WO2008024033A2

WO2008024033A2 - Package of a condom held by a holder

Info

Publication number: WO2008024033A2
Application number: PCT/RU2007/000453
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Leonidovich Felitsyn
Original assignee: Ooo 'andante'
Priority date: 2006-08-22
Filing date: 2007-08-22
Publication date: 2008-02-28
Also published as: RU2335262C2; EP2083770A2; US20090152133A1; WO2008024033B1; RU2006130828A; WO2008024033A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a package of a condom held by a holder. A package for a condom held by a holder; the package comprising a condom holder (7) with a condom (8) flatly arranged and held therein, the holder being provided with means (16) for holding said holder in one hand, a skin (9) at least partially enclosing the holder with condom held therein, and a case (1) covering the condom on both sides of the plane of condom; the case being displaceably arranged with respect to the holder. According to the invention, the skin is attached to the case or is at least partially constituted by the case. The device of the invention allows the user unpack and put on a condom in a quick and comfortable way, only slightly distracting the user from sexual intercourse.

Description

PACKAGE OF A CONDOM HELD BY A HOLDER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to barrier contraceptives, in particular to a device for unpacking a condom held by a holder.

BACKGROUND ART

A condom is a skin made of natural latex or another material, covering the penis entirely or partially. Condoms are used to protect from sexually transmitted diseases and/or undesirable pregnancy. A traditional condom is shown in Fig. 1. A condom can also be a so-called micro-condom covering only the balanus.

To make it compact and easy to use, a condom is usually rolled into ring. Actually, it can also be rolled in an opposite direction to that traditionally used for rolling a condom. A condom can also be bellowed or otherwise folded. When stored, a condom is usually sealingly packed into a skin generally formed as a package of a flexible sheet material which is usually strong enough to provide tightness and protect the condom during storage and transportation (see Fig. 2). A package is usually provided with means facilitating its unpacking, e.g. a notch or reduced-strength area at its side, or a sealed ribbon with one its end extending outside the package. When unpacked, a condom is applied to erect penis, and then rolled down to the penis root. It can be unnecessary to unroll down a micro-condom because it covers only the balanus. Therefore, a micro-condom only requires a minimal degree of unrolling, if any.

The main disadvantage of traditional condoms is that it takes a long time and much effort to unpack and put on a condom. As a result, the user's attention is distracted away from sexual intercourse.

It is necessary to tear the package to unpack a traditional condom. To do this, the user should examine the package to find means designed to facilitate unpacking, e.g. a notch, and then use both hands to grip the package on both sides of the notch and pull them in different directions. It is not possible to open the package without looking at it. Furthermore, in order to perform each of the mentioned operations, it is required to use both hands. It is also necessary to use both hands to put the condom on. However, typically, the user has only one free hand, and uses the other one to support himself or has it under woman's head (see Fig. 3). The movements of this hand are therefore restricted. Generally, this position is uncomfortable, and the user can release his second hand only for a short time. Therefore, for unpacking and putting on the condom, the user can use freely only one of his hands, occasionally using his second hand.

When putting on a condom, every moment spent can be critical for the user. Requirements for swift, convenient and easy handling of condom package are much higher than those for any other packed product used in private life.lt is known that some people do not use condoms even when necessary, and the main reason for this is that they have to spend a long time and much effort to put a condom on, resulting in distraction of their minds from the sexual intercourse. If this problem is solved, a) the overall condom usage will increase; whereas b) the number of people who either do not use condoms at all, or use them rarely while having high-risk sexual intercourses, will decrease.

This could help to solve the spreading HIV problem as well as decrease the uncontrolled birth rate growth (especially in overpopulated developing countries).

Devices known as condom holders hold a condom, in most cases hold the edge of a rolled condom, and therefore allow the user grasp a condom holder and put the condom on by applying the condom on top of and down the penis (see e.g. Fig. 4). In this process, the condom is unrolled along the penis shaft (where a pre-rolled condom is used).

A condom holder can be a hollow ring with a groove extending along its circumference and defining a recess for receiving a condom. The shape and location of the groove can vary (e.g., see US4738357, Martin et al, 1988).

When the inner diameter of the holder is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the condom ring, the recess can open to the outside. In this case, forces arise directed to the center of the condom ring, which do not let this ring pop out of the groove. This kind of holder is disclosed in the following patents: JP6154260 (Toshihiro, 1994), JP7308336, Tadashi, 1995), US5579784 (Harari, 1996), DE19641107 (Raabe, 1998), US5437286 (Stratton, 1995), FR2751869 (Loyer, 1998).

Also known are condom holders either embracing the whole condom ring (e.g. see US5163449, van der VaIk 1992) or having one discontinuity, either C-shaped or

U-shaped (e.g. see US4875491, Parrone, 1989). Holders can either hold the condom ring with spaced fasteners (e.g. see FR2727858, Vegega, 1996) or continuously along the whole circumference of the ring.

Other means of holding the edge of a rolled condom can be used, e.g. the condom ring can be held by a pair of rollers (e.g. see WO9801095, Liehs, 1999).

Figure 5 shows the holder consisting of two parts which are to be held with both hands (e.g. see WO02/069861, Van Rensburg, 2002).

A condom held with a holder can be rolled up both in the direction traditionally used for rolling condoms and in opposite direction (e.g. see US5549120, Persson et al., 1996). On its circumference, a condom can also be bellowed or folded in any other manner (e.g. see WO9319704, Wheeler, 1993).

Further, ribbons (see Fig. 6), can be used to simplify the process of putting on a condom (e.g. see US4934382, Barone, Jr., 1990). Two or rarely more than two ribbons are rolled into the condom. These means can be referred to as "ribbon holders" because these are designed to help holding the condom and putting it on. If condom is provided with two ribbons, it means that the user should apply condom to the penis, hold ribbons with both hands and pull the condom, unrolling it along the penis. Figure 7 represents the ribbon holder with ribbons connected to each other (see JP58183161 , Koike, 1983). However, it is not easy to hold the condom with one hand using these ribbons, excluding the case when the ribbons are connected to a rigid base actually forming a holder. For example, WO9407444 (Van Kempen et al., 1994) comprises two ribbons connected to a U-shaped base (see Fig. 8 and 9).

