon will also expand both regions of the pubic region to prepare the patient for receiving the second end portion 228. The surgeon may measure the length of the corpus cavernosum from the incision and the dilated area of the pubic region to determine the appropriate size of the expandable cylinder 210 to implant.

After the patient is prepared, the penile prosthesis 200 is implanted in the patient. The end of the first end portion 224 of each inflatable column 210 may be attached to a suture. The other end of the suture may be attached to a needle member (e.g., a kiss needle). The needle member is inserted into the incision and into the expanded corpus cavernosum. Then, the needle member is pushed through the crown of the penis. The surgeon pulls on the suture to pull the expandable cylinder 210 into the corpus cavernosum. This is done for each inflatable cylinder 210 in the pair. Once the inflation chamber 222 is in place, the surgeon may remove the suture from the tip. The surgeon then inserts second end portion 228. The surgeon inserts the trailing end of the expandable cylinders 210 into the incision and pushes the second end portion 228 toward the pubic bone until each expandable cylinder 210 is in place.

A user may squeeze or depress the ball pump 208 of the pump assembly 206 to facilitate fluid transfer from the fluid reservoir 202 to the inflatable column 210. For example, in the inflation mode, when a user operates the ball pump 208, the ball pump 208 may receive fluid from the fluid reservoir 202 and then output the fluid to the inflatable column 210. When the user switches to the collapsed mode, at least some fluid may be automatically delivered back into the fluid reservoir 202 (due to the pressure differential from the inflatable column 210 to the fluid reservoir 202). The user may then squeeze the inflatable cylinder 210 to facilitate further transfer of fluid to the fluid reservoir 202 via the ball pump 208.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pump assembly 206 includes an actuating member 212. The patient may use the actuation member 212 to toggle or switch the penile implant 200 from its expanded mode to its collapsed mode.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the expandable cylinder or member 210 taken along line a-a of fig. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 210 includes a body member 250 and core members 252, 254, and 256. Body member 250 includes or defines a first cavity 262, a second cavity 264, a third cavity 266, and a fourth cavity 268. Core members 252, 254, and 256 are disposed in the second, third, and fourth cavities. The first cavity 262 is configured to receive a fluid. For example, in some embodiments, in the inflation mode, the ball pump 208 may be activated or squeezed to deliver fluid to the first cavity 262 of the body member 250 to inflate the inflatable member 210.

The core members 252, 254, and 256 have a softness greater than the softness of the body member 250. In other words, the core members 252, 254, and 256 are softer or more flexible than the body member 250. For example, in some embodiments, the core members 252, 254, 256 may have a lower (or softer, or more flexible) durometer than the body member 250. In some embodiments, the core member is formed of a material that is softer than the material forming the body member. In other embodiments, the core member is formed of the same material as the body member. For example, in one embodiment, the body member and the core member are formed of a silicone material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities 262, 264, 266, and 268 extend along the length of the expandable member 210. In some embodiments, the cavities 262, 264, 266, and 268 extend from a first end portion of the expandable member 210 to a second end portion of the expandable member 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities are disposed in spaced apart relation to one another. In other words, cavities 262, 264, 266, and 268 are fluidly isolated from one another.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first cavity 262 is disposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the body member 250. The other cavities 264, 266, and 268 are disposed about the longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cavity 262 has a circular cross-section. The other cavities 264, 266, and 268 have an elongated and curved cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, the combination of body member 250 and core members 252, 254, and 256 allow or facilitate expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user may inflate the expandable member by actuating the ball pump a fewer number of times. Further, the expandable member may tend to a cylindrical shape when in the collapsed configuration, rather than a flat shape.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an expandable cylinder or member according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 310 includes a body member 350 and a core member 252. Body member 350 includes or defines a first cavity 362, a second cavity 364, a third cavity 366, and a fourth cavity 368. The core member 352 is disposed in the first cavity 362. The other cavities 364, 366, and 368 are configured to receive a fluid. For example, in some embodiments, in the inflation mode, the ball pump may be activated or squeezed to deliver fluid to the cavities 364, 366, 368 of the body member 350 to inflate the inflatable member 310.

The core member 352 has a degree of softness that is greater than the degree of softness of the body member 350. In other words, the core member 352 is softer or more flexible than the body member 350. For example, in some embodiments, the core member 352 may have a hardness that is greater (or softer, or more flexible) than the hardness of the body member 350. In some embodiments, the core member is formed of a material that is softer than the material forming the body member. In other embodiments, the core member is formed of the same material as the body member. For example, in one embodiment, the body member and the core member are formed of a silicone material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities 362, 364, 366, and 368 extend along the length of the expandable member 310. In some embodiments, the cavities 362, 364, 366, and 368 extend from a first end portion of the expandable member 310 to a second end portion of the expandable member 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities are disposed in spaced apart relation to one another. In other words, cavities 362, 364, 366, and 368 are fluidly isolated from one another.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first cavity 362 is disposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the body member 350. Other cavities 364, 366, and 368 are disposed about the longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cavity 362 has a circular cross-section. The other cavities 364, 366, and 368 have an elongated and curved cross-sectional shape.

