Penile sheath package

Abstract

A penile sheath package, the penile sheath of said package having a proximal annular portion and a distal tubular portion, the penile sheath package comprises a first package portion and a second package portion; the package further comprising a releasable closure for opening and closing the package between a first configuration where the first and second package portion reveal the contents of the package and a second position where the first and second package portion form a housing for a compressed penile sheath; the first and second package portion being sized and shaped to compress a penile sheath during the closure of the package and thereafter contain the compressed penile sheath therein; wherein the package has an inner surface which engages said penile sheath; said inner surface is formed by a pulp-based biological material.

Description

[0001]

[0002] Penile sheath package

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The invention relates to penile sheath packages.

[0005] Background to the Invention and prior art known to the applicant(s)

[0006] Urinary sheaths are commonly used by men experiencing urinary incontinence as a discreet and practical solution for managing their condition. These sheaths are typically packaged in plastic pouches or moulded plastic cases, as presented in the prior art document US 2013 / 0092582 Al.

[0007] Whilst functional, these packaging designs have notable disadvantages. The pouch-style packaging is often bulky, limiting its portability, and both pouch and case designs result in significant plastic waste. This waste poses an environmental concern, particularly given the increasing global focus on reducing plastic consumption and waste.

[0008] There is a need for an alternative packaging solution that addresses these drawbacks. The solution should reduce waste, be compact for improved portability, and maintain thefunctionality required for securely storing urinary sheaths. Embodiments of the invention seek to fulfil some of these needs.

[0009] Prior art packages have included simple retention features, such as nubs on a hinge element, intended merely to stop a product from falling out after the package is closed. Such features, however, are incapable of solving the distinct problem of precisely and stably positioning the annular portion of a sheath before and during the compression that occurs upon closure. Indeed, their placement on a hinge would interfere with, rather than facilitate, stable upright placement on a base portion.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a penile sheath package, the penile sheath of said package having a proximal annular portion and a distal tubular portion, the penile sheath package comprising a first package portion and a second package portion; the package further comprising a releasable closure for opening and closing the package between a first configuration where the first and second package portion reveal the contents of the package and a second position where the first and second package portion form a housing for a compressed penile sheath; the first and second package portion being sized and shaped to compress a penile sheath during the closure of the package and thereafter contain the compressed penile sheath therein; wherein the package has an inner surface which engages said penile sheath; said inner surface is formed by a pulp-based biological material. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it avoids the sheath unduly sticking onto the packaging which is a significant risk particularly as the sheath is compressed against the inner surfaces of the package when the package is closed. It is further advantageous as it allows the packaging to be readily composted after use. In an embodiment, the function of compressing the penile sheath is achieved by the specific structural arrangement wherein the inner dimensions of the housing formed by the first and second package portions in the closed position are smaller than the outer dimensions of the uncompressed penile sheath, particularly the uncompressed annular portion.In a further broad independent aspect, the invention provides a penile sheath package, the penile sheath of said package having a proximal annular portion and a distal tubular portion, the penile sheath package comprising a first package portion and a second package portion; the package further comprising a releasable closure for opening and closing the package between a first configuration where the first and second package portion reveal the contents of the package and a second position where the first and second package portion form a housing for a compressed penile sheath; the first and second package portion being sized and shaped to compress a penile sheath during the closure of the package and thereafter contain the compressed penile sheath therein; wherein the second package portion further comprises a first base portion which is sized and shaped to surround the annular portion of a penile sheath without requiring it to be compressed when the package is open; the second package portion further comprising an adjacent base portion whose width is less than the width of the first base portion and provides a space which is sufficient to surround at least part of the tubular portion of the penile sheath when the penile sheath is compressed when the package is closed. This configuration is particularly advantageous to provide a package which is shaped and sized to compress the penile sheath and thus retain it in a particularly compact configuration when the package is closed. The package is further advantageous in providing an improved location for the annular portion of the penile sheath. Furthermore, it provides a package which not only achieves these advantages but does so with a simplified structure which in turn reduces the material used for the packaging.

[0012] In preferred embodiments, the releasable closure function is performed by the structural cooperation of the closure tab (eg. 8, 50, 64) and the corresponding aperture (eg. 13, 48, 72).

[0013] In a subsidiary aspect, the second package portion comprises a protrusion which is surrounded by the first base portion. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it secures the sheath in position in the appropriate position to achieve the compression of the sheath in the closure phase of the use of the package.

