WO2004014266A1 - A condom - Google Patents

A condom Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004014266A1
WO2004014266A1 PCT/IB2003/002079 IB0302079W WO2004014266A1 WO 2004014266 A1 WO2004014266 A1 WO 2004014266A1 IB 0302079 W IB0302079 W IB 0302079W WO 2004014266 A1 WO2004014266 A1 WO 2004014266A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
condom
information
latex
manufacturing
printed
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2003/002079
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David James Maeder
Original Assignee
David James Maeder
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by David James Maeder filed Critical David James Maeder
Priority to AU2003236942A priority Critical patent/AU2003236942A1/en
Publication of WO2004014266A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004014266A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F6/00—Contraceptive devices; Pessaries; Applicators therefor
    • A61F6/02—Contraceptive devices; Pessaries; Applicators therefor for use by males
    • A61F6/04—Condoms, sheaths or the like, e.g. combined with devices protecting against contagion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F17/00—Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for

Definitions

  • This invention relates to condoms.
  • Latex condoms are widely used as prophylactics and their use is set to continue due to their effectiveness in preventing sexually transmitted infections.
  • manufacturing information shall have its widest meaning and includes any information relating to the date, time or place of manufacture or batch identifiers, and shall further include expiry information. Such information may be in an encoded form, including in the form of a barcode.
  • a condom characterised in that information is printed thereon.
  • the information to be printed intermediate two layers of latex; and for the information to include any one or more of manufacturing information, a barcode, artwork, text, logos, slogans and an insignia.
  • Still further features of the invention provide for the information to be printed by means of a spray process; and for ink to be used in the printing process.
  • the invention also provides a process for manufacturing a condom which includes dipping a mould into a latex bath, removing the mould from the latex bath, at least partially drying the latex on the mould, printing information on the latex, curing the latex and removing it from the mould, and packaging the condom so formed.
  • mould to be dipped in a further latex bath subsequent to the information being printed on the latex thereon to form a second layer of latex; for the second layer of latex to be dried and cured prior to removal; for the condom to be electronically tested prior to packaging; for the condom to be rolled up along its length prior to packaging; and for a lubricant to be added to the condom prior to packaging.
  • the invention further provides a unit which includes a sealed foil package containing a condom, characterised in that information is depicted on the condom.
  • the information to be printed on the condom and for the information to include any one or more of manufacturing information, a barcode, artwork, text, logos, slogans and insignia.
  • correlating manufacturing information is depicted on both the condom and package.
  • the invention still further provides a method of identifying a condom which includes printing manufacturing information on the condom.
  • Still further features of the invention provide for the manufacturing information to be printed intermediate two layers of latex; and for the manufacturing information to be printed on packaging for the condom.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a condom
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of a packaged condom
  • Figure 3 is a flow chart of a process for manufacturing a condom in Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • a condom (1) is shown in Figure 1 and, in conventional fashion, is formed by a latex sheath (2) forming a teat (3) at the closed end and having a bead (4) about the open end.
  • the condom (1) has manufacturing information (5) printed thereon adjacent the bead (4).
  • the manufacturing information (5) includes a batch number (7) and the name of the manufacture (8).
