Method of making a thick flap at the open end of a condom; new methods of rolling up condoms; and devices/instruments required to roll up a condom according to such methods

Description

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A condom is a commonly used flexible and stretchable sheath worn on a penis during sexual intercourse to prevent, protect against and reduce the chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and/or conception. The conventionally available condom is fundamentally a cylinder with a closed end (apex) and an open end at which lies a rim (FIG. 1). Condoms are generally available to consumers in a rolled-up state, to improve packaging, storage, handling and use, among other reasons.

Conventionally, a condom is rolled up starting from the rim at the open end (3), proceeding in the direction of the closed end or the apex (1) (FIG. 1.1), until approximately the entire shaft of the condom (2) is consumed in the process, thus creating a ring (4) that would lie in the close proximity of the apex, just behind the latter. The final packaged product available to the consumer looks like a ring with a closed end.

Some versions of the inventions that are claimed in this patent application are improvements on an existing patent granted by the USPTO (U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,948), while other versions of the inventions claimed are entirely new inventions.

A conventionally rolled up condom has numerous disadvantages that serve as deterrents to condom use, some of which are listed below:

• • a) The excessive thickness of conventional condoms greatly diminishes the “pleasure” sensations involved in the act of sexual intercourse (e.g. the sensations of touch, friction, and heat).
  • b) Conventional condoms are difficult to unroll and a good dexterity is required to unroll them: a conventionally rolled-up condom is not, however, always easily and conveniently unrolled at the time of intended use by consumers, for various reasons. For example, referring to FIG. 1.2, the ring portion (4) of a conventional condom, when rolled up, consists of many layers of the elastic condom material giving this portion more elastic resistance compared with the unrolled section of the condom shaft (2) which consists of only one layer. This increased elastic resistance exerts more pressure on the area of the penis (5) on which the ring (4) is resting, causing a depression on the penis shaft; hence the ring “burrows in”. During the unrolling process, the advancing ring is constantly confronted with the raised portion of the penis on the advancing side of the depression. This obstacle or “hump” must be overcome in order to unroll the condom. Since the ring lies in a depression, fingers unrolling the condom will quite often slip over the ring. At other times, a portion of the unrolled shaft will become stretched over the ring and prevent further unrolling; when this occurs, pressure must be released to allow the ring to become “free” so that unrolling can begin again. In order to overcome the problem of burrowing in, the user must use more fingers, possibly of both hands, to unroll the condom by placing the fingers inside and under the ring to lift it, which may cause the condom to rupture due to stretching or contact with sharp fingernails.
  • c) A conventional condom cannot be manufactured using a very thin sheath of material, as the resulting rolled up ring of the said condom would become too thin for the fingers to manipulate and unroll the said ring/condom.
  • d) On occasions, the process of unrolling a conventional condom takes a relatively long time which may cause anxiety, frustration, spoiling of the mood and/or the loss of erection.
  • e) For added protection, some authorities advocate the use of a spermicide in conjunction with using a condom. It should be noted, however, that the chemical composition of some spermicides (which are available as pessaries, foams, gels, or films) weaken a latex condom, thereby causing the rupture of the condom during the act of intercourse, placing the consumer at increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and/or pregnancy.
  • f) A sizeable percentage of the general population is allergic to latex, thus unable to use a latex condom.
  • g) Latex sheaths (being a natural material), contain microscopic pores and are not 100% impervious, thus there is always the possibility (at the very least in theory) of allowing the passage of microscopic substances across such sheaths.
  • h) Condoms made of latex are relatively “weak” and therefore prone to tearing or rupturing during the process of unrolling the condom or during the act of intercourse.
  • i) On the occasion that a conventionally rolled condom is worn in the wrong manner (i.e. “inside out”), the consumer should discard that condom i.e. he should not use the same condom that was originally placed on the penis in an inside out manner by subsequently wearing the same condom in the correct manner. The reason for the above is that minute amounts of ejaculate is constantly secreted by an erected penis, even before a climax is reached, thus these minute secretions will have already “contaminated” the surface of the condom that was in contact with the penis (when the condom was originally worn inside out), therefore, subsequent wearing of the same condom in the reverse manner will expose the said contaminated surface of the said condom to the outside environment, thus allowing the possibility of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and/or conception.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventions described within comprise of various aspects of closely related inventions, briefly:

One aspect of the invention describes a method for making a rather thick flap at the open end of a condom that one can easily grab in order to unroll the condom, making the unrolling process easier.

Some other aspects of the inventions describe various methods for preparing a condom that is double-layered along approximately its entire shaft area, before the said double-layered condom is allowed to be rolled up by any of the conventional methods. Some of these methods are essentially involved with “holding” approximately half of the length of the condom (the open end or flap of the condom plus a portion of the condom shaft adjacent to the said flap corresponding to approximately half of the length of the said shaft) in a “stuck/fixed” position in “space” relative to the remaining half of the condom which will remain “unstuck/unfixed” (the remaining portion of the shaft of the condom plus the apex). The said “unstuck/unfixed” portion of the condom shaft is then forced to move in a longitudinal direction, by inverting the said apex and pushing it into the lumen of the said condom shaft towards the open end of the said condom, until the said apex of the said condom is positioned at a level that is just behind, or at the same level as, or slightly ahead of the said open end of the said condom; resulting in a condom that is comprised of two layers along approximately its entire shaft. The said double-layered shaft can then be rolled up using any of the conventional methods of rolling up of condoms.

The remaining of the inventions describe various devices required to enable the process of double-layering of the condom shaft to be carried out, comprising:

• • A. A mandrel that is capable of minutely inflating (by air) a condom that is “mounted” on the said mandrel; thus allowing easier “dismounting”/separation of the said condom from the said mandrel.
  • B. A hollow cylinder with open ends that is capable of producing an attractive force over the surface of its inside wall (by means of causing a relative “vacuum” in the said hollow part); thus when a minutely inflated condom is placed inside the said cylinder, the shaft of the condom will be attracted to, and “stuck” to the inside wall of the said cylinder, thus the said condom will remain in a fully extended and cylindrical position.
  • C. “Plates” to cover/close the open ends of the said hollow cylinder in order to help develop and maintain the said relative vacuum inside the said hollow cylinder (cavity).
  • D. A mandrel that is capable of attracting a fully extended and minutely inflated condom towards its surface, and forcing the said condom to “stick” onto (and become “mounted” on) the said outer surface of the said mandrel.

