U.S. patent application number 12/249040 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for condoms for reducing failure rate and extending pleasure.
Invention is credited to Madhusudhan Reddy Alla, Raghunatha Reddy Alla, Ravikumar Reddy Alla, Alla V.K. Reddy.
Application Number | 20090032029 12/249040 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39828200 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090032029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reddy; Alla V.K. ; et
al. |
February 5, 2009 |
CONDOMS FOR REDUCING FAILURE RATE AND EXTENDING PLEASURE
Abstract
A condom with reduced chance of failure includes an inner pouch
within an outer pouch. The inner pouch is bonded to the outer pouch
adjacent to their open ends to form a sealed interstitial space
between the inner and outer pouches. A lubricant is located in the
interstitial space to enable the outer pouch to slide relative to
the inner pouch during sexual intercourse. The outer pouch has an
enlarged head area so that the outer pouch easily slides back and
forth over the inner pouch and glans of the penis during
intercourse. The inner pouch has a wall thickness that is less than
the wall thickness of the outer pouch for increased sensitivity.
The inner pouch has a narrow segment extending into a smaller bulb
exerting pressure at the junction of the glans and shaft covering
the entire frenulum area, thereby inhibiting premature ejaculation
and reducing slippage.
Inventors: |
Reddy; Alla V.K.;
(Plainsboro, NJ) ; Alla; Ravikumar Reddy;
(Bellevue, WA) ; Alla; Madhusudhan Reddy;
(Bridgewater, NJ) ; Alla; Raghunatha Reddy;
(Jersey City, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MATTINGLY, STANGER, MALUR & BRUNDIDGE, P.C.
1800 DIAGONAL ROAD, SUITE 370
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
39828200 |
Appl. No.: |
12/249040 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11778010 |
Jul 13, 2007 |
7434581 |
|
|
12249040 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/844 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2006/043 20130101;
Y10S 128/918 20130101; A61F 6/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/844 |
International
Class: |
A61F 6/04 20060101
A61F006/04 |
Claims
1. A condom comprising: a first pouch having a first open end and a
first closed end, said first pouch being disposed within a second
pouch, said second pouch having a second open end and a second
closed end; said first pouch being bonded to said second pouch
adjacent to said first and second open ends to form a sealed
interstitial space between the first and second pouches; a
lubricant being located in said interstitial space to enable said
second pouch to slide relative to said first pouch; said first
pouch having a first wall thickness that is less than a second wall
thickness of the second pouch; and said first pouch having a narrow
segment that is less than an average diameter of an erect human
penis, said narrow segment applying circumferential pressure to an
area below the glans of the penis when the condom is disposed on
the penis.
2. The condom according to claim 1, wherein said first wall
thickness is 0.10 mm or less and said second wall thickness is 0.20
mm or less and thicker than said first wall thickness.
3. The condom according to claim 1, wherein said first wall
thickness is 0.06 mm or less and said second wall thickness is 0.08
mm or more.
4. The condom according to claim 1, further comprising: said first
pouch having a first tubular body, said first tubular body having a
first diameter segment having a first diameter at said first open
end, said first tubular body transitioning distally of said first
opening to a second diameter at a proximal periphery of a narrow
segment, said narrow segment extending distally to a first neck
portion of said first pouch, said first neck portion having a third
diameter, said narrow segment being between 10 and 100 mm in
length, said first tubular body transitioning to a fourth diameter
distally of said first neck portion at a first head portion of said
first pouch and then transitioning to said first closed end.
5. The condom according to claim 4, wherein said second diameter
and said third diameter are less than said first diameter and said
fourth diameter, the portion of said first tubular body extending
between said second diameter and said third diameter comprising
said narrow segment, and being less than an average diameter of an
erect human penis, wherein, when said condom is disposed on the
penis, said first neck portion is located immediately below the
glans of the penis and said narrow segment applies said
circumferential pressure.
6. The condom according to claim 5, wherein said second pouch has a
second tubular body, said second tubular body having a second neck
portion located in the vicinity of said first neck portion when
said first pouch is disposed within said second pouch, said second
neck portion having a fifth diameter that is greater than said
third diameter of said first neck portion, said second neck portion
transitioning to a sixth diameter distally of said second neck
portion at a second head portion and then transitioning to said
second closed end, wherein said fourth diameter at said first head
portion is 76 percent or less than the sixth diameter at said
second head portion so that said second pouch is able to easily
slide back and forth relative to said first pouch at said second
head portion due to back and forth movement of the penis and the
condom during intercourse.
7. The condom according to claim 6, wherein said sixth diameter is
42 mm or more and said fourth diameter is 32 mm or less.