Holders help to put on a condom with comfort. Actually, some condom holders such as "rigid" holders consisting of a single piece and holders with ribbons connected to a rigid base allow the user to put a condom on using one hand, without changing his position and therefore reduce the distraction from the sexual intercourse. However, the problems related to unpacking process remain unsolved even with these holders. In background art, the package is either not mentioned at all, or it is presumed that a condom with holder is packed traditionally: hermetically sealed in a soft plastic package, as shown in Fig. 2. In order to open such package, the user has to perform several consequent steps, using both hands each time. After the package is torn, the condom surfaces are usually not fully exposed (see Fig. 10), thus requiring the user to release said surfaces further. Furthermore, if the package is provided with notches (see Figs. 11 M 12) facilitating its tearing, the user is required to locate said notches in order to put his hands close to said notches (Fig. 11) thus concentrating the force applied to the package. However, the mentioned steps can be hard to perform in some cases, e.g. in the twilight. If the hands are positioned incorrectly with respect to the notches, as shown in Fig. 12, the tearing of the package is hindered because the force is spread over a large area. As a result, the time required to open the package increases, distracting the user from sexual intercourse. This inconvenience reduces the potential advantages of condoms held by holders over traditional condoms.

WO9629262 (Kursner, 1996), WO9220595 (Forster et al., 1992), WO9502379 (Andrews, 1995) disclose opening a package by pressing it, whereas the package breaks due to notches therein. Apparently, after opening the package the condom should be taken out of it. In said patents, the pressing of the package has generally the same result as breaking of the package.

JP6179476 (Masamitsu, 1994), US6076661 (Abadi, 2000) comprise the package with one side covered by a light removable lid. This lid is removable to get access to the condom. US6227358 (Lin, 2001), FR2706429 (Lajaz, 1994) describe a condom package opening in the same manner as a can of beer, using a metal pull-tab.

WO9608220 (Vilmorin, 1996), US5862908 (Arbin, 1999) disclose a caseed condom, where the case consists of two pieces connected by a hinge like a powder case. After opening the package, the condom should be taken out of it. US5238103 (Swisher, 1993) discloses a foiled condom received in a device having hinged lower and upper halves. Blades arranged inside the device cut the foil of condom when it is inserted into the device. Then, foil pieces covering the condom on top and bottom can either be pulled out by the user or fall out while opening the halves. Precise time-consuming manipulations are necessary for unpacking the condom using this device, and furthermore, the condom can be damaged by the blades.

Several additional outer packages, openable in different ways, are also known, e.g. see CA2130536 (McVicar et al., 1996) and US5117841 (McBeth, 1992). The inner package remains sealed when the outer package is opened.

GB2253352 (Jones, 1992), US5316019 (Jones, 1994) and US5638949 (Jones, 1997) describe a condom packed together with a holder in a package and received in a case, the case being provided with a hinged lid. In order to open the case, the lid must be opened (thus opening the package). However, after opening the package, said package must be spread and the holder with condom must be taken out. It is clear that these steps require concentration and time.

FR2751869 (Loyer, 1998), JP11004844 (Katayama, 1999), JP11019110 (Mitsuoka et al., 1999) describe a holder covered on its top and bottom by light lids provided with pull-tabs. A condom packed in this manner can be unpacked by removing the lids, pulling the pull-tabs in succession. In this case, it is necessary to find a pull-tab and pull it with one hand while holding the package with the other hand. Thus, several steps must be carried out using both hads each time.

A method for unpacking a condom with a holder by stretching the package is known (see Fig. 11), e.g. see WO9008522 (Backman, 1990), GB2225721 (Powell, 1990), EP1236452 (Suzuki, 2001). The package is torn due to its stretching.

WO02069861 (Van Rensburg W. 2002) discloses a method for unpacking a condom by breaking the package along the weakened lines, whereupon the halves of the holder remain in the user's hands with the condom therebetween, ready for putting on. However, the process of putting on the condom requires using both hands.

US4738357 (Martin et al., 1988), US6089231 (Thompson, 2000) describe a device requiring the removal of a protective disc covering the condom held by a holder from one side. Another protective disc on the other side is removed by penis while putting the condom on. US5651374 (Wester, 1997) discloses a device where a condom held by a holder is exposed by turning up two protective sheets covering the condom on both sides.

All methods described above also distract the user from sexual intercourse.

WO9801095 (Liehs, 1999) comprises a "gun" as an unpacking device, where the holder with condom is placed in the "barrel". US5437286 (Stratton, 1995) describes the invention where two surfaces (made of a thin film) are broken by the penis while putting the condom on. The user can unpack and put this condom on using only one hand, therefore the device disclosed in US5437286 is referred to as "ready-to-use" type. However, breaking the film by penis is uncomfortable for the user. Further, if the film is so thin that it can be pierced by penis, it means that the condom cannot be stored in real-life conditions, and can be easily damaged. Therefore, the condom is to be stored in some other package e.g. a paper envelope, thus, package problem still remains. Furthermore, the film should be lubricated from the bottom to make the user feel comfortable. Hence, the condom is to be kept in another package to protect the lubricant. At last, a film designed to be broken by penis should be covered in order to protect it from contamination.

In JP2000232988 (Tanabe et al., 2000), package parts covering a condom held by a holder also break under pressure exerted by penis. This package is to be held in a certain manner. The package has means into which the user's fingers shall be inserted to stretch the package.

WO9846495 (Flock, 1998) discloses a package containing a traditional condom, the package having a central weakened line terminating with notches on the edges of the package. Pouches are provided on the package sides parallel to the weakened line. To open this package, the user should hold the package in one hand and insert his bended thumb into one of the pouches. Then the user moves his thumb to straighten it. As a result, the package is stretched and torn along the weakened line. The upper part of the torn pack probably remains on user's thumb and can be flung off later, while its lower part with the condom remains in the user's hand. Thus, after the package is torn, the condom should be released from the lower part of the package and then held in a proper manner. The aforementioned procedure is not convenient for the user and requires some skill to perform it using one hand. Furthermore, holding a soft package and pressing it to the palm with the fingers while tearing the package by the thumb placed in the pouch also seems to be uncomfortable. It is necessary to hold the package tightly, otherwise it can slip out and remain unrent.

Further, the incorporation of a weakened line into a condom package does not contribute to safety: the package could be torn while stored in the pocket. Thus, such kind of package is generally stored in an additional rigid package, e.g. cardboard or plastic case. Extracting the package from the case makes the procedure of unpacking and putting on the condom more complicated and requires using the second hand.

It shall also be noted that a condom described in WO9846495 (Flock, 1998) is not provided with a holder that would allow the user to put the condom on using one hand, therefore Flock does not solve the problem of conveniently putting on a condom.

