Abstract: A male urinary incontinence device includes a U-shaped body member supporting a bar extending across the ends of the body member. The bar, which is pivotally connected to one end of the body member and releasably latched to the opposite end, supports a shaft for reciprocative movement relative to a curved compression reaction portion of the body member. A pad on an end of the shaft is shaped to compress a penis between the pad and the compression reaction portion with sufficient pressure to stop flow of urine, but without discomfort. The shaft is advanced toward the compression reaction portion by pressing on a free end of the shaft and is held in position by engagement of a pawl with a rachet on the shaft. The shaft, which is prevented from rotation, is released to fall away from the compression reaction portion of the body member by withdrawing the pawl from the rachet.

Abstract: The invention is of valid use in the field of the treatment of anal sphincter pathologies, especially for the treatment of fissures and sphincter hypertonia. The procteurynter in question consists of a bag (1) made of plastic material and a sheath (2) that is internally crossed by two tubes: one tube (3) for the flow of water or air and a second tube (4) for the eventual introduction of an ultrasonoscope. Once the bag (1) is filled with water or air through the holes (2.6) made in the wall (2.5) of the sheath (2), it takes on an hourglass shape: two cones with a central neck or constriction.The distal part of the sheath (2) has a plug (2.3) inside it to completely occlude the internal lumen whereas the inner portion of proximal part of the sheath (2) has a disk (2.4) whose central hole is crossed by a tube (4); one of the ends of tube (3) is lodged in a second hole that lies acentrically on the said disk (2.4).

Abstract: A bladder control apparatus retaining device for placement within the urethra of a patient. The device includes a sheath having distal and proximal ends and an internal lumen for receiving a bladder control apparatus. Disposed at opposite ends are first and second retainers. The sheath and retainers are preferably a flexible polymer which can be coated or impregnated with an antibiotic.

Abstract: An urinary incontinence device for use by a male includes an undergarment worn closely to the body and including an opening or hole through which the penis passes and is kept upright and close to the body by a flap across the opener in the undergarment. The flap may include an occlusion device integrally incorporated therein and aligned with the opening to be positioned between the base of the shaft of the penis and the scrotum to occlude the urethral passage of the penis. The occlusion device is designed to apply sufficient pressure to occlude the urethral passage without cutting off circulation of blood within the penis through the dorsal vein. The flap design maintains and retains an optimum position of the penis and occlusion of the urethral passage to prevent urine discharge in a form fitting undergarment that allows significant freedom of movement by the wearer.

Abstract: A method of monitoring patient bedding zone means, which include providing monitoring means spaced from the bedding zone means; providing ducting communicating between the bedding zone means and the monitoring means; effecting air flow via the ducting from the bedding zone means to the monitoring means, and operating the monitoring means to detect waste gaseous contents in the air flow.

Abstract: A sling device for surgical implantation into human recipient to support the urethra, the sling including an elongated strip of supple material. The elongated strip has a center portion, opposite first and second side portions, and a slot passing through the center portion, through which one of the side portions can pass, thereby forming a loop in the elongated strip. The material is a biological acceptable material for implantation into the human recipient, preferably selected from the group consisting of synthetic polymers, processed animal tissues, and combination thereof. A method of reducing the incidence of involuntary urination or restoring urinary continence in an incontinent human subject is also disclosed, including the steps of providing a sling device of the type previously described and surgically implanting the sling device in the human subject so that the urethra is biased upward so as to elevate the urethra.

Abstract: A device for managing urinary incontinence comprises a resilient body that engages the external genitalia and sealingly occludes the urethral meatus. In female embodiments, the body fits between the labia minora and the floor of the vulval vestibule, occluding the meatus. An adhesive on the body provides a sealing engagement with the meatus. In a first female embodiment, the body has a base with an adhesive layer that seats against the vestibule floor. A pair of flexible, lateral flaps engage the labia minora. A layer of super-absorbent material may be situated between the base and the adhesive Layer, and/or a layer of scrim material may be so situated. The body may have a longitudinal ridge with a posterior edge having a finger hole to facilitate installation and removal of the device. In a second female embodiment, the body is substantially tubular, with the adhesive on the exterior surface of the body.