The concept of double-layering of a condom shaft prior to the final rolling up of the condom provides numerous advantages which include enabling the manufacturing of a new generation of condoms that are made of suitable synthetic materials which are elastic, considerably thinner and stronger than the materials used in the currently available condoms as well as solving all the disadvantages mentioned in the section titled “background to the invention”, as described below:

• • a) A considerably thinner condom will allow more of the “pleasure” sensations involved in the act of sexual intercourse (e.g. the sensations of touch, friction, and heat) to be felt by both partners involved, thus allowing the participants in the said activity to experience as close to a natural feeling as possible, as though there was no barrier/sheath present at all.
  • b) The possession of good dexterity by the consumer in order to unroll the condom is no longer required, as explained herewith: the apex of the said condom is placed on the tip of the penis, and the flap of the said condom is then pulled in a “downward” direction i.e. in the direction away from the tip of the penis and towards the base of the penis; the said condom, therefore, unrolls itself “automatically” for as long as the flap continues to be pulled in the said direction,. The reason for such “automatic unrolling” is that, as the said flap is being pulled in the said direction, the part of the shaft of the condom that is positioned at the “top” of the rolled up “ring” will exert a “downward” force onto the said ring, causing the said ring to unroll itself and continue to do so for as long as the said force is applied, thus eliminating the need to unroll the condom one turn at a time, and therefore, eliminating the need for the dexterity of the consumer (which would otherwise be required to unroll the said ring one turn at a time).
  • c) As the process of unrolling of the condom is “automatic” (see “b” above) and does not require manipulation by fingers for unrolling, therefore a very thin sheath of a suitable material can be used in the manufacture of the condom i.e. a new generation of very thin condoms is thus made possible.
  • d) The “automatic” process of unrolling the condom takes a very short time, thus preventing anxiety, frustration, spoiling of the mood and/or the loss of erection.
  • e) A suitable synthetic material can be used to manufacture the condom which is not adversely affected (i.e. not weakened) by any spermicides that may be used in conjunction with the said condom.
  • f) A suitable synthetic material can be used to manufacture the condom which is non-allergenic.
  • g) A suitable synthetic material can be used to manufacture the condom which will provide a completely impervious and continuous barrier with no microscopic pores.
  • h) Using a much thinner, yet stronger material in the manufacturing of a condom enables the condom to resist tearing or rupturing during the act of intercourse to a far greater degree compared with the condoms made of latex.
  • i) It does not matter if the condom is worn inside out or in the correct manner, because even when the said condom is worn inside out, the consumer can still unroll the condom with exact same ease as if it was worn in the correct manner, eliminating the need to discard the said condom and use a new one.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a conventional condom.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the conventional condom in a partially rolled state.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway sectional view of a ring portion of the conventional condom on a penis during unrolling.

FIG. 1.3 is a sectional view of a condom mounted over a mandrel.

FIG. 1.4 is a plan view of the condom mounted over the mandrel making a small portion of the open area of the shaft of the said condom a number of small folds, creases and wrinkles to create a thicker section than the rest of the shaft of the said condom.

FIG. 1.5 is a plan view of structure of the thicker section (hereafter is called thick flap) of the condom of the FIG. 1.4 made permanent by means of suitable methods such as suitable adhesive, heat or microwave.

FIG. 1.6 is a plan view of the thick flap of the FIG. 1.5 and the said condom shaft in any desired angles relative to one another.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a hollow cylinder possesses an adequate number of pores of suitable dimension arranged in an annular or haphazard manner along its surface.

FIG. 2.1 is a sectional view of the hollow cylinder similar to that shown in FIG. 2, But with the further addition of a pore blocker.

FIG. 2.2 is a plan view of a plate possesses one or more slits of adequate length(s) across its surface.

FIG. 2.3 is a plan view of a plate made of a number of smaller sheets of suitable materials that slide over one another in such a manner as to allow a hole to be created at the center of the said plate in a similar manner to that of the aperture that covers the lens of a conventional camera which opens in order to create a hole so as to allow light to go through.

FIG. 2.4 is a plan view of a plate made of a suitable material that possesses a permanent circular hole in its center.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a hollow mandrel that possesses a number of pores of suitable dimensions arranged in an annular or haphazard manner along approximately half the length of its surface.

FIG. 3.1 is a plan view of a hollow mandrel similar to that shown in FIG. 3, except that the shell of this mandrel is made up of longitudinal strips of a suitable material that can slide over one another in such a manner as to allow the said mandrel to assume different diameters (the mandrel is capable of assuming a slimmer or a fatter diameter).

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a hollow mandrel similar to that shown in FIG. 3, except that the number of pores of suitable dimensions arranged along approximately the entire length of its surface.

FIG. 4.1 is a plan view of a hollow mandrel similar to that shown in FIG. 4, but with a further addition of a grip device (a vise or a suction cup).

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the condom shown in FIG. 1.5 mounted over the mandrel shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5.1 is a sectional view of the condom over the mandrel similar to that shown in FIG. 5 while an air suction pump which is connected to the rod-like cavity at core of the said mandrel is switched on, which causes a portion of the said condom to become “stuck/fixed” onto the corresponding parts of the said mandrel and at the same time there is a force of sudden and relatively strong burst of air blowing from an area beyond the said flap and the said un-stuck portion of the said condom.

FIG. 5.2 is a sectional view of what was described in FIG. 5.1 while the said force of air blowing causes the said flap and the said un-stock portion of the said condom to move longitudinally along and over the said “fixed/stuck” portion of the said condom to create a double-layered condom.

FIG. 5.3 is a sectional view of what was described in FIG. 5.1 where as a physical force replaces the force of the sudden and relatively strong burst of air.

FIG. 5.4 is a sectional view of what was described in FIG. 5.2 where as a physical force replaces the said force of air blowing.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the condom shown in FIG. 1.5 mounted over the mandrel shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6.1 is a sectional view of the condom over the mandrel similar to that shown in FIG. 6 while an air suction pump which is connected to the rod-like cavity at core of the said mandrel is switched on, which causes a portion of the said condom to become “stuck/fixed” onto the corresponding parts of the said mandrel and at the same time an air-blowing pump which is also connected to the core of the said mandrel is switched on and as a result of the action of the said air-blowing pump the said remaining of the said condom become minutely inflated and thus “unstock/unattached” to the said mandrel and soon afterwards there is a force of sudden and relatively strong burst of air blowing from an area beyond the said flap and the said “unstuck/unattached” portion of the said condom.

