Abstract:
A multi-function measurement condom includes an indicia that enables the user to accurately measure his penis in its erect state, while simultaneously aiding in the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The condom is comprised of a tubular-shaped sheath with at least an inner layer and an outer layer of an elastic material, a dome-shaped closed end, and an opposite open end. A protrusion on the sheath extends lengthwise, and an indicia is placed between the inner and outer layers of the sheath. This creates a dual length unit with two different scale marks positioned adjacently, and the indicia extending centrally over the elongated protrusion. The indicia are visible through the outer layer so that the proper measurement can be deciphered by an individual. A niche located on the inner layer of the sheath incorporates the long protrusion into the rest of the apparatus smoothly, and it extends from the tip of the condom to a point short of its open end.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    A. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a contraceptive device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a condom with a longitudinal erectometer for telling the current length of the male sexual organ precisely. 
         [0003]    B. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    It is extremely beneficial to diagnose serious medical conditions such as prostatitis, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cerebrovascular disorders in the earliest phases of onset. However, the reality is that these diseases often exist within a patient for an extended period of time before he seeks medical attention from a licensed practitioner. This is partially due to the fact that men would rather avoid an uncomfortable physical exam unless there is a perceived serious problem at hand. The present invention was created to remedy this obstacle in disease prevention and early diagnosis. Because it is difficult to measure the size of an erection by the naked eye alone, the condom measuring device allows a man to occasionally check his penis for erectile consistency. If the man notices a slight discrepancy in size, he can closely observe his prostate for any further signs of abnormality. Since most of the aforementioned disorders are associated with a gradual decline of erection size, the man is more likely to visit a licensed physician and obtain a professional opinion on the matter if he is aware of a declining erection size. The condom device, in effect, can lead to the early diagnosis and treatment of prostate problems when used properly. 
         [0005]    Throughout his sexual life, it is important that a man is aware of his ability to get and maintain an erection, it can even be recommended that he keep a record of his erectile history. The accurate comparison of erection size over time can serve as a key indicator of a man&#39;s overall physical health. With this information, he can modify or maintain his current lifestyle with regard to an exercise routine and other healthy habits. 
         [0006]    Previous methods employed to create an accurate record of erection size involve attempts to apply a measuring tape or ruler to the sensitive genital area. Even if this proves an effective system of measurement, it is extremely awkward. Furthermore, pressing the cold and sharp edge of a stick or steel tape against body tissue is both unpleasant and unsanitary to the body. A vinyl measuring tape may seem to be a decent alternative, however it does not allow for a one-handed measurement. 
         [0007]    There is currently a condom marketed in the United States and online named the “Peter Meter”, yet its packaging and advertisement clearly convey the message that it is “Sold as a Novelty Item Only.” The unapproved contraceptive device has proprietary length marks printed longitudinally on the condom. The printed marks are visible on either side of the condom-shaped layer, in a matter wherein they are easily stretched if the device were tightening around the penis. It is important to note that no means or suggestions as to how to take an accurate measurement while preventing or compensating for the change in distances between printed markings are included on the device. 
         [0008]    It is widely accepted that the materials that are used to create condoms, or other any contraceptive device, should be carefully selected and processed in medically adapted facilities. It is also imperative that a condom does not transfer any semen to the bodily orifices of a sexual partner, particularly the mucous membrane, vaginal walls, and cervix of a female. Such transfers can lead to an accidental conception; thus, every effort should be made to keep the condom as safe as possible to avoid possible health complications. It is because of the aforementioned reasons that a method must be developed to protect the sensitive female reproductive areas from direct contact with printed markings on condoms. 
         [0009]    In addition, the accuracy of measurement displayed by the marks is integral to the dependability of the condom to provide a precise reading. Therefore, the condom must be adapted to limit the natural stretching which typically occurs during use. This provision has not yet been addressed by prior prototypes. 
         [0010]    The object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function measurement condom that does not pose any health hazards to its customers. 
