U.S. patent application number 12/121174 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for absorbent article comprising a lotion composition for reducing adherence of feces or menses to the skin.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Thomas James Klofta, Randall Glenn Marsh, Cornelia Beate Martynus, Donald Carroll Roe, Rodrigo Rosati, Victor Nicholas Vega, Randall Alan Watson, Brandon Ellis Wise.
Application Number | 20080286320 12/121174 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38515751 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080286320 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vega; Victor Nicholas ; et
al. |
November 20, 2008 |
Absorbent article comprising a lotion composition for reducing
adherence of feces or menses to the skin
Abstract
The present invention relates to lotion compositions comprised
on a body facing surface of an absorbent article such as a diaper,
training pants or adult incontinence product. The lotion
composition may be used for reducing the adherence of feces or
menses to the human skin. The lotion composition comprises at least
two compounds wherein one first compound is liquid at 25.degree. C.
and at least one second component which is solid at 25.degree. C.
An effective amount of the lotion composition is comprised on a
body facing surface of an absorbent article which is intended to be
worn by a wearer.
Inventors: |
Vega; Victor Nicholas;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Rosati; Rodrigo; (Frankfurt am
Main, DE) ; Martynus; Cornelia Beate;
(Nidderan-Ostheim, DE) ; Watson; Randall Alan;
(Loveland, OH) ; Wise; Brandon Ellis; (Cincinnati,
OH) ; Klofta; Thomas James; (Cincinnati, OH) ;
Roe; Donald Carroll; (West Chester, OH) ; Marsh;
Randall Glenn; (Hamilton, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
38515751 |
Appl. No.: |
12/121174 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/402 ;
514/546 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2013/8461 20130101;
A61L 15/20 20130101; A61L 15/26 20130101; A61L 15/44 20130101; A61F
2013/51117 20130101; A61F 13/8405 20130101; A61F 13/51113 20130101;
A61F 2013/51073 20130101; A61F 2013/8455 20130101; A61F 2013/49092
20130101; A61L 15/16 20130101; A61F 13/4902 20130101; A61L 15/50
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/402 ;
514/546 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/49 20060101
A61F013/49; A61K 31/215 20060101 A61K031/215 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 15, 2007 |
EP |
0710802.8 |
Claims
1. An absorbent article, intended to be worn by a wearer, wherein
at least a part of a body facing surface of that article comprises
a lotion composition, the lotion composition comprising at least
one first compound which is liquid at 25.degree. C. and at least
one second compound which is solid at 25.degree. C.; wherein: a)
the first compound is one of a liquid polyethylene glycol
derivative, a liquid polypropylene glycol, or a liquid
polypropylene glycol derivative, and the second compound is one of
a solid polyethylene glycol derivative, a solid polypropylene
glycol, or a solid polypropylene glycol derivative; or b) the first
compound is one of a liquid polyethylene glycol, a liquid
polyethylene glycol derivative, a liquid polypropylene glycol, or a
liquid polypropylene glycol derivative, and the second compound is
a solid nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of at least 10;
wherein when the solid nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylated fatty
alcohol, then the HLB value is at least 13; or c) the first
compound is a liquid fatty acid ester comprising at least one fatty
acid unit and at least one ethylene glycol unit and wherein the
second compound is a solid polyethylene glycol; or d) the first
compound is a liquid polyethylene glycol, a liquid polyethylene
glycol derivative, a liquid polypropylene glycol, or a liquid
polypropylene glycol derivative thereof and the second compound is
a solid fatty compounds selected from the group consisting of solid
fatty acids and solid fatty soaps; wherein when the solid fatty
compound is a solid fatty acid, then the total amount of liquids is
higher than the total amount of solids.
2. An absorbent article, intended to be worn by a wearer, wherein
at least a part of a body facing surface of that article comprises
a lotion composition, the lotion composition consisting of a first
compound which is liquid at 25.degree. C. and a second compound
which is solid at 25.degree. C.; wherein: a) the first compound is
one of a liquid polyethylene glycol, a liquid polyethylene glycol
derivative, a liquid polypropylene glycol, or a liquid
polypropylene glycol derivative, and the second compound is a solid
nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of at least 10, wherein when
the solid nonionic surfactant is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, then
the HLB value is at least 13; or b) the first compound is a liquid
fatty acid ester comprising at least one fatty acid unit and at
least one ethylene glycol unit and wherein the second compound is a
solid polyethylene glycol, a liquid polyethylene glycol derivative,
a solid polypropylene glycol, or a liquid polypropylene glycol
derivative; or c) wherein the first compound is a liquid
polyethylene glycol, a liquid polyethylene glycol derivative, a
liquid polypropylene glycol, or a liquid polypropylene glycol
derivative, and the second compound is a solid fatty compounds
selected from the group consisting of solid fatty acids and solid
fatty soaps and solid fatty alcohols;
3. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the article comprises
on the body facing surface an effective amount of the lotion
composition for reducing the adherence of feces or menses to the
human skin.
4. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the lotion composition
is hydrophilic and comprises less than 5 wt % of water by weight of
the lotion composition.
5. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the amount of the
first compound is from 3 to 90 wt. % based on the total lotion
composition and the amount of the second compound is from 10 to 97
wt. % based on the total lotion composition and the weight ratio of
first to second compound is from 1:32 to 9:1.
6. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein: a) the liquid
polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from 100 Daltons to less
than 720 Daltons; or b) the solid polyethylene glycol has a
molecular weight from 720 Daltons to 100000 Daltons; or c) the
solid nonionic surfactant with HLB value of at least 10 is selected
from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol C10 to C30-fatty
alcohol ethers and polyethylene glycol C10 to C30-fatty acid
esters; or d) the liquid fatty acid ester comprises at least one
fatty acid unit and at least one ethylene glycol unit selected from
the group consisting of ethoxylated glycerin C6 to C30-fatty acid
diesters and ethylene glycol C6 to C30 fatty acid diesters with one
or two ethylene glycol units.
7. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the lotion composition
further comprises at least one dispersed particulate material.
8. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the composition
further comprises at least one further ingredient selected from the
group consisting of anti-foaming agents; antimicrobial agents;
antifungal agents; antiseptic agents; antioxidants; cosmetic
astringents; drug astringents; biological additives; botanical
additives; colorants; deodorants; emollients; external analgesics;
film formers; fragrances; humectants; moisturizing agents;
opacifiers; skin protectants; cleansing agents; emulsifiers;
solubilizing agents; suspending agents; binders; absorbents;
buffering agents; and fats and oils.
9. The absorbent article of claim 8, wherein the at least one
ingredient is a botanical additive, an antimicrobial agent, an
antiseptic agent or an antifungal agent.
10. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent
articles are comprised in a package and wherein each package
additionally comprises one or more wipes, wherein the ratio of
absorbent articles to wipes is from 1:1 to 1:3.
11. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent article
comprises one or more of a topsheet, a pair of barrier cuffs, and a
pair of leg cuffs, wherein the composition is applied to at least a
part of one or more of the topsheet, the pair of leg cuffs, and the
pair of barrier cuffs, wherein the topsheet is apertured.
12. A process of making an absorbent article, comprising the steps
of (a) providing a lotion composition as defined in claim 1; and
(b) applying the lotion composition to at least one part of the
body facing surface of an absorbent article, wherein the lotion
composition is applied in an effective amount, and wherein the
absorbent article is an article intended to be worn by a wearer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to European Patent
Application 0710802.8, filed May 15, 2007, the substance of which
is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A lotion composition comprised on a body facing surface of
an absorbent article such as a diaper, training pants or adult
incontinence product, may be used for reducing the adherence of
feces or menses to the human skin. The lotion composition comprises
at least two compounds wherein one first compound is liquid at
25.degree. C. and at least one second component which is solid at
25.degree. C. An effective amount of the lotion composition is
comprised on a body facing surface of an absorbent article which is
intended to be worn by a wearer. Absorbent articles herein may have
at least a topsheet comprising said lotion composition and
absorbent articles may be infant (baby) diapers, including training
pants, adult incontinence articles, sanitary napkins, panty-liners
and the like. The lotion compositions described herein are believed
to reduce the adherence of the menses or feces to the skin, thereby
improving the ease of menses or bowl movement (BM) clean up.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Disposable absorbent products, such as diapers and sanitary
napkins, are known that have a topsheet comprising a lotion, to
deliver skin benefits to the skin of the wearer and to sometimes
improve the removal of feces or menses from the skin. In recent
years the focus has been to deliver lotions to sanitary napkins and
diapers that provide extra skin benefits, for example by addition
of botanical ingredients or pharmaceutical ingredients to the
lotions. Lotions of various types are known to provide various skin
benefits, such as prevention or treatment of diaper rash. These
lotions can be applied to the topsheet of absorbent articles, and
can be transferred to the skin of the wearer during use. The
addition of lotion to the topsheet of absorbent articles is also
known to provide benefits such as easier BM clean up on the
skin.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,025 to Roe et al., WO 97/05908, WO
97/05909 and US 2006/140924 describe absorbent articles having
lotioned topsheets for reducing adherence of BM to the skin,
wherein the lotion compositions are primarily hydrophobic. U.S.
Pat. No. 3,489,148 to Duncan et al. teaches a diaper comprising a
hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheet wherein a portion of the
topsheet is coated with a discontinuous film of oleaginous
material. A disadvantage of the diapers disclosed in the Duncan et
al. reference and other diapers treated with hydrophobic lotions,
is that the hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheets are slow in
promoting transfer of urine to the underlying absorbent cores.
Since the viscosity of BM and menses is considerably greater than
urine, the problems associated with Duncan et al are more profound.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need for absorbent articles,
such as diapers and catamenial devices having improved fluid
handling such that more menses enter into and remain in the device,
and less on the skin and hair of the wearer. WO 05/035013, WO
00/64500, WO 00/64501, U.S. Patent Application 2002-120241 and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,756,520 describe absorbent articles with hydrophilic
lotion compositions for various uses, such as improving
moisturization or lubrication, for reducing abrasion of skin, for
improving skin health, for enhancing the barrier function of the
skin and for prevention and alleviation of skin irritations. WO
02/49686 and WO 02/70026 describe apertured polymeric film webs for
absorbent articles which are treated with lotion compositions for
improving fluid transfer.
[0005] However, the inventors found that there is an unmet need to
provide absorbent articles to be worn by a wearer, such as diapers,
sanitary napkins and the like, with some means to reduce the
adherence of feces or menses to the skin. It is further desirable
that removal of any feces or menses is improved after use of the
article. Also, desired fluid acquisition and distribution
properties should be maintained and wearer comfort should be
ensured.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The inventors have found that by applying a lotion
composition as described herein below to one or more surfaces of an
absorbent article that are in contact with the skin of the wearer,
e.g. the topsheet, reduced feces or menses adherence to the skin
can be achieved and improved ease of removal of feces or menses can
be obtained after the articles have been used and have been removed
from the wearer.
