Condom retaining device

A condom retaining device for use with a standard condom has a an elongated elastic strap forming two leg openngs and a condom-retaining strap forming an opening through which the penis can be inserted. The leg straps encircle the user's legs. The user places a standard condom over the penis down to the base and rolls the open end bead of the condom around an O-ring. The penis is then inserted through the opening in the retainer and the condom with attached ring at the base of the condom is held in place by the retainer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the field of prophylactic or contraceptive devices and more particularly to male condoms for preventing disease or conception during sexual intercourse.

BACKGROUND

Condoms have long been used to avoid conception during sexual intercourse and protect against the transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases. The latter function has become even more important since the rise of the HIV AIDS virus. Modern condoms are typically formed of a thin, flexible, elongated cylindrical sheath, sized and shaped to fit the erect male penis, and made of latex or similar liquid-impervious material, closed at one end and open at the other end, and having a bead around the open end around which the condom is rolled for packaging and storage. The effectiveness of the condom is compromised if it slips off the penis of the user during intercourse. Consequently a number of designs have been attempted to ensure that the condom is secured in place during intercourse.

For example, it is known to provide retention straps on condoms which are typically tied around the scrotum of the user. Such designs are shown for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,354,494; 4,942,885; 5,121,755; 5,351,699; 5,531,230; 5,799,657; 6,102,043; 6,123,079 and Canadian patent no. 2,105,341. Such devices require specially constructed condoms and consequently have not received significant acceptance. U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,556 discloses retaining straps which can be clipped to a standard condom but are difficult to install in the heat of the moment. There is therefore a need for a simple condom retaining device which can be used with standard condoms and is easy to put on.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a condom retainer which is used in conjunction with a standard condom. It comprises elastic leg straps which encircle the user's legs, and a penis-receiving opening. The user places a standard condom over the penis down to the base and rolls the open end bead of the condom around a ring. The penis is then inserted through the opening in the retaining device and the condom and ring are held in place by the retainer.

DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawings, the condom retaining device10of the present invention comprises a pair of flexible, elastic leg-encircling bands12formed of elastic, rubber, polyester braided elastic or similar material which is preferably light and soft in contact with the skin. Alternatively, leg-encircling bands12can be formed as a single continuous band12. Stretchable material with a memory such as polyester or fabric covered elastic about 3 mm in width and 1 mm in thickness is the preferred material. Alternatively bands12can be circular or other shape in cross-section, and can be larger or smaller in width or thickness or cross-sectional dimensions. The bands can be knotted, tied, sewn, glued, heat fused or bonded in any other way to form the configuration shown inFIG. 1, or can be molded as a single piece. Preferably the leg openings18are formed by providing buttons14on ends16of leg straps12, which are hooked into loops20attached to bands12. Other forms of quick-release fasteners such as a hooks or Velcro™ fasteners may be used to form leg openings18, or the elastic leg-encircling bands12may be permanently bonded to form the openings18. Penis-receiving opening24is formed in the device by circular strap26attached to leg straps12. Strap26is preferably formed of the same material as straps12, and is bonded to straps12in the same fashion as loops20, but it may also be formed of different material. The opening24thus formed is preferably slightly greater in diameter than the usual diameter of the erect penis, but where elastic material is used may be slightly less than that diameter.

The condom retaining device10is used in conjunction with a separate retaining ring30and a standard condom40. Retaining ring30is an O-ring formed of rubber, stretchable silicine, latex, polyester or fabric-covered elastic or similar material preferably with a cross-sectional diameter of about 4 mm, or greater. The O-ring has an overall inside diameter slightly greater than the usual diameter of the erect penis.

To use the device, the user50loops the leg straps12around each leg52and hooks buttons14into loops20. The condom40is then placed over the erect penis54and rolled down to the base of the penis. Retaining ring30is then slipped over the penis54to its base and the beaded end42of the condom is then rolled over the ring30as shown inFIG. 3. Penis54with condom40and retaining ring30installed is then inserted through opening24in strap26. Ring30then prevents condom40from slipping through strap26, which in turn is held to the body of the user by leg straps12.