METHOD AND DEVICE FOR UNPACKING A CONDOM

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and device for unpacking a condom. The device for unpacking a condom includes a base adapted for holding it with a hand, a condom holder with a condom held therein and a skin connected with the base and enclosing the condom holder with the condom held therein. The condom holder is adapted for sliding guided displacement with respect to the base. The device is provided with a key connected to the condom holder and adapted for sliding guided displacement with respect to the base by a digit of the key hand holding the base. The device allows the user unpack the condom in a quick and comfortable way, only slightly distracting him from sexual intercourse.

Description

This application is a Continuation in Part of PCT Application No. PCT/RU2006/000687, filed Dec. 19, 2006, which claims the benefit of Russian Application Nos. 2005140527, filed Dec. 19, 2005, 2006127806, filed Jul. 31, 2006 and 2006141339, filed Nov. 22, 2006, the entirety of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relates to barrier contraceptives, in particular to a method for unpacking a condom retained by a holder and lo a device for using this method.

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. Both the traditional condom, shown in the FIG. 1, and so-called micro-condom covering only the balanus are considered as condoms. Traditional condom is usually a cylindrical skin covering the whole length of the penis and having one open end and one closed end.

To make it compact and easy to use, condom is usually rolled into a 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. 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. While unpacked, the condom is applied to erected penis and then rolled down to the penis root.

It may be unnecessary to unroll down a micro-condom because it covers only the balanus. Therefore, a micro-condom only uses 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 both sides of the notch and pull them to different directions. It is not possible to open the package without looking at it. It is necessary to concentrate on the opening procedure and therefore digress from sexual intercourse. It is also necessary to use both hands. One should be concentrated on putting on the condom and use both hands to put it 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. 2). Generally, the user cannot release his second hand without changing his position. It usually means that the user should lie on his back. Such change or position and necessity to release the other hand is the main reason of distraction of the user's mind from sexual intercourse and large amount of time spent to put on the condom. When putting on the condom, every moment spent can be critical for user. Requirements for swiftness, convenience and easiness of condom package use are much higher than for any other packed product used in private life.

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, and also change position, 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 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. 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 channel for receiving a condom. The shape and location of the groove can vary (e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,357, 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 channel can open to the outside. In this case, forces arise directed to the center of the condom ring, which forces 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), U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,784 (Harari, 1996), DE19641107 (Raabe, 1998), U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,286 (Stratton, 1995), FR2751869 (Loyer, 1998).

Also known are condom holders either embracing the whole condom ring (e.g. see U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,449, van der Valk 1992) or having one discontinuity, that is having either C-shape or U-shape (e.g. see U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,491, Parrone, 1989). Holders can either hold the condom ring with spaced grips (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).

A condom holder WO2007/021184 (Tunovic Adnan et al, 2007), is known that consists of two parts, each of said parts comprises at least one fastener formed as a number of nooses grasping the condom ring on the outer side. Due to the fact that penis contacts the fasteners through the condom, there is much less discomfort for the user than in case when the holder's fasteners embrace the condom ring on the inner side, thus contacting the penis directly.

FIG. 3 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 U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,120, Persson et al., 1996). On its circumference, a condom can also be folded as a bellows or in any other manner (e.g. see WO9319704, Wheeler, 1993).

Further, ribbons (see FIG. 4) can be used to simplify the process of putting on a condom (e.g. see U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,382, 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. Ribbons can be 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.

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 put a condom on using one hand, and therefore, not change his position.

However, the problems related to unpacking process remain unsolved even with these holders. Whether a condom held by a holder is packed in a traditional way, i.e. in soft plastic package the user should use both hands, to open this package, and therefore, release the other hand and change his position. This inconvenience nullifies the potential advantages of holders.

WO9629262 (Kursner, 1996), WO9220595 (Forster et al., 1992), and 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.

JP6179476 (Masamitsu, 1994), U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,661 (Abadi, 2000) comprise the package with one side covered by a light removable lid. This lid is removable to get access to the condom.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,358 (Lin, 2001), FR2706429 (Lajaz, 1994) describe a condom package openable in the same manner as a can of beer, using a metal pull-tab.

WO9608220 (Vilmorin, 1996), U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,908 (Arbin, 1999) disclose a boxed condom, where the box consists of two pieces connected by a hinge like a powder box. After opening the package, the condom should be taken out of it.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,103 (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 manipulations of both hands are necessary for unpacking the condom using this device, and furthermore, the condom may 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 U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,841 (McBeth, 1992). The inner package remains sealed when the outer package is open.

It should be noted that none of the prior art disclose a device usable with packed condoms held by a holder, that is durable, compact and conveniently openable.

GB2253352 (Jones, 1992), U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,019 (Jones, 1994) H U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,949 (Jones, 1997) describe a condom packed, together with a holder in a package and received in a box, the box being provided with a hinged lid. Opening the box leads to unsealing the package. The unsealed package is then unfolded, and the condom with its holder is taken out. These actions require concentration and using both hands.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,491 (Parrone, 1989), 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 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, again, both hands are used.

WO9008522 (Backman, 1990), GB2225721 (Powell, 1990), EP1236452 (Suzuki, 2001) describe a method for opening unpacking a condom with a holder by stretching and, thus, tearing the package. 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 there between, ready for putting on.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,357 (Martin et al., 1988), U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,231 (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.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,374 (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, as well as require his concentration and both his hands.

There are also known devices of cylindrical shape for putting on condoms. A condom is placed inside the cylinder, drawn to its walls by vacuum, and then put on the penis. Finally, the pressure in the cylinder is released and the cylinder can be removed. Devices of this type are unpractical due to their large size and complex structure.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,286 (Stratton, 1995) describes the invention where both protective sheets (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 U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,286 is referred to as “ready-to-use” type.

However, this process of breaking protective sheets 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) films covering a condom held by a holder also break under pressure exerted by penis. The package shall first be stretched by the fingers inserted into special means in the package.

A method for unpacking a condom, believed to be most close to one method claimed herein, is described in WO9846495 (Flock, 1998). More specifically, Flock describes a method for unpacking a package containing a traditionally used condom. The package has a central weakened line terminating with notches on the edges of the package. Pouches are provided at 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 then, 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 uses skill to perform it using one hand. Holding a soft package pressing it to the palm with the fingers while tearing the package by the thumb placed in the pouch seems to be uncomfortable. It is necessary to hold the package tightly, otherwise it can slip out and remain untorn.

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 box. Extracting the package from the box makes the procedure of putting on the condom more complicated and uses 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 those claimed herein is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,397 (Liehs, 2002) describing a device for unpacking a condom held by a holder.

The device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,397 comprises a base in the form of a box, a condom holder with a condom held therein, and a skin in the form of a package connected with the base, the skin enclosing the holder and condom, wherein the holder is adapted for sliding guided displacement with respect to the base. The holder is spring-based and locked by a pull-out pin. When the pin is removed, the spring pushes the holder outside the box, and this leads to tearing the package remaining in a fixed position being attached to the box. When the holder and condom is unpacked and pushed out from the box, the user can grip the holder, and put the condom on.

The user holds the box with one hand, while removing the pin with the other hand, causing the spring to push the holder and condom out of the package. Then the user grips the holder with his hand and puts the condom on.

Due to the holder used in this device, the condom can conveniently be put on. However, the unpacking procedure still needs concentration because the user has to hold the box with one hand, remove the pin with the other hand and then grip with his hand the unpacked holder. Further, the device has other disadvantages. Package durability may vary for different packages. Spring force is also not constant and weakens with time. In case of a weaker package and stronger spring, the spring can not just push the holder out of the package, but “shoot” it out rapidly. This can lead to undesirable results. On the other hand, a stronger package can remain untorn by a weaker spring, and the user would have to manually extract the holder and condom.