In some embodiments, the combination of the body member 350 and the core member 352 allows or facilitates the expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user may inflate the expandable member by actuating the ball pump a fewer number of times. Further, the expandable member may tend to a cylindrical shape when in the collapsed configuration, rather than a flat shape.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an expandable cylinder or member 410 according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 410 includes a body member 450 and core members 452, 454, 456, and 458. The body member 450 includes or defines a plurality of cavities 462. Core members 452, 454, 456, and 458 are disposed in some of the cavities. Some of the cavities are configured to receive a fluid. For example, in some embodiments, in the inflation mode, a ball pump may be activated or squeezed to deliver fluid to the cavity of the body member 450 to inflate the inflatable member 410.

The core members 452, 454, 456, and 458 have a softness greater than that of the body member 450. In other words, the core members 452, 454, 456, and 458 are softer or more flexible than the body member 450. For example, in some embodiments, core members 452, 454, 456, and 458 may have a lower (or softer, or more flexible) durometer than body member 450. In some embodiments, the core member is formed of a material that is softer than the material forming the body member. In other embodiments, the core member is formed of the same material as the body member. For example, in one embodiment, the body member and the core member are formed of a silicone material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 462 extends along the length of the expandable member 410. In some embodiments, the cavity 462 extends from a first end portion of the expandable member 410 to a second end portion of the expandable member 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities are disposed in spaced apart relation to one another. In other words, the cavities 462 are fluidly isolated from each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, one of the cavities is disposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the body member 450. The cavity disposed along the longitudinal axis LA is one of the cavities configured to receive a fluid. The other cavities are disposed about the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity has a circular cross-section.

In some embodiments, the combination of body member 450 and core member allows or facilitates the expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user may inflate the expandable member by actuating the ball pump a fewer number of times. Further, the expandable member may tend to a cylindrical shape when in the collapsed configuration, rather than a flat shape.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an expandable cylinder or member 510 according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 510 is similar to the expandable cylinder or member 510, however in this embodiment, the core member 552 is disposed within a cavity 570 extending along the longitudinal axis LA.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an expandable cylinder or member 610 according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 610 includes a body member 650 and a core member 652. The body member 650 includes or defines a plurality of cavities 662. A core member 652 is disposed in some of the cavities. Some of the cavities are configured to receive a fluid. For example, in some embodiments, in the inflation mode, a ball pump may be activated or squeezed to deliver fluid to the cavity of the body member 650 to inflate the inflatable member 610.

The core member 652 has a softness greater than that of the body member 650. In other words, the core member 652 is softer or more flexible than the body member 650. For example, in some embodiments, the core member 652 may have a hardness that is greater (or softer, or more flexible) than the hardness of the body member 650. In some embodiments, core member 650 is formed from a material that is softer than the material forming body member 652. In other embodiments, the core member is formed of the same material as the body member. For example, in one embodiment, the body member and the core member are formed of a silicone material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 662 extends along the length of the expandable member 610. In some embodiments, the cavity 662 extends from a first end portion of the expandable member 610 to a second end portion of the expandable member 610. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities are disposed in spaced apart relation to one another. In other words, cavities 662 are fluidly isolated from each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, one of the cavities is disposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the body member 650. The cavity disposed along the longitudinal axis LA is one of the cavities configured to receive a fluid. The other cavities are disposed about the longitudinal axis LA. In the illustrated embodiment, the central cavity has a circular cross-section, while the other cavities have irregularly shaped cross-sectional shapes.

In some embodiments, the combination of the body member 650 and the core member allows or facilitates expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user may inflate the expandable member by actuating the ball pump a fewer number of times. Further, the expandable member may tend to a cylindrical shape when in the collapsed configuration, rather than a flat shape.

Fig. 8-12 illustrate an expandable cylinder or member 710 according to one embodiment. Fig. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of an expandable cylinder or member 710 according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable member 710 includes a body member 750 and a core member 752. Body member 750 includes or defines a cavity 762. A core member 752 is disposed within the cavity 762. In the illustrated embodiment, the core member 752 defines a cavity 754. Cavity 754 and cavity 762 are configured to receive a fluid. For example, in some embodiments, in the inflation mode, a ball pump may be activated or squeezed to deliver fluid to the cavity of the body member 750 to inflate the inflatable member 710.

The core member 752 has a degree of flexibility greater than the degree of flexibility of the body member 750. In other words, the core member 752 is softer or more flexible than the body member 750. For example, in some embodiments, the core member 752 may have a lower (or softer, or more flexible) durometer than the durometer of the body member 750. In some embodiments, core member 752 is formed from a material that is softer than the material forming body member 750. In other embodiments, the core member is formed of the same material as the body member. In some embodiments, body member 750 is formed from a fabric material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the core member 752 is disposed along the longitudinal axis LA of the body member 750. Thus, in some embodiments, the cavity 754 extends along the longitudinal axis LA. In some embodiments, the core member 752 is coupled to the expandable member (e.g., at a first end portion or a second end portion of the expandable member). In such embodiments, the core member is configured to remain in its position within the cavity 762.

In the illustrated embodiment, cavities 762 and 754 extend coaxially with each other.

As best shown in fig. 9, cavity 762 is fluidly coupled to cavity 754. Fig. 10 and 11 show an end portion of the expandable member 710. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an expandable member 710.

In some embodiments, the combination of the body member 750 and the core member allows or facilitates the expansion of the expandable member. For example, in some embodiments, the user may inflate the expandable member by actuating the ball pump a fewer number of times. Further, the expandable member may tend to a cylindrical shape when in the collapsed configuration, rather than a flat shape.

While certain features of the described embodiments have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of the embodiments.