[0007] The invention also relates an absorbent article, intended to
be worn by a wearer, wherein at least a part of a body facing
surface of that article comprises a lotion composition, the lotion
composition comprising at least one first compound which is liquid
at 25.degree. C. and at least one second compound which is solid at
25.degree. C.;
[0008] wherein said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycol
and said second compound is a solid nonionic surfactant with an HLB
value of at least 10; or wherein said first compound is a liquid
fatty acid ester comprising at least one fatty acid unit and at
least one ethylene glycol unit and wherein said second compound is
a solid polyethylene glycol; or
[0009] wherein said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycol
and said second compound is a solid fatty compounds selected from
the group consisting of solid fatty acids and solid fatty
soaps;
[0010] wherein when said solid nonionic surfactant is an
ethoxylated fatty alcohol, then the HLB value is at least 13;
and
[0011] wherein when said solid fatty compound is a solid fatty
acid, then the total amount of liquids is higher than the total
amount of solids.
[0012] The invention also relates an absorbent article, intended to
be worn by a wearer, wherein at least a part of a body facing
surface of that article comprises a lotion composition consisting
of a first compound which is liquid at 25.degree. C. and a second
compound which is solid at 25.degree. C.;
[0013] wherein said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycol
and said second compound is a solid nonionic surfactant with an HLB
value of at least 10; or
[0014] wherein said first compound is a liquid fatty acid ester
comprising at least one fatty acid unit and at least one ethylene
glycol unit and wherein said second compound is a solid
polyethylene glycol; or
[0015] wherein said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycol
and said second compound is a solid fatty compounds selected from
the group consisting of solid fatty acids and solid fatty soaps and
solid fatty alcohols;
[0016] wherein when said solid nonionic surfactant is an
ethoxylated fatty alcohol, then the HLB value is at least 13.
[0017] The invention also relates to a process of making an
absorbent article, comprising the steps of [0018] (a) providing a
lotion composition as described herein; [0019] (b) applying said
lotion composition to at least one part of the body facing surface
of an absorbent article, wherein said lotion composition is applied
in an effective amount for reducing the adherence of feces or
menses to the human skin, wherein the absorbent article is an
article intended to be worn by a wearer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Herein, "comprise" and "include" mean that other elements
and/or other steps which do not affect the end result can be added.
Each of these terms encompasses the terms "consisting of" and
"consisting essentially of".
[0021] Herein, "body facing surface" refers to surfaces of
absorbent articles and/or their component materials which face the
body of the wearer, while "garment facing surface" refers to the
opposite surfaces of the absorbent articles and/or their component
materials that face away from the wearer when the absorbent
articles are worn. Absorbent articles and components thereof,
including the topsheet, backsheet, absorbent core, and any
individual layers of their component materials, typically have a
body facing surface and a garment facing surface.
[0022] Herein, "body" refers to outer layers formed by mammalian
epidermal tissues including the skin and hair. The characteristics
of the body tend to differ dramatically depending on the position,
age, sex, and individual's nature. For example, the skin of babies
and young children differs from the skin of adults, and the skin
having hair differs from the non-haired skin.
[0023] As used herein "absorbent article" refers to devices which
are intended to be placed against the skin of a wearer to absorb
and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Examples
of absorbent articles include incontinence articles such as
diapers; pant-like diapers such as training pants; diaper holders;
incontinence briefs. Further examples of absorbent articles are
feminine hygiene articles such as tampons, interlabial devices,
sanitary napkins and panti-liners. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the absorbent articles are incontinence articles such as
diapers or pant-like diapers.
[0024] As used herein "tampon" refers to any type of absorbent
structure which is inserted into the vaginal canal or other body
cavities for the absorption of fluid there from. The basic tampon
structures are described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,926,900 issued to Haas
on Sep. 12, 1933; U.S. Pat. No. 1,946,911 issued to Haas on Jul. 3,
1934; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,322,123 issued to Giswold, et al. on May
30, 1967. As used herein "interlabial absorbent article" refers to
an absorbent device that is insertable into the interlabial space
of a female wearer for catamenial purposes, incontinence barrier,
or both. Suitable interlabial absorbent articles are disclosed in,
e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,644 entitled "Toilet-Disposable Absorbent
Interlabial Device" issued to Osborn, et al. on Jun. 9, 1998; PCT
Publication No. WO 98/29078 entitled "Thin Comfortable Interlabial
Absorbent Structure" published in the name of Osborn, et al. on
Jul. 9, 1998; U.S. Pat. Des. No. 404,814 entitled "Interlabial
Absorbent Device" issued to Mayer on Jan. 26, 1999; U.S. Pat. No.
6,270,486 entitled "Absorbent Interlabial Device" issued to Brown,
et al. on Aug. 7, 2001. As used herein, the terms "panty liner" or
"panti-liner" refer to absorbent articles that are less bulky than
sanitary napkins which are generally worn by women between their
menstrual periods. Suitable absorbent articles are disclosed in,
e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,676 entitled "Pantiliner" issued to
Osborn on Apr. 19, 1988.
[0025] As used herein "diaper" refers to an incontinence article
generally worn by infants, and incontinent persons about the lower
torso of the wearer. Suitable diapers are disclosed in, e.g., U.S.
Pat. NO. 3,860,003 issued to Buell on Jan. 14, 1975; U.S. Pat. No.
5,151,092 issued to Buell et al. on Sep. 29, 1992; U.S. Pat. No.
5,221,274 issued to Buell et al. on Jun. 22, 1993; and U.S. Pat.
No. 5,554,145 issued to Roe et al. on Sep. 10, 1996. As used herein
"incontinence article" refers to pads, undergarments, inserts for
absorbent articles, capacity boosters for absorbent articles,
briefs, bed pads, and the like regardless of whether they are worn
by adults or other incontinent persons. Suitable incontinence
articles are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,461 issued to
Strickland, et al. on Mar. 3, 1981; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,597,760 and
4,597,761 issued to Buell; the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No.
4,704,115; U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,802 issued to Ahr, et al.; U.S. Pat.
No. 4,964,860 issued to Gipson, et al. on Oct. 23, 1990; and PCT
Publication No. WO 92/11830 published by Noel, et al. on Jul. 23,
1992. As used herein "pant-like diaper" refers to an incontinence
article having fixed sides and leg openings. Pant-like diapers are
placed in position on the wearer by inserting the wearer's legs
into the leg openings and sliding the pant-like diaper into
position about the wearer's lower torso. Suitable pant-like diapers
are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,433, issued to Hasse,
et al. on Sep. 21, 1993.
[0026] As used herein "disposable" is used to describe absorbent
articles for single use, which are not intended to be laundered,
restored or otherwise reused as an absorbent article after a single
use.
[0027] The term "joined", as used herein, encompasses
configurations in which an element is directly secured to another
element by affixing the element directly to the other element;
configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the
other element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s)
which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations
in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one
element is essentially part of the other element.
[0028] The term "longitudinal", as used herein, refers to a line,
axis or direction in the plane of the absorbent article that is
generally aligned with (e.g., approximately parallel to) a vertical
plane which bisects a standing wearer into left and right body
halves when the absorbent article is worn. The terms "transverse"
or "lateral" as used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a
line, axis or direction which lies within the plane of the
absorbent article that is generally perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction.
[0029] As used herein, the terms "migrate", "migration", or
"migrating" mean a lotion composition moves from one place to
another place by way of movement on a material or permeation
through an intervening material.
[0030] As used herein, the term "transfer" when used in the context
of a lotion composition, refers to the lotion composition moving
from one area of the absorbent article to the skin of the wearer or
to another area on the absorbent article not by way of migration
but by way of direct contact with the lotion composition, such as
in a blotting effect. "Applying" to a surface of an absorbent
article such as the topsheet, barrier cuff or leg cuff as used
herein means that said surface, topsheet, barrier cuff or leg cuff
comprises at least a partial layer of the lotion composition on at
least part of one of its surface so that at least part of the
lotion composition may contact the skin of the wearer in use. To
allow contact with the skin, typically the body facing surface of
the topsheet, barrier cuff or leg cuff is coated. The lotion
composition may also penetrate partly or fully into the surface and
may penetrate the respective absorbent article component to which
it is applied, e.g. the topsheet, the barrier cuff or the leg
cuff.
[0031] The unit of all molecular weights given herein is
Daltons.
[0032] As used herein, the term "particulate material" refers to a
component of the lotion composition that is insoluble or
non-molecularly dispersible or non-reactive biologically in the
lotion composition prior to applying this lotion composition to the
absorbent article and that remains in particulate form when applied
to the absorbent article. It includes all type of particulate forms
such as granules, beads, spheres, micro-spheres, powders, as known
in the art.
[0033] The terms "reducing the adherence" and "anti-stick" are used
synonymously. This means that less residual artificial pasty bowel
movement (ABM) remains on the skin when compared to a control
without anti-stick lotion composition. Typically, no treatment of
the skin results in greater than 30% residual ABM remaining on the
skin surface.
[0034] A lotion composition beneficial for use may leave less than
30%, including less than about 10%, 8%, 7%, 5%, 4%, 3% or 2%
residual ABM on the skin surface as assessed by the method
described herein. Skin that is not treated with an anti-stick agent
or lotion composition, but is otherwise subjected to the above
method, serves as a negative control.
[0035] Herein, the terms "feces" and "bowl movement", "BM" are used
interchangeably.
Lotion Compositions of the present invention
[0036] The lotion composition may be flowable (e.g. liquid) at
suitable process conditions, e.g. above 50.degree. C. or above
60.degree. C. or above 80.degree. C. or optionally above
100.degree. C., but solid or semi-solid at room temperature
(25.degree. C.). The terms semi-solid and non-fluid are used
interchangeable herein.
[0037] The lotion composition herein may be a lotion composition
that may provide additional skin care benefits. The lotion
compositions of the present invention are typically non-fluid, i.e.
solid, or more often semisolid, at 25.degree. C., i.e. at ambient
temperatures. By "semisolid" is meant that the lotion composition
has a rheology typical of pseudoplastic or plastic fluids. When no
shear is applied, the lotion compositions can have the appearance
of a non-fluid, solid but can be made to flow as the shear rate is
increased. This may be due to the fact that, while the lotion
composition contains solid components, it also includes some liquid
components. The lotion compositions of the present invention may be
solid or at least semi-solid at room temperature to minimize
migration of the lotion composition. The lotion composition may
have a final melting point (100% liquid) above potential
"stressful" storage conditions that can be 45.degree. C. or
greater. Non-fluid means that 1 g of the material, which is placed
in the middle of a round glass plate having a diameter of 15 cm,
does not run off a glass plate within 1 minute, when the glass
plate is tilted at 45.degree., under conditions of 25.degree. C.
and 50% relative humidity.
[0038] In one embodiment, the lotion composition is such that 3% to
75% by weight is liquid at room temperature (20.degree. C.). From
25% to 75% or even 30% to 80% can be liquid at body temperature
(37.degree. C.). In one embodiment, the total amount of liquid
compounds is higher than the total amount of solid compounds, e.g.
the amount of liquids is above 50 wt. % or at least 55 wt. % or at
least 60 wt. %. When applied to the absorbent article, the lotion
compositions of the present invention are transferable to the
wearer's skin by normal contact, wearer motion (thus creating
friction), and/or body heat.