A method that seems to be the closest to another method claimed herein seems to be a method for unpacking a condom, i.e. for unpacking a package containing a condom held by a holder, disclosed in WO 9801095, (Liehs, 1999). The unpacking device is a “gun” having a barrel in which a package enclosing the holder with a condom held therein is placed. In order to unpack the condom and put it on, the user takes the “gun” in his hand and puts his penis inside the barrel.

The “gun” is held in hand, while the part of the device including the holder with condom held therein is displaced in the barrel until the holder is out of the package. To displace the holder, the user puts the digit of his hand holding the device against the device and pulls the trigger. Then the holder is shifted forward by a telescopic appliance driven by a pressurized gas cylinder, the skin is cut by a cutting element and removed, and the condom is put on the penis. The holder is displaced transversely to the plane defined by condom, and the digit pulls the trigger in the direction that is parallel and reverse to the direction of the holder displacement. Thus, when using said device, the user has to turn his hand in order to aim on his body and pull the trigger in the opposite direction. Apparently, this action in this position is uncomfortable for the user, and requires sufficient dexterity. Furthermore, such a “gun” is unpractical because it is far bigger than pocket size.

The purpose of embodiments of this invention is to provide a method for unpacking a condom as well as a compact and durable device implementing this method to provide a convenient, fast and reliable unpacking with one hand while only slightly distracting the user from sexual intercourse.

SUMMARY

This problem is solved by providing a device for unpacking a condom, the device including a base adapted for holding it with a hand, a condom holder with a condom held therein, and a skin connected with the base or at least partially constituted by the base, wherein the condom is flatly arranged, the condom holder is adapted for sliding guided displacement with respect to the base within the plane defined by the condom, and the skin at least partially encloses the condom holder with the condom held therein; the device is provided with a key engageable with the condom holder and adapted to be acted upon by a digit of the hand holding the base in such a manner that the displacement of the holder with respect to base is performed by this digit acting upon the key.

Thus, only one hand is used to unpack the condom by just one simple motion of the thumb. This results in easy and quick unpacking. Due to displacing the holder by a digit, the force used to open the skin can be adjusted depending on skin tightness. This results in reliable unpacking. Hence, the user is only slightly distracted from sexual intercourse while unpacking the condom. Due to the displacement of the key within the plane defined by the condom the package is quite compact and can be kept in pocket.

The base can includes a box provided with a slot used as guideway. In this embodiment, the skin is received in and attached to, the box, and the holder is engaged with the key by means of a piece displaceably received in the slot, the key being located outside the box. The advantage of using the box as a base is that the box is also used as a container protecting the packed condom from the environment and preventing the accidental corruption of the package.

The box can have an open end with the holder coming out therethrough.

The base can include either U-shaped or O-shaped framework located at edge of the skin. Such framework is usually attached to the skin and is positioned in parallel with the plane defined by the condom.

In some embodiments, the base includes a U-shaped member extending along the edge of the skin, wherein the inner part of the U-shaped member is facing the holder.

The U-shaped member is generally attached to the skin edge, the key is positioned on the side of the skin opposite to the U-shaped member, and the holder keys against the inner part of the U-shaped member, the holder being adapted to slide in the direction allowed by the U-shaped member.

The base can include two plates on both sides of the plane defined by the condom, and the skin can be placed between these plates, wherein said plates are attached to the skin, and the key is positioned therebetween, and U-shaped member connects said plates along their edge.

The base can also includes a plate.

The skin can be a package made of at least one sheet. The base can also be shaped as a tray having a plate-like bottom defined on its three sides with a flange. A sheet of film can be attached along the edge of the tray, and the holder with the condom held therein can be received in the tray under the sheet.

The key can be at least partially placed outside the space defined by the skin and connected with the holder by a part passed through the skin.

The part connecting the key with the holder can extend between two layers of the sheet material.

In this embodiment, at the outlet from the skin, the part connecting the key and holder usually has a cross-section with two acute angles opposing each other.

The part connecting the key and holder can be passed through an opening in the sheet of the skin. The area of the sheet in vicinity of this opening is usually clamped between the key and the holder.

The key can be located within the space defined by the skin.

The skin can be provided with weakened lines.

The connection between the holder and key connection can be rigid.

This skin can be sealed.

Said displacement results in that the surfaces of the condom (at least the lower surface) are sufficiently exposed to put the condom on.

The holder can include an open hollow ring provided with a shaped slot extending along its inner circumference, wherein the condom is received in the slot.

The holder can include an open ring which has a circumferential part with a U-shaped cross-section.

The device can include a mechanism providing that the holder travels to a longer distance than the key.

A cable passed over a crossbar engaged with the key can connect the holder and the base.

The key can be separated from the holder and provided with a pushing part adapted for engagement with the holder.

The device can be provided with two opposing elastic elements, one end of each elastic elements being connected to the holder and another its end being connected to the base.

The base can include a plate positioned in parallel to the plane defined by the condom, wherein the skin can be attached to said plate and the key on the opposite side of the device with respect to the plate.

The base can include a box with a slot used as guideway, the skin can be received in and attached to said box, the holder can be connected to the key by a part displaceably received in the slot and the key can be outside the box.

The device can be provided with a tray in which the condom holder with condom held therein is placed, the tray being adapted for sliding guided displacement with respect to the base within the plane defined by the condom, wherein the device is also provided with a key connected with the condom holder and adapted to be acted upon by a digit of the hand holding the base in such a manner that the displacement of the tray with respect to base is performed by this digit acting upon the key.

The base can includes a box with one open end, provided with a slot used as guideway, with the tray received in the box. The advantage of using the box as a base is that the box is also used as a container protecting the packed condom from external effects and preventing the accidental package corruption.

The tray may be connected to the key by a part displaceably received in the slot, the key being outside the box.

The holder may be connected to the key by a part displaceably received in the slot, the key being outside the box.

The slot can be covered by a sheet of flexible material.

The tray may have a plate-like bottom defined on its three sides with a flange.

The tray may have a plate-like bottom defined on all four sides with a flange.

A sheet of film can be attached to the edge of said tray, and the holder with condom held therein can be placed in the tray under said sheet.

To provide easy assemblage, the box may consist of two pieces connected to each other like pieces of a soapbox.

The skin in which the holder with condom can be at least partially received, can be attached to the tray.

The skin in which the holder with condom can be at least partially received, can be partially formed by the tray.

The skin can be a package made at least of one sheet. The package can also be made of two sheets connected to each other at their edges, or of one folded sheet with connected edges.

The holder can include an open hollow ring provided with a shaped slot extending along its inner circumference, wherein the condom is received in the slot.

The holder can be a flat open ring provided with inwards-facing grippers, for holding the condom.

The holder can be U-shaped, with its inner part facing and embracing the condom held within.

Further, the mentioned problem can be solved by a device for unpacking a condom held by a holder, the device including a holder with a condom flatly arranged and held therein and a skin enclosing the holder with condom held therein; at least a part of the outer periphery of the holder is defined by tapering surfaces adapted to sliding with respect to the skin when they are pressed through the skin by the digits of a hand.

In this case, when unpacking the condom, the user holds the device for the skin by the digits of one hand, and the displacement is performed by pressing out the holder with condom held therein from the skin. During said pressing-out said digits are brought together.

Due to this design of the device, only one hand is used to unpack the condom using simple motion of two digits of said hand. Easy and comfortable unpacking is achieved thereby.

Said surfaces can be formed by a frame at least partially embraces the holder along its perimeter and received in the skin.

The device can include rests connected to the skin or partially forming the skin, the keys being adapted for displacement with respect to said surfaces by pressing said keys through the skin.