FIG. 6.2 is a sectional view of what was described in FIG. 6.1 while the said force of air blowing causes the said flap and the said “unstock/unattached” portion of the said condom to move longitudinally along and over the said “fixed/stuck” portion of the said condom to create a double-layered condom.

FIG. 6.3 is a sectional view of what was described in FIG. 6.1 where as a physical force replaces the force of the sudden and relatively strong burst of air.

FIG. 6.4 is a sectional view of what was described in FIG. 6.2 where as a physical force replaces the said force of air blowing.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the condom shown in FIG. 1.5 mounted over the mandrel shown in FIG. 4.1.

FIG. 7.1 is a sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 7 being entered into the inside space (cavity) of a hollow cylinder shown in FIG. 2

FIG. 7.2 is a sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 7 being entered into the inside space (cavity) of a hollow cylinder shown in FIG. 2.1, while a second mandrel shown in FIG. 3 is forced to enter into the cavity of the said hollow cylinder through the other open end while an air-suction pump which is connected to the rod-like cavity at core of the said second mandrel is switched on, which causes a portion of the said condom to be attracted to the said second mandrel and become “stuck/fixed” onto the corresponding parts of the said second mandrel.

FIG. 7.3 is a sectional view of what is described in FIG. 7.2 when the entire second mandrel shown in FIG. 3 has been entered into the cavity of the said hollow cylinder shown in FIG. 2.1 and when the air-suction pump which is connected to the rod-like cavity at core of the said second mandrel is switched off and a double-layered condom has been created.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 7 passed through one end of what is described in FIG. 2.4 and into the cavity of hollow cylinder shown in FIG. 2.1 while the other end of the said cylinder is blocked with what is shown in FIG. 2.2 or FIG. 2.3.

FIG. 8.1 is a sectional view of what is described in FIG. 8 while a second mandrel shown in FIG. 3 is forced to enter into the cavity of the said hollow cylinder shown in FIG. 2.1 from the other end and through a plate described in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 while an air-suction pump which is connected to the rod-like cavity at core of the said second mandrel shown in FIG. 3 is switched on, which causes a portion of the said condom to be attracted to the said second mandrel and become “stuck/fixed” onto the corresponding parts of the said second mandrel.

FIG. 8.2 is a sectional view of what is described in FIG. 8.1 when the entire second mandrel shown in FIG. 3 has been entered into the cavity of the said hollow cylinder shown in FIG. 2.1 and when the air-suction pump which is connected to the rod-like cavity at core of the said second mandrel is switched off and a double-layered condom has been created.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of condom described in FIG. 1.5 while the said condom is grasped and held in position by a vise.

FIG. 9.1 is a sectional view of FIG. 9 entered into the inside space (cavity) of a hollow cylinder shown in FIG. 2.1.

FIG. 9.2 is a sectional view of what is described in FIG. 9.1 while a second mandrel shown in FIG. 3 is forced to enter into the cavity of the said hollow cylinder shown in FIG. 2.1 through the other open end while an air-suction pump which is connected to the rod-like cavity at core of the said second mandrel is switched on, which causes a portion of the said condom to be attracted to the said second mandrel and become “stuck/fixed” onto the corresponding parts of the said second mandrel.

FIG. 9.3 is a sectional view of what is described in FIG. 9.2 when the entire second mandrel shown in FIG. 3 has been entered into the cavity of the said hollow cylinder shown in FIG. 2.1 and when the air-suction pump which is connected to the rod-like cavity at core of the said second mandrel is switched off and a double-layered condom has been created.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of what is described in FIG. 9 while a mandrel shown in FIG. 3 is allowed to approach the said condom while an air-suction pump which is connected to the rod-like cavity at core of the said mandrel is switched on, which causes a portion of the said condom to be attracted to the said mandrel and become “stuck/fixed” onto the corresponding parts of the said mandrel.

FIG. 10.1 is a sectional view of what is described in FIG. 10 when the desired length of the said condom is inverted and mounted itself over the said mandrel shown in FIG. 3 and when the air-suction pump which is connected to the rod-like cavity at core of the said mandrel is switched off and a double-layered condom has been created.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventions described within comprise of various aspects of closely related inventions, as follows:

• 1. Method for making a “thick” flap at the open end of a condom by utilizing a portion of the shaft of the said condom; so that the said shaft and the said flap of the said condom are made of a continuous structure, as opposed to two separate pieces attached to one another, comprising:
  • a) Referring to FIG. 1.3, having a condom with an open end (rim) 3, a shaft 2, and a closed end (apex) 1, in an extended state, and “mounted” over a mandrel 6 in such a manner that the corresponding parts of the said condom and those of the said mandrel 6 are in close proximity i.e. the said apex 1 of the said condom is positioned over the apex of the said mandrel 6 while the said shaft 2 of the said condom is positioned over the shaft of the said mandrel 6.
  • b) Referring to FIG. 1.4, making a small portion of the “open end area” of the said condom [i.e. a small portion (length) of the said shaft 2 of the said condom adjacent to the said open end (rim) 3 of the said condom] thicker than the rest of the said shaft 2 of the said condom by forcing a portion of the said shaft 2 adjacent to the said open end (rim) 3 of the said condom to move longitudinally in the direction of the said open end (rim) 3 of the said condom, thus causing the said portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom to scrunch and make a number of small folds, creases and wrinkles lying alongside as well as over one another 7a, thus creating a thicker section. The structure of thus created thicker section is then made permanent so as to avoid its “unraveling”, by means of a suitable method, such as application of a suitable adhesive material to the said area, or application of heat [which may be applied by a hot device (heated surface), or other methods such as microwave, etc.] thus creating a permanent thick flap 7b. The said thick flap 7b and the said condom shaft 2 may have any desired angles relative to one another (FIGS. 1.5 & 1.6).
• 2. This section (i.e. 2A; 2B; 2C and 2D, below) as well as the sections denoted as 3, 4A and 4B (below) describe devices that are invented in order to enable the industry to prepare a condom that is double-layered along approximately its entire shaft area, before the said double-layered condom is allowed to be rolled up by any of the conventional methods, as follows:
• 2A. Referring to FIG. 2, one version of the invention comprises a hollow cylinder 8. The said hollow cylinder 8 is to be used (by the industry) in the new methods for preparing a double-layered condom shaft prior to its final packaging.

