Abstract:
The condom holder according to the invention comprises fasteners for fixing the condom edge, and a connection between said fasteners; said connection at least partially being elastic, the holder at least partially defining a space in which the condom can be placed; the holder being adapted to change the shape of said connection between a first configuration in which said space is reduced, and a second configuration in which said space is expanded. In the first said configuration at least part of said connection is strained and tends to transform into the second configuration, and in the second configuration said strain is partially released. 
     Due to the fact that the holder is elastic, the condom placed therein is automatically stretched as required, there is no need to control the force applied by the user. The condom can be put on using only one hand holding the holder. Further, the possibility of excessive or insufficient expansion of the holder is excluded.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefits from International Application PCT/RU2007/000758 filed on Dec. 26, 2007 and priority application RU 2006147417 filed on Dec. 29, 2006. The contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference and in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to barrier contraceptives, in particular to a condom holder. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A condom is a skin made of natural latex or another material, covering the penis entirely or partially. Condoms are used to protect from sexually transmitted diseases and/or undesirable pregnancy. A traditional condom is shown in  FIG. 1 . A condom can also be a so-called micro-condom covering only the balanus. 
         [0004]    To make it compact and easy to use, a condom is usually rolled into ring. Actually, it can also be rolled in an opposite direction to that traditionally used for rolling a condom. A condom can also be bellowed or otherwise folded. When stored, a condom is usually sealingly packed into a skin generally formed as a package of an elastic sheet material which is usually strong enough to provide tightness and protect the condom during storage and transportation (see  FIG. 2 ). A package is usually provided with means facilitating its unpacking, e.g. a notch or reduced-strength area at its side, or a sealed ribbon with one its end extending outside the package. When unpacked, a condom is applied to erected penis and then rolled down to the penis root. 
         [0005]    It can be unnecessary to unroll down a micro-condom because it covers only the balanus. Therefore, a micro-condom only requires a minimal degree of unrolling, if any. 
         [0006]    The main disadvantage of traditional condoms is that it takes a long time and much effort to unpack and put on a condom. As a result, the user&#39;s attention is distracted away from sexual intercourse. 
         [0007]    It is also necessary to use both hands to put the condom on. However, typically, the user has only one free hand, and uses the other one to support himself or has it under woman&#39;s head (see  FIG. 3 ). Movements of this hand are therefore restricted. Generally, this position is uncomfortable, and the user can release his second hand only for a short time. Therefore, for unpacking and putting on the condom, the user can use freely only one of his hands, occasionally using his second hand. 
         [0008]    When putting on a condom, every moment spent can be critical for the user. Requirements for swift, convenient and easy handling of condom package are much higher than those for any other packed product used in private life. Besides, it is known that some people do not use condoms even when necessary, and the main reason for this is that they have to spend a long time and much effort to put a condom on, resulting in distraction of their minds from the sexual intercourse. The object is to simplify and reduce the number of steps required to unpack and put on a condom. If this problem is solved, 
         [0009]    a) the overall condom usage will increase; whereas 
         [0010]    b) the number of people who either do not use condoms at all, or use them rarely while having risky sexual intercourses, will decrease. 
         [0011]    This could help to solve the spreading HIV problem as well as decrease the uncontrolled birth rate growth (especially in overpopulated developing countries). 
         [0012]    Devices known as condom holders hold a condom, in most cases hold the edge of a rolled condom, and therefore allow the user grasp a condom holder and put the condom on by applying the condom on top of and down the penis (see e.g.  FIG. 4 ). In this process, the condom is unrolled along the penis shaft (where a pre-rolled condom is used). 
         [0013]    A condom holder can be a hollow ring with a groove extending along its circumference and defining a recess for receiving a condom. The shape and location of the groove can vary (e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,357, Martin et al, 1988). 
         [0014]    When the inner diameter of the holder is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the condom ring, the recess can open to the outside. In this case, forces arise directed to the center of the condom ring, which do not let this ring pop out of the groove. 
         [0015]    This kind of holder is disclosed in the following patents: JP6154260 (Toshihiro, 1994), JP7308336, Tadashi, 1995), U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,784 (Harari, 1996), DE19641107 (Raabe, 1998), U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,286 (Stratton, 1995), FR2751869 (Loyer, 1998). 
         [0016]    Also known are condom holders either embracing the whole condom ring (e.g. see U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,449, van der Valk 1992) or having one discontinuity, either C-shaped or U-shaped (e.g. see U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,491, Parrone, 1989). Holders can either hold the condom ring with spaced fasteners (e.g. see FR2727858, Vegega, 1996) or continuously, along the whole circumference of the ring. 