The device can include a V-shaped bracket received in the skin, the bracket having a U-shaped cross-section, the bracket embracing the holder from the outside.

Furthermore, the mentioned problem is solved by implementing a method for unpacking a condom held by a holder, flatly arranged and received in an unpacking device; according to this method, holding the device in the user's hand, and displacing a part of the device with respect to the remaining part of the device until at least part of the condom is released, wherein said displacement is performed using a digit of the hand holding the device, and a mechanical interaction between said digit and the displaceable part of the device is created by pressing said digit to the device in the direction perpendicular to the direction of said displacement of the displaceable part.

Thus, when unpacking the condom, the user can hold the device in a comfortable position, whereas the digit displacement direction is natural and convenient for the user.

In yet another embodiment, the step of holding the device in the user's hand includes holding the skin adapted to be held with the digits of a hand; and the step of said displacement includes pressing the holder with condom held therein out of the skin by brining said digits together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further is following the detailed description of the preferred embodiment including the references to drawings, where

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a traditionally used condom grasped in the user's hand;

FIG. 2 illustrates the situation before putting on the condom;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view where a condom is held in a known holder consisting of two parts grasped by both hands;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view where the condom is held in a known holder of ribbon type;

FIG. 5 is a sectional side view of one embodiment of the condom unpacking device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of condom shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a disassembled holder in package with a key seat and the key of the device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the holder without the package in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 illustrates crosspiece of the holder in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the packed condom holder part in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, where key seat is removed for descriptive reasons;

FIGS. 11-15 are perspective views illustrating the device assemblage stages in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 with the condom unpacked;

FIGS. 36 illustrate an embodiments of the device case;

FIGS. 18-20 are perspective views showing the assemblage stages of another embodiment of the condom unpacking device;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are perspective views showing the assemblage stages of another embodiment of the condom unpacking device;

FIG. 23 represents an end view of the device in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 and 22;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the condom unpacking device holder;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the device with holder in the embodiment shown in FIG. 24;

FIGS. 26-28 are perspective views showing the stages of unpacking the condom contained in the device shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 represents a sectional side view of the device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the condom unpacking device;

FIG. 31 represents the perspective view of the device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a sectional side view of suggested condom unpacking device in one of its embodiments;

FIG. 33 is a sectional side view of the device shown in FIG. 32 with the condom unpacked;

FIG. 34 represents the perspective view of the key of device shown in FIG. 32, provided with clamp;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the clamp of key of device shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of device shown in the FIG. 32 with the lid removed;

FIGS. 37-39 are perspective views showing suggested device assemblage stages;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of suggested device shown in FIGS. 37-39;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIGS. 37-40 with the condom unpacked;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of alternative holder which can be used in the suggested device;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the holder shown in FIG. 42 with separated ring parts;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the holder shown in FIG. 42 with the condom installed;

FIG. 45 is a sectional view of the holder shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the device in yet another embodiment with the lid removed;

FIG. 47 is a side sectional view of the engagement between the key and pushing part of the device shown in FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the device in its another embodiment;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view with compartmentalization of the device parts in the embodiment shown in FIG. 48;

FIG. 50-51 illustrate the schematic top views of the device shown in FIG. 48, representing the condom unpacking stages;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the device in its another embodiment;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view with compartmentalization of the device parts in the embodiment shown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 53, with the condom unpacked;

FIG. 55 is a side sectional view of suggested device for unpacking a condom in one of its embodiments;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 55;

FIG. 57-59 are perspective views of the assemblage stages of the device shown in FIG. 55;

FIG. 60-61 are perspective views of the unpacking stages of the device shown in FIG. 55;

FIG. 62 is a side sectional view of suggested device for unpacking a condom in its other embodiment;

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 55;

FIG. 64-65 are perspective views of the assemblage stages of the device in embodiment shown in FIG. 62;

FIG. 66-67 are perspective views of the unpacking stages of the device shown in FIG. 62;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of suggested device for unpacking a condom in its other embodiment;

FIG. 69-70 are perspective views of the assemblage stages of the device in embodiment shown in FIG. 68.

FIG. 71-72 are perspective views of the unpacking stages of the device shown in FIG. 68;

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of suggested device for unpacking a condom in its other embodiment;

FIG. 74-77 are perspective views of the assemblage stages of the device in embodiment shown in FIG. 73;

FIG. 78-79 are perspective views of the unpacking stages of the device shown in FIG. 73;

FIG. 80-81 are perspective views of alternative holders, which can be used in the suggested device;

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the device in its another embodiment;

FIG. 83 is a top view of the holder without the package in the embodiment shown in FIG. 82;

FIG. 84 illustrates the perspective view of the holder with condom held therein installed into the frame without the package in the embodiment shown in FIG. 82;

FIG. 85 is a perspective view with compartmentalization of the suggested device parts in the embodiment shown in FIG. 82;

FIG. 86 is a perspective view of the device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 82, with the condom unpacked;

FIG. 87 schematically is a force applied by the user to the device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 82;

FIG. 88 is a perspective view of the holder without package in its another embodiment.

FIG. 89 is a perspective view of the holder shown in FIG. 88, installed into the frame;

FIG. 90 is a perspective view of the device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 88, with the condom unpacked;

FIG. 91 is a perspective view of the device in its another embodiment;

FIG. 92 is a perspective view of the device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 91, with the condom unpacked;

FIG. 93 is a perspective view of the device including the holder shown in FIG. 89:

FIG. 94 is a perspective view of the device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 93, with the condom unpacked.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 5-16 represent one of the embodiments of a condom unpacking device including a base constituted by a flat box 3. Box 3 has one open end 4. Box 3 is made of two 5 pieces: a tray 5 and a lid 6 connected to each other like pieces of a soapbox. Box lid 6 has a central through slot 61 running from one edge to another edge of the box. The connection between tray 5 and lid 6 connection can be secured with a bond or a detachable mechanical joint. Box 3 can be made of a material of any type having sufficient stiffness to preserve its content and hold it in hand, e.g., this box can be made of plastic. In other words, box 3 is a container.

It can be seen from FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 that placed in box 3 is a holder 7 including a hollow ring 8 with a shaped channel 9 running around the inner circumference of the ring. A condom 1, e.g. an aforementioned traditionally used condom, is received in the channel 9. Most part of condom 1 is roiled into a ring and received in the shaped channel 9 of ring 8, excluding the condom end part spanning the opening of ring 8. A plane running through the equator of the ring to which the condom is rolled, is further referred to as the plane defined by the condom.

A seat 10 for key 11 is connected to ring 8 on the outer part of holder 7. Seat 10 includes a plate 12 provided with two supports 13 and 14 facing tray 5. Seat 10 is connected to ring 8 with a crosspiece 15 having an L-shaped profile and ensuring that the plate 12 is arranged in box 3 directly under lid 6, above the plane defined by ring 8. In this embodiment, ring 8 of holder 7 is disconnected because of a gap 154 opposite to crosspiece 15.

Key 11 has a size and shape suitable for manipulating it with a finger, and has on its underside two pins 16 and 17. Key 11 is mounted on the outer part of box 3 by means of pins 16 and 17 passing through slot 61 and through openings 22 and 23 of the plate 12. Pins 16 and 17 have skewed surfaces 18 and 19 and shoulders 20 and 21 engaged with edges of openings 22 and 23. Therefore, pins 16 and 17 are locked in these openings in such manner that key 11 is retained on seat 10. In this case a gap 26 is formed between the plate 12 upper surface 24 and the key 11 lower surface 25, the width of the gap 26 being a little greater than the thickness of box 3 wall. The gap is formed by projections 27 and 28 projecting from the upper surface of plate 12 and supporting the underside of key 11. Further, the gap is formed by projection 29 on the underside of key 11 between pins 16 and 17. projection 29 rests upon the surface 24 of the seat 10 between openings 22 and 23 and is the same height as projections 27 and 28. Lug 27 has a sharp edge faced to the holder 7.

