RU2588429C2 - Article with system for delivery of agent beneficial for health - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: hygiene.

SUBSTANCE: laminate having health-benefit agents therein is made by particle stabilisation within lamination process. By selecting suitable substrate type (tissue, nonwoven, film) and/or physical composition and/or attributes of laminate layers, release of health-benefit agents can be controlled.

EFFECT: laminate, sometimes referred to as a liner, may be used in personal absorbent articles such as diapers, feminine pads, bandages, bed pads, etc.

18 cl, 3 tbl, 13 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a multilayer material (laminate), the design of which includes non-woven and / or film bases (substrates), on which a layer containing a healthy agent / agents is fixed. This multilayer material can be used to make absorbent personal care products, in which it is commonly referred to as coating material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some personal care products or medical devices, both absorbent and non-absorbent, can cause unpleasant odors or even cause skin irritation. For example, a diaper whose absorbing element contains absorbed urine can create a more humid environment than an unused diaper. A moisture-containing environment can cause bacteria to grow. Bacteria that develop on the skin can cause odor and irritation. The same problem arises when using disposable products, such as panty liners / underwear for adult incontinence, feminine hygiene pads, absorbent mats, medical dressings, sweat absorbent headbands (inner hat bands) and similar products. Indeed, any situation in which there is contact between the non-woven material or film and the wet or wet skin can lead to problems such as odor, discomfort, increased proliferation of bacteria and / or skin irritation.

To eliminate this problem, healthful agents, for example, lotions, powders, powders, or other substances, are applied to the outer surface of the coating material that is in direct contact with the skin, including mucous membranes, for example. Despite some useful effect, wetting of the lotion or powders and / or powdered substances causes them to leak and fall into non-target areas of the product. For example, a lotion may be applied to the inguinal region of the diaper. When wet, the lotion can leak out of the inguinal region and enter areas that do not have direct contact with the skin or intimate areas that need exposure to a healthy agent.

Thus, there is a need to create a product that delivers a healthy agent to humans, both in direct and even indirect contact with the body. Possible beneficial effects include reducing or eliminating odors, bacteria, viruses, discomfort, irritation, moisture, and / or the like. There is also a need to create a product that can be used to apply a healthy agent to the skin or other intimate areas of the body, regardless of whether this agent is a natural supplement or drug. Additionally, it is desirable that the solution to the above problems be more economical than the use of currently available single-layer nonwoven materials or films for the manufacture of absorbent products. It is desirable that the choice of base material does not lead to the need to modify the methods of manufacturing products (for example, absorbent products such as diapers, etc.).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a delivery system for a healthy agent used in combination with an absorbent article. The first and second bases (layers) are permeable to gases, liquids and / or particles that can pass through these bases. An adhesive is applied to the inner surfaces of both the first and second substrates.

A healthy agent includes particles dispersed in an adhesive on a first and second basis. Part of the particles is not fixed to the adhesive. The adhesive together with the particles forms a layer comprising a healthy agent.

In some aspects, the delivery system for a healthy agent includes an adhesive that comprises from about 2.5% to about 10% of the total weight of the layer comprising the healthy agent.

In other aspects of the present invention, a delivery system for a healthy agent includes either particles that are larger than the pores of the first base, particles that are smaller than the pores of the first base, or particles that are larger than the pores, available in a second basis. In addition, the pore size available in the second base may be smaller than the pore size available in the first base.

In other aspects, the particle sizes are from about 10 nm to about 1000 microns, or from about 0.5 microns to about 5 microns.

In other aspects, the particles include desiccant, prebiotic, deodorant and / or bacteria.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article includes an absorbent inner layer, an outer layer located on one side of the absorbent inner layer, and a coating material providing a healthy effect located on the opposite side of the absorbent inner layer.

A method of manufacturing a coating material for an absorbent article includes the following steps:

(1) obtaining the first web and its location on a moving conveyor belt;

(2) fixing the first layer of adhesive to the inner surface of the first web;

(3) applying a first layer of a powdery substance to a first layer of an adhesive;

(4) applying a second layer of adhesive to the powder; and

(5) securing the second web on a second adhesive layer;

wherein steps 1 to 5 are performed sequentially.

In other aspects, after completing step (5), additional steps are performed:

(5a) fixing the first additional adhesive layer to the second web;

(5b) applying an additional powdery substance to a first additional adhesive layer; and

(5c) applying a second additional layer of adhesive to the additional powdery substance;

(5d) securing the second additional web on the second additional adhesive layer;

wherein steps 5a through 5d are performed sequentially.

In another aspect, after the completion of step (4), the following additional steps are performed:

(4a) applying a second layer of powder substance to a second layer of adhesive;

(4b) applying an additional layer of adhesive to the second layer of the powdered substance;

(4c) lack of step (5); and

(4d) securing the second web on an additional layer of adhesive;

wherein steps 4a through 4d are performed sequentially.

In an additional aspect, the powder substance applied in accordance with the method described above comprises a prebiotic and a probiotic.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a healthy agent delivery system used in combination with an absorbent article includes a first base and a second base, the first and second bases being permeable to gases, liquids, and / or particles. The adhesive is fixed on the inner surfaces of the first and second base. A layer of a healthy agent includes particles that are dispersed in an adhesive on a first base and a second base. In addition, a second layer of adhesive separates a layer of a healthy agent.

Other features and aspects of the present invention are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS

For a better understanding of the present invention, a specialist in the art below provides a more complete and detailed description of the invention, including the best method for its implementation, accompanied by the following graphic materials in which:

Figure 1 presents a front view of a representative example of underpants in assembled form, which shows the cover material according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a representative example of the briefs shown in FIG. 1 in a plane view showing the surface of the briefs facing the user, which is a coating material according to the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows a feminine sanitary napkin including one embodiment of a coating material according to the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a medical dressing comprising one embodiment of a coating material according to the present invention.

FIG. 3C shows an absorbent mat including one embodiment of a coating material according to the present invention.

Figure 4 presents a device for measuring the thickness of the coating material according to the present invention.

5 is a sectional view of one embodiment of a multilayer material according to the present invention, in which the multilayer material comprises three layers.

6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a multilayer material according to the present invention, in which the multilayer material includes two layers.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a multilayer material according to the present invention, in which the multilayer material comprises three layers providing a healthy effect, separated by adhesive layers.

On Fig schematically presents one example of a method for producing a multilayer material, bonded in layers.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention, showing a multilayer material including “pockets” containing healthy agents.

10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a multilayer material according to the present invention, including five layers, showing the flow of liquid through the layers.

11 is a perspective view from above of an absorbent article including a portion of a laminate according to the present invention.

In the proposed description and graphic materials, the same designations refer to the same or similar parts or elements of the present invention. Not all similar parts are marked with the same designations. Graphic materials are provided for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily to scale. Some parts may be enlarged, while others may be reduced.

DEFINITIONS

Adhesive mount

As used herein, the term “adhesive composition” or “adhesive” generally refers to a substance that bonds two surfaces of one or more substrates to each other. The term ″ bond (connection) ″ means the adhesion of two elements. Two elements are considered bonded together if they are directly or indirectly connected to each other.

Adhesive Bonding Method

The term "bonding with an adhesive" means a method according to which a bond is formed upon application of the adhesive. The application of the adhesive composition can be carried out in various ways, for example, by coating with a slit head, by spray coating and other methods of coating the surface. To obtain a layer that provides a healthy effect, the adhesive composition may be mixed with a component of the product, for example, one or more healthy agents and / or adhesives. A pressure can be applied to the layer providing a healthy effect, under the influence of which this layer can be attached to other layers of the multilayer material.

Fixed

As used herein, the term “fixed” means that there is direct contact between layer X and layer Y, and unless otherwise indicated, no other materials exist between these layers, for example, as with an adhesive.

Film

As used herein, the term “film” means a thermoplastic film obtained by extruding a film and / or by another molding method, for example, by casting a film or by extruding a blown film. The term includes films with holes, films with cuts and other porous or microporous films, which are films that pass liquid / vapor / air, as well as films having barrier properties that do not pass liquid.

