HK1066490A - An absorbent article comprising an agent able to convey a perception to the wearer - Google Patents

Description

Absorbent article comprising an agent capable of imparting a sensation to the wearer

Technical Field

The present invention relates to absorbent articles (absorbent articles), in particular sanitary napkins (sanitary napkins) and panty liners (pantiliners), comprising an agent capable of imparting a sensation to the wearer of the article without causing a noticeable change in the external conditions.

Suitable agents for use according to the present invention are, for example, agents that are capable of stimulating thermoreceptors (e.g., cold and heat receptors) of the human body without causing temperature changes on the skin and/or mucosal surface of the wearer of the article.

Background

An increasingly important requirement of consumers, which has been the drive for the development of absorbent articles, in particular catamenial articles, is that the products provide a higher level of comfort during use.

One means of providing the comfort benefits of absorbent articles to consumers is to supply breathable products. Breathability has typically focused on incorporating so-called "breathable backsheets" into absorbent articles. Commonly used for breathable backsheets are microporous films and apertured formed films with directional liquid transfer, as disclosed for example in us patent 4591523. Both types of breathable backsheets are water vapor permeable, thus allowing exchange with outside air. This thereby allows evaporation of a portion of the fluid stored in the core and increases air circulation within the absorbent article. The latter is particularly beneficial because it mitigates the sticky feel experienced by many wearers during use.

Although various properties of absorbent articles such as baby diapers or feminine sanitary napkins or panty liners have been greatly improved in recent years, including for example protection and comfort in use, consumers still desire further improvements in such products, i.e. making the experience of wearing absorbent articles such as feminine hygiene absorbent articles more pleasant, especially after prolonged wearing of the articles.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide absorbent articles, especially those for feminine protection, which make the wearing experience more pleasant and thereby improve the comfort during use.

It has now been found that the pleasantness of the wearing experience can be enhanced by providing absorbent articles like sanitary napkins and panty liners comprising agents which are capable of delivering a sensation to the wearer of the article without causing a change in the external conditions perceived by the wearer. Advantageously, the present invention provides an absorbent article that provides the useful function of conveying improved comfort to the wearer of the article by stimulating various desirable sensations, such as cold or warm sensations, without changing the environmental conditions of the body surface of the wearer contacting the article.

The agents used in the articles of the present invention are capable of causing a subjective perception/sensation by the wearer of the article without causing a change in the external conditions perceived by the wearer of the article. This perception/sensation is due to direct stimulation of sensory nerve terminal receptors and, in turn, central nervous system stimulation. The relevant receptors are sensory receptors that convey a warm, cold, tactile or pain sensation.

In a preferred embodiment, absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and panty liners according to the present invention comprise a cooling agent capable of conveying a cooling/refreshing sensation without causing a corresponding change in the external conditions perceptible to the wearer, i.e. without changing the temperature of the body surface of the wearer of the article. Cooling agents suitable for use in the articles of the present invention are capable of directly stimulating the thermoreceptors of the skin and/or mucosal surfaces of the wearer of the article. It may also be noted that due to the sustained stimulation, a long lasting cooling/refreshing sensation is delivered, even after the direct contact between the skin and/or mucosal surface and the article, more precisely the cooling agent, ceases. Advantageously, these freshness properties are delivered without any perceived feeling of wetness on the article in contact with the skin and/or mucosal surface, thereby achieving excellent freshness and dryness and thus cleanliness. Furthermore, it is believed that the perception of freshness and dryness by the wearer of the article reduces the tendency of the wearer to sweat.

Suitable cooling agents for use in the present invention to deliver the above mentioned benefits are typically selected from the group consisting of peppermint oil, eucalyptol, eucalyptus oil, methyl salicylate, camphor, tea tree oil, ketals, carboxamides, cyclohexanol derivatives, cyclohexyl derivatives described below, and mixtures thereof.

Preferred cooling agents for use in the present invention are ketals, carboxamides, cyclohexanol derivatives, cyclohexyl derivatives other than menthol, e.g. menthyl lactate. All of these cooling agents have the advantages of having less skin irritation than menthol, being substantially free of mint-type odors, and being physically stable in use and at room temperature, in addition to having long-lasting cooling properties. Indeed, all these cooling agents do not have a tendency to sublime at use (direct contact with the body) or at room temperature, compared to menthol, resulting in improved stability in use situations and during storage of the article. Advantageously, these cooling agents are able to retain their full potential activity until use, i.e. before or during the time the article is worn by e.g. a human.

The agents used in the present invention may be present in pure (powder, flake, granule, wax, liquid, etc.) form, or may be present in the carrier vehicle as a solution, suspension, dispersion, emulsion, etc. In addition, the agent may be releasably contained within microcapsules, absorbent materials, cells, binders, emollient-containing compositions, solid supports, nanophase particle structures, and the like. Indeed, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, an article according to the invention comprises a delivery system for releasably containing the agent and for delivering the agent to at least a portion of the skin and/or mucosal surface of the wearer of the article. The delivery system may be in any configuration including, but not limited to, containing the agent in the form of a powder, granules, or flakes, or in a solution, dispersion, suspension, emulsion, or the like. The delivery system may include structures such as microcapsules, absorbent materials, nanophase particle structures, cells, adhesives, solid supports, or the like, or may include compositions such as emollient-containing compositions. The delivery system is preferably a composition comprising an emollient. In a particularly suitable embodiment of the present invention, the emollient-containing composition consists essentially of the emollient and the agent used in the present invention, without any other compound. Preferably, the delivery system places the agent in a position proximate to the skin during wear of the article, and more preferably, the agent is placed on at least a portion of the skin and/or mucosal surface of the wearer of the article.

The presence of a delivery system, preferably an emollient-containing composition, is desirable because it enables the wearer of the article to feel faster, as well as to maintain this feel after extended wear. Indeed, without being bound by any theory, it is speculated that the delivery system, i.e. the emollient-containing composition (preferably the ester derivatives of the invention described below-e.g. triethyl citrate) acts as a carrier for the agents described herein, e.g. cooling agents, which aids in the movement of the agent from its particular region in the article to the body surface of the wearer (skin and/or mucosal surface), penetrates the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum), and brings the agent directly into and prolonged contact with the receptors (e.g. thermoreceptors) of the mammalian skin and/or mucosal surface. In other words, the delivery system, i.e. the emollient-containing composition, like the ester derivatives of the present invention described below, helps the agents like cooling agents to reach their target, i.e. the thermo-receptors, more quickly, delivering a more immediate freshness sensation, and maintaining its prolonged contact with the thermo-receptors, thereby promoting a long lasting freshness sensation compared to the same article comprising cooling agents at the same level but pure. Advantageously, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the presence of an emollient other than a cooling agent delivers an optimal freshness sensation (more directly and after prolonged wearing of the article) while maintaining or even improving skin health. Indeed, the presence of emollients moisturizes/hydrates and softens the skin, as well as reduces roughness, cracks and skin irritation.

In addition, the presence of the delivery system, i.e., the emollient-containing composition of the present invention described below, aids in the dissolution of agents such as cooling agents, thereby facilitating uniform application of the agents, if desired, over at least a portion of the article. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the agent is applied in a uniform manner on the wearer-facing surface of the article, thereby further promoting a more rapid and sustained sensation during prolonged wear of the article.

Yet another advantage of the presence of the delivery system, i.e. of the emollient containing composition of the present invention described hereinafter, is that it enhances the physical and chemical stability of the agent during storage and use of the inventive article.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the agent is a cooling agent, typically those described below, the article according to the invention is breathable, i.e. permeable to liquid water vapour, and preferably air permeable. Indeed, the breathability of the article further promotes freshness and dryness, especially long lasting freshness and dryness. Without being bound by theory, it is speculated that the use of a breathable article maintains a more comfortable skin surface temperature on the skin surface it covers, which is closer to the skin surface temperature when the consumer is not wearing the article than an air impermeable article. This will provide a more desirable or "standard" temperature perception in the genital area and thus promote the freshness sensation provided by the presence of the cooling agent in the article of the invention. The breathability of the article also reduces the humidity at the article/skin interface, thus increasing the dry feel. This increase in freshness and dryness sensation of the wearer results in an excellent clean feeling.

By using breathable absorbent articles, not only is improved comfort (i.e. improved freshness and dryness) to the wearer during use provided, but also unpleasant odour sensations are reduced. It is believed that the breathable environment not only promotes the primary comfort benefits (freshness and dryness sensation), but is also effective in reducing or even preventing the formation and emission of malodours typically associated with bodily discharges onto wearing articles that come into contact with the human body. Indeed, the breathability of the article, which reduces the hot, humid and anaerobic environment between the wearer's skin and the surface of the article, promotes an overall reduction in the growth of microorganisms that are believed to be responsible for the formation of malodors. In addition, the reduction of the hot, humid and occlusive environment between the vicinity of the wearer's skin and the article itself also reduces the tendency of the wearer to sweat. Thus, the amount of odor associated with perspiration is also reduced.

In embodiments of the invention, the article according to the invention may comprise any odor control medium (e.g. zeolites, silicates, silica, chelating agents, oxidizing agents, antimicrobial agents, etc.) in addition to an agent, typically a cooling agent. This type of article is particularly beneficial for further improving comfort and privacy in use.

Background of the invention

In us patents 5,649,914 and 5,797,892, a toilet training aid is disclosed that acts to heat or cool when urine from the wearer is present in the article. This heating or cooling effect tends to cause discomfort to the wearer during attempts to assist in toilet training. This heating or cooling effect does not show any effect on the article itself. In contrast, for the wearer, the bowel movement training aid prompts the wearer to take some action (i.e., remove the wet article and apply a new article). Further, the bowel movement training aid is only responsive to the condition of the article itself and not between the article and the wearer. Moreover, the toilet training aid functions only for a short period of time, and is not designed to provide a sustained reduction in relative humidity or temperature for typical wear times. EP 704195 discloses a sanitary napkin for use as a menses detector which contains a reactive chemical which is sensitive to temperature. Examples of such temperature sensitive reaction chemistries include sodium thiosulfate or sodium hyposulfite, which reacts when it cools upon contact with and dissolution in a hot liquid such as menses. This art of disposable hygienic absorbent articles mentioned hereinabove does not teach in any way how to improve the comfort of the wearer by changing the wearer's central nervous system sensations without changing the external environmental conditions perceived by the wearer.

Cooling agents which provide a cooling sensation essentially without changing the temperature of the skin and/or mucosal surfaces, and their use in edible compositions such as beverages and chewing gums, in cosmetics such as shaving lotions, deodorants, creams, shampoos, soaps and dentifrices, in tobacco preparations such as cigars, cigarettes and chewing tobacco, are well known. See for example us patent 5451404, us patent 5266592 or DE 2608226. WO 96/14840 also discloses the use of menthyl lactate as an analgesic.

None of these prior art references discloses or suggests an absorbent article, i.e. a disposable hygiene article such as a sanitary napkin and/or a panty liner, comprising an agent capable of imparting a sensation (e.g. a warm or freshness/cold sensation) to the wearer without the need to induce a change in an external condition perceptible to the wearer, e.g. without the need to change ambient temperature conditions, thereby delivering improved comfort and privacy.

Summary of The Invention

The present invention comprises an absorbent article comprising an agent capable of imparting a sensation to a wearer without causing a change in an external condition that is perceptible to the wearer.

Highly preferred articles are feminine disposable sanitary absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and/or panty liners.

Highly preferred agents according to the present invention are cooling agents that chemically stimulate the thermoreceptors of human skin and/or mucosal surfaces to convey freshness sensation to the wearer of the article without the need to change the temperature of the skin/mucosal surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a delivery system for containing an agent, preferably a cooling agent, and for delivering the agent to at least a portion of the skin and/or mucosal surface of the wearer of the article. Preferably, the delivery system is an emollient-containing composition comprising an emollient other than an agent. When after prolonged wear, typically during the entire wear of the article, after contact of the article with the skin and/or mucosal surface, the emollient containing composition can deliver perception/sensation to the wearer of the article more rapidly while maintaining perception/sensation and while maintaining or even improving the health of the skin.

In a preferred embodiment, the absorbent article of the present invention is breathable. The breathability of the article, which reduces the hot, humid and occlusive environment between the skin of the wearer of the article and the article, promotes the perceived freshness and dryness sensation upon use due to the presence of the cooling agent of the present invention, thereby also achieving an improved clean feeling.

Detailed Description

By "article" herein is meant any three-dimensional solid or semi-solid substrate/material which can include an agent as described herein and which is adapted to be worn in direct contact with the skin and/or mucosal surface of the human body.