Ring 8 of holder 7, crosspiece 15, seat 10 and key 11 can either be integrally formed, or made of parts rigidly connected to each other. Ring 8 of holder 7 is packed, together with condom 1, into a skin constituted by a package 2 having a shape similar to that of a package traditionally used for packing condoms, i.e. a package having two sheets 51 and 52 connected with each other at their edges as shown in FIG. 5. Preferably, sheets of package 2 are made of a polymer film. In the area where crosspiece 15 projects out of the ring and, therefore, out of package 2, the edges of package 2 remain disconnected and embrace the crosspiece 15. As shown in FIG. 9, crosspiece 15 in vicinity of this area is flat and provided with sharpened edges 30 and 31 in order to let sheets 51 and 52 of the package 2 tightly embrace the crosspiece 15, so the package can be sealed. To ensure that the package is hermetical, the connection between package 2 and crosspiece 15 can be sealed with glue or a sealant (not shown in the drawings).

Package 2 can include weakened lines in order to facilitate its tearing. These lines can be provided, e.g. when the package is made of a double-layer film. One layer of this film is thin, solid, and impenetrable, and the other layer is more firm and provided with weakened lines allowing to tear open the double-layered package.

Preferable arrangement of these lines is shown in FIG. 10. One weakened line 32 runs along the edge of package 2 on the opposite side to the exit point of crosspiece 15. Furthermore, weakened lines 33 and 34 run through the package edges around the exit point of crosspiece 15. The ends of lines 33 and 34 are connected by a weakened line 35. Line 36 runs along the package from line 32 to line 35 and in parallel to the slot 61.

Package 2 is bonded, e.g. glued to tray 5 of the box 3. It is possible to secure the package in the box mechanically, e.g. at least one edge opening in the package can be engaged with a respective lug (not shown in the drawings) on the inner surface of the box. As shown in FIG. 10, points 37 and 38 at which package 2 is secured to the tray 5 are preferably on both sides of the crosspiece at the package edge where crosspiece 15 exits from the package. However, larger areas of the package can be used for securing the package For example, the package can be secured along its edge or at the area of the sheet 51 adjacent to tray 5 or a part of this area. Similarly, the package can also be attached to lid 6.

FIGS. 11-16 illustrate the device assemblage procedure. Firstly, the holder 7 packed in the package 2 with seat 10 extending out, is placed in tray 5 of box 3 (FIG. 11), positioning the seat 10 on the opposite side to open end 4 of box 3. Then lid 6 (see FIG. 12) is attached to tray 5 The lid can be fixed with respect to the tray, if necessary. After that, key 11 is installed on the outer side of the lid 6 at the slot 61 end by pushing the pins 16 and 17 through the slot 61 into openings 22 and 23 in plate 12 to latch pins 16 and 17 in openings 22 and 23 (see FIG. 13). In this case, seat 10 withstands the force acting from the key because supports 13 and 14 bear on tray 5. The assembled device is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

Device is operated as follows: the user takes the device in his hand, so that the open end 4 of the box 3 faces forward and away from the user, and puts his thumb on the key 11. At the same time, the user keeps holdings the device with other fingers.

Then the user presses the key providing the necessary friction between the thumb and the key and preventing the thumb slipping from the key. Then the user applies some force to the key to displace the key along the slot 61 in the plane defined by the condom, while still pressing the key with his thumb.

Vector of the force acting upon the key has two components. First force component is directed along the key displacement line, while second component is directed perpendicularly to the key displacement line. First force component moves the key, while second force component provides mechanical engagement between the thumb and the key, so that friction forces prevent the thumb from slipping down the key to the box surface.

It shall be noted that the direction of the force provided by the thumb acting upon the key depends on the shape of key. If the force application surface is perpendicular to the key displacement direction, the thumb force vector acts upon the key in the direction of key displacement, while the force component perpendicular to the key displacement direction is not present.

Theoretically, the key can be acted upon in such a way that a component will exist which is perpendicular both to the direction of the key displacement and to first component , e.g. in case the vector of force applied by the user to the key does not lie exactly in the same plane with first and second components or in case the key is asymmetrical. If this perpendicular component is not too big, it would not affect the device performance.

Pins 16 and 17 and projections 27, 28, and 29 are displaced in the slot 61 used as a guideway; while the upper surface 24 of plate 12 and the lower surface 25 of the key travel, correspondingly, upon and under the lid due to gap 26. Walls of the box 3, together with the slot 61 are also used as a guideway for the holder 7, preventing the holder from displacement in any other direction than outwards through the open end 4 of the box 3.

Key 11 and ring 8 of the holder 7 are integral, therefore package 2 prevents the key 11 from displacement because package 2 is attached to the box 3 as described above. Therefore, when the displacement of key 11 starts, the front edge of holder 7 thrusts against the front edge of the package 2 from the inside, while the sharpened projection 27 (see FIG. 7) thrusts against the opposite edge of the package. By further displacement of key 11, package 2 is torn at its front edge, allowing holder 7 with condom 1 slide forward and out of package 2 and box 3 through the open end 4. At the same time, package 2 is torn on the opposite edge by lug 27. The tearing action is facilitated due to weakened lines 32-36. As seen in the drawings, the key 11 is displaced in the direction parallel to the plane defined by the condom. When the key 11 is displaced up to the end of slot 61, the holder 7 leaves the package 3 completely (see FIG. 16). The condom 1 is therefore ready to be put on, and the user can easily put the condom on holding the box 3 in his hand.

Thus, only one hand and one simple motion of the thumb of this hand is used to unpack condom 1. This results in easy and quick unpacking. Holder 7 is manually displaced by the thumb, therefore the force used to open the skin (in this case, to tear the package 2) can be controlled depending on the strength of the skin. This results in reliable unpacking. Hence, the process of unpacking condom 1 only slightly distracts the user's attention from sexual intercourse.

Proportions of the parts in the embodiment described and shown in the drawings provide for the displacement of the upwards-facing key 11 with the thumb as the most convenient method. However, any finger can be used to move the key 11 at the user's discretion.

All the embodiments shown herein imply that the base is held in hand, while the finger (preferably the thumb) makes the outwards motion, i.e. the thumb motion is similar to that used to open a switchblade knife. Such kind of action is natural and convenient for the user. Theoretically, a condom can be unpacked using an inwards motion, but such kind of motion is not convenient for the user because the described devices are not compatible with this type of motion.

It shall be noted that the base can also be a wire frame, e.g. see FIG. 17.

Yet another embodiment of the base is shown in FIGS. 18-20. According to this embodiment, the base is constituted by a tray 186 having a bottom 155 shaped as a plate with rounded edge bounded from three sides by the flange 156 with the edge 157 bent outwards. End part 104 of the tray 186 is open. Pins 139 and 140 are used to prevent seat 148 from lateral movement. Holder 107 and condom 1 are placed in the tray. Sheet 194 is attached to the tray edge in such manner that the holder 107 with condom 1 is in the tray 186 under the sheet 194. Thus, sheet 194 together with tray 186 form a skin in which the holder 107 with condom 1 are received. The processes of mounting key 111 and unpacking condom 1 are the same as described in the previous example. It is convenient to keep tray 186 in the pocket due to its rounded edge.

Generally, a base can be in many different embodiments as long as its main purpose is achieved: to ensure holding the device in hand, connecting the skin to the base, and displacing the holder with respect to the base. Besides those described above, some other constructions meet the aforementioned requirements; for example, a U-shaped construction (see FIGS. 21-23) to which edges of a package are attached.