         [0017]    Other means of holding the edge of a rolled condom can be used, e.g. the condom ring can be held by a pair of rollers (e.g. see WO9801095, Liehs, 1999). 
         [0018]    However, the above-mentioned holders touch the penis when putting on the condom, which is uncomfortable for the user. Thus, a need arises for a holder that keeps the condom stretched, and its fasteners do not touch or only slightly touch the penis. 
         [0019]      FIG. 5  shows the holder consisting of two parts which are to be held with both hands (e.g. see WO02/069861, Van Rensburg, 2002). In this case, the fasteners are spaced from the penis because the user stretches the condom by the parts of the holder. 
         [0020]    Also known is a two-part condom holder (WO2007/021184, Tunovic Adnan et al, 2007), each part comprising at least one fastener in the form of a loop used for fixing the condom edge from the outside. Here, the fasteners contact the penis through the condom, thus providing significantly more comfort for the user in comparison with the case where the fasteners hold the condom edge from inside and therefore touch the penis. In use, however, the condom is to be stretched by the holder to a certain extent, to avoid the fasteners overpress the penis. 
         [0021]    According to WO2007/021184, the two parts are pivotably joined together on one end so as to swing open when putting on the condom. More specifically, the two parts are joined by a hinge member of a flexible material. The hinge member can act like a spring tending to keep the two parts closed. Each part has on its outside a gripping member to be held with two fingers. That is, while spacing apart these parts the user has to hold each gripping member with two fingers of one hand. This step is uncomfortable for the user and requires some extra skill. 
         [0022]    Another modification of a condom holder stretching the condom ring is known from WO2006/025755 (Mor Maty Seck, 2006). The holder includes a ring with a semi-ring placed on it, and a radial guideway. A handle inserted into the guideway, is provided with another semi-ring on the side facing the ring. Both semi-rings are provided with a groove used to receive the edge of a condom rolled into a ring. 
         [0023]    When putting on the condom held by the holder, the ring with the guideway is held in one hand, and the handle is displaced along the guideway with another hand, thus enlarging the inner area formed by two semi-rings and therefore stretching the condom ring as appropriate. 
         [0024]    However, due to the fact that condom ring is closed, the ring can only removed in the reverse direction along the penis after putting the condom on, and this is uncomfortable for the user. Furthermore, with this holder the condom is stretched with both hands, and this is uncomfortable for the user due to the aforementioned reasons. 
         [0025]    A holder that seems to be the closest to the one claimed herein is described in WO9700652 (Patrick, 1997). The holder includes fasteners for fastening the edge of the condom, and an elastic connection between these fasteners. The holder defines a space in which a condom can be placed. Further, the holder is adapted to change the shape of said connection between a first configuration in which said space is reduced, and a second configuration in which said space is expanded. The holder is curvilineal (spiral-shaped), and ends thereof are overlapping and provided with handles. 
         [0026]    When putting on the condom held by described holder, the handles are displaced towards each other, thus increasing the space defined by the holder to a required degree therefore providing the comfortable process of putting the condom on. 
         [0027]    However, when putting on the condom held by holder and subsequently removing the holder, the user must constantly act the holder, surpassing its spring resistance and keeping it in expanded state. The force applied must be measured, because the overly strong push will cause the excessive stretching of the condom, which may lead to its tearing or to the increase of the friction between the condom and the holder; the isufficiently strong push, on the other hand, will not provide sufficient widening of the holder and may cause friction between the holder and the penis. Said need for force measurement distracts the user from sexual intercourse. Furthermore, due to the overlapping ends of the holder, said holder forms a closed ring which can only be removed after putting the condom on by displacing said ring in opposite longitudinal direction, which is uncomfortable for the user. 
         [0028]    The purpose of this invention is to provide a durable and compact condom holder which would provide fast and comfortable stretching of the condom and, subsequently, fast and comfortable process of putting on the condom. It is preferrable that all actions performed while stretching and putting on the condom are performed using one hand, and it is possible to remove the holder in lateral direction after the condom is put on; therefore, the process of putting on the condom causes only minimal distraction of the user from sexual intercourse. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    The problem is solved by providing a condom holder comprising fasteners for fixing the edge of a condom, and a connection between these fasteners; said connection at least partially being elastic, the holder at least partially defining a space in which the condom can be placed; the holder being adapted to change the shape of said connection between a first configuration in which said space is reduced, and a second configuration in which said space is expanded. In the first said configuration at least part of said connection is strained and tends to transform into the second configuration, and in the second configuration said strain at least partially is released. 