8. The condom according to claim 1, wherein said first pouch is
bonded to said second pouch at a bonded area adjacent to said first
and second open ends, said bonded area extending distally of said
first and second open ends between 10 and 100 mm.
9. The condom according to claim 1, wherein the interstitial space
between said first pouch and said second pouch is under negative
pressure so that said second pouch clings around said first pouch
in a collapsed configuration.
10. A condom comprising: a first pouch having a first open end and
a first closed end, said first pouch being disposed within a second
pouch, said second pouch having a second open end and a second
closed end, said first pouch being bonded to said second pouch
adjacent to said first and second open ends to form a sealed
interstitial space between the first and second pouches; a
lubricant located in said interstitial space to enable said second
pouch to slide relative to said first pouch; said first pouch
having a first tubular body, said first tubular body having a first
diameter segment having a first diameter at said first open end,
said first tubular body transitioning distally of said first
opening to a second diameter at a proximal periphery of a narrow
segment, said narrow segment extending distally to a first neck
portion of said first pouch, said first neck portion having a third
diameter, said narrow segment being between 10 and 100 mm in
length, said first tubular body transitioning to a fourth diameter
distally of said first neck portion at a first head portion of said
first pouch and then transitioning to said first closed end,
wherein said second diameter and said third diameter are less than
said first diameter and said fourth diameter, the portion of said
first tubular body extending between said second diameter and said
third diameter comprising said narrow segment, and being less than
an average diameter of an erect human penis, wherein, when said
condom is disposed on the penis, said first neck portion is located
below the glans of the penis and said narrow segment applies
circumferential pressure to the vicinity of the penile
frenulum.
11. The condom according to claim 10, said first pouch having a
first wall thickness that is less than a second wall thickness of
the second pouch;
12. The condom according to claim 11, wherein said first pouch has
a wall thickness of 0.06 mm or less and said second pouch has a
wall thickness of 0.08 mm or more.
13. The condom according to claim 11, wherein said first wall
thickness is 0.10 mm or less and said second wall thickness is 0.20
mm or less and thicker than said first wall thickness.
14. The condom according to claim 10, wherein said first diameter
is 32.+-.4 mm, and wherein said second diameter and said third
diameter are 8.+-.4 mm less than said first diameter.
15. The condom according to claim 10, further comprising: said
second pouch having a second tubular body, said second tubular body
having a second neck portion located in the vicinity of said first
neck portion when said first pouch is disposed within said second
pouch, said second neck portion having a fifth diameter that is
greater than said third diameter of said first neck portion, said
second neck portion transitioning to a sixth diameter distally of
said second neck portion at a second head portion and then
transitioning to said second closed end, wherein said fourth
diameter at said first head portion is 76 percent or less than the
sixth diameter at said second head portion so that said second
pouch is able to easily slide back and forth relative to said first
pouch at said second head portion during intercourse.
16. The condom according to claim 10, wherein said first pouch is
bonded to said second pouch at a bonded area adjacent to said first
and second open ends, said bonded area extending distally of said
first and second open ends between 10 and 100 mm, and wherein the
interstitial space between said first pouch and said second pouch
is under negative pressure so that said second pouch clings around
said first pouch in a collapsed configuration.
17. A condom comprising: a first pouch having a first open end and
a first closed end, said first pouch being disposed within a second
pouch, said second pouch having a second open end and a second
closed end, said first pouch being bonded to said second pouch
adjacent to said first and second open ends to form a sealed
interstitial space between the first and second pouches; a
lubricant located in said interstitial space to enable said second
pouch to slide relative to said first pouch; said first pouch
having a first wall thickness that is less than a second wall
thickness of the second pouch; said first pouch having a first
tubular body, said first tubular body having a first diameter
segment having a first diameter at said first open end, said first
tubular body transitioning distally of said first opening to a
second diameter at a proximal periphery of a narrow segment, said
narrow segment extending distally to a first neck portion of said
first pouch, said first neck portion having a third diameter, said
narrow segment being between 10 and 100 mm in length, said first
tubular body transitioning to a fourth diameter distally of said
first neck portion at a first head portion of said first pouch and
then transitioning to said first closed end, wherein said second
diameter and said third diameter are less than said first diameter
and said fourth diameter, said third diameter being less than an
average diameter of an erect human penis, wherein, when said condom
is disposed on the penis, said first neck portion is located below
the glans of the penis, and said first neck portion applies
circumferential pressure to the vicinity of the penile frenulum;
and said second pouch having a second tubular body said second
tubular body having a second neck portion located in the vicinity
of said first neck portion when said first pouch is disposed within
said second pouch, said second neck portion having a fifth diameter
that is greater than said third diameter of said first neck
portion, said second neck portion transitioning to a sixth diameter
distally of said second neck portion at a second head portion and
then transitioning to said second closed end, wherein said fourth
diameter at said first head portion is 76 percent or less than the
sixth diameter at said second head portion so that said second
pouch is able to easily slide back and forth relative to said first
pouch at said second head portion during intercourse, thereby
providing stimulation to the glans of the penis.