  • the batch number (7) is coded and indicates the date of manufacture as well as the manufacturing facility and production line.
  • the manufacturing information (5) is printed with ink between two layers of latex and is thus indelible without damaging the condom (1). Importantly, printing between the layers of latex also prevents the ink from coming into contact with a user (not shown). Is thus not possible for a user to experience any reaction due to contact with the ink.
  • the manufacturing information (5) permits the condom (1) to be readily identified and hence permits batches of substandard condoms to be identified if released onto the market against instructions from a certifying authority.
  • the condom (1) can be packaged in conventional fashion in a sealed foil package (10) to provide a unit (11 ).
  • Information (11 ) is printed on the package (10) correlating to the manufacturing information (5).
  • This information (11) can include an expiry date (12) and allows the user to verify that the condom contained in the package (10) can be traced and should be safe to use.
  • condoms according to the invention are manufactured using glass moulds (30) suspended from a moving line (32) and which are sequentially dipped in latex baths (33, 34).
  • a first dryer (36) dries the latex on the moulds (30) intermediate the baths (33, 34) while a second dryer (38) dries and cures the latex respectively after the second bath (34).
  • a beading device (39) forms a bead at the open end of each condom before removal from the moulds where they are placed in a storage bin (40).
  • each condom use removed from the storage bin (40) and electrically tested at a testing station (42). If the condom passes the test it is rolled up along its length and placed on a foil the layer (44) wherein a drop of lubricant (46) is added to it. A second layer of foil (47) is used to cover the condoms whereafter a sealing unit (49) seals the foil layers (44, 47) together about each condom and dispenses the condoms either individually or in strips. The sealing unit (49) also prints manufacturing information on the sealed unit.
  • a printer (60) is located between the dryer (36) and second latex bath (34) and is configured to print manufacturing information on layer of latex on each mould (30) before it is in dipped in the second latex bath (34).
  • the printer (60) is of substantially conventional construction and operation and sprays ink onto the latex.
  • the manufacturing information is provided by a processor (not shown), the operation of which is not germane to this invention, and which also controls printing by the sealing unit (49).
  • the printer (60) is easily installed on conventional condom manufacturing lines and is simple to operate to exercise the invention.
  • the condom provided by the invention is thus easily manufactured and can be easily identified. It will be appreciated, however, that many other embodiments of a condom and manufacturing process exist which fall within the scope invention.
  • any suitable process can be used to print the information on the condom.
  • print refers to a mechanical process as opposed to a manual or hand painting process.
  • ink is used in its widest context and any suitable type of ink, dye or colourant could be used for printing, even coloured latex.
  • the ink used could be heat or radiation sensitive. This could be used to indicate whether the condom has been subject to a certain process, such as gamma ray sterilisation, or possibly even extreme heat resulting in its being damaged. Where it is desired not to be able to see the ink under normal conditions, a white or transparent UV fluorescent ink could be used. This would allow the information to only really be visible under UV light.
  • a suitable, hypoallergenic, indelible ink could be used to print on an exposed surface of the condom. Furthermore, and alternatively, printing could take place between numerous layers of latex.
  • the information printed on the condom is not limited to manufacturing information and could include any one or more of artwork, text, logos, slogans and insignia. Manufacturing information could also be printed in the form of a barcode or be encoded in any other suitable manner if desired.