The term "disposable" is used herein to describe articles that do not require priming or storage or re-use (i.e., are discarded after a single use and preferably can be recycled, composted or disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).

The term "hygiene article" as used herein refers to all kinds of comfortable and/or medical articles for infants and adults or even animals.

The term "absorbent article" is used herein in a broad sense and includes any article capable of receiving and/or absorbing and/or containing and/or retaining liquids and/or exudates, especially body fluids/body exudates. As used herein, "absorbent article" includes, but is not limited to, sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence pads, interlabial pads, breast pads, underarm sweat pads, neckline pads, infant diapers, adult incontinence diapers, and human waste management devices. Typically, this type of human urine or faeces management device comprises a pouch having an aperture and a rim surrounding the aperture for preferred attachment to the urogenital and/or perianal area of the wearer. Any fecal or urine management device known in the art is suitable for use in the present invention. Such devices are described, for example, in WO 99/00084 to WO 99/00092.

As used herein, the term "wearer-facing" surface refers to the surface of a component of the article that is generally oriented toward the skin and/or mucous membrane of the wearer during use of the article. As used herein, the term "garment-facing" surface refers to the opposite outer surface of an article, which surface typically faces directly toward the outer garment of the wearer if the article is worn and in direct contact with an outer garment.

The term "body fluids and/or body secretions" as used herein refers to any fluid/secretion produced by the human body which is naturally or accidentally occurring like a skin incision, including for example sweat, urine, menses, excretions, vaginal secretions and the like.

The term "maintaining the healthy state of the skin" as used herein means maintaining the natural state of healthy skin. The term "improving the health of the skin" refers to reducing the extent of harmful effects on the skin. These terms describe the skin health status of the area covered by the article. It is believed that the articles of the present invention maintain or even improve the health of the skin in different areas of the individual wearer.

Reagent

According to the invention, the article comprises as an essential component an agent capable of imparting a sensation to the wearer without causing a change in the external conditions perceptible to the wearer.

By "ambient conditions" is meant environmental conditions at the body surface to which the article is applied/contacted, typically the skin and/or mucosal surface of the wearer of the article.

"sensation" refers to the result of a multi-stage process that is perceived by the central nervous system of the wearer and is initiated by stimulation of one or more sensory receptors on the skin and/or mucosal surface of the wearer.

Such sensations typically include tactile sensations, warm sensations, cool/refreshing sensations, sensations of discomfort, and the like. Each of these sensations/sensations is initiated by stimulation of one or more sensory receptors (e.g., thermoreceptors including warm and cold receptors, nociceptors, etc.).

Further details regarding such susceptors are available from the literature. One example of a reference to a temperature susceptor is: human Thermal and thermoreceptors (Thermal sensory and thermo-receptors in man), Herbert Hensel, M D, published in 1982 by Charles C.

The articles of the present invention include an agent in an amount sufficient to stimulate receptors of a skin and/or mucosal surface area, which contact the skin and/or mucosal surface and thereby promote a desired perception/sensation. Because the type, degree, and longevity of the sensation varies from agent to agent, the amount of agent used in each article may also vary widely.

Highly preferred agents for use in the present invention are warming or cooling agents, which are capable of typically stimulating thermoreceptors (i.e., heat or cold sensory receptors) without causing temperature changes at the surface of the article wearer's body.

Cooling agents suitable for use in the present invention are all cooling agents which are able to penetrate the skin layer and whose cooling effect (also referred to as freshness effect in the present invention) is a physiological effect, which is attributed to the direct stimulation of the nerve endings of the body by these agents (the effect of which is to detect cold), without any temperature change occurring at the body surface. It is believed that these agents chemically stimulate the cold receptors of the nerve endings directly, which in turn stimulate the central nervous system. In this way, a freshness/cooling sensation is simulated even without a real change in skin temperature. Due to the continued stimulation, a long lasting freshness/cooling sensation can be delivered even after the cooling agent is removed.

It should be understood that the refreshing feeling/cooling feeling in the present invention is approximate. It must be recognized that skin tests are somewhat subjective, and that some people may experience more or less freshness/cooling than others when the same test is performed. This sensation depends on the density of the thermoreceptors on the skin and on the thickness of the skin. Typically, it is observed that the thinner the skin, the stronger the cooling sensation (also referred to as freshness sensation in the present invention). Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the thinner the skin, the faster the cooling agent penetrates the skin, and the higher its absorbed content. In addition, studies have shown that geographic factors and/or different ethnicities also play a role in the perception of freshness.

Studies conducted on the activity of cooling agents indicate that four features of the molecular structure of cooling agents are particularly important for delivering a fresh/cool sensation. Reference is made to the Journal of the Society of cosmetic Chemist, volume 29, pages 185-200, 1978, of H.R. Watson et al, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Suitable cooling agents for use in the present invention have the following properties:

hydrogen bonding function-cooling agents clearly need to have atoms or groups that are capable of bonding hydrogen. The stronger the hydrogen bonding ability of the molecule, the stronger the cooling effect. However, if more than one hydrogen-binding group is present in its molecule, its cooling effect can be reduced, since the molecule will no longer have the correct lipophilic character;

-a compact hydrocarbon skeleton, so that receptors of the body can "recognise" them;

-the balance between their hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, which serves both to deliver cooling properties and to enable them to penetrate biological membranes such as the outer skin layer-the most common method of determining this balance is to use the Hanschlog P-value-the partition coefficient for water and n-octanol as shown by Hansch. The log P value is recognized as a decisive factor in the pharmacological activity of a substance, in particular with regard to how it is transported through the skin. The log P values of preferred coolants for use in the present invention are typically between 2.0 and 3.0;

typically between 150 and 350.

Without being bound by theory, it is speculated that cooling agents suitable for the present invention are those that are able to penetrate the skin surface and depolarize (eliminate the potential difference between the inside and outside of the neural cell membrane by blocking calcium ion exchange) the cold receptor membrane. The perception of freshness sensation is a result of depolarization. In particular, it is believed that the balance between the calcium ion concentration inside and outside the nerve cell membrane is disturbed due to the calcium binding properties of the cooling agent. In other words, by reducing the calcium ion content outside the nerve cell membrane, the membrane is depolarized, resulting in an enhanced nerve fiber discharge rate and thus the transfer of electrical stimulation to the central nervous system. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the long lasting effect is related to the adhesive stability of the cooling agent and the calcium ion complex. The higher the stability of the cooling agent-calcium ion complex, the longer the calcium is bound to the cooling agent and the longer the freshness sensation is obtained.

Suitable cooling agents typically include menthol or peppermint oil. Although these compounds are known for their freshness-providing effect, they still have the drawbacks of having a strong minty odor, irritating the skin at high concentrations, and sublimating at room temperature. Thus, highly preferred cooling agents for use in the present invention are those that are less odorous than menthol or peppermint. Indeed, mint odor-free cooling agents are preferred, either alone or in combination with menthol (or its source such as mint oils or other plant extracts containing them), thereby providing articles with improved odor and skin safety characteristics.

Particularly suitable cooling agents for use in the present invention include ketals, carboxamides, cyclohexanol derivatives and/or cyclohexyl derivatives.

Ketal:

ketals suitable for use in the present invention are shown by the following formula:

wherein R is¹Represents C having at least 1 but not more than 3 hydroxyl groups, preferably 1 hydroxyl group₂-C₆-an alkylene group; and R is²And R³Each independently of the other represents C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, wherein the alkyl may optionally be substituted with 1 to 3 groups selected from hydroxy, amino and halogen (such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine), C₅-C₇Cycloalkyl, preferably cyclohexyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryl, preferably phenyl, with the proviso that R²And R³Not less than 3 total carbon atoms, or R²And R³Together represent an alkylene radical which together with the radical carrying R²And R³Carbon atom of radicalTogether form a 5-7 membered ring which is in turn substituted by C₁-C₆Alkyl substitution is possible.

Preferred radicals R²And R³Including methyl, isopropyl and tert-butyl.

Radical R²And R³Length of (a) affects the effect of compound I: shorter groups lead to instant transient effects; longer groups lead to a delayed but long-term effect. When the desired compound is soluble in water, it is preferred to use compounds having short radicals R²And R³The compound of (1).

Preferred radicals R¹Comprising 1, 2-and 1, 3-alkylene groups which, together with two oxygen atoms and the carbon atom to which the two oxygen atoms are bonded, form a dioxolane or dioxane ring.

In which R is²And R³Preferred compounds I which together represent alkylene are those of the formula:

wherein R is⁴To R¹⁵Independently of one another, represents hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl, preferably hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl, and m and n represent independently of each other 0 or 1.

Preferred compounds of formula Ia are those in which the total number of m + n is 1, i.e., the ketals of optionally substituted cyclohexanones.

Preferred substituents which may be present, especially in 1 to 3, are methyl, isopropyl and tert-butyl.

The ketal I can be prepared by known methods. For example, the ketal I is typically prepared by an acid-catalyzed reaction of a ketone, wherein the ketal I is based on the ketone and the ketone is at least an aliphatic C having at least 3 and no more than 5, preferably 3, hydroxyl groups₃-C₆-the equivalent weight of alcohol. Frequently used are ketones on which the ketal I is basedAnd the ketone is at least C having 3 to 5 hydroxyl groups₃-C₆0.5 equivalent of alcohol, but generally in a 1.2-to 4-fold, preferably 1.5-to 3-fold, excess. Examples of acid catalysts that can be used are a catalytically effective amount (e.g., 0.1 to 3 grams of p-toluenesulfonic acid per mole of ketone) of p-toluenesulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, or potassium hydrogen sulfate. The reaction is preferably carried out in an organic solvent which forms an azeotrope with water, so that the water liberated during the formation of the ketal can be removed by azeotropic entrainment; or preferably in a water-consuming co-reactant, for example using a trialkyl ortho ester. Examples of preferred organic solvents include benzene, toluene, xylene, chloroform, methylene chloride and trichloroethylene.

The reaction is considered complete when water no longer precipitates, or when the ester/alcohol mixture no longer precipitates. The recommended method is as follows: the product is subsequently washed with dilute alkali and water, the organic phase is separated and dried, the solvent is removed and, if appropriate, the residue is purified (for example by distillation).

Especially preferred ketals I are those having the formula:

wherein R is¹Have the above-mentioned meanings.

An especially preferred ketal is ketal II.

The ketal I used in the present invention may have asymmetric carbon atoms and thus optical isomerism may occur. Depending on the starting materials and the preparation process used, they may be present as mixtures of optical isomers or as pure isomers. The cooling effect of the isomers may be different, so one or the other isomer may be preferred.

These ketals are described and exemplified, for example, in U.S. patent No. 5266592, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Commercial ketalsExamples of (A) include ketals of the formula (II) above, wherein R¹Is ethyl- (2-hydroxymethyl), menthone glycerol ketal available under the trade name Frescolat MGA^From Haarmann&Reiner GmbH (Germany).

Amides of carboxylic acids

The amides found to be most useful for the present invention are those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,163 to Wason et al, published on 23/1 1979, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,688 to Rawsell et al, published on 28/10 1980. Both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Particularly suitable amides for use in the present invention are N-substituted-p-menthane 3-amides (U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,163). These compounds are 3-substituted-p-menthanes of the formula:

wherein R', when represented individually, is hydrogen or an aliphatic group containing up to 25 carbon atoms; when each is expressed, R ' is a hydroxyl group or an aliphatic group containing up to 25 carbon atoms, with the proviso that when R ' is hydrogen, R ' can also be an aryl group of up to 10 carbon atoms and selected from substituted phenyl, phenylalkyl or substituted phenylalkyl, naphthyl and substituted naphthyl, pyridyl; and when R 'and R' together have a nitrogen atom attached to them, they represent a cyclic or heterocyclic group of up to 25 carbon atoms, for example piperidino, morpholino, etc.

In the above definitions, "aliphatic" is intended to include any straight, branched, or cyclic radical or unsaturated aromatic and thus includes alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxyalkyl, acyloxyalkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, amidoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, and similar compositions.

For R' and R ", when they are aliphatic, they are typically methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, isobutyl, n-decyl, cyclopropyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptylmethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3-hydroxy-n-propyl, 6-hydroxy-n-hexyl, 2-aminoethyl, 2-acetoxyethyl, 2-ethylcarboxyethyl, 4-hydroxybut-2-ynyl, carboxymethyl and the like. When R' is aryl, it is typically benzyl, naphthyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, 2-hydroxynaphthyl, pyridyl, and the like.

Other suitable amides for use in the present invention are certain acyclic tertiary and secondary amides disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,688, which is incorporated herein by reference. They have the formula:

wherein when R 'and R' are represented respectively, they are hydrogen, C₁-C₅Alkyl or C₁-C₈Hydroxyalkyl, and provides a total of no more than 8 carbon atoms, with the proviso that when R 'is hydrogen, R' can also be alkylcarboxyalkyl of up to 6 carbon atoms.