[0014] In a further subsidiary aspect, the protrusion is dome-shaped. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it can accommodate a variety of sizes of sheath. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it secures the sheath in the appropriateposition. Specifically, the protrusion (11, 54) engages the inner circumference of the sheath's annular portion (21), preventing lateral movement as the package is closed. This ensures that as the first and second package portions (3, 5; 42, 44) are brought together, the tubular portion of the sheath is folded and compressed predictably and reliably without being dislodged from its initial placement.

[0015] In a further subsidiary aspect, the protrusion is itself annular. This configuration is particularly compact and robust.

[0016] In a further subsidiary aspect, the protrusion is a raised cylinder. This improves the ability for the sheath to be located on the cylinder and thus improves the security of the positioning of the sheath relative to the portion of the package.

[0017] In a further subsidiary aspect, the first and second package portions are joined together by a hinge. Preferably, the hinge is formed in the same material as the first and second package portions. This further simplifies the construction of the package.

[0018] In a further subsidiary aspect, the closure mechanism comprises a tab integrally formed in one of the first and second package portions and an aperture integrally formed in the other one of the first and second package portions. This further simplifies the construction and the operation of the package.

[0019] In a further subsidiary aspect, the first base portion has a textured inner surface to prevent the engaging annular portion of the sheath from sticking to the package.

[0020] In a further subsidiary aspect, both the first and second package portions comprise biological biodegradable pulp. This provides a surface texture which ideally prevent inadvertent adhesion of the sheath to the packaging whilst at the same time allowing it to the fully compostable after use.In a further subsidiary aspect, the first package portion comprises an array of circular recessed portions in its outermost surface. This provides a high friction area for engagement with a user’s fingers or thumb which is beneficial to facilitate the opening or closing of the package.

[0021] In a further subsidiary aspect, the closure comprises a snap-fit locking mechanism which comprises at least two snaps. This configuration allows the package to be formed from two separate piece whilst still retaining the advantages of the preceding aspects.

[0022] In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the pulpbased biological material is a compostable material, such as sugar-cane pulp, moulded bamboo pulp, or recycled paper fibres.

[0023] In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the inner surface is substantially smooth, said smooth surface being configured to prevent the release of particles from the package material onto the penile sheath.

[0024] In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the protrusion is configured to engage an inner circumference of the annular portion of the penile sheath to prevent lateral movement thereof as the first and second package portions are brought together during closure.

[0025] In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the package has an oblong or teardrop shape defined by a wider end and a tapering end, said shape configured to enable efficient nesting or tessellation of a plurality of said packages when stored in bulk.

[0026] In a further subsidiary aspects in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, the second package portion is configured to support the penile sheath in an upright position when the package is in the first configuration, thereby facilitating placement of the sheath prior to closure.In embodiments, the description provides a packaging solution for urinary sheaths that is compact, lightweight, and fully compostable, the packaging comprising:

[0027] - a live-hinge folding mechanism for ease of opening and closing,

[0028] - a raised feature, such as a dome, cylinder, or raised ring for securely locate the sheath and maintain its position during closure,

[0029] - an integral closure flat that ensures the package remains securely closed during transport and storage,

[0030] - a textured inner surface to prevent the sheath from sticking to the pack, enhancing user convenience.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the package can be formed from two separate halves that connect together by a locking mechanism.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the package is made primarily from paper pulp, such as sugar-cane pulp, though other compostable materials may be utilised.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the design reduces waste and offers enhanced portability whilst maintaining secure storage of the urinary sheath.

[0034]

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the packaging for urinary sheaths according to a first embodiment of the invention in which the live-hinge folding mechanism is in its closed position, illustrating the operation of the closure tab.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a perspective top view of the packaging for urinary sheaths according to a first embodiment of the invention in which the live-hinge folding mechanism is in its open position, showing the raised location feature.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a perspective underneath view of the packaging for urinary sheaths of FIG.2.FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the packaging for urinary sheaths of FIG.2, illustrating the placement of the urinary sheath on top of the raised location feature.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of the textured inner surface, demonstrating its anti-sticking properties.

[0039] FIG.6 shows a prospective view of an alternative embodiment featuring two separate halves and the snap-fit locking mechanism.

[0040] FIG.7 shows a lateral view of the alternative embodiment of FIG.6 connected by the snap-fit locking mechanism.

[0041] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the packaging for urinary sheaths according to a third embodiment of the invention in which the live-hinge folding mechanism is in its closed position, illustrating the operation of the closure tab.