18. The condom according to claim 17, wherein said sixth diameter
is 42 mm or more and said fourth diameter is 32 mm or less.
19. The condom according to claim 17, wherein said first pouch is
bonded to said second pouch at a bonded area adjacent to said first
and second open ends, said bonded area extending distally of said
first and second open ends between 10 and 100 mm, and wherein the
interstitial space between said first pouch and said second pouch
is under negative pressure so that said second pouch clings around
said first pouch in a collapsed configuration.
20. The condom according to claim 17, wherein said first wall
thickness is 0.10 mm or less and said second wall thickness is 0.20
mm or less and thicker than said first wall thickness.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/926,250, filed Apr. 25, 2007, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/928,045, filed May 7, 2007, both to
the same inventors as herein, the entire disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to condoms for use
during sexual intercourse.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] With the proliferation of sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus
that causes acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and with
the uncontrolled growth of the world's population, there is a
pressing unmet need for an effective means for preventing the
transmission of STDs and for controlling population growth. One
method for accomplishing both these goals is by introducing an
effective barrier between male and female sex organs during sexual
intercourse for preventing the transmission of bodily fluids and
for limiting the actual skin-to-skin contact between the sexual
organs. Heretofore, conventional means for creating such barriers
have included the use of condoms, diaphragms, prophylactic gels,
creams, and the like.
[0006] Since ancient times, one successful means for creating a
barrier to bodily fluids during sex has been the use of male
condoms. Condoms for placement over the penis were originally
constructed from animal tissue, and condoms of this type are still
in use today. Condoms of animal tissue are generally effective for
preventing the passage of semen, but do not prevent the passage of
certain microbes, and in particular viruses, such as HIV.
Accordingly, most male condoms are now constructed from latex,
polyurethane, or other resilient modern polymers that are able to
act as a barrier to microbes as well as bodily fluids. While
condoms have become popular for the control of STDs and pregnancy
worldwide, there is still much room for improvement. For example,
many men do not like to use male condoms because such condoms can
deaden sensation, thereby causing erectile dysfunction and reduced
pleasure.
[0007] Additionally, conventional condoms have unacceptable failure
rates due to a number of factors, such as breaking of the condom,
pin holes in the condom wall, slippage of the condom following
ejaculation and other failures caused by poor design or improper
usage. A recent study showed that the failure rate of male condoms
due to breakage was 15 percent. (See, R A Crosby et al., "Men with
Broken Condoms: Who and Why?", Sexually Transmitted Infections,
83(1), pp 71-75, February 2007.) Even though the failure rates are
high, people continue to use condoms that break frequently because
they lack any better alternative for prevention of STDs and
pregnancy. For example, female condoms, contraceptive gels,
contraceptive creams, diaphragms and cervical caps all are less
effective at preventing pregnancy and the transmission of STDs than
male condoms. Further, since the onset of the deadly AIDS epidemic,
it has become more important than ever to have a condom with
reduced failure rates, and preferably a zero failure rate.
Accordingly, there is an ongoing need for a condom having a design
that will induce a much lower failure rate.
[0008] Additionally, it is believed that every man has his own
length of time necessary for reaching ejaculation during sexual
intercourse. During intercourse nerve impulses pass from the glans
of the penis to the brain via the spinal cord to signal
ejaculation. The time to reach ejaculation may vary from less than
one minute to any number of minutes, depending on the particular
individual's signal mechanisms. Vasodilator drugs, such as
Viagra.RTM., while useful for helping a man achieve and maintain an
erection, do not have any effect on prolonging the length of time
for sexual intercourse. Application of local anesthetics, such as
Lidocaine, sensation-reducing creams, and the like, may prolong the
time of intercourse, but at same time can severely reduce the
pleasure experienced by the male during the intercourse because
they essentially numb the nerve endings. Accordingly, it would also
be desirable if a condom were able to extend the time which it
takes a man to reach ejaculation during intercourse, while still
providing pleasurable sensations to both partners.
