Abstract:
An application for a condom includes a wall open at one end and closed at a distal end. The wall is thicker towards the base for tear-resistance and thinner towards the tip where sensitivity is important. The condom includes a resilient ring formed at the base for improved retention and performance.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is related to U.S. application titled, “SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE SHIELD,” which was filed on even date herewith; attorney docket number 2589.1 and inventor Douglas J. Sturlingh. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a birth control and disease preventing device, and more particularly to a device that reduces the risk of both pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Various methods exist for birth control such as the birth control pill, the condom and the inter-uterine device (IUD). The condom is a simple, low-cost method with rare side effects. When properly used, a condom can aid in the prevention of pregnancy as well as preventing the transmission of sexual diseases. 
         [0004]    Condoms come in various sizes, shapes, textures and materials. Some condoms come rolled and some not rolled. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, condoms are not 100% effective against pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted disease. Pregnancy often occurs due to a tear in a condom or if a condom falls off. The same often leads to the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted in fluids passing from one partner to the other onto peripheral areas such as the scrotum or base of the penis. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a condom with improved performance in birth control and disease prevention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A condom includes a thicker wall towards the base for tear-resistance and a thinner wall towards the tip where sensitivity is important. The condom also includes a resilient ring at the base for improved retention and performance. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, a condom is disclosed including a body that has walls made of a material. The walls have a base end, a tip end and a circumference at the base end. The material is thicker at the base end of the wall and thinner at an area of the tip end of the wall and the wall open at the base end for insertion of a penis and closed at a distal end. A pressure ring is formed around the circumference of the base end. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a method of reducing the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases is disclosed. The method includes providing a condom that has a body that has walls made of a material. The walls have a base end, a tip end and a circumference at the base end. The material is thicker at the base end of the wall and thinner at an area of the tip end of the wall and the wall open at the base end for insertion of a penis and closed at a distal end to prevent sperm leakage and transmission of diseases. A pressure ring is formed around the circumference of the base end. The method continues with, before engaging in sex, pulling the condom over one&#39;s penis such that the pressure ring and base end cover a base portion of the penis and the tip end covers the tip portion of the penis. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, a condom includes a body. The body has a wall made of a material. The wall has a base end, a tip end and a circumference at the base end. The material has a first thickness at the base end of the wall and a second thickness at an area of the tip end of the wall and the first thickness is three times the second thickness. The wall is open at the base end for insertion of a penis and closed at a distal end. A pressure ring is formed at the base end of the wall around the circumference of the base end. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a shield of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a side view of a first interface between the shield and the condom of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of the first interface between the shield and the condom of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a side view of a second interface between the shield and the condom of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a side view of the second interface between the shield and the condom of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side cut-away view of the present invention worn by male person. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front perspective view of the present invention worn by male person. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a shield of the present invention is shown. The shield  52  is made from a stiff, yet pliable material such as latex. It is stiff enough to maintain its shape and pliable enough to bend upon pressure from the wearer. The shield has an opening bordered by an inner edge of a retention ring  56  through which the penis of the wearer passes. The retention ring  54 / 56  forms a resilient clip for accepting and holding a pressure ring  18  of a condom  10  (see  FIGS. 2-4 ). The shield  52  is formed to cover the male pubic area including the scrotum. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a side view of a first interface between the shield  52  and the condom  10  of the present invention is shown. In this example, the first interface  50  has a side oriented retention ring  54 / 56 . In this, the retention ring  54 / 56  is formed as part of the shield  52 . The retention ring  54 / 56  accepts and holds the pressure ring  18  of the condom  10  (see  FIGS. 3A and 3B ). The pressure ring  18  is formed on the thicker wall surface  14  of the condom  10 . In  FIG. 2A , the pressure ring  18  is shown stretched and ready to mate with the retention ring  54 / 56  while in  FIG. 2B , the pressure ring  18  is held securely in the retention ring  54 / 56 . In some embodiments, the inner circumference of the pressure ring  18  is less than the outer circumference of the retention ring  54  and the resiliency of the pressure ring  18  holds the pressure ring  18  against the retention ring  54 / 56 . In some embodiments, the opening of the retention ring  54 / 56  is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the pressure ring  18 , thereby opening to accept the pressure ring  18  and closing to hold the pressure ring  18  securely. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a side view of a second interface between the shield  52  and the condom  10  of the present invention is shown. In this example of the second interface  51 , the retention ring  54 / 56  faces outward towards the condom  10  and is ready to accept and hold the pressure ring  18 . The opening of the retention ring  54 / 56  is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the pressure ring  18 . The retention ring  54 / 56  opens slightly to accept and hold the pressure ring  18  by way of a curved surface that engages around the outer periphery of the pressure ring  18  similar to the seal of a common plastic bag (zipper lock, etc.) as shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0023]    The tip area of the condom  10  has a thinner, closed wall  12  to cover the tip of the penis for greater sensitivity and a thicker wall  14  towards the base of the condom for added strength. At the very base of the condom  10  is the pressure ring  18 . In some embodiments, the thicker wall  14  of the condom  10  is three times thicker than the thinner wall  12 . Formed at the base of the condom  10  is the pressure ring  18 . The pressure ring  18  serves as a seal to lock into the shield  52 . In addition, the pressure ring  18  serves to help prevent the condom  10  from falling off during sex and serves to constrict blood flow within the penis providing a longer lasting erection. In some embodiments, a receptacle  11  is formed in the tip of the condom  10  to provide a space for semen to flow. It is anticipated that the condom  10  is made from materials known in the industry such as latex, rubber and natural materials from animals such as lambskin. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a side cut-away view of the present invention worn by male person is shown. Although the condom  10  and the shield  52  are independent and can be used without the other, the best overall protection is provided when used as shown in  FIG. 4 . First, the shield  52  is passed over the penis  102  and rests against the wearer&#39;s body  100 , covering the scrotum  104 . Next, the condom  10  is pulled over the penis  102  and the pressure ring  18  is engaged with the retention ring  54 / 56 , sealing the wearer&#39;s  100  genitals from the intended partner. As shown, the base  14  of the condom  10  is thicker than the tip area  12  of the condom  10 . This provides greater tear resistance at the base of the condom  10  while providing greater sensitivity at the tip area  12 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a front perspective view of the present invention worn by male person is shown. The shield  52  covers much of the genital area and scrotum. The retention ring  54 / 56  is shown ready to accept the pressure ring  18  of the condom  10 . 
         [0026]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0027]    It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.