Hot glue

Conventional hot melt adhesive is an adhesive composition that generally includes many components. Typically, such components include one or more cohesive strength polymers (for example, aliphatic polyolefins, such as a copolymer of polyethylene and polypropylene; ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers; styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene block copolymers, etc.); a resinous polymer or similar material (sometimes called a tackifier) providing adhesive strength (e.g. hydrocarbons distilled from petroleum distillates; rosins and / or rosin esters; derivatives of terpenes, e.g. derived from wood or citrus, etc.); optionally waxes (paraffins), plasticizers or other materials that change viscosity (i.e. flowability) (non-limiting examples of such materials include mineral oil, polybutene, paraffin oils, ester oils and the like); and / or other additives, non-limiting examples of which include antioxidants or other stabilizers. A typical hot glue composition may contain from about 15 to about 35 wt.% Polymer or polymers providing cohesive strength; from about 50 to about 65 wt.% resinous polymer or other tackifier or tackifiers; from an amount exceeding zero to about 30% by weight of a plasticizer or other viscosity modifier; and optionally less than about 1% by weight of a stabilizer or other additive. It should be understood that it is possible to use other adhesive compositions containing various mass percentages of the listed components.

Laminated material

Used in the present description, the term "multilayer material" means a composite structure made up of two or more layers connected to each other during the stage of joining or bonding, for example, by bonding with an adhesive, thermal bonding (thermal welding), spot bonding, compression bonding, extrusion coating, or ultrasonic bonding (ultrasonic welding).

Layer

The term layer, referred to in the singular, is a single element of a composite structure, for example, comprising a multilayer material / coating material according to the present invention.

Coating Material

Coating materials are commonly used in personal care products such as diapers, feminine sanitary napkins, incontinence garments, and the like. Thus, the term “integumentary material ″ describes a material directly facing the skin and in contact with the skin. The coating material according to the present invention is a material having a multilayer structure.

Non woven fabric

The class of paintings obtained by bonding fibers (for example, chemical and / or mechanical means). Non-woven material is obtained by bonding by mechanical, chemical, thermal means or using solvents or adhesives or any combination of these means; such material is different from fabrics, knitted or pierced materials. Non-woven materials can be made from synthetic thermoplastic polymers or natural polymers, for example, cellulose. For example, an absorbent disposable material is one type of nonwoven material.

Particles

Particles can be of any geometric shape, and non-limiting examples of such shapes include spherical grains, crystalline shapes, cylindrical fibers or filaments and the like. Particle sizes are defined below.

Pores

Used in the present description, the term "pores" means holes formed both naturally and artificially in the base material. In the context of the present invention, a gap is also considered at times.

Prebiotic

The class of prebiotics is not limited to a specific group of bacteria. In general, prebiotics are indigestible ingredients that have a beneficial effect on the host through selective stimulation of the growth and / or activity of one or a limited number of generally beneficial bacteria. Prebiotics are dietary fiber, and non-limiting examples thereof may include fructooligosaccharides, inulin, trans-galactosylated oligosaccharides and soy oligosaccharides.

Probiotics

When administered in adequate amounts, some living microorganisms can have beneficial effects on the host organism. Lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria are the most common microorganisms used as probiotics; Some types of yeast and rod-shaped bacteria can also have a healthy effect. For example, the use of probiotics can lead to such a beneficial effect as the reduction or elimination of genitourinary infections and atopic diseases.

Aerodynamic production from the melt

This method is the formation of a nonwoven fabric, including extrusion and extrusion of molten polymers under the action of a high-speed stream of heated air with the formation of thin fibers. The fibers are cooled and collected in the form of a cloth on a moving conveyor. The method is similar to the high-speed melt spinning method, but the fibers obtained by the aerodynamic method from the melt are much thinner and generally have a thickness of the order of several microns.

Method of high-speed melt spinning (spunbond)

The method is a technique according to which the fibers are extruded, stretched and laid on a moving conveyor to form a web. The term ан spunbond ’is often used interchangeably with the term сп spunbond’, but the industry has traditionally used the term spunbond to describe a specific method of forming a web. This name is used to distinguish this method of forming the web from the other two forms of forming the web using the spunlade method, which is the production of an aerodynamic method from the melt and chemical spinning (flashspinning).

Spunbond / composite material. aerodynamically obtained

Such a multilayer composite (multilayer material) is a multilayer web, which is generally made of various alternating layers of spunbond fabric (″ S ″) and meltblown fabric (″ M ″): SMS, SMMS, SSMMS, etc. d. (or ABA, ABBA, AABBA, etc.).

The basis

The base is usually a web, which, in the context of the present invention, is a non-woven material or film on which an adhesive and, optionally, some healthy agent can be fixed.

Absorbent Disposable Material

As used herein, the term “absorbent disposable material” generally refers to a variety of paper materials, for example, absorbent disposable face wipes, absorbent disposable face wipes, paper towels, sanitary napkins and the like. The absorbent disposable material of the present invention can generally be obtained from a cellulosic web comprising one or more layers. For example, in one embodiment, the absorbent disposable material may be considered as a single layer cellulosic web formed by a mixture of fibers. In another embodiment, the absorbent disposable material may be a multilayer paper (i.e., layered) web. In addition, the paper product may also be a single-layer or multilayer product (for example, containing more than one cellulosic fabric), in which one or more layers may contain a cellulosic fabric obtained according to the present invention. Typically, the bulk of the absorbent disposable material of the present invention is less than about 120 grams per square meter (g / m2), in some embodiments, less than about 70 grams per square meter, and in some embodiments, from about 10 to about 40 g / sqm One of the references to such material is contained in the U.S. patent. 6893537, filed May 17, 2005, which is included in the present description in that part, which is consistent with the present invention.

It should be noted that the terms ″ includes ″, ″ including ″ and other derivatives of the term ″ include ″ are used in a non-limiting sense that indicates the presence of any of the mentioned features, elements, integers, steps or components and does not exclude the presence or adding one or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

Specialists in the art should understand that the proposed description is provided to consider only some examples of implementation and does not limit more general aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

It has long been known in the consumer goods industry that certain parts of the body (e.g., skin) can be adversely affected by direct contact with a product designed to absorb body fluids and secretions, treat wounds, prevent infection, and the like. For example, diaper rash or unpleasant odors are the most widespread and long-standing problems. The use of the present invention eliminates the disadvantages of a variety of disposable absorbent articles, non-limiting examples of which include absorbent articles for personal hygiene, absorbent articles for hygiene / medical use, sports absorbent articles / absorbent articles for workers, and the like, the type of which is consistent with the essence of the present invention.

In general, the present invention as a whole can be described as a system for delivering a healthy agent to the skin and other parts of the body. For a better understanding of the present invention, FIGS. 1 and 2 should be considered, in which one non-limiting example of an article is shown, which may include a laminate or “coating material” according to the present invention. Underpants are shown and described as an example.

Various materials and methods for constructing cowards are described in U.S. Patent. 6761711, Fletcher et al .; U.S. Patent 4,940,464, Van Gompel et al .; U.S. Patent 5766389, Brandon et al. and U.S. Patent 6645190, Olson et al., Each of which is incorporated into this description by reference in that part that is consistent with the present invention.

Figure 1 shows the partially buttoned underpants 20, and Figure 2 shows the underpants 20 in an unbuttoned and unfolded state. The panties 20 have a longitudinal axis 1, which is directed from the front of the panties when in a state to the rear of the panties. Perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1 is the lateral axis 2.

The underpants 20 include a front portion 22, a rear portion 24, and an inguinal region 26 located between them in the longitudinal direction and connecting the front and rear portions. The panties 20 also have an inner surface (i.e., a surface adjacent to the body) which, when worn (e.g., located relative to other components of the panties), should face the wearer, and an outer surface (i.e., a clothing-facing surface) opposite inner surface. The underpants 20 include a pair of side edges located on opposite sides and a pair of waist sections located on opposite edges in the longitudinal direction.

Presented panties 20 may include a frame 32, and a pair located on opposite sides of the front panels 34, directed outward sideways from the front section 22.

The frame 32 includes an outer layer 40 and a cover material 301 (multilayer material according to the present invention), which can be attached to the outer layer 40 by overlapping with adhesives, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, or other conventional techniques. The frame 32 may further include an absorbent inner layer 44, for example, shown in FIG. 2, wherein the absorbent inner layer is located between the outer layer 40 and the cover material 301 and is designed to absorb the physiological liquid secretions of the user. The absorbent inner layer may further include a pair of insulating wings 46 fixed to the cover material 301 or the absorbent inner layer 44, preventing physiological secretions from leaking out.