[0009] Related art in the area of the invention includes U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,191,902; 5,425,379; 5,623,945; 5,050,619; 5,045,341;
4,930,522; 5,284,159; 5,102,405; 6,000,398; 5,082,004; 5,331,974;
5,622,186; 5,513,652; 4,009,717; and European Patent Application
No. EP0645128, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This invention relates to male barrier contraceptives having
a reduced chance of breakage, slippage and pinholes. Embodiments of
the contraceptives of the invention are also able to increase the
pleasure for both partners, in addition to being able to prolong
the length of time for sexual intercourse. The invention provides
male prophylactic devices that are worn over the penis to prevent
transmission of STDs, including AIDS, and to also prevent
pregnancy. The present prophylactic devices are designed to have a
reduced failure rate, greater chance of proper usage, and an
increased acceptability for use by males. These and other features
and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, in conjunction with the general
description given above, and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments given below, serve to illustrate and explain
the principles of the preferred embodiments of the best mode of the
invention presently contemplated.
[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates an elevation view of an exemplary
embodiment of a double-walled condom according to the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 1B illustrates an end view of the open end of the
condom of FIG. 1A as viewed from line 1B-1B.
[0014] FIG. 1C illustrates a cross section view taken along line
1C-1C of FIG. 1A.
[0015] FIG. 1D illustrates a cross section view taken along line
1D-1D of FIG. 1A.
[0016] FIG. 1E illustrates a cross section view taken along line
1E-1E of FIG. 1A.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an elevation view of the inner pouch of
the condom of FIG. 1A.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an elevation view of the outer pouch of
the condom of FIG. 1A.
[0019] FIG. 4A illustrates a plan view of an exemplary embodiment
of a guide that may be used with the condom of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 4B illustrates an elevation view of the guide of FIG.
4A.
[0021] FIG. 5A illustrates a plan view of the guide of FIG. 4A with
a condom installed thereon.
[0022] FIG. 5B illustrates an elevation view of the guide of FIG.
4B with a condom installed thereon.
[0023] FIG. 6A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a condom
of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of the condom of FIG. 6A, as
taken along line 6B-6B.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a condom
of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a condom
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] In the following detailed description of the invention,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of
the disclosure, and, in which are shown by way of illustration, and
not of limitation, specific embodiments by which the invention may
be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially
similar components throughout the several views. Further, the
drawings, the foregoing discussion, and following description are
exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the
scope of the invention or this application in any manner.
[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, there are
provided prophylactic devices which are adopted to be worn by a
person to prevent transmission of STDs and semen, even during
strenuous sexual intercourse which might cause breakage in
conventional condoms. Some embodiments of the invention include a
condom within a condom, having an inner pouch located within an
outer pouch to create a double-walled condom with unique
attributes. The inner pouch of the double-walled condom includes a
narrow segment that exerts a circumferential constrictive pressure
immediately below and around the glans penis, which helps extend
the amount of time during intercourse before the male reaches
ejaculation, and which also prevents the inner condom from sliding
relative to the shaft of the penis during intercourse. Further, the
outer pouch is sized to be large enough so that the outer film of
the outer pouch slides back and forth over the inner pouch to
create extra pleasurable sensations during intercourse. The
combination of the pressure generated by the inner pouch on the
penis and the sliding of the outer pouch on the inner pouch causes
a delay in ejaculation combined with increased pleasure. Further,
the outer film of the outer pouch sliding over the inner film of
the inner pouch, with a lubricant located between the two films,
transmits pleasurable sensations to the glans of the penis. The
extended pleasure created by the outer film of the condom
neutralizes the squeezing pressure effect created by the narrow
segment portion of the inner pouch. The pleasurable sensation
caused by the outer film enhances neurotransmission of ejaculation
signals from the glans penis to the brain, while the narrow portion
of the inner pouch helps inhibit premature ejaculation. In other
words, the dimensions of the condom of the invention can be
designed to enhance pleasure and/or extend the time of intercourse,
while particular dimensions of the condom may be varied to increase
or reduce one of these attributes with respect to the other
attribute. Embodiments of the invention also include a guide that
ensures that a condom is not put on inside out. Embodiments of the
invention also include a condom with multiple undulations or
deviations in the condom body, so that the condom body twists
relative to a centerline extending from the opening, such as right
and out, and then left and in. Embodiments of the invention also
incorporate an enlarged bellows mechanism along a distal end
portion of the tubular body of the condom for enabling easy forward
and backward movement to provide additional pleasure to both
partners.
[0029] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a condom
100 according to the invention. Condom 100 has a proximal open end
102 and a distal closed end 104, and includes an elongated hollow
inner first pouch 110 disposed within an elongated hollow outer
second pouch 120. Inner pouch 110 and outer pouch 120 are also
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. Inner pouch 110
includes a first open end 111 and a first closed end 112, with a
first tubular body 113 extending distally from first open end 111
toward first closed end 112. Outer pouch 120 includes a second open
end 121 and a second closed end 122, with a second tubular body 123
extending distally from second open end 121 toward second closed
end 122.
