Navel retainer and related techniques

Abstract

A navel retainer and related techniques are disclosed. The retainer may be configured to be deployed within a navel such that its body portion interfaces with tissue therein. In some embodiments, the retainer may include an adjustment mechanism configured to expand and collapse the size and, optionally, geometry of the body portion. In some embodiments, the retainer may be a resilient element, allowing it to be temporarily compressed and subsequently allowed to expand in size, in some cases also optionally changing its geometry. In either manner, the retainer may be adjusted in size and/or geometry to buttress the tissue of the navel, minimizing or otherwise reducing opportunity for navel contracture during a healing process. After a desired navel size and shape are achieved, a separate maintenance device optionally may be deployed within the navel. The retainer optionally may be configured to host or otherwise serve as a navel adornment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A navel retainer device comprising:
 a resilient body portion of open curve geometry having a gap defined therein such that the resilient body portion is discontinuous, wherein the resilient body portion includes an outer circumferential surface; and   a biasing member disposed within the gap and connected to a first end and a second end of the resilient body portion;   wherein:
 the resilient body portion is configured to be inserted within a navel such that at least the outer circumferential surface interfaces with interior sidewall tissue of the navel hosting the navel retainer device; and 
 the resilient body portion is configured to resist compression of a size thereof as well as to exert pressure on the interior sidewall tissue in a manner that resists contracture of the navel. 
   
     
     
         2 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is a spring. 
     
     
         3 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is an elastomeric member. 
     
     
         4 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is a piston. 
     
     
         5 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , wherein the biasing member is a telescoping body. 
     
     
         6 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the resilient body portion further includes a recess defined in the first end or the second end; and   the biasing member is configured to be at least partially inserted into the recess.   
     
     
         7 . The navel retainer device of  claim 6 , wherein the biasing member is a rigid body. 
     
     
         8 . The navel retainer device of  claim 6 , wherein the biasing member is a rod-type body of solid construction. 
     
     
         9 . The navel retainer device of  claim 6 , wherein the biasing member is a rod-type body of tubular construction. 
     
     
         10 . The navel retainer device of  claim 6 , wherein the biasing member and the recess are configured for threaded engagement. 
     
     
         11 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient body portion is of single-piece construction. 
     
     
         12 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient body portion is of multi-piece construction. 
     
     
         13 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient body portion is comprised of a metal or alloy. 
     
     
         14 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient body portion is comprised of at least one of an elastomeric material, a polymeric material, a rubber, and a silicone. 
     
     
         15 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient body portion is configured such that, in a fully collapsed state of the navel retainer device, the resilient body portion is of substantially circular, elliptical, oval, oblate, or prolate geometry. 
     
     
         16 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 in a fully collapsed state of the navel retainer device, the resilient body portion is of a first geometry; and   in a fully expanded state of the navel retainer device, the resilient body portion is of a second geometry which differs from the first geometry.   
     
     
         17 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , further comprising a layer disposed on the resilient body portion and configured to intervene between the resilient body portion and the interior sidewall tissue of the navel, wherein the layer comprises at least one of a coating, a bumper, a guide, a sleeve, a covering, and a guard. 
     
     
         18 . The navel retainer device of  claim 1 , further comprising an ornamentation mounting portion configured to mount navel ornamentation. 
     
     
         19 . The navel retainer device of  claim 18 , further comprising an ornamentation hosted by the ornamentation mounting portion. 
     
     
         20 . The navel retainer device of  claim 18 , wherein the ornamentation mounting portion extends radially inward from an inner circumferential surface of the resilient body portion, wherein the ornamentation mounting portion and the resilient body portion together are of single-piece construction.