The Fleshlight is a brand of artificial vagina sex toy which is primarily marketed to heterosexual men as a masturbatory aid. The Fleshlight was designed by Steve Shubin, who was granted a patent in 1998 for his invention, as a "device for discreet sperm collection", and is marketed by Interactive Life Forms. It is named for the flesh-like material used in its inner sleeve, as well as the plastic case that houses the sleeve, which is fashioned to look like an oversized flashlight.