When R 'and R' are collectively represented, they represent an alkylene group of up to 6 carbon atoms, the opposite end of the group attached to the amide nitrogen atom thereby forming a nitrogen heterocycle into which oxygen may optionally be inserted.

R₁Is hydrogen or C₁-C₅An alkyl group; and R is₂And R₃Each is C₁-C₅An alkyl group; with the proviso that (i) R₁，R₂And R₃Together provide a total of at least 5 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms; and (ii) when R is₁When is hydrogen, R₂Is C₂-C₅Alkyl radical, R₃Is C₃-C₅Alkyl, and R₂And R₃Is branched with respect to the formula: (a)^*) The carbon atom(s) of (b) is preferably branched at the alpha or beta position.

When the compounds used have asymmetric carbon atoms, any one of the optical isomers can be used in a pure form, but mixtures of optical isomers are generally used. In some cases, the degree of cooling produced by the compound on the skin varies between optical isomers, one or the other of which may be preferred.

Preferred amides for use in the present invention are tertiary compounds, i.e., wherein each R is₁、R₂And R₃Is C₁-C₅Those of alkyl groups, in particular those of the following: wherein R is₁Is methyl, ethyl or n-propyl, and R₂And R₃Is branched and the branching is relative to the designation (A) in the formula^*) Is located in the alpha or beta position. Also preferred are mono-substituted amides, i.e., wherein R' is H; and disubstituted amides wherein R 'and R' are methyl and ethyl. Also preferred are groups consisting of amides of a given formula, wherein R is₁Is hydrogen, and R₂And R₃Is branched and the branching is relative to the label: (^*) The carbon atom (b) has a branched chain in the alpha position.

Amides can be readily prepared by conventional methods, for example, by reaction of formula R in the presence of a hydrogen chloride acceptor₁R₂R₃The acid chloride of COCl is reacted with an amine of formula HNR' R ". This type of reaction is entirely conventional and the involved processes can be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

Particularly suitable amides for use in the present invention are monosubstituted tertiary amides of the formula:

wherein R is₁、R₂And R₃Each is C₁-C₅Alkyl groups and together they provide a total number of carbon atoms of at least 5, preferably from 5 to 10; r' is C₁-C₅Alkyl radical, C₁-C₈Hydroxyalkyl or alkylcarboxyalkyl having up to 8 carbon atoms. In this group, R₁Preferably methyl, ethyl or n-propyl, and R₂And R₃Is branched with respect to the formula: (^*) The carbon atom (b) has a branch at the alpha or beta position.

An example of an aliphatic amide of this type is methyl- (N, 2, 3-trimethyl) -2-isopropyl butanamide, prepared from IFF (International Flavors)&Fragrances-US) under the trade name WS-23^It is commercially available. An example of such a cyclic amide is ethyl menthane amide, sold under the trade name WS-3 by Rhodia Chirex (UK)^It is commercially available.

Cyclohexanol derivatives

Suitable cyclohexanol derivatives for use in the present invention may be represented by the formula:

wherein R represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Its formal designation is 2- (2-alkoxy-1-methylethyl) -5-methylcyclohexanol. The above compounds have multiple stereoisomers. Although any of them has a strong refrigerating activity and is substantially free from odor, a cyclohexanol derivative having the following formula is preferable from the viewpoint of continuity such as a cool feeling:

wherein R represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, i.e. (1R, 2S, 5R, 8R) -2- (2-alkoxy-1-methylethyl) -5-methylcyclohexanol.

Suitable cyclohexanol derivatives for use in the present invention also include those having the formula:

wherein R is¹And R²Independently hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

R in the above formulae (1) and (1a) or R in the formula (2)¹And R²Examples of the represented straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, sec-pentyl, tert-pentyl and neopentyl. Of these, preferred are methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl and n-pentyl, and particularly preferred is methyl.

These compounds are described in more detail in U.S. patent 5,756,857, which includes a method for their manufacture, which is incorporated herein by reference.

An example of a commercially available cyclohexanol derivative of formula (2) above is 5-methyl-2- (1-methylethenyl), which may be under the trade name Cootact P^From Takasago (Japan).

Cyclohexyl derivatives

Suitable cyclohexyl derivatives for use in the present invention can be represented by the formula:

wherein R represents-H, C₁-C₅Straight-chain or branched alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy or acyloxy radicals, R₁represents-H or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Highly preferred cyclohexyl derivatives for use in the present invention, alone or in combination, are those as described by the formula above, but wherein R and R₁Except for compounds that are all hydrogen (menthol). Indeed, these compounds are preferred, especially menthyl lactate, because they are free of mint odor and have improved skin safety characteristics. These compounds also have a lower volatility than menthol, so they do not have a strong tendency to sublime at body temperature (typically about 35C-37C) during use, even below room temperature (20C-25C), and are therefore particularly suitable for use in the articles of the invention. These articles retain their intact cooling characteristics until use.

The above compounds have multiple stereoisomers. Although except for R and R₁In addition to those compounds which are all hydrogen (menthol), any of them has a strong refrigerating activity and is substantially free of odor, but preferred for use in the present invention from the viewpoint of continuity of cool feeling is a cyclohexyl derivative represented by the following formula:

highly preferred compounds are those having the formula wherein R is₁And R is propylene glycol, carboxy-hydroxyethyl, or carboxyhydroxypropyl. Examples of these compounds are under the trade name TK10^Menthoxypropanediol from Takasago.

A highly preferred cyclohexyl derivative is menthyl lactate. Menthyl lactate is represented by the formula:

such compounds are commercially available from Haarmann & Reimer GmbH (Germany) under the trade name FRESCOLAT, Type ML. It can also be prepared relatively easily by methods known in the art (esterification of the hydroxyl groups of menthol with lactic acid). Two thirds of its molecular weight is attributed to the menthol moiety. Methyl lactate is substantially odorless and therefore does not suffer from the "minty" that is customary in the case of menthol or peppermint oil. Advantageously, such a substance has been found to act as a local analgesic (see WO 96/14840, incorporated herein by reference).

Other suitable cooling agents for use in the present invention also include peppermint, camphor, borneol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil, and plant extracts comprising one or more of these compounds.

The cooling agents may be used alone or in combination.

In one aspect of the invention, the cooling agent used is the above mentioned cyclohexyl derivative used together with a second cooling agent, in which formula R and R are₁Are both hydrogen (i.e., menthol). Menthol is preferably not used alone in the present invention as a cooling agent because of its strong minty odor and its irritation to the skin when used alone.

The second cooling agent is preferably any of those listed above, i.e. a ketal, an amide, a cyclohexanol derivative and/or a cyclohexyl derivative other than menthol. These latter classes of compounds are preferred, particularly menthyl lactate, because these compounds are particularly stable for use in the articles of the present invention, in addition to having longer lasting freshness characteristics, no mint odor, and excellent skin safety characteristics. Menthyl lactate has been found to act as an analgesic.

In one aspect of the invention menthol is used in conjunction with a second cooling agent, which is preferably a cyclohexyl derivative (but reference is made herein to the above formula wherein R and R are₁Cyclohexyl derivatives, all hydrogen) or ketal or amide and/or cyclohexanol derivatives. Advantageously, such a combination delivers optimal freshness while maintaining a minty odor at a sufficiently low level. The weight ratio of menthol and the second cooling agent to menthol/second cooling agent is preferably from 1/1 to 1/100, more preferably from 1/1 to 1/10, so that the odor of menthol is barely noticeable and is less irritating to the skin and/or mucosal surfaces. This combination is also deliveredDeliver a more optimal freshness profile, which, due to the combined action of menthol, reaches the thermoreceptors of the skin and/or the mucosal surface immediately after contact with the skin, thus enhancing the freshness sensation; and due to the second cooling agents such as ketals, carboxamides, cyclohexyl derivatives or cyclohexyl derivatives other than menthol, they all have a lower penetration rate (amount/time) through the skin to the thermo-receptors than menthol, thereby achieving a more durable freshness profile.

The articles of the present invention comprise a cooling agent or mixture thereof in an amount sufficient to stimulate thermoreceptors in the skin and/or mucosal surface area, which contact the skin and/or mucosal surface and thereby convey the desired freshness sensation. Because the degree of freshness and longevity varies from cooling agent to cooling agent, the amount of cooling agent used in each article can also vary widely.

Typically, absorbent articles of the present invention, such as feminine disposable hygiene absorbent articles, are provided at 0.01gm on at least a portion of the article^-2To 300gm^-2Preferably 0.05gm^-2To 200gm^-2More preferably 1gm^-2To 100gm^-2And most preferably 2gm^-2To 20gm^-2The amount of (b) comprises a cooling agent or a mixture thereof.

Suitable warming agents for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, vanilla-type compounds such as vanillyl butyl ether, sold under the trade name TK-1000 by Takasago^Commercially available and sold under the trade name Capsaicin by sabina Corporation (U.S.A.)^It is commercially available.

Delivery system

Preferably, the agent, such as a cooling agent, is releasably incorporated into any delivery system known to those skilled in the art that facilitates, directly or indirectly, the transfer of the agent to the skin of the wearer of the article. The delivery system may comprise neat agents such as powders, flakes or particulate form, waxes, liquids or agents contained as a solution, suspension, dispersion, emulsion or composition in a carrier vehicle. When the agent is released from the delivery system, it is free to move from the area of the delivery system in the article to the skin and/or mucosal surface of the wearer. The delivery system may be a component of a portion or portions of an absorbent article including, but not limited to, a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core, any second layer between the core and the liner, leg cuffs, side bolsters, waist regions, fasteners, wings, insertable elements such as absorbent materials for insertion into the absorbent article during wear of the article, specialized constructions such as those for containing bowel movements (e.g., bowel movement "pouches"), and the like. The delivery system is preferably adjacent to the skin of the wearer, more preferably a component of a portion of the wearer-facing surface of an article such as a topsheet, a side liner, a leg sleeve, a waist layer, a button, wings, and the like.

When the delivery system releases the agent, the agent may be in an active functional form such as a solution, dispersion, suspension, emulsion, etc., or may be in a non-functional form such as a powder, wax, flake, or particle form, which is then activated by contact with moisture from urine and feces or other known methods.

The type of delivery system used in the articles of the present invention to facilitate the automatic transfer of an agent from any portion of the article to the skin and/or mucosal surface of the wearer will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Exemplary delivery systems include, for example, compressible ruptured or dissolvable microcapsules that cause the microcapsules to extrude the agent upon dissolution due to contact with moisture from bodily fluids or rupture due to pressure from the body or hands of the user prior to application of the article by the wearer. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,836 describes a water-soluble film enclosing a powder and extruding the powder upon contact with moisture, which is a suitable material for microcapsules, wherein the microcapsules may contain the agent in any form, such as powder, granule, liquid or semi-solid. Examples of suitable pressure rupturable microcapsules containing an agent are described in U.S. patent 3,585,998. Microcapsules of this type may be present in any portion of the article, including the wearer-facing surface. Us patent 4,623,339 describes an insertable layer which is removable prior to use and which is hand pressure activatable to squeeze a substance through a slit in the layer. The disclosures of each of the above patents are incorporated herein by reference.

Other suitable agent-containing delivery systems include, but are not limited to, "cells" in the article that are closed or partially closed, regularly or irregularly shaped cavities that release the agent when exposed to moisture, heat or pressure; and water-soluble binders and other compositions of the type which are capable of releasing an agent when contacted with moisture, and the like.

Regardless of the delivery system used, an agent, such as a cooling agent, upon release, can move from its original position to other areas in the article, by, for example, the flow of bodily fluids, by movement of the wearer, by pressure, or the like, or by a reduction in viscosity upon exposure to body heat. The agent, which is hydrophilic or incorporated into a hydrophilic excipient, can move through the entire hydrophilic structure of the article, e.g., throughout hydrophilic pores or other openings that allow body fluid to flow from the topsheet to the core. However, the delivery system containing an agent such as a cooling agent is preferably located near the skin of the wearer.

Other delivery systems suitable for the present invention also include various carrier excipients. Carrier vehicles for agents (typically cooling agents) include compositions in the form of lotions, creams, oils, ointments, powders, emulsions, foams or gels. Typical carrier vehicles for agents such as cooling agents include aqueous or alcoholic solutions, oils and fats such as hydrocarbon oils, fatty acid esters, long chain alcohols and silicone oils, finely divided solids such as starch or talc, and the like.