         [0030]    Due to the fact that the holder is elastic, the condom placed therein is automatically stretched as required, there is no need to control the force applied by the user; the condom can be put on using only one hand holding the holder. Further, excessive or insufficient widening of the holder is excluded. 
         [0031]    The connection can also include at least one arc-shaped member and at least one connector connecting the arc-shaped members. 
         [0032]    The arc-shaped member can be elastic. 
         [0033]    The connector can be elastic. 
         [0034]    The distance between the fasteners in the second configuration can be larger than the distance between the fasteners in the first configuration. 
         [0035]    The distance between the ends of the arc-shaped member in the second configuration can be larger than the distance between the ends of the arc-shaped member in the first configuration. 
         [0036]    Said ability to change the shape of the holder can be provided by at least one spring. 
         [0037]    The spring can comprise an elastic wire. 
         [0038]    The spring can be formed with coils at the middle part thereof. 
         [0039]    The holder can include an axis disposed in the middle part of the holder, and the spring can be mounted on said axis with its coils embracing said axis. 
         [0040]    The holder can include grooves in which both ends of the spring are placed. 
         [0041]    The spring can be a compression spring, extension spring, flexure spring or torsion spring. 
         [0042]    The holder can include another spring. 
         [0043]    Said ability of changing the shape of the connection between the fasteners can be provided by at least one elastic connector connecting the arc-shaped members. 
         [0044]    Said ability of changing the shape of the connection between the fasteners can be provided by a hinge connecting the arc-shaped members. 
         [0045]    Said ability of changing the shape of the connection between the fasteners can be provided by a hinge connecting the arc-shaped members and by elastic webs in the arc-shaped members. 
         [0046]    The holder can be provided with a handle on the outer side of the arc-shaped member. 
         [0047]    The holder can be provided with another handle; both handles being arranged in such a way that when the handles are acted, the shape of the holder is changed. 
         [0048]    The handles can be provided with a fixing device for fixing the holder in the second configuration. 
         [0049]    The holder can be provided with a retaining device for retaining the holder in the first configuration. 
         [0050]    The retaining device for retaining the holder in the first configuration can include a ring embracing the holder. 
         [0051]    The holder can be at least partially received in a package. 
         [0052]    The package can be provided with at least one weakened line. 
         [0053]    The holder can be provided with a case into which the package with the holder received therein is placed, the package being attached to the case. 
         [0054]    The retaining device for retaining the holder in the first configuration can be a box having one open end, wherein the holder is received in the box. 
         [0055]    The box can include a slot, and the holder can be provided with a key connected to the holder means of a part received in said slot and adapted to displace; wherein said key is outside the box. 
         [0056]    The holder can be provided with a fixing device for fixing the holder in the second configuration. 
         [0057]    The holder can be provided with a retaining device for retaining the holder in the first configuration and a fixing device for fixing the holder in the second configuration. 
         [0058]    The holder can be received in a box with a slot, the retaining device f for retaining the holder in the first configuration can include a ring embracing the holder; and the holder can be provided with a key connected to the holder by means of a part received in said slot and adapted to displace; wherein the key can be outside the box. 
         [0059]    Said ring can be moveably connected to the box, and provided with a device preventing the ring from leaving the box when displacing the holder in the condom plane. 
         [0060]    The problem is also solved by providing a condom holder for holding a flatly arranged condom, the holder including fasteners for fixing the condom edge, and a connection between these fasteners; said connection at least partially being elastic, the holder at least partially defining a space in which the condom can be placed; the holder being adapted to deform between a first configuration in which said space is reduced, and a second configuration in which said space is expanded. In the first said configuration at least part of said connection is strained and tends to transform into the second configuration, and in the second configuration the condom is stretched, and said strain is partially released and balanced by elastic forces resulting from the stretch of the condom. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0061]    Below is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
           [0062]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of a traditional condom held in hand by the user; 
           [0063]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a traditional condom shown in  FIG. 1 , in the package; 
           [0064]      FIG. 3  illustrates the situation preceding the process of putting on the condom; 
           [0065]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a condom placed in a known ring-like holder held in hand by the user; 
           [0066]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a condom placed in a known holder held with two hands by the user; 
           [0067]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the condom holder in its another embodiment; 
           [0068]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the holder shown in  FIG. 6 , with a condom installed therein; 
           [0069]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the holder with condom, as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , with a retaining device in one of its embodiments; 
           [0070]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the holder with the condom held, as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , wherein the retaining device is removed; 
           [0071]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the holder with condom, as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , and another embodiment of the retaining device; 
           [0072]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the holder with condom, wherein the retaining device shown in  FIG. 10  is removed; 
           [0073]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the holder shown in  FIG. 10 , received in a case; 
           [0074]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the holder with condom, as shown in  FIG. 12 , after unpacking; 
           [0075]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the case. 
