KR100313042B1 - Breathable perspiration pads - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides breathable sweat pads (A, B, C, E1 to E3) with breathable backsheets to provide improved performance of the sweat pad, for example, armpits, wrists, head sweat pads, collar inserts and Relates to a shoe insert.

Description

Breathable sweat pad {BREATHABLE PERSPIRATION PADS}

The production of sweating by the body is a well known body action, mainly due to climate change and physical exercise. In this way the body provides a natural cooling system. Although the degree of sweating produced varies from person to person, under certain circumstances the human body always sweats. Although sweating is a natural physical action, it is often associated with a lack of physical hygiene and cleanliness. Most people also experience discomfort with sweating.

In addition, sweating is typically associated with invisible contamination of clothing. This problem is exacerbated by the particular type of clothing design such as tight clothing and the use of synthetic materials in the manufacture of the garment. Unfortunately, this type of sweating associated with contamination of clothes is difficult to remove and often remains visible to the clothes after washing or dry cleaning.

Another problem associated with the development of sweating is the accompanying unique unpleasant odor. Odorous compounds are typically present or derived from a number of sources. First, the actual component of the fluid secretion, ie sweating, may contain a malodorous compound. Next, odorous compounds can also be produced as a result of decomposition of the sweating component.

The presence and in particular the detection of sweating is a perplexing problem for many people, especially those who tend to sweat a lot. Therefore, it is highly desirable to prevent the detection of human sweating.

One means to solve this problem is the use of antiperspirants or deodorants applied to the skin in the form of aerosols, roll-ons, sticks or gels. For example, European Patent No. 710 812 discloses a method for preventing odors in the armpits associated with human sweating by the use of macroporous crosslinked copolymers containing acrylate or methacrylate units. The polymer absorbs the fatty acid component of sweating and prevents the acid from accessing the skin bacteria, which in turn prevents body odor.

However, for many people antiperspirants and deodorants are not particularly effective. In addition, many of these compounds are intended to be avoided by many consumers because they are considered skin irritants and because the body's natural response to sweating is not considered inhibited. In addition, these products do not solve the problem of clothing contamination. In fact, many antiperspirant products further contaminate the garment and contribute to the decomposition of the garment itself.

Another means of solving the problem of the production of sweating is the use of absorbent products. Such products have long been recognized as a means to solve this problem and there is a great deal of literature on products that are specifically designed to absorb sweating, especially those designed to be used in perspiring body parts such as armpits, necks or soles. For example, sweat pads are disclosed in US Pat. No. 467 898, German Patent No. 31 04 047, German Patent No. 28 41 365 and German Patent No. 39 09 218.

The main focus of these sweat pads is to absorb the fluid. This is typically obtained by providing a pad with an absorbent material. However, it does not guarantee that the absorbed fluid is retained in the pad by using the absorbent material for the sweat pad. Thus, in addition to the sweat pad, a liquid impermeable backing material or backsheet is provided. In this way, the pad absorbs the secreted fluid and prevents contamination of the garment. However, another problem that arises is that these products tend to be inconvenient to wear. In particular, the pads need to maintain close and firm contact with the skin in order to function properly. This is usually done by the use of fastening means such as adhesives. Thus, the use of the sweat pad itself makes the user of the product sweat more strongly. In addition, the amount of associated odor due to sweating is also increased.

Thus, there is still a need to provide other and improved sweat pads, especially sweat pads that provide improved wearer comfort and reduce the detection of odorous compounds.

It was surprisingly found that this need could be met by a sweat pad with a breathable backsheet.

The incorporation of breathable backsheets into absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins for improved wearer comfort, is known in the art and is described, for example, in British Patent 2 184 389, US Patent 3 881 489 and European Patent 203 821. Disclosed in the issue. U.S. Patent No. 4 059 114 discloses incorporation of a fungicide into a sanitary napkin having a vapor permeable backsheet. However, none of these prior art documents recognized the advantages of the combination of breathable backsheet and odor control system in sweat pads.

The performance benefits of breathable sweat pads are believed to be due to a number of factors.

First, the reduction in the high temperature wetting and absorption environment between the wearer's skin and the wearer's opposing surface of the sweat pad also reduces the tendency for the wearer of the product to sweat. Thus, the wearer will feel more comfortable. Thus, the amount of sweat associated with malodor will be reduced. Thus, the breathability of the pad actually reduces the amount of odor generated in the sweat pad.

Secondly, the breathability of the absorbent pad reduces the high temperature wet and anaerobic environment between the wearer's skin and the surface of the sweat pad. This inhibits the growth of microorganisms that cause the production of odorous compounds. Thus, the amount of malodor associated with the presence of microorganisms is reduced by the sweat pad of the present invention.