In preferred embodiments, agents such as cooling agents are dissolved, suspended or emulsified components of the emollient-containing composition, which may be located anywhere in the article, but are preferably incorporated into the wearer-facing surface of the article, such as the topsheet, wings, leg cuffs, etc., of disposable hygienic absorbent articles.

Suitable emollient-containing compositions for containing and delivering the agents are also described below.

In such preferred embodiments, the emollient containing composition comprises from 0.1% to 99.9%, preferably from 3% to 90%, more preferably from 5% to 60%, most preferably from 10% to 40%, by weight of the agent or mixture thereof, and from 99.9% to 0.1%, preferably from 97% to 10%, more preferably from 95% to 40%, most preferably from 90% to 60%, by weight of the emollient or mixture thereof.

Highly preferred emollient containing compositions of the present invention are comprised of an agent, preferably a cooling agent or mixtures thereof and an emollient or mixtures thereof.

In addition to functioning as an excipient to deliver an effective concentration of an agent, such as a cooling agent, to the skin of the wearer, emollient compositions are particularly beneficial to the skin, improving the hydration and softness of the skin, and thus maintaining or even improving the health of the skin. Suitable emollients for use in the present invention ensure film-forming properties on the skin, which are intended to moisturize and help prevent skin dehydration when the emollient is in direct contact with the skin, thereby reducing or even eliminating the occurrence of skin itching or burning. Suitable emollients for use in the present invention also lend themselves to being located between the epidermis layers (which benefits from their similarity to materials naturally contained in the epidermis (stratum corneum)), thereby enhancing the elasticity of the skin.

The presence of the emollient, especially the alcohol/ester derivatives described below, produces the best sensory effect during wear of the article. For example, freshness sensation is not only delivered more quickly when the article is worn, but also sustained/controlled for a longer period of time than a similar article having the same content of an agent such as a cooling agent, but lacking this type of emollient (typically ester derivatives, such as those of formula (III) below, such as triethyl citrate). Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the presence of the emollient solubilizes the agent, which helps it penetrate the outer layers of the skin and/or mucosal surfaces more quickly, so that it readily reaches the receptors. Furthermore, if the cooling agent of the present invention is used, due to the high affinity of the emollient for the skin and/or mucosal surface, it is deposited on and remains in contact with the skin, and also within the skin/mucosa for a long time, thereby allowing the agent to diffuse through the skin over a long time, which results in a longer feel such as a long lasting freshness sensation.

Emollient-containing compositions may exist in a variety of forms including, but not limited to, emulsions, dispersions, suspensions, gels, and the like.

In order to deliver an effective concentration of agent to the skin over time through the article, the effective amount of emollient-containing composition comprising the agent applied to or moved to the wearer-facing surface or surfaces of the article will depend to a large extent on the emollient used.

The amount of the emollient-containing composition on at least a portion of the surface of the absorbent article facing the wearer is 0.5g/m²To 250g/m²More preferably 4g/m²To 80g/m²Still more preferably 8g/m²To 40g/m²。

As discussed further below, the emollient-containing compositions used to transfer the agents to the skin of the wearer preferably, though not necessarily, have a melting characteristic such that they are relatively immobile and localized to the wearer-facing surface of the article at room temperature, can be readily transferred to the wearer at body temperature, and do not completely become liquid under extreme storage conditions. Preferably, the composition is readily transferable to the skin by normal contact, wearer motion, and/or body heat. Because the composition is preferably immobilized on the wearer-facing surface of the article, a relatively low level of the composition is required in order to provide the desired benefit.

In one embodiment, the emollient containing composition used in the present invention is a water-in-oil emulsion, wherein the agent is in solution or suspension in the aqueous or oil phase. However, at 20 ℃, i.e. at room temperature, the emollient-containing composition may itself be solid or more often semi-solid. By "semi-solid" is meant that the composition has a rheology typical of a pseudoplastic or plastic fluid. When no shear is applied, the composition may have a semi-solid appearance, but as the shear rate increases, the composition may flow. This is due to the fact that: when the composition comprises predominantly a solid component, it also comprises a liquid component.

Preferred compositions are at least semi-solid at room temperature to minimize migration of the composition prior to application of the article. In addition, the composition preferably has a final melting point (100% liquid) that is higher than the potential "stress-producing" storage conditions that may exceed 45 ℃ (e.g., warehouse in arizona, automobile trunk in florida). In particular, preferred compositions will have the following melting ranges:

characteristics of	Preferred ranges	Most preferred range
			Percentage of liquid at room temperature (20 ℃ C.)	2-50	3-25
Liquid percentage body temperature (37 deg.C)	25-95	30-90
			Final melting Point (. degree. C.)	38	45

Solid or semi-solid at room temperature, it is preferred that the emollient-containing composition comprising the agent has no tendency to flow and to migrate to a large extent to undesired locations on the article to which it is applied. This means that less composition is required to provide the desired sensory feel and skin care benefits.

As used herein, the term "emollient" is a substance that prevents moisture or irritation, and that softens, soothes, supples, coats, lubricates, moisturizes, protects, and/or cleanses the skin. (it will be appreciated that the term "emollient" as used herein is a list of several monograph actives.) in a preferred embodiment, these emollients will have plastic or liquid consistency at room temperature, i.e., 20 ℃.

Representative emollients useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, petroleum-based emollients; sucrose ester fatty acids; polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof; a humectant; fatty acids, especially those having 8 to 28 carbon atoms in their fatty chain (e.g., mirytol); fatty acid esters; alkyl ethoxylates; fatty acid ester ethoxylates; fatty alcohols; polysiloxanes; propylene glycol and derivatives thereof; glycerol and its derivatives, including glycerides, acetoglycerides and C₈-C₂₈Ethoxylated glycerides of fatty acids; triethylene glycol and derivatives thereof; spermaceti and other waxes; fatty alcohol ethers, especially those having from 8 to 28 carbon atoms in their fatty chain, such as cetyl alcohol (cetiol); stearic acid; a propoxylated fatty alcohol; other aliphatic esters of polyhydric alcohols; lanolin and its derivatives; china clay and its derivatives; sorbitol and its derivatives; trihydroxystearin, or a mixture of these emollients.

Suitable petroleum-based emollients include a hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons having a chain length of 16 to 32 carbon atoms. Petroleum-based hydrocarbons having these chain lengths include mineral oil (also referred to as "liquid petrolatum") and petrolatum (also referred to as "ozokerite", "petroleum jelly", "mineral jelly"). Mineral oil generally refers to a less viscous mixture of hydrocarbons having 16 to 20 carbon atoms.

Suitable fatty acid ester emollients include those derived from C₈-C₂₈Fatty acids, preferably C₁₂-C₂₂Saturated fatty acids, and short chains (C)₁-C₈Preferably C₁-C₃) Those of monohydric alcohols. Representative examples of such esters include methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, isopropyl laurate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate, and mixtures thereof. Suitable fatty acid ester emollients may also be derived from longer chain fatty alcohols (C)₁₂-C₂₈Preferably C₁₂-C₁₆) And shorter chain fatty acids such as esters of lactic acid, e.g., lauryl lactate and cetyl lactate.

Suitable alkyl ethoxylate emollients include C having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 30₈-C₂₂An alcohol ethoxylate. Preferably, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate emollient is selected from the group consisting of lauryl, cetyl and stearyl ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 23, and mixtures thereof. Representative examples of this type of alkyl ethoxylate include laureth-3 (lauryl ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 3), laureth-23 (lauryl ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 23), cetyleth-10 (cetyl alcohol ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 10), and steareth-10 (stearyl alcohol ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 10).

Suitable fatty alcohol emollients include C₈-C₂₂Fatty alcohol, preferably C₁₂-C₁₈A fatty alcohol. Representative examples include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

Other suitable types of emollients for use herein include silicone compounds. In general, suitable polysiloxane materials for use in the present invention include those in which the monomeric siloxane units are of the formula:

wherein, for each independent siloxane monomer unit, R¹And R²Each independently hydrogen or any alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, halocarbon, or other group. Any of these types of groups may be substituted or unsubstituted. R of any particular monomer unit¹And R²The group may be different from the corresponding functionality of the next attached monomer unit. In addition, the polysiloxane may be linear, branched, or cyclic in structure. In addition, the radical R¹And R²May additionally independently be other silicon-containing functionalities such as, but not limited to, siloxanes, polysiloxanes, silanes, and polysilanes. Radical R¹And R²Any of a variety of organic functionalities may be included including, for example, alcohol, carboxylic acid, phenyl, and amine functionalities. Exemplary alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl, octadecyl, and the like. Exemplary alkenyl groups are vinyl, allyl, and the like. Exemplary aryl groups are phenyl, diphenyl, naphthyl, and the like. Exemplary alkaryl groups are tolyl, xylyl, ethylphenyl, and the like. Exemplary aralkyl groups are benzyl, alpha-phenylethyl, beta-phenylethyl, alpha-phenylbutyl and the like. Exemplary cycloalkyl groups are cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and the like. Exemplary halohydrocarbyl groups are chloromethyl, bromoethyl, tetrafluoroethyl, fluoroethyl, trifluoroethyl, trifluorotolyl, hexafluoroalkoxy (hexafluorooxylyl), and the like.

Suitable fatty ester emollients also include polyol polyesters, as described in Roe, U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,587, 1997, 3, 11, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary polyols include, but are not limited to, polyols such as pentaerythritol; sugars such as raffinose, maltodextrose, galactose, sucrose, glucose, xylose, fructose, maltose, lactose, mannose, and erythrose; and sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, malitol, mannitol and sorbitol. Polyols of this type are esterified with fatty acids and/or other organic groups having at least two carbon atoms and up to 30 carbon atoms. While it is not necessary that all of the hydroxyl groups of the polyol be esterified, the preferred polyol polyester emollients of the present invention have substantially all (e.g., at least about 85%) of the hydroxyl groups esterified. Particularly preferred are sucrose polyol polyesters such as sucrose polycotton, sucrose soyate and sucrose polybehenate. Mixtures of polyol polyesters of this type are also suitable emollients for the present invention.

Highly preferred emollients for use herein are acid/ester derivatives of the formula:

advantageously, in addition to their emollient properties, these ester derivatives, in particular those described below under formulae (II) and (III), are hydrolysed to give release of the free acid when acted upon by the hydrolases typically present in body fluids. The presence of these acids will lower the pH in the region of the topically applied ester. This will inactivate all or most of the enzymes present in this region, such as lipases, proteases, etc., and this is due to contact with the bodily fluids/exudates of this region. This effect is relatively permanent. In other words, the presence of such esters not only provides optimized sensory characteristics (including delivering faster and sustained/controlled sensations such as freshness sensation after prolonged wearing of the article if the agent is a cooling agent as described herein), but also reduces or even prevents the occurrence of skin irritation or rash, as well as reduces or even prevents the formation of malodors caused by the activity of microorganisms. Indeed, in the absorbent articles of the present invention, the use of these esters can provide the article with an additional benefit, namely a deodorizing effect on the skin/privacy zone.

Thus in one aspect of the invention, the invention is based on the discovery that the presence of ester derivatives, especially those described below in formulae (II) and (III), not only moisturizes/hydrates and softens the skin, thereby reducing roughness, cracking and skin irritation, which are typically associated with cooling agents such as menthol, especially when they are used alone; but also removes the malodour of the skin/mucosal surface due to their antimicrobial activity, i.e. their enzyme inhibitor activity (this latter benefit is particularly pronounced when body fluids/exudates are present). Without being bound by theory, it is speculated that the odor control benefit is due to two mechanisms: competitive inhibition with the natural substrate in terms of enzyme activity, and enzyme inhibition due to acidic pH caused by ester hydrolysis of the ester derivatives described herein.

Highly preferred emollients for use herein are derivatives of alcohols/esters/acids of the formula:

or

Wherein R is₁And each R₂Independently an acyl group having 2 to 22 carbon atoms, or an alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms or hydrogen, whereby R₁And R₂At least one of these is preferably an acyl group of this type; r₃、R₄、R₅、R₆、R₇、R₈And R₉Independently an alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, or hydrogen having 1 to 24 carbon atoms; r₁₀And R₁₁Independently an alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, or hydrogen having 2 to 24 carbon atoms; a and B are independently C₁-C₆Linear or branched alkylene, alkyl, alkenylene, alkyleneoxy, alkoxy, hydroxyalkylene, hydroxyalkyl; x is independently 0 to 15; y is independently 0 or 1, typically with the proviso that when x-2 and y-0, at least one R is₂Is alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl or hydrogen having 1 to 24 carbon atoms.

