TECHNICAL FIELD
Various embodiments described herein relate to a condom system and method for making the condom.
BACKGROUND
Condoms have been a highly favored alternative among men who wish to take part in sexual activities but want to avoid sexually transmitted diseases or avoid pregnancy in their partner. A wide variety of condoms or prophylactic items are constructed in the form of a protective sheath of thin, flexible material. Commonly, condoms are supplied in a rolled up configuration. Most condoms are currently packaged by rolling them and placing them in a plastic wrapper, which helps protect the condom from physical and chemical damage, including that caused by dryness and ultraviolet rays. As packaged, the condom maintains a substantially circular shape. The package is generally square-shaped and includes a substantially circular chamber.
Applying the condom requires opening the package, removing the condom from the chamber, correctly positioning the condom over the erect penis and unrolling the condom over the length of the penis. This generally requires an inconvenient break while the condom is applied.
In some instances, condoms may be coated with, or otherwise immersed in, one or more compounds providing a lubricant, a spermicide, or a bactericide, all of which render the condom difficult, or at least uncomfortable, to handle during application. In addition, these one or more compounds can make the condom uncomfortable to wear over an extended period of time. Furthermore, the various compounds can stain undergarments or the like. In addition, removal may be difficult, or uncomfortable, and may require careful handling to maintain aseptic conditions, or at least a modicum of cleanliness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, a more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the figures and:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the card package as a user removes a condom or prophylactic apparatus from the cavity in the card package, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from a film material, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from film according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus as formed from film, being placed on a mandrel for rolling the prophylactic apparatus, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus after being placed on the mandrel, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus pulled halfway up the mandrel, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus as the tails of the strip of cloth are initially pulled to roll the prophylactic apparatus, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus being rolled up after being pulled halfway up upon itself, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus at the point where the prophylactic apparatus is fully rolled up, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus as rolled in FIGS. 5 through 8, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus after it has been partially unrolled, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method of applying a prophylactic apparatus, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 12 is an instruction set that accompanies the prophylactic apparatus or condom, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the card package as a user removes a portion of the cover from a cavity in the card package, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from a film material and having tabs after it has been partially unrolled, according to another example embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a top view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from a film material and having tabs after it has been partially unrolled, according to another example embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a side view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from a film material and having tabs after it has been substantially unrolled, according to another example embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a method of forming a prophylactic apparatus 1400, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a method of applying a prophylactic apparatus, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from a film material and having tabs after it has been partially unrolled upon a penis, according to another example embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from a film material and having tabs after a majority of the device has unrolled upon or deployed upon a penis, according to another example embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from a film material and having tabs after it has been substantially unrolled and substantially deployed upon a penis, according to another example embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from a film material and having tabs after a majority of the device has unrolled upon or deployed upon a penis, according to another example embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a top view of a closed package for holding a plurality of prophylactic apparatus formed from a tray and a plastic film covering the tray, according to another example embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a top view of an open package for holding a plurality of prophylactic apparatus formed from a tray and a plastic film covering the tray, according to another example embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an open package for holding a plurality of prophylactic apparatus as one of the plurality of prophylactic apparatus is being removed, according to another example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus 200 after being formed from a film material 210, according to an example embodiment. The film 210 is shaped deforming the film material to the prophylactic apparatus 200.
After being formed from the film material 210, the prophylactic apparatus 200 is placed on a mandrel. The mandrel, shown in FIG. 2, has a cylindrical body with a diameter dimension which is less than the diameter of the cylindrical body or tubular portion 110 of the mandrel 100. The mandrel shown in FIG. 2 holds the prophylactic apparatus 200 until further processed. As formed, the prophylactic apparatus 200 includes a tubular portion 220, closed end 230 with a receptacle or fluid reservoir 232 therein, and with an open end 240. As shown, the open end 240 includes a skirt 242 which flares out from the open end. The skirt 242 is attached to the open end 240. The skirt 242 can be trimmed to remove excess material. In some embodiments the skirt 242 can be trimmed to leave one or more tabs. In other embodiments the skirt 242 is trimmed to eliminate excess material around the periphery of the skirt. As shown in FIG. 2, the film material 210 is not fully stretched out and has a corrugated appearance. In other words the film material 210 is not fully stretched, as shown in this figure. The prophylactic apparatus 200 is placed on the mandrel to be folded and rolled before placed in a package.