[0039] An effective amount of the lotion composition is comprised
on a body facing surface of an absorbent article. An effective
amount is an amount which effects a reduction of the adherence of
feces or menses to the human skin of a wearer wearing an absorbent
article compared to the absorbent article without the lotion
composition. Typically, a no treatment control article yield a
value of at least 30% residual feces when measured as described
herein. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the
lotion composition may reduce the adhesive force between the soils
or exudates and the skin surface because the adhesive forces may be
smaller than the cohesive forces within the soils or exudates,
thereby allowing the soils or exudates to detach from the skin
surface upon application of a shear force (e.g. such as that
generated by wiping).
[0040] Generally, the lotion composition is applied to an absorbent
article as described herein in a safe and effective amount, wherein
such safe and effective amounts are applied on a least a portion of
the topsheet and/or on at least a portion of the barrier cuff
and/or at least a portion of the leg cuff. An effective amount
according to the present invention may be from about 0.0015
mg/cm.sup.2 (0.01 mg/in.sup.2) to about 100.5 mg/cm.sup.2 (100
mg/in.sup.2), from about 0.003 mg/cm.sup.2 (0.02 mg/in.sup.2) to
about 12.4 mg/cm.sup.2 (80 mg/in.sup.2), or from about 0.02
mg/cm.sup.2 (0.015 mg/in.sup.2) to about 7.75 mg/cm (50
mg/in.sup.2), of the lotion composition to the absorbent article.
Typically, a safe and effective amount of the lotion compositions
of the present invention is applied to an absorbent article such
that at least about 0.00015 mg/cm (0.001 mg/in.sup.2) to about 15.5
mg/cm.sup.2 (100 mg/in.sup.2), from about 0.0006 mg/cm.sup.2 (0.004
mg/in.sup.2) to about 11 mg/cm.sup.2 (72 mg/in.sup.2), or from
about 0.005 mg/cm.sup.2 (0.03 mg/in.sup.2) to about 6.2 mg/cm.sup.2
(40 mg/in.sup.2), of the lotion composition is transferred to the
body during a single use of an absorbent article which is typically
about a three hour period. Absorbent articles are generally changed
every three to six hours during the day and once for overnight
protection, resulting in at least a safe and effective amount of
from about 0.00045 mg/cm.sup.2 (0.003 mg/in.sup.2) to about 124
mg/cm.sup.2 (800 mg/in.sup.2), from about 0.0018 mg/cm.sup.2 (0.012
mg/in.sup.2) to about 88 mg/cm.sup.2 (576 mg/in.sup.2), or from
about 0.015 mg/cm.sup.2 (0.09 mg/in.sup.2) to about 49.6
mg/cm.sup.2 (320 mg/in.sup.2), of the lotion composition being
administered within a one day interval (24 hour period). However,
the transfer of the lotion compositions of the present invention
onto a wearer's body via an absorbent article described herein can
occur for one day, several days, weeks, months, or years at
appropriate intervals.
[0041] The total amount of the first liquid compounds may be from 3
to 90 wt. % or from 20 to 80 wt. % or from 30 to 70 wt. % based on
the total lotion composition and the total amount of the solid
second compounds is from 10 to 97 wt. % or from 20 to 80 wt. % or
from 30 to 70 wt. % based on the total lotion composition; and the
weight ratio of first to second compound is from 1:32 to 9:1 or
from 1:9 to 9:1 or from 2:8 to 8:2 or from 3:7 to 7:3.
[0042] The lotion composition may be hydrophilic and essentially
non-aqueous. Non aqueous means, that the lotion compositions either
contain no water or they contain water only in minor amounts such
as less than 5 wt. % or even less than 1 wt. %. However, these
amounts refer to the lotion composition at the time when the
absorbent article is produced, i.e. to the time the lotion
composition is applied onto the absorbent article. The lotion
compositions of the present invention may be rather hygroscopic,
and thus may be able to take up a significant amount of water from
the surrounding atmosphere, particularly in an environment with
high relative humidity. Thus, when the absorbent article has been
stored for a relatively long time, such as several months or even
years, it is possible that the amount of water contained in the
lotion composition has increased to be more than 5 wt %.
[0043] Water solubility of the lotion composition is determined as
follows: 100 mg of the lotion composition is applied to a glass
slide (2,5 cm.times.8 cm) of known weight, such that the lotion
covers an area of 2,5 cm.times.5 cm on the glass slide. The slide
is then placed in a beaker containing 75 ml of pure water at room
temperature. The water with the lotion composition therein is not
stirred. After 4 hours the glass slide is removed from the beaker
and put in an oven at 60.degree. C., 0% RH to remove the water.
After drying it is weighted to determine the residual amount of
lotion composition on the slide. The lotion composition of the
present invention is water soluble if residual amount of lotion
composition on the plate after drying is below 60%, below 20% or
below 10%. Such lotion compositions having a relatively good water
solubility are considered to be hydrophilic within the meaning of
the present invention.
[0044] While hydrophobic lotion compositions such as those
described in the prior art mentioned above may deliver some level
of anti-stick performance, they suffer from several drawbacks
including that they tend to leave an undesirable greasy or slippery
feel on the skin. Also, they are typically lubricious, reducing
interaction of the cleansing implement and the soils or exudates,
resulting in smearing and rather poor cleaning. Hydrophilic lotion
compositions overcome many of these drawbacks. Hydrophilic lotion
compositions typically do not leave a greasy feeling on the skin,
and they are typically not as lubricous as non-water soluble,
hydrophobic lotion compositions which may result in better cleaning
and less smearing.
[0045] The lotion composition comprises at least one first compound
which is liquid at 25.degree. C. and at least one second compound
which is solid at 25.degree. C.,
[0046] wherein said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycol
and said second compound is a solid nonionic surfactant with an HLB
value of at least 10; or wherein said first compound is a liquid
fatty acid ester comprising at least one fatty acid unit and at
least one ethylene glycol unit and wherein said second compound is
a solid polyethylene glycol; or
[0047] wherein said first compound is a liquid polyethylene glycol
and said second compound is a solid fatty compounds selected from
the group consisting of solid fatty acids and solid fatty soaps and
solid fatty alcohols;
[0048] wherein when said solid nonionic surfactant is an
ethoxylated fatty alcohol, then the HLB value is at least 13.
[0049] When said solid fatty compound is a solid fatty acid, then
the total amount of liquids may be higher than the total amount of
solids.
Liquid Polyhydric Alcoholic Solvents
[0050] Liquid polyhydric alcoholic solvents, when used herein, are
organic compounds having at least 2 carbon atoms and at least two
alcoholic hydroxy groups and which are liquid at 25.degree. C.,
excluding for the purpose of the invention polyethylene glycols,
polypropylene glycols and derivatives, as described herein below,
as separate groups. Examples are glycerol, ethylene glycol,
diethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, dipropylene
glycol, methyl propanediol and derivatives thereof, including for
example mono- or di- end capped diethylene glycols, mono- or di-
end capped dipropylene glycols, mono- or di- end capped ethylene
glycols and mono- or di- end capped propylene glycols, having
end-capped units as described above.
[0051] Liquid compounds herein may include: ethoxylated fatty
acids, such as PEG-8 laurate, available for example as Lipopeg 4-L
from Lipo Chemicals; ethoxylated fatty ester (oil), such as a
PEG-25 castor oil, for example available as hetoxide C-25 from
Global-Seven Inc.; Glycerol esters, such as for example a PEG-10
polyglyceryl-2 laurate, available for example as Hostacerin DGL
from Clariant Corp.; Lecithin, such as available as Alcolec BS from
American Lecithin Co.; polymeric surfactants such as a C8-C10 alkyl
polysaccharide ether, available for example as Glucopan 225 DK from
Cognis Corp.); Sorbitan derivatives such as POE (20) sorbitan
monopalmitate available for example from Croda Inc.;sucrose and
glucose esters and derivatives, such as alkyl polyglucoside,
available for example as Simulsol AS48 from Seppic Inc.
Liquid Polyethylene Glycols and Derivatives and Liquid
Polypropylene Glycol and Derivatives.
[0052] Liquid polyethylene glycols and derivatives are liquid at
25.degree. C.. The polyethylene glycols (PEG's) are made from at
least 3 units of ethylene glycol and have the general formula
HO--(CH2-O--CH2-O).sub.x--H with x being a number of from 3 to 15
or from 8 to 12. The molecular weight (weight average) is from 100
to less than 720, or from 100 or 350 to 700. Typical liquid
polyethylene glycols are known as PEG-4, PEG-6, PEG-7, PEG-8,
PEG-9, PEG-10, PEG-12 and PEG-14. Suitable trade products are for
example Polyglykol 400 of Clariant with an average molecular weight
of 380 to 410 or Polyglykol 600 with an average molecular weight of
570 to 630.
[0053] Liquid PEG and PPG derivatives may include esters and ethers
of PEG and PPG. Liquid derivates of PEG and PPG include in
particular PEG's and PPG's (for example as described above) having
however one or more (mono or di end capped, respectively) end cap
groups, derived from an organic compound capable of reacting with a
hydroxyl group. End cap groups may include methyl, ethyl, propyl,
isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl and benzyl, for example
mono- or di-methyl or- ethyl end capped PEG or PPG. In some
embodiment, methyl may be an end-capping unit.
Further polypropylenes and end capping units useful in this
invention are described in co-pending application US60/901793,
filed 16 Feb. 2007.
[0054] A liquid mono-end capped PEG may include for example a
polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, such as available as
Polyglykol M400 from Clariant Corporation. A liquid PEG may include
also a Polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether with a MW of 500
(available from Sigma Aldrich).
[0055] Also useful herein are liquid ethylene oxide--propylene
oxide copolymers and polyethylene -polypropylene block copolymers
(EO-PO block copolymers), such as Genapol PF10--an EO-PO block
copolymer from Clariant Corp.)
Liquid Alkylene (e.g. Ethylene) Glycol Fatty Acid Esters
[0056] Suitable liquid alkylene or ethylene glycol fatty acid
esters are for example the esters of one or more alkylene glycol
units, including ethylene glycol units, and one or two fatty acids.
These compounds may have the general formula
R.sup.1--(OCH2CH2).sub.mO--R.sup.2 where R and R.sup.2 are hydrogen
or fatty acid residues with e.g. from 6 to 30 or from 8 to 22
carbon atoms and can be the same or different with the proviso that
not both are hydrogen; and m is a number of at least 1. R1 and R2
may be different and m may be 1, 2, or 3. Typical ethylene glycol
esters are known for example as diethylene glycol
diethylhexanoate/diisononanoate, diethylene glycol diisononanoate,
diethylene glycol dilaurate, diethylene glycol
dioctanoate/diisononanoate and diethylene glycol distearate.
