HONG KONG – Seeking capital to fund its third-generation “long-distance sex toys for lovers,” adult novelty manufacturer Lovense has turned to crowdfunding. The company started an Indiegogo campaign to raise $50,000 to mass-produce internet-linked penis sleeves and vibrators.

At press time, the project had received pledges totaling $13,846, with 25 days of fundraising to go.

The product is unusual in that it offers stimulation to both parties in a long-distance relationship. The sleeve and vibrator combo — name Max and Nora, respectively — offer bidirectional control. When the woman thrusts the Nora vibrator into her vagina, the man inside the Max sleeve feels the motion, and vice versa. Both devices are Bluetooth-capable, allowing them to link wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops.

“With Max and Nora’s help, [couples] will be able to take their cybersex to a whole new level,” Lovense’s Bonnie Young said. “With our new love toys, couples of all kinds will be able to keep their relationship strong even if they are far apart.”

Sounds like a good idea, but getting people to part with their hard-earned cash — even for clever sex toy concepts — is never easy. To encourage consumers to crowdfund Max and Nora, Lovense offers contributors discount pricing and free international shipping to any country in the world.

One thing is certain: Other sex toy developers will be watching Lovense’s Indiegogo campaign. If the project is successful, expect to see many more adult novelty projects on the site.

Lovense offers an affiliate program for the items currently in production. Affiliates receive a 20-percent commission on the purchases of consumers they refer.