[0030] First tubular body 113 of inner pouch 110 has a first large
diameter segment 118 that extends distally to a first transition
segment 119 that reduces in diameter to a narrow segment 109. First
large diameter segment 118 has a diameter D1 at first open end 111
of pouch 110, which is generally the same as the diameter of outer
pouch 120 at second open end 121. The diameter of first tubular
body 113 is reduced distally of first open end 111 and may include
a transition segment 119 where the diameter reduces to a diameter
D2 at a proximal periphery 117 of narrow segment 109. Narrow
segment 109 may be a constant diameter from proximal periphery 117
to a first neck portion 114 having a diameter D3. However, in other
embodiments, diameter D3 may be slightly less than diameter D2.
Distally of first neck portion 114, the diameter of inner pouch 110
increases to create a bulbous first head portion 115 having a
diameter D4, which is approximately equal to or less than diameter
D1 of first open end 111. First head portion 115 reaches a maximum
diameter D4 and then decreases in diameter distally toward closed
end 112, which may include a reservoir type tip 116.
[0031] Second tubular body 123 of outer pouch 120 may be generally
cylindrical, having a diameter D5 along the length of second
tubular body 123 that is approximately the same as diameter D1 of
open end 111 of inner pouch 110, and that remains approximately
constant from open end 121 until reaching a second neck portion
124, which is located generally adjacent to first neck portion 114
of inner pouch 110 when inner pouch 110 is disposed within outer
pouch 120. Distally of second neck portion 124, the diameter of
outer pouch 120 increases to create a bulbous second head portion
125 having a diameter D6 that is greater than diameter D4 of first
head portion 115 of inner pouch 110. Second head portion 125
increases in diameter distally of second neck portion 124, reaches
a maximum diameter D6, and then decreases in diameter distally to
create closed end 122, which may include a reservoir type tip
126.
[0032] Typical condoms range between 160 to 180 mm or more in
length. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, outer pouch 120
is 180.+-.10 mm in length and inner pouch 110 is about the same
length as outer pouch 120 following assembly of inner pouch 110
with outer pouch 120. However, in some embodiments, inner pouch 110
may be molded to be 10-30 mm longer than outer pouch 120. Then,
during assembly, the extra length of inner pouch 110 can be folded
back over open end 121 of outer pouch 120 to form a reinforcement
at sealed area 105. Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated,
the first large diameter segment 118 is about one third the length
of inner pouch 110, the narrow segment 109 is about one third the
length of inner pouch 110, and first head portion 115 is about one
third the length of inner pouch 110. Thus, in a preferred
embodiment, narrow segment is 40.+-.20 mm in length. This
distributes the pressure created by the narrow segment and prevents
uncomfortable circumferential pressure from concentrating on a
small area of the users' penis. However, these relative segment
lengths may vary substantially in other embodiments of the condom
100. For example, first large diameter segment 118 may be between
10 and 100 mm in length, while narrow segment 109 may also be
between 10 and 100 mm. The length of first head portion 115 is less
flexible and preferably about 30-60 mm, since the length of head
portion 115 aids in properly positioning narrow segment 109 below
the glans of the penis, as is discussed further below.
[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1E, the diameter D6 of second
head portion 125 is substantially larger than the diameter D4 of
first head portion 115. For example, first head portion 115 may be
of a diameter D4 to fit rather snuggly on the average erect human
penis, while second head portion 125 may be of a diameter to be
quite loose on the average erect penis, so that second head portion
125 of outer pouch 120 can freely slide back and forth relative to
first head portion 115 of inner pouch 110 and the glans of the
penis. In preferred embodiments, diameters D2 and D3 may be 26.+-.4
mm; diameter D1 of first open end 111, diameter D4 of first head
portion 115 of inner pouch 110, and diameter D5 of outer tubular
body 123 may be 32.+-.4 mm; and the diameter D6 of outer pouch 120
may be 42.+-.6 mm. Thus, in some embodiments, the diameters D1, D4
and D5 are about 75 percent of the diameter D6. Also, in other
embodiments, the relative diameters of D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and D6
may vary from those set forth above. Additional significance and
utility of the relative diameters D1-D6 of the portions of inner
pouch 110 and outer pouch 120 is discussed further below.
[0034] Inner pouch 110 and outer pouch 120 are each constructed
from an elastic, flexible and resilient film material, such as
latex, polyurethane, or the like. Techniques for manufacturing
inner pouch 110 and outer pouch 120 include dip molding, whereby
forms having the desired configuration for each of the inner pouch
110 and the outer pouch 120 are dipped into a tank of the elastic
material in liquid state, so that uniform films are produced over
the forms. The films set and are then removed from the forms to
serve as the inner pouch and outer pouch. Inner pouch 110 and outer
pouch 120 are sealed to each other at a sealed area 105 located at,
and optionally extending distally adjacent to, open end 102 of
condom 100, using an adhesive, heat seal, ultrasonic weld, or the
like. Sealed area 105 may be confined to a ring-shaped bead 106
located at open end 102, or sealed area 105 may extend distally
from open end 102 along the length of tubular bodies 113, 123, as
illustrated in FIG. 1A, thereby encompassing part of tubular bodies
113, 123. For example, in some embodiments, sealed area 105 may
extend from 10-100 mm distally from open end 102.
