WO2006084305A1

WO2006084305A1 - A condom

Info

Publication number: WO2006084305A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/000125
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rodney John Kent
Original assignee: Rodney John Kent
Priority date: 2005-02-08
Filing date: 2006-02-02
Publication date: 2006-08-17

Abstract

A condom (10) comprising at least a portion formed of an inner layer (12) and an outer layer (14) overlying the inner layer. The condom (10) has a first surface (16) on the inner layer (12) that, when the condom is worn on a penis, is in direct contact with the penis, a second surface (18) on the inner layer (12) that faces the outer layer (14), a third surface (20) on the outer layer (14) that faces the second surface (18) and a fourth surface (22) on an opposite surface of the outer layer (14) to the third surface (20). Each of the second and third surfaces (18, 20) are provided with a plurality of protrusions (24), such that at least a set of the protrusions (24) are relatively juxtaposed to contact each other when the outer layer (14) moves in an axial direction relative to the inner layer (12).

Description

A Condom

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a condom.

Background of the Invention

Condoms have been used for hundreds of years for the purposes of contraception and the prevention of the transmission of venereal diseases . Notwithstanding the effectiveness of the condom for both of these purposes, there remains varying degrees of reluctance for their use . The main reason given for the reluctance to use a condom is the lack of sensation for the wearer . To address this , manufacturers have sought to reduce the thickness of the material (generally latex or polyurethane) from which the condom is made . It is known to provide ribbing on the outer surface of a condom for the purposes of, during vaginal intercourse, increasing sensation and stimulation of the female .

Summary of the Invention

It is an obj ect of the present invention to attempt to provide a condom that provides greater sensation to a wearer than a conventional condom.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a condom comprising at least a portion formed of an inner layer and an outer layer overlying the inner layer, the condom having a first surface on the inner layer that, when the condom is worn on a penis, is in direct contact with the penis, a second surface on the inner layer that faces the outer layer, a third surface on the outer layer that faces the second surface and a fourth surface on an opposite surface of the outer layer to the third surface, each of the second and third surfaces being provided with a plurality of protrusions, such that at least a set of the protrusions are relatively juxtaposed to contact each other when the outer layer moves in an axial direction relative to the inner layer .

The condom may further comprise a plurality of protrusions formed on the fourth surface . Alternatively or additionally, the condom may further comprise a plurality of protrusions on the first surface .

In one embodiment, the protrusions comprise circumferential ribs . The ribs may have a smoothly curved profile . Alternatively, the ribs may have a profile comprising one or more edges . Where the ribs have a profile comprising one or more edges, the ribs can have a profile that is selected from the list including a square, rectangular and triangular profiles .

In one embodiment, the condom further comprises a plurality of discrete obj ects disposed between the inner and outer layers . For example, the discrete objects may comprise microspheres or rounded beads .

The protrusions on the second surface may be substantially interleaved with the protrusions on the third surface .

The protrusions on one of the second and third surfaces may be spaced apart by a distance equal to or greater than a width of the protrusions on the other of the second and third surfaces .

The protrusions on one or both of the second and third surfaces can be formed in groups of two or more, and the groups are spaced on that or those surfaces by a distance equal to or greater than a width of the group of protrusions . The condom may further comprise a lubricating material disposed between the inner and outer layers . The lubricating material can be selected from a list including liquids, gels and powders .

In one embodiment, when the condom is worn on a penis, the portion extends over both the glans and a substantial portion of the shaft of the penis .

The condom may further comprise a sealing ring that j oins the inner and outer layers, the sealing ring being provided at an opening of the condom through which the penis enters the condom.

In another embodiment, when the condom is worn on a penis, the portion is a first portion that extends about the glans of the penis .

The condom may further comprise a second portion that is contiguous with the first portion and, when the condom is worn on a penis, extends about at least part of the shaft of the penis .