The outer layer 40, the coating material 301, and the absorbent inner layer 44 can be obtained from a variety of different materials known to those skilled in the art. All three layers could be, for example, stretchable and / or stretchable in an elastic manner.

The outer layer 40, for example, may be gas permeable (breathable) and / or may be liquid impermeable. The outer layer 40 may consist of a single layer, multiple layers, multilayer materials, spunbond webs, films, meltblown aerofoils, elastic meshes, microporous webs or bonded carded webs. The outer layer 40, for example, may consist of a single layer of liquid impervious material or, alternatively, may be a multilayer material structure in which at least one of the layers is liquid impermeable.

Examples of suitable nonwoven materials include webs including a spunbond layer — a meltblown layer, webs including a spunbond layer — a meltblown layer — a spunbond layer, spunbond webs or multilayer structures from such webs and films, or other nonwovens canvases. Elastomeric materials may include cast or blown films, meltblown fabrics, or spunbond webs consisting of a polyethylene, polypropylene or polyolefin elastomer, as well as combinations thereof.

In the particular product shown, the coating material 301 is used to prevent contact of the absorbent core and the skin of the user.

The coating material 301 is also sufficiently permeable to liquid, that is, this material passes physiological liquid secretions that enter the absorbent core 44.

The coating material 301 may be stretchable and / or stretchable in an elastic manner. Elastomeric materials suitable for forming the cover material 301 may include elastic fibers, LYCRA elastic materials, injection molded or blown elastic films, nonwoven elastic webs, meltblown or spunbond elastomeric fibrous webs, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials include KRATON elastomer, HYTREL elastomer, ESTANE elastomeric polyurethanes (supplied by Noveon, with offices in Cleveland, Ohio, USA) or REVA elastomer. The coating material 301 can also be obtained from stretchable materials, for example, the materials described in U.S. Patent. 6552245, Roessler et al., The contents of which are incorporated into this description by reference in that part that is consistent with the present invention. Coating material 301 can also be obtained from the equally spaced in two directions materials described in U.S. Patent. 6969378, Vukos et al. the contents of which are incorporated into this description by reference in that part that is consistent with the present invention.

The article 20 may optionally further include a buffer layer (a layer for primary flow distribution) (not shown), which can be located between the coating material 301 and the absorbent core layer 44. Using an adhesive or the like, the buffer layer can be fixed or connected to various the components of the article 20, for example, the absorbent core 44. In the context of the present invention, the buffer layer is considered to be part of the absorbent core 44. The liquid may be temporarily stored in storage ernom layer and then released into portions for storage or retention available in the absorbent inner layer 44. Examples of suitable buffer layers are described in U.S. Patent 5,486,166, Bishop et al .; U.S. 5490846, Ellis et al., And U.S. 5820973, Dodge et al., Each of which is incorporated into this description by reference in that part that is consistent with the present invention.

The absorbent inner layer 44 can be obtained by methods known in the art. The selection of a manufacturing method for the absorbent core is not limited to a particular method and may include the use of molding drum systems, such as those described in U.S. Patent. 4666647, Enloe et al., U.S. Patent. 4761258, Enloe, U.S. Patent 6630088, Venturino et al., And U.S. Patent. 6,330,735, Hahn et al., Each of which is incorporated herein by reference in part that is consistent with the present invention.

In some preferred aspects, the absorbent core 44 includes cellulosic fiber and / or synthetic fiber, for example, meltblown fiber. Thus, in some aspects, a melt aerodynamic production method can be applied, for example, to form an absorbent core on a simultaneous molding line. In some aspects, the absorbent core 44 may be sufficiently extensible. For example, the absorbent core 44 may include a fiber matrix that includes a functional amount of elastomeric polymer fibers. Other methods known in the art may include attaching ultra-absorbent polymer particles to an extensible film.

The absorbent core 44 may additionally or alternatively include absorbent and / or ultra-absorbent material. Accordingly, the absorbent core 44 may include an appropriate amount of ultra-absorbent material and optionally fluffy material contained within the fiber matrix.

It should be understood that the structure of the absorbent core 44 is not limited to ultra-absorbent material and optionally fluffy material. In some aspects, the absorbent core 44 may further include materials that have a synergistic effect in combination with healthful agents contained in the coating material, for example, surfactants, ion-exchange polymer particles, moisturizers, softeners, perfumes, liquid modifiers, additives, regulating odor, and similar substances and their combinations. In addition, the absorbent core layer 44 may include foam.

Other uses similar to underpants include diapers and incontinence underwear.

In the General case, it is particularly preferable if the coating material 301 in contact with the skin, can deliver one or more healthy agent. In particular, the coating material 301 functions as a delivery vehicle or reservoir in which various healthful agents can be pre-placed. The coating material 301, which usually comes in direct contact with the skin, can release healthy agents in a controlled manner.

Many healthful agents can be obtained by stabilizing the particles / powder using lamination and / or extrusion. The release kinetics of healthful agents can be controlled by selecting the configuration of the base material (absorbent disposable material, non-woven material, film) or coating material (ABA, AB, ABC, etc.) to obtain the desired multilayer structure.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, there is shown a simplified sectional view of an absorbent article 300 that includes a coating material 301, an absorbent inner layer 308 (above) and an outer layer 310 (above). The illustration shows the layers 303 of the adhesive. For simplicity, FIGS. 6, 7, 9, and 11 do not show adhesive layers adjacent to substrates 302 and 304.

The coating material 301 has a three-layer structure consisting of an open substrate 302, an internal substrate 304 and a layer 306 located between them, including a healthy agent. The base 302 can be obtained from a nonwoven material (preferably an absorbent disposable material) or film material, provided that these materials have pores that allow fluid to pass through. In a preferred embodiment, components 302 and 304 may be limited to a cellulosic absorbent web. The absorbent web may be a single layer web with a basis weight of about 10-20 g / m2. In another embodiment, the web preferably consists of an absorbent material having a bulk of about 16 g / m2. The absorbent web may be white or any other desired color. One possible source of absorbent webs is Cellu Tisue, Natural Dam, NY.

Continuing with Figure 5, it can be noted that the inner backing 304 can have any material characteristics similar to that of the backing 302. For example, imagine that backings 302, 304 and layer 306 including a healthy agent are represented by layers A, B, and C, respectively. Each of the indicated layers A, B, and C may differ from the others; bases A and B may be nonwoven materials (e.g., absorbent material) or a film. Layer C is a layer that provides a healthy effect. The following configurations of these elements are possible: ACB, ACA, BCB, BCA, ACBCB, etc. For example, an ACA is a structure comprising two identical substrates associated with one of the layers of a layer providing a healthy effect C. The substrates A and B of the coating material 301 can be obtained from a film (F), an absorbent material (T), a spunbond ( SB), spunbond / meltblown / spunbond material (SMS) and the like.

6 depicts another embodiment of the present invention, in which there is no inner core 304 shown in the previous embodiment of the coating material 301. Instead, the layer 306 including a healthy agent can be attached to the absorbent inner layer 308, which can include compositions that will react with a layer 306 that provides a healthy effect when wetting the absorbent core. The production of the coating material 301 is conveniently performed in line with the production of the absorbent article 301.

11 shows the coating material 301. The coating material 301 includes more than two bases and more than one layer containing a healthy agent. This example includes three bases of nonwoven or film materials and layers 302, 309 and 304. The example also includes two layers containing a healthy agent, layers 306A and 306B. As in the previous embodiment, each of the bases 302, 309, and 304 may have the same or different characteristics. Coating material 301 may include layers A, B, and D in the following combinations: ACACA, BCBCB, ACACD, BCBCD, etc. (all combinations are not listed for brevity). The ″ C ″ layers may contain the same or different healthy materials. If they are different, then layers C can react with each other after wetting the coating material 301. This design is most suitable for incorporating various reagents that must remain completely separated from each other until the liquid enters the base 309. A healthful agent can be formed during the reaction layers 306A and 306B with each other.

7 shows a coating material 301, including two warp (302, 304) obtained from non-woven or film materials. As in the previous embodiments of the present invention, the bases 302 and 304 can be obtained from the same or different non-woven or film materials having the same or different characteristics. Between the two substrates 302 and 304 there are three layers 306A, 306B and 306C providing a healthy effect, separated by adhesive layers 307. Additional adhesive layers are located at 303 but are not shown to simplify the illustration. All layers 306A, 306B and 306C may consist of different materials that remain separated from each other until they begin to come into contact with a liquid, such as urine. To ensure the structural stability of the coating material, layers 306 A, B, and C can also be separated by adhesive layers. The penetration of liquid from layer 306A to 306C can lead to a reaction between the layers with the formation of a healthy agent.

