THIS INVENTION relates to a prophylactic device for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases. In particular, the invention relates to prophylactic or contagion preventive devices for preventing the transmission, during sexual intercourse, of sexually-transmitted diseases such as AIDS or venereal diseases which usually result from the contact of body fluids of the infected party with the formally uninfected party.

Condoms are widely used and promoted for the purpose of preventing the transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases, and in particular, AIDS. While there is little doubt that the use of a condom by the male or female partner reduces the risk of transmission of disease considerably, there is still the risk of infected body fluid contacting the body of the other partner in areas not covered by the condom and which are susceptible to infection.

Such areas include any region in which skin may be broken, such as may be caused by small sores, pimples or other natural causes or, on the other hand, by minor injuries inflicted in consequence of hair having been removed using wax or by shaving.

Furthermore, there is the very real danger of the condom coming off during use, in a case of a male, particularly if the condom is somewhat too large. In the case of a female, the female condom can be pushed aside, pushed up, pulled out, etc. during intercourse.

It is an object of this invention to at least alleviate the abovementioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a prophylactic device for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases, the device including a structure which is liquid impervious and which is adapted to cover areas of the human male body at least in the vicinity of the male genitalia, the structure having an aperture through which an erect male penis sheathed in a condom can protrude; and condom attachment means on a body-facing side of the structure for releasable sealing cooperation with an open end of the condom.

The condom attachment means may be configured for releasable sealing cooperation with an elastomeric ring or beading surrounding the open end of the condom.

The condom attachment means may include a flange surrounding the aperture in the structure and which is sealed against the structure, a groove or channel extending around the aperture on the body-facing side of the structure being defined at least partially by the flange for receiving the elastomeric ring or beading surrounding the open end of the condom. The groove or channel may be circular or elliptical and may be dimensioned to co- operate with the elastomeric ring or beading of the open end of the condom in a stretched condition, thereby to ensure effective sealing between the condom and the condom attachment means. The groove or channel may be spaced from the aperture.

The groove or channel may be defined between the flange and the body-facing side of the structure.

Barrier means may be provided adjacent at least some peripheral edges of the structure to in use inhibit ingress of liquid between the structure and the body of a male user (and escape of liquid). The barrier means may be

of liquid impervious and/or absorbent material, e. g. strips of such material adjacent some peripheral edges of the structure.

At least a portion of the body-facing side of the structure surrounding the aperture may be covered with an absorbent material, which is preferably a soft material.

The structure and the condom attachment means may be of integral construction forming a unitary article.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a prophylactic device for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases, the device including a structure which is liquid impervious and which is adapted to cover areas of the human female body at least in the vicinity of the female genitalia, the structure having an aperture coextensive with the vagina of a female and at least a portion of a body-facing side of the structure surrounding the aperture being covered with an absorbent material; and condom attachment means on an outwardly facing side of the structure for releasable sealing cooperation with an open end of a condom.

Preferably, the entire body-facing side of the structure is covered with an absorbent material or lining, which is preferably a soft material.

The condom attachment means may be as hereinbefore described, defining a groove or channel located on the outwardly facing side of the structure.

The groove or channel may be defined between the flange and the outwardly facing side of the structure.

Barrier means may be provided adjacent at least some peripheral edges of the structure in use to inhibit ingress of liquid between the structure and the body of a female user (and escape of liquid). The barrier means may be as hereinbefore described.

The structure and the condom attachment means may be of integral construction forming a unitary article.

In one embodiment of the invention, the structure forms part of a garment. The garment may in particular be a garment assuming the basic form of a pair of underpants or panties of any required configuration such as of g- string or tanga design, briefs style design, or shorts style design. The device may thus be configured self to support the structure. For example, the device may include straps or a waistband attached to the structure.

In another embodiment of the invention, the structure is adapted to be worn inside of, and to be supported by, an undergarment.

The structure of the device of the second aspect of the invention may be in the form of an elongate panty-liner, and the device may include adhesive means for adhesively attaching the structure to an undergarment, e. g. a panty. As will be appreciated, in this case, the panty supporting the structure has an opening in register with the aperture in the structure, i. e. the panty-liner. The panty-liner typically is as broad as a conventional panty crotch, and long enough to cover in use both the urethra and anus of a female user.