Abstract: A device for managing urinary incontinence in a human female comprises a soft, non-porous dome-shaped suction cup like device having a flat annular zone about its periphery and adapted to cooperate with the vestibule floor of female genitalia for blocking the flow of urine without being in physical contact with the urethral meatus.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device comprising a tubular insert having a free distal end and an opposing proximal end, the insert being configured to be received within the urethra of a patient and being sufficiently flexible to be collapsed under constriction of the urethra. A flange radially projects out from the proximal end of the insert and is configured to seal against the opening of the urethra. An expandable reservoir is attached to the flange on the opposing side of the insert. A fluid channel extends from an opening on the exterior of the insert to the reservoir.

Abstract: An improved intraurethral bladder control apparatus including housing means having a fluid flow path therethrough, valve means mounted within the fluid valve path and normally bias closed, the valvings responsive to pressure from fluid within the bladder of the patient for opening to allow fluid flow from the bladder through the apparatus of this invention and out of the urethra. A pair of retaining devices are connected to each of the distal and proximal ends of the intraurethral bladder control apparatus. The retainer at the distal end of the apparatus preferably comprises a leaf spring having a plurality of leaves, in the preferred embodiment described herein the plurality comprising four leaves, with a safety device connected to the tip of each leaf to inhibit piercing of the bladder wall when the leaves of the distal end retainer automatically open within the bladder of the patient after placement of the intraurethral bladder control apparatus.

Abstract: The instant invention is a urethral occlusive device designed for insertion into the male urethral opening. The device is effective as a prophylactic and as a male contraceptive device. The device is also useful in treating incontinence and can act as a non-invasive catheter attachment for aiding in the draining of urine from the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating incontinence, which device includes a frame part (1) and a, at least partially tubular, sensor part (2) fastened at an angle in relation to the frame part, having sensors (3) on its sides for measuring the function of the pelvic floor muscles. According to the invention: the sensor part is detachably attached to the frame part (1), which makes it exchangeable regarding to every patient; the sensors (3) are placed on the sides of the sensor-part-tube, on both sides of the center of the side; and the sensors (3) are electrodes which are arranged to measure the muscle activity of the pelvic floor muscles with the help of the electrical signal produced by them.

Abstract: A device, system and method for treating female urinary incontinence is provided. A flexible sheath having distally deployed wings and proximal retainer contains a flow control valve unit within. The wings can be tucked into side access holes to reduce the profile of the sheath for insertion distally into a female urethra. Once inserted sufficiently distally into a female urethra, the wings can be deployed by inserting the flow control valve within sufficiently far to force the tucked wings out of the constraining access holes.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods are provided for sensing and indicating moisture for garments such as diapers, training pants, or adult undergarments. The apparatus preferably has a sensor housing and at least one moisture sensor connected to the sensor housing for sensing moisture in a selected location of a garment. The apparatus also preferably has a separate audio indicator housing, an audible alarm sound generator positioned within the indicator housing and responsive to the at least one moisture sensor for generating an audible alarm sound, and an electroacoustic transducer responsive to the audible alarm sound generator and connected to the indicator housing for radiating acoustic power so as to audibly indicate that moisture on the garment wearer has been sensed.

Abstract: A leakpoint wetness sensor for urological investigations including an instrument having a passage therethrough to pass a catheter intended for insertion into the bladder through the urethra. A temperature sensitive reference sensor mounted to the body and exposed to and responsive to ambient temperature. A receptacle in the body so disposed and arranged to receive liquid which leaks from the urethra past the catheter. A temperature sensitive detector sensor mounted to the body where it will be contacted by the leaked liquid and detector sensor being responsive to the temperature of the liquid. A circuit device is responsive to outputs from the sensors to provide a response reflective of a difference between the temperatures when the detector sensor is wetted by leaked liquid.

Abstract: A venous flow control device is provided for assisting in the maintenance of a penile erection or in preventing urinary incontinence. The device is a tubular structure adapted to be secured in a loop configuration about the penis to provide an adjustable radial constrictive force about the base of the penis. Methods for using the device are also provided.

Abstract: A bowel and bladder training system is provided. A sensor strip is constructed of a tissue paper-type or other woven or sheet material having conductive sensor threads longitudinally positioned in the strip. A pocket may be formed at one end of the strip for holding a microprocessor-based indicator which is coupled to the sensor threads. The microprocessor may have several modes of operation including a vibration mode, an audio mode, and a visible mode, these modes activated when the sensor threads are bridged by bodily fluids containing electrolytes. Additionally, one of the modes may activate a voice module that is replacable or rerecordable with a personalized instructional or educational message.