[0042] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the packaging for urinary sheaths according to a third embodiment of the invention in which the live-hinge folding mechanism is in its open position, showing the raised location feature.

[0043] FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of the textured inner surface of a third embodiment, demonstrating its anti-sticking properties.

[0044] FIG.11 shows a prospective view of a fourth embodiment in which the live-hinge folding mechanism is in its closed position, illustrating the operation of the closure tab.

[0045] FIG.12 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.4 in which the live-hinge folding mechanism is in its open position, showing the raised location feature.

[0046] FIG. 13 shows a close-up view of the textured inner surface of the fourth embodiment, demonstrating its anti-sticking properties.Detailed Description of the

[0047]

[0048] Package 1 is shown in its closed configuration in Figure 1 which is sized and shaped to accommodate a male incontinence product. The package includes a first package portion 5 and a second package portion 3, which, in a preferred embodiment, are interconnected by a hinge 6 which may in preferred embodiment be a live-hinge integrally formed in the same material as both portions of the package. A score line 40 (see figure 3) may extend along the width of the hinge to provide advantageous flexibility. The package may be shaped and configured to be laid on a flat surface, placed in a user’s pocket, attached to a key ring or readily held in a user’s hand.

[0049] In certain modes of use, the first package portion 5 is a lower portion whilst the second package portion 4 is an upper portion. At the opposite extremity of the package relative to the hinge, there is provided a releasable closure mechanism which retains the opposite halves of the package together until an operator releases the mechanism to open the package. The package initially increases in width from the hinge to the equator E of the penile sheath receiving portion and thereafter reduces in overall width along the longitudinal direction L of the package towards the closure mechanism. Thus, the package itself points towards the closure mechanism which improves its practicality for the user.

[0050] The overall shape of the package, which is wider at the end accommodating the annular portion and tapering towards the closure mechanism, can be described as a 'teardrop' or oblong shape. This is not only ergonomic for the user but also allows for highly efficient bulk packaging, as multiple units can be nested or tessellated together, significantly reducing storage and transportation volume compared to conventional rectangular or circular packaging.

[0051] The first package portion 5 comprises a flat or substantially flat base 10 from which a perimeter defining side wall extends. The flat or substantially flat base extends around a protrusion or mound 11. In one preferred embodiment, the protrusion is a dome. In a further embodiment, the protrusion is part spherical. The part spherical portion may be formedintegrally with the base 10 and comprise a radiused portion between the part spherical portion and the flat base. A portion of the flat bas which surrounds the protrusion may be large enough to accommodates a variety of diameters of penile sheaths thus allowing a single package to be suitable for a range of penile sheaths without any adaptation required to take into account variations in sizes of the penile sheaths.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the flat base incorporates an annular trough formed integrally in the flat base which is sized and shaped to receive at least part of the ring shaped collar portion 21 (see figure 4) of a penile sheath 20. The penile sheath 20 includes a proximal annular portion, also referred to herein as the ring-shaped collar portion 21, and a distal tubular portion 23, 24.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the flat or substantially flat base 10 is sufficiently wide around the protrusion 11 to accommodate the ring shaped portion of the penile sheath and progressively diminishes in width along the package’s longitudinal away from the hinge 6 towards the closure mechanism. This configuration further facilitates not only the advantageous location of the penile sheath in the enlarged portion of the package and thus be presented in an upright position as shown in figure 4 when the package is open but also in addition provide sufficient space in the package between the dome and the closure mechanism to allow the tubular portions 23 and 24 of the penile sheath to be received and housed therein. In preferred embodiments, the function of positioning the annular portion of the sheath is performed by the central protrusion 11, 54 which is surrounded by the first base portion 10, 55.

[0054] The protrusion 11 is optionally a recessed portion 19 when viewed from the outside of the package as in figure 3. Alternatively, it may be fully filled in order to provide an entirely flat base surface. In one preferred embodiment, the closure mechanism may comprise a closure tab 8 attached integrally to the upper package portion 3 which is shaped and configured to be insert into a corresponding aperture 13 provided in the lower package portion 5. The aperture 13 is formed in the rim portion 12 in the proximal portion of the lower package portion 5 whereas the tab 8 is formed in the rim portion 7 of the upper package portion 3. Other releasable attachment mechanisms are also envisaged and mayinclude a push-fit mechanism, a filamentary touch to close mechanisms, a magnetic closure, and / or locking mechanisms which may be actuated either mechanically or through electronic means. The illustrated releasable closure mechanism is however deemed particularly advantageous as it allows the package to be formed as a single piece and to contain a compressed penile sheath whereby when the package is closed a particularly compact configuration is obtained which disguises almost fully the contents of the package.