           [0076]      FIGS. 15-16  are exploded views of the case as shown in  FIG. 14 , and the holder received in a package; 
           [0077]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the case with the holder received therein, as shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , after unpacking; 
           [0078]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the condom holder according to the invention; 
           [0079]      FIG. 19  is an exploded view showing the holder shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0080]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the condom holder; 
           [0081]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the holder; 
           [0082]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the suggested holder with condom; 
           [0083]      FIG. 23  is an exploded view of another embodiment of the holder shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0084]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the holder with condom; 
           [0085]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the holder with condom; 
           [0086]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the holder shown in  FIG. 25 , received in a package; 
           [0087]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the holder shown in  FIG. 26 , received in a case; 
           [0088]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the holder shown in  FIG. 25 , during the unpacking process; 
           [0089]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the holder shown in  FIG. 25 , after unpacking; 
           [0090]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the holder received in the case; 
           [0091]      FIG. 31  is a exploded view of the holder and case shown in  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0092]      FIGS. 32-33  illustrate the process of unpacking the holder shown in  FIG. 30 ; 
           [0093]      FIGS. 34-35  are cutaway views of the holder in the case, as shown in  FIGS. 32-33 . 
           [0094]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the holder received in the case; 
           [0095]      FIGS. 37-38  illustrate the process of unpacking the holder shown in  FIG. 36 ; 
           [0096]      FIGS. 39-40  are cutaway views of the connection between the key and the holder shown in  FIGS. 37 ,  38 . 
           [0097]      FIG. 41  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the case; 
           [0098]      FIG. 42  illustrates a top view of the case (lid removed) shown in  FIG. 40 , with the holder with condom; 
           [0099]      FIG. 43  illustrates a top view of the case (lid removed) shown in  FIG. 41 , wherein the condom is unpacked. 
           [0100]      FIGS. 44-45  are perspective views of the another embodiment of the condom holder according to the invention; 
           [0101]      FIG. 46  is a perspective view of the another embodiment of the condom holder; 
           [0102]      FIG. 47  is the perspective view of another embodiment of the condom holder; 
           [0103]      FIGS. 48-49  are the perspective views of another embodiment of the holder with condom; 
           [0104]      FIG. 50  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the condom holder; 
           [0105]      FIGS. 51-53  are exploded views of the holder with condom in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 50 , with the retaining device; 
           [0106]      FIG. 54  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the holder received in a case; 
           [0107]      FIG. 55  is the perspective view of another embodiment of the holder shown in  FIG. 54 , wherein the lid is removed; 
           [0108]      FIGS. 56-57  illustrate the process of unpacking the holder shown in  FIG. 50 ; 
           [0109]      FIG. 58  is a sectional view of the holder shown in  FIG. 50 , received in a case; 
           [0110]      FIG. 59  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the holder received in a case; and 
           [0111]      FIG. 60  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the holder. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0112]    In  FIGS. 6-7 , one embodiment of the invention is represented. In this embodiment, a condom holder  1  includes an arc-shaped member  2  made of an elastic material. Fasteners  4  for holding a condom are formed on the inner side  3  of the member  2 . The holder  1  is provided with a handle  5  connected to the holder by a crosspiece  6 . The handle  5  is for holding the holder when putting the condom on. 
         [0113]    When installing a condom  7  into the holder  1 , the ends of the holder are brought together, and the edge  8  of the condom rolled into a ring is placed in the fasteners  4 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Elastic forces in the member  2  of the holder  1  are compensated by compressive forces of the edge  8  of the condom  7 . The size, shape and elastic properties of the material of the member  2  are selected in such a way that the condom  7  would be stretched when the holder is in use, thus making the process of putting the condom on comfortable. 
         [0114]    However, due to the fact that the quality of the condom may deteriorate when stretched for a long time, it is preferrable to hold the holder  1  with condom  7  in such a state that the area defined by the holder  1  is reduced and therefore, the condom ring is not stretched. 