Abstract: The invention is an improved clamp device to be used by males having little or no control over the leakage of urine. The device can be easily applied and adjusted to the most comfortable fit while achieving its purpose with less discomfort and bulk of present devices.

Abstract: A minimally invasive bladder pressure and urinary flow measurement apparatus and method, the apparatus including a cuff configured to be removably mounted to the penis of the patient and an inflation system for selectively inflating and rapidly deflating the cuff. A pressure transducer is mounted to a catheter and inserted into the urethra to a position upstream from the cuff. A bead on the catheter helps the cuff hold the catheter in place. A urine collection and measurement system is provided to measure the volume and rate of urine discharged by the patient. The transient response also provides an indication whether a constriction of the urethra is proximal or distal.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence is disclosed. The disclosed methods include: 1) a technique of probe passage to avoid injuring the bladder and to provide a more accurate and reproducible capture of the pubocervical fascia lateral to the bladder neck and urethra, 2) anchor fixation of the suspending sutures to the pubic bone to decrease the risk of suture pull through from above and to decrease post-operative pain and 3) a simple and reproducible technique to set a limited tension of the suspending sutures. A description of these methods and results of procedures with some of these methods are disclosed. Novel drill guides, suture passers, suture tensioners, and various related tools and devices for use in the surgical method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The female urinary plug (10) of the invention includes a catheter (10) with an infection-protective cap (12) fitted on the distal end (D) of the catheter insertable into the urinary bladder through the urethra (U). The catheter (10) has a soft inflatable balloon (14) on its distal end (D) and a preinflated hard balloon (18) on its proximal end (P). Prior to insertion, the inflation of the soft balloon is prevented by the inner walls of the infection-protective cap (12). The distal end of the cap (12) has a collet-like shape and is provided with expandable petal-like tongues (36a, 36b, and 36c). Normally these resilient tongues are in a closed state.

Abstract: A novel urethral plug having adhesive thereon, wherein the adhesive seals the plug against the tissues surrounding the meatus and/or urethra, thereby arresting movement of the plug while it functions in the urethra to block the flow of urine. The urethral plug comprises a hollow or solid body which is of a sufficient length and diameter to occlude the urethra. In one embodiment, adhesive is disposed on the meatal plate of the plug so as to secure the plug against the tissues surrounding the urethral meatus. In a second embodiment, adhesive is disposed on the body of the plug so as to seal the plug against the urethral wall. In a third embodiment, the adhesive is disposed on a portion of the meatal plate so as to seal the plug against the tissues surrounding the urethral meatus. The adhesive seals the urethral plug in place until the user wishes to void, at which time, the seal may be broken by exerting a pulling force on the plug.

Abstract: A pair of spaced electrodes within an area subject to wetness couple non-conductively with a sensor protected from wetness, and an alarm sounds in response to moisture decreasing the resistance between the electrodes. For example the electrodes project into the absorbent material of a diaper and extend along the inside of the diaper sheath opposite a pouch on the outside of the sheath. The pouch contains a sensor capacitively coupled to the electrodes.

Abstract: A device for alleviating female urinary incontinence comprising a resilient and at least partially deformable device body having a distal tip portion, a flange and an intermediate frustoconical portion extending outwardly from the tip portion to the flange. In use, upper wall portions of the intermediate frustoconical portion adjacent to the tip portion are moved toward abutting relation to form a first vacuum region within the tip portion and a second vacuum region within the frustoconical portion. The meatus of the user is disposed in the second vacuum region and is advantageously prevented from entering the first region by the upper wall portions of the intermediate frustoconical portion. With this arrangement, the meatus is disposed in a "tent" region (i.e., the second vacuum region) which has a broad base and an apex and is prevented from entering the first vacuum region which has a narrower entrance that could detrimentally entrap meatal tissue.