Referring again to FIG. 5. During use, by wetting or wetting the coating material 301 of the present invention, the particles or possibly dissolved health benefit agent in the layer 306 can be released through the open substrate 302 and have a health effect on the wearer's body. For example, as shown by arrow 340, a certain amount of fluid penetrates the coating material 301 and enters the absorbent core 308. As indicated by arrow 340, a certain amount of fluid does not pass through the inner base 304. Sometimes it is desirable that physiological secretions seep through the inner base 304 at a lower rate than through the external base 302. This allows you to direct most of the active agents back to the skin of the user, and not directly through the absorbing inner layer oh 308 (see arrow 360). Regardless of the direction of the arrow 350, fluids coming from the absorbing inner layer 308 or from the inner layer 306, providing a healthy effect, deliver healthy agents to the user. The flow of fluids in the direction of the arrows 350 and 360 is mainly provided by the pressure created by sitting or some other activities.

The base 304 may have pores 311 providing controlled release of fluid into the absorbent core. In one embodiment, the number and / or pore size 311 of the internal base 304 is less than that of the base 302. This configuration provides a more free flow of healthy agents to the skin and intimate areas of the user. To simplify other illustrations, pores 311 are indicated only in FIG. 11. (The pores 311 are not shown to scale relative to the other depicted elements, for example, particles located between the bases.) As can be seen, the pores 311 can be offset relative to each other or aligned (not shown). In addition, the pores 311 may have different sizes. For example, the pores 311 of the base 304 may be smaller than those in the layers 302 and 309. Many configurations are possible. The possible configuration of pores 311 depends on the mode of delivery of a healthy agent to the user.

In another embodiment, the coating material 301 is prepared as shown in FIG. 5. In the above example, compositions are mixed, for example, a desiccant (silica gel or other desiccant), a bacteriostatic agent / deodorant (xylitol) and ultra-absorbent particles (UPH), and they are combined or fixed on the bases 302 and 304 to obtain a coating material 301. This particular coating material 301 has many functions, for example, absorbs water, has bacteriostatic activity and neutralizes odor.

The thickness of the layers 302 and 304 can be determined by determining the thickness described below. Preferably, the thickness of each of the bases 302 and 304 is in the range of from about 0.01 mm to about 0.2 mm; or about 0.025 to about 0.1 mm. In the General case, if the multilayer material is used as a coating material for diapers or other absorbent products, the total thickness of the coating material does not exceed 1 mm, since a thickness exceeding the indicated values may be too large for the named application. In general, the thickness may vary, since between the open base 302 and the inner base 304, there may be a different amount of powder substance.

FIG. 5 shows a layer 306 comprising a healthful agent that is a combination of a powdered substance (eg, a prebiotic particle) and adhesive layers 303 depicted and discussed herein. Most preferably, the adhesive content is from about 3% to about 10% of the total weight of the layer 306 comprising the healthy agent, or from 5% to about 10% of the total weight of the layer 306 including the healthy agent. Such a relatively small amount of adhesive does not adhere a significant portion of the powdered substance, and thus the adhesive does not completely immobilize a healthy agent. With this structure, a healthy agent readily dissolves upon wetting, and the resulting liquid readily penetrates the bases 302 and 304.

A healthy agent, alone or in combination with other healthy agents, includes, without limitation, activated carbon, lactic acid, prebiotics, lyophilized probiotics, surfactants, antioxidants, disinfectants, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, pigments, deodorants, opacifying agents, narrowing pores, solvents, preservatives and the like. Such agents can provide consumers with many health-friendly odor control agents, moisture regulators, pH adjusters, and a healthy vagina, as well as substances that can reduce skin irritation caused by exposure to biological media such as feces / urine.

According to the present invention, prebiotics serve to increase the number and / or activity of bacteria beneficial to the host organism. In particular, prebiotics are short-chain carbohydrates that can be metabolized by probiotics, for example, Lactobacillus. Examples of prebiotics include polysaccharides, for example, inulin, oligosaccharides, for example, oligofructose and / or galactooligosaccharides.

The normal vaginal flora consists of various bacterial strains. For example, the vaginal microflora, mainly consisting of Lactobacillus spp., Is generally referred to as healthy or normal. Lactobacillus produces lactic acid that lowers pH, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins, making the environment less favorable for pathogenic organisms.

If the user of the absorbent product does not change the product often enough, then due to the multiplication of bacteria other than Lactobacillus, an imbalance of the vaginal microflora can occur. An imbalance in the vaginal microflora can lead to the development of infection. The introduction of prebiotics into the female genital organs allows you to balance the microflora of the vagina by providing beneficial bacteria that eliminate harmful bacteria, a power source. The same beneficial effect can be created in the urinary tract. In addition, the introduction of prebiotic nutrients into the female genital organs allows you to maintain and stabilize the healthy microflora of the vagina by maintaining colonies of beneficial bacteria.

Prebiotic most preferred for incorporation into absorbent articles is oligofructose. Oligofructose can be fermented with beneficial species of Lactobacillus. Higher amounts of Lactobacillus strains in the vaginal microflora can prevent the development of bacterial or viral infections. Products into which this prebiotic may be administered may include feminine sanitary napkins and incontinence products, such as diapers, panty liners or panties. It is anticipated that due to its high solubility in water, the prebiotic (e.g., oligofructose) will dissolve in the presence of aqueous solutions and, thus, reach the skin of the user.

Harmful bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E-coli), cannot process prebiotics. As a result, E-coli can be replaced by beneficial bacteria that can consume prebiotics as a food source and potentially inhibit bacterial infection. Thus, prebiotics can be useful to those people who use absorbent products designed to hold feces. Prebiotics can prevent or at least slow down the spread of Escherichia coli in absorbent products and on the skin of the user. Absorbent articles include disposable diapers, underpants and incontinence underwear.

In all embodiments of the coating material 301, it is preferable that the layer 306 comprising the healthful agent of the present invention include an adhesive and suitable fillers, for example, desiccants, prebiotics and the like. For example, to prevent premature absorption of liquid / moisture by prebiotics, it may be desirable to use a drying agent, such as silica gel. Keeping the prebiotic dry can increase the shelf life of the product. (Silica gel can be supplied, for example, by Multisorb Technologies, Buffalo, NY).

In another embodiment of the present invention, insoluble but dispersible hydrophilic compounds may be able to isolate irritating stool substances. These compounds may also be able to absorb water from the diaper environment, thus removing excess fluid from the skin. Additionally, such hydrophilic compounds can neutralize odors. The most preferred odor neutralizing compound is clay. Synthetic clay is preferably used, for example laponite supplied by Southern Clay Products Inc., Texas. This particular clay has a relatively high ability to bind water and a light color, more desirable for the components of personal care products (dark clay will give the cover material a rather untidy appearance, and users may find such a product unhygienic).

In another embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated that volatile, odor-containing powdery substances will seep through the base 302 and then come into contact with one or more health-promoting agents located in the layer 306. One example of a health-promoting agent is an odor-neutralizing compound. (e.g., activated carbon, carbon, or the like).

In a further embodiment, it is contemplated that components of urine, such as ammonia, can pass through an external base and come into contact with neutralizing agents (for example, organic acids such as lactic acid). It is assumed that due to the high solubility of the neutralizing agent in water, it will dissolve in the presence of water / urine and reach the skin.

Another skin benefit agent is xylitol. Xylitol provides a bacteriostatic / deodorizing effect. Another health benefit of xylitol is that it itself or some other sugars present in suitable amounts can have a cooling effect on contact with aqueous solutions or similar media. See U.S. Patent Application No.12 / 646763, filed December 23, 2009, is included in the present description in that part that is consistent with the present invention.

Skin-friendly agents can also be applied to the outer surface 305 of the open base 302. However, it should be borne in mind that skin-friendly agents located on the outer surface 305 can clog the base 302, which prevents the release of beneficial agents located in the layer 306 providing a healthy effect on the outer surface of the coating material 301. Thus, it may be desirable to apply non-corking materials to the surface 303A of the base 302, such as aloe and / or water soluble compounds, including t like lactic acid, and selective anti-oxidants like vitamin C.