FIGS. 24-28 represent one more embodiment in which a polymer film 252 is attached to the edges of a base constituted by a plate 203. Holder 207 with condom 1 is placed between sheet 252 and plate 203. A key 211 having an inclined thrust surface 260 is attached directly to a ring 208 of holder 207. Thus, holder 207 with key 211 is completely enclosed in the skin formed by plate 203 and sheet 252.

To unpack the condom, the user takes the device in his hand in such manner, that the key 211 which is identifiable as a projection tightly covered with sheet 252, is facing up and towards the user, then puts the thumb of the same hand on the key 260, fumbling the key through the film. Then, holding the plate 203, with his hand, the user applies some force to the key 211 with his thumb, pressing the holder 207 out of the skin. The pressing can include one movement or several movements. In the latter case, the user has to release and reposition his thumb several times.

Force vector of a thumb acting upon the key has two components. The first component is directed along the key displacement line, while the second component is perpendicular to the key displacement direction. It is not necessary to create mechanical engagement between thumb and key to prevent, by means of friction forces, the thumb from slipping down the key because, if such engagement is created, the film clamped between the thumb and the key would have been stretched and thus would prevent the key displacement. Therefore, while acting upon the key, the thumb shall be used in a way ensuring the sliding of the film between the thumb and the key.

Thus, the user has to adjust the thumb pressure to make it neither too strong, so that the thumb can slide along the film, nor excessively weak, so that the thumb cannot slide up the inclined key surface.

Sheet 252 is attached to the plate 203, preventing the displacement of holder 207. Therefore, when the holder starts to be displaced the front edge of the holder 207 thrusts from the inside against the front edge of sheet 252. When holder 207 is displaced further, the front edge of sheet 252 is torn (see FIG. 26) or disconnected from the plate 203, so that holder 207 with condom 1 slides forward beyond the sheet 252 and plate 203. As with the packages 2 and 152 described in the previous embodiments, sheet 252 can include weakened lines to facilitate its tearing in a controllable manner. Holder 207 leaves sheet 252 and plate 203 completely when key 211 is displaced up to the edge of plate 203 (see FIGS. 27 and 28). At the same time, the user shifts his fingers to hold the holder 207 and releases the plate 203. This results in the condom 1 becoming ready to be put on, and the user can easily put the condom on.

FIG. 29 represents a variation of this embodiment where the base is constituted by a plate 203 connected with a skin constituted by a package 202 comprising two sheets 251 and 252 connected to each other by their edges. Condom 1 is generally unpacked in a similar way to that described in the previous example.

All aforementioned examples disclose a configuration of the holder ring and key where the force vector of a finger acting upon the key lies in the plane perpendicular to plane defined by the condom. It can be said that the key is placed on top the device. However, in some embodiments this vector lies in the plane defined by the condom. It can be said that in these examples the key is placed laterally. One embodiment of this configuration is shown in FIGS. 30-31. The base is a “book”.

FIGS. 32-36 represent the embodiment characterized in that a transmission acting as a pulley is incorporated between the holder and the key for providing a full travel of the holder by a shortened displacement of the key.

FIG. 32 represents a holder 377 with condom 1, received in box 290 provided with slot 365. Holder 377 is packed in the skin 394 while the plate 115 of the holder 377 is partially placed outside the skin. The skin 394 is attached to the box 290 as in other examples. Key 290 is installed outside the box 290 on the pin 100 placed in the slot 365. The clamp 81 is installed inside the box 290 at the pin 100 end; wire 82 passes through the clamp. FIG. 34 represents the clamp 81 connected to the key 329, and FIG. 35 represents the clamp separately. One end 83 of the wire 82 is attached to the plate 115 while the other end 84 is fixed at the lug 85 of the inner surface of the box 290 lid. Wire ends can be connected by any known means providing the necessary wire durability.

During the key 329 displacement, the clamp 81 pulls the wire that pulls the plate 115 and the holder 377 forward and upward. Box 290 prevents the upward displacement, the holder 377 therefore moves forward in the key displacement direction. However, the holder 377 displacement distance is longer than that of the key 329 due to the pulley formed by the wire passing through the clamp, and fixed by its end 84 at the inner surface of the box 290 lid.

In this embodiment, key 329 is not connected tightly with the holder 377, thus in order to fixate the holder 377 with respect to the base 290 after the holder moves forward, the bottom of the box is enhanced with the plate with the slot 365 while the holder is enhanced with the pin 270 passing through plate 365 slot and provided with the displacement possibility. This pin has a expanded part 271.

FIG. 37 represents the assemblage process where key 341 together with the pushing part 342 is inserted in the slot 347 of the upper part 350 of the box. Package 351 with the holder and condom is attached to the tray 353 of the box 354 (FIG. 38). Then the box lid together with the key is inserted into the box tray (FIG. 39), the pushing part 342 with the ledge 343 is engaged to the plate 344. When displacing the key 341, the holder is pushed from the box due to the interaction between the pushing part and the plate 344 key (FIG. 41). Holder leaves the box when it is pushed out completely, but the key remains in the slot. Then the user can take the holder by the plate 344 and put the condom on.

In the aforementioned examples, the skin is implemented as a package polymer film sheets connected by their edges, or a formed by the plate with sheets connected to it. It should be noted that other embodiments are also possible. The skin, e.g. can be implemented as a solid box made of rigid material capable of breaking when affected by the holder. The embodiment where the condom together with the holder is folded into a paper or polymer sheet sealed by its edges by adhesive; this sheet does not tear, but unfolds when affected by the holder with sheet edges disengaging.

The aforementioned examples considered the holder constituted by a hollow open ring with shaped slot passing along its inner circumference. In the “Background Art” section many condom holder designs are described. Any of these condom holders can be used in the condom unpacking device of embodiments of the invention, because the condom holder is not the matter of this invention. The holder represented in FIGS. 42-45 can be implemented with embodiments of this invention.

FIGS. 42 and 43 show the holder implemented as an open ring 200 with mainly C-shape cross-section, comprising two flexible crosspieces 97 and 98 (FIG. 45). Crosspieces 97 and 98 are used to remove the holder when the condom is put on. To achieve this, the user displaces the holder in lateral direction and therefore parts of the ring are unfolded at crosspieces 97 and 98 and come apart (see FIG. 43), thus the holder can be removed. FIG. 44 represents the holder with the condom 1 installed.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 46-47, with the key separated from the support.

In this embodiment, the holder with the plate 144 adapted for holding it in hand, is received in the package 145.

Pushing part 147 adjoined to the package 145 at the point where the plate 144 is enclosed in it, is placed on the key 146.

When the key 146 is pulled out, the holder is pushed out of the box by pushing part 147 due to engagement between pushing part 147 and the plate 144 through the package 145. The package therefore slips between pushing part 147 and the plate 144 without tearing the package at the point of contact. The holder is pushed out completely and leaves the box, while the key remains in the slot. The user can take the holder for the plate 144 and put the condom on.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 48-49, the base is formed by plate 413 with package 414 with holder and condom held therein attached to said plate.

The device is provided with elastic elements 415 and 416, with L-shaped elements 418 and 419 attached to one of their ends respectively. Said L-shaped elements are fixed in opposing notches 436 and 437 on plate 413 as shown in FIG. 49. The other ends of elements 415 and 416 are connected to each other by crosspiece 420.

The holder is provided with support 412 for key 421, which has a transversal slot 422 with a crosspiece 420 fixed therein. Support 412 also includes openings 423 and 424 placed on both sides from slot 422, with key 421 received in said openings.

The device is operated as follows: the user holds the device in his hand in such manner that key 421 is facing the user. The user further acts upon key 421, displacing it in the plane defined by condom, away from the user. Elements 415 and 416 therefore are being bended, as shown in FIG. 50. When passing the midpoint, elements 415 and 416 are being unbended by the elastic forces developed in said elements during bending stage, and the holder is displaced by said elements (FIG. 51). Therefore, the user either does not need to act upon the support, or only needs to apply a small force to the support.

