PACKAGE FOR CONDOM

Abstract

A package for a condom provided with a main compartment for housing a condom, and an additional compartment separate from the main compartment and having a disposal element that enables the condom to be disposed of after use in an environmentally friendly manner. A package is provided with integrated components, easy for the user to handle and without excessively increasing manufacturing costs compared to a standard commercial individual package.

Claims

1. Package (1) for holding at least one condom (2), provided with two main sides (3, 4) opposite each other and delimited by an edge (5) common to both main sides (3, 4), where said main sides (3, 4) and the edge (5) delimit a sealed main compartment (6), characterised in that it comprises at least one additional compartment (7) separate from the main compartment (6) and delimited by at least one of the two main sides (3, 4) and by an additional side (8), where said additional side (8) is arranged parallel to both main sides (3, 4) so that the additional compartment (7) is arranged parallel to the main compartment (6), with the additional compartment (7) at least partially superimposed over the main compartment (6) transversally to the package (1), and where the additional compartment (7) includes an access area (9) to enable access from outside to a disposal element (10) arranged inside the additional compartment (7) and configured to protrude outwardly from said additional compartment (7).

2. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional side (8) extends to the edge (5), and in that the additional compartment (7) comprises a connection area (11) located in an area adjacent to the edge (5), the additional side (8) being connected to one of the main sides (3, 4) in said connection area (11), and an inner space (12) for housing the disposal element (10), with the additional side (8) not being connected to the main sides (3, 4) in said inner space (12).

3. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the main sides (3, 4), the additional side (8) and the edge (5) form a single part.

4. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the disposal element (10) has sufficient capacity to simultaneously hold the condom (2) after use, the main sides (3, 4), the additional side (8) and the edge (5).

5. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the disposal element (10) is connected to at least one of the sides that delimit the additional compartment (7).

6. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimensions are small and approximately similar to those of an individual standard package suitable for housing a commercial condom (2), with the assembly formed by the package (1) and the condom (2) being sanitarily approvable.

7. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the disposal element (10) is a bag and said bag is folded inside the additional compartment (7).

8. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the disposal element (10) is perfumed.

9. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the disposal element (10) is recyclable or biodegradable.

10. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the disposal element (10) is compostable.

11. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the disposal element (10) includes graphical and/or advertising items.

12. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the access area (9) includes a hole made in a central area (14) of the additional side (8).

13. Package (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that a sealing element (13) is included to close off the access area (9), thereby preventing the withdrawal of the disposal element (10) to the outside of the additional compartment (7).

14. Package (1), according to claim 13, characterized in that the sealing element (13) is of adhesive type.

15. Package (1), according to claim 13, characterized in that the access area (9) is implemented in a peripheral area adjacent to the edge (5) and the sealing element (13) is the edge (5) itself.

16-20. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Details of the invention can be seen in the accompanying drawings, which do not seek to restrict the scope of the invention:

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the package according to the invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the package of FIG. 1, illustrating the removal of the condom housed in the main compartment towards the outside of the package.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the lower half of the package of FIG. 1, in which the internal shape of the package can be seen in greater detail.

[0017] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the package of FIG. 1, illustrating the removal of the disposal element towards the outside of the additional compartment so that the used condom can later be inserted therein.

