Abstract: A stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) film which has been subjected to tensional deformation comprising at least uniaxial strain, and having improved textural and thermal transmissivity characteristics, as compared to a native, unstretched material. Such stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric film may be employed in a wide variety of articles, including condoms, finger cots, tubular bandages, and the like. Condoms comprising such stress-softened TPE film are described, including condoms having a main sheath comprising stress-softened and non-stress-softened areas in a pattern or other predetermined arrangement. A variety of methods and apparatus for forming stress-softened tubular articles of thermoplastic elastomeric film is disclosed.

Abstract: An article having a main sheath portion formed of a flexible and/or elastic material closed at a distal end thereof and open at a proximal end thereof, with a first flange element formed of a flexible and elastic material, and having an aperture formed or pressure-formable therein, secured to the open proximal end of the sheath. In a single flange embodiment, the main sheath portion may be provided in a center-compacted configuration, for bidirectional application of the sheath. In a multi-flange embodiment, a second flange element is secured at an outer portion thereof to the first flange element and has an aperture formed or pressure-formable therein, in substantial alignment with the aperture of the first flange element, whereby the sheath is extended or extensible from a compacted state through the aperture in either the first or the second flange element. In a specific embodiment, the article comprises a condom which may be donned in either of two directions.

Abstract: A stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) film which has been subjected to tensional deformation comprising at least uniaxial strain, and having improved textural and thermal transmissivity characteristics, as compared to a native, unstretched material. Such stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric film may be employed in a wide variety of articles, including condoms, finger cots, tubular bandages, and the like. Condoms comprising such stress-softened TPE film are described, including condoms having a main sheath comprising stress-softened and non-stress-softened areas in a pattern or other predetermined arrangement. A variety of methods and apparatus for forming stress-softened tubular articles of thermoplastic elastomeric film is disclosed.