A prototype spray-on
condom
A condom is a sheath-shaped barrier device used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are both male and female condoms. With proper use—and use at every act of in ...
(german: Sprühkondom) was invented by Jan Vinzenz Krause of the Institute for Condom Consultancy in 2006.
[Spiegel Online International; ''German Invents 'Spray-On' Condom to Fit All Sizes''](_blank)
(accessed April 26, 2009) The idea was inspired by the mechanics of a drive-through
car wash
A car wash, carwash, or auto wash is a facility used to clean the exterior, and in some cases the interior of motor vehicles. Car washes can be self-service, full-service (with attendants who wash the vehicle), or fully automated (possi ...
—the penis was inserted into a chamber where nozzles apply a coat of fast-drying
liquid latex
Liquid latex is a compound often used for special effects makeup, body painting, mask making, and casting applications.
Composition
Liquid latex is usually made of 33% latex, 66% water, and less than 1% ammonia (to increase its shelf life and ...
.
[Time; ''Spray-On Condoms: Still a Hard Sell''](_blank)
(accessed April 26, 2009) The process took close to a minute, a restriction that has kept the product off the market. The product was expected to cost around twice as much as a traditional condom. Prototypes consisted of an application chamber and a cartridge of liquid that produces around 20 condoms, depending on penis size.
Besides being attractive to some because of its novelty, the spray-on condom was intended to solve several problems. The product's proponents hoped that consumers would find it easier to apply and use correctly than a traditional condom. Because it is easier to operate correctly, the device's inventor hoped that the condom would be more successful in preventing
unwanted pregnancy
Unintended pregnancies are pregnancies that are mistimed, unplanned or unwanted at the time of conception.
Sexual activity without the use of effective contraception through choice or coercion is the predominant cause of unintended pregnancy. Wor ...
and
STD transmission. Because the condom uses the penis as a mould for its creation, it could be especially attractive to men with unusually sized or oddly shaped penises.
Development and issues
The product had several problems. In testing, some men found it intimidating, and were not willing to insert their penis into the device, opting to test it on their finger instead. The applicator emitted a loud hissing sound upon use, potentially "killing the mood", and the latex did not form a reservoir tip.
The biggest problem, however, was that the drying process took 2–3 minutes before the condom was dry enough to use, which was too long to be truly marketable.
By 2008, the idea had not been developed further.
See also
*
Fabrican
Fabrican is an instant aerosol spray, spray-on fabric technology. The spray-on material is made from polymers and natural or synthetic fibres. The spray is delivered from a compressed air spray gun or aerosol can and dries upon contact with the ai ...
References
{{reflist
External links
Institut für Kondom-Beratung (Institute for Condom Consultancy)(in
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
**Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ger ...
)
Video - Spray on condom video demonstration
Condoms
German inventions