Suitable trade product mixtures containing ethylene glycol esters
are for example DERMOL MO or DERMOL 489. Wax esters may be used
which are liquid at room temperature (25.degree. C.). They may be
derived from natural sources such as jojoba oil, comprising
docosenyl eicosenoate, eicosenyl eicosenoate and eicosenyl
docosenoate.
Solid Polyethylene Glycol and Polypropylene Glycols and Derivatives
Thereof
[0057] Solid polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols and
derivatives thereof are solid (or semi-solid- as defined above) at
25.degree. C., as defined herein. The solid polyethylene glycols
are typically made from at least 16 units of ethylene glycol and
have the general formula HO--(CH2-O--CH2-O).sub.y--H with y being a
number of at least 16, e.g. from 20 to 220 or from 40 to 150. The
molecular weight (weight average) is above 720, e.g. from 720 to
100000, or from 950 or 1500 or 2000 or 2700 to 30000. Typical solid
polyethylene glycols are known as PEG-20, PEG-32, PEG-40, PEG-45,
PEG-55, PEG-60, PEG-75, PEG-90 and PEG-100. Suitable trade products
are for example Polyglykol 3000 of Clariant with an average
molecular weight of 2700 to 3000 or Polyglykol 4000 with an average
molecular weight of 3700 to 4500.
[0058] Solid PEG and PPG derivatives may include esters and ether
derivates of PEG's and PPG's. Solid derivatives include in
particular PEG's and PPG's (for example as described above) having
one or more end cap groups (mono or di end capped, respectively),
such as those described above.
[0059] For example, a solid mono-end capped PEG such as Polyglykol
M4000 (polyethylene glycol monomethyl, from Clariant Corporation)
may be used and/or a solid di-endcapped PEG such as Polyethylene
glycol dimethyl ether MW2000 (from Sigma Aldrich) may be used.
[0060] Also useful herein may be solid EO-PO copolymers and EO-PO
block copolymers, such as for example Genapol PF80, an EO-PO block
copolymer from Clariant Corp.
Solid Nonionic Surfactants
[0061] Suitable solid nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of at
least 10 include solid PEG derived nonionic surfactants, solid
polyalkylene glycol fatty alcohol ethers, such as solid
polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol ethers or for example solid
polyethoxylated fatty alcohols. The fatty alcohols unit may have
from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, or from 12 to 22 carbon atoms. The
average degree of alkoxylation, e.g. ethoxylation, may be from 2 to
200, at least 10, at least 20 or at least 30. These surfactants may
be nonionic surfactants with HLB values of at least 10, or at least
12 or at least 13, up to for example 17. Polyethylene glycol fatty
alcohol ethers have the general formula R(OCH2CH2).sub.nOH, where R
represents an alkyl group or a blend of alkyl groups with for
example 8 to 30 or 12 to 22 carbon atoms and n is the degree of
ethoxylation, e.g. 2 to 200. Suitable PEG derived surfactants
include PEG-12 stearate, PEG-100 stearate, for example available as
Tego Acid S 100 P from Evonik/Degussa.
[0062] Suitable trade products include also for example BRIJ 76,
BRIJ 78 and BRIJ 700 (Steareth 100, available from Croda Inc.).
[0063] Other surfactants may include Ceteraeth-10, Ceteareth-20,
Polysorbate-65. Also used may be Laureth 23.
[0064] Suitable fatty alcohol fatty acid esters are esters of a
C10- to C30 fatty alcohol with a C10- to C30-fatty acid. They have
the general formula R.sup.3--CO--O--R.sup.4 where R.sup.3--CO is a
C10- to C30 fatty acid residue and O--R.sup.4 is a C10- to C30
fatty alcohol residue. They may be saturated or unsaturated.
[0065] Other suitable nonionic surfactant are e.g. ethoxylated
alcohols, ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated fatty esters and
oils, glycerol esters; sucrose and glucose esters and their
derivatives, glucosides, sorbitan derivatives, such as sorbitan
monoplamitate.
[0066] Other compounds may include PEG oils, like PEG40
hydrogenated caster oil, PEG-20 sorbitan monooleate, PEG-200 castor
oil, available for example as Hetoxide C-200 from Global-Seven
Inc.; glycerol esters such as a decaglycerol mono/dioleate,
available for example as Caprol PGE860 from Abitec Corp.; lecithin
derivatives, such as soy phosphatides, such as available as Alcolec
Powder from American Lecithin Co.; sorbitan derivatives, such as
Polysorbate 65, such as available as Liposorb TS-20 from Lipo
Chemicals; sucrose and glucose esters and derivatives such as
succinoglycan, available for example as Rheozan from Rhodia,
Inc.
Solid Fatty Compounds:
[0067] The solid fatty compounds are selected from the group
consisting of fatty acids, solid fatty soaps and solid fatty
alcohols. The solid fatty compounds are solid at (or at least
semi-solid according to the method described herein, at 25.degree.
C.). The fatty compounds may have from 10 to 30 or from 12 to 22
carbon atoms. The fatty compounds can be saturated or unsaturated
and they can be linear or branched. They may be saturated, linear
fatty compounds. Examples of solid fatty acids are decanoic acid,
lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic
acid or behenic acid. Solid fatty alcohols may be linear,
unsaturated 1-alkanols with at least 12 carbon atoms. Examples of
solid fatty alcohols are lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl
alcohol, stearyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol or behenyl alcohol.
[0068] The solid fatty soaps are metallic soaps which are metal
salts of fatty acids. The fatty acid components of the fatty soaps
are the same as mentioned above. Suitable metal cations are sodium,
potassium, lithium, aluminium, magnesium, calcium, mangan, iron,
zirconium, cerium, zinc, cobalt or vanadium. Metallic soaps may be
used with low water solubility such as the calcium or magnesium
salts, e.g. calcium stearate.
Exemplary Compositions:
[0069] It may be that the first liquid component comprises one or
more compounds selected from the group consisting of:
methoxyisopropanol, propyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether,
methyl propanediol, propylene carbonate, ethylene glycols,
diethylene glycols, propylene glycols, dipropylene glycols,
glycerin, sorbitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, silicone
glycols, or any of the above mentioned or exemplified polyethylne
glycol or derivatives, polypropylene glycol or derivatives,
polyethylene glycol derived surfactants, polypropylene derived
surfactants, ethylene glycol or derivatives, propylene glycol or
derivatives, diethylene glycol or derivatives and dipropylene
glycol or derivatives, as described herein.
[0070] The second, solid component may comprise for example one or
more solid compounds (as defined above) of the group including:
solid polyethylene glycol or derivatives thereof; solid
polypropylene glycol or derivatives thereof; solid nonionic
surfactants with HLB value of at least 10; solid fatty compounds
selected from the group consisting of solid fatty acids, solid
fatty soaps and solid fatty alcohols; solid PEG derived
surfactants; solid PPG derived surfactants; ethoxylated natural
fats or propoxylated natural fats, such as PEG-150 jojoba.
[0071] Exemplary lotion compositions may be such that:
[0072] said first liquid component may comprise a liquid
polyethylene glycol and said second component may comprise a solid
nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of at least 10, provided that
when said solid nonionic surfactant is an alkoxylated (e.g.
ethoxylated) fatty alcohol, then the HLB value is at least 13; or
said first component may comprise a liquid fatty acid ester
comprising at least one fatty acid unit and at least one ethylene
glycol unit and said second component may comprise a solid
polyethylene glycol; or
[0073] said first component may comprise a liquid polyethylene
glycol and said second compound is a solid fatty compounds selected
from the group consisting of solid fatty acids and solid fatty
soaps and solid fatty alcohols.
[0074] When said solid fatty compound comprises a solid fatty acid,
then the total amount of liquids may be higher than the total
amount of solids.
[0075] In one embodiment the liquid component is a polyethylene
glycol having a molecular weight (weight average) of 100 to less
than 720, or from 350 to 700. It may be that the lotion composition
comprises from 20% to 80% by weight, or 30% to 70% by weight, or
40% to 60% by weight of this liquid polyethylene glycol. For
example 50% by weight of polyethylene glycol with a MW of 400, also
referred to as Polyglycol 400.
[0076] In one embodiment the solid component is a polyethylene
glycol or derivative, where appropriate, having a molecular weight
(weight average) of above 720, e.g. from 720 to 100000, or from 950
to 30000, or from 3000 to 20000 or to 10000. It may be that the
lotion composition comprises from 20% to 80% by weight, or 30% to
70% by weight, or 40% to 60% by weight of this liquid polyethylene
glycol, for example 50% by weight of Polyglycol 4000.
[0077] In one embodiment the solid component is a solid nonionic
surfactant, or a solid polyethylene glycol fatty alcohol ethers
having the general formula R(OCH2CH2).sub.nOH, where R represents
an alkyl group or a blend of alkyl groups, with for example 8 to 30
or 12 to 22 carbon atoms, and n is the degree of ethoxylation, e.g.
2 to 200. It may be that the lotion composition comprises from 20%
to 80% by weight, or 30% to 70% by weight, or 40% to 60% by weight
of this liquid polyethylene glycol, for example 50% by weight of
Steareth-100.
Particulate Material
[0078] In one embodiment, the lotion composition additionally
comprises at least one particulate material for further reducing
the adherence of feces or menses to the skin. The particulate
material is particulate during application onto the absorbent
article. The particulate material is also such that it remains
particulate when in contact with the skin and/or when in contact
with urine, menses or feces. Hence, the particulate material is
water-insoluble and it has a melting temperature above the
processing temperature of the lotion composition, as described
above.
[0079] The particulate material may have any mean particle size
between 1 nanometer to 2 mm, between 1 nanometer to 500
micrometers, between 0.1 micrometer to 2 mm, between 50 nanometers
to 1 micrometer, or any range or individual value within any of the
ranges set forth herein. The minimum mean particle size may be at
least 0.1 micrometer or at least 1 micrometer, or at least 10
micrometers, or at least 20 micrometers, or up to about 500
micrometers or in some embodiments up to about 100 micrometers, and
further in other embodiments up to about 30 micrometers. In one
embodiment, it may be that the lotion composition to be applied
and/or the applied coating comprises particles whereof less than
25% of the particles have an equivalent diameter of greater than
100 microns. In another embodiment, it may be that the lotion
composition to be applied and/or the applied coating comprises
particles whereof less than 25% of the particles have an equivalent
diameter of less than 5 microns. In yet another embodiment, it may
be that the lotion composition to be applied and/or the applied
coating comprises particles whereof less than 25% of the particles
have an equivalent diameter of less than 100 microns.
[0080] The particle material may be present in the lotion
composition at a level from 0.05% to 25% (by weight of the lotion
composition), from 0.05% to 15%, from 0.05% to 5%, or from 0.1% to
25%, or from 0.25% to 20%, or from 0.5% to 10% or even up to 5% by
weight.
[0081] Suitably, the particles may have a density between about 0.5
gram/cm.sup.3 and about 2.5 gram/cm.sup.3. The density may be
between about 0.5 gram/cm.sup.3 and about 2.0 gram/cm.sup.3, or
between 0.8 gram/cm.sup.3 and about 1.5 gram/cm.sup.3. In one
embodiment, the density may be less than about 1 gram/cm.sup.3 so
as to minimize particle settling and the density is greater than
about 0.8 gram/cm.sup.3 so as to minimize particle floatation.