[0055] Figure 2 shows the package 1 in its opened configuration, in which the live-hinge 6 interconnecting the upper and lower package portions essentially coextends with the top surfaces of respectively the upper package portion 3 and the lower package portion 5. Only in this configuration would the contents be visible as shown in figure 4.

[0056] As shown in figure 4, an incontinence product such as penile sheath 20 is placed in the package with its collar portion 21 fitting around the dome 11, which allows sheath 20 to be ideally positioned in the package and then maintained in its position when the package is closed.

[0057] Figure 2 further illustrates upright edge walls 16 and 17 of the upper package portion. The edge walls 16 and 17 are arranged such that they, upon closing of the package, engage the edge walls 14 and 15 of the lower package portion.

[0058] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the outside of the urinary sheath package where the concave recessed shape 19 of the outside part of the dome 11 is shown on the outer lower package portion 18. Figure 3 further shows a textured portion 2 of the upper package portion 3, which provides enhanced anti-slip properties to the outside surface of the package. The textured portion 2 comprises an array of adjacent divots or recessed portions disposed along a plurality of circles from a central point. This encourages the user to press this portion or place their thumb or fingers to securely hold the package.

[0059] Figure 5 shows a close-up view of a textured inner surface which is configured to confer anti- sticking properties to the inner surface 10 of the package, which prevents the sheath 20 from adhering to the packaging material. This feature avoids or at least significantly reducesthe undesirable adhesion of a compressed or squashed penile sheat on the surfaces of the package. This textured surface is obtained advantageously by forming the package from compostable paper pulp, such as sugar-cane pulp. This material is particularly advantageous due to its biodegradability and compostability. Other compostable materials, such as moulded bamboo pulp or recycled paper fibres, may also be utilised. It was surprisingly found that, contrary to the expectation that a fibrous material would increase adhesion, the specific textured surface formed by the moulded pulp process actually provides an effective anti-sticking surface for the compressed sheath. In preferred embodiments, the package incorporates no polymeric materials other than the penile sheath itself.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the inner surface (10, 55, 69) of the package which engages the penile sheath is substantially smooth. This is achieved through a modified manufacturing process where the pulp-based material is formed in a reverse or 'inside-out' manner compared to conventional pulp moulding. This process results in the tool-side, smooth finish of the moulded part forming the interior of the package.

[0061] This smooth inner surface provides the technical advantage of preventing the release of small pulp particles, which can occur with rougher surfaces. This ensures a higher degree of cleanliness for the packaged medical device. The anti- sticking properties in this embodiment are achieved by the inherent low-adhesion properties of the specific pulp material chosen, rather than by surface texture.

[0062] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment, in which the package 2 comprises an upper package portion 25 and a lower package portion 26. In this embodiment, the package is formed from two entirely separate halves, the upper package portion 25 and the lower package portion 26, that connect together by a snap-fit locking mechanism. Other closure mechanisms may be employed as envisaged in the preceding embodiments. Any aspect described in detail with respect to the preceding embodiments is also envisaged as being applicable to the present embodiment.

[0063] The snap fit locking mechanism is formed by four snaps, that is snaps 27a and 27b which extend vertically from the lateral edge wall 29 of the upper package portion 25 and snaps28a and 28b (not shown in the figure) which extend vertically from the lateral edge wall 30 of the upper package portion 25. These snaps fit respectively in the apertures 33a and 33b on the lateral edge wall 35 of lower package portion 26 and apertures 34a and 34b on the lateral edge wall 36 of lower package portion 26, as shown in figure 7, which illustrates the package 2 in its closed configuration. The snap-fit locking mechanism thus provides a reliable and reusable closure mechanism. Alternative embodiments may employ a single snap-fit mechanism or two or more snap-fit mechanisms.

[0064] The compact dimensions of the packaging make it ideal for discreet storage and transportation. The use of lightweight materials further enhances portability without compromising durability.

[0065] Package 83 is shown in its closed configuration in Figure 8 which is sized and shaped to accommodate a male incontinence product. The package includes a first package portion 44 and a second package portion 42, which, in a preferred embodiment, are interconnected by a hinge 45 which may in preferred embodiment be a live-hinge integrally formed in the same material as both portions of the package. A score line 49 may extend along the width of the hinge to provide advantageous flexibility. The package may be shaped and configured to be laid on a flat surface, placed in a user’s pocket, attached to a key ring or readily held in a user’s hand.