Abstract

A condom is provided and is characterised in that it has information printed thereon. The information is printed intermediate two layers of latex and permits identification of the condom.

Description

A CONDOM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to condoms.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Latex condoms are widely used as prophylactics and their use is set to continue due to their effectiveness in preventing sexually transmitted infections.
Although certain tests are performed on condoms during the manufacturing process there is still a high failure rate of condoms in use. This is often the result of defective batches being placed on the market instead of being destroyed. At present, it is, however, not possible to identify individual condoms or batches of condoms. It is thus virtually impossible for authorities to control what is being placed on the market.
What further often occurs is that defective batches of condoms are packaged by unscrupulous manufacturers and the packaging marked with false batch details. There is no way for the user, or authorities, to determine whether the information is correct or not and users are thus left using defective products.
In the specification "manufacturing information" shall have its widest meaning and includes any information relating to the date, time or place of manufacture or batch identifiers, and shall further include expiry information. Such information may be in an encoded form, including in the form of a barcode.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a condom which will at least partially alleviate some of the abovementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention there is provided a condom characterised in that information is printed thereon.
Further features of the invention provide for the information to be printed intermediate two layers of latex; and for the information to include any one or more of manufacturing information, a barcode, artwork, text, logos, slogans and an insignia.
Still further features of the invention provide for the information to be printed by means of a spray process; and for ink to be used in the printing process.
The invention also provides a process for manufacturing a condom which includes dipping a mould into a latex bath, removing the mould from the latex bath, at least partially drying the latex on the mould, printing information on the latex, curing the latex and removing it from the mould, and packaging the condom so formed.
Further features of the invention provide for the mould to be dipped in a further latex bath subsequent to the information being printed on the latex thereon to form a second layer of latex; for the second layer of latex to be dried and cured prior to removal; for the condom to be electronically tested prior to packaging; for the condom to be rolled up along its length prior to packaging; and for a lubricant to be added to the condom prior to packaging.
The invention further provides a unit which includes a sealed foil package containing a condom, characterised in that information is depicted on the condom.
Further features of the invention provide for the information to be printed on the condom; and for the information to include any one or more of manufacturing information, a barcode, artwork, text, logos, slogans and insignia.
According to one aspect of the invention correlating manufacturing information is depicted on both the condom and package.
The invention still further provides a method of identifying a condom which includes printing manufacturing information on the condom.
Still further features of the invention provide for the manufacturing information to be printed intermediate two layers of latex; and for the manufacturing information to be printed on packaging for the condom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a condom; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a packaged condom; and
Figure 3 is a flow chart of a process for manufacturing a condom in Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A condom (1) is shown in Figure 1 and, in conventional fashion, is formed by a latex sheath (2) forming a teat (3) at the closed end and having a bead (4) about the open end.
According to the invention the condom (1) has manufacturing information (5) printed thereon adjacent the bead (4). The manufacturing information (5) includes a batch number (7) and the name of the manufacture (8).
In this embodiment, the batch number (7) is coded and indicates the date of manufacture as well as the manufacturing facility and production line.
The manufacturing information (5) is printed with ink between two layers of latex and is thus indelible without damaging the condom (1). Importantly, printing between the layers of latex also prevents the ink from coming into contact with a user (not shown). Is thus not possible for a user to experience any reaction due to contact with the ink.
The manufacturing information (5) permits the condom (1) to be readily identified and hence permits batches of substandard condoms to be identified if released onto the market against instructions from a certifying authority.
As shown in Figure 2, the condom (1) can be packaged in conventional fashion in a sealed foil package (10) to provide a unit (11 ). Information (11 ) is printed on the package (10) correlating to the manufacturing information (5). This information (11) can include an expiry date (12) and allows the user to verify that the condom contained in the package (10) can be traced and should be safe to use.
Referring to Figure 3,condoms according to the invention are manufactured using glass moulds (30) suspended from a moving line (32) and which are sequentially dipped in latex baths (33, 34). A first dryer (36) dries the latex on the moulds (30) intermediate the baths (33, 34) while a second dryer (38) dries and cures the latex respectively after the second bath (34). A beading device (39) forms a bead at the open end of each condom before removal from the moulds where they are placed in a storage bin (40).
When ready for packaging, each condom use removed from the storage bin (40) and electrically tested at a testing station (42). If the condom passes the test it is rolled up along its length and placed on a foil the layer (44) wherein a drop of lubricant (46) is added to it. A second layer of foil (47) is used to cover the condoms whereafter a sealing unit (49) seals the foil layers (44, 47) together about each condom and dispenses the condoms either individually or in strips. The sealing unit (49) also prints manufacturing information on the sealed unit.
Thus far, a substantially conventional manufacturing process has been described. However, according to the invention, a printer (60) is located between the dryer (36) and second latex bath (34) and is configured to print manufacturing information on layer of latex on each mould (30) before it is in dipped in the second latex bath (34).
The printer (60) is of substantially conventional construction and operation and sprays ink onto the latex. The manufacturing information is provided by a processor (not shown), the operation of which is not germane to this invention, and which also controls printing by the sealing unit (49).
The printer (60) is easily installed on conventional condom manufacturing lines and is simple to operate to exercise the invention.
The condom provided by the invention is thus easily manufactured and can be easily identified. It will be appreciated, however, that many other embodiments of a condom and manufacturing process exist which fall within the scope invention. For example, any suitable process can be used to print the information on the condom. In this specification, "print" refers to a mechanical process as opposed to a manual or hand painting process. Also, "ink" is used in its widest context and any suitable type of ink, dye or colourant could be used for printing, even coloured latex.
It is even envisaged that the ink used could be heat or radiation sensitive. This could be used to indicate whether the condom has been subject to a certain process, such as gamma ray sterilisation, or possibly even extreme heat resulting in its being damaged. Where it is desired not to be able to see the ink under normal conditions, a white or transparent UV fluorescent ink could be used. This would allow the information to only really be visible under UV light.
It will also be appreciated that a suitable, hypoallergenic, indelible ink could be used to print on an exposed surface of the condom. Furthermore, and alternatively, printing could take place between numerous layers of latex.
Yet further, the information printed on the condom is not limited to manufacturing information and could include any one or more of artwork, text, logos, slogans and insignia. Manufacturing information could also be printed in the form of a barcode or be encoded in any other suitable manner if desired.