[0018] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the disposal element after the used condom and the other components of the package have been inserted therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The invention relates to a package for a condom, of the type that is an individual, unitary or primary package known and used to hold a condom or contraceptive sheath. FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the package according to the invention. In the said FIG. 1, a condom is schematically depicted housed inside the package, while removal or extraction of the condom from the package is illustrated in FIG. 2. The illustration of FIG. 3 (in which the condom is not depicted) shows a front view of the lower half of the package of FIG. 1, in which the internal shape of the package can be seen in greater detail. As shown in the figures, the package (1) has two main sides (3, 4) opposite each other and delimited by an edge (5) that is common to both main sides (3, 4). These main sides (3, 4) and the edge (5) delimit a hermetically sealed or leak-proof main compartment (6) for initially holding a condom (2). As also shown in FIG. 3, the package (1) includes an additional compartment (7) isolated or separated from the main compartment (6) and delimited by the main side (3) and by an additional side (8). The additional side (8) is arranged parallel to both main sides (3, 4) of the main compartment (6). In this way, both compartments (6, 7) are also arranged parallel, with the additional compartment (7) superimposed over the main compartment (6) transversally to the package (1), as shown in FIG. 3. Moreover, the additional compartment (7) includes an opening element or an access area (9) to allow the user to access, from outside, a disposal element (10) arranged inside the additional compartment (7). This disposal element (10) (not represented in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) is shaped to protrude outward from the additional compartment (7). In the embodiment shown in the figures, the main side (3) has the added functionality of acting as a partition or separator element between the main and additional compartments (6, 7). Separation or isolation between both compartments (6, 7) is important for conservation, security and, ultimately, for correct use of both the condom (2) and the disposal element (10).

[0020] In addition, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the additional compartment (7) provides a housing whose capacity or size is slightly smaller than the capacity of the main compartment (6). As illustrated in FIG. 2, in a similar way to other known condom packages, the user can proceed to open the main compartment (6) in order to extract the condom (2) by, for instance, tearing one side of the edge (5). In the package (1) according to the invention, the feature that the additional compartment (7) that holds the disposal element (10) is smaller in size than the main compartment (6) enables opening of the main compartment (6) in such a way that the additional compartment (7) remains closed and in such a way that the disposal element (10) remains protected inside it.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the package (1) of FIG. 1, with the disposal element (10) shown outside the additional compartment (7) to enable subsequent insertion of the used condom (2) inside this disposal element (10). In the embodiment in the figures, the disposal element (10) is specifically an expandable bag which is initially folded inside the additional compartment (7). The extraction and subsequent opening of the disposal element (10) outside the additional compartment (7) enables the available space in the package (1) to be expanded or extended so that the condom (2) can be inserted after use.

[0022] Optionally, the additional side (8) extends to the edge (5) and the additional compartment (7) includes a connection area (11) located in an area very close or adjacent to the edge (5) and an inner space (12) to house the disposal element (10). The additional side (8) is connected to the main side (3) in this connection area (11) but the additional side (8) is separated or not connected to the main side (3) in the inner space (12). The connection or adhesion between the additional side (8) and the main side (3) around the connection area (11) can be performed by gluing or other means. With this configuration, the edge (5) of the package (1) is common to both compartments (6, 7) and is implemented by means of a sealed area or strip stretching around the perimeter edge of the package (1). In this way, the main sides (3, 4), the additional side (8) and the edge (5) form a single part, thereby simplifying production of the package (1). In addition, the inner space (12) that houses the disposal element (10) is conveniently smaller in size than the main compartment (6), thereby enabling, as shown in FIG. 2, opening of the main compartment (6) in such a way that the additional compartment (7) remains closed and the disposal element (10) remains protected inside. Later, the disposal element (10) can be extracted independently through the access area (9), as shown in FIG. 4.

[0023] Preferably, in order to allow disposal of the entire assembly made up of the package (1) and the condom (2), the disposal element (10) has sufficient capacity to hold, when this disposal element (10) is extended, not only the condom (2) after use but also the other elements that make up the package (1), i.e. the main sides (3).4), the additional side (8) and the edge (5). FIG. 5 illustrates the insertion inside the disposal element (10) of both the used condom (2) and the other components of the package (1).

[0024] Optionally, the disposal element (10) is connected, glued or attached to at least one of the sides that delimit the additional compartment (7). In the embodiment in the figures, the disposal element (10) is glued to the main side (3). This optional feature has the advantage of preventing separation of the disposal element (10) from the rest of the package (1), after its extraction from the additional compartment (7), preventing it from falling or being lost. This advantage is of great importance from an ecological or environmental point of view because it minimizes the risk of the components of the package (1) ending up being disposed of by the user independently of the disposal of the condom (2). As the disposal element (10) remains glued to one of the sides of the package (1), it makes it easy for the user to simply and naturally insert not only the used condom (2) but also the other components of the package (1) inside the disposal element (10). After extraction of the disposal element (10), the user can turn this disposal element (10) over so that the main sides (3, 4), the additional side (8) and the edge (5) are confined inside the disposal element (10) when it is turned over. After this turning operation, the condom (2) is also inserted inside the disposal element (10). Other embodiments of the invention are contemplated in which the disposal element (10) is separable or independent of the package (1) once that it has been extracted from it.