Particularly suitable alcohol derivatives for use in the present invention are those shown above in formula (I)Wherein x is independently 0 to 15, y is 0, R₁And R₂Independently hydrogen, alkyl or alkenyl having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, with the proviso that at least R₁Or R₂Is hydrogen, R₃、R₄、R₅And R₆Independently an alkyl or alkenyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or hydrogen. Highly preferred alcohol derivatives are propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol.

Preferred for their antimicrobial activity are ester compounds as defined above, wherein the compound is of formula (I) or (II) wherein x is 1 or 2 and y is 0; r₁And one R₂Is C₂-C₁₆Acyl radical, R₁₀And one or more R₁₁Is C₂-C₁₆An alkyl group; r₃、R₄、R₅、R₆、R₇And R₈Is hydrogen, R₉Independently H or hydroxy.

Even more preferably, the ester derivative is a mono-or di-ester of formula (II), most preferably a mono-or di-ester of citric acid or tartaric acid (or salts thereof), or a tri-ester of citric acid.

Another preferred ester derivative for use in the present invention is an ester compound of the formula:

wherein R is₁、R₂And R₃Independently an acyl, alkyl or alkenyl group or hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, and R₄、R₅、R₆、R₇And R₈Independently selected from C₁-C₁₀Straight or branched alkyl, acyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl or alkoxy, hydroxy, chloride, bromide, amine or hydrogen.

Highly preferred are the above compounds wherein R of said compound₄、R₅、R₇And R₈Is hydrogen, R₆Is hydrogen, hydroxy、C₁-C₄Straight or branched alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl or alkoxy, and is preferably wherein R is₁、R₂And R₃Independently is C₁-C₄Alkyl or hydrogen.

Preferred compounds of this type include triethyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate, triacetyl citrate, or acetyl triethyl citrate. Highly preferred is triethyl citrate. Triethyl citrate is commercially available from Aldrich.

Optional reagents

The absorbent article according to the invention may also comprise other conventional agents or mixtures thereof.

Optional odour control agents

Odour control agents or compositions thereof known in the art to be suitable for this purpose can be used in the present invention. These agents may typically be classified according to the type of odor that the agent is intended to control. Odors can be classified chemically as acidic, basic, or neutral.

Alternatively, odor control agents may be classified by the mechanism of action by which malodor detection may be reduced or prevented. For example, also useful herein are odor control agents that chemically react with malodorous compounds or with compounds that produce malodorous degradation products, thereby producing compounds that are odourless or have an acceptable odor for the consumer.

Suitable odour control agents for use in the present invention typically include carboxylic acids such as citric acid, lauric acid, boric acid, adipic acid and maleic acid, oxidising agents, antimicrobials, activated carbon, clays, zeolites, silicates, silica, diatomaceous earth and starch. Odour control agents and systems of this type are disclosed in more detail in EP- ｃA-348978, EP- ｃA-510619, WO 91/12029, WO 91/11977, WO 91/12030, WO 81/01643 and WO 96/06589, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Highly preferred odour control agents are zeolites together with silicates and/or silica.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sanitary absorbent article further comprises a zeolite together with silicate/silica as odour control agent, wherein the weight ratio of silicate/silica to zeolite is from 1: 5 to 5: 1, preferably from 3: 1 to 1: 3, most preferably about 1: 1. This composition has been found to be particularly effective in odour control of many malodorous compounds. Silicates/silica and zeolites have complementary odor control properties for a variety of malodorous compounds, thereby achieving an outstanding overall simplification of odor control.

Alternative odour control agents are ion exchange resins such as those described in us patent 4289513 and us patent 3340875.

Suitable odour control agents also include chelating agents and may be selected from amino carboxylates such as for example ethylenediamine tetraacetate (described in us patent 4356190), amino phosphonates such as ethylenediamine tetra (methylene phosphonate), polyfunctionally-substituted aromatic chelating agents (described in us patent 3812044) and mixtures thereof. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the beneficial effects of these materials are due in part to their specific ability to remove iron, copper, calcium, magnesium and manganese ions present in the absorption liquid and their degradation products by chelate formation.

Another suitable odour control agent for use in the present invention is an acidic pH buffer system, such as citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate and sorbic acid buffer systems.

Typically, the article of the present invention may have 0gm over at least a portion thereof^-2To 600gm^-2Preferably 5gm^-2To 500gm^-2More preferably 10gm^-2To 350gm^-2And most preferably 20gm^-2The content of up to 200gm-2 comprises odour control agents or mixtures thereof.

Additional optional agents for use in the present invention also include perfumes. In another aspect of the invention, the article of the invention is typically free of perfume. Indeed, some wearers of sanitary feminine protection articles may associate their presence with the presence of a perceived scent, which may not be desirable to add a perfume as the scent is negative in private feminine care and may cause potential skin irritation.

Incorporating agents into articles

Excipient

Agents for use in the preparations of the invention, such as cooling agents, may be water-soluble or fat-soluble and may be incorporated into the pure preparation in the following manner: for example, in a dermatologically acceptable carrier vehicle that does not interfere with the physiological properties of the agent, in dry powder or particulate form or as a liquid, or in the form of a solution, suspension, dispersion, emulsion, wax, or the like. The agent can also be incorporated into another construction, which is then incorporated into the article during manufacture or assembly. For example, the reagents are coated onto or otherwise attached or bound to the microphase particle construct or other solid support such as glass, plastic or agarose beads, or the like, or contained within pressure rupturable or dissolvable microcapsules, or the like, or contained within an absorbent material. The use of other types of incorporatable ingredients comprising reagents and their methods of incorporation will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Carrier vehicles for agents such as cooling agents include compositions in the form of lotions, creams, oils, ointments, powders, foams or gels, and the like, and may contain any ingredient conventionally used in the art suitable for such compositions. The ingredients of the composition depend on the nature of the composition; thus, for example, lotions typically comprise different ingredients in addition to powders. It is preferred that the agent-containing composition that tends to migrate to the skin has a pH of not less than 4 and not greater than 7.5.

Incorporation of

The agents used in the articles of the present invention are incorporated into the articles in a configuration that does not itself interfere with the normal function of the various structures of the article (e.g., in the case of sanitary absorbent articles, the absorbency of the core, the liquid permeability of the topsheet, etc.). The agent may be incorporated into any portion or portion of an article including, but not limited to, a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core, any second layer between the core and the liner, leg cuffs, side bolsters, waist layers, wings, fasteners, insertable elements such as absorbent materials for insertion into the absorbent article during wear of the article, specialized constructions such as those for containing bowel movement (e.g., bowel movement "pouches"), and the like. The agent may be incorporated into the article neat, or alternatively, the agent may be contained in a delivery system as described above, wherein the delivery system is incorporated at any location in the foregoing portion of the article, and the delivery system delivers the agent directly or indirectly to the skin of the wearer during normal wear of the article.

Many different agents or mixtures of agents, as described above, whether or not they are incorporated into a delivery system, may be distributed uniformly or non-uniformly throughout the article, and/or to the surface of one or more layers of the article.

Preferably, the agent is incorporated directly into the surface (typically the wearer-facing surface) or structure of the following article during manufacture or assembly by various methods that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art: any type of topsheet, including woven, nonwoven and apertured structured topsheets, backsheets and/or absorbent core materials, or other components of the article. For example, after the agent is optionally dispersed in a liquid or semi-solid carrier vehicle, the agent can be applied to the core surface of the topsheet, absorbent core, or backsheet by spraying, dipping, printing, soaking, or otherwise contacting the selected structural component with the agent and its optional carrier vehicle. Among the many other methods that can be used, grafting or free radical polymerization, or steam treatment of structural components are intended to bind the agent through hydrogen bonding that can be easily reversed when the surface is wetted by bodily waste to release the agent. Preferably, the agent according to the present invention, such as a cooling agent, is incorporated onto at least a portion of the surface of the article facing the wearer in a uniform or non-uniform manner, i.e. in a pattern comprising dots, lines, etc., which may be in any configuration. Preferably, the agent is applied at least to the so-called central region of the wearer-facing surface of the topsheet of the feminine protection absorbent article, i.e. the bodily fluid discharge region. The agent may typically be applied to the entire surface of the article facing the wearer.

Preferably, an agent according to the present invention, such as a cooling agent, is incorporated onto at least a portion of the surface of the article facing the wearer, and may be obtained to automatically migrate to the skin and/or mucosal surface of the wearer during normal contact, wearer motion, and/or body heat during wearing of the article. Alternatively, the article further comprises a delivery system containing the agent, and the delivery system automatically delivers at least a portion of the agent to the skin and/or mucosal surface of the wearer during wear of the article. In a more preferred embodiment, as described above, the delivery system is an emollient-containing composition comprising an agent and various emollients, wherein the composition is delivered directly onto the skin of the wearer from the wearer-facing surface, thereby providing an immediate and sustained sensation, such as freshness, while maintaining or even improving skin health, if the agent is a cooling agent as described herein.

Article of manufacture

Absorbent articles (e.g., sanitary napkins, panty liners, etc.) according to the present invention are typically provided in a color that conveys a sanitary condition. This typically results in a white or predominantly white article. This does closely match the predominant underwear color in the past, namely white underwear, where these articles are wearing articles. With recent fashion trends, people tend to wear underwear in colors matching the colors of the clothing, including black, purple, red, yellow, green, and the like. Virtually any color is suitable for body-contacting articles of wear, including dominant colors of any hue and combinations thereof. Advantageously, by providing the article, in particular a hygiene article, in a color matching the color of the undergarment, enhanced discrimination in use can be obtained. The article may be colored only on the wearer-facing surface and/or the garment-facing surface, or the article may be colored completely. The color may be uniform or non-uniform, and multicolored images may also be used, depending on the intended use of the article. It is to be understood herein that a colored article can be from opaque to transparent, i.e., include all degrees of transparency.

It has furthermore been found that the choice of colour of the hygiene article, preferably a feminine protection absorbent article, can also contribute to the perception of the wearer of the article, such as freshness, and thus participate in improving comfort and/or cleanliness. Particularly preferred colors are green and/or blue (including any hues thereof), both of which are believed to enhance freshness sensation. The selection of the color can also be triggered by the desired mood/mood during the wearing experience, the influence of the color on the mood being known from chromotherapy and can be selected as appropriate. For example, the color may be selected to dissipate the depression during menstruation. Particularly preferred colors, green and/or blue (including any hues thereof), are also believed to convey a sense of relaxation.

The article typically comprises a substrate made of a nonwoven material, a woven material, or a polymeric film or gel. Films and nonwoven or woven materials of this type can be made, for example, from polymers such as polyethylene or polypropylene compositions. This type of polymer is typically provided with a pigmented material such as titanium dioxide to provide opacity of a white color. A colored film or a material of a color other than white can be provided by simply using other coloring materials (e.g., dyes, pigments, etc.), i.e., coloring materials like black, deep blue, green, yellow, gray, etc.

It is to be understood herein that any conventional method known to those skilled in the art to provide colored substrates is suitable for use in the present invention. The colored substrate can typically be provided by various methods known to those skilled in the art, including coloring the material, dyeing the material, and color printing the material.

The article according to the invention is preferably breathable and typically hasHigher than 100 (G)/(m)²24 hours), preferably higher than 200 (g)/(m)²24 hours), more preferably higher than 300 (g)/(m)²24 hours), most preferably higher than 400 (g)/(m)²24 hours) (measured according to the water vapor permeability test method described below).

Particularly preferred are those disposable hygienic absorbent articles described below:

they typically comprise a topsheet which in use faces directly towards the wearer, a backsheet which in use faces directly towards the garment, and an absorbent core sandwiched between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Absorbent core

According to the present invention, the absorbent core may comprise the following components: (a) an optional primary fluid distribution layer along with a secondary optional fluid distribution layer; (b) a fluid storage layer; (c) an optional fiber ("scavenging") layer below the storage layer; and (d) other optional moieties. The absorbent core according to the present invention may have any thickness depending on the final intended application.

a. Primary/secondary fluid distribution layer

An optional part of the absorbent product according to the invention is a primary fluid distribution layer and a secondary fluid distribution layer. The primary distribution layer is typically positioned beneath the topsheet and is in fluid communication therewith. To achieve the final distribution of the fluid storage layer, the topsheet transfers the acquired fluid into this primary distribution layer. This transfer of fluid through the primary distribution layer occurs not only in the thickness, but also along the length and width of the absorbent product. An optional but preferred secondary distribution layer is typically located below the primary distribution layer and is in fluid communication therewith. The purpose of this secondary distribution layer is to quickly take fluid from the primary distribution layer and quickly transfer the fluid to the underlying storage layer. This helps to take full advantage of the fluid receiving force of the underlying storage layer. The fluid distribution layer may be composed of any material typically suitable for such a distribution layer. In particular, the fibrous layer maintains capillary action between the fibers even when moisture is used as the distribution layer.

b Fluid storage layer

The fluid storage layer is in fluid communication with and typically underlies the primary or secondary distribution layer. The fluid storage layer typically comprises any conventional absorbent gelling material. It preferably comprises a material of this type in combination with a suitable carrier.