In one embodiment, the second portion comprises a single layer that covers the shaft of the penis . The condom may further comprise a sealing ring, which j oins the inner and outer layers of the first portion. In one preferred embodiment, the sealing ring extends circumferentially about the condom and, when the condom is worn on a penis , is positioned adjacent the join between the glans and the shaft of the penis .

In one embodiment the second portion, when the condom is worn on a penis, covers the shaft of the penis, the second portion comprising an inner layer and an outer layer overlying the inner layer, the condom having a first surface on the inner layer that, when the condom is worn on a penis, is in direct contact with the penis, a second surface on the inner layer that faces the outer layer, a third surface on the outer layer that faces the second surface and a fourth surface on an opposite surface of the outer layer to the third surface .

In yet another embodiment, each of the second and third surfaces of the second portion are provided with a plurality of protrusions, such that at least a set of the protrusions are relatively juxtaposed to contact each other when the outer layer moves in an axial direction relative to the inner layer . In such an embodiment, the condom may further comprise a sealing ring, which seals the inner and outer layers of each of the first and second portions . Preferably, the sealing ring extends circumferentially about the condom and, when the condom is worn on a penis, is positioned adjacent the join between the glans and the shaft of the penis .

Each of the first and second portions may contain a lubricating material . The sealing ring can be arranged to prevent lubricating fluid in each of the first or second portions from being transferred to the other of the first or second portions .

In one embodiment, the lubricating material in the first portion has different physical properties to the lubricating material in the second portion . The lubricating material in each of the first and second portions may be selected from a list including liquids , gels and powders .

Each of the portions can be filled with liquids or gels having different viscosity. o

The lubricating material in at least one of the first and second portions can be filled with a liquid, gel or composition that generates or absorbs heat when subj ected to mechanical working, shear force, compression or mixing. In one embodiment, the lubricant comprises a water based lubricant and a salt, which, in use, is mixed to provide an exothermic or endothermic reaction .

In yet another embodiment, the second portion has one or more openings to expose portions of the shaft of the penis , and the condom further comprises a sealing ring, which seals the inner and outer layers of the first portion and provides a constriction on the shaft of the penis to prevent fluid passing between the penis and the sealing ring .

In still another embodiment, the second portion comprises a resilient ring and a plurality of elongate resilient strips that couple the resilient ring to the first portion, the ring forming an opening through which a penis enters the condom.

In a further embodiment, when the condom is worn on a penis , the portion is a first portion that extends about at least part of the shaft of the penis . The condom may further comprise a second portion that is contiguous with the first portion and, when the condom is worn on a penis, extends about the glans of the penis . The second portion may comprise a single layer that covers the glans of the penis . The condom may be provided with a sealing ring, which j oins the inner and outer layers of the first portion . Preferably, the sealing ring extends circumferentially about the condom and, when the condom is worn on a penis , is positioned adjacent the j oin between the glans and the shaft of the penis . According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a condom comprising a cover portion shaped to cover the glans of a penis , a resilient ring and a plurality of resilient elongate strips that couple the ring to the cover portion whereby areas of the shaft of the penis are exposed between the cover portion and the ring .

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross section view of a condom according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 depicts detail A of Figure 1, being an enlargement of a portion of the condom;

Figure 3 depicts alternative detail A of a condom according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 depicts alternative detail A of a condom according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 depicts alternative detail A of a condom according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross section view of a condom according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic cross section view of a condom according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic cross section view of a condom according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8a is a schematic cross section view of a condom according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a schematic cross section view of a condom according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a schematic cross section view of a condom according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; and,

Figure 11 depicts alternative detail A of a condom according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention .

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment

With reference to the accompanying drawings and in particular Figures 1 and 2 , a condom 10 in accordance with the present invention comprises inner and outer latex layers 12 and 14 respectively. It is to be understood however that the material from which the layers of the condom 10 are made is not an essential aspect of this invention . However ideally at least one and preferably both of the layers should be liquid impervious . The layers 12 and 14 can be made from any material suitable for the manufacture of condoms . The layers 12 , 14 together form a dual layer .