         [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a condom with a safe and accurate measurement of a male erection that coincides with the traditional contraceptive function of a condom; this allows for periodic measurement of personal potency through routine condom usage. 
         [0012]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function measurement condom indicates erection length and provides a remedy for unintentional slipping or unrolling of the condom. This is achieved by adding an additional stiffening device to the condom walls without substantially affecting the material elasticity of a normal condom. 
         [0013]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function measurement condom that can be hidden from the naked eye by simply placing the radial position of the measuring device on the bottom side of the penis. This also serves to prolong the duration before ejaculation by increasing the local constriction. 
         [0014]    Yet another object of the present invention is to integrate the steps of creating a multi-function measurement condom to the conventional condom manufacturing process, without requiring a significant change in existing condom facilities. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    A condom, according to the present invention, has an integrated erectometer which functions to measure the longitude of a penile erection with additional contraceptive protection. The condom is comprised of a tubular-shaped sheath with at least an inner layer and an outer layer of an elastic material, a dome-shaped closed end, and an opposite open end. A long protrusion on the sheath extends lengthwise, and an indicia is placed between the inner and outer layers of the sheath. This creates a dual length unit with two different scale marks positioned adjacently, and the indicia extending centrally over the elongated protrusion. The indicia are visible through the outer layer so that the proper measurement can be deciphered by an individual. 
         [0016]    The lengthwise protrusion on the sheath is formed by a complementary niche on the inner layer of the sheath, which extends from the dome to a point just short of the open end. It is positioned toward the central axis of the tubular sheath. 
         [0017]    The indicia are formed, in part, by depositing resin in an embossed form of a ruler, which lies on a circumferential section of the inner layer of the sheath; the lengthwise protrusion on the sheath is formed by a raised area of the outer layer that extends away from the sheath&#39;s central axis. 
         [0018]    The lengthwise protrusion on the sheath may formed by the combination of the inner layer niche on the central axis of the sheath and the raised area of the outer layer that extends away from the central axis of the sheath. The protrusion begins at the dome and ends at a point just short of the open end of the condom. The indicia are formed, in part, by depositing resin in an embossed form of a ruler over the inner layer niche. The resin may be silicon, a component that has the ability to be externally inked; this serves to provide a contrast between the concave and convex regions of the embossed form of a ruler. The sheath may be transparent or semitransparently colored in both primary and non-primary shades. The condom is also comprised of locally extended sheath walls with ribbed or studded regions along the internal and external surfaces of the condom. 
         [0019]    One common method of forming the indicia is to use ink for printing a starting mark, type of measurement unit, centerline, scales and numerical hash marks that indicate length. Units can be defined in the English system of measurement in inches and/or the Metric system of measurement in centimeters. In order to produce the indicia, a rotary press station may be added to an automatic condom manufacturing facility. There are several additional methods by which indicia can be printed, which include a rotogravure press, a flexography, screen printing, laser printing, and inkjet printing. 
         [0020]    The purpose of the indicia is extended by a printed volume scale on the dome of the sheath, which measures the amount of ejaculate released in a single session. 
         [0021]    The lengthwise protrusion on the sheath walls provides stiff support, which serves to isolate the indicia from potential changes in the shape or dimensions of the sheath. This serves to minimize the elasticity, and ultimately maintain accuracy of the length measurement even with the manipulation of the condom over the erect penis. An added benefit of the inner condom layer niche and indicia combination is a local constriction, which the user may selectively apply to his penis in order to suppress ejaculation and prolong the erection. 
         [0022]    A condom, according to another embodiment of the present invention, has an erectometer for measuring the length of a penile erection under contraceptive protection. The condom is comprised of a tubular-shaped sheath with at least an inner layer and an outer layer of an elastic material, a dome-shaped closed end, and an opposite open end. A long protrusion on the sheath extends lengthwise, and the indicia are placed between the inner and outer layers of the sheath. This creates a dual length unit with two different scale marks positioned adjacently, and the indicia extending centrally over the lengthwise protrusion. The indicia are visible through the outer layer so that the proper measurement can be deciphered by an individual. 