A device that seems to be the closest to the one claimed herein is described in US 6,425,397 (30.06.02, A61F6/00). A package for a condom held by a holder disclosed in US 6,425,397 and represented in Fig. 10 thereof, comprises a cover, a condom holder with condom held therein, the holder being adapted to be displaced with respect to the package, and a skin in which the holder with condom is received, the skin being fixed within the package. A housing provided with a round opening can be inserted in the cover. A frame is slidably received in the housing. The holder with the condom held therein (enclosed in the package) is received in the housing in such manner that the condom is aligned with the round opening of the case. The skin is attached to the frame. When displacing the frame with respect to the housing, the frame pulls the skin and tears it apartwhile the holder is retained in the housing. Thus, the unpacked holder remains in the housing, and due to the round opening, the condom is exposed and ready to be put on. The user takes the housing in his hand and puts the condom on.

Due to the fact that the holder is used, the device of US 6,425,397 is convenient when putting on the condom. However, the unpacking process requires a series of consequent steps where both hands shall be used. In particular, to remove the cover, the user shall hold the cover in his hand and displace the cover with respect to the housing, while holding the frame with his other hand. Further, the user, still holding the frame in his hand, displaces the frame with respect to the housing held in his other hand. Therefore, both hands shall be used over the whole unpacking process which is too long under the circumstances. Further, the part of the frame to be held in hand small and difficult to grasp. Furthermore, the design of the housing does not allow quick removal of the housing in transverse direction after putting the condom on, and this is also uncomfortable for the user who has to take the housing off by shifting it backwards along the whole length of the penis. The purpose of this invention is to provide a compact and durable device to ensure convenient, fast and reliable unpacking mainly with one hand, and also a convenient process of putting on the condom using a holder with one hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem is solved by providing a package for a condom retained by a holder; the package comprising a condom holder with a condom flatly arranged and held therein, the holder being provided with means for holding the holder in one hand, a skin at least partially enclosing the holder with the condom held therein, and a case covering the condom on both sides of the plane of condom; the case being displaceably arranged with respect to the holder; according to the invention, the skin is attached to the case or is at least partially constituted by the case.

Therefore, in order to unpack the condom, it is required to remove the case by displacing the case with respect to the holder in the plane of condom. To perform this, the user holds the holder in one hand, while grasping the case and removing it with the other hand in one action. As a result, the condom surfaces are fully exposed.

Only the operation of removing the case requires using the second hand, and the condom with holder is in one hand and ready to be put on. As a result, the distraction of the user from sexual intercourse during condom unpacking procedure is minimal, and the process is convenient for the user.

By the convenience of the unpacking process it is understood that the procedure is performed using only one hand, while the other hand is used only for a short time, e.g. in situation represented in Fig. 3, when the user has one hand under the woman's head. After that, the procedure of putting on the condom does not require using of the second hand.

The skin can be provided with means for breaking the continuity of the skin.

The skin can comprise a sheet having its edges connected to each other; wherein the strength of the connection between these edes is lower than the strenght of the sheet, so that the connection between these edges constitutes said means for breaking the continuity of the skin.

The edges of the sheet can be overlapping or turned up and connected to each other. If said edges are overlapping, one of the edges of the sheet can be provided with at least one pull-tab attached to the case. The means for holding the holder in one hand can be located on one end of the skin, while the means for breaking the continuity of the skin can be located in such manner that the distance between the means for breaking the continuity of the skin and said end of the skin is shorter than the distance between the means for breaking the continuity of the skin and the opposite end of the skin. This arrangement of the means for holding the holder in one hand and the means for breaking the continuity of the skin provides the full exposure of condom surfaces and excludes the necessity of additional skin removal actions when unpacking the condom.

The means for breaking the continuity of the skincan include at least one weakened line.

The holder can include a hollow open ring with a shaped groove extending along its inner circumference, wherein the condom is received in this grooveThe holder can be provided with two stretching members defining a space in which the condom can be placed; the members being provided with fasteners for holding the condom, the fasteners extending into this space. The holder can be adapted to displace the stretching members away from each other.

This leads to the lowering of friction between the holder and the sensitive skin during the process of putting on the condom, which provides more comfortable process of putting on the condom. Furthermore, the increase of the ring area provides much easire process of putting on the condom in a situation when the process is performed by the feel and with unsufficient illumination.

The holder can include a bar with the stretching members attached to the ends thereof; wherein the holder is provided with levers having their larger arm formed by said stretching members, and a pivot located on the ends of said bar; said displacement of the stretching members away from each other being effected by displacing said levers.

Said stretching elements can be connected to each other by a flexible web. Furthermore, each of said stretching members can be adapted to be bent into the area defined by said members. The stretching member can consist at least of two parts connected with a flexible web by means of which this stretching member is adapted to be bent.

Said stretching members can be angular and are movably connected to each other and arranged in such a manner that their first sections, each including at least one fastener for holding the edge of the condom are opposite to each other, and their 53

10 second sections, angled with respect to the first sections, extend along each other, said connection of the angular stretching members being arranged at their second sections in such a way, said displacement of the angular stretching members is provided by displacing their second sections along each other with corresponding displacement of their first sections at least away from each other.

The holder can include a guideway with an opening embracing the second sections.

The holder can be U-shaped, with its inner part facing the condom and embracing it. In this case, the holder can include at least two ribbons, one end of said ribbons being attached to the holder, while the other end is extended along the outer surface of the condom and rolled into ring together with the condom.

The holder can include a part protruding through the skin.

Means for holding the holder in one hand are usually connected to the holder by means of at least one part protruding through the skin. Said part connecting the means for holding the holder in one hand and the holder, can sandwiched between two layers of sheet material, while a segment of the skin adjacent to said part protuding through the skin is attached thereto and separated from the rest of the skin with weakened lines.

The skin can be a package made of two sheets connected at the edges. The skin can be hermetically sealed.

The case can comprise a box having one open end, and the skin is received inside this box and attached thereto.

The means for holding the holder in one hand can be located on the open end of the box. The box can be provided with at least one cutout adjacent to the open end of the box.

One end of the box can be covered with a flap cover attached to the box.

The box can be formed of two parts connected to each other like pieces of a soapbox. The means for holding the holder in one hand can include a removable lid covering the box.

The means for holding the holder in one hand can include a U-shaped frame having itsends connected to the box by means of mechanical interaction. The opposite sides of the U-shaped frame can extend on both sides of the first sections of the angular stretching members; and the crosspiece bridging the opposite sides of the U-shaped frame is flexible, so that the ends of the opposite sides of the U-shaped frame adjacent to said crosspiece can be displaced towards each other for pressing the holder out of the U-shaped frame and also for displacing the free ends of the U-shaped frame towards each other in order to displace the first sections of the angular stretching members away from each other.