Suitable carriers include materials which are commonly used in absorbent structures such as natural, modified or synthetic fibers, especially modified or unmodified cellulosic fibers, in the form of fluff and/or tissues. Most preferred is a tissue or tissue laminate between the sanitary napkin and the panty liner.

Embodiments of the absorbent structure according to the present invention may comprise multiple layers or comprise a double layer of tissue paper laminate, typically formed by folding tissue paper over each other. The layers are connected to one another, for example by means of adhesives or by mechanical interlocking or by hydrogen bridge bonding. Absorbent gelling materials and/or other optional materials may be included between the layers.

Modified cellulose fibers such as stiffened cellulose fibers may also be used. Synthetic fibers may also be used and include those made from cellulose acetate, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene 1, 1-dichloroethylene, acrylics (such as orlon), polyvinyl acetate, non-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides (such as nylon), polyesters, bicomponent fibers, tricomponent fibers, mixtures thereof, and the like. Preferably, the fiber surface is hydrophilic, or treated to be hydrophilic. The storage layer may also include filler materials such as perlite, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, etc. to improve liquid retention.

If the absorbent gelling material is non-uniformly dispersed in the carrier, the storage layer can also be locally uniform, i.e. have a gradient of dispersion in one or several directions within the volume of the storage layer. Non-uniform dispersion can also involve a laminate that partially or completely encapsulates the carrier of the absorbent gelling material.

c Optional fibrous ("sweep") layer

An optional part comprised in the absorbent core according to the invention is a fibrous layer which is located immediately below and next to the storage layer. This underlying fibrous layer is typically considered a "scavenging" layer because it deposits the absorbent gelling material in the storage layer onto the substrate during manufacture of the absorbent core. Indeed, where the absorbent gelling material is in the form of a macrostructure such as a fiber, sheet or tape, it may not be necessary to include such a fiber "sweep" layer. However, such "sweep" layers provide some additional fluid handling properties, such as rapid wicking of fluid along the length of the pad.

d Other optional parts of the absorbent structure

The absorbent core according to the present invention may comprise other optional components normally present in absorbent webs. For example, a reinforcing scrim may be placed within or between layers of the absorbent core. Such a reinforcing scrim should be of such a construction that no interfacial barriers to fluid movement are formed. In view of the structural integrity that typically occurs as a result of thermal bonding, a reinforcing scrim is typically not required for a thermally bonded absorbent structure.

Topsheet

According to the present invention, the absorbent article includes a topsheet as an essential component. The topsheet may comprise a single layer or multiple layers. In a preferred embodiment, the topsheet comprises a first layer providing a topsheet surface facing the user; and a second layer (also referred to as a secondary topsheet) between the first layer and the absorbent structure/core.

The topsheet as a whole and thus each layer alone needs to be compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. It also has elasticity that allows it to stretch in one or both directions. According to the present invention, the topsheet can be formed of any material available that is suitable for the purpose and known in the art, such as woven and nonwoven fabrics and films. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one layer, preferably the upper layer, of the topsheet comprises an apertured liquid pervious polymeric film. Preferably, the upper layer is provided by a film material having apertures to facilitate the movement of liquid from the wearer facing surface to the absorbent structure. The lower layer, if present, preferably comprises a nonwoven layer, an apertured formed film or an air laid tissue.

The apertured topsheet comprises a plurality of apertures having an aperture diameter of from 0.0001mm to 5 mm. All holes may be of the same size or there may be holes of different sizes. The open area of the apertured topsheet is typically from 1% to 50%, preferably from 5% to 45%, more preferably from 10% to 40%, most preferably from 20% to 35%.

Apertured topsheets are typically apertured polymeric films. Suitable open cell polymeric film topsheets for use in the present invention include polymeric open cell formed films, open cell formed thermoplastic films, open cell plastic films and hydroformed thermoplastic films, porous foams, reticulated thermoplastic films, and thermoplastic scrims.

Apertured formed films are particularly useful in the present invention as apertured topsheets because body exudates and non-absorbents are able to penetrate them and they have a reduced tendency to allow liquid to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and imparting a more comfortable feel to the wearer. Suitable shaped films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135(Thompson) published at 12/30 of 1975, U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,246(Mullane et al) published at 4/13 of 1982, U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314(Radel et al) published at 8/3 of 1982, U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045(Ahr et al) published at 7/31 of 1984, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,394(Baird) published at 4/9 of 1991. Particularly preferred microporous formed film topsheets are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,518(Curro et al), published on 9/2 1986, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,643(Curro et al), published on 12/16 1986.

The body surface of the polymer film topsheet may be hydrophilic so as to facilitate the transfer of liquid through the topsheet faster than a body surface that is not hydrophilic. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric material of the formed Film topsheet as described in PCT patent No. WO 93/09741, "AbsorbentArticle HavingANonwoven and qualified Film cover", filed 19.11.1991, by Aziz et al. Alternatively, the body surface of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treatment with a surfactant, which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,254 cited above.

Other suitable apertured topsheets for use in the present invention are made of a woven or nonwoven material or a knitted material. Such materials include natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.

A particularly suitable apertured topsheet for use in the present invention is a nonwoven topsheet. Suitable nonwoven materials/layers include fibrous nonwoven materials/layers formed by a carding process or a spunbond process or a meltblown process whereby molten polymeric material is extruded out of a die and attenuated to elongate the extruded polymer into fibers and reduce its diameter, which are then deposited onto a forming surface. Methods of forming such nonwoven materials/layers are known to those skilled in the art. Polymeric materials suitable for forming such fibrous nonwoven materials/layers include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters, nylons, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methacrylate, copolymers of the foregoing, block copolymers such as A-B-A block copolymers of styrene and butadiene, and the like.

In addition to the conventional nonwoven materials described above, the apertured topsheet for use in the present invention may be made from any of the conventional nonwoven materials typically provided by any of the processes mentioned above, such as the meltblown process, wherein after the nonwoven material is formed itself, additional apertures may be formed for this purpose by any conventional method known to those skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the apertured topsheet comprises an apertured polymeric film, preferably an apertured formed film, together with an outer nonwoven layer, the surface of which directly faces the wearer. The nonwoven layer is typically deposited onto the apertured polymeric film in a discontinuous manner such that the areas where liquid discharge into the absorbent article is desired are free of the nonwoven layer. Indeed, when the area does not comprise the centre of the surface provided with a high thickness nonwoven layer or other nonwoven layer, which nonwoven layer is indeed particularly skin friendly, it is particularly preferred that the topsheet is a so-called hybrid topsheet, wherein the wearer contacting surface is provided in the longitudinal centre of the surface by an apertured polymeric film. Such topsheets have been disclosed in EPA-523683, EP-A-523719, EP-A-612233 or EP-A-766953.

Negative film

The backsheet primarily prevents the products, which contact absorbent products such as underpants, pants, pajamas and undergarments, from being wetted by the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent structure. The backsheet is preferably impervious to liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. The term "flexible" as used herein refers to materials that are compliant and readily conform to the general shape and contours of the body. The backsheet also has elastic properties that allow it to stretch in one or both directions. In a preferred embodiment, the backsheet comprises a first layer providing a garment facing backsheet surface; and a second layer (also referred to as a secondary backsheet) between the first layer and the absorbent structure/core.

The backsheet typically extends across the entire absorbent structure and can extend into and constitute a portion or all of the preferred side flaps, side wrapping elements or wings.

In addition to being able to prevent liquid from penetrating the backsheet, the backsheet is preferably breathable. The backsheet thus also permits the movement of water vapor and preferably allows water vapor and air to pass through it and thus reduces the moist and occlusive environment on the skin in contact with the article. According to the present invention, the present invention is preferably breathable, as it helps to further improve the freshness and dryness sensation associated with the cooling agent used. To further improve the freshness of the inventive articles comprising a cooling agent, even more preferred disposable absorbent articles of the present invention have both a breathable backsheet and an apertured polymeric film topsheet.

Suitable breathable backsheets for use in the present invention include all breathable backsheets known in the art. There are generally two types of breathable backsheets: a single-layer breathable backsheet that is breathable and liquid impervious; and a backsheet having at least two layers which combine to provide breathability and liquid impermeability.

Suitable single layer breathable backsheets for use in the present invention include those described in, for example, GB a 2184389, GBA 2184390, GB a 2184391, US 4591523, US 3989867, US 3156242 and WO 97/24097.

Suitable bi-or multi-layer breathable backsheets for use in the present invention include those exemplified in US 3881489, US 4341216, US 4713068, US 4818600, EP 203821, EP 710471, EP 710472, WO 97/24095, WO 97/24096, WO 97/24097 and EP 793952.

Particularly preferred are backsheets which meet the requirements as described in EP 813849, and more preferred wherein the absorbent article also meets the requirements as described therein.

The breathable backsheet may comprise at least one, preferably at least two, water vapour permeable layers. Suitable water vapor permeable layers include two-dimensional planar, micro-planar and macroporous films, monolithic films, macroscopically expanded films, and shaped apertured films. According to the invention, the pores in the layer may be of any configuration, but are preferably spherical or elliptical. The pore size may also vary. In a preferred embodiment, the pores are preferably uniformly distributed over the entire surface of the layer, however, layers having only certain regions of the porous surface are also contemplated.

The 2-dimensional planar film used in the present invention has pores with an average diameter of 1 to 200 micrometers. Typically, two-dimensional micro-planar porous membranes suitable for use in the present invention have pores with an average diameter of from 150 microns to 1 micron, preferably from 120 microns to 10 microns, most preferably from 90 microns to 15 microns. Typical 2-dimensional planar macroporous films have pores with an average diameter of 200 microns to 90 microns. Macrodrawn and formed apertured films suitable for use in the present invention typically have pores with diameters of 100 microns to 500 microns. In embodiments according to the present invention wherein the backsheet comprises a macroscopically expanded or formed apertured film, the backsheet typically has an open area of greater than 5%, preferably from 10% to 35%, of the total backsheet surface area.

Suitable two-dimensional planar layers of the backsheet may be made of any material known in the art, but are preferably made of commonly available polymeric materials. Suitable materials for their use in so-called breathable garments are those known in the art, for example of the GORE-TEX (TM) or Sympatex (TM) type. Other suitable materials include XMP-1001 by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St.Paul, Minnesota, USA. The term two-dimensional planar layer as used herein refers to a layer having a depth of less than 1mm, preferably less than 0.5mm, wherein the apertures have an average same diameter along their length and do not protrude out of the plane of the layer. In the present invention, the apertured material for use as a backsheet may be produced using any method known in the art, such as that described in EP 293482 and the references therein. In addition, the size of the apertures produced by this method can be increased by applying a force to the plane of the backsheet layer (i.e., the tensile layer).

Suitable apertured formed films include films having discrete apertures extending beyond the level of the garment facing surface towards the core, thereby forming protuberances. The protuberances have apertures at their terminal ends. The protuberances are preferably funnel-shaped, similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135. The holes lying in the plane and the apertures at the terminal ends of the protuberances, which may themselves be circular or non-circular, have a cross-sectional dimension or area that is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension or area of the holes in the layer surface facing the garment. The apertured preformed films are preferably unidirectional such that they have at least substantially, if not completely, one direction of liquid movement towards the core. Suitable macroextended films for use in the present invention include those described in, for example, U.S. patent 637819 and U.S. patent 4591523.

Suitable macroscopically expanded films for use in the present invention include films described in, for example, U.S. patent 4637819 and U.S. patent 4591523.

Suitable monolithic films include Hytrel available from DuPont Corporation, USA^TMAnd other materials of this type described in Index 93 consistency, Session 7A "Adding value to nowoven", J-c.cardinal and y.trouilet, DuPont de Nemours International s.a., Switzerland.

In addition to the water vapor-permeable layer, the backsheet may include an additional backsheet layer. The further layer may be located on either side of the water vapour permeable layer of the liner layer. The further layer may be any material, such as a fibrous layer or a further water vapour permeable layer as described above.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, for use in absorbent articles are two or more layers of breathable backsheet composites. Suitable breathable backsheets for use in the present invention comprise at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is positioned between the surface of the absorbent core facing the garment and the surface of the second layer facing the wearer. It is oriented such that it retards or prevents passage of liquid from the absorbent core to the outside while allowing free air flow and water vapor through it. The second layer provides water vapor and air permeability to maintain breathability of the article. In order to further improve the comfort benefit from the permeability of the article, air permeability is desired in addition to water vapor permeability.