Abstract: A novel urethral plug assembly having adhesive thereon, wherein the adhesive seals the plug assembly against an internal wall thereby arresting movement of the plug assembly while it functions in the urethra to block the flow of urine therefrom. The plug assembly may comprise a solid body which is of a sufficient diameter to occlude the urethra. Alternatively, the plug assembly may comprise a body which has the ability to change its shape from a compressed to an elongated condition so as to conform to the urethral wall and occlude the opening to the urethra. In one embodiment of the invention, the adhesive lies on the meatal plate of the plug assembly so as to secure the plug assembly against the meatus urinarius. In a second embodiment of the invention, the adhesive is on the body of the plug assembly so as to seal the plug assembly against the urethra, bladder neck or bladder wall.

Abstract: A urinary continence device for males, having a body to cover and seal the urethra of the wearer and capable of conformably securing to the penis of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment, the body has a substantially hemispherical configuration and is sized to cover the glans penis. One or more adhesives may be used to adhere the device to the penis and the one or more adhesives may be in a continuous or discontinuous layer. The device may additionally include a locating member to assist in placement and may provide additional sealing properties. In use, the body seals the urethra so as to prevent urine leakage. To void, the wearer simply removes the device, and reapplies the device or a new device when evacuation is complete.

Abstract: A male incontinence treatment device a flow-restricting device which is worn in a position such that the urethra is compressed between the device and the pubic bone of the wearer. A fixing mechanism for holding the flow-restricting device in place is provided, which fixing device may take the form of an undergarment.

Abstract: A novel urethral plug comprising a cooperating shaft and balloon, lying in coaxial engagement. The balloon possesses a contracted shape for insertion and removal through the opening of the urethra, and a larger, expanded shape for blocking the flow of urine in the urethra, bladder neck and bladder. After insertion, such an expanded shape is achieved by inflation of the balloon through the use of an external source such as a syringe which introduces fluid through an opening and into the shaft. The fluid acts upon a ball valve, thus pushing the ball past a valve seat, thereby permitting fluid to travel through the shaft and into the balloon. Fluid transmission continues until the balloon is expanded to such an extent as to block the flow of urine. The balloon retains the fluid therein, and the force of the fluid on the ball valve causes the ball to rest firmly against the valve seat. The balloon, when expanded thus functions to seal the plug to the urethra, bladder neck and bladder.

Abstract: A device for maintaining an erection of a penis has a flexible cuff around the penis. A line extends around the cuff. The line tightens or loosens the cuff around the penis. A bead, through which the line extends, locks the line so that cuff maintains the line and cuff in the tightened position. The cuff has multiple circumferentially ridges, and the line extend between two adjacent ridges. A bead also locks the line in the tightened position. The cuff provides a seal between the hose of a vacuum device and the penis so that the vacuum can cause an erection. While the vacuum is still applied, the line is tightened to constrict the penis so that the erection is maintained. Once the line is tightened, the vacuum hose can be removed. The user then can engage in sexual intercourse.

Abstract: The present invention is a urinary incontinence valve for positioning in a patient's urethra and bladder. and controlling the flow of urine therethrough. The valve includes an annular valve seat surface and a valve member cooperating with the valve seat surface for normally blocking urine flow. A compression spring normally urges valve member into sealing contact relative to the annular valve seat surface with a predetermined force. An actuator rod, supporting a first permanent magnet, is affixed to said valve and projects into the urinary bladder of the patient. A first anchoring mechanism comprises a deflectable spring mechanism which extends into the bladder and contacts an inner bladder surface adjacent an opening of the bladder into the urethra. A second anchoring mechanism comprising a retaining spring is positionable proximate the urethra meatus. The first and second anchoring mechanisms prevent migration of the urinary incontinence valve after it is properly positioned in the patient.

Abstract: A body waste detector that includes a gas sensor adapted to detect the presence of at least one of gas associated with urine and gas associated with solid body waste and an indicator, operably connected to the gas sensor, adapted to provide an indication that waste has been detected. The detector may be used in combination with a remote alarm unit.

Abstract: An improved intraurethral bladder control apparatus including housing means having a fluid flow path therethrough, valve means mounted within the fluid valve path and normally bias closed, the valvings responsive to pressure from fluid within the bladder of the patient for opening to allow fluid flow from the bladder through the apparatus of this invention and out of the urethra. A pair of retaining devices are connected to each of the distal and proximal ends of the intraurethral bladder control apparatus. The retainer at the distal end of the apparatus preferably comprises a leaf spring having a plurality of leaves, in the preferred embodiment described herein the plurality comprising four leaves, with a safety device connected to the tip of each leaf to inhibit piercing of the bladder wall when the leaves of the distal end retainer automatically open within the bladder of the patient after placement of the intraurethral bladder control apparatus.