In addition, due to the breathable nature of the pad, the odorous compound contained therein can be more easily exchanged with the surrounding environment, similar to water vapor and air. Thus, odorous compounds can escape from the product and disperse into the surrounding environment. More importantly, the breathability of the pad can escape from the sweaty pad before the precursor compound of the malodorous compound present in the product begins to decompose and form the malodor.

Another advantage of the antiperspirant pad of the present invention is that the need for using antiperspirant products is reduced, thus allowing the body to sweat naturally without the possibility of staining clothing or detecting odors.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to an absorbent sweat pad comprising an absorbent core and a backsheet, wherein the backsheet is breathable. The breathability of the sweat pad provides improved comfort and also unexpectedly provides malodor control.

The present invention relates to improved absorbent absorbent articles for sweating, such as underarm sweating pads, collar inserts, shoe inserts and the like. The present invention inhibits the production of both sweating and associated malodors and effectively absorbs any sweating produced and prevents sweating from being detected visually and olfactory.

1 and 2 illustrate a breathable armpit sweating pad according to the present invention.

The present invention relates to a breathable sweat pad that can be used as a separate product associated with a garment or undergarment product or located where sweating or overperspiration occurs. Examples of sweat pads include armpits, wrist and head sweat pads, collar inserts, shoe inserts, hat bands, and chest pads. Typically, such products include absorbent cores and backsheets. According to the invention, the breathability of the sweat pad is provided by the presence of a breathable backsheet, thereby allowing circulation of water vapor and preferably circulation of both water vapor and air.

Back sheet

According to the present invention, the sweat pad comprises a breathable backsheet as an essential component. The main role of the breathable backsheet is to prevent the absorbed and contained jets from wetting the garments that come into contact with absorbent pads such as jackets, shirts, blouses, dresses, pants and undergarments. To accomplish this, the backsheet typically extends across the entire absorbent structure and may extend into side flaps, side wrapping elements or wings to form all or part of them. However, the breathable backsheet also carries water vapor, preferably both water vapor and air, thus circulating air into and out of the backsheet and the sweat pad itself.

Breathable backsheets suitable for use herein include all breathable backsheets known in the art. In principle, there are two types of breathable backsheets, breathable and liquid impermeable single layer breathable backsheets, and backsheets having two or more layers that provide a combination of both breathable and liquid impermeable.

Single layer breathable backsheets suitable for use herein include, for example, British Patent Application No. 2184 389, British Patent Application No. 2184 390, British Patent Application No. 2184 391, US Patent Application No. 4 591 523, and US Patents. Applications 3 989 867, US patent application 3 156 242 and European patent application 95120653.1.

Suitable bilayer or multilayer breathable backsheets used herein include U.S. Patent No. 3 881 489, U.S. Patent No. 4 341 216, U.S. Patent No. 4 713 068, U.S. Patent No. 4 818 600, EPO 203 821. , EPO 710 471, EPO 710 472, European Patent Applications 95120647.3, 95120652.3, 95120653.1 and 96830097.0.

Particularly preferred is a backsheet which satisfies the needs defined in European Patent Application No. 96830343.8, more preferably a sweat pad also satisfies the needs described herein.

According to the invention, the breathable backsheet comprises at least one, preferably at least two water vapor permeable layers. Suitable water vapor transmission layers include two-dimensional, planar fine and macroporous films, monolithic films, macroexpanded films and molded perforated films. According to the invention, the perforations in the layer may be of any shape, but are preferably spherical or rectangular. Perforations can also be of various dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, the perforations are preferably evenly distributed throughout the entire surface of the layer, but a layer is also envisaged where only any area of the surface has a perforation.

As used herein, two-dimensional planar films have perforations having an average diameter of 5 micrometers to 200 micrometers. Typically, two-dimensional planar microporous films suitable for use herein have an average diameter of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers, preferably 10 micrometers to 120 micrometers, and most preferably 15 micrometers to 90 micrometers. Having perforations. Typical two-dimensional planar macroporous films have perforations with an average diameter of 90 micrometers to 200 micrometers. Large expanded films and molded perforated films suitable for use herein have perforations having diameters between 100 micrometers and 500 micrometers. In an embodiment according to the invention wherein the backsheet comprises a large expanded film or a perforated shaped film, the backsheet will typically have an opening area of at least 5%, preferably 10% to 35% of the total backsheet surface area. .