The condom 10 has four surfaces, 16, 18 , 20 and 22. The first surface 16 is a surface on the first layer 12 that is in direct contact with the penis when the condom 10 is worn . Surface 18 is on an opposite side of the inner layer 12 to the first surface 16, and faces the third surface 20 of the condom, which is on an inside of the outer layer 14. The fourth surface 22 is on an opposite side of the outer layer 14 to the third surface 20, and forms the outermost surface of the condom 10. Each of the second and third layers 18 , 20 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 24. At least a set of the protrusions 24 are relatively juxtaposed so as to contact each other when the outer layer 14 moves in an axial or longitudinal direction relative to the inner layer 12.

The protrusions 24 may take the form of circumferential ribs integrally formed with the respective layers 12 and 14. Such ribs are presently available on the outermost surface of single layer condoms and promoted for providing increased sensation to the person having intercourse with the wearer of the condom.

The protrusions 24 are arranged on respective surfaces 18 and 20 (and thus of the dual layer) so as to interleave each other, as clearly depicted in Figures 2-4. Further, respective protrusions 24 on any of the surfaces 18 , 20 are spaced apart by a distance greater than the width of the protrusions . The protrusions 24 also extend upright from their respective surfaces by a distance to ensure that, upon the relative axial or longitudinal motion of one layer relative to the other, the protrusions on the different layers will contact each other. As a consequence, there is increased surface area contact between the inner layer 12 and outer layer 14 thereby increasing friction. This is intended to increase sensation to the wearer of the condom. Additionally, as the protrusions 24 on the different layers 12 and 14 ride over each other, there will be a localized increase and decrease in the thickness of the condom 10. This may provide a pulsating increase and decrease in the diameter of the condom providing increased sensation to both the wearer and the person having intercourse with the wearer .

In various embodiments of the condom 10 , the volume defined between the layers 12 and 14 can be filled with a lubricant such as a liquid, gel or particulate substance such as powder . The volume between the layers 12 and 14 is sealed by a fused roll or sealing ring 25 that also defines an opening 2? of the condom 10 into which the penis is inserted in order to wear the condom. Further, other small discrete objects , such as for example microspheres or rounded beads , may be placed between the layers to enhance sensation.

With particular reference to Figures 2-4 , the protrusions 24 can be formed having many different profiles . In Figure 2, the protrusions 24 are shown as having an arcuate or a generally convex profile . However, as depicted in Figures 3 and 4 , the protrusions 24 may be provided with one or more edges . In particular in Figure 3, the protrusions 24a have a square or rectangular profile provided with a pair of edges 40 radially distant the surface on which they are formed. In Figure 4 , the protrusions 24b are of a triangular profile having a single edge or apex 42 distant the surface upon which the protrusion is formed.

In further variations, the condom 10 can be provided with protrusions on one or both of the first surface 16 and the fourth surface 22. Figure 5 depicts an embodiment where the condom 10 comprises the protrusions on the first surface 16 and fourth surface 22, together with the second surface 18 and third surface 20. Indeed in this embodiment, the protrusions 24 on the first surface 16 are formed continuously or overlie the protrusions 24 on the second surface 18 ; and, similarly the protrusions 24 on the third surface 20 are formed continuously with or overlie the protrusions 24 on the fourth surface 22. In effect each protrusion 24 can be considered as a bead having a circular or ovoid profile that is bisected by the layer 12 or 14 on which it is formed.

