WO2006081817A1

WO2006081817A1 - Device and method for producing condoms

Info

Publication number: WO2006081817A1
Application number: PCT/DE2006/000217
Authority: WO
Inventors: Atalay Gümüsboga; Ali Yumusak
Original assignee: Guemuesboga Atalay; Ali Yumusak
Priority date: 2005-02-04
Filing date: 2006-02-03
Publication date: 2006-08-10

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing condoms which are decorated and/or have letters written thereon and are still suitable for use. The invention further relates to said type of condoms, in addition to machines which can carry out said inventive method.

Description

Device and method for designing condoms

description

The invention relates to a device and a method for designing condoms and the designed condoms themselves.

A condom (or condom) is usually a latex cover which is striped over the erect male member prior to sexual intercourse to avoid both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms come in different colors, sizes and shapes. A recent development is condoms for women, although they have found little use.

The origin of the name "condom" is not clear, condoms were originally used primarily for contraception and their use was therefore outlawed because of the rejection of "artificial" family planning by the state and church. However, this did not change until the invention of rubber vulcanization in 1843. By adding sulfur and various other additives, the filamentous rubber molecules are heat-cured to form elastic rubber between 0.04 and 0.08 millimeters Since August 2002, a new standard has been in place for the production of condoms and the guarantee of uniform quality standards, which is called DIN EN ISO 4074.

Condoms serve as the only contraceptive in addition to the protection against unwanted pregnancies as a reliable protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea (gonorrhea) or the HPV virus, a widespread viral infection, which is considered a high risk factor for the Emergence of cervical cancer is considered. Because of this dual function, the relatively simple handling, the lack of side effects - with the exception of latex allergies - and their relatively high safety condoms meanwhile form the most commonly used protective measure during sexual intercourse. For these reasons, it is highly desirable that condoms are used by the at-risk groups. The provision of optically attractive as well as inexpensive condoms is a suitable measure to increase the likelihood of using condoms.

In conventional condom production, cleaned flasks are dipped several times in latex milk and then each layer is dried. The latex milk adheres to the glass flask after each immersion, which is then heated at approximately 100 degrees Celsius in an oven. This "drying" of the mandrels is referred to as vulcanization.

The process of vulcanization produces elastic rubber from solid rubber. So elastic that you can inflate condoms like balloons. The finished condom is pushed down with a gentle jet of water from the glass flask. For post-processing, the condoms are washed and dried in a dryer at 70 ° C. Condoms are powdered to avoid sticking together.

The material for the condom production is latex milk, which consists mainly of natural rubber and water. By the above-mentioned conventional production method, only single-color condoms can be produced, depending on which dye has been added to the latex milk.

Although you can stamp on the top or inner surface of finished condoms images or writings or glued, but then there is a risk that they break, or rub by stretching and high friction during sexual intercourse and cause harm to health. Such condoms on the market do not comply with DIN EN ISO 4074.

Based on this prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method for the versatile design of usable condoms, which meet current safety standards, as well as such decorated condoms. Under design of a condom in the context of the present invention, the Aufbzw. Insertion of writing, logos or other decorative elements in or on the material of a condom are understood. Standard safety standards are essentially the international test standard DIN EN ISO 4074 for cartridges.

This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims.

According to the invention, therefore, a production method for usable, common safety standards fulfilling condoms is provided with decoration, wherein a glass bulb is used, which is immersed at least once in liquid latex and a decorative element of latex during the manufacturing process directly on the glass bulb, on or under a latex layer or between a first and second latex layer of the latex dip bath is applied and by a subsequent vulcanization step, the decorative element and the respectively present (s) latex layer (s) are joined together.

The condom production methods of the present invention include manufacturing processes in which decorations are applied from liquid latex during the production process, fonts or motifs are transferred by means of a stamping or gravure printing method, or prefabricated decorative elements are used.

In a preferred embodiment of the production method according to the invention it is provided that the decoration elements are applied from liquid latex during the manufacturing process by means of a high-pressure process or the air-brush process.

In both production methods, the image and / or the writing are applied directly to the surface of the glass bulb or a first latex layer of the condom to be produced during the production process. As the second layer, in the case of the direct application of the decoration on the glass flask of the first layer, one uses colorless, transparent latex milk. After vulcanization, a condom is created that consists of a uniform, welded-together latex layer with images and fonts and that complies with DIN EN ISO 4074. - A -

When using the high pressure process, up to one million tiny drops of liquid per second can be continuously ejected from a nozzle. Such printing methods are well known as so-called inkjet printers as computer peripherals. Depending on the nozzle geometry, the sprayed droplets are only a few micrometers in size and fly at up to 40 m / s. With continuous-jet printers, the continuously emerging ink jet is specifically deflected as needed, for example to print text or a pattern. The targeted distraction of the drops can be achieved for example by electrical charges.

