obsoled please read this Update first

jump to the build

Why?

Condoms have to be protected for safe use. But many people have only a wallet and not a handbag or an other bag with them all the time.

a condom should not be kept in your wallet.

The reasons are a little bit diffuse.

  • the latex should not be stored warm
  • the condom shut be protected against mechanical damage

Some on the other side are more specific and state up to 37.8°C (100°F) is propper.

Protect against mechanical damage

I opted for an quick and easy but especial cheap solution. A folded soda can. soda can envelope

The Build:

Needed Tools

  • Ruler
  • Cutter knife
  • waterproof marker
  • Scissors
  • cutting board

not necessary but helping

  • second cutting board (it is so much more easy to guide the knife with the board instead of the ruler)
  • pliers
  • hammer
  • more of my process

Messure the condom

at first i measured the specific size of the condom package. there is no precision involved instead add some give to the measure. then create a template. the template is to times a Condom placed next to each other. this is the template of mine

it helps! cutting the corners like this, makes it easy to transfer the markings on the inside of the can with a marker

All around there are 5 mm (3/16 inch) to fold over.

cutting open the soda can

it is easy with some practice but jea being couches is advised. cutting of the ends with the knife and along the cylinder works best for me. can cut open

cleaning the inside at this point is advised

marking

now you can unfold the can and place the template inside. pick a thick marker and mark the corners extensively. there is no need for you to search for tiny markings.

cut the outlines

the easy way is like this. set the ruler or a second cutting board on the marking and scratch 3 to 4 times relatively lightly along the edge. The goal is not to cut the metal, only score it. after scoring all fore sides, you can bend back and forth along the line. Now there is a plain rectangle, ready to become a life saving device.

the opening

please note! the following drawings are not to scale. dimensions are exaggerated for better understanding

On the short sides, mark 5 mm on the printed outside of the can so you can fold the metal towards the inside. this is only to eliminate the sharp corners at he opening. a drawing showing the folding of the short sides to the inside

how to fold For my first prototype I just used my fingers. The smaller folds are getting more and more difficult. I never used pliers, but feel free to use what ever floats your boat. more at the conclusion

The now the bent edges, will become the smooth opening for the condom couch.

fold it in half

folding the new structure in half

Probably the easiest task on this project. Align the edges so they are as parallel to each other as possible. The parallelism is not mission critical, it is only to look nice. So, don’t waste all your energy in this step.

crimp it

I decided, a double folded crimp will look the best. You can skip this steps and just fold it over. Some methods are easier, some not. Here is the not so easy one.

Be aware, while folding of this last bends, the material will try to find a new place. More then enough, the middle of the pouch will buckle up. IRL this has no consequences. looking at the condom packages, they are buckling as well, so dont worry about.

the tricky bit. the folding of the pouch

Measure 5 mm along the Sides to bend them 90° up. Bend both sides to a 90° angel while holding the package as flat as possible on the surface. You will notice, the outer side “gets longer”. This will even continue if you initiate the second fold, like figure (a).

detailed drawing of the double fold

If you got to the figure (a), take scissors and and trim the overhang so it will fit inside the joint. After rolling it up like in figure (b) push it flat and neat with your ruler for example.

conclusion

final product, the folded can transforms to a pouch, fitting inside is a condom

things i used

Out of pure luck i found a sheet of aluminum with a thickness of 2mm and close enough dimensions in length and width. I could form the metal around the edges and got the preform for the rolled joint pretty easy. I tried to use a hammer. hitting it with the hammer doesn’t work for me. Its only nice to flatten the folds down by rubbing over them. the most detail work on the last jointing bends I performed by using the edges and corners of my ruler.

FAQ

  • work time: between 17 - 25 minutes

  • is it safer: yea i don’t know. you can use a metal box as well but I don’t know ether

  • can you: yes