[0066] In certain modes of use, the first package portion 44 is a lower portion whilst the second package portion 43 is an upper portion. At the opposite extremity of the package relative to the hinge, there is provided a releasable closure mechanism which retains the opposite halves of the package together until an operator releases the mechanism to open the package. Figure 8 further shows a textured portion 41 of the upper package portion 42, which provides enhanced anti-slip properties to the outside surface of the package. The textured portion 41 comprises an array of adjacent divots or recessed portions disposed along a plurality of circles from a central point. This encourages the user to press this portion or place their thumb or fingers to securely hold the package.As shown in Figure 9, the package initially increases in width from the hinge to the equator E of the penile sheath receiving portion and thereafter reduces in overall width along the longitudinal direction L of the package towards the closure mechanism. Thus, the package itself points towards the closure mechanism which improves its practicality for the user.

[0067] The first package portion 44 comprises a flat or substantially flat base 55 from which a perimeter defining side wall extends. The flat or substantially flat base extends around a protrusion or mound 54. In one preferred embodiment, the protrusion is a dome. In a further embodiment, the protrusion is part spherical. The part spherical portion may be formed integrally with the base 55 and comprise a radiused portion between the part spherical portion and the flat base. A portion of the flat base which surrounds the protrusion may be large enough to accommodate a variety of diameters of penile sheaths thus allowing a single package to be suitable for a range of penile sheaths without any adaptation required to take into account variations in sizes of the penile sheaths.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the flat or substantially flat base 55 is sufficiently wide around the protrusion 54 to accommodate the ring shaped portion of a penile sheath whose collar portion has then the space to fit around the protrusion 54 allowing the penile sheath to be ideally positioned in the package and then maintained in its position when the package is closed. The flat base 55 progressively diminishes in width along the package’ s longitudinal axis away from the hinge 45 towards the closure mechanism. This configuration further facilitates not only the advantageous location of a penile sheath in the enlarged portion of the package and thus be presented in an upright position when the package is open but also in addition provide sufficient space in the package between the dome and the closure mechanism to allow the tubular portions of a penile sheath to be received and housed therein.

[0069] In one preferred embodiment, the closure mechanism may comprise a closure tab 50 attached integrally to the upper package portion 42 which is shaped and configured to be inserted into a corresponding aperture 48 provided in the lower package portion 44. The aperture 48 is formed in the rim portion 46 in the proximal portion of the lower package portion 44 whereas the tab 50 is formed in the rim portion 47 of the upper package portion42. Other releasable attachment mechanisms are also envisaged and may include a push-fit mechanism, a filamentary touch to close mechanisms, a magnetic closure, and / or locking mechanisms which may be actuated either mechanically or through electronic means. The illustrated releasable closure mechanism is however deemed particularly advantageous as it allows the package to be formed as a single piece and to contain a compressed penile sheath whereby when the package is closed a particularly compact configuration is obtained which disguises almost fully the contents of the package.

[0070] Figure 9 shows the package 3 in its opened configuration, in which the live-hinge 45 interconnecting the upper and lower package portions essentially coextends with the top surfaces of respectively the upper package portion 43 and the lower package portion 44.

[0071] Figure 9 further illustrates upright edge walls 52 and 53 of the upper package portion. The edge walls 52 and 53 are arranged such that they, upon closing of the package, engage the edge walls 56 and 57 of the lower package portion.

[0072] Figure 10 shows a close-up view of a textured inner surface which is configured to confer anti- sticking properties to the inner surface 55 of the package, which prevents the penile sheath from adhering to the packaging material. This feature avoids or at least reduces the risk of the compressed penile sheath adhering to the surface of the package. This textured surface is obtained advantageously by forming the package from compostable paper pulp, such as sugar-cane pulp. This material is particularly advantageous due to its biodegradability and compostability. Other compostable materials, such as moulded bamboo pulp or recycled paper fibres, may also be utilised. Thus in preferred embodiments, the package incorporates no polymeric materials other than a penile sheath itself.

[0073] Figure 11 shows a further embodiment, in which the package 84 comprises an upper package portion 58 and a lower package portion 61. Also in this embodiment, the upper package portion 58 and the lower package portion 61 are interconnected by a hinge 62 which may in preferred embodiment be a live-hinge integrally formed in the same material as both portions of the package. Other closure mechanisms may be employed as envisagedin the preceding embodiments. Any aspect described in detail with respect to the preceding embodiments is also envisaged as being applicable to the present embodiment.