The said hollow cylinder 8 is made of suitable materials and has two open ends. The cross section of the said hollow cylinder 8 may be a circle, a square, a hexagon, or any other similar and suitable shape. The inside diameter of the said hollow cylinder 8 (i.e. the “cavity”) is somewhat greater than that of the shaft of the condom which is to be used in the said new rolling up methods.

The inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 8 possesses an adequate number of pores 9 of suitable dimensions arranged in an annular or haphazard manner along its surface. The said pores 9 are connected to an air-suction pump. The said pump, when switched on, sucks out (some of) the air from the space inside the hollow cylinder 8 through the said pores 9 and expels/releases the said “sucked air” into the outside environment, thus reduces the atmospheric pressure inside the said hollow cylinder 8 compared to the atmospheric pressure outside of it, thereby produces a somewhat negative atmospheric pressure within the “cavity” of the said hollow cylinder 8.

• 2B. Referring to FIG. 2.1, another version of the invention comprises a hollow cylinder 10, which is identical to the hollow cylinder 8 described above, except that it possesses one additional attribute: In this version of the invention, a “pore blocker” 11 is allowed to physically block (obstruct) the said pores 9 that exist on the wall of the said hollow cylinder 10 in a “progressive” manner, thus prevent the air flow through the said “blocked” pores 9. The said pore blocker 11 consists of a tube-like hollow cylinder made of suitable and thin material which is “collapsible”, therefore capable of extending its length (height), thus creating a progressively longer “tube”.

The said pore blocker 11 may be made of a number of hollow rings that fit over one another, so that when two adjacent rings are forced apart (by subjecting one ring to a force in one direction while subjecting the other ring to a force in the opposite direction) the said rings will slide over one another, thus “telescopically” increase the cylindrical length (height) of the said pore blocker 11. The ends of the said adjacent rings are designed in such a way that the adjacent rings do not come apart, just like a telescope.

Alternatively, the said pore blocker 11 may be made of a tube of flexible material that is wound around a ring in such a way that unwinding the said ring of the flexible material would cause the length (height) of the said cylindrical pore blocker 11 to be increased in a progressive manner.

The said pore blocker 11 “tube” may be positioned either on the inside of, or positioned on the outside of, the said wall of the said hollow cylinder 10 in close proximity to the said pores 9 of the said hollow cylinder 10.

One end of the said pore blocker 11 is fixed in a position that is close to one of the open ends of the said hollow cylinder 10, while the other end of the said pore blocker 11 (the “advancing end”) is allowed to move in the direction away from the said fixed end.

Extending the length (height) of the said pore blocker 11 (telescopically or by unwinding the said ring, as the case may be) will cause the physical obstruction and blockage of the pores 9 that are adjacent to the said pore blocker 11, thus preventing the movement of air through the said pores 9 of the said hollow cylinder 10.

• 2C. Referring to FIG. 2.2, in another version of the invention, a “plate” 12 is positioned over one of the said open ends of the said hollow cylinder 10 in order to close/obstruct the said open end so as to allow for a greater degree of reduction of the atmospheric pressure inside the said hollow cylinder 10 compared to the atmospheric pressure outside of it, and accordingly a greater degree of negative atmospheric pressure within the “cavity” of the said hollow cylinder 10.

The said plate 12, having a size (diameter) somewhat greater than that of the said open end of the said hollow cylinder 10, is made of a sheet of a suitable and flexible material that possesses one or more slits of adequate length(s) across its surface.

The said plate 12 is positioned over one of the open ends of the said hollow cylinder 10, in a manner that allows a mandrel (which has a condom “mounted” over it) to pass across the said plate 12, through the said slit(s), and into the cavity of the said hollow cylinder 10.

• 2D. Referring to FIG. 2.3, another version of the invention describes a plate 13 that is positioned over one of the said open ends of the said hollow cylinder 10 in order to close/obstruct the said open end so as to allow for a greater degree of reduction of the atmospheric pressure inside the said hollow cylinder 10 compared to the atmospheric pressure outside of it, and accordingly a greater degree of negative atmospheric pressure within the “cavity” of the said hollow cylinder 10.

This plate 13, however, is made of a number of smaller sheets (of suitable materials) that slide over one another in such a manner as to allow a “hole” to be “created” at the center of the said plate 13 in a similar manner to that of the aperture that covers the lens of a conventional camera which “opens” in order to create a “hole” so as to allow light to go through. The size (diameter) of the said hole thus created in the said plate 13 is slightly greater than the size (diameter) of the mandrel (which has a condom “mounted” over it) that is to pass through the said hole.

• 2E. Referring to FIG. 2.4, another version of the invention describes a plate 14 that is positioned over one of the said open ends of the said hollow cylinder 10 in order to close/obstruct the said open end so as to allow for a greater degree of reduction of the atmospheric pressure inside the said hollow cylinder 10 compared to the atmospheric pressure outside of it, and accordingly a greater degree of negative atmospheric pressure within the “cavity” of the said hollow cylinder 10.

This plate 14, however, is made of a sheet of a suitable material that possesses a permanent circular hole in its center. The diameter of the said hole is slightly greater than that of the mandrel (which has the condom “mounted” over it) that is to pass through the said hole.

• 3A. Referring to FIG. 3, a hollow mandrel 15 whose surface possesses an adequate number of pores 9a of suitable dimensions arranged in an annular or haphazard manner over its apex and along its shaft for a distance that is equal to approximately half of the length of the condom that will be used later in the process. The said pores 9a are connected to a rod-like cavity 16 which exists at the “core” of the said mandrel 15 and which runs longitudinally along the length of the said mandrel 15. An air-suction pump is connected to the said rod-like cavity 16 at the core of the said mandrel 15.

When the said air-suction pump is switched on, the air that exists around the outside surface of the said mandrel 15 will be sucked through the said pores 9a and exit through the open end of the said rod-like cavity 16 of the said mandrel 15.

• 3B. Another version of the invention comprises a hollow mandrel 17 whose “body/shell” (i.e. its shaft and apex) is made up of longitudinal strips of a suitable material.

The said strips can slide over one another in such a manner as to allow the said mandrel to assume different diameters i.e. become “slimmer” or “fatter” in diameter.

The surface of the said strips possess an adequate number of pores 9a of suitable dimensions arranged in an annular or haphazard manner over the areas that make up the said apex and a part of the said shaft of the said mandrel that is adjacent to the said apex for a distance that is equal to approximately half of the length of the condom that will be used later in the process (FIG. 3.1).

The hollow part (the rod-like cavity) of the said mandrel is connected to an air-suction pump.