Film material 210 can be made of polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC). PVdC has better barrier properties than the more-permeable LDPE, even though LDPE is substantially cheaper and easier to make. LDPE is a lower quality film because PVdC has a significantly lower water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) than LDPE.
The PVC-based films contain plasticizers, most often bis (2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), phthalates or dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)). Some countries prohibit these plasticizers since they migrate out of the thin plastic film. Polymerized plasticizers replaced DEHP, largely eliminating migration of the plasticizer out of the film.
Natural polymers of LDPE and PVdC are insufficiently adhesive on their own, and they do not adhere to themselves. To achieve the desired adhesiveness, certain polymers with lower molecular weight have to be added; the most common two are polyisobutene (PIB), and poly[ethylene-vinylacetate] (EVA) copolymer. Their chains readily interact with each other and their lower molecular weight makes them more mobile within the host polymer matrix.
The material of the prophylactic apparatus 200 can be a film resin. The types of materials that could be used are many and varied. Should be noted that the traditional material of latex rubber or lamb intestine or polyurethane is not used.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus 200 as formed from film, being placed on a mandrel for rolling the prophylactic apparatus 200, according to an example embodiment. The mandrel 300 as a tubular portion 310 which is slightly larger in diameter than the tubular portion shown in FIG. 2 and slightly smaller than the tubular portion 110 of the mandrel 100. A strip of cloth 312 is placed over the end 330 of the mandrel 300. The strip of cloth 312 is much longer than the mandrel 300. The strip of cloth 312 has sufficient length to pass over one elongated side of the mandrel 310, the end 330 and over the other elongated side of the mandrel 310. The strip of cloth 312 is used to enable or aid in rolling the prophylactic apparatus 200. After placing the strip of cloth 312 over the end of the mandrel 310, the prophylactic device is placed onto the mandrel. As shown in FIG. 3, the prophylactic device is placed onto the mandrel by hand. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the prophylactic device can be placed onto the mandrel using a robot or other mechanical device.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus 200 after being placed on the mandrel 300, according to an example embodiment. The prophylactic apparatus 200 is fully deployed on the mandrel 300. The strip of cloth 312 has a first tale 313 in a second tale 314 which extends beyond the open and 230 and the skirt 240 of the prophylactic apparatus. In one embodiment, the tales 313 and 314 of the strip of fabric 312 can be pulled upwardly in order to roll the bottom portion of the prophylactic apparatus 200 toward the closed end 230. In this way the skirt 242 the closed end 240 and a majority of the tubular portion 220 is rolled onto itself toward the closed end 230. The prophylactic apparatus 200, as rolled, can then be packaged.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus 200 pulled halfway up the mandrel 300, according to an example embodiment. This particular embodiment, the prophylactic apparatus 200 is pulled onto itself. In other words, the skirt 242, the open end 240 and the lower portion of the tubular portion 230 are pulled upward on the mandrel so that the lower portion lays on top of the upper portion of the tubular portion 230. As shown in FIG. 5, the tubular portion 230 is forming two layers on the upper portion of the mandrel 300. The tubular portion 230 is folded onto itself or pulled up onto itself. This leaves the mandrel 300 with the prophylactic apparatus extending about halfway down the mandrel 300. The top portion of the tubular portion 230 is below the bottom portion of the tubular portion 230, as viewed in FIG. 5. The strip of cloth 312 and specifically the tails 313 and 314 are pulled upwardly to roll the prophylactic apparatus or condom 200.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus 200 as the tails 313, 314 of the strip of cloth 312 are initially pulled to roll the prophylactic apparatus 200, according to an example embodiment. The tails 313, 314 of the strip of cloth 312 are grasped and an upwardly acting force is applied onto the tails 313, 314. In this embodiment, this starts the rolling of the prophylactic apparatus 200. The roll includes two layers of plastic film 200. The roll also includes two layers of the tubular portion 220 of the prophylactic apparatus 200.