A first layer of this type is preferably in direct contact with the absorbent core. As a porous material, it provides air and water vapor permeability. The layer is preferably made according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,510 or PCT WO 97/03818, WO 97/03795. In particular, the layer comprises a polymer film having capillaries. The capillaries extend away from the wearer-facing surface of the film at an angle of less than 90 degrees. The capillaries are preferably uniformly distributed over the entire surface of the layer and are identical. However, a layer having only certain areas of the apertured surface, for example only areas outside the area in line with the central loading area of the absorbent core, may possess capillaries of this type.

The methods of making such capillary bore-bearing three-dimensional polymeric films are the same as or similar to those found in the apertured film topsheet references, apertured formed film references, and micro/macro-stretch film references cited above. Typically, a polymeric film such as polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE or laminates thereof) or preferably a monolithic polymeric film is heated to near its melting point and exposed to a suction force through a forming screen which pulls those areas exposed to the force into shaped apertures of a certain shape so that the film takes that shape and when the suction force is high enough, the film ruptures at its ends to form apertures through the film.

Especially the use of a monolithic polymer film as the first layer material provides water vapour permeability even under pressure. The monolithic polymer membrane maintains water vapor permeability in this situation while the pores provide air permeability in a "leak safe" situation in addition to the capillary action period that is close to the pressure situation. Preferred breathable monolithic membrane materials for use in the present invention are those having high vapor exchange. Suitable monolithic films include Hytrel (TM), available from DuPont Corporation, USA, and other materials of this type described in Index 93 Congress, Session 7A "Adding value to nowovens", J-C.Cardinal and Y.Troulilhet, DuPont de Nemours essential S.A, Switzerland.

Capillaries of various morphologies, shapes, sizes and configurations are disclosed in EP-A-934735 and EP-A-934736, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the holes form capillaries with side walls. The capillaries extend away from the wearer-facing surface of the film for a length which, while this distance can be up to several times the maximum pore diameter, should typically be at least in order of magnitude of the maximum pore diameter. The capillary tube having a first opening in the plane of the garment facing surface of the film; and a second opening that is formed when suction (e.g., vacuum) creates a hole in the process. Naturally, the edge of the second opening may be rough or uneven, including loose portions extending from the edge of the opening. However, it is preferred that the openings are as smooth as possible so as not to cause liquid transfer difficulties between extensions at the ends of the capillary second openings of the absorbent core of the absorbent article (which may be desirable for apertured film topsheets, in contrast, when such loose portions provide the function of a straw). The capillaries in the first layer of the breathable backsheet allow air and water vapor permeability and the capillaries are inclined at an angle or shape without impeding permeability. At the same time, the inclination and shape will cause the capillaries to close when subjected to pressure from the wearer-facing side, so that liquid transport through the capillaries to the outside of the article becomes almost impossible. These three-dimensionally shaped film layers are therefore highly preferred in breathable absorbent articles, and especially those with additional second outer layers as explained below.

The second outer layer of the breathable backsheet according to the present invention is a backsheet having a basis weight of less than 40g/m²Preferably less than 28g/m²The fibrous nonwoven fabric of (4). More preferably, the second outer layer is a fibrous nonwoven web formed from a layered composite material comprising a fiber having a basis weight of less than 13g/m²A melt-nonwoven layer made of synthetic fibers and a spunbond nonwoven layer also made of synthetic fibers.

In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the backsheet comprises at least a first layer of a resilient, three-dimensional fabric composed of a liquid-impermeable polymeric film having pores forming capillaries, and the capillaries are not perpendicular to the plane of the film but are aligned at an angle of less than 90 ° relative to the plane of the film; and at least a second air permeable layer of porous fabric, the porous fabric being a fibrous nonwoven composite fabric comprising a composite nonwoven web having a basis weight of less than 13g/m²A melt-nonwoven layer made of synthetic fibers and a spunbond nonwoven layer made of synthetic fibers.

The outstanding benefits of the present invention are also contributed by a backsheet for use as a breathable backsheet in an absorbent article according to the present invention, such backsheet comprising at least one breathable layer of a resilient, three-dimensional web consisting of a liquid-impermeable polymeric film having pores forming capillaries, the capillaries being non-perpendicular to the plane of the film but aligned at an angle of less than 90 ° relative to the plane of the film; and at least one further air-permeable layer of a porous fabric consisting of a basis weight of less than 40g/m²(particularly about 28 g/m)²) Of a fibrous nonwoven fabric. Indeed, these backsheets function well in comfort, preventing soiling of the user's panties, dryness, etc., while providing additional comfort due to the reduced basis weight of the nonwoven layer. This reduction in basis weight also improves the material consuming structure of the overall article.

According to the present invention, the absorbent article finds utility as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, adult incontinence product, care pad and baby diaper. The present invention finds particular sensitivity as a sanitary napkin and panty liner. The invention is particularly susceptible to new product designs which are an alternative to the shape of sanitary napkins or panty liners, i.e. sanitary napkins or panty liners in the form of a band, so called band liners. The thong pad design provides a sanitary napkin or panty liner with a shape that can be worn in thong underwear, G-thong underwear, or panty, whereby the thong is substantially triangular or trapezoidal.

Thus, in addition to the parts described above, the absorbent article may also include all those features and parts suitable for the product that are typical in their intended use, such as wings and side flaps, undergarment adhesive methods, release paper, packaging parts, fastening methods, and the like. Optionally, the absorbent articles of the present invention may include all of those components typically suitable for the intended product use. For example, to improve their positioning and stain protection properties, particularly near the rear end of the article, the absorbent articles may include components such as wings. Such designs are disclosed in, for example, EP 130848 or EP 134086, winged tape liners are disclosed in us design 394, 503, british design 2,076,491 and 2,087,071 and international filed industrial model DM 045544, filed under the haule agency protocol (Hague agency), registered on 21/10/1998.

Whether or not the wings are specifically designed for a belt-like pad or a conventional absorbent article, they may be provided as separate parts and attached to the belt-like pad or a conventional panty liner or sanitary napkin, or they may be integral extensions with the absorbent article substance, e.g. the topsheet, the backsheet or a combination thereof. If the wings are subsequently attached, they may be attached in a position directed substantially outwards, or already pre-biased towards the position where they are applied, i.e. towards the longitudinal centre line.

Most preferably, the absorbent article will include a fastening adhesive suitable for attachment. For sanitary napkins, panty liners or tape pads, a so-called panty fastening adhesive is preferably present on the backsheet for attachment to the undergarment. However, for sweat protection pads such as underarm sweat protection pads, it is also possible to consider or attach to an adjacent garment or directly to the skin of the wearer. Of course, such direct skin attachment, which is typically provided by a hydrogel or oleogel based body adhesive, may also be used for sanitary napkins or body liners (as compared to panty liners).

Water vapor permeability test

The rationale for the test is to quantify the degree of water vapor transport of the backsheet structure and/or article. The test method applied is based on standard textile industry applied test methods and methods commonly referred to as "cup test methods". The test was performed in a laboratory maintained at a stable temperature/humidity of 24 hours at a temperature of 23 ℃ at 50% RH.

The device comprises the following steps:

1) sampling measuring cup, opening area is 0.00%059m²。

2) A syringe with which distilled water is injected into the entire sampling cup.

3) Wax, once the sample is prepared, is used to seal the measuring cup.

4) A round punch is convenient for preparing round samples with the diameter equal to 30 mm.

5) Laboratory, stable climatic conditions (23 ℃. + -. 0.5 ℃/50% RH. + -. 1% RH)

6) Experimental balance, accurate to 4 decimal places.

Sample preparation/measurement:

the test is performed on the article or backsheet construction. A representative article or backsheet is selected and the sample is cut with a punch to size. The cut sample is large enough to sufficiently overlap the sample holder and ensure that material that may be damaged or undesirably stretched by the cutting operation is located outside the measurement center when the test is performed. The sample is arranged onto the sampling cup so as to completely overlap the cup. The orientation of the sample should ensure that the surface exposed to the laboratory environment is the same as the one that would be found when wearing the sample.

The closed loop of the sampling cup is then placed on the sample and pushed down. This ensures that the excess material is firmly confined in place and does not interfere with the measurement. The wax is then applied to the entire surface of the closed loop to ensure that the entire upper portion of the device is close to the environment. Distilled water (5. + -. 0.25ml) was injected into the sealed sample beaker by syringe through a tiny orifice. Finally, the hole was sealed with silicone grease.

The entire measuring cup (containing the sample and water) was weighed and the weight was recorded to 4 decimal places. The measuring cup is then placed in the circulating air flow generated by the fan. The air flow at the upper part of the measuring cup was sampled at 3. + -. 0.3 m/s and confirmed by an air velocity gauge ("Anemo", supplied by Deuta SpA. of Italy). The sampling cup was kept in the ventilated test area for 24 hours and then weighed again. During this time, if the test sample is sufficiently gas permeable, the liquid in the sample holder can diffuse out of the sample holder and into the experimental environment. This resulted in a reduction in the weight of water in the sample holder, which weight could be determined after 24 hours by weighing the entire sample cup again. The water vapor permeability value was determined as the weight loss divided by the open area of the sample holder and provided by day.

Namely, the water vapor permeability is the weight loss (g)/(0.00059 m)²/24 hours)

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples

Examples

Example 1:

by modifying commercially available panty liners, i.e. Procter&"Alldabs" manufactured by Gamble, Germany "^To prepare a panty liner.

The topsheet was a film/nonwoven composite { film supplier code 45105 BPchemical plastics Germany, nonwoven supplier code T-27 AXC Corolind HDPELINOTEC }.

Mixing 30g/m²A composition comprising an emollient comprising 23% by weight menthyl lactate (tradename Frescolat MI) was sprayed uniformly over the entire topsheet surface facing the wearer^From H&R (germany)) and 77% by weight triethyl citrate (obtained from Aldrich).

The core is an air flow material comprising an absorbent gelling compound, wherein the gelling compound has a basis weight of 100g/m²And may be derived from Concert as code GH 100.91209.

The backsheet comprises two layers, a first layer and a second layer. The first layer (also referred to as the secondary backsheet) is in contact with the absorbent tissue and the second layer. The second layer is in contact with the first layer and the wearer's undergarment. The first layer is a formed apertured film (HEX) { consisting of TrThe edge Film Products B.V.Holland is provided with the production code X-25368 }. The second layer consisted of a microporous layer { provided by EXXON Company IL with the production code EXXAIRE BF112W }. By passing at about 8g/m²The basis weight of (a) is applied to attach each backsheet layer on all surfaces using a large number of overlapping spiral adhesives. The adhesive used to attach the two backsheet layers was supplied by SAVARE' SpA, italy (under material code PM 17).

Example 2:

this is an example of a panty liner according to the invention. Panty liner based on a modified panty liner from Procter&"Allday" of Gamble Germany "^Panty liners.

The topsheet was a film/nonwoven composite { film supplier code 45105 BPchemical plastics Germany, nonwoven supplier code T-27 AXC Corolind HDPELINOTEC }.

Mixing 30g/m²A composition comprising an emollient comprising 23% by weight menthyl lactate (under the trade name Frescolat ML) is sprayed uniformly over the entire topsheet surface facing the wearer^From H&R (germany)) and 77% by weight triethyl citrate (obtained from Aldrich).

The core material was a tissue laminate (13.2 cm. times.4.0 cm) consisting of two plies having a basis weight of 55g/m²Is air flow tissue composition { available from Unikay Italy under supplier code Unikay 303 LF }. Between the two tissue layers the laminate comprises an absorbent gelling material, i.e. Agm Aqualic (available from Shokubai under the code Aqualic L-74) and an odour control material, i.e. Zeolite a (available from Degussa under the code Zeolite wessalitih CS).

The backsheet comprises two layers, a first layer and a second layer. The first layer (also referred to as the secondary backsheet) is in contact with the absorbent tissue and the second layer. The second layer is in contact with the first layer and the wearer's undergarment. The first layer is a formed apertured Film (HEX) { supplied by Tredegar Film Products b.v. holland as production code X-25368 }. The second layer is composed of a microporous layer { by EXXON CompanyIL is provided as production code EXXAIRE BF 112W. By passing at about 8g/m²The basis weight of (a) is applied to attach each backsheet layer on all surfaces using a large number of overlapping spiral adhesives. The adhesive used to attach the two backsheet layers was supplied by SAVARE' SpA, italy (under material code PM 17).

Example 3:

these are examples of sanitary napkins according to the present invention. The sanitary napkin is based on a modified product from Procter&"Always Ultra" by Gamble Germany "^A sanitary napkin.

