Family Health International

Robert G Wheeler, Deceased

William D Hawley

Edwin C White, Jr

A stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) film which has been subjected to tensional deformation comprising at least uniaxial strain, and having improved textural and thermal transmissivity characteristics, as compared to a native, unstretched material. Such stress-softened thermoplastic elastomeric film may be employed in a wide variety of articles, including condoms, finger cots, tubular bandages, and the like. Condoms comprising such stress-softened TPE film are described, including condoms having a main sheath comprising stress-softened and non-stress-softened areas in a pattern or other predetermined arrangement. A variety of methods and apparatus for forming stress-softened tubular articles of thermoplastic elastomeric film is disclosed.

'Stress-softened elastometeric films, articles, and method and apparatus

An article having a main sheath portion formed of a flexible and/or elastic material closed at a distal end thereof and open at a proximal end thereof, with a first flange element formed of a flexible and elastic material, and having an aperture formed or pressure-formable therein, secured to the open proximal end of the sheath. In a single flange embodiment, the main sheath portion may be provided in a center-compacted configuration, for bidirectional application of the sheath. In a multi-flange embodiment, a second flange element is secured at an outer portion thereof to the first flange element and has an aperture formed or pressure-formable therein, in substantial alignment with the aperture of the first flange element, whereby the sheath is extended or extensible from a compacted state through the aperture in either the first or the second flange element. In a specific embodiment, the article comprises a condom which may be donned in either of two directions. Such bidirectionally donnable condom article is characterized by ease of use and improved safety and reliability, as compared to prior art condoms.

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Greenbank, WA, United States of America

Robert G Wheeler, Deceased