         [0023]    The lengthwise protrusion on the sheath is created by a partial withdrawal of the inner layer toward central axis of the sheath. This creates flattened wall section that relative to the wall areas of the rest of the inner layer, and the flattened wall section extends from the dome of the condom to a point just short of the open end. The ruler insert provides isolation for the indicia from any potential misshapenness resulting from the elastic nature of condoms. This configuration allows for an accurate penile measurement, even during the application of the condom over the erect penis. 
         [0024]    The combination of the aforementioned inner condom layer&#39;s flattened wall section and the ruler insert provides a local constriction which enables the user to selectively suppress the ejaculation and prolong the erection time. 
         [0025]    A condom, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, has an erectometer for measuring the length of a penile erection while under contraceptive protection. The condom is comprised of a tubular-shaped sheath with at least an inner layer and an outer layer of an elastic material, a dome-shaped closed end, and an opposite open end. A long protrusion on the sheath extends lengthwise, and the indicia are placed between the inner and outer layers of the sheath. This creates a dual length unit with two different scale marks positioned adjacently, and the indicia extending centrally over the lengthwise protrusion. The indicia are visible through the outer layer. The condoms, according to the present invention, also have an extra anti-slip feature. 
         [0026]    The rigid region, which results from the niche and ruler insert, enhances the constriction of the condom around the penis. This prevents the condom from slipping off prematurely (even in its flaccid state), which frequently occurs before and after the full erection of the penis. 
         [0027]    Furthermore, during operation of the condom the layer thickness of the scale indicia stiffens the condom walls against a longitudinal compression to prevent a collapse of the condom that may cause it to slip away and a possible failure of contraception. 
         [0028]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a partially broken away perspective view of a condom erectometer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the condom erectometer taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the condom erectometer taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1  showing a fold that holds the ruler indicia of an ink layer protruding inwardly of the condom. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a condom erectometer of a second embodiment with an outwardly protruding wall area embossed to provide three-dimensional ruler indicia on the condom surface. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a partially broken away perspective view of a condom erectometer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a film ruler for molding into the condom erectometer of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the condom erectometer taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a condom erectometer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the condom erectometer taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the condom erectometer of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of the condom erectometer of  FIG. 8  as seen normally during its operation. 
       
    
    
     Similar reference numbers denote corresponding features throughout the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0040]    In reference to  FIG. 1 , a condom  10  of the present invention is comprised of a sheath made of an elastic material (i.e. conventional latex) or a synthetic material (i.e. polyurethane) which can be used to shape the condom by either dipping or using on a rod shaped mandrel. Proper treatment of the latex material and dipping operation of the mandrel are well established in the art, and they will not be elaborated upon in the present invention. 
         [0041]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,428,385; 4,960,131; 5,377,691 and 5,779,621 outline erection measurement devices that measure the girth of the penis and do not incorporate a contraceptive element. 
         [0042]    The inventor was unable to find a condom similar to the present invention disclosed in any earlier patent literature. 
         [0043]    The condom  10 , according to the present invention, has all of the same the features of traditional reliable condoms, which are generally accepted as the best available method of contraception and sexually transmitted disease prevention. 
         [0044]    A condom  10 , in its most general tubular shape, is sealed on the front end by a shaped dome  12  with a tip  14 , which provides adequate space within the condom for the male ejaculate. The other end of the condom  10  has an annular opening  16  which is formed by a ringed convolution  18  of condom walls. The walls help secure the condom  10  to the penis by constricting the base of the penis. The convolution of walls also serves to permit the rolling and unrolling of the condom  10 , which is necessary to transform the initial, compressed form of the condom to extend over an erect penis. The condom  10  may be transparent or semitransparently colored with shades of reds, yellows, browns, purples, greens, blues, et cetera. Exotic colors and patterns may also be used for the condom  10 . 