In general, the particle size range depends on the method of preparing the coating material 301. (Particle sizes are measured in accordance with the Particle Size Definition described below.) In most embodiments of the present invention, powdered healthful agents are used whose particle size is from about 10 nm up to approximately 1000 microns. (A nanometer is 10 ^-6 meters; thus, 1000 nanometers are 1 micron and 100 nm is 0.1 micron.) In one embodiment, the particle size is from about 0.5 to about 5 microns: this is the size range for probiotics . In another embodiment, the particle size is from about 0.5 microns to about 1000 microns. In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the particle size is from about 0.5 microns to about 500 microns. Finally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the particle size is from about 100 microns to about 1000 microns. Obviously, particles of various healthy materials can have different size ranges.

In one aspect, the particle size distribution in the layer 306, including a healthy agent, can be from 10 microns to 800 microns, or from 100 microns to 300 microns. In another aspect, the particle size distribution in the layer 306, providing a healthy effect, can be from more than 500 to 710 microns. In another aspect, the particle size distribution in the layer 306, including a healthy agent, may be less than 500 microns, for example, from 50 microns to 500 microns. It should be understood that in those aspects in which the healthy agent is in the form of particles, the invention is not limited to the above examples of particle sizes of the healthy agent discussed above, but may include particles whose sizes are from less than 90 microns (including nanoparticles) up to more than 710 microns.

Preferably, the health benefit layer 306 is strong enough to maintain the integrity of the cover material 301 while the article is worn on the wearer and the laminate is in a substantially dry state. In some aspects, the layer 306, which provides a healthy effect, has sufficient strength and generally provides the integrity of the coating material 301 when exposed to the composite material in aqueous media, such as urine or blood.

Preferably, the coating material 301 is flexible. Preferably, its elastic modulus is not more than 125% of the elastic modulus of the currently used coating materials (for example, the elastic moduli of an absorbent disposable material or spunbond with a bulk of about 16 to 17 g / m2).

5, along with an open substrate 302 and a layer 306 providing a healthy effect, a coating material 301 is shown, which may include a combination of particles fixed to an adhesive 303. The adhesive is intended to partially fix particles (e.g., prebiotics) inside the layer 306, which provides a healthy effect, and in general, for bonding the multilayer material to form a multilayer structure, for example, a coating material 301. Preferably, the required amount of adhesive 303 it ranges from about 5% to about 10% by weight of the weight of the layer 306, which provides a healthy effect. In other aspects, the total amount of adhesive 303B in the layer 306 containing a healthy agent may be about 2 to 10% by weight of the total weight of the layer 306 providing a healthy effect. It should be noted that the thickness of the adhesive layer is not uniform in all areas, and the layer is applied unevenly, in contrast to the one shown in the illustration.

In one embodiment, the layer 306, comprising a healthy agent, comprises one or more adhesives transitioning from a molten state to a solid state. In some aspects, the thermoplastic adhesive composition is preferably hot melt adhesive. Such an adhesive generally includes one or more polymers, for example, aliphatic polyolefins, in particular a copolymer of ethylene and propylene, polyamides, mixtures of polyesters and / or polyethers; ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers; styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene block copolymers; and similar substances.

For example, a thermoplastic adhesive may contain from about 15 to about 50 wt.% Polymer or polymers that impart cohesive strength; from about 30 to about 65 wt.% resinous polymer or other tackifier or tackifiers; from an amount in excess of 0% to about 30% by weight of a plasticizer or other viscosity modifier; and optionally less than about 1% by weight of a stabilizer or other additive. It should be understood that other hot-melt adhesive compositions may be used, including other weight percentages of the listed components. The invention also includes the use of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic adhesive compositions.

Examples of suitable adhesives include hydrophobic and hydrophilic hot-melt polymers, for example, polymers supplied by National Starch and Chemical Co. (business location - Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA), such as 34-5610, 34-447A, 70-3998 and 33-2058; polymers supplied by Bostik-Findley (located at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA), such as HX 4207-01, HX 2773-01, H2525A, H2800; and polymers supplied by N.V. Fuller Adhesives (located at Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA) such as HL8151-XZP. Other adhesives are also described in U.S. Patent Publication. No.2005 / 0096623, Sawyer, et al., The contents of which are incorporated into this description by reference in part that is consistent with the present invention.

Alternative adhesives may also be used to practice the present invention. Examples of alternative adhesives include polyethylene oxide (PEO); polyethylene glycol (PEG); polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH); starch derivatives, for example starch ethers, carboxymethyl starch, cationic starch, hydroxyalkyl starch and the like, for example, hydroxyethyl starch, hydroxypropyl starch and hydroxybutyl starch; cellulose derivatives, for example, cellulose ethers, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, for example, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methyl propyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and the like; polyacrylic acid; polyvinyl methyl ether; carrageenan; water soluble alkyd polymers; or similar substances, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (eng. EVA designation) and combinations thereof. In addition, thermoplastic adhesive fibers, for example, thermoplastic bonding fibers, can also be used. In other aspects, it may be desirable for the thermoplastic adhesive in layers 306 to be soluble in water.

One of the characteristics of the layer 306, providing a healthy effect, is its bulk. Accordingly, the bulk of the layer 306 providing a healthy effect can be from about 1 g / m2 to about 100 g / m2, for example, from about 5 g / m2 to about 50 g / m2 .

In some aspects, it may be desirable for the layer 306 to be liquid permeable. However, in cases where the layer 306 is impervious to liquid, the layer can be made permeable by the formation of 301 pores in the coating material. Methods of perforating materials are well known in the art, and non-limiting examples thereof include perforation with needles, air jets, and the like.

Although briefs have been selected as a non-limiting example above, it should be understood that the composite material of the present invention can be used to make other absorbent personal care products. For example, FIG. 5 is a sectional perspective view of an absorbent article, which may be part of a feminine sanitary napkin (FIG. 3A), an absorbent mat (FIG. 3B), and a medical dressing (FIG. 3C). Of course, the configuration of the coating material 301 shown in FIG. 5 is non-limiting. Other configurations are shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 9, and 11. There are many other possible configurations, but for brevity, only a few are presented.

Example: Feminine Sanitary Pads

From FIG. 3A, it is understood that the coating material of the present invention can be used to make feminine sanitary napkins. In this example, an absorbent article 220 is shown in the form of a feminine sanitary napkin, including a cover material 301, an outer layer 240, an absorbent inner layer 244, a buffer layer 246, and a release strip 278. Non-limiting examples of healthy agents suitable for this embodiment of the invention may include agents that ensure the healthy state of the vagina, agents that ensure the healthy state of the urethra, and agents that ensure the healthy state of the skin / mucous membranes. Healthful agents can inhibit the growth of yeast organisms and prevent infection of the vagina or urethra by inhibiting the colonization of certain bacteria that accumulate near the entrance to the vagina or urethra.

Example: Medical Dressing

In addition to the absorbent feminine sanitary napkins and panties described above, one aspect of the present invention relates to an absorbent medical dressing 450. FIG. 3B shows one possible configuration of a medical dressing according to the present invention. The image shows a perspective view of a medical dressing according to the present invention, which does not show some optional or removable layers. The absorbent medical dressing 450 includes a strip of material 451 including a body side 459 and a second side 458 that is opposite to the body side. As such, strip 451 functions as an outer layer. The strip 451 may be obtained from a material having “pores”, for example, apertured film, or another gas permeable material, for example, a gas permeable film. The strip 451 supports an absorbent core 452 formed from absorbent fibers. The absorbent core layer 456 is attached to the body side 459 of the strip. The coating material 301 is attached or attached to the absorbent core layer 452.

Example: Absorbent Mattress Mat

Absorbent furniture and / or absorbent mattress mats are also included in the scope of the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 3C, the furniture or absorbent mattress mat 560 (hereinafter referred to as the “mat”) is shown in perspective. Rug 560 includes a liquid impervious outer layer 561 including a furniture side or surface 568 and an upward side or surface 569 opposite the furniture side or surface 568. The liquid impervious outer layer 561 supports an absorbent core 563 that includes an ultra absorbent material and absorbent fibers according to the present invention and which is attached to the coating material 562 of a liquid-impervious outer layer. In addition, cover material 562 is applied to the absorbent core. To fix the mat in place, the furniture side 568 of the mat facing the furniture may contain pressure sensitive adhesive, a high friction coefficient coating, or other suitable material to help keep the mat in place during use.