[0025] Additionally, the dimensions of the package (1) according to the invention are preferably small and similar to those of a standard individual package suitable for a commercial condom, so the assembly formed by the condom (2) and the package (1) is sanitarily approvable. In addition to the commercial advantages already mentioned in the brief description, maintaining a very similar dimensional configuration and external appearance to known individual commercial packages provides some additional advantages; unlike other solutions in the state of the art, consisting of more complex independent boxes or containers with motley appearances, dimensions and formats, the package (1) according to the invention facilitates identification of the product by the user and avoids doubts about its use and/or security concerns when using the condom (2).

[0026] Optionally, the disposal element (10) is perfumed. Being endowed with this optional feature, the package (1) according to the invention, as well as serving to conceal the unsightly appearance of the condom (2) after use, enables pleasant scents to be provided that help to neutralize the smell of body fluids and of the condom (2) material itself.

[0027] The invention also contemplates optional embodiments in which the disposal element (10) is recyclable or biodegradable.

[0028] Also optionally, the disposal element (10) is a compostable bag.

[0029] Due to the fact that the disposal element (10) provides the package (1) according to the invention with a larger available surface area for implementing advertising messages and/or graphic decorative or informative items, the disposal element (10) can optionally include graphical and/or advertising items. This optional feature gives the package (1) significant commercial possibilities.

[0030] Optionally, the package (1) includes a sealing element (13) to close off the access area (9), thereby preventing the withdrawal of the disposal element (10) to the outside of the additional compartment (7). In the embodiment of the package (1) shown in the figures, the sealing element (13) is a simple, adhesive-type element (such as a sticker) and the access area (9) is, more specifically, a hole made or cut in a central area (14) of the additional side (8). The central position of the access area (9) enables balanced withdrawal of the disposal element (10), facilitates the manoeuvre of turning over the disposal element (10) and minimizes the risk of deterioration of the disposal element (10), for example, with the edges of the edge (5), which frequently tend to have sharp edges. Moreover, the presence of the sealing element (13) provides a simple and readily available means of closing the disposal element (10) after the condom (2) and the other components of the package (1) have been inserted inside it. In this way, the risk of the disposal element (10) remaining open is minimised. Thus, the sealing element (13) also contributes towards providing an environmentally friendly package (1) so that all the elements that make up the package (1) according to the invention, including the sealing element (13), play a role, form a unit and are useful for this ecological purpose.

[0031] Embodiments of the invention, different from those represented in FIGS. 1 to 5, in which the access area (9) is not centrally positioned, are also contemplated. Embodiments in which the disposal element (10) has other shapes or is equipped with additional elements to facilitate closure (string, zip fastener, plasticised wire or other) are also contemplated, provided that the disposal element (10) is suitable for insertion into the additional compartment (7) of the package (1) without it compromising the integrity or security of the condom or for the integrity or security of the disposal element (10) itself.

[0032] In a second embodiment not represented in the figures, the access area (9) of the package (1) is located or implemented in a peripheral area adjacent to the edge (5) and the sealing element (13) is the edge (5) itself. This second embodiment of the package (1) increases its simplicity and makes the additional compartment (7) more leak-proof, thereby contributing to preserving the aromas and other products that might be associated with the disposal element (10). In this case, both compartments, main (6) and additional (7), open simultaneously by means of the edge (5).

[0033] In summary, the invention provides an individual package (1) for a condom (2) that facilitates disposal of a condom (2) after use in a clean, discrete, secure and environmentally friendly way.