         [0045]    The erectometer of the present invention can also be incorporated into non-conventional types of condoms, such as a “baggy fit” style condom, which has a tight base ring and locally extended walls with smooth, ribbed or studded regions along internal and/or external surfaces of the condom. 
         [0046]    According to the present invention, the condom erectometer can be created by the traditional dipping processes the installation an additional printing plate to appropriate location on the machinery. A conveyer belt can transfer the initial dipped forms to the respective mandrels in a timely manner. 
         [0047]    If the condom  10  is to be comprised of a liquid thermoplastic polyurethane material, a condom-shaped mandrel is typically first dipped into a polyurethane solution at a rate of approximately 16 to 90 centimeters per minute; this allows for the film to assume the shape of the mandrel. Before withdrawal, the condom form may be left in the solution for approximately 20 to 70 seconds so that the polyurethane film can air-dry. Conventionally, the condom film may go through a subsequent second dipping process in order to achieve a desired wall thickness. The condom form is then cured at elevated temperature of about 130 to 175 degrees Centigrade (Celsius) for about 20 to about 40 minutes. 
         [0048]    As a result of this procedure, the condom  10  gains enough elasticity to readily stretch and conform to the profile of the penis. Thus, the condom  10  in operation distends slightly more at the dome  12  areas than the rest of the condom  10 . In addition, the condom  10  is generally round in circumference with an area of its top surface  22  embedded with ruler indicia  20 . The indicia  20  extend lengthwise along the top surface  22  from the rear ring  16  to the front dome  12 . The ruler indicia  20  may be created on the condom by known printing methods during manufacture, as described below. Also printed on condom  10  is an optional scale of volume  11  indicated in cubic centimeters, which may be inked on the dome area  12  of the condom. The purpose of this measurement is to indicate the amount of ejaculate, as variations in a man&#39;s amount of ejaculate can serve as an indication of disease or fertility abnormality. 
         [0049]    In order comfortably include the indicia  20  into the condom  10 , a niche  24  is formed in the condom  10  behind the dome  12  and preferably stops short of where the glands penis will be lodged. This is so that the niche  24  lies flat on the top surface of the shaft of penis. During the actual use of the condom  10 , the erectometer may be hidden from plain sight by turning the indicia  20  along with the niche  24  to the other side of the penis shaft of the penis. Regardless of the indicia&#39;s location, the device still provides reliable contraception 
         [0050]    The profile of the niche  24  can be further explicated by the sectional view of  FIG. 2 . The niche  24  may be comprised of a groove made on the mandrel. If the mandrel were made of glass, the groove may be made by a cylindrical mandrel that is heat-treated in order to smooth out any burrs or sharp edges. 
         [0051]    The niche  24  is strategically slanted at a front end  26  toward the condom walls  22  in order to connect the condom walls to the walls of niche  24  in a solid line. In addition, the opposite end  28  of the niche  24  at the rear is located in front of the ring  18  and may be shaped in congruently to the front end  26 . Slacks from the opposite ends  28 ,  30  absorb the stretching of the condom walls during its initial manipulation over the penis, and this allows for an accurate, readable length. 
         [0052]    The aforementioned niche  24  of the condom  10  also functions to isolate of the indicia  20  from the possible dimensional changes in surface area of the condom  10  due to its elasticity. 
         [0053]    The niche  24  has the indicia  20  of a double-sided scale. Thus, the length marks may indicate the English system of measurement  36  from the zero point  37  to eight or more inches on one side, and the Metric system of measurement  38  from the zero point  37  to twenty centimeters, extending in parallel with the opposite inch marks  36 . These scale marks are joined by a thicker and wider centerline  34 . Numerals  40  may be printed in close proximity to their corresponding scale marks. The measurement markings “cm” and “in” may be also printed to distinguish between the two different unit systems. 