Printers using the high pressure principle can generally be sprayed with anything that is liquid and has low viscosity, such as ink, paint, certain oils, or even uncured adhesives and resins. For this reason, the high pressure process is also suitable for spraying a liquid latex milk in a defined pattern or as a typeface.

The process of making a decorated condom using a custom, continuous jet printer looks like this:

1) As in the conventional production method of a condom, a glass flask is immersed as a positive template in liquid latex milk and dried (first latex layer) 2) The latex coated and dried glass flask is passed without contact to the printer, once the glass flask turns around its own axis.

3) The printer sprayed by means of a printer head, the position of which is controlled by a data processing device targeted to the first latex layer different colored latex milk on the rotating glass flask

4) The labeled or decorated first latex layer is dried immediately and then the glass flask is immersed in liquid, transparent latex milk (second latex layer).

5) The second latex layer is dried and then all layers of la- tex are vulcanized. According to the invention, it is also provided that the decoration is applied directly to the glass bulb using adapted continuous-jet printers, this is dried immediately and then a transparent latex layer is applied from a latex dip. This method can be significantly thinner condoms, since only a complete latex layer is present produce.

It is particularly advantageous in the production method according to the invention that the decorations to be applied to the condom, such as images and / or writings, consist of the same material as the condom itself. Thus, the condom retains its properties and protects against pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases is suitable and thus meets the requirements of DIN EN ISO 4074, it is necessary that decorative elements are not incorporated or incorporated into the material of the condom after production, but rather during the development process. This ensures that the various layers can bond together during vulcanization and that the condom consists of a fully vulcanised latex cover.

Liquid latex milk can be sprayed not only by the high-pressure process, but also by small spray guns, which are commonly referred to as "Air Brush" - in English "air brush". The airbrush process thus also makes it possible to apply liquids to surfaces without producing any contact between the spray gun and the surface.

The difference in the method of manufacturing a decorated condom using the airbrush technique to the high pressure process is that in step 3) of the manufacturing process outlined above, stencils are placed around the glass bulb and one or more movable spray guns apply a different colored latex milk. It is also conceivable that different colors are sprayed by different spray guns and each spray gun sprayed only defined areas of a stencil, so that the result is a multi-colored decorative layer. Furthermore, several templates can be placed around the glass bulb with the first latex layer several times in succession. According to the invention, a manufacturing method is further provided in which the decoration is applied by a stamping process directly on the glass bulb or a first latex layer. The stamp used in this method is a roller made of rubber or a comparable material. The roller has the same outer diameter as the glass bulb for immersion in the latex baths. On the surface of the roller there are elevations, which are a kind of "negative" of the applied motifs or fonts.This roller, further referred to as a punch, rotates against a second roller, with the liquid, differently colored latex, based on the latex dip Surveys is applied.

By means of the roller, which acts as a stamp, the motif and / or writing are applied to the first dried latex layer or directly onto the glass flask. This happens because the glass bulb and the punch are brought into contact with each other and both rotate in an opposite direction to each other at an identical speed.

If the stamping pressure has been applied directly to the glass flask, after a single immersion of the glass flask it is vulcanized into a liquid, transparent latex milk. By this manufacturing process, condoms can be produced with a thinner material thickness. If the pressure is applied between two latex layers, vulcanization takes place after the second immersion of the glass bulb.

Another manufacturing method according to the invention makes use of intaglio printing. In this case, the glass bulb, which was previously dipped at least once in a bath with liquid latex, passes an embossing device. By a rotation of the glass bulb, which bears against the embossing device, the pattern is transferred into the latex layer (s). But it is also envisaged that the embossing device is a roller, which is brought into contact with the glass bulb and rotate the glass bulb and embossing roll at the same speed in the opposite direction. After the final vulcanization, a condom is produced in which a pattern is embossed. An alternative to applying or creating the decoration of liquid latex milk is the use of prefabricated solid decorations or lettering from latex. These preferably consist of an extremely thin latex layer of up to 0.04 mm and are produced by a suitable method, such as casting or pressing.