The device can include a rest attached to the skin, and the box is provided with a cutout for accommodating the rest. The box can have semicircular lugs on two opposite surfaces of its open end; and the removable lid has on its boxfacing end cemicircular cutouts matching the lugs.

A rest section can be provided on the upper surface of the box.

The package can comprise two flexible plates, the edges of these plates being connected to each other thus forming an outer container; the skin can be placed in this container and attached thereto; and the means for holding the holder in one hand are located on one end of the container, and the same end of the container is open.

The outer container can be provided by at least one cutout adjacent to the open end of the outer container. The package can be provided with at least one stopper preventing or hindering accidental unpacking.

The package can have a ribbon attached both to the box and the lid, the ribbon running along the connection line of the box and the lid.

A ribbon attached to the box and the lid can be placed transversely to the connection line of said box and said lid.

The stopper can comprise two elements coming into a mechanical engagement when connected; one of said elements being located at the open end of the box in the middle part of one of its sides, the other element being located on the end of the lid where it is connected to the box. The open end of the outer package can be stuck by a protective film; the film having a cutout in the area where the means for holding the holder in one hand project from the package. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further follows the detailed description of the invention with references to enclosed figures, which represent: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a traditional condom held in hand by the user;

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a traditional condom shown in Fig. 1 , in the package;

Fig. 3 illustrates the situation preceding the process of putting on the condom; Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a condom placed in a known ring-like holder held in hand by the user;

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a condom placed in a known holder held with two hands by the user;

Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a condom placed in a known ribbon-type holder;

Fig. 7 illustrates a top view of a condom placed in a known ribbon-type holder in which the ribbons are connected to each other;

Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a condom placed in a known ribbon-type holder in which two ribbons are attached to a U-shaped base; Fig. 9 illustrates a top view of a condom shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 illustrates the situation in which tearing of the usual package does not lead to the full exposure of condom and holder surfaces;

Figs. 11 , 12 illustrates stretching of the package as a method for unpacking a condom placed in a holder; Fig. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a holder with condom placed therein.

Fig. 14 illustrates a side sectional view of the suggested package according to the invention in one of its embodiments;

Fig. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the package shown in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the package shown in Fig. 14; Fig. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the condom package with the holder after unpacking;

Fig. 18 illustrates a perspective view of the package in another its embodiment;

Figs. 19, 20 illustrate a perspective view showing assemblage stages of the condom unpacking device in the embodiment represented in Fig. 18; Fig. 21 illustrates a perspective view of the condom package with the holder shown in Fig. 18, after unpacking;

Figs. 22, 23 illustrate a perspective view of the condom unpacking process;

Fig. 24 illustrates a side sectional view of the stopper for the package shown in Fig. 18;

Fig. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the package shown in Fig. 18, provided with a stopper;

Fig. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the package shown in Fig. 14, provided with a stopper; Fig. 27 illustrates a perspective view of the condom package with the holder shown in Fig. 26, after unpacking;

Fig. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the package shown in Fig. 14, provided with a stopper;

Fig. 29 illustrates a perspective view of the condom package with the holder shown in Fig. 28, after unpacking;

Fig. 30 illustrates a perspective view of the package in another its embodiment;

Fig. 31 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the package parts shown in Fig. 31 ;

Fig. 32 illustrates a perspective view of the package in another its embodiment; Fig. 33 illustrates a perspective view of the condom package with the holder shown in Fig. 32, after unpacking;

Fig. 34 illustrates a perspective view of the package in another its embodiment;

Fig. 35 illustrates a perspective view of the package shown in Fig. 34, with a lid open; Fig. 36 illustrates a perspective view of the condom package with the holder shown in Fig. 34, after unpacking;

Fig. 37 illustrates a perspective view of the package in another its embodiment;

Fig. 38 illustrates a perspective view of the package in another its embodiment;

Fig. 39 illustrates a perspective view of the package in another its embodiment; Fig. 40 illustrates a perspective view of the package shown in Fig. 38, provided with a stopper;

Fig. 41 illustrates a perspective view of the holder in another its embodiment.

Fig. 42 illustrates a perspective view of the holder in another its embodiment. Fig. 43 illustrates a perspective view of the holder shown in Fig. 42, with the condom held therein;

Fig. 44 illustrates a perspective view of the holder shown in Fig. 42, placed in a package; Fig. 45 illustrates a perspective view of the holder in a package shown in Fig. 44, received in a box;

Figs. 46-47 illustrate the unpacking process of the holder with condom shown in Fig. 42;

Fig. 48 illustrates a perspective view of the holder in another its embodiment. Fig. 49 illustrates a perspective view of the means for breaking the continuity of the skin in one of its embodiments;

Fig. 50 illustrates a perspective view of the means for breaking the continuity of the skin in another its embodiment;

Figs. 51-56 are the variations of the package; Fig. 57 is a perspective view of the package in another its embodiment;

Fig. 58 is a perspective view of the holder placed in the package shown in Fig. 57;

Fig. 59 is a perspective view of the holder shown in Fig. 58, received in a skin;

Fig. 60 is the exploded view of the parts of the package shown in Fig. 57; Figs. 61 -63 are a perspective views of the condom unpacking stages;

Fig. 64 is a perspective view of the package in another its embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES

In Fig. 13-17, one of the invention embodiments is represented. According to this embodiment, a package for a condom held by a holder comprises a case constituted by a flat box 1 , generally represented in Fig. 15. As shown in Fig. 16, the box 1 has one open end 2. The box 1 consists of two parts 3 and 4. the parts 3 and 4 are flanged plates having flanges 5 and 6 respectively are formed on on three sides of parts 3, 4. Parts 3 and 4 are connected to each other with their flanges in the same manner as pieces of a soapbox. The connection of parts 3 and 4 can be bonded or e.g. secured by a detachable mechanical connection. The box itself can be made of any material sufficiently rigid to provide the integrity of its contents, e.g. plastic. In other words, the box 1 is a container.

A condom holder 7 with a condom 8 is placed in the box 1 , as shown in Fig. 14.

The condom holder 7 (Fig. 13) includes a hollow ring 10 with a shaped groove 11 extending along its inner circumference. Condom 8 (e.g. a traditionally used condom) is placed in groove 11. Most part of the condom 8 is rolled into a ring and placed into the groove 11 , excluding the condom end 12, which covers the opening of the ring

10. Generally a condom is flatly folded, thus its linear size along one direction is much smaller than the linear size along the directions perpendicular to this direction. It should be noted that the folded condom has some finite thickness, and its shape is not completely flat. The plane passing through the equator of the condom folded into ring, is herein referred to as the plane of condom.