[0082] In one embodiment, the lotion composition may comprise
inorganic particles, including alumina silicates, silicates,
silicas, mica and/or talc. Clays may also be used. However, in the
present invention it may be that the particulate material is an
organic material. The particles may be a non-active and/or
non-reactive material. The particles may be porous, or non-porous.
The particles may have any shape, but they may have a smooth
surface, and they may be spherical or plate-like particles. The
particles may comprise a coating agent on their surface or part
thereof, for example a surfactant to change its properties, e.g.
hydrophilicity. The particles, in particular when they are
oleofinic, may include a melt-additive, which is added during the
manufacturing of the particles.
[0083] Suitable materials include but are not limited to:
polystyrene particles, polypropylene and/or polyethylene
(co)polymer particles, polytetrafluoroethylene particles,
polymethylsilses-quioxane particles, nylon particles. Suitable
commercially available particulate materials include but are not
limited to: polyethylene particles, available from Honeywell
International of Morristown, N.J. under the trade name ACUMIST;
polymethyl methacrylate particles (microspheres), available from
KOBO of South Plainfield, N.J. as BPA; lactone cross polymer
particles (microspheres), available from KOBO as BPD; nylon 12
particles (microspheres), available from KOBO as NYLON SP;
polymethylsilsesquioxane particles (microspheres), available from
KOBO as TOSPEARL; cellulose particles (microspheres), available
from KOBO as CELLO-BEADS; polytetrafluoroethylene powders,
available from Micro Powders, Inc. of Tarrytown, N.Y. as MICROSLIP;
blends of natural wax and micronized polymers as are available form
Micro Powders as MICROCARE and particles of a copolymer of
vinylidene chloride, acrylonitrile and methylmethacrylate available
as EXPANCEL from Expancel, Inc. of Duluth, Ga. Micronized waxes,
such as are available from Micro Powders as MICROEASE may also be
incorporated. Polyolefin particles (powders) may be used as are
available from Equistar Chemical Corp. Houston, Tex. as MICROTHENE.
MICROTHENE FN510-00 from Equistar may be used.
Optional Ingredients
[0084] In order to better enhance the benefits to the wearer,
additional ingredients can be included in the lotion compositions
of the present invention. For example, the classes of ingredients
that may be used and their corresponding benefits include, without
limitation: antifoaming agents (reduce the tendency of foaming
during processing); antimicrobial actives; antifungal actives;
antiseptic actives; antioxidants (product integrity);
astringents--cosmetic (induce a tightening or tingling sensation on
skin); astringent--drug (a drug product which checks oozing,
discharge, or bleeding when applied to skin or mucous membrane and
works by coagulating protein); biological additives (enhance the
performance or consumer appeal of the product); colorants (impart
color to the product); deodorants (reduce or eliminate unpleasant
odor and protect against the formation of malodor on body
surfaces); emollients (help to maintain the soft, smooth, and
pliable appearance of the skin by their ability to remain on the
skin surface or in the stratum corneum to act as lubricants, to
reduce flaking, and to improve the skin's appearance); external
analgesics (a topically applied drug that has a topical analgesic,
anesthetic, or antipruritic effect by depressing cutaneous sensory
receptors); film formers (to hold active ingredients on the skin by
producing a continuous film on skin upon drying); fragrances
(consumer appeal); humectants (increase the water content of the
top layers of the skin); natural moisturizing agents (NMF) and
other skin moisturizing ingredients known in the art; opacifiers
(reduce the clarity or transparent appearance of the product); skin
conditioning agents; other solvents (liquids employed to dissolve
components found useful in the cosmetics or drugs); and other
surfactants (e.g. as cleansing agents, emulsifying agents,
solubilizing agents, and suspending agents). Suitable anionic
surfactants are e.g. phosphate esters, carboxylic acids/fatty
acids, lignin and lignin derivatives, polyacrylic acid copolymers.
Suitable cationc surfactants are e.g. ethoxylated amines,
quaternary surfactants, phospholipids, amine oxides. Suitable
amphoteric surfactants are e.g. betaine derivatives, imidazolines
and imidazoline derivatives, lecithin.
[0085] Suitable anti-foaming agents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. 2-ethylhexanol, polydimethyl siloxane,
glyceryl monooleate, glycols, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block
polymers.
[0086] Suitable antimicrobial agents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride,
sulfonamides, essential oils (tea tree oil), silver, ethanol,
triclosan, clay.
[0087] Suitable antifungal agents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. benzoic acid, parabens, polyaminopropyl
biguanide, tea tree oil, chlorphenesin.
[0088] Suitable antiseptic agents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. benzalkonium chloride, ethanol, chlorhexidine,
iodopropyl butyl carbamate.
[0089] Suitable antioxidants for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. tocopherol (Vitamin E) and derivatives
thereof, butylated hydroxytoluene, propyl gallate, nonylphenol,
ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and derivatives thereof.
[0090] Suitable cosmetic astringents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. witch hazel, calamine, SD alcohol, zinc oxide,
oatmeal, cucumber.
[0091] Suitable drug astringents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. ammonium alum, zinc chloride.
[0092] Suitable biological additives for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. allantoin, chitosan, collagen, glycoproteins,
phospholipids.
[0093] Suitable botanical additives for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. Echinacea, yucca, willow herb, green tea,
black tea, Chinese tea, chamomile, aloe and lavender Suitable
colorants for use in the present lotion composition are e.g. beta
carotene, FD&C certified colors, titanium dioxide, FD&C
dyes, mica.
[0094] Suitable deodorants for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. baking soda, cetylpyridium chloride, zeolite,
triclosan, zinc ricinoleate. Suitable emollients for use in the
present lotion composition are e.g. petrolatum, cocoa butter,
triglycerides, cyclomethicone, jojoba wax.
[0095] Suitable external analgesics for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. benzyl alcohol, camphor, menthol, methyl
nicotinate, and resorcinol.
[0096] Suitable film formers for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. acrylates copolymer, cellulose gum,
polyethylene, PVP, and polyquaterniums.
[0097] Suitable fragrances for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. benzyl alcohol, chamomile oil, lavender oil,
menthyl lactate, farnesol.
[0098] Suitable humectants for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. glycerin, honey, urea, sucrose, PEG-4.
[0099] Suitable moisturizing agents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. aloe extract, glycerin, ceteth-24, lanolin,
PEG-40 stearate, sodium lactate, water.
[0100] Suitable opacifiers for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. cetyl alcohol, silica, kaolin, zinc carbonate,
talc.
[0101] Suitable skin protectants for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. calamine, dimethicone, mineral oil, kaolin,
zinc oxide.
[0102] Suitable solvents for use in the present lotion composition
are e.g. benzyl alcohol, isoparaffins, glycol, PEG-4, propylene
glycol, mineral oil.
[0103] Suitable cleansing agents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. cocoamidopropyl betaine, decylpolyglucoside,
C20-40 pareth-40, steareth-50, PEG-100 stearate.
[0104] Suitable emulsifiers for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. ceteth-10, glyceryl palmitate, lecithin,
PEG-10 stearate, sucrose laurate.
[0105] Suitable solubilizing agents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. ceteareth-40, PEG-40 castor oil, poloxamers,
PEG-40 stearate, polysorbates.
[0106] Suitable suspending agents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. benzalkonium chloride, polysorbate 85, sodium
lignosulfonate, acrylates copolymer, bentonite, PEI, PVP,
silica.
[0107] Suitable binders for use in the present lotion composition
are e.g. alginic acid, cellulose gum, gelatin, starch, synthetic or
natural wax.
[0108] Suitable absorbents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. cellulose, dextrin, starch, kaolin, silica,
talc.
[0109] Suitable buffering agents for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. calcium carbonate, sodium citrate, urea,
disodium phosphate, and glycine.
[0110] Suitable fats or oils for use in the present lotion
composition are e.g. avocado oil, caprilic triglyceride, capric
triglyceride, lauric triglyceride, carrot oil, coconut oil, walnut
oil, hydrogenated fish oil.
[0111] Optional ingredients according to the present invention may
include botanical additives, antimicrobial agents, antiseptic
agents and antifungal agents.
Absorbent Articles
a) Incontinence Articles
[0112] In the following, a diaper is described as one embodiment of
an incontinence article. However, as the skilled person is aware
of, most of the components and materials described herein below are
also applicable to other incontinence articles such as pant-like
diapers.
[0113] The diaper has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis.
The diaper has further an inner, body facing surface and an outer,
garment facing surface opposed to the inner surface.
[0114] One end portion of the diaper is configured as a front waist
region of the diaper. The opposite end portion is configured as a
back waist region of the diaper. An intermediate portion of the
diaper is configured as a crotch region, which extends
longitudinally between the front and back waist regions. The crotch
region is that portion of the diaper which, when the diaper is
worn, is generally positioned between the wearer's legs.
[0115] The chassis of the diaper comprises the main body of the
diaper. The chassis comprises a liquid pervious topsheet and a
backsheet. The chassis further includes an absorbent core encased
between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis has a periphery
which is defined by the transverse outer edges of the chassis with
longitudinal edges and end edges. The diapers, pant-like diapers or
adult incontinence products herein typically have also leg cuffs
and/or barrier cuffs.
[0116] The backsheet may typically be a liquid impervious
backsheet, as known in the art. In one embodiment, the liquid
impervious backsheet comprises a thin plastic film such as a
thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.01 mm to about
0.05 mm. Suitable backsheet materials comprise typically breathable
material, which permit vapors to escape from the absorbent article
while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet.
Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured by Tredegar
Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, IN and sold under the trade names
X15306, X10962 and X10964. The backsheet, or any portion thereof,
may be elastically extendable in one or more directions.
[0117] The topsheet may be compliant, soft feeling, and
non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet is
liquid pervious permitting liquids (e.g., urine) to readily
penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet may be
manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and
nonwoven materials; polymeric materials such as apertured formed
thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed
thermoplastic films; porous foams; reticulated foams; reticulated
thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and
nonwoven materials can be made of natural fibers (e.g., wood or
cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as
polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or from a
combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet may be
made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skin from
liquids which have passed through the topsheet and are contained in
the absorbent core (i.e., to prevent rewet). If the topsheet is
made of a hydrophobic material, at least the body facing surface of
the topsheet or a part thereof may be treated to be hydrophilic so
that liquids will transfer through the topsheet more rapidly. This
diminishes the likelihood that body exudates will flow off the
topsheet rather than being drawn through the topsheet and being
absorbed by the absorbent core. The topsheet can be rendered
hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. In one embodiment,
the topsheet is a nonwoven web that can provide reduced tendency
for surface wetness and consequently facilitate maintaining urine
absorbed by the core away from the user's skin, after wetting.
[0118] The absorbent article herein may have one or more pairs of
(elasticated) leg cuffs, including so-called side panels, and/or
(elasticated) barrier cuffs that provide improved containment of
liquids and other body exudates, and these cuffs may in one
embodiment comprise the coating lotion composition described
herein. Suitable cuffs are described in for example U.S. Pat. No.