         [0054]    According to the present invention, the condom  10 , during its initial mandrel dipping processes, passes through a printing stage between the two dipping stages. During this phase, the condom-shaped mandrel is fully immersed in a bath of latex (or the like) and then subject to a drying time interval; this creates a predetermined thickness of the sheath. After the sheath is cured, it is peeled from the mandrel, carefully tested for possible pores, and packaged in a rolled form for consumer use. Before the condom  10  gets to the final dipping stage, the use of a printing press (i.e. rotary) can be integrated into the process (not shown). 
         [0055]    The rotary press is type of printing press wherein the impressions are curved around a cylinder so that printing can be done on continual basis to a supply of condom sub layers on mandrels. Types of rotary presses used to print the scale lines on the condom can be offset presses or rotogravure presses. However, printing processes applicable to the present invention are not limited to the above examples; other available methods of printing may be applied, such as offset lithography, gravure, flexography, screen, laser or inkjet printing. In addition to or in the absence of printing ink, the top surface  22  of the condom  10  may be creped or embossed with the pattern of a ruler. This can occur in one continuous operation, either during or after dipping, is performed in printing on substrates of paper towels, cards and other similarly manufactured products. 
         [0056]    The transitions of the niche  24  into the surrounding condom walls are further explicated by the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3 . The condom walls may comprise an inner layer  42  and an outer layer  44 . The niche  24  may extend into the inner layer  42  and provide a trough  46  facing outwardly of the condom  10  to hold an ink deposit for the straight centerline  34  of the indicia  20 . The indicia  20  protrude toward the penis of the condom wearer. Scales  36 ,  38  and length marks  40  are printed onto either side of the centerline  34  at the general plane of the condom  10 . The outer layer  44  provides a protective covering over the indicia  20  during the second dipping process; this isolates the ruler indicia  20  into the body of the condom. The selection of darker ink for indicia  20  appropriately contrasts to the bright substrate color of the overall condom  10 , which allows for the indicia  20  to be highly visible to the condom wearer. The complete separation of the indicia  20  from the human skin ensures a sterile contraceptive device that will never transfer ink to the genital area of a sexual partner. 
         [0057]    The slightly thickened section of the condom  10  functions to constrict the condom  10  without placing excessive pressure on the penis. Due to the concentration of materials about the niche  24 , the condom  10  becomes more rigid lengthwise. Thus, a longitudinal pull on the condom does not substantially stretch the ruler at the centerline  34  and the scales  38  attached to the centerline  34 , thereby maintaining the precision of measurement. 
         [0058]    An added benefit of having a lightly smaller condom diameter at the niche  24  is evident if when erectometer is hidden from plain sight. This is achieved by placing the indicia  20  along with niche  24  on the bottom side of the penis, which is the Corpus Cavernosum Urethrae, wherein ejaculation occurs. The extra constriction by the niche  24  at the right spot helps prevent premature ejaculation. 
         [0059]    In addition, the partially thickened condom  10  will resist bunching up and the inadvertent unrolling of its walls during use. It also helps to keep the condom securely on the penis, which may increase the contraception success rate. 
         [0060]      FIG. 4  shows an alternative embodiment, wherein the condom  50  is composed of an inner layer  52  and an outer layer  54 . Lodged between the two layers  52  and  54  is an embossed ruler  56 . 
         [0061]    A conventional, smooth-surfaced mandrel can be used to create the first layer  52 , which is then left to dry. The inner layer  52  typically has a smooth annular surface, on which the ruler form  56  is printed using ink and/or an alternative colored resin material. There are different ways to form the embossed ruler  56  on the layer  52 . 
         [0062]    In an “ink-first” method of embossing, the printing ink may be used create the ruler image on the exterior of the form  52 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Another method, offset printing, involves first transferring the print onto a durable rubber pad. The layer  42  is then pressed or rolled over the print, causing the ink to transfer to the desired location. Latex and thermoplastic polyurethane, the most common condom  50  materials, are non-porous by nature, which allows ample time for the application of embossing powder on the wet ink. After removing the excess, the existing powder is melted into a raised ruler  52  design by means of the residual heat of the condom layer  52 . Embossing powders are available in various brands and colors, each with different melting points. The color, opacity, or gloss of each powder type allows for wide range of diverse styles. 