• 4A. Referring to FIG. 4, another version of the invention “comprises a hollow mandrel 18 whose surface possesses an adequate number of pores 9b of suitable dimensions arranged in an annular or haphazard manner along its length as well as on its apex. The said pores 9b are connected to a rod-like cavity 16, which exists at the “core” of the said mandrel 18 and which runs longitudinally along the length of the said mandrel 18.

A portion of the said pores 9b, corresponding to those pores 9b that are present on the apex and part of the adjacent shaft of the said mandrel 18 (equal to approximately half the length of the shaft of the condom that will eventually “mount” the said mandrel 18) are connected to an air-suction pump (through the said rod-like cavity 16), while the remainder of the said pores 9b on the said shaft of the said mandrel 18 are connected to an air-blowing pump (through the same said rod-like cavity 16).

Therefore, if a condom is “mounted” on the said mandrel 18 and both of the said pumps mentioned above are switched on (at a controlled rate), the apex and its adjacent (approximately) half of the shaft of the said condom will become “attached/stuck” onto the said mandrel 18, while the remaining half of the said shaft plus the flap of the said condom will become minutely inflated and will thus be “unstuck/unattached” to the said mandrel 18.

• 4B. Referring to FIG. 4.1, a hollow mandrel 19b, whose surface possesses an adequate number of pores 9b of suitable dimensions arranged in an annular or haphazard manner along its length as well as on its apex.

The said pores 9b are connected to a rod-like cavity 16, which exists at the “core” of the said mandrel 19 and which runs longitudinally along the length of the said mandrel 19.

An air blowing pump is connected to the said rod-like cavity 16 at the core of the said mandrel 19.

The said mandrel 19 also possesses a “grip device” (a vise or a suction “cup”) 20 that is capable of grasping and holding a condom that will eventually “mount” the said mandrel 19 by its flap, so as to prevent the said condom from “flying away” during the various processes (explained below):

When a condom is “mounted” over the said mandrel 19 (while its flap is held in place by the said vise or the said suction cup) and the air pump is switched on in order to pump the air at a “controlled rate”, then the air will flow through the said rod-like cavity 16 of the said mandrel 19 and exits through the said pores 9b, causing the said condom to minutely inflate and become unstuck/separated from the said mandrel 19, while the said vise (or suction cup) 20 will prevent the said condom from flying away.

• 5. Method for “preparing” a condom that is double-layered along approximately its entire shaft area as described below:

Referring to FIG. 5, in this version of the invention, a condom which is identical to the condom as described in claim number 1, is “mounted” over a mandrel which is identical to the hollow mandrel 15 explained in claim number 3A, in such a manner that the corresponding parts of the said condom and those of the said mandrel 15 are positioned in close proximity to one another i.e. the apex 1 of the said condom is positioned over the apex of the said mandrel 15, while the shaft 2 of the said condom is positioned over the shaft of the said mandrel 15; and as the said shaft of the said mandrel 15 is chosen to be longer than the said shaft 2 of the said condom, therefore the said shaft of the said mandrel 15 extends beyond the said open end (rim 3) and the said flap 7b of the said condom.

Referring to FIG. 5.1, the air-suction pump which is connected to the rod-like cavity 16 at the core of the said mandrel 15 is then switched on, which causes the portion of the said condom (consisting of the apex 1 plus a length of the shaft 2 of the said condom that is directly behind the said apex 1 of the said condom) which is positioned over the said pores 9a of the said mandrel 15 to become “stuck/fixed” onto the corresponding parts of the said mandrel 15, while the rest of the said condom (the remaining part of the said shaft 2 plus the said flap 7b of the said condom) is allowed to remain “un-stuck” to the corresponding parts of the said mandrel 15.

The double-layering of the said condom shaft 2 may then be carried out as below:

Referring to FIGS. 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 & 5.4, the said flap 7b and the said “un-stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom are forced (see methods of application of the force, below) to move longitudinally along and over the said “fixed/stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom, in the direction towards the said apex 1 of the said condom, passing over the said stuck portion of the said condom, and continue moving until all of that portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom that had remained “un-stuck” is consumed into making a double-layered condom shaft, which is, until the said flap 7b of the said condom is positioned at a level that is just behind, or at the same level as, or slightly ahead of the said apex 1 of the said condom.

The air-suction pump connected to the said hollow mandrel 15 is then switched off.

The said condom with the double-layered shaft 2 is then rolled up using any of the conventional methods of rolling up condoms, while the said flap 7b of the said condom may remain unrolled.

The methods of application of the said force that causes the said double-layering of the said condom shaft 2 may be provided by any one of the methods described below:

• 5A. Referring to FIGS. 5.1 & 5.2, in one version of the invention, the said force may be provided by a “sudden” and relatively strong burst of air 21 or relatively strong and continuous laminar air flow 21, blowing from an area beyond the said flap 7b, in the direction that is towards the said apex 1 of the said condom; thus causing the said flap 7b and the said “un-stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom to move longitudinally along and over the said “fixed/stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom until the said flap 7b of the said condom is positioned at a level that is just behind, or at the same level as, or slightly ahead of the said apex 1 of the said condom, thus creating a condom that possesses a double-layered shaft 2.
• 5B. Referring to FIGS. 5.3 & 5.4, in another version of the invention, the said force may be provided by physically “grabbing” 22 the said flap 7b of the said condom by machinery (e.g. a vise or a suction device) and pulling the said flap 7b in the direction that is towards the said apex 1 of the said condom; thus causing the said flap 7b and the said “un-stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom to move longitudinally along and over the said “fixed/stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom until the said flap 7b of the said condom is positioned at a level that is just behind, or at the same level as, or slightly ahead of the said apex 1 of the said condom, thus creating a condom that possesses a double-layered shaft.
• 6. Method for “preparing” a condom that is double-layered along approximately its entire shaft area as described below:

Referring to FIG. 6, in this version of the invention, a condom which is identical to the condom as described in claim number 1, is “mounted” over a mandrel which is identical to the hollow mandrel 18 explained in claim number 4A, in such a manner that the corresponding parts of the said condom and those of the said mandrel 18 are positioned in close proximity to one another i.e. the apex 1 of the said condom is positioned over the apex of the said mandrel 18, while the shaft 2 of the said condom is positioned over the shaft of the said mandrel 18; and as the said shaft of the said mandrel 18 is chosen to be longer than the said shaft 2 of the said condom, therefore the said shaft of the said mandrel 18 extends beyond the said open end (rim 3) and the said flap 7b of the said condom.