3,860,003; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,808,178 and 4,909; U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,695,278 and 4,795,454. The cuffs may also be made of nonwoven
materials as described above and they may be hydrophobic.
[0119] Suitable materials for the topsheet and/or the leg cuffs
and/or the barrier cuffs include webs comprising spunbond layers
(S) and meltblown layer(s) (M), whereby the surfaces of the web are
formed by spunbond layer(s). In one embodiment, the webs may have a
relatively high basis weight, for example more than 25 g/m.sup.2
(gsm). Suitable webs include, for example, 34 gsm SMMS (with 12 gsm
for each meltblown and 5 gsm for each spunbond layer); 34 gsm SMMS
(with 10 gsm for each meltblown and 7 gsm for each spunbond layer);
30 gsm SMMS (with 10 gsm for each meltblown and 5 gsm for each
spunbond layer); 30 gsm SMMS (with 8 gsm for each meltblown and 7
gsm for each spunbond layer); 34 gsm SMS (with 20 gsm for the
meltblown and 7 gsm for each spunbond layer), or, for example,
laminate webs comprising two webs of 17 gsm SMMS laminated to each
other.
[0120] The backsheet may be directly or indirectly attached to or
joined with the topsheet herein and/or the barrier and/or leg cuffs
herein.
[0121] The absorbent core generally is disposed between the
topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core may comprise any
absorbent material that is generally compressible, conformable,
non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and
retaining liquids such as urine and other certain body
exudates.
[0122] The absorbent core may be manufactured in a wide variety of
sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, "T"-shaped,
asymmetric, etc.) and from a wide variety of liquid-absorbent
materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent
articles such as comminuted wood pulp which is generally referred
to as airfelt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials
include creped cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers including
coform, cross-linked cellulosic fibers, tissue including tissue
wraps and tissue laminates, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges,
superabsorbent polymers, absorbent gelling materials, or any
equivalent material or combinations of materials. The configuration
and construction of the absorbent core may also be varied, e.g. the
absorbent core may have varying caliper zones, a hydrophilic
gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or lower average density and
lower average basis weight acquisition zones; or may comprise one
or more layers or structures. The total absorbent capacity of the
absorbent core should, however, be compatible with the design
loading and the intended use of the diaper. Further, the size and
absorbent capacity of the absorbent core may be varied to
accommodate wearers ranging from infants through adults.
[0123] The topsheet of the absorbent article of the present
invention can also be apertured, i.e. the topsheet has a plurality
of apertures having an aperture size of at least about 0.2
mm.sup.2. The topsheet may have an open area of at least about 10%,
the open area being the sum of all apertures.
[0124] The topsheet herein may also be a topsheet that has one or
more openings that are large enough to let feces (or menses) pass
to a void space underneath said secondary topsheet, also referred
to as anal cuff or vaginal cuff. For example, U.S. Patent
Application No. 2006/0058766 A filed on Sep. 13, 2005 discloses an
absorbent article wherein the topsheet is provided with at least
one opening adapted to receive fecal material, the topsheet and the
opening thereof each having a front region and a back region. A
void space between the absorbent core and the topsheet is provided
and the absorbent article further comprises a genital coversheet,
which in use covers the genitals, and which is positioned in, under
or above said front region of the opening. Further suitable
absorbent articles are disclosed e.g. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,191;
U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0092902 A; U.S. Patent Application
No. 2004/0092900 A; U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0162538 A; and
U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0058765 A.
[0125] Further, the incontinence articles may comprise a front and
back waist band and/or a fastening system, typically joined to the
waistband, as known in the art. Fastening systems may comprise
fastening tabs and landing zones, wherein the fastening tabs are
attached or joined to the back region of the diaper and the landing
zones are part of the front region of the diaper.
b) Feminine Hygiene Articles
[0126] In one embodiment, the lotion compositions of the present
invention may be transferred to the body from application of the
lotion compositions onto a feminine hygiene article. These products
may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core
positioned between the topsheet and backsheet; each component
having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface.
[0127] The absorbent article may comprise any known or otherwise
effective topsheet, such as one which is compliant, soft feeling,
and non-irritating to the wearer's body. Suitable topsheet
materials include a liquid pervious material that is oriented
towards and contacts the body of the wearer permitting bodily
discharges to rapidly penetrate through it without allowing fluid
to flow back through the topsheet to the skin of the wearer. The
topsheet, while being capable of allowing rapid transfer of fluid
through it, also provides for the transfer or migration of the
lotion composition onto an external or internal portion of a
wearer's body. A suitable topsheet can be made of various materials
such as woven and nonwoven materials; apertured film materials
including apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic
films, and fiber-entangled apertured films; hydro-formed
thermoplastic films; porous foams; reticulated foams; reticulated
thermoplastic films; thermoplastic scrims; or combinations thereof,
as is well known in the art of making feminine hygiene articles
such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like.
[0128] When the topsheet comprises a nonwoven fibrous material in
the form of a nonwoven web, the nonwoven web may be produced by any
known procedure for making nonwoven webs, nonlimiting examples of
which include spunbonding, carding, wet-laid, air-laid, meltblown,
needle-punching, mechanical entangling, thermo-mechanical
entangling, and hydroentangling.
[0129] The feminine hygiene article of the present invention also
comprises a backsheet. The backsheet can be any known or otherwise
effective backsheet material, provided that the backsheet prevents
external leakage of exudates absorbed and contained in the feminine
hygiene article. Flexible materials suitable for use as the
backsheet include, but are not limited to, woven and nonwoven
materials, laminated tissue, polymeric films such as thermoplastic
films of polyethylene and/or polypropylene, composite materials
such as a film-coated nonwoven material, or combinations thereof,
as is well known in the art of making feminine hygiene articles
such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like.
[0130] The feminine hygiene article also comprises an absorbent
core. The absorbent core is typically positioned between the
topsheet and the backsheet. The size and shape of the absorbent
core can be altered to meet absorbent capacity requirements, and to
provide comfort to the wearer/user. The absorbent core suitable for
use in the present invention can be any liquid-absorbent material
known in the art for use in absorbent articles, provided that the
liquid-absorbent material can be configured or constructed to meet
absorbent capacity requirements. Nonlimiting examples of
liquid-absorbent materials suitable for use as the absorbent core
include comminuted wood pulp which is generally referred to as
airfelt; creped cellulose wadding; absorbent gelling materials
including superabsorbent polymers such as hydrogel-forming
polymeric gelling agents; chemically stiffened, modified, or
cross-linked cellulose fibers; meltblown polymers including coform;
synthetic fibers including crimped polyester fibers; tissue
including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; capillary channel
fibers; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; synthetic staple
fibers; peat moss; or any equivalent material; or combinations
thereof, as is well known in the art of making feminine hygiene
articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like.
[0131] The sanitary napkins or panty-liners herein may comprise as
cuffs so-called wings, for example attachment to underwear of the
wearer. The sanitary napkins and/or panty-liners herein may
comprise a fastening means comprised by the backsheet and/or by the
wings (cuffs). Adhesive attachment means may be used that are
present on or attached to at least the backsheet.
c) Combination of Absorbent Article Comprising the Lotion
Composition of the Present Invention and a Wipe
[0132] The absorbent articles comprising the lotion composition of
the present invention can be packaged together with one or more
wipes for use in the cleaning and removal of soils or exudates. It
is also possible to have one absorbent article together with one or
more wipes as one individual package, which is especially
convenient for users en-route, where it might be desirable to carry
only one absorbent article and one wipe or only one absorbent
article and a few wipes. Alternatively, a number of absorbent
articles comprising the lotion composition of the present invention
are packaged together with a number of wipes. In the latter case,
the number of absorbent articles can be the same as the number of
wipes or the number of wipes is higher than the number of absorbent
articles.
[0133] For combinations of one or more absorbent articles with one
or more wipes, it may be that the absorbent article is an
incontinence article.
[0134] The wipes can be a dry wipe or a wet wipe. In one
embodiment, the wipes are lotioned wipes, i.e. the wipes comprise a
lotion which provides an anti-stick effect. However, typically the
anti-stick lotion applied on the wipe will be different from the
anti-stick lotion applied on the absorbent article.
[0135] Lotioned wipes may comprise a substrate and a lotion in
contact with the substrate, wherein the lotion comprises an
anti-stick agent and a performance enhancing agent, such as is
disclosed e.g. in U.S. Ser. Application No. 60/855427 filed on Oct.
31, 2006 and assigned to R. M Marsh et al. The performance
enhancing agent may be present at a concentration of equal to or
less than about 3% w/w of the lotion. The anti-stick agent may be
water soluble.
[0136] The anti-stick agent may be selected from the group
consisting of non-polymeric anti-stick agents, polymeric anti-stick
agents, alkoxylated polyols, and combinations thereof. The
performance enhancing agent may be selected from the group
consisting of film formers, deposition aids, rheology modifiers and
combinations thereof.
[0137] The lotion may further comprise an emollient and a
surfactant.
[0138] "Substrate" is the general term to describe a piece of
material, generally non-woven material, used in cleansing body
parts. In particular, many currently available substrates may be
intended for the cleansing of the perianal area after defecation.
Other substrates may be available for the cleansing of the face or
other body parts.
[0139] The substrate may be a nonwoven material. "Nonwoven" refers
herein to a fibrous structure made from an assembly of continuous
fibers, coextruded fibers, non-continuous fibers and combinations
thereof, without weaving or knitting, by processes such as
spunbonding, carding, meltblowing, airlaying, wetlaying, coform, or
other such processes known in the art for such purposes. The
nonwoven structure may comprise one or more layers of such fibrous
assemblies, wherein each layer may include continuous fibers,
coextruded fibers, noncontinuous fibers and combinations
thereof.
[0140] The fibers of the substrate may be any natural, cellulosic,
and/or wholly synthetic material. Examples of natural fibers may
include cellulosic natural fibers, such as fibers from hardwood
sources, softwood sources, or other non-wood plants. The natural
fibers may comprise cellulose, starch and combinations thereof.
[0141] The substrate may have a basis weight between about 15, 30,
40 or 45 grams/m.sup.2 and about 65, 75, 85, 95 or 100
grams/m.sup.2. A suitable substrate may be a carded nonwoven
comprising a 40/60 blend of viscose fibers and polypropylene fibers
having a basis weight of 58 grams/m.sup.2 as available from
Suominen of Tampere, Finland as FIBRELLAT.TM. 3160. FIBRELLA.TM.
3160 is a 58 grams/m.sup.2 nonwoven web comprising 60% w/w 1.5
denier polypropylene fibers and 40% w/w 1.5 denier viscose fibers.