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus 200 being rolled up after being pulled halfway up, according to an example embodiment. The tails 313, 314 of the cloth strip 312 are further pulled up and a roll 700 is formed as the two layers of the tubular portion 220 of the prophylactic apparatus 200 roll onto one another. An upward force continues to be applied as the roll 700 becomes more closely positioned with respect to the top and 330 of the mandrel 300.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus 200 at the point where the prophylactic apparatus 200 is fully rolled up, according to an example embodiment. The roll 700 (shown in FIG. 7) eventually reaches the top portion 330 of the mandrel 300. The roll 700 is eventually pulled off the main cylindrical portion of the mandrel 300. FIG. 8 shows the prophylactic apparatus as rolled up just as it is about to be taken away from the mandrel 300. The tails 313, 314 of the strip of cloth 312 are still being pulled upwardly.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus as rolled in FIGS. 5 through 8, according to an example embodiment. The prophylactic apparatus 200 is rolled is ready for packaging. Prophylactic apparatus includes a roll 700 that encompasses or contains most of the tubular portion 220 of the prophylactic apparatus 200. Prophylactic apparatus shows the skirt 242 extending out beyond the roll 700 and the closed end portion 230 positioned within the circumference of the roll 700. One advantage of this particular configuration is that the prophylactic apparatus can be unrolled by pulling on either the skirt 242 or the closed and 230 of the prophylactic apparatus 200. FIG. 9 shows the prophylactic apparatus 200 on a smaller diameter mandrel 900. The smaller diameter mandrel 900 represents a flaccid penis. Another advantage of this prophylactic apparatus is that it can be deployed upon a flaccid penis well before the prophylactic apparatus 200 needs to be used. The skirt 242 of the prophylactic device 200 can be pulled or pulled downward to deploy the prophylactic apparatus 200.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus 200 after it has been partially unrolled, according to an example embodiment. Prophylactic apparatus 200 is partially deployed or partially unrolled. The roll 700 goes down the mandrel 900 as the prophylactic device is unrolled. The role 700 still includes a double layer of a portion of the tubular portion 220 of the prophylactic apparatus 200. The skirt 242 of the prophylactic device 200 continues to be pulled until the role 700 disappears. At this point the prophylactic apparatus 200 is fully deployed or fully unrolled.
The prophylactic apparatus 200 as shown and discussed above has the advantage that can be deployed onto a flaccid penis. The prophylactic apparatus can be deployed well before use. Therefore if the user anticipates that he may become sexually active in the next short timeframe, he can deploy this prophylactic apparatus onto a flaccid penis and wear it until used at a later time. As the penis becomes turgid the penis also becomes larger in diameter. The prophylactic apparatus 200 is dimensioned so that it fits loosely over a flaccid penis and fits tightly over a turgid penis. The material or thin plastic film 210 of the prophylactic apparatus is capable of stretching and adhering to the turgid penis. This forms a seal during sexual activity. The thin plastic film 210 is also sufficiently strong so as not fail during sexual activity.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method 1100 of applying a prophylactic apparatus, according to an example embodiment. The method 1100 of applying a condom to a flaccid penis where the condom made of film material and has a substantially tubular shape with a closed end and an open end includes placing the open end on the distal end of the penis 1110, gripping the distal end of the flaccid penis with one hand 1112, and rolling the open end of the condom toward the proximal end of the penis with the other hand 1114. The method 1100, in some embodiments, further includes stretching the flaccid penis while rolling the open end of the condom toward the proximal end of the penis 1116. Of course the prophylactic apparatus 200 must be removed from a package before the prophylactic apparatus for condom 200 is applied.