         [0115]    To ensure this, a ring  9  embracing the holder can be used, as shown in  FIG. 8 . The ring  9  is provided with a pull-tab  10  for its easy removal from the holder. After the ring  9  is removed, the holder is expanded due to the elastic forces, thus stretching the condom as shown in  FIG. 9 . The ring can be made of any material having sufficient strength, e.g. of plastic film. 
         [0116]    In another embodiment represented in  FIGS. 10-11 , a package  11  can be used as a retaining device. The package  11  is similar to a package used with traditional condoms, and is formed by a folded sheet  12  connected on the edges thereof. 
         [0117]    The package  11  is preferrably made of polymer film and is provided with weakened lines, along which it can be easily torn. Said lines can be provided by forming the package of a two-layered film. One layer of the film (thin and solid) is impenetrable, and the other (more rigid) is provided in predetermined areas with weakened lines; to be torn therealong. 
         [0118]    A preferable arrangement of a weakened line is shown in  FIG. 10 , in which a weakened line  13  runs along the package edge where the handle  5  of the holder comes out of package. 
         [0119]    The size of the package  11  is selected in such way that the holder  1  placed therein with the condom  7  would remain in a state, in which the area defined by the holder  1  is reduced and thus the condom ring is not stretched. 
         [0120]    The handle  5  of the holder  1  is outside the package  11 . In the area where the crosspiece  6  protrudes out of the holder and therefore out of the package  11 , the edges of the package  11  remain unconnected, embracing the crosspiece  6 . To provide tightness, the connection between the package  11  and the crosspiece  6  can be tightened by glue or a sealing component (not shown in the drawings). 
         [0121]    When unpacking the condom  7 , the user holds the handle  5  is held with one hand, while pulling the edge  140  of the package  11  with the other hand. The package is therefore torn along the weakened line  13 . After that, the package is removed and the holder is expanded due to the elastic forces of the member  2 , thus stretching the condom  7  as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0122]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , the holder received in the package  11  can be placed in a case  14  such as a flat box with an open end  22 . The box  14  can be made of any material having sufficient strength to ensure the integrity of its contents and allow holding it in hand, e.g. of plastic. 
         [0123]    The package  11  received in the box  14  is bonded, e.g. glued, thereto. Connection points of the package  11  to the box  14  are preferably located on the edge of package  11  from which the crosspiece  6  protrudes, on both sides of the crosspiece (not shown in the drawings). The package however can be attached at longer areas, e.g. along this whole edge. 
         [0124]    When unpacking the condom  7 , the user holds the box  14  with one hand, while pulling the handle  5  with the other hand. The package is therefore torn and the holder  1  with the condom  7  placed therein comes out of the box  14  completely. After removing the box  14  and the package  11 , the holder  1  is expanded, thus stretching the condom  7  as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0125]    In another embodiment represented in  FIGS. 14-17 , the box  15  consists of two parts: the bottom  16  and the lid  17  connected to each other with lateral sides thereof. The lid  17  has a central through slot  18 , beginning from one side of the lid and ending short of its other side. The connection between the bottom  16  and the lid  17  can be bonded. 
         [0126]    A support  19  for a key  20  is attached to the outer edge of the holder  1 . The support  19  is connected to the holder  1  by a crosspiece  6 . The key  20  is a button or a key shaped and sized to be conveniently acted by a digit. The key  20  is connected to the support  19  by means of a leg  21  placed in a slot  18 . In this embodiment, the holder  1 , the crosspiece  6 , the support  19 , the leg  21  and the key  20  are integral. However, they can be made of different parts connected to each other. 
         [0127]    The package  11  is provided with weakened lines  23 - 26  shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0128]    The process of packing the holder  1  with the condom  7  placed therein is shown in  FIGS. 15-16 . Firstly, the holder  1  received in the package  11  is connected to the lid  17  by placing the leg  21  into the slot  18 . If necessary, the package  11  is fixed with respect to the lid  17 . The whole unit is placed onto the bottom  16 , and the lid  17  is fixed with respect to the bottom  16 . 