Another suitable material may be FIBRELLA.TM. 3100 which is a 62
grams/m.sup.2 nonwoven web comprising 50% w/w 1.5 denier
polypropylene fibers and 50% w/w 1.5 denier viscose fibers. In both
of these commercially available fibrous webs, the average fiber
length is about 38 mm. Another suitable material for use as a
substrate may be SAWATEX.TM. 2642 as available from Sandler AG of
Schwarzenbach/Salle, Germany. Yet another suitable material for use
as a substrate may have a basis weight of from about 50
grams/m.sup.2 to about 60 grams/m.sup.2 and have a 20/80 blend of
viscose fibers and polypropylene fibers. The substrate may also be
a 60/40 blend of pulp and viscose fibers.
[0142] The lotion of the present invention may comprise at least
about 0.05% w/w of an anti-stick agent and at least about 0.01% of
a performance enhancing agent. The lotion may comprise equal to or
less than about 50% w/w of an anti-stick agent and equal to or less
than about 3% of a performance enhancing agent.
[0143] Suitable water-soluble anti-stick agents to be used for the
wipe include, but are not limited to: [0144] Non-polymeric
anti-stick agents such as glycerol and related polyols such as
sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, pentaerythitol, sucrose, glucose,
maltose, maltotriose, maltodextrin, maltopentose, maltohexose, and
isomaltulose, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol,
and the like, [0145] Polymeric anti-stick agents comprising
polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol,
polyglycerol or mixtures thereof, including block copolymers
comprising ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and the like, [0146]
Alkoxylated polyol compounds, and combinations of the above.
Method of Making an Absorbent Article Comprising the Lotion
Composition of the Present Invention
[0147] The lotion compositions of the present invention can be
applied to the absorbent articles by any known or otherwise
effective technique for distributing a lotion composition onto an
absorbent product such as a disposable absorbent article.
Nonlimiting examples of methods of applying the lotion compositions
to an absorbent article include spraying, printing (e.g.,
flexographic printing), coating (e.g., contact slot coating and
gravure coating), extrusion, or combinations of these application
techniques. The application of the lotion compositions onto an
absorbent article facilitates the transfer or migration of the
lotion compositions onto the skin for administration and/or
deposition of the lotion compositions, resulting in a safe and
effective amount of the lotion compositions being applied.
Therefore, the safe and effective amount of the lotion composition
that will transfer or migrate to the body will depend on factors
such as the type of lotion composition that is applied, the portion
of the body facing surface where the lotion composition is applied,
and the type of absorbent article used to administer the lotion
composition.
[0148] Any suitable method can be used in determining the amount of
a lotion composition described herein that is transferred to the
body of a wearer during use of an absorbent article containing the
lotion composition. Examples of methods for the calculation of
transfer amounts of lotion compositions include Gas Chromatographic
and other quantitative analytical procedures that involve the
analysis of in vivo skin analog materials. A suitable Gas
Chromatographic procedure is more fully described in WO 99/45973,
Donald C. Roe et al, published Sep. 16, 1999.
[0149] In preparing absorbent articles according to the present
invention, the lotion composition may be applied to a topsheet
and/or to the leg cuffs and/or to the barrier cuffs as liquid or as
a semi-liquid. Typically, the lotion composition is applied to the
outer surface or outer surfaces that in use are in contact with the
skin of the wearer, i.e. the lotion composition is applied to the
body facing surface.
[0150] The lotion composition is typically applied from a melt
thereof to the absorbent article topsheet and/or to the leg cuffs
and/or to the barrier cuffs. Since the lotion composition may melt
at above-ambient temperatures, it is usually applied as a heated
lotion composition to the topsheet and/or to the leg cuffs and/or
to the barrier cuffs. Typically, the lotion composition is heated
to a temperature in the range from about 40.degree. to about
100.degree. C., from 50.degree. or from 60.degree. C. or even from
to 90.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C., prior to being applied to
the topsheet and/or to the leg cuffs and/or to the barrier cuffs.
Typically, the liquid or semi-liquid components and/or the lotion
composition is heated to ensure it is liquid or semi-liquid. Then,
once the lotion composition has been applied to the topsheet and/or
to the leg cuffs and/or to the barrier cuffs, it is allowed to cool
and solidify to form solidified coating on the surface of the
topsheet and/or to the leg cuffs and/or to the barrier cuffs.
[0151] The lotion composition can be applied uniformly or
non-uniformly to the body facing surface of the article topsheet.
By non-uniform it is meant here the amount, location, pattern of
distribution of the lotion composition can vary over the topsheet
surface. For example some portions of the treated surface of the
topsheet and/or leg cuff and/or barrier cuff can have greater or
lesser amounts of lotion composition (i.e. some portions comprise a
higher basis weight of the lotion composition than other portions),
including portions of the surface that do not have any lotion
composition on it. In one embodiment, the surface of the topsheet
and/or to the leg cuffs and/or to the barrier cuffs will have
regions where no lotion composition is applied.
[0152] Where the lotion composition is applied non-uniformly, it
can be applied intermittently, i.e. discontinuously. Any pattern
may be utilized, including, for example, application of small
droplets (obtained via, e.g., spraying) discrete figures, such as
dots, rectangles (obtained via, e.g., gravure printing),
alternating stripes that run in the longitudinal or lateral
direction of the article, etc. By alternating stripes is meant
regions in which the lotion is applied as stripes separated by
regions which have no lotion composition applied.
[0153] The stripes may have a width from between 0.1 mm to about 50
mm, from between 0.1 to about 30 mm, from between 0.5 mm to about
50 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 40 mm, from between 2 mm to about
40 mm, from between 2 mm to about 20 mm, from between 2 mm to about
15 mim, or from between 5 mm to about 20 mm. The spacing between
the stripes having no lotion composition applied may have a width
from between 0.1 mm to about 100 mm, from about 0.1 mm to about 50
mm, from between 0.1 to about 30 mm, from between 0.5 mm to about
50 mm, from about 0.5 mm to about 40 mm, from between 2 mm to about
40 mm, from between 2 mm to about 20 mm, from between 2 mm to about
5 mm, or from between 5 mm to about 20 mm. The substance can be
applied directly to the absorbent article topsheet and/or leg cuff
and/or barrier cuff or it may be applied to another material or
component which is then adhered to the desired portion of the
absorbent article (such as a calendar roll). For example, it may be
applied in one or more longitudinal stripes. The stripes may go
along the whole longitudinal length of the article or the stripes
may only be present in the center zone of the topsheet or cuffs,
e.g. the central 30%-70% of the surface area of the topsheet or
cuffs.
[0154] The pattern, in which the lotion composition is applied
and/or the amount of lotion composition applied can be the same for
the rear third of the article (i.e. a third of the longitudinal
extension of the absorbent articles starting from the outer edge of
the chassis in the rear waist region), the central third of the
article and the front third of the article. Alternatively, the
pattern, in which the lotion composition is applied and/or the
amount of lotion composition applied can be different for the rear,
central and front third of the article.
[0155] As the lotion composition of the present invention has
anti-stick properties, it should be comprised in those regions of
the absorbent articles, which lie adjacent the skin areas of the
wearer, which typically are contaminated with feces.
[0156] Thus, the lotion composition should at least be comprised in
those regions of the articles, which lie adjacent the buttocks and
the whole groove length of the wearer in use, also in the region of
the genitals.
[0157] If the lotion composition is applied in the form of
longitudinal stripes, the stripes may extend into the rear waist
region of the absorbent article to the extent that they also cover
the buttocks and most of the groove length. Also, the number or the
density of the stripes may be higher in those areas lying against
the areas typically affected with feces smeared against the skin.
Further, the basis weight of the stripes may be higher in those
areas lying against the areas typically affected with feces smeared
against the skin.
[0158] If the lotion composition is applied in the form of figures,
the density (i.e. dots lying closer together) and/or the size of
the dots and/or the basis weight of the lotion composition
comprised by the dots may be higher in those areas lying against
the areas typically affected with feces smeared against the skin.
The figures can have any shape and size such as round, oval,
rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, heart-shaped or shaped in the
form of an animal. Also, the absorbent article can comprise
different shapes and/or different sizes.
[0159] The lotion compositions of the present invention may be
prepared by any known or otherwise effective technique, suitable
for providing a lotion composition comprising the essential skin
treatment agents defined herein. The resultant lotion composition
can subsequently be applied to a topsheet component of an absorbent
article using a contact applicator such as a Nordsen EP
11-12-02.
[0160] The lotion compositions of the present invention are
prepared such that the lotion compositions can be applied to an
absorbent article to result in safe and effective amounts of the
lotion compositions being transferred onto the skin of a wearer of
the absorbent article. Therefore, the lotion compositions may have
a product consistency such that they are relatively immobile and
localized on the body facing surface of the absorbent article at
ambient conditions, are readily transferable to the wearer at body
temperature, and yet are not completely liquid under extreme
storage conditions. In other words, the lotion compositions may be
solids or semisolids at ambient conditions (about 25.degree. C.)
and/or body temperature (about 37.degree. C.) so that the lotion
compositions are easily transferred onto the skin by way of normal
contact, wearer motion, and/or body heat. The consistency of the
lotion compositions can be measured according to ASTM D5 test
method which involves the use of a penetrometer to measure
consistency. Typically, the lotion compositions of the present
invention have a consistency of from about 10 millimeters (mm) to
about 300 mm, from about 20 mm to about 250 mm, or from about 30 mm
to about 200 mm, as measured at 40.degree. C. according to the test
procedure outlined in ASTM D5 test method.
[0161] The solid or semisolid consistency of the lotion
compositions provide for relatively low levels of the lotion
compositions to be applied to the absorbent articles to impart the
desired lotion composition benefits. By "semisolid" is meant that
the lotion compositions have a rheology typical of pseudoplastic or
plastic liquids such that the lotion compositions remain relatively
stationary in a desired location on the absorbent article, and do
not have a tendency to flow or migrate to undesired locations of
the article. Solid lotion compositions of the present invention
likewise can remain in a particular location and not flow or
migrate to undesired locations of the article. These solid and
semisolid lotion compositions have viscosities high enough to keep
the lotion compositions localized on an intended location of the
article, but not so high as to impede transfer to the wearer's
skin. Typically, final products of solid and semisolid lotion
compositions have viscosities ranging from about 1.0.times.10.sup.6
centipoise to about 1.0.times.10.sup.10 centipoise under shear
stress conditions of about 3.times.10.sup.3 dynes/cm.sup.2 at
40.degree. C. (the shear stress applied to the lotion compositions
while the absorbent article is in storage or transported at
temperature conditions of about 40.degree. C.).
[0162] However, the solid and semisolid lotion compositions can be
made flowable for transfer or migration of the lotion compositions
onto the skin by applying shear stress that results in deformation
of the lotion compositions. A shear stress, which typically occurs
at least once during wear of the absorbent article under
temperature conditions of about 40.degree. C. is typically at about
1.0.times.10.sup.6 dynes/cm.sup.2, and this shear stress can result
in the lotion compositions having a viscosity of from about
1.0.times.10.sup.1 centipoise to about 1.0.times.10.sup.5
centipoise. It is believed that the lotion compositions achieve the
lower viscosity values under applied shear stress due to the fact
that, while the lotion compositions contain solid components, they
also contain liquid materials. During wear of an absorbent article
described herein, it is desirable to achieve a low viscosity for
obtaining sufficient lubrication between the wearer's skin and the
body contacting surface of the article to result in effective
transfer of the lotion composition onto the wearer's skin.