Referring to FIG. 6.1, a portion of the said pores 9b, corresponding to those pores 9b that are present on the apex and part of the adjacent shaft of the said mandrel 18 (equal to approximately half the length of the shaft 2 of the condom that is mounted on the said mandrel 18) are connected to an air-suction pump (through the said rod-like cavity 16). The said air-suction pump is then switched on, which causes the portion of the said condom (consisting of the apex 1 plus a length of the shaft 2 of the said condom equal to approximately half the length of the shaft 2 of the said condom that is directly behind the said apex 1 of the said condom) to become “stuck/fixed” onto the corresponding parts of the said mandrel 18.

The reminder of the said pores 9b on the said shaft of the said mandrel 18 are connected to an air-blowing pump (through the same said rod-like cavity 16 at the core of the said mandrel 18). The said air-blowing pump is then switched on, which causes the reminder of the said shaft 2 of the said condom (the remaining part of the said shaft 2 plus the said flap 7b of the said condom) that is mounted on the reminder of the said pores 9b of the said mandrel 18 to become minutely inflated and thus “unstuck/unattached” to the corresponding parts of the said mandrel 18.

The double-layering of the said condom shaft 2 may then be carried out as below:

The said flap 7b and the said “un-stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom are forced (see methods of application of the force, below) to move longitudinally along and over the said “fixed/stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom, in the direction towards the said apex 1 of the said condom, passing over the said stuck portion of the said condom, and continue moving until all of that portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom that had remained “un-stuck” is consumed into making a double-layered condom shaft, which is, until the said flap 7b of the said condom is positioned at a level that is just behind, or at the same level as, or slightly ahead of the said apex 1 of the said condom.

The air-suction pump and air-blowing pump connected to the said hollow mandrel 18 are then switched off.

The said condom with the double-layered shaft 2 is then rolled up using any of the conventional methods of rolling up condoms, while the said flap 7b of the said condom may remain unrolled.

The methods of application of the said force that causes the said double-layering of the said condom shaft 2 may be provided by any one of the methods described below:

• 6A. Referring to FIGS. 6.1 & 6.2, in one version of the invention, the said force may be provided by a “sudden” and relatively strong burst of air or by a relatively strong and continuous laminar air flow 21, blowing from an area beyond the said flap 7b, in the direction that is towards the said apex 1 of the said condom; thus causing the said flap 7b and the said “un-stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom to move longitudinally along and over the said “fixed/stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom until the said flap 7b of the said condom is positioned at a level that is just behind, or at the same level as, or slightly ahead of the said apex 1 of the said condom, thus creating a condom that possesses a double-layered shaft 2.
• 6B. Referring to FIGS. 6.3 & 6.4, in another version of the invention, the said force may be provided by physically “grabbing” the said flap 7b of the said condom by machinery 22 (e.g. a vise or a suction device) and pulling the said flap 7b in the direction that is towards the said apex 1 of the said condom; thus causing the said flap 7b and the said “un-stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom to move longitudinally along and over the said “fixed/stuck” portion of the said shaft 2 of the said condom until the said flap 7b of the said condom is positioned at a level that is just behind, or at the same level as, or slightly ahead of the said apex 1 of the said condom, thus creating a condom that possesses a double-layered shaft.
• 7. Method for “preparing” a condom that is double-layered along approximately its entire shaft area, by using a hollow cylinder which is identical to the one described in the claim number 2B above.
  • a) Referring to FIG. 7, having a condom (as described in claim number 1 above) with an open end (rim 3 & flap 7b), a shaft 2, and a closed end (apex 1) (FIGS. 1.5 & 1.6), in an extended state, and “mounted” over a mandrel 19 (which is identical to the one described in claim number 4B) while the said flap 7b of the said condom is grasped and held in place by a vise (or a suction cup) 20 on the said mandrel 19 in such a manner that the corresponding parts of the said condom and those of the said mandrel 19 are positioned in close proximity to one another i.e. the said apex 1 of the said condom is positioned over the apex of the said mandrel 19 while the said shaft 2 of the said condom is positioned over the shaft of the said mandrel 19.
  • b) Referring to FIG. 7.1, the said mounted condom is then made to enter into the inside space (cavity) of a hollow cylinder 10 that is identical to the one described in claim number 2B.
  • At this time, the air-suction pump which is connected to the said hollow cylinder 10 is switched on in order to reduce the atmospheric pressure inside the said hollow cylinder 10 compared to the atmospheric pressure outside of it, while simultaneously the air-blowing pump that is connected to the said mandrel 19 is also switched on (at a controlled rate), causing the said condom that is mounted over the said mandrel 19 to inflate (minutely) and detach itself from the said mandrel 19, while the said flap 7b of the said condom is grasped and held in place by the said vise (or suction cup) 20 on the said mandrel 19 (to prevent the said condom from “flying away”). By adjusting the forces of the said two pumps mentioned above to an optimum level, a situation is created in which the said (minutely) inflated and detached (from the said mandrel) condom will attach itself to the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10, while the said condom continues to exist in the extended state.
  • Next, the said air-blowing pump of the said mandrel 19 is switched off and the vise (or the suction cup) 20 holding the flap 7b of the said condom is “disengaged” so as to let the said flap 7b “free”. The said condom will now remain attached to the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10, due to the continued presence of the said suction force of the said air-suction pump of the said hollow cylinder 10.
  • c) Referring to FIG. 7.2, At this stage, a second mandrel 15, which is identical to the mandrel described in claim number 3A, but being slightly smaller in all its dimensions than those of the said condom, is forced to enter the said hollow cylinder 10 (while the air-suction pump of the said second smaller mandrel 15 is switched on, and the said air-suction pump of the said hollow cylinder 10 is also still switched on) through the other open end of the said hollow cylinder 10, in the following manner: the apex of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15 touches the said apex 1 of the said condom and continues its journey in the same direction, which is towards the said open end (flap 7b) of the said condom, while at the same time, pushing the said first mandrel 19 backwards. As the said journey continues, initially the said apex 1 of the said condom will be progressively attracted (and attached/“stuck) to the said apex of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15, due to the suction force that exists as a result of the said air-suction pump involved with the said second (smaller) mandrel 15. Thus, the said apex 1 of the said condom will become “inverted” and mount itself over the said apex of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15, then the said shaft 2 of the said condom will progressively become detached from the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10 and mount itself over the shaft of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15. Using a pore blocker 11 that is identical to any one of the pore blockers described in the claim number 2B above, will help the process of detachment of the said shaft 2 of the said condom from the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10. The said pore blocker 11 is allowed to extend its length (height) at approximately the same rate of speed and in the same direction as that of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15, in such a manner that the “advancing edge” of the said pore blocker 11 remains approximately at the same level as the tip of the said apex of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15. As the pore blocker 11 blocks the corresponding pores 9 on the said hollow cylinder 10 and stops the air suction through the said pores 9, the part of the said condom that is in contact with the said blocked pores 9 is no longer subjected to the suction force that caused the said condom to “stick” to the said wall of the said hollow cylinder 10 in the first place, thus making it easier for the said portion of the said condom to be detached from the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10. The above journey continues until the desired length of the shaft 2 of the said condom is “consumed” in the folding or the double-layering process, at which point the said journey comes to a halt.
  • d) Referring to FIG. 7.3, all the air pumps involved in the process are then switched off, which will allow the rest of the shaft 2 of the said condom that was still attached to the inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10 to become un-stuck, and thus “fall” onto the said second (smaller) mandrel 15 (helped by the elasticity of the condom material), creating a condom that is double-layered along its shaft.
  • e) The said double-layered shaft can then be rolled up using any of the conventional methods of rolling up of condoms.
• 8. Another version of the invention is comprised of a method for preparing a condom that is double-layered along approximately its entire shaft area, by using a hollow cylinder which is identical to the one described in the claim number 2B above. In this version of the invention, the open ends of the said hollow cylinder will be “covered” by the “plates” described in claims number 2C, 2D & 2E, as described farther below:
  • a) Referring to FIG. 7, having a condom (as described in claim number 1 above) with an open end (rim 3) and flap 7b, a shaft 2, and a closed end (apex 1), in an extended state, and “mounted” over a mandrel 19 (which is identical to the one described in claim number 4B) while the said flap 7b of the said condom is grasped and held in place by a vise (or a suction cup) 20 on the said mandrel 19 in such a manner that the corresponding parts of the said condom and those of the said mandrel 19 are positioned in close proximity to one another i.e. the said apex 1 of the said condom is positioned over the apex of the said mandrel 19 while the said shaft 2 of the said condom is positioned over the shaft of the said mandrel 19.
  • b) Referring to FIG. 8, the said condom is then made to enter into the inside space (cavity) of a hollow cylinder 10 (that is identical to the one described in claim number 2B) through one of the open ends of the said cylinder 10 which is “covered” by a “plate” 14 that possesses a permanent circular hole (as described in claim number 2E). The diameter of the said circular hole of the said plate 14 is the same size as, or is slightly larger than, that of the said mandrel 19 (with the “mounted” condom). The said mandrel 19 (with the “mounted” condom) will proceed to pass through the said circular hole of the said plate 14 and enter the said hollow cylinder 10 until all the said shaft 2 of the said condom has passed through the said central hole and only the said flap 7b of the said condom is left “behind” the said central hole, at which point the said “journey” comes to a halt. The other open end of the said hollow cylinder 10 remains closed/covered by another “plate” 12 or 13 (which may be any one of the two remaining plates that were described in claim number 2C & 2D above).
  • c) At this time, the air-suction pump which is connected to the said hollow cylinder 10 is switched on in order to reduce the atmospheric pressure inside the said hollow cylinder 10 compared to the atmospheric pressure outside of it, while simultaneously the air-blowing pump that is connected to the said mandrel 19 is also switched on (at a controlled rate), causing the said condom that is mounted over the said mandrel 19 to inflate (minutely) and detach itself from the said mandrel 19, while the said flap 7b of the said condom is grasped and held in place by the said vise (or suction cup) 20 on the said mandrel 19 (to prevent the said condom from “flying away”). By adjusting the forces of the said two pumps mentioned above to an optimum level, a situation is created in which the said (minutely) inflated and detached (from the said mandrel 19) condom will attach itself to the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10, while the said condom continues to exist in the extended state.
  • Next, the said air-blowing pump of the said mandrel 19 is switched off and the vise (or suction cup) 20 holding the flap 7b of the said condom is “disengaged” so as to let the said flap 7b “free”. The said condom will now remain attached to the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10, due to the continued presence of the said suction force of the said air-suction pump of the said hollow cylinder 10.