Getting

A layer 306 providing a healthy effect can be applied to the open substrate 302 and the inner substrate 304 by means well known in the art. Non-limiting examples of such agents include aerodynamic melt preparation, sputtering, slit coating, and the like.

On Fig shows one example of the method of obtaining the coating material 301. This example shows a simple method of lamination, according to which between the bases 600A and 600 V can be stabilized and fixed using pressure-sensitive hot-melt adhesive various healthy agents (particles, the size of which ranges from nanometers to micrometers).

The coating materials can be turned into a coating material 301 and then used to produce absorbent articles containing the coating material 301. The manufacture of absorbent articles comprising the coating material 301 can be performed at a relatively high speed and without changing the equipment of the production line. In other words, in the manufacture of absorbent articles, a sheet of coating material 301 is turned into a coating material for an absorbent article without producing the coating material 301 in a separate line. This is just one example of a method of manufacturing a coating material 301, and this example is not limiting.

FIG. 8 illustrates one example of a layered bonding method in which two warp 600A and 600B (e.g., non-woven fabric or film) guided from bobbins 602 are joined in a clamping roll 606. Before joining the layers in the roll, in the application device 608A aerodynamically, a layer of adhesive is blown from the melt at an angle of from about 45 to 85 relative to the surface 609 of the substrate. After applying the adhesive to the substrate, a healthy agent is applied to the 600A substrate using Christy's 610A feeder. Using a second Christy 610B feeder, another layer of a healthy agent is applied. After the layers of material are combined in the clamping roll 606, the coating material 301 is optionally perforated in the perforating device 612 so that a healthy agent can access the user's body through the openings and moisture can penetrate and pass through the coating material 301. Obtaining holes in materials such as spunbond and SMS may not be required, since they can have high porosity. To ensure high bonding performance, the resulting laminate may contain from 3% to about 10% of an adhesive. Coating material 301 may be wound onto reel 614 for later use.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9. In this example, a healthy agent can be applied zonally and fixed or fixed to a structure, for example, on an absorbent core. For example, the present invention may relate to a flexible multilayer structure comprising continuous and discrete portions formed by fusion with each other of at least two bases. This effect is achieved by fastening the base (s) at a certain interval. In methods of fixing the coating material, an adhesive, for example, an adhesive 303 (shown), and / or methods of thermal, ultrasonic bonding and printing methods can be used. The resulting pockets 700 contain discrete regions containing functional material, such as particles (e.g., ultra-absorbent materials and filter media, as discussed herein). In the process of creating the present invention, it was found that relatively inflexible functional materials can be incorporated into the multilayer structure, but the flexibility of the structure is not substantially impaired. For example, in some embodiments, pockets 700 having relatively small dimensions can be formed, which increases the flexibility of the coating material 301. In addition, different thicknesses of the substrates 302 and 304 and other layers can be selected to give flexibility to the resulting coating material 301. Although this embodiment is shown as a two-dimensional projection, a sectional view along an invisible plane will be the same or similar.

The examples discussed above and the examples given below in the experiments are non-limiting. For example, a product may include more than three bases and more than three layers of healthy agents. The number of layers, both the base and the layers containing healthful agents, is limited only by the thickness of the multilayer material, which can be determined using the definition of thickness described below. The greater the thickness of the multilayer material, the less flexible it becomes. In addition, the base layers and layers containing healthful agents can be made of different materials that may or may not react with each other.

Table 1 presents the various agents and bases that have undergone the tests described below. Each structure of the multilayer material / coating material 301 is assigned a number code.

TABLE 1 NUMBER CODE Lamination with silica gel, xylitol and ultra-absorbent material room The code Healthy composition Basics Configuration Healthy agent (% wt.) Composition function one 091709-1 Silica gel Absorbent material // SMS 53 Drainage 2 091709-2 Silica gel Absorbent material // SMS 67 Drainage 3 091709-3 Silica gel Absorbent material // Absorbent material 81 Drainage four 091709-4 Silica gel Absorbent material // Absorbent material 48 Drainage 5 091709-5 Silica gel Absorbent material // Absorbent material 32 Drainage 6 091709-6 80% Silica Gel + 20% Xylitol Absorbent material // Absorbent material 39 Drainage, antibacterial effect 7 091709-7 80% Silica Gel + 20% Xylitol Absorbent material // Absorbent material 39 Drainage, antibacterial effect, odor reduction 8 091709-8 80% Silica gel + 20% 8AM Absorbent material // Absorbent material 99 drainage, absorption 9 091709-9 80% Silica Gel + 20% SAM Absorbent material // Absorbent material 31 drainage, absorption

Notes: A. Numbers 1 and 2 with SMS inner layer can slowly absorb liquid; this can be eliminated by cutting into smaller pieces by adding large quantities B. Numbers 3, 4, 5 included bases made of an absorbent material that provides quick absorption at low financial cost, can be used as an additional basis at a relatively low percentage of the composition, or can be cut into smaller pieces and placed in an absorbent article with a high content silica gel C. Numbers 6 and 7 provided drainage and an antibacterial effect due to the xylitol content, it can also provide a cooling effect and / or reduction of unpleasant odors (See US 6437212 B1, the contents of which are incorporated into this description by reference in a part that is consistent with this invention) D. Numbers 8 and 9 contained 20% SAM E. 10-15% of the structure was hot-melt adhesive 34-5610, one base of absorbent material and one base of SMS

Test 1: E-Coli Suppression

The purpose of this test was to find the most effective suppression of colony forming units of Escherichia coli as a result of exposure to the prebiotic oligofructose. For testing, the prebiotic was placed either between the base obtained from two canvases of absorbent disposable material and the base obtained from the spunbond layer — the layer obtained by the aerodynamic method from the melt — spanbond. The controls for healthy agents were (1) pure silica gel, (2) the absence of healthy agents, and (3) a pure adhesive.

Materials used:

- Spanbond coating material +/- prebiotic treatment (see Table 1)

- Bacterial cultures:

- Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC # 314

- Escherichia coli ATCC # 10789

- Cardiogram agar tablets

- LAPTg culture medium (saturated with glucose)

- LAPTg GD (depleted in glucose or 0.1% glucose)

- LAPTg 0.1% glucose; 0.9% oligofructose

Methods for obtaining samples

Coating materials with or without oligofructose were cut into pieces and sterilized with gaseous ethylene oxide. Lactobacillus acidophilus was cultured in medium in LAPTg anaerobically at 37 ° C for 48 hours. Escherichia coli was cultured in medium in LAPTg and incubated at 37 ° C and shaking for 24 hours. Then, a negative control represented by 5 ml of LAPTg GD medium and a positive control represented by 5 ml of LAPTg medium containing 0.1% glucose and 0.9% oligofructose were established for culture tubes. Coating materials with or without oligofructose were placed under sterile conditions in culture tubes and immersed in 5 ml of LAPTg GD medium.

Approximately 2.5 × 10 ⁶ colony forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus acidophilus from the culture obtained overnight was added to each culture tube. Then the tubes were incubated anaerobically for 6 hours at 37 ° C. After 6 hours, approximately 250 CFU of Escherichia coli from the culture obtained overnight was added to each culture tube. At a reference time of hour 0, the amount of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Escherichia coli was determined by serial dilution and placement on agar plates with a cardiac extract.