[0035] Condom 100 and pouches 110, 120 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-3
in an as-molded configuration for purposes of illustration and
discussion of various relative dimensions. However, during assembly
of condom 100, when inner pouch 110 is placed within outer pouch
120, and prior to completing sealing of sealed area 105, negative
pressure is created between inner pouch 110 and outer pouch 120 to
remove any air pockets. Further, a lubricant 103, optionally
including a silicon lubricant, spermicidal, antiseptic,
antibacterial, and/or antiviral agent, is disposed in the
interstitial area 106 between the inner pouch 110 and outer pouch
120 to enable smooth gliding of outer pouch 120 over inner pouch
110. For example, one cc of liquid lubricant may be used in the
interstitial area 106 for each condom 100, and an additional
quantity of lubricant may be added to the exterior of condom 100 to
improve ease of donning the condom and insertion into a vagina. The
negative pressure created between the two pouches 110, 120 causes
outer pouch 120 to bunch or cling around inner pouch 110 in a
collapsed configuration thereby maximizing contact of the outer
pouch with the inner pouch, and enables the pouches to generally
function as a single unit except toward the distal end 104, where,
because of the larger relative diameters of the neck and head
portions 124, 125 of outer pouch 120, the outer pouch has a slack
portion that enables the outer pouch to easily slide back and forth
over the inner pouch to create pleasurable sensations. This
pleasurable effect is enhanced because the narrow segment 109
causes the inner the pouch to be locked over the penis during
intercourse, or, in other words, the constriction of the narrow
segment prevents the inner pouch from sliding relative to the shaft
of the user's penis during intercourse, while the outer pouch is
able to slide relative to both the penis and the inner pouch.
[0036] Conventional condoms typically have a wall thickness of
0.06-0.08 mm, while the so called "ultra sensitive" condoms have
wall thicknesses between 0.04 and 0.05 mm. In embodiments of the
present invention, inner pouch 110 is preferably constructed having
a wall thickness T1 that is thinner than a wall thickness T2 of
outer pouch 120. In some embodiments, inner pouch 110 has a wall
thickness T1 of 0.06 mm or less and outer pouch 120 has a wall
thickness T2 of 0.08 mm or more. Under such a configuration, the
inner pouch is thin, thereby providing maximum sensitivity to the
user, while the outer pouch is as thick, or thicker, than a
conventional condom, thereby providing additional protection
against breakage, since the outer pouch is able to withstand a
large amount of stress. The sliding action of the outer pouch 120
against the inner pouch 110 increases pleasure to the user because
inner pouch 110 is thin, providing high sensitivity, while the
presence of the lubricant 103 and the relatively larger diameters
of the neck and head portions 124, 125 of the outer pouch enable
outer pouch 120 to slide back and forth over the inner pouch 110
which is maintained relatively immobile on the penis during
intercourse due to the gripping action of narrow segment 109. In
other higher strength embodiments, inner pouch 110 has a wall
thickness T1 that is less than 0.10 mm and outer pouch 120 has a
wall thickness that is thicker than inner pouch 110 and that is
less than 0.20 mm. Further, because each of inner pouch 110 and
outer pouch 120 serve as redundant protection against breakage or
pinholes in the other pouch 110, 120, should one of the inner or
outer pouches fail, the other of the pouches still functions to
prevent pregnancy and transmission of STDs.
[0037] Additionally, studies in the US have shown that the
circumference of the erect penis of the majority of adult human
males is between 3.9 and 5 inches (99-127 mm), which equals an
average diameter between 1.24 and 1.59 inches (31-40 mm). The inner
pouch 110 of the invention includes narrow segment 113 which
terminates in first neck portion 114 that is intended to be
positioned just behind (i.e., below and adjacent to) the glans of
the user's penis when the condom 100 is put on. In embodiments of
the invention, the diameter D2 of narrow segment 113 and first neck
portion 114 is substantially less than the diameter of the average
erect adult penis so as to apply a pressure to the area below the
glans of the penis and adjacent to the penile frenulum. In some
preferred embodiments, the diameter D2 of the first neck portion
114 of inner pouch 110 is 26.+-.4 mm, and preferably about 24 mm.