It is further envisaged that in other embodiments of the condom different portions can be sealed from each other and contain lubricants or other discrete objects of different properties . For example, Figure 6 depicts an embodiment of the condom 10a having a first portion 26a that in use would cover the glans of a penis and a second section 28a that would ordinarily extend over the shaft of the penis, these sections being separated by a sealing ring 30. The sealing ring 30 extends circumferentially about the condom providing a fluid seal between the sections 26a and 28a . Sections 26a and 28a may contain, for example, lubricants of different viscosity, or lubricants , which have different thermal characteristics when subject to shear force . Such thermal characteristics of the lubricants may include the lubricant being endothermic or exothermic . Also contemplated is the provision of different mixtures of substances in the different sections 26a and 28a which react to provide endothermic or exothermic reactions . For example providing a water based lubricant to sections 26a and 28a but with different salts in each section so that when the condom 10a is in use, different chemical reactions take place in the different sections providing different thermal effects .

In addition to providing a fluid seal , when worn the sealing ring 30 can aid in constricting blood flow between the shaft and the glans of the penis . Accordingly, the sealing ring 30 may additionally assist the wearer in maintaining an erection . While the condom 10a shown in Figure 6 is depicted as having only two different portions 26a and 28a, further portions may be provided along the condom by the provision of further sealing rings .

Figure 7 depicts a further embodiment of the condom 10b which differs from the condom 10a shown in Figure 6 by the replacement of the dual layer portion 26a with a single layer portion 26b. Portion 28b of the condom 10b is formed as a dual layer portion having the inner layer 12 and outer layer 14 identical to portion 28a in Figure 6. Sealing ring 30 seals the end of the portion 28b adj acent the portion 26b . An opposite end of the portion 28b includes the opening 27.

Figure 8 depicts a further embodiment of the condom 10c, which, in comparison with the condom 10a shown in Figure 6, comprises a dual layer portion 26c identical to portion 26a of condom 10a that in use, covers the glans of the penis, and a single layer portion 28c that extends from the portion 26c to cover the shaft of the penis . The sealing ring 30 is incorporated in the condom 10c to provide a fluid seal to the portion 26c .

Figure 8a depicts a further embodiment of the condom 10c ' , which, in comparison with the condom 10a shown in Figure 6, comprises a dual layer portion 26c ¹ identical to portion 26a of condom 10a that in use, covers the glans of the penis . The portion 28c ' extends from the portion 26c ' , and in use is intended to cover the shaft of the penis . Portion 28c ' comprises an inner liquid impervious layer, which in use is in contact with the shaft of the penis, and a second outer layer . The inner and outer surfaces of both inner and outer layers in the portion 28c ' are smooth. A lubricating material, such as a liquid, gel or powder, can be provided between the inner and outer layers . A sealing ring 30 ' is incorporated in the condom 10c ' to provide a fluid seal between the portions 26c ' and 28c ' . In use, the sealing ring 30 ' is intended to be disposed about the shaft of the penis of the wearer, and adjacent the glans of the penis . A fused roll 25 ' (or sealing ring) is provided at the opening 27 ' of the condom 10c ' to j oin the inner and outer layers of portion 28c ' .

Figure 9 depicts yet a further embodiment of the condom 1Od having a forward dual layer portion 2βd that, in use, is intended to cover the glans of the penis and an adj acent short length of the shaft . A sealing ring 3Od extends circumferentially about the portion 26d to both seal the portion 2βd and also provide a degree of constriction about the shaft to form a seal to prevent the leakage of semen. The condom 1Od further comprises a resilient ring 34 at an end distant the portion 26d and a plurality of elongate resilient strips 36 that extend between the sealing ring 34 to the portion 26d. Thus, in use, the elongate resilient strips 36 extend generally longitudinally along the penis and connect the sealing ring 34 to the portion 26d. By virtue of this configuration, the condom 1Od provides large areas 38 between the sealing ring 34 , ring 3Od and strips 36 that remain open to allow direct physical contact between the shaft of the penis and the body cavity in which it is inserted.