         [0129]    When unpacking the condom, the user holds the box  15  in one hand in such manner that the open end  22  is facing forward, away from the user, and acts on the key  20  with his thumb. As mentioned above, the holder  1  and the key  20  are integral, therefore the package  11  attached to the box  15  (as mentioned above) prevents the displacement of the key  20 . Therefore, when the displacement of the key  20  begins, the front edge of the holder  1  thrusts against the front edge of the package  11 . When the key  20  is displaced further, the frond edge of the package  11  is torn, and the holder  1  with the condom held therein moves out of package  11  and the box  15  through the open end  22  of the case. At the same time, the package  11  is torn at the opposite edge by the leg  21 . When the key  20  is displaced to the end of the slot  18 , the holder  1  goes out of the box  15  completely and is expanded by the elastic forces, thus stretching the condom  7  as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0130]    The holder can also consist of several parts, as shown in  FIGS. 18 ,  19  and  20 . In one embodiment ( FIGS. 18-19 ) the holder includes two elastic arc members  27  and  28  connected by a connector  29  with a handle  5  attached to the outer side thereof. Fasteners  4  are located on the arc members  27 ,  28  and also on the connector  29 . 
         [0131]    Each arc  27  and  28  is provided with a lug  30  and  31 , respectively. Sockets  32  and  33  are provided in the ends of the connector  29 . Lugs  30  and  31  of the arc members  27  and  28  are tightly fixed in said sockets. 
         [0132]    In the embodiment represented in  FIG. 21 , the holder includes rigid arc members  34 ,  35  connected to the connector  29  by elastic webs  36  and  37 . 
         [0133]    In yet another embodiment represented in  FIGS. 22 ,  23 , the holder  38  is a flat open ring  39  provided with fasteners  4  on the inner side thereof. A handle  41  is attached to the outer edge of the ring  39  by means of a crosspiece  40 . An axis  42  is formed on the crosspiece  40 . The holder is provided with a spring wire  43  which has coils  44  in its middle part, thus forming a torsion spring. This spring tends to bring the holder into a state where the space defined by the holder is expanded. Said coils  44  embrace the axis  42 , and the ends  45 ,  46  of the wire  43  are fixed in the groove  47  on both sides of the crosspiece  40 . 
         [0134]    A holder  48  represented in  FIG. 24 , includes two arc members  49 ,  50  connected by a hinge  51  and provided with fasteners  4 . Similarly to the previous embodiment ( FIGS. 22-23 ), the holder  48  is provided with a spring wire  52  which has coils  53  in its middle part, the coils embracing the axis of the hinge  51 . The ends of the wire  52  are fixed in grooves  55  and  56  in the arc members  49  and  50 . The holder  48  also includes handles  57 ,  58  attached to the arc members  49 ,  50 , respectively, on the outer side thereof. 
         [0135]    In the embodiment represented in  FIGS. 25-29 , the holder  59  includes two arcs  60  and  61  connected by an elastic web  62 . Handles  63  and  64  are attached to the arc members  60  and  61  on the outer side thereof. Said handles are placed in close vicinity to the web  62  on two sides thereof and are connected to the arc members  60  and  61  by crosspieces  65  and  66 . The handle  63  is provided with a recess  67  on the end thereof, and the handle  64  is provided with a lug  68  adapted to mechanically engage with the recess  67 . By means of the recess  67  and lug  68 , handles  63  and  64  can be fixed with respect to each other, and thus the holder  59  can be fixed in unfolded state ( FIG. 29 ). Each handle  63 ,  64  has ribbed areas  69 ,  70  and  71 ,  72  on two adjacent sides thereof ( FIG. 25 ). These areas facilitate gripping the handles with digits of the user&#39;s hand. The holder  59  can be received in a package  73  and case  74  (as described above with reference to  FIGS. 10 ,  12 ), the handles  63 ,  64  extending outside the package  74  and case  74 . 
         [0136]    When unpacking the condom, the user holds the case  74  in one hand, while gripping the handles  63  and  64  with the other hand, thus bringing said handles together and fixing the lug  68  in the recess  67 . Consequently, elastic forces appear in the holder  59  tending to unfold the holder, but suppressed by the package  73  and case  74 . Further, the holder  59  is extracted from the case  74  while holding it by the handles  63  and  64 . The package  73  attached to the case  74  is therefore torn and the holder  59  with condom comes out completely. The holder is unfolded due to the elastic forces, thus stretching the condom  7 . 
         [0137]    In yet another embodiment represented in  FIGS. 30-35 , a holder  75  is similar to the holder  48 , represented in  FIG. 24 . The difference is that holder  75  is not provided with handles. 
         [0138]    As shown in  FIG. 30 , the holder  75  with the condom  7  held therein is placed in a box  76 , which consists of two parts: a bottom  88  and a lid  89  provided with a slot  77 . Arc members  78 ,  79  of the holder  75  are provided with elastic webs  80 ,  81  which allow changing the shape of the holder. Due to this change of shape, a more compact arrangement of the holder in the box is achieved. 