The inventor has found that the narrow segment 113 of inner pouch
110 of condom 100 of the invention applies a circumferential
squeezing pressure on the penis just below the glans of the penis,
in the vicinity of the penile frenulum, which is able to produce
results similar to the so called "squeeze technique" for preventing
premature ejaculation developed by the American sex therapists
Masters and Johnson. (See, e.g., Masters W H, Johnson V E., Human
Sexual Inadequacy, Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1970, which is
incorporated herein by reference.) Thus, the condom 100 of the
invention is able to increase the length of time of sexual
intercourse by inhibiting premature ejaculation due to the narrow
segment overlying and applying pressure to the penile frenulum,
while the sliding action of the outer pouch 120 over the thinner
inner pouch 110 creates a uniquely pleasurable sensation for both
users.
[0038] Further, first head portion 115 of inner pouch 110 has a
diameter D4 that may be sized larger or smaller to increase or
decrease the amount of pleasure experienced by the wearer of the
condom, while the diameter of narrow segment 109 can also be
adjusted to control the degree of squeezing effected. For example,
first head portion 115 may have a diameter D4 of 28 mm that will
fit tightly on the average human penis, while narrow segment 109
may have a diameter D3 of 24 mm or less. This configuration will
create an inner pouch that fits tightly on the average human penis
and that applies a circumferential squeezing pressure in the area
of the penile frenulum and glans that has an inhibiting effect on
premature ejaculation, but also results in slightly reduced
pleasure for the user. On the other hand, as another example, when
first head portion has a diameter D4 of 36 mm and narrow segment
109 has a diameter D3 of 24-28 mm, the pleasure experienced by the
user is greater because first head portion 115 is able to slide
relative to the glans of the penis, while the remainder of the
inner pouch 110 is held immobile due to the circumferential
pressure applied by narrow segment 109. Further, the
circumferential pressure applied by narrow segment 109 in the area
below the glans penis at the location of the penile frenulum is
still able to have an inhibiting effect on premature ejaculation.
Accordingly, it may be seen that the dimensions of the inner pouch
may be tailored to achieve varying effects in increasing or
decreasing pleasure and in inhibiting premature ejaculation.
[0039] Additionally, in alternative embodiments, the inner pouch
110 may be used independently of the outer pouch 120 as a
standalone condom, but in such cases, a number of advantages of
condom 100 will be lost, including the additional protection
against breakage provided by the outer pouch, and the added
sensation due to the sliding action of the outer pouch 120 over the
inner pouch and glans of the penis. Furthermore, the sizes and
dimensions given above are intended to accommodate the range of the
average human penis, as discussed above. It will be apparent that
the relative dimensions of the condom 100 of the invention may be
adjusted to create a larger or smaller overall condom able to
produce the same beneficial attributes to enable the condom to fit
properly, as described, on men having larger or smaller penises
than average, respectively.
[0040] Guide
[0041] FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5B illustrate a condom guide 200 that
serves as an aid in preventing condom 100 or any other condom from
being applied inside out. Because the condom 100 of the invention
includes an inner pouch 110 and an outer pouch 120 that are
distinct in structure, purpose and function, it is important that
condom 100 not be applied inside out. However, condom 100 is rolled
like a conventional condom for use, and so there is a risk that
condom 100 might be put on incorrectly by a user. In order to
reduce this risk a guide 200 may be provided and packaged with
condom 100 to aid in proper application of condom 100.
[0042] In a preferred embodiment, guide 200 includes a cylindrical
body 202 having an upper first end 204 and a lower second end 206.
A pair of opposed restrictors 208 extend outwardly in a wing-like
manner perpendicularly from cylindrical body 202 at first end 204
and serve to prevent a rolled condom 210 from being unrolled from
guide 200 in the incorrect direction. An annular lip 212 is
included at lower second end 206 to help retain rolled condom 210
on guide 200 until a user is ready to put on condom 210. The guide
200 is sized so that condom 210, in the rolled configuration, as
illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, will fit snuggly around cylindrical
body 202, and be retained on cylindrical body 202 by annular lip
212. A pair of opposed arc-shaped cut outs 213 may be included in
cylindrical body 202 to make it easier for a user to grasp and
pinch the tip 214 of condom 210 while unrolling condom 210 onto a
penis. Guide 200 may be constructed from plastic, such as from
molded thermoplastic polymer, or other suitable material.
[0043] In use, condom 210 is preferably prepackaged and premounted
on guide 200. The user places guide 200 with rolled condom 210
mounted thereon on the end of the penis so that lower second end
206 of guide 200 is closest to the penis. The user then unrolls the
condom onto the penis in the direction of arrows 216, while
simultaneously pinching the tip 214 of condom 210 to remove any air
from the tip. Once the condom has been unrolled off the guide 200,
guide 200 may be discarded. If a user should attempt to unroll
condom 210 onto the penis in the incorrect direction (i.e.,
opposite to arrows 216), it may be seen that restrictors 208 will
prevent the condom from being unrolled in this direction. Further,
should the user force the condom over restrictors 208, the guide
will be trapped between the condom and the user's penis which will
alert the user that that condom 210 is being applied incorrectly.