According to the invention, it is provided that the decorative elements are already prefabricated from solid latex before they are introduced into the material of the condoms by the method according to the invention. Decorative elements prefabricated from solid latex are preferably transferred to the glass bulb or a first latex layer by means of a further rotating roller, as in the case of the stamping or printing process.

In contrast to the high-pressure production method described above, when solid latex decorations are used, they are applied to the glass flask just prior to the first immersion of the glass flask so that the glass flask only has to be immersed once in the bath of liquid latex , Alternatively, the solid latex decoration can also be introduced between a first and a second latex layer. As with the above-described processes, this production process also concludes with a vulcanization step.

The decorative elements used in all production methods according to the invention preferably have a different color than the latex layers, which are applied by means of latex dipping baths on the glass bulb. If the glass bulb is immersed twice in a latex bath, then the latex of the second dip bath, ie the outer latex layer, is preferably transparent. This ensures that the decorations are also clearly visible. It is according to the invention but also expressly provided that the decorations are made of fluorescent latex material, which are visible only when they are excited, for example, by suitable light, such as UV light.

As a decoration in all manufacturing methods according to the invention advertising or greetings messages and visual designs are provided. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to offer condoms that are provided with advertising more cheaply. offer, or by particularly imaginative designs an incentive to use a condom. This is advantageous because at present the number of those who are aware of the risks of HIV infection and therefore use condoms during sexual intercourse is decreasing (see DIE ZEIT vom 25.11.2004, Nr.49).

It is characteristic of all production methods according to the invention that the decorations, that is to say characters, logos and / or graphics, consist of a very thin latex layer and "fuse" or crosslink with the actual latex layers of the condom by means of vulcanization, since no other materials than latex are used Despite the design, the condoms according to the invention are still fully usable and fulfill the criteria of the most common safety standards, such as, for example, the international standard DIN EN ISO 4074.

Another object of the present invention are condoms, which meet common safety standards and have a decorative design of latex, wherein the decoration is crosslinked by at least one vulcanization step with the latex shell. Preferably, these condoms are made using the method of the invention.

In the case of the condoms according to the invention, the decoration element consists of a lettering, an image, a logo or a combination thereof. If a condom according to the invention has only one latex envelope made of a latex layer which has been applied to a glass envelope by means of a latex dip bath, the decorative element is arranged on or under the latex layer. In an alternative embodiment, the condom has a latex sheath of two latex layers which have been applied to a glass envelope by means of a latex dip, the decoration element being arranged between the latex layers.

The decorative element of a condom according to the invention has a different color than the latex shell, or consists of fluorescent latex.

Furthermore, the machines which are suitable for carrying out the production processes according to the invention are a further subject matter of the present invention. making. These are machines which contain the devices described for the individual production processes according to the invention.

Further advantageous measures are described in the remaining subclaims; the invention will be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the following figures; it shows:

Figure 1 Schematic representation of an apparatus for performing a method according to the invention using a continuous jet printer

Figure 2 Schematic representation of an apparatus for carrying out a manufacturing method according to the invention using a stamp roller

Figure 3 Schematic side view of a carousel for

Dipping the glass flask in a latex bath as part of a device for carrying out a method according to the invention

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for carrying out a method according to the invention using a continuous-jet printer. A glass bulb 1 is mounted on a carousel 6 via a shaft 14 and a ball bearing 5 surrounding the shaft 14. Due to the bearing in the ball bearing 14, the glass bulb 1 can rotate about its own axis. By means of the rubber wheels 3, the rotation of the axis of a drive 4 is transmitted to the glass bulb 1.

The carousel 6 is shown in Figure 1 in a frontal gate. A side view of the carousel 6 can be seen in FIG. The carousel 6 is mounted in front of the continuous jet printer 7. This printer sprays liquid latex decorations, such as writing or embellishments, onto the self-rotating glass envelope 1 or the first latex layer 2 already on it, according to a computer-controlled pattern. Once this process is completed, the carousel 6 rotates about the drive shaft 13 (see Fig. 3). FIG. 2 shows an apparatus for carrying out a production method according to the invention using a stamping roller. Also in this device, a glass bulb 1 is mounted on a carousel 6 via a shaft 14 and a ball bearing 5 surrounding the shaft 14. This rubber wheel can be brought into contact with the rubber wheel 3 below the stamp roller 8, whereby the rotation of the shaft of the drive 4 is transmitted to the glass bulb 1 between glass flask 1 and carousel 5. By this type of transmission, on the one hand, an opposite rotation and, on the other hand, the same rotational speeds of glass piston 1 and stamping roller 8 are achieved.