[0074] In this alternative embodiment, the closure mechanism may comprise a closure tab 64 attached integrally to the upper package portion 58 which is shaped and configured to be inserted into a corresponding aperture 72 provided in the lower package portion 61. The aperture 72 is formed in the rim portion 63 in the proximal portion of the lower package portion 61, as shown in Figure 12, whereas the tab 64 extends from the upper package portion 58. Other releasable attachment mechanisms are also envisaged and may include a push-fit mechanism, a filamentary touch to close mechanisms, a magnetic closure, and / or locking mechanisms which may be actuated either mechanically or through electronic means. The illustrated releasable closure mechanism is however deemed particularly advantageous as it allows the package to be formed as a single piece and to contain a compressed penile sheath whereby when the package is closed a particularly compact configuration is obtained which disguises almost fully the contents of the package.

[0075] The oblong shape or substantially rectangular shape with rounded comers of the packaging 84 is particularly advantageous for staking several units onto one another and for transportation.

[0076] Figure 13 shows a close-up view of a textured inner surface which is configured to confer anti- sticking properties to the inner surface 69 of the package, which prevents the penile sheath from adhering to the packaging material. This feature avoids sheath unduly sticking tothe package. The textured surface may be configured as per any of the preceding embodiments. The textured surface may be limited to the area of contact with the sheath or may be used throughout the package.

[0077] It is to be understood that features described in one embodiment may be combined with features of another embodiment. For example, the snap-fit locking mechanism described with respect to Figures 6 and 7 may be used in a package having the textured inner surface described with reference to Figure 5, or the smooth inner surface of the alternative embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A penile sheath package for a penile sheath, the penile sheath having a proximal annular portion and a distal tubular portion, the penile sheath package comprising a first package portion and a second package portion; the package further comprising a releasable closure for opening and closing the package between a first configuration where the first and second package portion reveal the contents of the package and a second position where the first and second package portion form a housing for a compressed penile sheath; the first and second package portion being sized and shaped to compress a penile sheath during the closure of the package and thereafter contain the compressed penile sheath therein; wherein the package has an inner surface which engages said penile sheath; said inner surface is formed by a pulp-based biological material.

2. The penile sheath package of claim 1 , wherein the second package portion further comprises a first base portion which is sized and shaped to surround the annular portion of a penile sheath without requiring it to be compressed when the package is open; the second package portion further comprising an adjacent base portion whose width is less than the width of the first base portion and provides a space which is sufficient to surround at least part of the tubular portion of the penile sheath when the penile sheath is compressed as the package is closed.

3. The penile sheath package according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second package portion comprises a protrusion which is surrounded by the first base portion.

4. The penile sheath package of claim 3, wherein the protrusion is dome-shaped.

5. The penile sheath package of claim 3, wherein the protrusion is itself annular.

6. The penile sheath package of claim 3, wherein the protrusion is a raised cylinder.

7. The penile sheath package of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second package portions are joined together by a hinge.

8. The penile sheath package of claim 7, wherein the hinge is formed in the same material as the first and second package portions.

9. The penile sheath package of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a tab integrally formed in one of the first and second package portions and an aperture integrally formed in the other one of the first and second package portions.

10. The penile sheath package of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first base portion has a textured inner surface to prevent the engaging annular portion of the sheath from sticking to the package.

11. The penile sheath package of any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the first and second package portions comprise biological biodegradable pulp.

12. The penile sheath package of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first package portion comprises an array of circular recessed portions in its outermost surface.

13. The penile sheath package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure comprises a snap-fit locking mechanism comprises at least two snaps.

14. The penile sheath package of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pulp-based biological material is a compostable material, such as sugar-cane pulp, moulded bamboo pulp, or recycled paper fibres.

15. The penile sheath package of any one of claims 1 to 9 or 11 to 14, wherein the inner surface is substantially smooth, said smooth surface being configured to prevent the release of particles from the package material onto the penile sheath.

16. The penile sheath package of any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the protrusion is configured to engage an inner circumference of the annular portion of the penile sheath to prevent lateral movement thereof as the first and second package portions are brought together during closure.

17. The penile sheath package of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package has an oblong or teardrop shape defined by a wider end and a tapering end, said shape configured to enable efficient nesting or tessellation of a plurality of said packages when stored in bulk.

18. The penile sheath package of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second package portion is configured to support the penile sheath in an upright position when the package is in the first configuration, thereby facilitating placement of the sheath prior to closure.

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