         [0139]    A key  82  is mounted outside the box  76  on a pin  83  which is received in the slot  77 . The key  82  is connected to the holder by an elastic ribbon  84 , one end of which is attached to the pin  83  and the other end has an opening  90  connectable with an axis  86  of a hinge  87  connecting the arc members  78 ,  79 . The ends of the ribbon may be fixed by any known means which provide sufficient durability. 
         [0140]    When the key  82  is displaced, the ribbon  84  is pulled and pulls the holder  75  forward. 
         [0141]    In contrast to the embodiment represented in  FIGS. 14-17 , in which the displacement of the holder to the end of the slot results in complete extraction of the holder, here the displacement of the key to the end of slot  77  leads to the transition of the holder into a position in which the holder can go out of the box automatically due to the elastic forces applied by the spring and to the interaction of the holder arc members with the walls  91 ,  92  on the open end of the box. In  FIG. 34  the relative position of the key and the holder is shown where the key has reached the end of the slot. In  FIG. 35 , the holder has come out of the package. This type of connection between the holder and the key makes extraction of the holder from the box smooth. 
         [0142]    In the embodiment represented in  FIGS. 36-40 , in contrast to the embodiment represented in  FIGS. 30-35 , here the ribbon  84  is replaced by a bracket  93  attached to the pin  83 . The bracket  93  includes a guide slot  94  in which the axis  86  of the hinge  87  is moveably received. 
         [0143]    The unpacking process shown in  FIGS. 37 ,  38 , is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 32 ,  33 . When the key  82  reaches the end point, the holder  75  is displaced on its own; the axis  86  of the hinge is displaced in the slot  94 . In  FIG. 39 , the relative position of the key and the holder is shown at the moment when the key has reached the end of the slot. In  FIG. 40 , the holder has come out from the package. 
         [0144]    An embodiment is also possible, in which a holder  95  similar to the holder shown in  FIG. 22 , is placed in the box  96  which is widened towards its open end  98 , as shown in  FIGS. 41-43 . 
         [0145]    This design of the box (as well as two previous examples shown in  FIGS. 30-40 ) provides make extraction of the holder  95  from the box  96  smooth due to the action of the elastic forces of a spring  99  and due to interaction of the holder  95  with walls  101  and  102  of the box at the open end  98 . 
         [0146]    Other embodiments of the holder are also possible, shown in  FIGS. 44-49 , in which the holder is adapted to be expanded due to the elastic properties of the spring. 
         [0147]    A holder  103  represented in  FIGS. 44-45 , is formed by three elongated members  104 ,  105  and  106  connected to each other by a spring wire  107  and provided with fasteners  4 . 
         [0148]    The wire  107  has coils  108  and  109  placed between the frames  104  and  106 ,  105  and  106 . The middle part  110  of the wire is fixed in a groove  111  formed in the member  106 , and the ends  112  and  113  of the wire are fixed in grooves  114  and  115  formed in the members  104  and  105 , respectively. 
         [0149]    When installing the holder  103  of the condom  7  in the fasteners  7 , the members  104  and  105  are displaced towards each other, coils  108  and  109  are therefore deformed and the elastic forces appearing in said coils are balanced by the compression forces of the edge  8  of the condom  7 . 
         [0150]    In the embodiment represented in  FIG. 46 , the holder  116  is also formed by three members  117 ,  118  and  119  connected to each other by a spring wire  100 . However, in contrast to the previous embodiment ( FIGS. 44 ,  45 ), here the coils  120  and  121  form torsion springs, and the ends of the member  119  is formed with lugs  122  and  123  provided with axes  124  and  125 . The coils  120  and  121  embrace said axes  124  and  125 . 
         [0151]    A holder  126  represented in  FIG. 47 , is formed by two semicircular members  127  and  128  connected to each other by a hinge  129 . An extension spring  130  is attached to said members on their inner side. 
         [0152]    In yet another embodiment represented in  FIGS. 48 ,  49 , a holder  131  is formed by two L-shaped members  132  and  133 . Part  134  of the member  133  is hollow and has a socket  135 , and part  136  of the member  132  is moveably received in this socket. Parts  136  and  134  of the members  132  and  133  are connected by a compression spring  139  which keeps the holder  131  in a state where the space defined by the holder is expanded, as shown in  FIG. 49 . 