On the outer edge, an extension 13 is attached to the ring 10 of holder 7; at the end of said extension, a plank 14 is formed passing transversely to the plane of condom and adjacent to the extension 13 at its central part, as shown in Fig. 13.

In this embodiment, the ring 10 of the holder 7 is open due to the fact that said ring includes a gap 15 located opposite to the extension 13 and used to remove the holder in lateral direction after putting on the condom.

The ring 10 of the holder 7, the extension 13 and the plank 14 can be implemented as a solid or as several parts rigidly connected to each other.

The package also comprises a removable lid 16 covering the box 1 and attached to the holder 7. The removable lid 16 has one open end consisting of two plates 17 and 18; each of said plates has a flange 19 and 20 respectively on three sides. The plank 14 is secured inside the lid 16 or is implemented as a solid with said lid. In this embodiment, the plank 14 and the plate 18 are implemented as a whole, as shown in Fig. 16.

The ring 10 of the holder 7 with the condom 8 are received in a skin formed by a pack 9, similar to the pack of traditional condom; said pack is made of one folded sheet 21 connected on its edges as shown in Fig. 16. In the area where the extension 13 bulges out of the ring and the pack 9, the sheet edges remain unconnected, embracing the extension 13. The extension 13 is flat with jagged edges in ths area, which allows the sheet 21 edges of pack 9 to firmly embrace the extension 13, making the pack hermetically sealed. The connection between pack 9 and extension 13 can be sealed by glue or a sealing component (not shown in figures).

Pack 9 can be provided with weakened lines, along which it can be easily torn. Said weakened lines can be provided by forming the package of two-layered film. One layer of the film (thin and solid) is impenetrable, and the other (more rigid) is provided, in desired areas, with weakened lines (e.g. perforated lines); along which the package can be torn.

A preferable arrangement of the weakened lines is shown in Fig. 16. One weakened line 22 passes along the pack edge 9 where the extension 13 protrudes out of pack 9. Further, weakened lines 23 and 24 pass across the edges of the package and around the spot where the extension 13 protrudes out of the pack 9. Weakened lines 23 and 24 bounded end in weakened line 22.

The pack 9 with holder 7 and condom held therein is received in the box 1. The the pack 9 surfaces which are in the plane of condom are adjacent to the inner surface of box parts 5 and 6. The pack 9 is bonded, e.g. glued to parts 5 and 6. Preferred arrangement of the glueing spots 65, 66, 67 and 68 is shown in Fig. 14. However, larger areas of the package can be attached to the box. It is also possible that the package is only attached to one of the box parts 5 or 6, e.g. only the glueing spots 65 and 66 or only the glueing spots 67 and 68 are used. Also, only the glueing spots 66 and 68 can be used.

The package assemblage process is shown in Fig. 16. The holder 7 received in the pack 9 and connected to the lid 16 is placed between parts 2 and 3 of the box, and the pack 9 is glued to said parts, as shown in Fig. 14. Parts 2 and 3 of the box can be bonded if necessary.

In order to unpack the condom, the user holds the lid 16 in his hand and displaces the box 1 with respect to the lid 16 in the plane of condom. To separate the box from the lid, the user briefly takes the lid with his other hand. The holder is attached to the lid 16, and the pack 9 is attached to the box 1 , therefore the separation of box and lid results in tearing the pack 9. Thus, the holder 7 with its condom is released from the pack 9, as shown in Fig. 17.

Thus, fast and easy unpacking is achived. As a result of the unpacking procedure, the user holds the lid 16 (with the condom holder) in his hand, and the condom is fully exposed, i.e. ready to be put on. The use of the second hand while unpacking takes a short time and resolves into a simple action of separating the lid and the box. Furthermore, the shape and size of the lid 16 allow the user to hold it in one hand comfortably. As a result, the distraction of the user from sexual intercourse during condom unpacking procedure is minimal. Further, the condom can be put on using the same hand after unpacking. This feature provides additional convenience.

In another embodiment shown in Figs. 18-21 , a box 1 has two opposite semicircular lugs 27 on its open end, and a removable lid 16 includes matching cemicircular cutouts 28. The box 1 is provided with a rest area 29 with ribbed structure improving the mechanical engagement of the user's thumb and the box. The connection between the holder 7 and the lid 16 can be detachable, as shown in Fig. 19. For this, the L-shaped lugs 30 are formed on the part 18 of the lid; said lugs face each other at their inner sides and form a groove 31 used to install the plank 14.

The package assemblage process is shown in Figs. 19-20. The holder 7 received in the pack 9 is connected to the lid 16 by placing the plank 14 in the groove 31 ; the plates 17 and 18 are connected to each other. Then parts 2 and 3 of the box 1 are connected. The pack 9 is therefore placed between the parts 2 and 3 of the box and is glued to them.

The condom unpacking process is shown in Figs. 22 and 23. In order to unpack the condom, the lid 16 is held in one hand, while displacing the box 1 with respect to the lid 16 in the plane of condom. The holder is attached to the lid 16, and the pack 9 is attached to the box 1 , therefore the pack 9 is torn. After removing the box 1 , the holder 7 with condom is released from the pack 9.

The unpacking process can also be performed using one hand. In order to perform this, the lid 16 is held in one hand and the box 1 is displaced by the thumb of the same hand, thus tearing the pack 9. The box 1 can be simply shrugged off thereafter. Therefore, in this embodiment the unpacking and putting on procedures can be performed using only one hand. This makes the process more comfortable for the user. The box made of two parts can be additionally provided with various stoppers which prevent accidental displacement of the box 1 with respect to the lid 16, and therefore prevent accidental unpacking. In order to unpack the condom, the stopper must be removed. ^ U2007/000453

As shown in Figs. 24-25, the stopper can be a lug 32 and a slot 31 in the area 29 on the open ends of the box 1 and the lid 16 respectively; said lug and slot being engaged when the box 1 and the lid 16 are connected, thus preventing the unpacking. In this embodiment, the unpacking process is similar to that in the embodiment described above with reference to Figs. 22, 23, excluding the removal of the stopper. To remove the stopper, the rest area 29 shall be pressed, this causes the elements 32 and 31 to come out of their engagement, allowing the box 1 to be separated from the lid 16. In this case, due to the fact that the removal of the stopper is performed while holding the lid 16 in hand, no additional time is required. Therefore, in this embodiment (just as in the previous embodiment), the whole unpacking procedure, the removal of the stopper and putting on the condom can be performed even using only one hand. This makes the process more comfortable for the user.