Since the condom is made to be deployed on a flaccid penis, the user is able to apply the condom well before use. The user can place the condom on the penis at home or before going out. In this fashion, the condom will be in place for later use. The condom is dimensioned so that it fits snuggly enough on the flaccid penis so that it will not inadvertently fall off or become dislodged from the user's penis before use. The film material, from which the condom is formed, is adapted to stretch to accommodate any increase in size as the penis becomes erect. When erect, the film material stretches to form a seal to prevent fluid leakage. The film material stretches rather than fails. The film material is of sufficient strength so that it will not fail during intercourse.
FIG. 12 is an instruction set that accompanies the prophylactic device or condom 200, according to an example embodiment. The instruction set sets forth advantages as well as step-by-step instructions for the user. Among the advantages mentioned in the instruction set is that the condom or prophylactic apparatus 200 can be applied up to two hours before foreplay, without direction. In addition there is no interruption in sexual activity needed while the person places the condom on the erect penis. Furthermore the material is hypoallergenic genic, transparent, extra soft and odorless and will cling to the penis making it ultra sensitive. The base flange or skirt 242 provides for more protection. Instructions also show that the prophylactic apparatus 200 can be provided with a label and that the label is to be placed upwards and visible during application of the prophylactic apparatus 200. The instructions also set forth that the prophylactic apparatus 200 is placed on the head of the penis and then the head of the penis is placed into the condom an extended onto the penis. In addition, the head of the penis is held, and the base flange or skirt 242 is pulled gently toward the base of the penis. The condom is then pulled to the base of the penis until the condom feels smooth. Air is then removed from the condom.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the card package as a user removes a portion of the cover 1320 from a cavity 1330 in the card package 1300, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the card package 1300 as a user removes a condom or prophylactic apparatus 200 from the cavity 1330 in the card package, according to an example embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 1, the card body 1300 includes a cavity 1330 therein. The cavity 1330 is substantially oblong or oval-shaped. In some example embodiments, there are multiple cavities. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment that includes multiple cavities 1330, 1331, 1332. The cavities 1321, 1322 are shown in phantom. A condom, such as condom 200, fits within the cavity 1330. The condom 200 is pressed into a oval or hour-glass shaped. The cavity 1330 or cavities 1330, 1331, 1332 in the card body 1310 are formed by using a die which, by pressing the plastic also cuts the plastic, and leaves the cavity 1330 or multiple cavities 1330, 1331, 1332. In another embodiment, the package card 1300 is formed by injection molding. Injection molding permits a package card 1300 to be produced with a cavity or cavities already incorporated. The cavities 1330, 1331, 1332 are sized and shaped to house a condom, such as condom or prophylactic apparatus 200. Of course, the size and shape of the cavities 1330, 1331, 1332 can vary depending on the size and shape of the condom, such as condom 200, which are housed within the cavities 1330, 1331, 1332.
The number of cavities can also vary depending on the number of condoms which are to be included in the package card 1300. In one example embodiment, the package card 100 has a single cavity 130. In another example embodiment, the package card 100 has a plurality of cavities 1330, 1331, 1332. As shown, the cover 1320 can include perforations 1430, 1432. The perforations provide for a weak line along which the cover can tear away. The perforations 1430, 1432 separate the cover 1320 into separate cover portions 1420, 1421, 1422. Cover portion 1420 fits over and seals cavity 1300. Cover portion 1421 fits over and seals cavity 1331. Cover portion 1422 fits over and seals cavity 1332. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 1, the cover portions 1420, 1421 and 1422 include a tab 1410, 1411, 1412, respectively. The tab 1410, 1411, 1412 is a free end which is free of adhesive and of a size so that it can be lifted and pulled using a person's digits.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the card package as a user further removes a cover 1420 over the cavity 1330 and reveals a condom or prophylactic apparatus within the cavity 1330 in the card package, according to an example embodiment.
A skirt, in one embodiment, is formed at the base of the condom. The skirt is attached to the open end of the condom. In some embodiments, the excess film material is trimmed. This can be trimming the skirt to make it a certain length or can be trimming the skirt to form one or more tabs attached to the base of the condom. The method also includes rolling the condom, and packaging the rolled condom. In one embodiment, rolling the condom apparatus includes pulling the open end of the tubular portion of the condom to a position proximate the closed end, and rolling the condom from the tubular portion between the closed and open ends of the condom to a position near the closed end. The condom can also be rolled from the open end toward the closed end, and placed in a package.