The topsheet was a film/air flow composite and the first outer topsheet layer was made of an open-cell film (S-RIS CPM material, available from Tredegar Holland as code X-25602) and the second topsheet layer, located between the first outer topsheet layer and the core, was made of an air flow material, available from DUNI Sweden as code PTC X077.

Mixing 30g/m²The emollient-containing composition comprising 23% by weight menthyl lactate (under the trade name Frescolat ML) was sprayed uniformly over the entire topsheet surface facing the wearer, i.e. the outer surface of the apertured film^H from Germany&R) and 77% by weight triethyl citrate (available from Aldrich). Alternatively, the emollient-containing composition may be uniformly sprayed onto only the air-stream second topsheet layer facing the wearer, or onto both the air-stream second topsheet layer and the first apertured topsheet layer.

The core material was an air flow core comprising Agm available from Concert (Germany) under the trade name GH 1501006.

The backsheet is a multilayer breathable backsheet comprising a formed apertured film backsheet layer and a second microporous layer. The first layer was a PE Film having a crush resistant hexagonal cell configuration provided by Tredegar Film Products b.v. holland as production code X25368. The second layer of the backsheet has been replaced by a microporous layer (manufactured by tredegar hungary under the trade name XBF 610W).

Further embodiments

Other panty liners such as the panty liner of example 1 or 2, and other sanitary napkins such as the sanitary napkin of example 3 were prepared except that instead of applying the composition comprising emollient mentioned in examples 1 to 3, the following compositions were uniformly sprayed on the entire surface of the topsheet facing the wearer:

●30g/m²an emollient containing composition comprising 20% by weight menthoxypropanediol (tradename TK-10)^From Takasago) and 80% by weight triethyl citrate or triacetyl citrate (from Aldrich).

Or

●20g/m²Emollient containing composition comprising 20% by weight menthone glycerol ketal (under the trade name Frescolat MGA)^From H&R) and 80% by weight triethyl citrate or triacetyl citrate (obtained from Aldrich).

Or

●20g/m²Emollient containing composition comprising 20% by weight of ethyl menthane carboxamide (under the tradename WS-3)^Obtained from Rhodia Chirex) and 80% by weight of triethyl citrate or acetyl tributyl citrate (obtained from Aldrich).

Or

●30g/m²Emollient containing composition comprising 30% by weight of ethyl menthane carboxamide (under the trade name WS 3)^Obtained from Rhodia Chirex) and 70% by weight propylene glycol (obtained from Aldrich).

Or

●40g/m²Emollient-containing composition comprising 30% by weight menthyl lactate (under the trade name Frescolat)^ML from Haarman of Germany&Reimer) and 70% by weight propylene glycol (available from Aldrich).

Or

●30g/m²Emollient-containing composition comprising 25% by weight menthyl lactate (under the trade name Frescolat)^ML from Haarman&Reimer (germany)), 5% by weight of l-Menthol (available from Takasago under the trade name Menthol) and 70% by weight of propylene glycol (available from Aldrich).

Or

●30g/m²Emollient-containing composition comprising 25% by weight menthyl lactate (under the trade name Frescolat)^ML from Haarman&Reimer (germany)), 5% by weight of l-Menthol (available from Takasago under the trade name Menthol) and 70% by weight of triethyl citrate (available from Aldrich).

Or

●30g/m²Emollient-containing composition comprising 20% by weight menthyl lactate (under the trade name Frescolat)^ML from Haarman&Reimer (germany)), 10% by weight of l-Menthol (available under the trade name Menthol from Takasago) and 70% by weight of acetyl tributyl citrate (available from Aldrich).

Or

●30g/m²An emollient containing composition comprising 25% by weight menthoxypropanediol (under the designation TKl 0)^From Takasago), 5% by weight of l-menthol (from Takasago) and 70% by weight of propylene glycol (from Aldrich).

All sanitary napkins and panty liners exemplified above were found to increase the comfort of use for the wearer, including a quasi-immediate (only after 2 minutes of wear time) and a long lasting freshness sensation (over 3 to 4 hours) while maintaining or even improving skin health.

Claims (21)

1. Absorbent articles, preferably disposable hygienic absorbent articles, comprising agents capable of imparting a sensation to the wearer without causing a change in the external conditions perceptible to the wearer.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is a feminine disposable hygiene article, typically a panty liner, a sanitary napkin, an incontinence pad, an interlabial pad, or a breast pad.

3. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the agent is a cooling agent capable of stimulating thermoreceptors on the skin and/or mucosal surface of the wearer of the article to convey freshness to the wearer without altering the temperature of the skin and/or mucosal surface.

4. The article of claim 3 wherein the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of ketals, carboxamides, cyclohexyl derivatives, cyclohexanol derivatives, camphor, borneol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and mixtures thereof.

5. The article of any of the preceding claims 3 or 4, wherein the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of:

-ketals of the formula:

wherein R is¹Represents C having at least 1 but not more than 3 hydroxyl groups, preferably 1 hydroxyl group₂-C₆-an alkylene group; and R is²And R³Independently of one another represent C₁-C₁₀-alkyl, optionally substituted with 1 to 3 groups selected from hydroxyl, amino and halogen, C₅-C₇Cycloalkyl, preferably cyclohexyl, C₆-C₁₂-aryl, preferably phenyl, with the proviso that R²And R³Not less than 3 total carbon atoms, or R²And R³Together represent an alkylene radical bearing R²And R³The carbon atoms of the radicals together forming a 5-7 membered ring which alkylene is in turn substituted by C₁-C₆-alkyl substitution is possible, or mixtures thereof;

-or an amide having the formula:

wherein when each represents R', it is hydrogen or an aliphatic group containing up to 25 carbon atoms; when each represents R ' it is a hydroxyl group or an aliphatic group containing up to 25 carbon atoms, with the proviso that when R ' is hydrogen, R ' can also be an aryl group of up to 10 carbon atoms and selected from substituted phenyl, phenylalkyl or substituted phenylalkyl, naphthyl and substituted naphthyl, pyridyl; and when R 'and R' are represented together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, they represent a cyclic or heterocyclic group of up to 25 carbon atoms;

or (b)

Wherein when R 'and R' are represented respectively, they are hydrogen, C₁-C₅Alkyl or C₁-C₈Hydroxyalkyl, and providing a total of no more than 8 carbon atoms, with the proviso that when R 'is hydrogen, R' can also be alkylcarboxyalkyl of up to 6 carbon atoms; when R 'and R' are represented together, they represent an alkylene group of up to 6 carbon atoms, the opposite end of the group attached to the amide nitrogen atom thus forming a nitrogen heterocycle, into which oxygen may optionally be inserted; r₁Is hydrogen or C₁-C₅An alkyl group; and R is₂And R₃Each is C₁-C₅An alkyl group; with the proviso that (i) R₁、R₂And R₃Together provide a total of at least 5 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms; and (ii) when R is₁When is hydrogen, R₂Is C₂-C₅Alkyl radical, R₃Is C₃-C₅Alkyl, and R₂And R₃At least one of which is a branched alkyl group, and which is referred to the designation (A) in the formula^*) Preferably in the alpha or beta position, or mixtures thereof;

or a cyclohexanol derivative represented by the following formula:

wherein R represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms,

or (2)

Wherein R is¹And R²Independently hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof;

-or a cyclohexyl derivative of the formula:

wherein R represents-H, C₁-C₅Straight or branched alkyl, C₁-C₅Alkenyl radical, C₁-C₅Alkoxy or C₁-C₅Acyloxy radical, R₁represents-H or a linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof;

-or mixtures thereof.

6. The article according to any of the preceding claims 3 to 5, wherein the cooling agent is a cyclohexyl derivative, and more preferably menthyl lactate.

7. An article according to claim 3 comprising menthol as first cooling agent, preferably selected from the group consisting of ketals, carboxamides, cyclohexyl derivatives other than menthol, cyclohexanol derivatives, and mixtures thereof, in combination with a second cooling agent, preferably those according to claim 5.

8. An article according to any preceding claim 3 to 7, comprising 0.01gm over at least a portion thereof^-2To 300gm^-2Preferably 0.05gm^-2To 200gm^-2More preferably 1gm^-2To 100gm^-2Most preferably 2gm^-2To 20gm^-2Or a mixture thereof.

9. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the article comprises a delivery system comprising a cooling agent and for delivering the cooling agent to the surface of at least a portion of the skin and/or mucosa of a mammal wearing the article.

10. An article according to claim 9 characterized in that the delivery system is an emollient containing composition comprising from 0.1% to 99.9%, preferably from 3% to 90%, more preferably from 5% to 60%, most preferably from 10% to 40% by weight of a cooling agent or mixtures thereof and from 99.9% to 0.1%, preferably from 97% to 10%, more preferably from 95% to 40%, most preferably from 90% to 60% by weight of an emollient or mixtures thereof.

11. The article of claim 9 or 10, wherein the delivery system comprises an emollient, typically selected from petroleum based; fatty acids, especially those having from 8 to 28 carbon atoms in their fatty chain; sucrose ester fatty acids; polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof; fatty acid esters; alkyl ethoxylates; fatty acid ester ethoxylates; fatty alcohols; polysiloxanes; propylene glycol and derivatives thereof; glycerol and its derivatives, including glycerides, acetoglycerides and C₈-C₂₈Ethoxylated glycerides of fatty acids; spermaceti and other waxes; fatty alcohol ethers, especially those having from 8 to 28 carbon atoms in their fatty chain; a propoxylated fatty alcohol; other aliphatic esters of polyhydric alcohols; lanolin and its derivatives; china clay and its derivatives; sorbitol and its derivatives; trihydroxystearin; ester derivatives and mixtures thereof.

12. The article of any one of the preceding claims 9 to 10, wherein the delivery system comprises an alcohol or ester or acid derivative of the formula:

or

Wherein in (I) and (II), R₁And each R₂Independently an acyl group having 2 to 22 carbon atoms, or an alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl or hydrogen group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, whereby R₁And R₂At least one of which is an acyl group of this type; r₃、R₄、R₅、R₆、R₇、R₈And R₉Independently an alkyl group having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group, an aralkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, an alkoxy group, a hydroxyl group, or a hydrogen group; r₁₀And R₁₁Independently an alkyl group having 2 to 24 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group, an aralkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, an alkoxy group, a hydroxyl group, or a hydrogen group; a and B are independently C₁-C₆Linear or branched alkylene, alkyl, alkenylene, alkyleneoxy, alkoxy, hydroxyalkylene, hydroxyalkyl; x is independently 0 to 15; the value of y is independently 0 or 1,

or

Wherein in formula (III), R₁、R₂And R₃Independently an acyl, alkyl or alkenyl group or hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, and R₄、R₅、R₆、R₇And R₈Independently selected from C₁-C₁₀Straight or branched chain alkyl, alkenyl, acyl, hydroxyalkyl or alkoxy, hydroxy, chloride, bromide, amine or hydrogen.

13. The article of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the delivery system comprises triethyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate, triacetyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, polyethylene glycol and/or propylene glycol, and most preferably triethyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate and/or triacetyl citrate.

14. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the article comprises a wearer-facing surface characterized in that at least a portion of the wearer-facing surface comprises the agent.

15. The article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the article is a sanitary absorbent article comprising a topsheet as the wearer facing surface, a backsheet as the garment facing surface, and an absorbent core sandwiched between the topsheet and the backsheet, preferably the backsheet is breathable.

16. The absorbent article according to claim 15, wherein said breathable backsheet comprises at least one layer selected from an apertured polymeric film or a two-dimensional planar apertured film.

17. The absorbent article of claim 16, wherein the layer is a two-dimensional planar open-cell layer, wherein the cells have an average diameter of 150 microns to 1 micron.

18. The absorbent article of claim 16, wherein the layer is an open-cell polymeric film, wherein the pores have an average diameter of 100 microns to 500 microns.

19. The absorbent article according to claim 16, wherein the breathable backsheet comprises at least two layers, namely a first layer comprising an apertured layer and a second layer comprising a fibrous layer.

20. The absorbent article of claim 19, wherein the breathable backsheet comprises: at least a first layer of a resilient, three-dimensional web, said three-dimensional web being formed from a liquidA non-permeable polymer film having pores forming capillaries, and the capillaries are not perpendicular to the plane of the film but are aligned at an angle of less than 90 ° with respect to the plane of the film; and at least a second air-permeable layer having a basis weight of less than 40g/m²A fibrous nonwoven fabric made from the synthetic fibers of (1).

21. An article, preferably a feminine disposable hygiene absorbent article, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of said article has a color that also contributes to the transfer of sensation to the wearer of said article.