         [0063]    Silicon coatings may also be used to create the raised ruler  56  instead of ink and powder. Silicon has previously been used in both the fields of medical instrumentation and graphic printing. For example, silicon is utilized to print logos or patterns of clothing garments in order to provide a soft, non-slip grip. This concept is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. D455,014 to Cheynet, which shows a fabric ribbon with a shaped silicon coating. 
         [0064]    The smooth nature of the condom layer  52  is similar to the aforementioned design, and thus a molten resin can be deposited to create the ruler form  56 . The amount of resin deposited on the ruler form  56  allows the manufacturer to manipulate its thickness from a visible standpoint, yet virtually adds no substantial girth to the condom wall. Correspondingly, layer(s) of resin may be applied to form embossed areas that protrude on the lateral side of the condom  50 . U.S. Pat. No. 3,616,152 to Chandler outlines a viable method of resin film deposition on a substrate. 
         [0065]    The resulting resin deposit will show peaks  60 , adjacent to valleys  62 , on the design of the ruler  56 . This ruler is similar to ruler  20  in  FIG. 1 . The valleys  62  can potentially extend to the inner layer  52  surface, or they may stop short of contacting the same layer  52 . The layer  52  and embossed ruler  56  may then be subjected to an additional dipping step, wherein the outer film  54  is formed as an outer layer of condom  50 . In this configuration, the outer film  54  covers the resin deposit in the ruler form  56 , while simultaneously conforming to the peaks  60  and valleys  62 . 
         [0066]    The raised ruler  56  connects to the surrounding outer film  54  by smooth transitions  64 . Due to the thickness of the ruler  56 , the condom  50  becomes slightly stiffer at its lateral side. Thus, the precision of measurement is maintained by the prevention of a longitudinal pull on the condom that could potentially deform the ruler  56 . 
         [0067]    The condom  50  has an added anti-slip feature. By controlling the film ruler  56  for elasticity, an optimal constriction of the condom around the penis (even in a flaccid state) prevents the condom from slipping off prematurely. This problem is frequently encountered before and after a full erection of the penis. 
         [0068]    The silicon film ruler  56  lodged within the condom  50  is pliable enough to roll the condom walls into the dense form required for commercial distribution, yet it is simultaneously stiff enough to resist a longitudinal compression. This ultimately prevents the condom from collapsing during operation; a mishap that could lead to the failure of contraception. 
         [0069]    The niche  24  of condom  10  in  FIG. 3  and the embossed ruler  56  of condom  50  in  FIG. 4  may be combined so that a lengthwise protrusion of the sheath extends for the entire length of the condom. It is also possible to place the indicia on either the inside or outside of the condom; this is achieve by depositing the embossed resin ruler over the inner layer niche. 
         [0070]      FIG. 5  shows a condom erectometer  100  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, a complete ruler  120  on a film substrate is buried within the condom  100 . As discussed above, the ruler  120  may be placed between two of the multiple dipping steps during the manufacture of the condom  100 . The front end of the ruler  120  may be positioned in the condom  100  where the front end of the penis will rest; this allows the wearer to swiftly adjust the zero point of the ruler relative to the specific point of his penis that he desires to measure from, such as external distal end, the erectile corpus cavernosum penis, or the outline of the crown in the glands. 