As shown in Figs. 26-27, the stopper can be formed by a thin ribbon 34 (e.g. made of a flexible polymer) passing along the connection line 35 between the box 1 and the lid 16, and attached to the box 1 and the lid 16.

The stopper can also be formed by a ribbon 36 passing transversely to the connection line 35 between the box 1 and the lid 16, and attached to the box 1 and the lid 16, as shown in Figs. 28-29. In Figs. 30-31 , another embodiment is represented, where the box 1 has one open end 2 consisting of two plate-shaped parts 3 and 4; flanges 5 and 6 respectively are formed on the edges of said parts on three sides. Parts 3 and 4 are connected to each other by their flanges 5 and 6 in the same manner as soapbox pieces. Cutouts 36 and 37 are formed on the opposite sides of the open end 2. The holder 7 is provided with a handle 38; two opposite surfaces 39 and 40 of said handle are ribbed. The surfaces 39 and 40 are placed in the cutouts 36 and 37 respectively, matching the parts 3 and 4, as shown in Fig. 30.

The assemblage process is shown in Fig. 31. Parts 3 and 4 of the box 1 are connected to each other by their flanges 5 and 6. The holder 7 received in the pack 9 is placed between parts 3 and 4 of the box 1; said parts are attached to the pack 9. The assembled package is shown in Fig. 30.

In order to unpack the condom, the handle 38 is held in one hand, while displacing the box 1 with respect to the handle 38 in the plane of condom. In this U2007/000453

19 case, due to the fact that pack 9 being attached to the box 1 , the pack 9 is torn; the holder 7 with condom is released from the package.

Due to fact that the handle of the holder is recessed in the box 1 , this design provides the secure protection of the condom with the holder when worn in a pocket, without any additional stoppers. Also, due to the fact that the surfaces 39 and 40 of the handle are located on the surface of the box, the condom package is always ready for the unpacking and does not require any additional stoppage removal actions from the user, providing the additional convenience.

In another embodiment represented in Figs. 32-33, the box 1 has no cutouts at the open end (unlike in the previous embodiment). The holder 7 is provided with a handle 41 formed as a flat key completely recessed in the box 1 , as shown in Fig. 32.

In order to ease the retrieval of the holder with the condom from the box, the holder can be provided with a short ribbon 41 attached to the handle 41 of the holder. This design also provides the secure protection of the condom with the holder without any additional stoppers, with the condom package always ready for unpacking.

When unpacking, the user holds the box 1 in one hand, while pulling the ribbon 42 with the other hand. The pack 9 attached to the box 1 is torn and the holder 7 with the condom leaves the box.

A variation (not shown in figures) is possible, where the open end of the box 1 is provided only with the cutout 36, and the cutout 37 is not used.

In the embodiment represented in Figs. 34-36, the box 1 is additionally covered on one of its ends by a flap cover 43 attached to the box 1 with stickers 44. Under the cover, the box is provided by a cutout 45 used for facilitating the retrieval of the holder 7 with the condom. A pull-tab 46 is located at the end of the cover 43, facilitating the opening of the cover 43. When opening the cover, the user holds the box in one hand by the end opposite to the end on which the cover 43 is located, and opens the cover 43 with the other hand, also using said hand to retrieve the holder 7 with the condom 8 for the handle 41, tearing the pack 9. Weakened lines simplify the tearing of the pack. The condom is therefore ready to be put on and the user can easily put the condom on while still holding the holder 7 with the condom for the handle 41.

In another embodiment, the holder 7 with the condom retained is placed in the pack 9, received in the outer pack 47 and is attached to said outer pack, as shown in Figs. 37-40. The outer pack 47 is formed by two flexible plates connected to each other on the edges; said plates possess the rigidity sufficient to provide the integrity of the pack 9. The handle 41 of the holder 7 can be placed either outside of (Fig. 37) or inside the pack 47 (Figs. 38, 39). In the latter case, the upper plate of the pack 47 can be provided with a cutout 49 on the open end 48, as shown in Fig. 38. In Fig. 39, a variation is represented where the cutout 49 is also formed on the end of the lower plate to provide more convenient grip on the handle. A ribbed area 50 used for holding the pack 47 is implemented on the end of the pack 47 opposite to the open end 48.

In order to prevent the handle from displacement and to keep the continuity of the pack 9, the pack can be provided with a protective ribbon 51 covering the open edges of the outer pack 47 and glued to the pack 47 on two sides, as shown in Fig. 40. The ribbon 51 embraces the handle 41 on two sides, preventing the displacement of said handle. To unpack the condom, it is required to remove the ribbon 51 and then pull the pack 47 (holding it for the end opposite to the end on which the handle 41 is placed) while holding the handle 41 of the holder in one hand. The pack 9 is therefore torn, the condom surface is exposed and the condom is ready to be put on.

As it is clear from "background art" section, there are a lot of variations of condom holders currently known. Any of said holders can be used in the condom unpacking device of teh invention, as the condom holder itself is not the subject of this invention. In the embodiments described above, the condom holder formed as a hollow open ring with shaped groove passing along its inner cicrumference was observed. Furthermore, the condom holders represented e.g. in Figs. 41-42 can be used with this invention.

In another embodiment, as represented in Figs. 41-47, the holder can be formed e.g. as a flat open ring including two arcs 54 and 55 connected to each other by a flexible web 56 on the inner side of the arcs. Each arc 54 and 55 is formed by two parts connected to each other by a flexible web 57 and 58 respectively; said web is placed on the outer side of said arcs and allows changing the shape of the holder, so that said holder does not require a lot of space when kept in the pack, while in the unfolded condition the holder stretches the condom. Arcs 54 and 55 are also provided with fasteners 59 extending into the ring and used to hold the condom, as shown in Fig. 43. A gap 60 is located between the free ends of arcs 54 and 55. The holder also includes two handles 61 and 62 formed on the arcs 54 and 55 on two 53

21 sides of the web 56. Arcs 54 and 55 and handles 61 and 62 form a lever system allowing to adjust the radius of the holder ring.

In this embodiment, the holder with the condom retained is placed in the pack 9 in such manner that the handles 61 and 62 are located outside the pack 9, as shown in Fig. 44.

The pack 9 is provided with a weakened line 63, as shown in Fig. 44. As shown in Fig. 45, the pack 9 is received in a box 1 with one open end, the handles 61 and 62 are located outside the box. The pack 9 is glued to the box 1.