In FIG. 52-54, a variation of this embodiment is shown, according to which the base is formed by flat box 425 with open side 435. Box 425 consists of two parts: pallet 426 and lid 427 (FIG. 53), with notches 428, 429, 430 and 431 respectively formed on the lateral sides of said parts; elements 418 and 419 bulge out of box 425 through said notches. Lugs 432 and 433 are also formed on said pallet; said lugs are placed on both sides from notches 429 and 430 (not shown) with said elements 418 and 419 fixed in said lugs.

The device is operated in a similar way to the one shown in FIG. 48-51.

FIGS. 55-61 represent one of the embodiments of the invention. According to this embodiment, the suggested device for unpacking a condom includes a base formed by a flat box 293. Box 293 has one open end 48 consisting of two parts: pallet 49 and lid 50, connected at their lateral sides like parts of a soapbox. Lid 50 of the box has central throughout slot 367, beginning at one of its edges and ending at the other one. Connection of pallet 49 and lid 50 can be secured by bonding or by a detachable mechanical connection. Box 293 can be made of any material, preferably having rigidity to provide safety of its contents and to hold the device in hand; e.g. it can be made of plastic. In other words, box 293 is a container.

As it can be seen from FIGS. 55, 59 and 60, box 293 includes tray 53, which has a bottom defined on its four sides with a flange. The flange is thicker on one of the sides of the tray, forming a surface 54. A key 55 having shape and size suitable for acting upon it with a digit is mounted on surface 54. Key 55 is connected to surface 54 by a crosspiece 56 passed through the slot 367, so that key 55 is over the lid 50 of the box. Surface 54 of tray 53, crosspiece 56 and key 55 can be integrally formed or made of several parts rigidly connected to each other. Surface 54 also has lugs 57 corresponding with the height of crosspiece 56. Lugs 57 key upon the lower surface of lid 50, pressing it to the lower surface of key 55, and therefore create friction between the upper surface of box 293 and the lower surface of key 55, excluding the possibility of accidental displacement of box 293 with respect to tray 53.

Holder 59 placed in tray 53 includes a hollow ring 64 with a shaped slot 65 passing along the inner circumference of the tray with condom 1 (e.g. the traditional condom described above) placed within. The larger part of condom 1 is rolled into a ring and placed into a pocket of ring 64, excluding the end of condom 1 which covers an opening of ring 64. The plane passing through the equator of the ring in which the condom is rolled, is referred to as the plane defined by the condom. Crosspiece 66 with handle 73 attached to it is connected to ring 64 of holder 59 at the outer edge. In this embodiment, ring 64 of holder 59 is open, due to having a gap 74 located in opposite to crosspiece 66.

In this embodiment, holder 59 with condom 1 is placed in tray 53 in such manner, that its handle 73 is facing key 55, although another arrangement of holder and handle inside the tray is possible. Sheet 75 is attached on the edge of tray 53, the holder 59 with condom 1 is thus placed in tray 53 under sheet 75, as shown in FIG. 59. Therefore, sheet 75 with tray 53 form the skin in which holder 59 with condom 1 are received.

Sheet 75 can be provided with weakened lines, along which it can be easily torn. As shown in FIGS. 58-59, one weakened line 76 passes along the whole perimeter of the sheet, while the other line 79 passes along the sheet in parallel to slot 367 and is connected to line 76 on the opposite edges of the film.

Sheet 17 is attached to the lower surface of lid 6, e.g. it can be glued.

FIGS. 57-59 show the device assemblage process. Firstly, holder 59 is placed in tray 53 of box 293 (FIG. 57), arranging handle 73 of the holder on the side of box 293, on which key 55 is located; tray 53 is then glued to film 75 (FIG. 59). Then tray 53 is placed in pallet 49, which is further covered by lid 50 (FIG. 59), placing crosspiece 56 in slot 367. Lid 50 is fixed with respect to pallet if necessary. The assembled device is shown in FIG. 56.

The device is operated as follows: the user takes the device in hand with the open end 48 of box 293 facing forward, away from the user, and puts his digit on key 55. The user holds the device for its base with other digits. Then he presses his thumb to the key in order to provide necessary friction between the digit and the key and to prevent the sliding of the digit from the key, the user further applies some force to the key, sufficient to exceed the friction formed between the upper surface of box 293 and the lower surface of key 55, in order to displace the key along slot 367 in the plane defined by condom, while still pressing the key with his thumb.

Crosspiece 56 is displaced in slot 367 used as guideway; surface 54 of tray 53 and the lower surface of the key are displaced on top and on bottom of lid 50 correspondingly.

With key 55 displaced to the end of slot 367, tray 53 goes out of box 293 completely (see FIG. 60). Sheet 75 is therefore torn along the weakened lines, and its larger part is separated from tray 53 (FIG. 60). Tray 53 is placed on a horizontal surface (not shown), and holder 59 is removed from tray 53, holding it for handle 73 (FIG. 61) with the same hand. Condom 1 is therefore ready to be put on.

Thus, only one hand and one simple motion of the thumb is used to unpack condom 1. This results in easy and quick unpacking. The holder is also adapted for holding it in one hand; therefore all actions related to the condom can be performed with one hand. Tray 59 is manually displaced by a digit, therefore the force used to open the skin (in this case, to tear sheet 75) can be adjusted depending on the skin strength. This results in reliable unpacking. Hence, the process of unpacking condom 1 only slightly distracts the user's attention from sexual intercourse. Proportions of the parts in the embodiment described above and shown in the Figures makes it most convenient for the user to use his thumb to displace key 55 facing. Alternatively, the user may displace key 55 with any other digit if necessary.

In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 62-67, ring 64 of holder 59 with condom 1 are received in a package 80, similar to the package used with traditional condom, as shown in FIG. 64. Package 80 is preferably made of polymer film. At the spot where crosspiece 56 extends out of the ring and package 80, the edges of package 80 are not connected, embracing crosspiece 56.

In this embodiment, tray 86 has a bottom defined on all four sides with a flange, and, in contrast to embodiment shown in FIGS. 55-61, does not have a surface for key 87 placement.

Key 87 is directly connected to ring 64 of holder 59. For this purpose, key support 88 is placed on the end of crosspiece 56. The support is a plate connected to key 87 via pin 89, which provides placement of key 87 above lid 50 of the box.

Ring 64 of holder 59, crosspiece 56, support 88, pin 89 and key 87 can be integrally formed or made of several parts, rigidly connected to each other.

Package 80 can be provided with weakened lines, along which it can be easily torn. Said lines can be implemented by making the package of two-layer film. One of these layers can be thin, solid, and impenetrable, and the other one can be more strong, and provided with weakened lines, along which the package is torn.

The preferable arrangement of weakened lines in shown in FIG. 64; one weakened line 94 passes along the whole perimeter of the package, while the other line 95 passes along the package in parallel to slot 367 and is connected to line 94 on the opposite edges of the package.

Package 80 is bonded, e.g. glued to tray 86 on one side, and to lid 50 of box 293 on the other side.

FIGS. 64-65 show the device assemblage process. Firstly, holder 59 packed in package 80 is placed in tray 86 and the package is glued to the bottom of tray. Further, tray 86 with package 80 is placed in pallet 49, which is further covered by lid 50 (FIG. 65), placing pin 89 in slot 367; package 80 is then glued to the lower surface of the lid. Lid 50 is further fixed with respect to the pallet if necessary. The assembled device is shown in FIG. 63.