         [0071]      FIG. 6  shows a single film ruler  120  with printed length marks, which may indicate the English system of measurement as shown at  122  starting from a small number such as three to eight or greater inches on one side; the Metric system of measurement as shown at  124  from a selected number range of five to twenty centimeters extends in parallel with the inch marks  122 . The aforementioned scale marks are joined by a wider centerline  126  that begins at the front tip of the ruler  120 . Numerical characters  128  may be printed proximal to the scale marks in their respective locations. For manufacturing purposes, a roll of web can temporarily hold a series of the ready-made film rulers  120  with their bottom surfaces exposed. To transfer the ink, the rulers  120  may be pressed against the first dipped layer of the condom  100  before the layer is completely dry. The tack of the latex holds the film ruler  120  in place until it is covered by additional dipped layer of the condom  100 . An optional cubic centimeter (CC) volume scale  130  is also transferred to the dome area  132  of the condom  100  via the ink print method. 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  shows a cross section of the condom  100  wherein the outer surface  134  makes a continuous circle to provide complete smoothness for the user. The inner surface  136  is slightly withdrawn at the side  138  which faces toward the axis of the condom  100 ; this functions to level the added thickness of the film ruler  120 . The shift of the inner side  138  from the circular plane of surface  136  can be manufactured by flattening the mandrel that shapes the condom  100 . 
         [0073]    Due to the ruler insert, the condom  100  has an added rigidity characteristic that provides enhanced grip onto the lateral side of the penis. The design also adds resistance to prevent an undesirable, lengthwise collapse of the condom walls; this, in effect, improves the effectiveness of the contraceptive device as well as accuracy of length measurement. 
         [0074]    A fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 8 through 11 . This variation of the condom  200  is a combination of both the reduced diameter of the inner side  138  of condom  100  as shown in  FIG. 7  and the ink indicia  20  on the surface of the inner layer  42  that is sealed by another layer  54 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The condom  200  has a slightly wider lengthwise flat wall  202  wherein a flat layer of printed ink can be deposited to make the indicia  220 , which include a centerline  234 , scales  236 ,  238  and length marks  240 . See  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 10 , an elevated side view, effectively illustrates the method in which the flat wall  202  merges into the surrounding condom walls. The leading edge  226  of the flat wall  202  bends toward the outer portion  212  of the condom sheath in a fluid line that then merges into the dome section  212  of the condom  200 . 
         [0075]    The opposite end of the flat wall  202  creates a trailing edge  228  that can be identically shaped to match the leading edge  226 . Slacks from the opposite edges  226 ,  228  strategically absorb potential pulls on the condom walls; this prevents the incidental variation in condom length during the initial manipulation over the penis while still providing an accurate length that is visible through the condom walls. 
         [0076]      FIG. 11  clearly portrays the simplicity and user-friendliness of the erectomer within the condom  200 . The flat section  202  has the scale indicia  220 , which is clearly visible to the user when turned to face the top of the penis. The length marks may indicate the English measurement as shown at  236  from a separate zero point  237  to eight or greater inches at one side. On the other side, length marks indicate the Metric system of measurement as shown at  238  from the same zero point  237  to twenty centimeters, and they extend in parallel with the aforementioned inch marks  236 . The two sets of scale marks are joined by a wide centerline  234  that may start at the 5 cm mark and end short of a condom ring  218 . A scale  211  that measures volume in cubic centimeters may also be printed on the dome area  222  with the number orientation upside down to correctly indicate the amount of ejaculate at the time of disposal. 
         [0077]    Advantages of earlier embodiments are retained in the condom  200 ; this includes the anti-slip feature provided by selected reduction in diameter of the condom walls, as well as the possibility of a prolonged erection at the user&#39;s discretion. If combined with the previously mentioned baggy configuration, the condom  200  may become a versatile contraceptive aid to enhance protected intercourse for both sexes. 
         [0078]    While the presently preferred form of the condom erectometer has been shown and described, and several modifications thereof discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, as defined and differentiated by the following claims. 
         [0079]    For example, the embossed ruler  56  of the condom  50  in the second embodiment may replace the flat indicia  220  of condom  200  in the fourth embodiment within the scope of the claimed invention. Also, the indicia of length marks may include the Metric system of measurement units on one side, and an alternative regional unit (other than the English system) on the other side, which would effectively fit the diverse needs of different world regions. The indicia expressed in Braille points or raised letters naturally fit the principle of the present invention as well.