In order to unpack the condom, the box 1 is held in one hand, and the holder is displaced with respect to the box 1 in the plane of condom, while holding said holder by the handles 61 and 62. The pack 9 is therefore torn and the holder with the condom retained comes out, as shown in Figs. 45-46. When the arms 61 and 62 of the levers are pushed, the arcs 54 and 55 are spread, the gap 60 is widened and, consequently, the condom is stretched causing the inner circumference of the holder ring to increase, as shown in Fig. 47. This leads to the lowering of friction between the holder and the sensitive skin during the process of putting on the condom, which provides more comfortable process of putting on the condom. Furthermore, the increase of the ring area facilitates the process of putting on the condom in twilight.

In another embodiment, as represented in Fig. 48, the holder 63 can be U- shaped, and the condom is attached to said holder by ribbons 64, with one end of said ribbons attached to the holder, while the other end is rolled into the condom.

Further, the condoms rolled up both in the opposite direction to the one traditionally used for rolling condoms or folded in some other manner, shortened condoms (microcondoms), and holders thereof. As shown in Figs. 49 and 50, the package can comprise a sheet with edges 25 and 26 bonded to each other at the area 27 with a light adhesive, e.g. thermal varnish. Edges 25 and 26 can be turned up, as shown in Fig. 49, or they can be overlapping, as shown in Fig. 50. In this case, the area 27 is less rigid than the sheet itself. Therefore, when unpacking the condom, the pack 9 can be easily torn on the areas similar to the area 27, represented in Figs. 49-50.

The package can be made of multilayered sheet material, including a layer of polypropylene (this material is used for chips and peanuts packages); such arrangement makes the package durable and, on the other hand, provides easy tearing of the package after the small initial rent. 2007/000453

22

The pack can also be provided with notches facilitating the tearing thereof, as shown in Figs. 51-56. The edges 65 of the package with notches 66 therein are wider (e.g. 8-10 mm compared to 3-4 mm) than other edges. When such pack is made of a material containing polypropylene, it is possible to place the points 67 of tearing force application on the edge 65 of the package directly near the notches 66 (Figs. 51, 54 and 55), or at a certain distance from said notches (Figs. 52 and 56). In the last occurrence, the edge 65 of the package transmits the mechanical force from the points of force application 67 to the notches 66.

An embodiment is also possible, as shown in Figs. 57-65, where the condom unpacking is combined with stretching thereof.

As shown in Fig. 60, the case 68 includes a U-shaped frame 70 and a lid 69. Sides 71 of the frame 70 are U-shaped and are provided with ribbed sections 72 used to prevent the slipping of the user's fingers off the frame. Side 90 of the frame is flexible. Lid 69 is a box with one open end. A cutout 73 is formed on the end of the lid 69 opposite to the open end; said cutout is used to place the rest 74.

The frame 70 is faced towards the package 75 by the inner side thereof, embracing a part of said package; the condom holder 76 is received in the package. The other part of the package 75 is covered by the lid 69, as shown in Fig. 57. The holder 76 includes two stripe-like stretching members 77 and 78 arranged crosswise and provided with lug 79 and groove 80 respectively, as shown in Fig. 58. The lug 79 is placed in the groove 80 which serves as a guideway for said lug. Further, strips 77 and 78 are connected by a web 81 to an opening with a rectangular cross-section; said opening embraces said strips at the crossing spot. Strips 77 and 78 are mostly Z-shaped. Fasteners 79 are formed on one end 82 of each stripe, while pins 84 are formed on the other end 83 of each stripe. The holder 76 is placed in the U-shaped frame 85, shown in Fig. 58, which is faced towards the holder 76 by the inner side thereof, embracing said holder. Sides 86 and 87 of the frame 85 are L-shaped, grooves 88 with pins 84 placed therein and adapted to displace, are placed on one side of each profile. Side 89 of the frame 85 is flexible.

The holder 76 placed in the frame 85 is received in the package 75, consisting of two parts 91 and 92 connected to each other, as described with reference to Fig. 50, thus forming a reduced rigidity area. Part 91 of the package is provided with lugs 94 formed on the end thereof and placed on two sides of the plane of condom (Fig. 59).

The rest 74 is U-shaped and faced towards the package 75, embracing it. The rest 74 is attached to lugs 94 of part 91 of the package 75; said lugs are deflected towards the rest, as shown in Figs. 59-60. When the device is assembled, the rest 74 is placed in the cutout 73.

The device is operated as shown in Figs. 61-63. The user holds the device by the frame 70 with one hand while affecting the rest 74 with the other hand, displacing the rest in the plane of condom in the direction shown with an arrow in Fig. 61. The lugs 94 are attached to the rest 74, thus said lugs are displaced with the rest. The size and design of the device parts is such that even a slight displacement of the rest 74 leads to parts 91 and 92 of the package being separated from each other at the reduced rigidity area 93. Further, the lid 69 and the part 91 of the package attached to said lid can be removed from the holder. Then, the user presses the ribbed sections 72 of the frame 70, as shown with arrows in Fig. 61 , thus bringing the ends 95 of the sides 71 of the frame 70 together.

The pins 84 are placed at a minimal distance from each other, therefore said pins are displaced in grooves 88 when the distance between ends 95, and consequently, the ends 96 of the grooves 88 of the frame 88 is reduced; i.e. the holder 76 is pushed out of the frame 85. When the pins 84 reach the end of grooves 88, the ends 82 of the holder are exposed, as shown in Fig. 62.

Then the user presses the ends 97 of the frame 70 using the fingers of the same hand holding the device; said ends are displaced towards each other, as shown with arrows in Fig. 63. The strips 77 and 78 are displaced along the guideway 81 in opposite directions, thus stretching the condom (not shown). Then the user puts the condom on, while holding the holder in one hand and displacing it towards the base of the penis. After the condom is put on, the holder can be removed in transverse direction.

The lid 69 of the case can be designed differently. As shown in Fig. 64, said lid 69 is not provided with a cutout used to place the rest, being provided with a ribbed section 98 instead; the user affects said ribbed section when unpacking the condom.

Furthermore, in this embodiment the package 75 is not provided with lugs 94; the lid

69 is attached directly to the part 91 of the package 75. When unpacking, the user holds the frame 70 with one hand, while pulling the lid 69 with the other hand. The part 91 of the package is attached to the lid 69, and the part 92 is attached to the frame 70, therefore the package is torn. Further procedure is similar to the one described with the reference to Figs. 61-63.