As shown in figure 9, the portion 26d is provided with protrusions that are arranged on both the surface of the inner layer that faces the outer layer, and the surface of the outer layer that faces the inner layer . At least a set of the protrusions are relatively juxtaposed so as to contact each other when the outer layer moves in an axial or longitudinal direction relative to the inner layer . Figure 10 depicts a further embodiment of the condom 1Oe, which is based on the condom 1Od shown in Figure 9 and differs therefrom by the replacement of the dual layer portion 26d with a single layer portion 26e . The condom 1Oe is provided with a ring 3Oe extending about the end of portion 2βe closest the ring 34 , which also functions to form a seal against the penis to prevent the leakage of semen .

Now that various embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations may be made without departing from the basic inventive concept . For example, with reference to Figures 2-5, the protrusions 24 on the second and third surfaces are shown as being singularly interleaved. However the protrusions may be formed in groups of 2 or more on one of the second or third surfaces 18 , 20 and interleaves with protrusions formed in groups of two or more on the other of the second and third surfaces 18 , 20 as shown in Figure 11. Also, while the present drawings depict the protrusions 24 on the surfaces 16, 22 as having the same profile for any particular condom, this need not be the case . The protrusions 24 may have different configurations on different surfaces of the same condom. Further, the condom may be provided with any form of conventional "tickler" .

It is to be appreciated that embodiments similar to the embodiment shown in figure 5 may be provided, in which the protrusions 24 on one or both of the first and fourth surfaces 16, 22 that are formed continuously or overlie the protrusions 24 on the second and third surfaces 18 , 20. However, the profile of the protrusions 24 can have one or more edges . Accordingly, in one embodiment each protrusion could be considered to be a bead having a profile of oblong shape (such as a rectangle, square or diamond) that is bisected by the inner or outer layer 12 , 14 on which it is formed.

All such modifications and variations together with others than would be obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the above description .

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A condom comprising at least a portion formed of an inner layer and an outer layer overlying the inner layer, the condom having a first surface on the inner layer that, when the condom is worn on a penis, is in direct contact with the penis, a second surface on the inner layer that faces the outer layer, a third surface on the outer layer that faces the second surface and a fourth surface on an opposite surface of the outer layer to the third surface, each of the second and third surfaces being provided with a plurality of protrusions , such that at least a set of the protrusions are relatively juxtaposed to contact each other when the outer layer moves in an axial direction relative to the inner layer.

2. A condom according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of protrusions formed on the fourth surface .

3. A condom according to either claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a plurality of protrusions on the first surface .

4. A condom according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protrusions comprise circumferential ribs .

5. A condom according to claim 4 , wherein the ribs have a smoothly curved profile .

6. A condom according to claim 4 , wherein the ribs have a profile comprising one or more edges .

7. A condom according to claim 6, wherein the ribs have a profile that is selected from a list including square, rectangular and triangular profiles . 8. A condom according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising a plurality of discrete obj ects disposed between the inner and outer layers .

9. A condom according to claim 8 , wherein the discrete objects comprise microspheres or rounded beads .

10. A condom according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the protrusions on the second surface are substantially interleaved with the protrusions on the third surface .

11. A condom according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the protrusions on one of the second and third surfaces are spaced apart by a distance equal to or greater than a width of the protrusions on the other of the second and third surfaces .

13. A condom according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the protrusions on one or both of the second and third surfaces are formed in groups of two or more, and the groups are spaced on that or those surfaces by a distance equal to or greater than a width of the group of protrusions .

14. A condom according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a lubricating material disposed between the inner and outer layers .

15. A condom according to claim 14 , wherein the lubricating material is selected from a list including liquids, gels and powders .

16. A condom according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, when the condom is worn on a penis, the portion extends over both the glans and a substantial portion of the shaft of the penis . 17. A condom according to claim 16, further comprising a sealing ring that j oins the inner and outer layers, the sealing ring being provided at an opening of the condom through which the penis enters the condom.

18. A condom according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, when the condom is worn on a penis, the portion is a first portion that extends about the glans of the penis .