Abstract: There is presented an assembly for prevention of urinary incontinence in humans, the assembly comprising an applicator and an elastomer body. The applicator is adapted to position the elastomer body in the urethra of a female or male and includes a support portion for retaining the elastomer body, and a manipulable portion for positioning the elastomer body in the urethra. There is further presented a method for preventing an unwanted discharge of urine, utilizing the aforesaid assembly.

Abstract: A rolling incontinence plug partially or fully inserted within a urethra has an anchor to restrict its insertion into the urethra. The anchor is configured to be placed between a vestibule and labia minora for restricting insertion of the incontinence plug. The outer circumference of the anchor easily conforms to the shape of the vestibule and responds to varying pressure of the labia minora as the patient moves. Further, because the anchor naturally conforms to the vestibule, no additional artificial substances or devices are needed to secure the anchor.

Abstract: A device for preventing male urinary incontinence is provided having a sheath and a protuberance. The sheath is sized to cover at least a portion of the glans penis of a user. The protuberance, which extends from the sheath, is sized and shaped to fit into the urethra of the user. The protuberance forms a cavity, which receives a plug. Adhesive may be disposed on the sheath to adhere it to the glans penis of the user.

Abstract: A pessary device, comprising a first inflatable chamber adapted to fit in the vestibule of the vaginal cavity of a human when inflated, wherein the chamber compresses the urethra of the human when inflated; an anchor member adapted to snugly fit in the vaginal cavity, the anchor member being connected to the inflatable chamber on the posterior side of the chamber when the pessary is in its normal operating position; and an inflation tube having a first end fluidly connected to the inflatable chamber and a second end connected to an inflation valve located external to the vagina when the pessary device is in its normal operating position that permits inflation and deflation of the inflatable chamber without disturbing the fit of the anchor member.

Abstract: Early detection and warning of wetness in a diaper leads to an early change of diapers, keeping the infant dry and healthy. This invention monitors the diaper for dryness by sensing the conductance between two terminals in contact with the diaper. The device aids in toilet training the infant by learning wetting patterns and providing early warning. The device promotes the efficient use of diapers and reduces the cost of using diapers.

Abstract: A male truss for assisting in producing and maintaining an erection. A linear rigid member is mounted upon a loop capable of drawing the member into biasing contact against the dorsal side of the penis to restrict the flow of blood moving through the dorsal vein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of urinary incontinence comprising the application of a compressive force to the tissue surrounding the urethra from below the urethra upwards towards the pubic bone. The apparatus comprises an inflatable, urethra-compressing balloon having a tissue-engaging surface positioned between layers of tissue adjacent the urethra on a side of the urethra opposite the pubic bone. The balloon flow communicates with a fluid reservoir secured to the frontal portion of the pubic bone. A patient having the apparatus surgically-implanted therein may selectively advance hydraulic fluid between the reservoir and the balloon so as to inflate or deflate the balloon and prevent or allow bladder emptying respectively.

Abstract: An incontinence plug includes an anchor for positioning within a patient's bladder and a flow blocking enlargement for acting in sealing engagement against a urethral wall. A protective sleeve prevents contact between the distal end of the plug and an entrance end of the urethra to prevent transportation of pathogens from the entrance of the urethra toward the bladder.

Abstract: A device for the control of urinary incontinence comprising a urethral plug self-movable between a first condition in which the plug is relatively rigid and generally tubular, with a smaller diameter for travel through the orifice of the urethra, and a second condition in which the plug is flexible and expansible to a larger diameter for retaining the plug in a mammalian body and blocking the flow of urine. A larger diameter is achieved by exposure of a tube-like member of the plug to natural bodily conditions, resulting in an automatic expansion of the tube, whereupon the expansion causes the tube-like member to form a seal with the urethra, bladder neck or bladder wall. The plug further has a meatal plate for anchoring the plug in the urethra and preventing migration into the bladder.