Suitable two-dimensional planar layers of the backsheet can be made of any material known in the art, but are preferably made of commercially available polymeric materials. Suitable materials are, for example, Gore-Tex or Sympatex-type materials known for the use of so-called breathable garments. Other suitable materials include XMP-1001 from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minn., USA. The term "two-dimensional planar layer" as used herein refers to a layer having a depth of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, wherein the perforations have an average uniform diameter along their length and do not protrude from the face of the layer. Refers to. Perforated materials for use as backsheets in the present invention can be prepared by using any method known in the art, such as those described in EPO 293 482 and references herein. In addition, the dimensions of the perforations made by this method can be increased by applying a force along the face of the backsheet layer (ie stretching of the layer).

Suitable perforated shaped films include films having discrete perforations that extend beyond the horizontal plane of the garment facing side of the layer towards the core to form protrusions. The protrusion has a hole located at its terminal end. Preferably, the protrusion is funnel similar to that described in US Pat. No. 3,929,135. Perforations located in plane, and holes located at the terminal end of the protrusions themselves may be circular or non-circular, where the cross sectional dimension or area of the hole at the end of the protrusion is the cross sectional dimension of the perforation located within the garment's facing side of the layer. Or smaller than area. Preferably, the perforated preformed film is not complete but unidirectional to have at least substantially one direction fluid transfer towards the core. Large expanded films suitable for use herein include, for example, the films described in US Pat. No. 637 819 and US Pat. No. 4,591,523.

Large expanded films suitable for use herein include, for example, the films described in US Pat. No. 4 637 819 and US Pat. No. 4,591,523.

Suitable monolithic films are available from Hytrel, such as Hytrel HTR-8206 and Hytrel G 3548, available from DuPont Corporation of the United States, and Index 93 Congress, Session 7A, "Adding value. to Nonwovens ", JC. Cardinal and Y. Trouilhet, DuPont de Nemours International S.A, Switzerland.

According to the invention, the backsheet comprises an additional backsheet in addition to the water vapor transmission layer. The additional layer may be located on either side of the water vapor transmission layer of the backsheet. The further layer may be any material, for example a fibrous layer, such as a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric or an additional water vapor permeable perforated film.

According to the present invention, the sweat pad may further comprise an absorbent core. The absorbent material or core may be a layered tissue with or without a fluffy fiber absorbent core comprising hydrogel particles, optionally a particulate material comprising hydrogel particles. The absorbent core fibers can be any fibers known in the art, including cellulose fibers or absorbent or nonabsorbent matrix fibrous polymerized fibers. In addition, sufficient basis weight and absorbent tissue can be used in the absorbent core according to the invention.

According to the present invention, the sweat pad of the present invention may further comprise a topsheet. Suitable topsheets include single or multiple layers. In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet comprises a first layer providing a user facing surface of the topsheet, and a second layer between the first layer and the absorbent structure / core. The topsheet provides a layer through which the liquid absorbed therethrough permeates the absorbent material. Thus, the absorbent core is located halfway between the backsheet and the topsheet.

Overall, the topsheet and each layer need to be individually bent, soft in feel, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. It can also have elasticity to stretch it in one or two directions. Typically, the topsheet may extend across the entirety of the absorbent core and extend to the desired side flaps, side wrapping elements, or vanes to form all or part thereof. According to the invention, the top sheet can be formed from any material marketed for this purpose and known in the art, for example a nonwoven fabric, a film or a combination of the two. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one layer of the topsheet comprises a hydrophobic, liquid permeable perforated polymeric film. Preferably, the top layer is provided with a film material having a perforation provided to facilitate liquid transfer from the wearer facing surface toward the absorbent structure, for example, US Pat. No. 3,929 135, US Pat. No. 4,151,240, It is described in detail in US Pat. No. 4,319,868, US Pat. No. 4,324,426, US Pat. No. 4,343,314, and US Pat. No. 4,591,523. A commercially available topsheet suitable for use herein is BPC 45105 CPM commercially available from BP Chemicals.

According to the present invention, the sweat pad is produced by combining various elements, such as the topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent core by any means known in the art. For example, the backsheet and / or topsheet may be bonded to each other or to the absorbent core by a continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separation lines, spirals or dots of adhesive. Alternatively, the elements can be joined by thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding or any other suitable coupling means known in the art and any combination thereof. Preferably, the breathable backsheet is bonded to other elements of the sweat pad to minimize, preferably eliminate, the reduction in vapor permeability of the backsheet.