The device is operated as follows: the user takes the device in his hand with the open end 48 of box 293 facing forward, away from the user, and puts his digit on key 87. The user holds the device for its base with other digits. Then he applies some force to the key 87, displacing tray 86 with respect to box 293. Crosspiece 56 is therefore displaced in slot 367, package 80 is torn, and its lower part glued to tray 86 is displaced along with the tray and the holder, and its upper part stays on the lower surface of lid 50. Tray 86 is displaced to a position shown in FIG. 66, then the tray is placed on a horizontal surface and the holder is removed by holding it for handle 73 (FIG. 66) with the same hand that held box 293. Condom 1 is therefore ready to be put on, and the user can easily put condom 1 on holding it for handle 73.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 68-72, holder 59 with handle 73 is fully enclosed in package 80, which is placed in tray 86 and is attached to it at one of its sides. The other side of the package is attached to lid 50. Tray 86 and box 293 are implemented in a similar way to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 55-61.

FIGS. 71-72 show the process of unpacking a condom similar to the one shown in FIGS. 66-67.

Therefore, as in previous examples, only one hand is used to unpack the condom using the simple motion of the thumb. Hence the holder is also adapted for holding it in one hand, all actions related to the condom can be performed with one hand.

In yet another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 73-79, the base is also formed by a flat box 294. Box 294 has one open end 109 consisting of two parts: pallet 118 and lid 119, connected at their lateral sides like parts of a soapbox. Lid 119 of the box has central throughout slot 121, beginning at one of its edges and ending at the other one.

As shown in FIGS. 74-76, holder 59 with condom 1 is placed in tray 126 enclosed in box 294. Tray 126 includes the bottom defined on its three sides by a flange. On the side of the tray opposite to its open side, the flange is thicker, thus forming surface 127. Key support 128 in shape of a rectangular lug is formed on surface 127, with its width equal to the width of slot 121.

As shown in FIG. 76, support 128 extends out through slot 121. Said slot and end 109 of the box are glued with film 129, e.g. scotch tape. Key 130 is attached, e.g. glued, to lug 128 over the film.

In this embodiment, box 294 with film 129 forms the condom skin.

Unpacking condom 1 (as shown in FIGS. 78-79), the user displaces key 130 in slot 121 with his thumb. The film at end 109 is torn by the open end of tray 126, and tray 126 goes out of box 294. Holder 59 with condom 1 is further removed from tray 126 by holding it for handle 73. Condom 1 is therefore ready to be put on, and the user can easily put condom 1 on still holding it for handle 73.

The mentioned examples reviewed the condom holder formed by an open hollow ring provided with a shaped slot extending along its inner circumference. However, this embodiment of the invention may include other condom holders, e.g. the holders shown in FIGS. 80-81.

As shown in FIG. 80, the holder can be a flat open ring formed by rod 131 and two C-shaped frameworks 132 and 133 provided with inwards-facing grippers 134 used for condom holding. The holder is further provided with levers, with their larger arms formed by frameworks 132 and 133, while the pivots 135 and 136 of said levers are placed on the ends of rod 131.

Gap 137 is formed between the ends of frameworks 132 and 133. While pressing the smaller arms 138 and 141 of the levers, gap 137 is enlarged, thus stretching the condom and expanding the inner surface of holder ring. This leads to reduction of the friction between the holder and the sensitive skin when putting the condom on, making the process of putting on a condom more comfortable. Further, the widening the inner surface of the condom allows to easily put the condom on by touch and in low-light conditions.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 81, holder 142 can be U-shaped, and the condom is attached to it by ribbons 143, one side of which is attached to the holder, and the other one is rolled into the condom.

Furthermore, condoms rolled in opposite to the traditional direction can be used, as well as condoms rolled in any other way, condoms of shortened length (microcondoms), and holders thereof.

Generally condom is flat while rolled, thus its linear size at least along one direction is much smaller than the linear size along the directions perpendicular to this direction. It should be noted that the rolled condom haves some finite thickness and its shape is not completely flat. To determine the plane defined by the condom one should find the direction in which its linear size is minimal, the plane perpendicular to this direction is the plane defined by the condom

It is obvious that there are many different embodiments of the invention other than those described above exist in the scope of appended claim.

Support 494 for levers 495 and 496 is attached to the outer edge of the ring; said support is connected to ring 492 by crosspiece 497. The support is also provided with cross slide 498, placed in slot 489 with displacement possibility.

Device shown in FIG. 82-87 includes skin 559 with holder 560 formed as a plate with triangular shape, and frame 561 tightly embracing the plate of holder 560 on its perimeter; said holder and frame are received in the skin.

Opening 562 is formed in the middle part of holder 560 (see FIG. 83), the edge of said opening is bended forming ring 563 with C-shaped profile. The holder is provided with flexible crosspieces 564 and 565 (see FIG. 83). Holder 61 is open, because it includes gap 566. Due to holder 560 being open and also due to crosspieces 564 and 565, the holder can be removed in transverse direction after the condom is put on.

Frame 561 has sectional U-shape, as shown in FIG. 85, and is provided with gap 567 and two flexible crosspieces 568 and 569.

During the installation of holder 560 into frame 561, as shown in FIG. 85, plate of holder 560 thrusts by its edges against frame surface 570 and is additionally held by frame surface 571 due to force of friction. Crosspieces 568 and 569 of the frame are opposite to crosspieces 564 and 565 of the holder. Frame 561 with holder received therein is shown in FIG. 84.

As shown in FIG. 82, skin 559 is provided with weakened line 272 located at the spot where holder 560 goes out of the package when unpacking.

The device is operated as follows: the user takes the device with two digits of a hand and presses two sides of frame 561 through package 559. Due to the outer surface of the frame being smooth, said frame is shifted with respect to package 559, tears it and goes out as shown in FIG. 86.

As shown in FIG. 87, force vector of the digit acting upon the support has two constituents. Constituent 573 of said vector is directed along the displacement direction of frame 561, while constituent 574 is directed perpendicularly to the displacement direction of the frame. Due to constituent 573, the displacement of the frame is performed; due to constituent 574, the mechanical interaction between the skin and the frame is formed; it results in shifting of the frame with respect to the skin.

In the assembly described above, a somewhat different shape of holder 560 and frame 561 can be implemented, as shown in FIG. 88-90. In this embodiment, only part 575 of frame 561 periphery has a wedge-like shape.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 82-87, the device can be provided with keys 576 and 577 connected to frame 561 with shifting possibility with respect to said frame, as shown in FIG. 91-92.

When unpacking the condom, the user acts upon keys 576 and 577 through skin 559, as shown in FIG. 92. The force applied by the digits is thus directed in such manner that the keys are shifted with respect to frame 561, displacing it with respect to skin 559. As a result, the skin is torn and holder 560 with condom 1 goes out. Keys 576, 577 can be connected to skin 559, or implemented separately.

The device can also be provided with V-shaped bracket 578, as shown in FIG. 93-94. Bracket 578 has U-shaped transverse section and is provided with support areas 579, 580 having ribbed structure. In order to unpack the condom, the user acts upon support areas 579, 580 of the bracket through skin 559. Bracket 578 is therefore shifted with respect to frame 561, which tears skin 559 and goes out of it.

Furthermore, in embodiments described above, a condom holder formed as a hollow open ring with shaped slot was observed. As it is clear from “background art” section, there are many variations of condom holders currently known. Each of said holders can be used in the condom unpacking device of embodiments of the invention. Embodiments of the invention, may be usable with a new holder, not known from the prior art.

The holder can also be kept in the sprung state, unfold when pressed out of the skin (not shown in Figures). In other words, in storage state the skin keeps the holder in compact form.

Condoms rolled in an opposite direction to that traditionally used for rolling a condom or folded in any other way, as well as shortened condoms known as micro-condoms. 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, by hook-shaped fasteners, or by noose-shaped fasteners adapted to hold the condom ring on the outer side.