The invention can be implemented in many embodiments other than those described herein, within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A package for a condom retained by a holder; the package comprising a condom holder with a condom flatly arranged and held therein, the holder being provided with means for holding the holder in one hand, a skin at least partially enclosing the holder with the condom held therein, and a case covering the condom on both sides of the plane of condom; the case being displaceably arranged with respect to the holder, characterized in that the skin is attached to the case or is at least partially constituted by the case.

2. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the skin is provided with means for breaking the continuity of the skin.

3. The package according to claim 1 , characterized in that the skin comprises a sheet having its edges connected to each other; , wherein the strength of the connection between these edges is lower than the strength of the sheet, so that the connection between these edges constitutes said means for breaking the continuity of the skin.

4. The package according to claim 3, characterized in that the edges of the sheet are overlapping.

5. The package according to claim 4, characterized in that one of the edges of the sheet is provided with at least one pull-tab attached to the case.

6. The package according to claim 3, characterized in that the edges of the sheet are turned up and connected to each other.

7. The package according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for holding the holder in one hand are located on one end of the skin, while the means for breaking the continuity of the skin are located in such manner that the distance between the means for breaking the continuity of the skin and said end of the skin is shorter than the distance between the means for breaking the continuity of the skin and the opposite end of the skin.

8. The package according to claim 7, characterized in that the means for breaking the continuity of the skin include at least one weakened line.

9. The package according to claim 1 , characterized in that the holder includes a hollow open ring with a shaped groove extending along its inner circumference, wherein the condom is received in this groove.

10. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder is provided with two stretching members defining a space in which the condom can be placed; the members being provided with fasteners for holding the condom, the fasteners extending into this space.

11. The package according to claim 10, characterized in that the holder is adapted to displace the stretching members away from each other.

12. The package according to claim 11, characterized in that the holder includes a bar with the stretching members attached to the ends thereof; wherein the holder is provided with levers having their larger arm formed by said stretching members, and a pivot located on the ends of said bar; said displacement of the stretching members away from each other being effected by displacing said levers.

13. The package according to claim 11 , characterized in that said stretching members are connected to each other by a flexible web.

14. The package according to claim 11 , characterized in that each of said stretching members is adapted to be bent into the area defined by said members.

15. The package according to claim 14, characterized in that the stretching member consists at least of two parts connected with a flexible web by means of which this stretching member is adapted to be bent.

16. The package according to claim 10, characterized in that said stretching members are angular and are movably connected to each other and arranged in such a manner that their first sections, each including at least one fastener for holding the edge of the condom are opposite to each other, and their second sections, angled with respect to the first sections, extend along each other, said connection of the angular stretching members being arranged at their second sections in such a way that said displacement of the angular stretching members is provided by displacing their second sections along each other with corresponding displacement of their first sections at least away from each other.

17. The package according to claim 16, characterized in that the holder includes a guideway with an opening embracing the second sections.

18. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder is U- shaped, with its inner part facing the condom and embracing it.

19. The package according to claim 18, characterized in that the holder includes at least two ribbons, one end of said ribbons being attached to the holder, while the other end is extended along the outer surface of the condom and rolled into ring together with the condom.

20. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder includes a part protruding through the skin.

21. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that means for holding the holder in one hand are connected to the holder by means of at least one part protruding through the skin.

22. The package according to claim 21, characterized in that said part connecting the means for holding the holder in one hand and the holder, is sandwiched between two layers of sheet material.

23. The package according to claim 22, characterized in that a segment of the skin adjacent to said part protruding through the skin is attached thereto and separated from the rest of the skin with weakened lines.

24. The package according to claim 1 , characterized in that the skin is a pack made of two sheets connected at their edges.

25. The package according to claim 24, characterized in that the skin is hermetically sealed.

26. The package according to any one of claims 1-25, characterized in that the case comprises a box having one open end, and the skin is received inside this box and attached thereto.

27. The package according to claim 26, characterized in that the means for holding the holder in one hand are located on the open end of the box.

28. The package according to claim 26, characterized in that the box is provided with at least one cutout adjacent to the open end of the box.

29. The package according to claim 26, characterized in that one end of the box is covered with a flap cover attached to the box.

30. The package according to claim 26, characterized in that the box is formed of two parts connected to each other like pieces of a soapbox.

31. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for holding the holder in one hand include a removable lid covering the box.

32. The package according to claim 16, 26, characterized in that the means for holding the holder in one hand include a U-shaped frame having its ends connected to the box by means of mechanical interaction.

33. The package according to claim 32, characterized in that the opposite sides of the U-shaped frame extend on both sides of the first sections of the angular stretching members; and the crosspiece bridginging the opposite sides of the U-shaped frame is flexible, so that the ends of the opposite sides of the U- shaped frame adjacent to said crosspiece can be displaced towards each other for pressing the holder out of the U-shaped frame and also for displacing the free ends of the U-shaped frame towards each other in order to displace the first sections of the angular stretching members away from each other.

34. The package according to claim 32, characterized in that the device includes a rest attached to the skin, and the box is provided with a cutout for accomodating the rest.

35. The package according to claim 26, characterized in that the box has semicircular lugs on two opposite surfaces of its open end ; and the removable lid has on its box-facing end cemicircular cutouts matching the lugs.

36. The package according to claim 26, characterized in that a rest section is provided on the upper surface of the box.

37. The package according to any one of claims 1-25 or 27-28, characterized in that the package comprises two flexible plates, the edges of these plates being connected to each other thus forming an outer container; the skin is placed in this container and attached thereto; and the means for holding the holder in one hand are located on one end of the container, and the same end of the container is open.

38. The package according to claim 36, characterized in that the outer container is provided with at least one cutout adjacent to the open end of the outer container.

39. The package according to any one of claims 1-25, 27-36, 38, characterized in that the package is provided with at least one stopper preventing or hindering accidental unpacking.

40. The package according to claim 39, characterized in that it has a ribbon attached both to the box and the lid, the ribbon running along the connection line of the box and the lid.

41. The package according to claim 39, characterized in that a ribbon attached to the box and the lid is placed transversely to the connection line of said box and said lid.

42. The package according to claim 39, characterized in that the stopper comprises two elements coming into a mechanical engagement when connected; one of said elements being located at the open end of the box in the middle part of one of its sides, the other element being located on the end of the lid where it is connected to the box.

43. The package according to claim 37, characterized in that the open end of the outer package is stuck by a protective film; the film having a cutout in the area where the means for holding the holder in one hand project from the package.