A prophylactic apparatus includes an elongated, substantially tubular article made of film material. The elongated tubular article has a closed, sealed end, and an open end. The open end and the elongated tubular portion are dimensioned to fit over a flaccid penis. The prophylactic apparatus also has a skirt portion attached the open end. The skirt flares out beyond a periphery of the open end. The skirt can be gripped to deploy the prophylactic apparatus. The prophylactic apparatus is dimensioned to stretch so that the tubular portion stretches when the flaccid penis becomes erect. In other words, the film material deforms to accommodate the size increase between a flaccid penis and an erect penis. The film, in one embodiment, deforms plastically. In another embodiment, the film deforms elastically. In either embodiment, the film engages the erect penis to form a seal about the penis. In one embodiment, the tubular portion is rolled to a position near the closed end. At least a portion of the skirt portion is exposed when the tubular portion is rolled. The prophylactic apparatus as rolled up is placed within a package. In one embodiment, the skirt is initially pulled up to place a bottom portion of the tubular portion onto a top portion of the tubular portion and rolled to a position near the closed end. A substantial portion of the tubular portion of the prophylactic apparatus is double layered when the prophylactic apparatus is rolled up in this fashion. When rolled in this fashion, the prophylactic apparatus can be unrolled from the closed end or by exerting a force on the skirt portion. The rolled prophylactic apparatus is packaged.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus 1400 formed from a film material and having tabs 1450, 1452, according to another example embodiment. As formed, the prophylactic apparatus 1400 includes a tubular portion 1420, closed end 1430 with a receptacle or fluid reservoir 1432 therein, and with an open end 1440. As shown, the open end 1440 includes a skirt 1442 which flares out from the open end. The skirt 1442 is attached to the open end 1440. The skirt 1442 can be trimmed to remove excess material and leave one or more tabs, such as tabs 1450, 1452. In other embodiments the prophylactic is formed with a larger or bigger skirt 1442 so that when trimmed the tabs 1450, 1452 are bigger. It should be noted that the size of the skirt can be varied to vary the size of the tabs 1450, 1452. Providing for a bigger skirt 1442 provides for larger tabs 1450. 1452. As shown in FIG. 14, the film material 1410 is not fully stretched out and has a corrugated appearance. In other words the film material 1410 is not fully stretched, as shown in this figure. The material will fit snugly on a flaccid penis and has the ability to stretch at a future time. Like the prophylactic apparatus 200, the prophylactic apparatus 1400 is placed on a mandrel to be folded and rolled before placed in a package. The prophylactic apparatus 1400 can be folded over and rolled. The prophylactic apparatus 1400 can also be rolled without folding one portion of the prophylactic apparatus 1400 onto itself. The prophylactic apparatus 1400 is initially formed on a mandrel, similar to the prophylactic apparatus 200, discussed above. The skirt is trimmed to form the tabs 1450. 1452. Labels can be added to the tabs 1450, 1452. In another embodiment, labels can be printed onto the tabs 1450, 1452. In one example embodiment, the labels can be printed onto the skirt 1440 before trimming to form the tabs 1450, 1452. The printed labels can include instructions or partial instructions for use of the apparatus 1400. The tabs 1450, 1452 can also be used to provide a direction. For example, the labels can be read from the top of a rolled up prophylactic apparatus 200. The printed labels can also be read when the prophylactic apparatus 200 is in the correct orientation for application. The labels do not necessarily need to be printed with a written message. It is contemplated that the labels may be colors
FIG. 15 is a top view of a prophylactic apparatus 1400 formed from a film material and having tabs 1450, 1452 after it has been at least partially rolled up according to another example embodiment. FIG. 16 is a side view of a prophylactic apparatus 1400 formed from a film material and having tabs 1450, 1452 after it has been partially unrolled, according to another example embodiment. Referring now to both FIGS. 15 and 16, the prophylactic apparatus 1400 will be further detailed. The closed end 1432 can be further pressed downwardly and the prophylactic apparatus 1400 can be gathered or folded similar to prophylactic apparatus shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 13 and placed into slots in a card, (also shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 13). The slots can be covered to form a card which can be carried or stowed. The covering can be removed to uncover one slot and present the prophylactic apparatus 1400 for use. The card can have more than a single slot for storing more than one prophylactic apparatus 1400. The cover can be split so that one slot at a time can be exposed. In one embodiment the cover includes perforated portions between the slots so that when a portion of a cover is removed, it will tear at the perforation leaving the adjacent slot covered.
FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a method 1700 of forming a prophylactic apparatus 1400, according to an example embodiment. The method 1700 for forming a condom assembly includes forming a condom by plastically deforming a film material 1710, forming at least one tab 1712. The tab can be formed by trimming the skirt. In the alternative, the tab can be of another material and glued or adhered to the skirt. In one embodiment, at least one label is placed on the tab 1714. In one example embodiment, the label is printed onto a sticker and placed on the skirt of the prophylactic apparatus. In another embodiment, the information is printed or otherwise written onto the skirt of the prophylactic apparatus. The bottom half of the prophylactic apparatus is folded onto the top half of the prophylactic apparatus 1716. In other words, the open end 1430 is located proximate the closed end 1440 prior to rolling the condom. Rolling the condom includes pulling the open end 1440 of the tubular portion of the condom to a position proximate the closed end 1430, rolling the folded over portion of the condom 1718 between the closed and open ends of the condom to a position near the closed end 1430, The tabs 1450, 1452 will then also be proximate the closed end 1430. The tabs 1450, 1452 will be presented as pullable portions after rolling. The package as formed can be folded to a position where it can be placed into a slot on a card 1720. The prophylactic apparatus 1400 is then packaged 1722. The packaging can be a slot in a card, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 13. In another embodiment, packaging is a foil flat pack that covers both sides of the rolled prophylactic apparatus 1400. In either package, the covering can be removed so that the rolled prophylactic apparatus can be removed using the tabs.
FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a method of applying a prophylactic apparatus 1800, according to an example embodiment. The method 1800 of applying a condom 1800 includes removing a cover from the packaging 1810, and removing the folded prophylactic apparatus from the package using the tabs 1812. The open end of the prophylactic apparatus is placed on the distal end of the penis 1814 so that the labeling on the tabs can be read. Gripping a first tab and a second tab, the tabs can be pulled to roll the open end of the condom toward the proximal end of the penis. The condom is dimensioned to fit the flaccid penis and is expandable. The method includes wearing the condom on the penis for a time 1816 before using the condom. The condom can be worn on a flaccid or an erect penis. The condom stretches to accommodate an increase in size resulting in the penis going to an erect state from a flaccid state. The condom stretches in response to an erection. After initial placement, the condom is used without substantial adjustment. In other words, no adjustment is necessary after placing the condom on the flaccid penis.
The prophylactic apparatus or condom can be removed by gripping the tabs and pulling up. An advantage is that the user only has to touch the prophylactic device a minimum amount. Some users prefer to handle the prophylactic apparatus a minimal amount.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from a film material and having tabs after it has been partially unrolled upon a penis, according to another example embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from a film material and having tabs after a majority of the device has unrolled upon or deployed upon a penis, according to another example embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a prophylactic apparatus formed from a film material and having tabs after it has been substantially unrolled and substantially deployed upon a penis, according to another example embodiment. FIGS. 19-21 show the prophylactic apparatus at various stages of deployment that are associated with the method 1800.