Claims

1. A condom characterised in that information is printed thereon.
2. A condom as claimed in claim 1 in which the information is printed intermediate two layers of latex.
3. A condom as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the information includes manufacturing information.
4. A condom as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the information includes any one or more of a barcode, artwork, text, logos, slogans and an insignia.
5. A condom as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the information is printed by means of a spray process.
6. A condom as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which ink is used in the printing process.
7. A process for manufacturing a condom which includes dipping a mould into a latex bath, removing the mould from the latex bath, at least partially drying the latex on the mould, printing information on the latex, curing the latex and removing it from the mould, and packaging the condom so formed.
8. A process for manufacturing a condom as claimed in claim 7 in which the mould is dipped in a further latex bath subsequent to the information being printed on the latex thereon to form a second layer of latex.
9. A process for manufacturing a condom as claimed in claim 8 in which the second layer of latex is dried and cured prior to removal from the mould.
10. A process for manufacturing a condom as claimed in claim 9 in which the condom is rolled up along its length prior to packaging.
11.A process for manufacturing a condom as claimed in claim 10 in which the condom is electronically tested prior to packaging.
12. A process for manufacturing a condom as claimed in claim 11 a lubricant is added to the condom prior to packaging.
13. A unit which includes a sealed foil package containing a condom, characterised in that information is depicted on the condom.
14. A unit as claimed in claim 13 in which the information is printed on the condom.
15. A unit as claimed in claim 14 in which the information includes manufacturing information.
16. A unit as claimed in claim 14 in which the information includes any one or more of a barcode, artwork, text, logos, slogans and an insignia.
17. A unit as claimed in claim 15 in which correlating manufacturing information is depicted on both the condom and package.
18. A method of identifying a condom which includes printing manufacturing information on the condom.
19. A method of identifying a condom as claimed n claim 18 in which the manufacturing information is printed intermediate two layers of latex.
20. A method of identifying a condom as claimed in claim 19 in which correlating manufacturing information is printed on packaging for the condom.
21. A condom substantially as herein described and as illustrated with reference to Figure 1.
22. A process for manufacturing a condom substantially as herein described and as illustrated with reference to Figure 3.
23. A unit substantially as herein described and as illustrated with reference to Figure 2.
24. A method of identifying a condom substantially as herein described and as illustrated with reference to Figures 1 and 2.
PCT/IB2003/002079 2002-08-13 2003-05-29 A condom WO2004014266A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003236942A AU2003236942A1 (en) 2002-08-13 2003-05-29 A condom

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2002/6427 2002-08-13
ZA200206427 2002-08-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004014266A1 true WO2004014266A1 (en) 2004-02-19

Family

ID=31716292

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2003/002079 WO2004014266A1 (en) 2002-08-13 2003-05-29 A condom

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003236942A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004014266A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006081817A1 (en) * 2005-02-04 2006-08-10 Guemuesboga Atalay Device and method for producing condoms
US20130187963A1 (en) * 2012-01-24 2013-07-25 CondomNation LLC Latex articles imprinted with full-length indicia and systems and methods for imprinting latex articles
US20140109917A1 (en) * 2012-10-18 2014-04-24 Ansell Limited Polymeric articles comprising a decoration and method of manufacturing
US11542080B2 (en) 2013-05-07 2023-01-03 BBB Holding Company Track and trace packaging and systems

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0316659A2 (en) * 1987-11-13 1989-05-24 Hanan Levin Printed condom manufacturing system
WO2000040954A1 (en) * 1999-01-06 2000-07-13 Agri Dynamics, Inc., Dba Industrial Manufacturing Condom testing apparatus
EP1118542A1 (en) * 1999-12-17 2001-07-25 Buralls Of Wisbech Limited A method and apparatus for product packaging
US6429889B1 (en) * 1999-07-23 2002-08-06 Tri-Star Technologies Laser marking discrete consumable articles

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0316659A2 (en) * 1987-11-13 1989-05-24 Hanan Levin Printed condom manufacturing system
WO2000040954A1 (en) * 1999-01-06 2000-07-13 Agri Dynamics, Inc., Dba Industrial Manufacturing Condom testing apparatus
US6429889B1 (en) * 1999-07-23 2002-08-06 Tri-Star Technologies Laser marking discrete consumable articles
EP1118542A1 (en) * 1999-12-17 2001-07-25 Buralls Of Wisbech Limited A method and apparatus for product packaging

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006081817A1 (en) * 2005-02-04 2006-08-10 Guemuesboga Atalay Device and method for producing condoms
US20130187963A1 (en) * 2012-01-24 2013-07-25 CondomNation LLC Latex articles imprinted with full-length indicia and systems and methods for imprinting latex articles
US8851592B2 (en) * 2012-01-24 2014-10-07 CondomNation LLC Latex articles imprinted with full-length indicia and systems and methods for imprinting latex articles
US9193176B2 (en) 2012-01-24 2015-11-24 CondomNation LLC Systems and methods for printing indicia on latex surfaces in motion
US20140109917A1 (en) * 2012-10-18 2014-04-24 Ansell Limited Polymeric articles comprising a decoration and method of manufacturing
US10912671B2 (en) 2012-10-18 2021-02-09 Lifestyles Healthcare Pte. Ltd. Polymeric articles comprising a decoration and method of manufacturing
US11542080B2 (en) 2013-05-07 2023-01-03 BBB Holding Company Track and trace packaging and systems

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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