19. A condom according to claim 18 , further comprising a second portion that is contiguous with the first portion and, when the condom is worn on a penis, extends about at least part of the shaft of the penis .

20. A condom according to claim 19, wherein the second portion comprises a single layer that covers the shaft of the penis .

21. A condom according to claim 20, further comprising a sealing ring, which joins the inner and outer layers of the first portion .

22. A condom according to claim 21 , wherein the sealing ring extends circumferentially about the condom and, when the condom is worn on a penis, is positioned adjacent the j oin between the glans and the shaft of the penis .

23. A condom according to claim 19, wherein the second portion, when the condom is worn on a penis, covers the shaft of the penis, the second portion comprising an inner layer and an outer layer overlying the inner layer, the condom having a first surface on the inner layer that, when the condom is worn on a penis, is in direct contact with the penis, a second surface on the inner layer that faces the outer layer, a third surface on the outer layer that faces the second surface and a fourth surface on an opposite surface of the outer layer to the third surface .

24. A condom according to claim 23, wherein each of the second and third surfaces of the second portion are provided with a plurality of protrusions , such that at least a set of the protrusions are relatively juxtaposed to contact each other when the outer layer moves in an axial direction relative to the inner layer .

25. A condom according to either claim 23 or 24 , further comprising a sealing ring, which seals the inner and outer layers of each of the first and second portions .

26. A condom according to claim 25, wherein the sealing ring extends circumferentially about the condom and, when the condom is worn on a penis, is positioned adj acent the j oin between the glans and the shaft of the penis .

27. A condom according to claim 26, wherein each of the first and second portions contains a lubricating material .

28. A condom according to claim 27 , wherein the sealing ring prevents lubricating fluid in each of the first or second portions from being transferred to the other of the first or second portions .

29. A condom according to either claim 27 or 28 , wherein the lubricating material in the first portion has different physical properties to the lubricating material in the second portion .

30. A condom according to claim 28 , wherein the lubricating material in each of the first and second portions is selected from a list including liquids, gels and powders . 31. A condom according to claim 30, wherein each of the portions are filled with liquids or gels having different viscosity.

32. A condom according to either claim 30 or 31, wherein the lubricating material in at least one of the first and second portions is filled with a liquid, gel or composition that generates or absorbs heat when subjected to mechanical working, shear force, compression or mixing.

33. A condom according to claim 32 , wherein the lubricating material comprises a water based lubricant and a salt, which, in use, is mixed to provide an exothermic or endothermic reaction.

34. A condom according to claim 19 , wherein the second portion has one or more openings to expose portions of the shaft of the penis, and the condom further comprises a sealing ring, which seals the inner and outer layers of the first portion and provides a constriction on the shaft of the penis to prevent fluid passing between the penis and the sealing ring .

35. A condom according to claim 34 , wherein the second portion comprises a resilient ring and a plurality of elongate resilient strips that couple the resilient ring to the first portion, the ring forming an opening through which a penis enters the condom.

36. A condom according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, when the condom is worn on a penis, the portion is a first portion that extends about at least part of the shaft of the penis .

37. A condom according to claim 36, further comprising a second portion that is contiguous with the first portion and, when the condom is worn on a penis, extends about the glans of the penis .

38. A condom according to claim 37 , wherein the second portion comprises a single layer that covers the glans of the penis .

39. A condom according to claim 38 , further comprising a sealing ring, which j oins the inner and outer layers of the first portion.

40. A condom according to claim 39, wherein the sealing ring extends circumferentially about the condom and, when the condom is worn on a penis, is positioned adjacent the j oin between the glans and the shaft of the penis .

41. A condom comprising a cover portion shaped to cover the glans of a penis, a resilient ring and a plurality of resilient elongate strips that couple the ring to the cover portion whereby areas of the shaft of the penis are exposed between the cover portion and the ring .