Culture tubes were incubated anaerobically at 37 ° C for 24 hours. The culture tubes were subjected to ultrasound five times for one minute with an exposure time of one minute between exposures. Serial dilutions were performed for each culture tube, and the solutions were placed on agar plates with a cerebral traction. Then the agar plates were incubated anaerobically at 37 ° C for 48 hours. The number of viable Lactobacillus acidophilus and Escherichia coli was calculated, which was expressed in CFU / ml. In addition, the ratio of Lactobacillus acidophilus to Escherichia coli was calculated by dividing the value of CFU / ml of Lactobacillus acidophilus by CFU / ml of Escherichia coli. Bacteria were identified based on colony morphology.

results

Sample codes are shown below in Table 2. Sample codes indicate the processing type of the corresponding multilayer structure. From the data of Table 2 it can be seen that the sample with code 111109-4 has the best performance compared to other types of processing and types of multilayer structures. In particular, the highest ratio of Lacto-bacillus acidophilus (La) to Escherichia coli (Ec) was observed in a sample containing 27.7 grams of oligofructose per square meter of coating material T (absorbent disposable material) / SMS.

table 2 Sample codes for different types of multilayer structures and processing Sample Code Treatment La / Ec Ratio N / a Wednesday only 0.06 N / a Medium + RP (oligofructose) 2.00 111209-2 Untreated T / T Coating Material 0.50 111190-5 46.3 g / m2 OF coating material T / T 3.64 091709-4 Silicon oxide control T / T 0.14 111209-4 Raw T / SMS Covers 0.49 111109-4 27.7 g / m2 OF coating material T / SMS 4.44 030410-1 17.7d g / m2 OF coating material T / SMS 3.28 030410-2 9.8 g / m2 OF coating material T / SMS 3.78 030410-5 3.2 g / sq. M. OB integumentary material T / SMS 0.44 030410-14 Silicon Oxide Control T / SMS 0.04

030410-9 Single T / SMS Experience 0.02 030410-13 Adhesive T / SMS 0,03 (La = Lactobacillus acidophilus, Ec = Escherichia coli)

Test 2: Maximum water absorption at 37G and 80% RH

The purpose of this test was to determine the absorption values of various multilayer structures containing various additives, for example, silicon oxide, xylitol and ultra-absorbent material (English superabsorbent material, abbreviated ″ SAM ″). The controls were (1) the absence of an additive in an absorbent disposable material and (2) the addition of an absorbent disposable material in an absorbent disposable material or an absorbent disposable material in an SMS structure containing or not containing silicon oxide. ″ Supplement ″ means a healthy agent. The test results are presented below in Table 3.

Table 3 * Absorption per gram of supplement but. Sample size = 2 ′ ′ × 4 ′ ′ = 0.00516 m ² b. Pure silica absorbed an average of ~ 0.065 g of water per 1 g of additive from. The absorption of the silica / xylitol system was ~ 0.048 g of water per 1 g of the additive (80% silica) d. The absorption of the silica / SAM system was ~ 0.224 g of water per 1 g of additive Sample Max. water absorption (g) Additive (g / m ² ) g additives / sample Water / sample g water / g additives The control 0.014 0 0,000 0,000 0,000 091709-1A 0.015 53 0.273 0,000 0.001 091709-1B 0.014 53 0.273 0,000 -0.001 091709-2 0,023 67 0.346 0.009 0,026 091709-3 0,047 81 0.418 0,033 0,078 091709-4 0,038 48 0.248 0.024 0,096 091709-5 0.024 32 0.165 0.010 0.059 091709-6 0,021 39 0.201 0.007 0,035 091709-7 0.024 39 0.201 0.010 0,050 091709-8 0.129 99 0.511 0.114 0.224 091709-9 0,050 31 0.160 0,036 0.223 Silica 0.007 0.1 0,112 0.007 0,063 * (Codes are shown in Table 1)

The test results showed that at 37 ° C and 80% relative humidity, the largest amount of moisture absorbs a sample containing 99 g / m ^{2 of} 80% silicon oxide and 20% SAM.

Test methods

Co-culture analysis of Lactobacillus acidophilus (ATTC # 314) (ATTC, Manassas, Virginia) (La) was cultured in 20 ml of LAPTg culture medium (15 g / liter peptone, 10 g / liter tryptone, 10 g / liter glucose, 10 g / liter yeast extract, 1 ml / liter Tween 80, pH 6.5, autoclaving) for 48 hours anaerobically at 37 ° C. Escherichia coli (ATTS # 10789) (ATTS, Manassas, Virginia) (Her) was cultured in 20 ml of LAPTg growth medium overnight at 37 ° C with shaking. Treated with oligofructose and control coating materials were cut into 75 cm ² strips, placed in different compartments of the autoclave (Cardinal Health, McGraw, IL) and sterilized with gaseous ethylene oxide using an Anprolene gas sterilizing device (Haw River, NC). An untreated control sample, a control sample of silicon oxide, and oligofructose-treated coating materials were placed under sterile culture separate tubes (BD), to which five ml of LAPTg GD medium (15 g / liter peptone, 10 g / liter tryptone, 1 g) were added. / liter of glucose, 10 g / liter of yeast extract, 1 ml / liter of Tween 80, pH 6.5, autoclaving). The negative control culture tubes contained 5 ml of LAPTg GD medium, and the positive control culture tubes contained 5 ml of LAPTg liquid medium containing 0.1% glucose and 0.9% oligofructose (BENEO-Orafti Inc., Teinen, Belgium). The optical density (OD) of La culture was determined at 540 nm using a Spectromax Plus 348 spectrophotometer (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA), and the culture was centrifuged at 5000 rpm for five minutes in an Avanti J-25I floor centrifuge (Beckman, Fullerton , CA). The supernatant was discarded and 3-6 ml of LAPTg GD was added. OD _{540 was} again measured, and OD _{540 of the} culture was adjusted to a value of 1.3-1.5. Two hundred and fifty units of La culture was added to each culture tube, and then the tubes were incubated anaerobically at 37 ° C for 6 hours.

The amount of La in the tube alone at time 0 was determined using standard dilution and plate counting methods. The optical density of the OD ₆₀₀ Ec culture was determined, and the culture was diluted in PBS (phosphate buffered saline) (BD) to a final concentration of 10 ^-5 . 25 μl of this culture was added to each culture tube, placed on SMB plates (cardiac extraction) and Ec was counted at time 0. The tubes were incubated anaerobically at 37 ° C for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, the tubes were subjected to ultrasound five times (ultrasonic cleaning device Branson 35100, Danbury, CT) for one minute with minute intervals between exposures. The cultures were serially diluted, two samples were placed on agar plates in SMB and incubated anaerobically for 48 hours at 37 ° C. Colonies of La and Ec were distinguished based on their morphology. Ec colonies were yellowish white, while La colonies were white, much finer specks.

Standard incubators were used to cultivate bacteria at 37 ° C. The moisture content was not important for the described laboratory test, since during the entire test the coating materials were immersed in liquid media.

The number of bacteria was determined in a standard way, that is, serial dilution and placing them on tablets. Bacteria colonies were distinguished based on their morphology. Bacteria were expressed as CFU / ml or in colony forming units per milliliter, i.e. standard way of describing the number of bacteria. The amounts determined at time 0 were used to ensure that the amounts of E. coli and Lactobacillus were approximately the same before the tubes were continuously incubated for 24 hours.

Ultrasound exposure

Culture tubes were placed in tube racks, which were installed in a water bath of an ultrasonic device, and subjected to ultrasound for one minute. After one minute, the ultrasound was stopped, but the tubes were left in the water bath for another minute. The ultrasonic treatment procedure was repeated five times. Used ultrasonic device: ultrasonic cleaning device Branson 35100, Danbury, CT.

Particle size determination

To determine the particle size distribution of a given sample, a set of vertically mounted sieves was used. Thus, for example, if a particle remains on a sieve with openings of 710 microns in size, then it is believed that the particle size exceeds 710 microns. If a particle passes through a sieve with openings of 710 microns in size, but remains on a sieve with openings of 500 microns in size, then it is believed that the particle size is from 500 to 710 microns. Additionally, if the particle passes through a sieve with openings of 500 microns in size, then it is believed that the particle size is less than 500 microns, etc.

The sieves were placed in decreasing order of hole sizes, so that the sieves with the largest holes were at the top of the packet, and the sieves with the smallest holes were at the bottom of the packet. Thus, all model material contained in one composite material could be weighed and placed on a sieve with the largest openings. Alternatively, if it was necessary to determine the particle size or particle size distribution of the model material only in part of the individual composite material, only a certain part of the model material was weighed, which was placed on a sieve with the largest openings. A set of sieves may include sieves corresponding to U.S. standard, which includes sieves with openings of 20 mesh (850 microns), 25 mesh (710 microns), 35 mesh (500 microns), 50 mesh (300 microns) and 170 mesh (90 microns).

The sieve set was shaken for 10 minutes using a mechanical Ro-Tap sieve shaker, Model RX29, supplied by W.S. Tyier, Mentor, Ohio, or other similar shaking device, under standard test conditions. Upon completion of the shaking, the model material remaining on each sieve was removed and its mass was determined and recorded. The percentage of particles remaining on each sieve was calculated by dividing the particles remaining on each sieve by the initial mass of the sample.