A prophylactic apparatus including an elongated substantially tubular article made of film material. The elongated tubular article includes a closed, sealed end, an open end, and a skirt portion attached the open end. The skirt flares out beyond a periphery of the open end. The condom also includes a first tab associated with the elongated tubular article, and a second tab associated with the elongated tubular article. The open end and the elongated tubular portion are dimensioned to fit over a flaccid penis without falling off. The first elongated tab includes: a free end; and an attached end attached to a first portion of the skirt portion, and a second elongated tab that includes: a free end; and an attached end attached to a second portion of the skirt portion. In one example embodiment, the tubular portion of the prophylactic apparatus is rolled to a position near the closed end. Applying a force to the first elongated tab and the second elongated tab unrolls the elongated substantially tubular portion of the prophylactic apparatus at the open end. The first elongated tab includes: a first free end; and a second free end positioned near a first portion of the skirt portion. The second elongated tab includes: a third free end; and a fourth free end positioned near a second portion of the skirt portion. The ends are not necessarily attached. The tubular portion is rolled to a position near the closed end. Applying a force to the first elongated tab and the second elongated tab unrolls the elongated substantially tubular portion of the prophylactic apparatus at the open end. The first elongated tab and the second elongated tab fall away after the prophylactic apparatus is unrolled. At least a portion of the first free end and at least a portion of the third free end is exposed when the tubular portion is rolled. The prophylactic apparatus can include a package, in one example embodiment. The prophylactic apparatus as rolled up and placed within the package. In another example embodiment, the skirt of the prophylactic apparatus is initially pulled up to place a bottom portion of the tubular portion onto a top portion of the tubular portion. The bottom and top portions are rolled to a position near the closed end. When rolled in this fashion, the prophylactic apparatus can include a package into which the rolled prophylactic apparatus is placed.
Turning now to FIGS. 22-24, another embodiment of a system 2200 that includes a package 2210 for holding a plurality of prophylactic apparatus will be discussed and detailed. FIG. 22 is a top view of a closed package for holding a plurality of prophylactic apparatus formed from a tray and a plastic film covering the tray, according to another example embodiment. FIG. 23 is a top view of an open package for holding a plurality of prophylactic apparatus formed from a tray and a plastic film covering the tray, according to another example embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an open package for holding a plurality of prophylactic apparatus as one of the plurality of prophylactic apparatus is being removed, according to another example embodiment. In FIG. 24, the outside of the package is shown with hidden lines so that the inside of the package can be seen.
The package 2210 includes a tray 2220 and a cover 2230. The cover 2230 errors the tray 2220. The cover can be made of a rugged material such as plastic or foil or the like. In FIG. 22, cover is closed. Cover 2230 includes a closer flap 2232. The closer flap 2232 includes a strip of adhesive 2234. The adhesive 2234 is formulated so that it can be opened and closed multiple times. In other words the adhesive 2234 is formulated so that the flap 2232 can be opened and closed multiple times and the adhesive 2234 will be flap in a closed position over the main portion or body of the cover 2230. Within the package 2210 is a tray 2220. The tray 2220 includes a number of indentations or wells 2222 into which the various prophylactic apparatus are housed. As shown in FIGS. 22-24, there are three indentations or wells 2222 associated with the tray 2220. One prophylactic device is within a well 2222. The outside of the package 2210 and be imprinted with instructions for use of the prophylactic apparatus. Post in other embodiments the outside of the package 2210 can be imprinted with advertising or the like.
FIG. 24 shows the package 2210 in use. The flap 2232 is opened and a prophylactic device is removed by gripping one end of the prophylactic apparatus and pulling the prophylactic apparatus from the tray 2220.
In another embodiment, the package 2210 is not include a tray 2220. In this particular embodiment, the cover is formed as a series of pockets into which the prophylactic apparatus will fit. Each it will be populated with prophylactic apparatus. The package will also include a flap 2232 has an adhesive strip. The adhesive is formulated to be releasable. The flap 2232 can be opened multiple times and can be held in place by the adhesive. The cover can be formed of plastic, foil, or the like.
This has been a detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention(s) contained within the disclosed subject matter. Such invention(s) may be referred to, individually and/or collectively, herein by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and which shows by way of illustration, but not of limitation, some specific embodiments of the invention, including a preferred embodiment. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand and implement the inventive subject matter. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
Patent Application
20150366702