The flange may be covered in a soft material, preferably at least when the structure is in the form of a panty-liner.

Advantageously, the device of the invention can be used with conventional commercially available condoms, at least as far as the male

device is concerned. It is expected that the female device can be used with female condoms specially designed for the female device, e. g. with longitudinally extending stiffening spines, or very large male condoms, typically male condoms having a bead circumference of more than about 53 mm, e. g about 70 mm.

The device may be of a washable material and therefore re-usable on numerous occasions. Instead, the device may be configured to be disposed of after use. Thus, the device may be in a disposable or non-disposable version. Particularly in the non-disposable version, the structure may be of relatively thin latex, rubber, synthetic plastics or polymeric material, or the like, and the structure typically forms part of a garment. If provided with an absorbent material or layer, an absorbent material such as cotton or an absorbent polymer may be bonded to the structure.

For the disposable version of the device the structure may be in the form of a relatively thicker shield of a closed cell liquid impervious foamed material or rubber or the like. The shield can be supported in place by underpants or panties. Instead, the shield may be supported by, e. g. a waistband and/or elastic straps connected to it. Such a shield may be washed and reused a few times, before being disposed of, and may be of a quick- drying material. The shield may be planar and flexible, allowing it to be folded to conform to the body of a user. Instead, the shield may be preformed to cater for the shape of a user's body.

As mentioned hereinbefore, the condom can be a conventional commercially available condom which is discarded after use in the normal way.

Instead, if desired, the condom may be of such a design that it is re-usable.

In the case of the device for use on males, the structure may be made integral with, or be attachable to, a liquid impervious sheath or pouch for receiving, and therefore protecting, the testicles of the male. Alternatively, the

sheath or pouch could be made integral with a condom, the resultant unitary condom article having a single opening surrounded by an elastomeric ring or beading.

The liquid impervious structure may be embodied in a garment having novelty or amusement value. In particular, the garment could be designed to resemble a Scottish kilt, a Samoan or other sarong, a Greek or Roman overskirt or any other garment having a particular character.

Alternatively, or in addition, the garment could carry humorous, romantic, or any other illustrative graphics or wording.

The device may include a removable cover or modesty flap for covering the aperture in the structure when not in use. Advantageously, the assembly of the device, i. e. attaching a condom to the structure, takes less than a minute.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which Figure 1 is a three dimensional view of a prophylactic device for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases for use by a male, in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged sectioned view of a portion of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a prophylactic device for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases for use by a male, in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 is a three-dimensional view of yet a further embodiment of a prophylactic device for inhibiting transmission of sexually- transmitted diseases for use by a male, in accordance with the invention; Figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of a prophylactic device for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases for use by a female, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 6 is an enlarged sectioned view of a portion of the device of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a three-dimensional view of one embodiment of a flange forming part of a prophylactic device in accordance with the invention for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases; Figure 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of a prophylactic device for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases for use by a female, in accordance with the invention; and Figure 9 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a prophylactic device for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases for use by a female, in accordance with the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a prophylactic device in accordance with the invention for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases, for use by a male.

The device 10 includes a structure, in the form of a liquid impervious flexible panel 12 of a synthetic plastics or polymeric material. The panel 12 is adapted to cover areas of the human mate body in the vicinity of the male genitalia, as well as the anus. An aperture 14 is provided in the panel 12. The aperture 14 is dimensioned and located such that an erect male penis sheathed in a condom 16 can protrude through the aperture 14 when the device 10 is worn by a male. Condom attachment means, in the form of a resilient ring or flange 18 is provided on a body-facing side 19 (see Figure 2) of the panel 12.

The device 10 is in the form of a garment, thus including a waistband 20. It is intended that the device 10 be reusable, i. e. that the device 10 be non-disposable.

As can be more clearly seen in Figure 2 of the drawings, the flange 18 is adhesiveiy, sealingly joined to the panel 12 by means of an adhesive 22. An annular groove or channel 24 is defined between the flange 18 and the body-facing side 19 of the panel 12.