Particle sizes that were too small for the above definition can be measured using an SEM (scanning electron microscope). In particular, a free particle size of approximately 20 nanometers can be measured by laser scattering. The size of the particles contained in the polymer or the like can be determined by SEM or more preferably a field emission electron microscope (FE-SEM). The results of the methodology (using both SEM and field emission SEM) and the resulting images of very small particles can be affected by the composition and size of the particles, as well as their immediate environment, for example, the adhesive described above.

Definition of the main mass (g / sq.m)

The test "bulk" was used to determine the mass of a unit area of cellulosic or synthetic fibers contained in an absorbent material or non-woven fabric. The bulk can be measured under ordinary conditions (without conditioning), with conditioning (equilibration in laboratory conditions at a temperature of 23 +/- 3.0 ° C and a relative humidity of 50 +/- 5%) or in a completely dry state (after drying in an oven at 105 +/- 2.0 ° C for 25 minutes for a sample weighing less than 10.0 grams and a minimum of 8 hours for a sample weighing more than 10 grams). For testing, 16 sheets were placed in a bundle and cut into pieces with a size of 76.2 × 76.2 +/- 1 mm by die cutting die, with which you can cut samples of certain sizes, for example, Hudson Machinery equipment, equipment number SE-25, or equivalent equipment with a suitable stamp. After the appropriate preparation described above, including lack of conditioning, conditioning or drying, the chopped samples were weighed. If it was necessary to determine the bulk of a completely dry sample, the sample dried in an oven after drying was placed in an airtight container to prevent moisture from entering the sample, and after weighing, the mass of the container was subtracted from the total mass. To obtain the bulk of the finished product in pounds per standard foot (500 sheets), the resulting mass in grams was multiplied by 6.3492, and to obtain the bulk of the finished product in grams per square meter (g / m2), the mass obtained in grams the sample was multiplied by 10.764.

Thickness determination

The thickness value of the selected part or part of the product was determined using a thickness gauge, for example, shown in Fig.4. The thickness gauge 2310 includes a granite base 2320 and a pressure rod 2330; the granite base has a flat and smooth upper surface 2322. A suitable granite base is Starret Granite Base, Model 653G (supplied by The L.S. Starrett Company, located at Athol, Massachusetts, USA) or an equivalent base. A pressure rod 2330 is fixed at one end 2342 of the pressure lever 2340, and a digital indicator 2350 is fixed at the opposite end 2344 of the pressure lever 2340. A suitable indicator is the Mitutoyo ID-H 543 digital indicator (supplied by Mitutoyo America Corp., location of the business - Aurora, Illinois, USA) or an equivalent indicator. Down from the indicator 2350 is directed plunger 2360, capable of moving in the vertical direction.

To carry out the determination, a block 2370 with a length of 50 mm and a width of 44 mm was placed on a granite base 2320. Block 2370 is made of acrylic polymer and has a flat and smooth at least lower surface 2372. The thickness and mass of block 2370 are selected so that the pressure on the sample provided by a 2310 thickness gauge was 0.69 kPa (0.1 psi). Then, the thickness gauge 2310 is carefully lowered so that the lower surface 2362 of the plunger 2360 is in direct contact with the upper surface 2374 of the block 2370 at the intersection of the longitudinal 1 and transverse 2 axes of symmetry of the block 2370, and the length of the plunger is reduced by approximately 50%. Then the value on the digital display 2350 is reset by pressing the button 2357 ″ zero ″. The digital display 2355 of the digital indicator 2350 should show ″ 0.00 mm ″ or a close value. Then, the thickness gauge 2310 is lifted and the block 2370 is removed. The test sample is placed on the upper surface 2322 of the granite base 2320, and the block 2370 is carefully placed on the upper surface of the test sample so that the block 2370 is essentially at the intersection of the longitudinal 1 and transverse 2 axes of symmetry of the sample. Then, the thickness gauge 2310 is again carefully lowered onto the block 2370 so that the lower surface 2362 of the plunger 2360 is in direct contact with the upper surface 2374 of the block 2370 at the intersection of the longitudinal 1 and transverse 2 axes of symmetry of the block 2370, and the length of the plunger is reduced by approximately 50%, creating pressure 0.69 kPa (0.1 psi). After 3 seconds, the 2355 digital display is recorded with an accuracy of 0.01 mm.

It should be understood that the details of the above examples are presented to illustrate the invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Although only some examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes can be made to the examples that do not substantially affect the novelty and useful effect of the present invention. For example, the features discussed in the description of one example may be included in any other embodiment of the invention.

Accordingly, all such changes are included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims and their equivalents. Additionally, it should be understood that many embodiments can be created in which not all of the beneficial effects of some embodiments are realized, in particular preferred embodiments; however, the absence of a specific beneficial effect does not necessarily mean that such an embodiment is not included in the scope of the present invention. Since various changes may be made to the designs described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, it should be understood that all of the foregoing description is illustrative and non-limiting.

Claims (18)

1. An absorbent article with a delivery system of a healthy agent, including:
absorbing inner layer;
an outer layer located on one side of the absorbent inner layer; and
coating material that provides a healthy effect located on the opposite side of the absorbing inner layer;
where the specified coating material is a delivery system of a healthy agent and has a multilayer structure, including:
a first base and a second base, where the first and second bases are permeable to gases, liquids and / or particles that can pass through the first and second base;
an adhesive applied to the inner surfaces of the first base and the second base;
where a healthy agent contains particles that are distributed in an adhesive on a first base and a second base;
while some of the particles are not fixed on the adhesive; and
where the adhesive and particles together form a layer that provides a healthy effect. 2. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the adhesive substance is from about 2.5% to about 10% of the total mass of the layer, providing a healthy effect. 3. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the particle size exceeds the pore size available in the first base. 4. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the particle size is smaller than the pore size available in the first base. 5. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the particle size exceeds the pore size of the second base. 6. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the pore size of the second base is smaller than the pore of the first base. 7. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the particle sizes are from about 10 nm to about 1000 microns. 8. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the particle sizes are from about 0.5 microns to about 50 microns. 9. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the particles comprise a desiccant, a prebiotic, a deodorant, bacteria, or any combination thereof. 10. The absorbent product according to claim 1, further comprising a second layer of adhesive. 11. The absorbent article of claim 10, wherein the healthy agent located between the first substrate and the second adhesive layer is different in composition and / or structure from the healthy agent located between the second substrate and the second adhesive layer. 12. An absorbent article according to claim 1, further comprising a third base and a second layer providing a healthy effect in which the healthy agent between the first base and the second base differs in composition and / or structure from a healthy agent located between the second base and the third base. 13. A method of manufacturing a coating material that provides a healthy effect, absorbing products according to claim 1, comprising the following steps:
(1) obtaining the first base and its location on a moving conveyor belt;
(2) bonding the first layer of adhesive to the inner surface of the first substrate;
(3) applying a first layer of a powdery substance to a first layer of an adhesive;
(4) applying a second layer of adhesive to the second base; and
(5) securing the second base on the first layer of the powdered substance, where steps 1 to 5 are performed sequentially. 14. The method according to p. 13, in which after step (5) perform additional steps, including:
(5a) gluing a first additional adhesive layer on a second base;
(5b) applying an additional powdery substance to a first additional adhesive layer; and
(5c) applying a second additional layer of adhesive to the additional powdery substance;
(5d) securing the second additional base on a second additional adhesive layer;
where steps 5a through 5d are performed sequentially. 15. The method according to p. 13, in which after step (4) perform the following additional steps, including:
(4a) applying a second layer of powder substance to a second layer of adhesive;
(4b) applying an additional layer of adhesive to the second layer of the powdered substance;
(4c) lack of step (5);
(4d) securing the second base on an additional layer of adhesive;
where steps 4a through 4d are performed sequentially. 16. The method according to p. 13, in which the powder substance includes a prebiotic and a probiotic. 17. An absorbent product according to claim 1, including:
first base and second base;
an adhesive applied to the inner surfaces of the first base and the second base;
where the layer of a healthy agent contains dispersed particles, and
where a second layer of adhesive separates a layer of a healthy agent. 18. The absorbent product according to paragraphs. 1 and 17, which is an absorbent mat, or a medical dressing, or a feminine sanitary pad, a headband or panties.

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