In case of micro-condoms, the edge of a rolled condom can be attached to their holder by an adhesive.

Generally condom is flat while folded, thus its linear size at least 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 haves some finite thickness and its shape is not completely flat. To determine the plane defined by the condom one should find the direction in which its linear size is minimal, the plane perpendicular to this direction is the plane defined by the condom.

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

Claims

1. A device for unpacking a condom, the device comprising a base adapted for holding it with a hand, a condom holder with a condom held therein, and a skin connected with the base or at least partially constituted by the base, wherein the condom is flatly arranged, thus defining a plane, the condom holder is adapted for sliding guided displacement with respect to the base within the plane defined by the condom, and the skin at least partially encloses the condom holder with the condom held therein, wherein the device is provided with a key engageable with the condom holder and adapted to be acted upon by a digit of the hand holding the base in such a manner that the displacement of the holder with respect to base is performed by this digit acting upon the key.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a box provided with a slot used as guideway, the skin is received in and attached to, the box, and the holder is engaged with the key by means of a piece displaceably received in the slot, the key being located outside the box.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the box has an open end.

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the base includes either a U-shaped or O-shaped framework located at edge of the skin.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein said framework is attached to the skin and is positioned in parallel with the plane defined by the condom.

6. Device according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a U-shaped member extending along the edge of the skin, wherein the inner part of the U-shaped member is facing the holder.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the U-shaped member is attached to the skin edge, the key is positioned on the side of the skin opposite to the U-shaped member, and the holder rests against the inner part of the U-shaped member, the holder being adapted to slide in the direction allowed by the U-shaped member.

8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the base includes two plates on both side of the plane defined by the condom, and the skin is placed between these plates, wherein said plates are attached to the skin, and the key is positioned therebetween, and a U-shaped member connects said plates along their edge.

9. Device according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a plate.

10. Device according to claim 1, wherein the skin is a package at least made of one sheet.

11. Device according to claim 1, wherein the base is shaped as a tray having a plate-like bottom defined on its three sides with a flange, wherein a sheet of film is attached along the edge of the tray, and the holder with the condom held therein is received in the tray under the sheet.

12. Device according to claim 1, wherein the key is at least partially placed outside the space defined by the skin and connected with the holder by a part passed through the skin.

13. Device according to claim 1, wherein the part connecting the key with the holder extends between two layers of the sheet material.

14. Device according to claim 1, wherein, at the outlet from the skin, said part connecting the key and holder has a cross-section with two acute angles opposing each other.

15. Device according to claim 1, wherein the part connecting the key and holder is passed through an opening in the sheet of the skin, wherein the area of the sheet in vicinity of this opening is clamped between the key and the holder.

16. Device according to claim 1, wherein the key is located within the space defined by the skin.

17. Device according to claim 1, wherein the skin is provided with weakened lines.

18. Device according to claim 1, wherein the connection between the holder and key connection is rigid.

19. Device according to claim 1, wherein the skin is sealed.

20. Device according to claim 1, wherein said displacement results in that the surfaces of the condom are sufficiently exposed to put the condom on.

21. Device according to claim 1, wherein said displacement results in that at least the lower surface of the condom is sufficiently exposed to put the condom on.

22. Device according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises an open hollow ring provided with a shaped slot extending along its inner circumference, wherein the condom is received in the slot.

23. Device according to claim 1, wherein the holder includes an open ring which has a circumferential part with a U-shaped cross-section.

24. Device according to claim 1 wherein the device includes a mechanism providing that the holder travels to a longer distance than the key.

25. Device according to claim 24, wherein the holder and base are connected with a cable passed over a crossbar engaged with the key.

26. Device according to claim 1, wherein the key is separated from the holder and provided with a pushing part adapted for engagement with the holder.

27. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device is provided with two opposing elastic elements, one end of each elastic elements being connected to the holder and another its end being connected to the base.

28. Device according to claim 27, wherein the base includes a plate positioned in parallel to the plane defined by the condom, wherein the skin is attached to said plate and the key is on the opposite side of the device with respect to the plate.

29. Device according to claim 27, wherein the base includes a box with a slot used as guideway, the skin is received in and attached to said box, the holder is connected to the key by a part displaceably received in the slot; and the key is outside the box.

30. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device is provided with a tray in which the condom holder with condom held therein is placed, the tray being adapted for sliding guided displacement with respect to the base within the plane defined by the condom, wherein the device is also provided with a key connected with the condom holder and adapted to be acted upon by a digit of the hand holding the base in such a manner that the displacement of the tray with respect to base is performed by this digit acting upon the key.

31. Device according to claim 30, wherein the base comprises a box with one open end, provided with a slot used as guideway, with the tray received in the box.

32. Device according to claim 31, wherein the tray is connected to the key by a part displaceably received in said slot; the key being outside the box.

33. Device according to claim 31, wherein the holder is connected to the key by a part displaceably received in said slot; the key being outside the box.

34. Device according to claim 31, wherein said slot is covered by a sheet of flexible material.

35. Device according to claim 30, wherein the tray has a plate-like bottom defined on its three sides with a flange.

36. Device according to claim 30, wherein the tray has a plate-like bottom defined on all four sides with a flange.

37. Device according to claim 35, wherein a sheet of film is attached to the edge of said tray, and the holder with condom held therein is placed in the tray under said sheet.

38. Device according to claim 31, wherein the box consists of two pieces connected to each other like pieces of a soapbox.

39. Device according to claim 30, wherein the skin in which the holder with condom is at least partially received, is attached to the tray.

40. Device according to claim 30, wherein the skin in which the holder with condom is at least partially received, is partially formed by the tray.

41. Device according to claim 30, wherein the skin is a package made at least of one sheet.

42. Device according to claim 30, wherein the skin is a package made of two sheets connected to each other at their edges.

43. Device according to claim 30, wherein the skin is a package made of one folded sheet with connected edges.

44. Device according to claim 30, wherein the holder comprises an open hollow ring provided with a shaped slot extending along its inner circumference, wherein the condom is received in the slot.

45. Device according to claim 30, wherein the holder is a flat open ring provided with inwards-facing grippers for holding the condom.

46. Device according to claim 30, wherein the holder is U-shaped, with its inner part facing and embracing the condom held within.

47. A device for unpacking a condom held by a holder, the device comprising a holder with a condom flatly arranged and held therein and a skin enclosing the holder with condom held therein; wherein at least a part of the outer periphery of the holder is defined by tapering surfaces adapted to sliding with respect to the skin when they are pressed through the skin by digits of a hand.

48. Device according to claim 47, wherein said surfaces are formed by a frame at least partially embracing the holder along its perimeter and received in the skin.

49. Device according to claim 47, wherein the device includes rests connected to the skin or partially forming the skin, the keys being adapted for displacement with respect to said surfaces by pressing said keys through the skin.

50. Device according to claim 49, wherein the device includes a V-shaped bracket received in the skin; said bracket having a U-shaped cross-section, the bracket embracing the holder from the outside.

51. A Method for unpacking a condom held by a holder, flatly arranged and received in an unpacking device; the method including the following steps:

holding the device in the user's hand, and

displacing a part of the device with respect to the remaining part of the device until at least part of the condom is released,

wherein said displacement is performed using a digit of the hand holding the device; wherein a mechanical interaction between said digit and the displaceable part of the device is created by pressing said digit to the device in the direction perpendicular to the direction of said displacement of the displaceable part.

52. Method according to claim 51, wherein the step of holding the device in the user's hand includes holding the skin adapted to be held with the digits of a hand; and the step of said displacement includes pressing the holder with condom held therein out of the skin by bringing said digits together.