Barrier means, in the form of two liquid impervious strips 26 are provided immediately adjacent peripheral side edges of the panel 12, on the body-facing side 19 of the panel 12.

Although not shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a layer of an absorbent material may be bonded to the panel 12 on the body facing side 19 thereof, to cover at least areas peripheral to the aperture 14.

In use, the condom 16, having an elastomeric ring or beading 28 (see Figure 2), is put on the penis of a male user in the usual way and the device 10, which may be put on before or after the condom such that the male's penis protrudes through the aperture 14, is stretched forwardly, away from the body of the male. The elastomeric ring 28 is stretched over the flange 18 and released such that the ring 28 is received in the groove or channel 24, as is clearly shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. As will be appreciated, the ring 28 is maintained in a stretched condition so that it seals effectively against the adhesive 22. Furthermore, since the condom is stretched over the flange 18, the condom is also sealed effectively against the flange 18. As a result of the fact that the flange 18 is located on the body facing side 19 of the panel 12, and not on outwardly facing side of the panel 12, the condom 16 is held securely in place and will not come off during sexual intercourse.

As a result of the barrier strips 26, liquid ingress between the body of the male user and the panel 12, as well as escape of liquid, is advantageously inhibited.

Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, another embodiment of the prophylactic device in accordance with the invention for use by a male is generally indicated by reference numeral 30. The device 30 is similar to the

device 10, and unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts or features.

Unlike the device 10, the device 30 is not in the form of a garment. Instead, the device 30 includes a structure in the form of a panel 32 of a liquid impervious, flexible, closed cell foamed material. The panel 32 is somewhat thicker than the panel 12 of the device 10. The panel 32 can be washed a few times and dries very quickly.

It is intended that the device 30 be disposable. The panel 32 is planar when not in use, but is folded in a shape approaching that of a U when used, as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. In this configuration, the panel 32 covers areas around the mate genitalia as well as the anus. In order to use the device 30, as illustrated, it is necessary that the panel 32 be supported by external means, such as underpants. As will be appreciated, it will be necessary for the underpants to have an aperture co-extensive with the aperture 14 in the panel 32.

Although not shown, if desired, the device 30 may include absorbent and/or liquid impervious barrier strips adjacent edges of the panel 32, on the body facing side 19 thereof and a soft, absorbent layer which covers a portion, or all of the body facing side 19. The device 30 may also include a waistband and, if desired, a strap connecting a rear end of the panel 32 to the waistband, in G-string fashion. In such an embodiment, it would thus be unnecessary for the panel 32 to be supported by external means such as underpants.

Referring to Figure 4 of the drawings, a further embodiment of a prophylactic device for males in accordance with the invention for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases, is generally indicated by reference numeral 40. Unless otherwise indicated, the same reference

numerals used in relation to the device 10 are used to indicate the same or similar parts or features of the device 40.

Unlike the panel 32 of the device 30, the device 40 includes a panel 42 which is preformed to accommodate the body of a male user when worn by the male user. Thus, the panel 42 comprises more than one portion.

A front portion 44, in which the aperture 14 is provided, is attached to a tail portion 46, which extends rearwardly between the legs of a male user when the device 40 is used by the male user. In another embodiment (not shown), the preformed panel 42 is of unitary construction, i. e. the front portion 44 and the tail portion 46 are defined by a single preformed panel having a desired pouch-like shape.

Similar to the device 30, the device 40 is intended to be a disposable version, and may include a waistband and/or a strap or straps.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings, reference numeral 50 generally indicates a prophylactic device in accordance with the invention for inhibiting transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases for use by a female.

The device 50 is in many respects similar to the device 10, and the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts or features, unless otherwise indicated.

A panel 52 of the device 50 comprises a liquid impervious layer 54 and a liquid absorbent layer 56 bonded to the layer 54. The absorbent layer 56 defines a body-facing side 58 of the panel 52, whereas the liquid impervious layer 54 defines an outwardly facing side 60.