Abstract: A novel urethral plug assembly having adhesive thereon, wherein the adhesive seals the plug assembly against an internal wall thereby arresting movement of the plug assembly while it functions in the urethra to block the flow of urine therefrom. The plug assembly may comprise a solid body which is of a sufficient diameter to occlude the urethra. Alternatively, the plug assembly may comprise a body which has the ability to change its shape from a compressed to an elongated condition so as to conform to the urethral wall and occlude the opening to the urethra. In one embodiment of the invention, the adhesive lies on the meatal plate of the plug assembly so as to secure the plug assembly against the meatus urinarius. In a second embodiment of the invention, the adhesive is on the body of the plug assembly so as to seal the plug assembly against the urethra, bladder neck or bladder wall.

Abstract: A male incontinence device has one coupling part 200 attachable to a silicone pad 500 and a second coupling part 300 attached to a condom-like drainage member 400. A stretchable ring or wall 312 can be shifted ("snapped") by manual pressure between a locking position wherein the two coupling parts are locked together and an unlocking position wherein the two coupling parts can be separated to permit removal of the condom-like drainage member from the silicone pad.

Abstract: A urethral plug assembly having a cooperating housing and inner member, the plug assembly possessing a contracted diameter for insertion and removal through the orifice of the urethra, and a larger, expanded diameter for blocking the flow of urine in the urethra, bladder neck and bladder. A larger diameter is achieved by mechanical deployment of the inner member, which results in the expansion of the housing, or in another embodiment, which results in the expansion of the inner member. A balloon is additionally expanded, thus sealing the plug assembly to the urethral, bladder neck and bladder wall. The plug assembly further has a meatal plate for anchoring the plug assembly in the urethra, preventing migration of the plug assembly into the bladder. Removal of the plug assembly for bladder evacuation, is easily accomplished by pulling a cord causing the contraction of the expanded housing or inner member, and grasping a tab associated with said meatal plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a removable drug delivery system used by patients suffering from lower urinary tract infections or urine disorders and disorders of the urethra and bladder. The present invention delivers antibiotics to the infected areas utilizing modified urethral plugs. It is particularly advantageous in that it maintains a therapeutic effect without risking contamination. The device includes of a balloon at the proximal end and a fluid receiving port at the distal end. The balloon is inflated by injecting fluid into the fluid receiving port and deflated by pulling on a deflation string.

Abstract: A suspensory for improving the erection of the human male penis by means of deliberately choking the backflow of the venous blood, including a rigid, generally rectangular ring composed of two crossbars and two sidebars, which, in use, surrounds the penis as well as the scrotum, and which carries one rounded bulge 13 at the center of its upper crossbar that presses on the topside of the penis near the abdomen, and one bulge 17 on or adjacent its lower bar that presses on the root of the penis at the backside of the scrotum.

Abstract: A male truss for assisting in producing and maintaining an erection. A linear rigid member is mounted upon a loop capable of drawing the member into biasing contact against the dorsal side of the penis to restrict the flow of blood moving through the dorsal vein.

Abstract: A female anti-incontinence device is described which includes two flexible discs attached to a flexible stem. The device is inserted into the urethra so that the larger disc occludes the bladder neck during sudden tensing of the abdominal muscles, while the smaller disc remains outside the urethra and prevents migration of the device into the bladder. The device is compact, easy to use, and, since it contains no moving parts, grooves or chambers, there is minimal chance of bacterial colonization and urinary tract infection.

Abstract: A temperature sensor (10), which is connected to a sampling/recording meter (14), is imbedded in a diaper (22). The meter measures and records the temperature of the sensor at time intervals of, for example, one minute over a predetermined period of, for example, three days. The temperature and time data are then loaded from the meter to a computer (30), which causes a printer (40) to plot temperature versus time data in graphical format, and numerical format. Voiding events are identified. Thereafter, at a short time before the person will void, the person can voluntarily use a toilet or bed pan either alone or with the assistance of care giver. This voluntary voiding is an example of intervention. The meter includes an event button (44) that allows the recording and later printing of a symbol representing a specific event and the time the event occurred. The symbols may be used in identifying voiding events.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in solving male urinary incontinence. In particular, the device comprises a lower concave or "U-shaped" body section having first and second ends and male member cradle portion therebetween. The cradle portion includes a male member engaging surface which is convex in shape. Compression means are provided for compressing the male member against the body. The compression means comprise a shaft having a preferably convex engaging foot located thereon. The position of the shaft is selectively adjustable with respect to the bar. The shaft is preferably located in a bar which spans the ends of the body, and which is hingedly connected thereto at one end and selectively lockable to the body at the other end.