Additionally, as mentioned above, while guide 200 is particularly
useful for use with condom 100 of the invention, guide 200 may be
used with any rolled condom for ensuring proper application, and is
not limited to use with condom 100 described above.
[0044] Condom having an Undulated Body
[0045] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another embodiment of a condom 300
having an undulated body configuration. Condom 300 consists of a
hollow tubular body 310 having a proximal open end 311 and a distal
closed end 312, with a distal tip 314. Tubular body 310 is
undulated or in deviation from the center line 302, such that if
centerline 302 forms an x axis in an xyz frame of reference, then
in FIG. 6A, the z axis 316 is coming out of the page, and in FIG.
6B, the y axis 318 is coming out of the page. Thus, it may be seen
that tubular body 310 undulates in multiple directions along its
length. In the example illustrated, a first segment 320 is
substantially parallel with centerline 302. A second segment 322
turns upward in the y direction a distance of d1, such that the
distance d1 may be measured to the centerline 302 as the radius r
of tubular body 310 at open end 311 plus distance d1. Additionally,
second segment 322 also extends outward in the z direction a
distance of r+d2 from the centerline 302. In the embodiment shown
d1=d2, but this is not necessarily the case in other embodiments. A
third segment 324 extends back in the minus y direction a distance
of r+d3, while extending back in the minus z direction a distance
of r+d4 from the centerline 302. In the embodiment shown d3=d4, but
this is not necessarily the case in other embodiments. A fourth
segment extends in the positive y and positive z directions again
to return tip 208 to centerline 302. Condom 300 may be lubricated
and rolled like a regular condom for easy application. The unique
shape of condom 300 provides a pleasurable sensation to the user by
creating areas of slack along the length of the condom, while other
areas are stretched more tightly to maintain the condom in
position.
[0046] Bellows Head Condoms
[0047] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate two exemplary embodiments of
condoms having a bellows formed toward the closed end. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, a condom 400 includes a pouch 403 having a
proximal open end 402 and a distal closed end 404. Closed end 404
is a round flat slightly domed end, rather than having a
conventional reservoir tip. Pouch 403 includes a tubular body
portion 410 and an expanded bellows configuration 408 formed
distally toward the closed end 404 of tubular body 410. Bellows
configuration 408 is formed by a spiral shaped channel or bulge 412
that extends radially outward from tubular body 410 and that
extends along the remaining length of pouch 403 in a spiral
configuration. Spiral shaped bulge 412 is formed on condom 400, so
that when condom 400 is placed on a user's penis, the bellows
configuration 408 is positioned so as to begin below the glans of
the penis. Bulge 412 is sufficiently larger in diameter than
tubular body 410 that so that the bellows configuration 408 fits
loosely on the end of the user's penis and is able to move freely
back and forth, while tubular body 410 fits sufficiently snuggly
around the shaft of the user's penis to prevent slippage of the
condom from the base of the penis. For example, in some
embodiments, tubular body 410 may be 34 mm in diameter, while bulge
412 forming bellows 408 the closed end 404 may be 51-55 mm in
diameter. During use, the bellows configuration 408 moves back and
forth (i.e., expands and contracts) with each thrust made during
intercourse, thereby providing additional pleasurable stimulation
to both partners.
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates a condom 401, similar to condom 400
described above, and having a bellows configuration 418 formed
toward the distal end 404 thereof. Condom 401 includes two spiral
shaped bulges 412, and functions in a manner similar to condom 400
described above. Bellows configuration 418 may be of a diameter
similar to bellows configuration 408 of condom 400, and thus, in
some embodiments, tubular body 410 may be 34 mm in diameter, while
bulges 412 forming bellows 418 and closed end 404 may be from 51-55
mm in diameter. Further either of condoms 400, 401 may be used as
the outer pouch 120 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1E, thereby
providing even greater sliding sensation caused by outer pouch
120.
[0049] Thus, it may be seen that the inventive condoms described
above provide improved and extended pleasure to the users, and also
can decrease the likelihood of failure. Further, while specific
embodiments have been illustrated and described in this
specification, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that
any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may
be substituted for the specific embodiments disclosed. This
disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or
variations of the present invention, and it is to be understood
that the above description has been made in an illustrative
fashion, and not a restrictive one. Accordingly, the scope of the
invention should properly be determined with reference to the
appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which
such claims are entitled.
* * * * *