         [0153]    In  FIGS. 50-58 , another embodiment is represented, where a holder  141  includes two arc members  142  and  143  with elastic webs  154  and  155  formed on the outer side thereof. The arc members are connected by a spring wire  144 . The ends of the wire  144  are fixed in the grooves  145 ,  146  formed in the arc members  142 ,  143 . As shown in  FIG. 50 , coils  147  and  148  are formed in the middle part of the wire, forming torsion springs. Said coils are connected to a connector  149  having a U-shaped cross-section. In the recess of the connector  149  the coils  147  and  148  are positioned. Coils  147  and  148  surround pins  152  and  153 . The connector  149  has openings  150  and  151  in which the ends of the pins  152  and  153  are received. Lugs  156  and  157  are formed on the ends of the connector  149 . A leg  167  for supporting the key  168  therein is formed on one side of the connector  149  in its middle part. 
         [0154]    The holder  141  is held in folded state by means of a retaining member  158  comprising a plate  159 . On this plate, the holder  141  with connector  149  is placed as shown in  FIGS. 51-52 ). The retaining member  158  further comprises a frame  160  on one end of the plate  159 , the a frame  160  embracing the folded holder  141  in the likeness of the ring  9  shown in  FIG. 8 . Lugs  161  and  162  are formed at the other end of the plate  159 . 
         [0155]    The retaining member  158  mounted over the holder  141  is received in a package formed by two sheets  172  and  173  connected at the edges thereof, as shown in  FIG. 58 , and is placed into a flat box  169  formed by two parts: a bottom  174  and a lid  170  with a central through slot  171  ( FIGS. 53 ,  54 ). The bottom  174  is formed by a plate defined on its two sides by flanges  162  and  163 . Grooves  164  and  165  are formed along the flanges  162  and  163  near the base thereof ( FIG. 52 ) for the lugs  161  and  162  of the plate  159  to be guided in said grooves. 
         [0156]    When packing the condom, the sheet  172  is placed into the bottom  174  in such a way that the sheet  172  follows the inner periphery of the bottom including the grooves  164 ,  165 . Further, the sheet is bonded to the bottom. Further, the retaining member  158  with the holder  141  is placed in the bottom by inserting the lugs  161  and  162  into the grooves  164  and  165 . The sheet  173  is attached on top and its edges are connected with the edges of the sheet  172 , as shown in  FIG. 58 . The lid  170  is put on the whole assembly by inserting the pin  167  into the slot  171 . 
         [0157]    When unpacking the condom, the user presses on the key  168 , displacing it away from him while holding the box  169  in one hand. Subsequently, the holder  141  with the retaining member  158  starts coming out of the box. When the lugs  161  and  162  thrust against the ends of the grooves  164  and  165 , the retaining member  158  stops, while the holder keeps displacing forward. When leaving the box, the holder  141  is unfolded by the force of the spring and thus stretches the condom, as shown in  FIG. 57 . 
         [0158]    It is clear that the means preventing the retaining member  158  from leaving the box  169  (in the embodiment described above said means are represented by the grooves  164  and  164 ) can be realized in many different ways. E.g., the retaining member  158  can be connected to the bottom of the box  169  by a flexible ribbon  174  which keeps the retaining member  158  inside the box when unpacking the condom, as shown in  FIG. 59 . 
         [0159]    In some embodiments not shown in the drawings, the retaining member may come out of the box completely and is then removed by the user. However, it is preferred that when unpacking the retaining member remains inside the holder after reaching the open end of the box and being fixed in that position, as shown in  FIGS. 50-58 . 
         [0160]    Furthermore, the holder  141  can be provided with stops preventing the excessive twisting of the spring, which may lead to damaging the condom or to excessive friction between the condom and the holder. As shown in  FIG. 60 , the stops can be pins  175  and  176  located on the connector  149 , the pins retaining the wire  144  in position. Therefore, there is no need to select the spring properties precisely to provide the appropriate degree of stretch of the condom. 
         [0161]    In some embodiments not shown in the drawings the spring can provide only a part of the effort required to stretch the condom to a desired degree ( ). The rest of the required effort can be provided by the user. Therefore, the spring only facilitates the stretching of the holder. 
         [0162]    Furthermore, in the described examples, the condom holder is provided with fasteners formed as hooks. However, other types of fasteners for fixing the edge of a condom can be used, e.g., fasteners formed as a pair of rollers. Further, the holder can be an open ring with a shaped groove extending along the inner circumference thereof. If the holder is used with a microcondom, the latter can be fixed to the holder by means of a light adhesive. 
         [0163]    Within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be implemented in many embodiments other than those described herein.