  • d) Referring to FIG. 8.1, at this stage, a second mandrel 15, which is identical to the mandrel described in claim number 3A, but being slightly smaller in all its dimensions than those of the said condom, is forced to enter the said hollow cylinder 10 (while the air-suction pump of the said second smaller mandrel 15 is switched on, and the said air-suction pump of the said hollow cylinder 10 is also still switched on) through the other open end of the said hollow cylinder 10, and through the corresponding plates 12 or 13 that is covering/closing the said (latter) open end [while the said vise (or suction cup) 20 holding the flap 7b of the said condom is “disengaged” so as to let go of the said flap 7b] in the following manner: the apex of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15 touches the said apex 1 of the said condom and continues its journey in the same direction, which is towards the said open end (flap 7b) of the said condom, while at the same time, pushing the said first (larger) mandrel 19 backwards. As the said journey continues, initially the said apex 1 of the said condom will be progressively attracted (and attached/“stuck) to the said apex of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15, due to the suction force that exists as a result of the said air-suction pump involved with the said second (smaller) mandrel 15. Thus, the said apex 1 of the said condom will become “inverted” and “mount” itself over the said apex of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15, then the said shaft 2 of the said condom will progressively become detached from the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10 and mount itself over the shaft of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15. Using a pore blocker 11 that is identical to any one of the two pore blockers described in the claim number 2B above, will help the process of detachment of the said shaft 2 of the said condom from the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10. The said pore blocker 11 is allowed to extend its length (height) at approximately the same rate of speed and in the same direction as that of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15, in such a manner that the “advancing edge” of the said pore blocker 11 remains approximately at the same level as the tip of the said apex of the said second (smaller) mandrel 15. As the said pore blocker 11 blocks the corresponding pores 9 on the said hollow cylinder 10 and stops the air suction through the said pores 9, the part of the said condom that is in contact with the said blocked pores 9 is no longer subjected to the suction force that caused the said condom 15 to “stick” to the said wall of the said hollow cylinder 10 in the first place, thus making it easier for the said portion of the said condom to be detached from the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10. The above journey continues until the desired length of the said shaft of the said condom is “consumed” in the folding or the double-layering process, at which point the said journey comes to a halt.
  • e) Referring to FIG. 8.2, all the air pumps involved in the process are then switched off, which will allow the rest of the said shaft 2 of the said condom that was still attached to the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10 to become un-stuck, and thus “fall” onto the said second (smaller) mandrel 15 (helped by the elasticity of the condom material), creating a condom with a double-layered shaft 2. Next, the two plates 14 and 12 or 13 covering the said open ends of the said hollow cylinder 10 are removed.
  • f) The said double-layered shaft can then be rolled up using any of the conventional methods of rolling up of condoms.
• 9. Another version of the invention describes a method for preparing a condom that is double-layered along approximately its entire shaft area, by using a hollow cylinder which is identical to the one described in the claim number 2B above, as described herewith:
  • a) Having a condom (as described in claim number 1 above), with an open end (rim 3 and flap 7b), a shaft 2 and a closed end (apex 1)—FIGS. 1.5 & 1.6.
  • b) The said flap 7b of the said condom is grasped and “held” in position by a vise (or a suction cup) 20.
  • c) Referring to FIG. 9, the said condom is then subjected to a sufficiently strong laminar air flow 21 that blows air from an area beyond the said flap 7b into the “body” of the said condom i.e. in the direction that is towards the said flap 7b, the said shaft 2 and the said apex 1; thus allowing the said condom to assume a fully extended position i.e. its “cylindrical shape”.
  • d) Referring to FIG. 9.1, the said condom is then made to enter into the inside space (cavity) of the said hollow cylinder 10 (that is identical to the one described in claim number 2B). At this time, the air-suction pump which is connected to the said hollow cylinder 10 is switched on in order to reduce the atmospheric pressure inside the said hollow cylinder 10 compared to the atmospheric pressure outside of it. By adjusting the “forces” of the said pumps (that are involved with the said condom and the said hollow cylinder 10) to an optimum level, a situation is created in which the said extended condom will attach itself to the inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10.
  • e) Referring to FIG. 9.2, at this stage, a mandrel 15 (which is identical to the mandrel described in claim number 3A), but being slightly smaller in all its dimensions than those of the said condom, is forced to enter the said hollow cylinder 10 (while the air-suction pump of the said small mandrel 15 is switched on) through the other open end of the said hollow cylinder 10, in the following manner: the apex of the said small mandrel 15 touches the apex 1 of the said condom and continues its journey in the same direction, which is towards the said open end (flap 7b) of the said condom. As the said journey continues, initially the said apex 1 of the said condom will be progressively attracted (and attached/“stuck) to the said apex of the said small mandrel 15, due to the suction force that exists as a result of the said air-suction pump involved with the said small mandrel 15. Thus, the said apex 1 of the said condom will become “inverted” and “mount” itself over the said apex of the said small mandrel 15, then the said shaft 2 of the said condom will progressively become detached from the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10 and mount itself over the shaft of the said small mandrel 15. Using a pore blocker 11 that is identical to any one of the two pore blockers described in the claim number 2B above, will help the process of detachment of the said shaft 2 of the said condom from the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10. The said pore blocker 11 is allowed to extend its length (height) at approximately the same rate of speed and in the same direction as that of the said small mandrel 15, in such a manner that the “advancing edge” of the said pore blocker 11 remains approximately at the same level as the tip of the said apex of the said small mandrel 15. As the said pore blocker 11 blocks the corresponding pores 9 on the said hollow cylinder 10 and stops the air suction through the said pores 9, the part of the said condom that is in contact with the said blocked pores 9 is no longer subjected to the suction force that caused the said condom to “stick” to the said wall (of the said hollow cylinder 10) in the first place, thus making it easier for the said portion of the said condom to be detached from the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10. The above journey continues until the desired length of the said shaft 2 of the said condom is consumed in the folding or the double-layering process, at which point the said journey comes to a halt.
  • f) Referring to FIG. 9.3, both of the air pumps involved in the process are then switched off, which will allow the rest of the said shaft 2 of the said condom that was still attached to the said inside wall of the said hollow cylinder 10 to become un-stuck, and thus “fall” onto the said small mandrel 15 (helped by the elasticity of the condom material), creating a condom with a double-layered shaft 2.
  • g) The said double-layered shaft can then be rolled up using any of the conventional methods of rolling up of condoms.
• 10. Another version of the invention involves a method for preparing a condom that is double-layered along approximately its entire shaft area using air pressure, as described herewith:
  • a) Having a condom (as described in claim number 1 above), with an open end (rim 3 and flap 7b), a shaft 2, and a closed end (apex 1)—FIGS. 1.5 & 1.6, in an extended state.
  • b) Referring to FIG. 9, the said flap 7b of the said condom is grasped and “held” in position by a vise (or a suction cup) 20.
  • c) The said condom is then subjected to a sufficiently strong laminar air flow 21 that blows air from an area beyond the said flap 7b into the “body” of the said condom i.e. in the direction that is towards the said flap 7b, the said shaft 2 and the said apex 1; thus allowing the said condom to assume a fully extended position i.e. its “cylindrical shape”, while the said vise (or suction cup) 20 prevents the said condom from “flying away”.
  • d) Referring to FIG. 10, at this stage, a mandrel 15 which is identical to the mandrel described in claim number 3A, but being slightly smaller in all its dimensions than those of the said condom, is allowed to approach the said condom in the following manner, while the air-suction pump that is connected to the cavity of the said mandrel 15 is switched on: the apex of the said mandrel 15 touches the said apex 1 of the said condom and continues its journey in the same direction, which is towards the said open end 7b of the said condom. As the said journey continues, initially the said apex 1 of the said condom will be progressively attracted (and attached/“stuck) to the said apex of the said mandrel 15, due to the suction force that exists as a result of the said air-suction pump involved with the said mandrel 15. Thus, the said apex 1 of the said condom will become “inverted” and “mount” itself over the said apex of the said mandrel 15, then the said shaft 2 of the said condom will progressively mount itself over the shaft of the said mandrel 15. The above journey continues until the desired length of the said shaft 2 of the said condom is “consumed” in the folding or the double-layering process, at which point the said journey comes to a halt.
  • e) Referring to FIG. 10.1, both of the air pumps involved in the process are then switched off, which will allow the rest of the said shaft 2 of the said condom to “fall” onto the said mandrel 15, creating a condom with a double-layered shaft.
  • f) The said double-layered shaft can then be rolled up using any of the conventional methods of rolling up of condoms.