On the stamp roller 8 is a negative 9b of the on the glass bulb 1 or a first latex layer 2 to be transmitted motif 9a. The negative of motif 9b is an elevation. The stamp roller 8 is in permanent contact with the ink carrier 10, which is so passively rotated by the rotation of the stamp roller 8 itself. On the opposite side, with regard to the stamping roller 8, there is a latex milk reservoir 11 in which liquid latex milk is contained.

The liquid latex milk in the latex milk reservoir 11 has a different color relative to the color of an optionally present first latex layer 2. The latex milk is transferred to the negative 9b of the stamping roller 8 by means of the color transferer 10. This in turn transfers the absorbed colored latex milk to the glass bulb 1 or a first latex layer 2, which is already on the glass bulb 1.

Stamp roller 8 and paint carrier 10 are held by an upper bearing 12 at a defined distance. This distance is preferably chosen so that the transfer of the colored latex milk is ensured.

FIG. 3 shows the carousel 6 shown in frontal section in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a side full view. On a carousel 6, one or more glass flasks 1 may be mounted by means of a shaft 14 and a ball bearing 5 surrounding the shaft 14. Between the glass piston 1 and carousel 6 there is a rubber wheel 3, which is provided for transmitting the rotation of a drive 4 (not shown, see Figures 1 and 2). The carousel 6 rotates about the drive shaft 13, whereby the glass bulb can be pulled on the one hand by a located below the carousel 6 Latexbad to apply a latex layer 2 on the glass bulb 1. On the other hand, by the rotation of the carousel 6, further glass flasks 1 can be positioned in front of a device, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 and 2, for the application of decorations.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 glass flask

2 latex layer

3 rubber wheel

4 drive

5 ball bearings

6 roundabout

7 continuous jet printers

8 stamping roller

9a motif

9b motif (negative)

10 color transferers

11 latex milk reservoir

12 upper storage

13 drive shaft carousel

Claims

claims

1. Method of manufacture of usable standard safety standards condoms with decorations, using a glass bulb as a positive, which is immersed at least once in liquid latex and a latex decoration element during the manufacturing process directly on the glass bulb, or between a first and second latex layer is applied to the latex dip and by a subsequent vulcanization step, the decorative element and the respective existing (n) La tex layer (s) are joined together.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the decorative element of liquid latex is applied by means of a high-pressure process or an air-brush process during the manufacturing process.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the decorative element is applied by means of a stamping or printing process on the glass bulb or a latex layer.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the decorative element is applied by a gravure printing on a first or second latex layer.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the decorative element is made of solid latex.

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative element of a different colored lettering, image, logo or a combination thereof, as applied from a dip latex layers.

7. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein a fluorescent element is used as decoration.

8. Condom which meets current safety standards and has a decorative design of latex, wherein the decoration is crosslinked by means of at least one vulcanization step with the latex shell.

9. Condom according to claim 8, wherein the decorative element consists of a lettering, an image, a logo or a combination thereof.

10. Condom according to at least one of claims 8 or 9, which has a latex shell of a latex layer which has been applied by means of a latex dip to a glass flask, wherein the decorative element is arranged on or below the latex layer.

11. A condom according to any one of claims 8 or 9, which comprises a latex shell of two latex layers, which were applied by means of a latex dip to a glass flask, wherein the decorative element is disposed between the latex layers.

12. A condom according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the decorative tion element has a different color than the latex shell, or consists of fluorescent latex.

13. Condom which meets current safety standards and is provided with a decoration prepared according to at least one of the methods of claims 1 to 7.

14. Condom according to claim 13, wherein the decorative element of a

Lettering, a picture, a logo or a combination thereof.

15. A condom according to any one of claims 13 or 14, which comprises a latex shell of a latex layer, which has been applied by means of a latex dip to a glass flask, wherein the decorative element is arranged on or below the latex layer.

16. A condom according to at least one of claims 13 or 14, which has a latex shell of two latex layers, which by means of a latex diving bads were applied to a glass flask, wherein the decorative element between the latex layers is arranged.

17. A condom according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the decorative element has a different color than the latex shell, or consists of fluorescent latex.

18. A condom which is capable of being used, meets common safety standards and has decorations made by means of a positive glass flask which is immersed at least once in liquid latex, a latex decoration element being applied directly to the glass flask during the manufacturing process, or between a first and second

A latex layer is applied from the latex dip bath and the decorative element and the respectively present latex layer (s) are connected to one another by a subsequent vulcanization step.