In addition to the elements previously described, the antiperspirant pad may also include an odor control agent. Suitable odor control agents include antiperspirants and deodorants.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when the sweat pad is used in combination with an apparel article or undergarment, the pad is also provided with a garment fixing means for attaching the pad to the garment during use. For example, the garment fastening means may comprise mechanical fasteners such as loop or loop fasteners, snaps or holders sold under Velcro (VELCRO). Alternatively, the pad may be secured to the garment by a garment anchoring adhesive on the backsheet. The garment anchoring adhesive provides a means for securing the pad to the garment, preferably a means for securing the pad to fold and wrap into a wrapper for convenient disposal when contaminated. Typically, at least a portion of the garment facing surface of the backsheet is coated with an adhesive to form a garment anchoring adhesive. Any adhesive or glue used in the art for this purpose can be used as the anchoring adhesive herein. Most preferred are pressure sensitive adhesives. Suitable adhesives include Century A-305-IV, manufactured by Century Adhesives Corporation, Columbus, Ohio, and National Starch and Chemical Company, Bridgewater, NJ. Instant LOK 34-2823, 3 Sigma 3153, manufactured by Sigma, LA203, commercially available from Savare SpA, Italy, and HB Fuller. Fuller H-2238ZP manufactured by Company.

The garment anchoring adhesive is typically applied to the backsheet by slot coating. In order to reduce the influence of the adhesive on the breathability of the backsheet and the sweat pad as a whole, the adhesive is preferably free of adhesive on at least 60%, preferably at least 80% and most preferably at least 90% of the garment facing surface. Is applied. However, the required adhesion is still provided even when using reduced surface covering by using special distributions, for example thin strips, discontinuous strips, intermittent dots, any spiral patterns or mixtures thereof.

The garment anchoring adhesive is typically covered with removable release paper or film to prevent the adhesive from drying or adhering to a surface other than the garment before use. Any commercially available release paper or film can be used. Suitable examples include BL 40G EF MGA SILOX C4R10, BL 30MG-A SILOX EI / O and BL 30 MG-A SILOX 4 P / O, available from Akrosil Corporation.

In another aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide a wearer fixing means to a sweat pad by providing the pad with a means attached to the body of the wearer opposite the wearer's garment. Typically such wearer fastening adhesive is located on the topsheet or at least a portion of the wearer facing surface of the absorbent core, if present. Alternatively, wearer fixing means may be provided by elasticizing at least a portion of the pad, especially for applications such as wrist- and head bands.

In accordance with the present invention, perspiration pads may find utility as axillary, wrist- and (front) head perspiration pads, collar inserts, shoe inserts, hat bands, and chest pads. Sweat pads may also find utility in apparel, particularly sports apparel. The present invention finds particular possibility as an underarm pad. In addition to the components described herein above, the antiperspirant pad includes all the features and portions typical of the product of the intended use, such as garment anchoring means, release paper, wrapping elements, and the like. Typically the dimensions, flexibility, size and shape of the pad will depend on the desired location of the pad on the body and can be easily modified by the skilled person depending on the end use. For example, the underarm pads are typically provided in a circular or oval shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or in a decreasing circular or decreasing oval shape and are generally symmetrical. Similarly, the sweat pad can be provided in a variety of colors to more effectively shield the use of the pad, especially when used under clothing.

The present invention can be explained more easily by the accompanying drawings.

Breathable armpit sweating pads according to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The pad in this figure comprises two symmetrical regions A and B attached to each other in the curved region indicated as C with strip D of adhesive. The pad also comprises three additional garment adhesive strips E1, E2 and E3. The adhesive strip is typically covered with release paper (not shown).

Claims (8)

(a) a breathable back sheet comprising at least two layers having at least one layer with perforations and having a garment facing surface; (b) a top sheet; (c) an absorbent core between said top sheet and said breathable back sheet; And (d) an adhesive applied to the garment facing surface portion of the breathable back sheet such that at least 60% of the garment facing surface area of the breathable back sheet is free of adhesive. The method of claim 1, The sweat pad, wherein the sweat pad further comprises a malodor control system. The method according to claim 1 or 2, A perspiration pad wherein the breathable backsheet comprises one or more layers selected from perforated polymeric films, two-dimensional planar perforated films, or monolithic films. The method of claim 3, wherein The layer is a two-dimensional planar perforated film, wherein the perforation has an average diameter of 5 micrometers to 150 micrometers. The method of claim 3, wherein The layer is perforated polymerizable film, wherein the perforation pad has an average diameter of 100 micrometers to 500 micrometers. The method of claim 3, wherein An antiperspirant pad comprising at least two layers, wherein the breathable backsheet is a first layer comprising a perforated layer and a second layer comprising a fibrous layer. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The sweat pad which is a side sweat pad. The method according to claim 1 or 2, An antiperspirant pad, wherein the adhesive comprises one or more adhesive strips.