Unlike the device 10, the flange 18 of the device 50 is located on the outwardly facing side 60 of the panel 52. The aperture 14 is located such that it is co-extensive with the vagina of a female user, when the device 50 is used by the female user. As will be appreciated, the groove or channel 24 is

defined between the flange 18 and the outwardly facing side 60 of the panel 12.

Although not shown in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings, if desired, the device 50 may include barrier means, such as liquid impervious and/or absorbent strips adjacent at least some peripheral edges of the panel 52, to inhibit ingress of liquid between the panel 52 and the body of the female user, or escape of liquid.

In order to use the device 50, a condom, which may be specially designed for use with the device 50, or which may be a very large male condom, is eased up into the vagina, using a finger, tampon or any suitable applicator.

As with the male devices, the female device 50 can be put on before or after the condom is eased up into the vagina. The condom 16 is then anchored by stretching the elastomeric ring 28 over the flange 18 and releasing it to seat sealingly inside the groove or channel 24. In this configuration the condom is securely attached in a sealed manner to the structure or panel 52, and will not come off during sexual intercourse.

Developing the idea of the prophylactic device 30, a prophylactic device 70 (see Figure 8) in accordance with the invention in the form of an impervious panty is provided. Such a female prophylactic device may be of a thin, strong but impervious plastics material which defines the structure or panel 12, with a very thin absorbent lining 72 covering a body facing side of the structure 12. Self-adhesive strips or hook-and-loop or similar attachment means 74 may be provided at each of four corners of the structure whereby appropriate corners could be attached together to convert the structure 12 into a garment, i. e. a panty. A central opening 14 at the crotch, surrounded by a flange 18 are provided.

By way of a further development, the absorbent lining covered structure of the device could be smaller, being similar in shape and dimensions to a conventional panty-liner, and could include self-adhesive attachment means 82 for adhesively attaching the structure to the crotch of an ordinary panty or a purpose-designed unlined liquid impervious panty, which may be side-fastened in similar fashion to the device 70. Such an embodiment is indicated by reference numeral 80 in Figure 9 of the drawings. As will be appreciated, the panty will have to have an aperture co-extensive with the aperture 14 in the structure of the"panty-liner"device. When adhesively attaching the"panty-liner"device 80 to the panty with an aperture, the flange 18 on the device 80 can be pushed through the aperture in the panty to be located externally of the panty.

Referring to Figure 7 of the drawings, one embodiment of a flange is generally indicated by reference numeral 60. Unlike the flanges 18 shown in Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings, the flange 60 has two opposed, linear peripheral edges 62. The flange 60 is particularly suitable for the female prophylactic device of the invention, bearing in mind the location of the vagina and the restricted crotch area within which the ring 60 is located when the female device is worn by a female.

It is an advantage of the invention, as illustrated, that a moisture proof seal is formed between the condom and the device of the invention, leading to a reduced risk of infection with a sexually-transmitted disease, during intercourse. A very secure attachment is effected between the condom and the device, so that the condom will not become dislodged. In the case of the female device, the condom attached to the female device can not be pushed up, pushed awry, pushed aside or missed all together, as is the case with a conventional female condom, such as the Femidon (registered trademark). A further advantage is that, in the case of teenage male users, who are often using condoms which are too large for them and usually come off, they are protected against this risk by the male device of the invention.

A further advantage of the prophylactic device of the invention, as illustrated, is that it is expected that disposable versions of the device can be manufactured at a very low cost, making the prophylactic device affordable.

The prophylactic devices of the invention, when provided with barrier strips and absorbent linings, will inhibit ingress or escape of possibly infected bodily fluids, thereby enhancing the level of safety with which the prophylactic device of the invention can be worn.

The female prophylactic device can be worn for quite some time.

It may thus also provide protection against rape. The male device can also be worn for quite some time underneath clothing for convenience, and a condom can be attached just prior to sexual intercourse.

The female prophylactic device suffers from none of the disadvantages of the commercially available Femidon (registered trademark) female condom. Examples of such problems experienced with the Femidon (registered trademark) female condom are that they are difficult to keep in position, the open end is unanchored, they do not protect the areas of the urethra, anus and areas around the vagina, they are very expensive to manufacture, etc.