Viscosity at various shear stress can be measured using rheometers
known in the art such as the Rheometer SR-2000 available from
Rheometrics Incorporation.
[0163] Processes for assembling absorbent articles such as the
disposable absorbent articles described herein include conventional
techniques known in the art for constructing and configuring
disposable absorbent articles. For example, the backsheet and/or
the topsheet can be joined to the absorbent core or to each other
by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of
adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of
adhesive. Adhesives which have been found to be satisfactory are
manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn. under the
designation HL-1258 or H-2031.
Test Methods
[0164] Skin Adherence (Anti-Stick) (Remark: I Deleted the
"Anti-Stick Agent" because this is Not Mentioned Anywhere Else in
the Specification)
[0165] This method may be used for assessing the adhesion of soils
or exudates to the skin by quantifying the percentage of residual
artificial pasty bowel movement ("ABM") left on the skin surface
after treatment. The ABM, similar to real infant BM, fails
cohesively, resulting in part of the ABM remaining on the skin
surface and part of the ABM being removed. The more efficient the
lotion composition is the lower is the percentage of residual ABM
on the skin surface.
[0166] At least eight healthy adults participate in a single
screening study. Each of the panelists completes a four-day washout
period during which they use Olay.RTM. unscented moisturizing soap,
as distributed by The Procter and Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio,
to wash their forearms. Panelists must refrain from using any
topical product, such as ointments, creams or lotions, on their
forearms during this washout-out period and also on the day of the
screening study. On the day of testing, panelist's arms are
inspected to ensure they are free of cuts, scratches, and rashes.
If any skin abnormalities are present, the panelist cannot
participate.
[0167] A template and a fine-tip marker are used to mark-off up to
ten 3 cm by 3 cm sites on the hair-free volar forearms, i.e. up to
ten sites per panelist with 5 sites per forearm. All but one of
these sites is treated with a lotion composition. Thus, 9 different
lotion compositions are tested per panelist. The remaining site
receives no anti-stick treatment, i.e. serves as a negative
control. The locations of the various treatments, including the
no-treatment site, may be randomized among the sites on each
panelist. Testing starts at the site closest to the elbow on the
left arm and, as testing on each site is completed, progresses to
the site closest to the wrist on the left arm, then to the site
closest to the elbow on the right arm, and finally to the site
closest to the wrist on the right arm. For each site that is
treated, a predetermined amount of 300 .mu.g/cm.sup.2 of the lotion
composition is applied in the center of the site with a powder-free
finger cot, Catalog #56613-413 as available from VWR Scientific of
West Chester, Pa. The applied lotion composition is then spread
over the entire site (the boundary of which is defined by the marks
made using the template) using the powder-free finger cot, by
placing the finger cot on top of the agent or lotion composition
and lightly rubbing the finger cot over the skin surface using
several side-to-side and up-and-down movements for a total elapsed
time of 10-15 seconds. Examining the site from an oblique angle,
the person conducting the test needs to ensure that a uniform film
has been formed over the entire area of the site. The film is left
exposed to air, untouched, for approximately 1 minute prior to
proceeding with the subsequent steps.
[0168] A 1 ml syringe, such as Catalog # BD-309628 as available
from VWR Scientific of West Chester, Pa., that has been filled with
room temperature ABM and is devoid of air bubbles, is placed onto a
tared four-place analytical balance. The weight is recorded. The
syringe with ABM is held over the center of the test site on the
forearm, in reasonably close proximity to the skin surface, and
approximately 0.2 ml of ABM is dispensed onto the skin by pressing
the plunger and by watching the gradations on the syringe. The ABM
should form a reasonably uniform, compact mound in the center of
the test site. The syringe is re-weighed on the analytical balance,
and the weight is recorded. The quantity of ABM that was delivered
to the forearm is calculated by subtracting the second weight from
the first.
[0169] A 4 cm.times.4 cm piece of weigh paper, Catalog # 12578-201
as available from VWR Scientific of West Chester, Pa., is tared on
the four place analytical balance, centered over the ABM mound on
the forearm test site, and gently lowered onto the ABM using
forceps. The weigh paper must not be touched with fingertips, as
this may transfer oils onto its surface. Next, a 500 g
bottle-shaped weight, such as Catalog # 12766-518 as available from
VWR Scientific of West Chester, Pa., that exerts approximately 0.5
psi of downward force is placed over the weigh paper such that the
mound of ABM under the weigh paper is approximately centered under
the weight. The weight may be gently held in place or balanced on
the forearm by the panelist for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds have
elapsed, two fingers are placed gently on either side of the weigh
paper to hold it in place, and the 500 g weight is slowly lifted.
Using a pair of forceps, the weigh paper is slowly and gently
peeled from the test site. The forceps are placed at the lower
right corner of the weigh paper, and the weigh paper is slowly
peeled upwards in the direction of the upper left corner of the
weigh paper. It should take approximately 1-2 seconds to remove the
weigh paper. Once removed, the weigh paper is placed back onto the
analytical balance that it was tared on, and the weight is recorded
to determine the amount of ABM removed.
[0170] The above steps are repeated until all sites per panelist
have been tested, i.e. the steps consisting of application of
lotion composition, application of ABM, application of weigh paper,
application of weight, and removal of weigh paper. For the
no-treatment control, application of agent or lotion composition is
skipped and ABM is applied directly to the skin site. The weight
percent (%) residual ABM left on the skin surface after treatment
is calculated from the weight measurements according to the
equation
((ABM Applied-ABM Removed)/ABM Applied).times.100.
[0171] The mean value for residual ABM and standard error of the
mean for each lotion composition and for all panelists is
calculated. When the method is run correctly, the no treatment
control typically yields a value between approximately 30% to 35%
residual ABM. To ensure reproducible results, the Anti-Stick
Screening Method should be run at a room temperature of 21.degree.
C..+-.2.degree. C. and at a relative humidity of 30-50%.
Preparation of Artificial Pasty Bowel Movement (ABM)
[0172] The following equipment is required: [0173] an analytical
balance accurate to .+-.0.001 g [0174] a homogenizer capable of
stirring the ingredients to homogeneity, such as an Ika
Labortechnik.TM. T25 basic or equivalent as available from
Ika-Werke GmbH and Co. KG of Staufen, Germany. [0175] a homogenizer
probe to be used with the homogenizer, such as Catalog # S25N 25F
as available from Ika-Werke GmbH and Co. KG of Staufen,
Germany.
[0176] The following reagents are required: [0177] Feclone.TM.
Powder #4, available from SiliClone Studio, Valley Forge, Pa., as
Catalog Number Feclone BFPS-4. [0178] Feclone.TM. Powder #6,
available from SiliClone Studio, Valley Forge, Pa., as Catalog
Number BFPS-6. [0179] Feclone.TM. Powder #7, available from
SiliClone Studio, Valley Forge, Pa., as Catalog Number BFPS-7.
[0180] Carbopol.TM. 981, available from BF Goodrich, Cleveland,
Ohio. [0181] Deionized water.
[0182] The following quantities of the above reagents are
required:
TABLE-US-00001 Ingredient Grams Deionized water for Carbopol .TM.
solution 78.78 Feclone .TM. powder #4 6.600 Feclone .TM. powder #6
6.600 Feclone .TM. powder #7 6.600 Carbopol .TM. 981 0.900
[0183] The procedure to prepare the ABM consists of the following
steps:
A. Preparation of Carbopol.TM. Solution
[0184] 1. Weigh 78.78 g.+-.0.01 g of deionized water in a 250 ml
beaker. [0185] 2. Weigh 0.900 g.+-.0.001 g of Carbopol.TM. on weigh
paper. [0186] 3. Put beaker on a magnetic stirrer and set speed at
400 rpm. [0187] 4. Add Carbopol.TM. powder slowly to the water,
over the span of about 5 minutes. While adding the Carbopol.TM.,
increase the stirring speed slowly to 600 rpm. [0188] 5. Once the
Carbopol.TM. powder has been added to the water, cover the beaker
and continue mixing at 600 rpm for 15 minutes. The Carbopol.TM.
powder must be completely dispersed, i.e. a transparent gel without
any agglomerates. [0189] 6. Set up a hot plate at 150.degree. C.
Place the Carbopol.TM. solution on the hot plate and continue
mixing at 600 rpm until the solution is heated to 81.degree. C. to
83.degree. C.
B. Preparation of ABM Mixture
[0189] [0190] 1. Weigh 6.600 g.+-.0.01 g each of Feclone powders
#4, #6, and #7 into a beaker and mix well. [0191] 2. Using a T25
basic or equivalent homogenizer with a homogenizer probe, stir the
Carbopol.TM. solution at 8000 rpm for about 30 seconds before
proceeding with Step 3. [0192] 3. To the Carbopol.TM. solution that
is being stirred, slowly add the Feclone.TM. powder mixture, about
one quarter of the total at a time. Ensure that the Feclone.TM.
powder mixture gets pulled through the homogenizer probe during
addition, i.e. is thoroughly mixed into the pasty lotion
composition that is forming. If necessary, use a spatula to
facilitate incorporation of the Feclone.TM. powder mixture into the
lotion composition. [0193] 4. After all of the Feclone.TM. powder
mixture has been added, continue mixing with the homogenizer at
8000 rpm for an additional 5 minutes, using the spatula to push the
pasty lotion composition towards the homogenizer probe. The lotion
composition should be thoroughly mixed and appear homogeneous.
[0194] The finished ABM may be placed in a container, such as
Catalog #14233-954 as available from VWR Scientific of West
Chester, Pa., and stored in the refrigerator for up to 30 days.
After 30 days, a new sample should be prepared for further
experiments. The container must be tightly sealed to avoid drying
out of the ABM. Prior to using the ABM in the Anti-Stick Screening
Method, the ABM must be removed from the refrigerator and allowed
to adjust back to room temperature. An easy way to accomplish this
is to fill a 10 ml syringe, such as Catalog # BD301604 as available
from VWR Scientific of West Chester, Pa., with cold ABM and then
allow the syringe to equilibrate to room temperature on a counter
top. Equilibration typically takes about 15 minutes. The 10 ml
syringe can then be used to fill the 1 ml syringe described in the
Anti-Stick Screening Method.
EXAMPLES
[0195] The following example lotion compositions have been tested
according to the skin adherence test method as described above with
the ABM lotion composition as described above:
Example 1
Anti-Stick Lotion Composition:
TABLE-US-00002 [0196] 50 g PEG 400 50 g PEG 4000
[0197] The mean percentage of residual ABM for the lotion
composition of example 1 as determined by the test method set out
above has been 3%
Example 2
Anti-Stick Lotion Composition:
TABLE-US-00003 [0198] 50 g BRIJ 700 (steareth-100) 50 g PEG 400
[0199] The mean percentage of residual ABM for the lotion
composition of example 2 as determined by the test method set out
above has been 3%
Example 3
Anti-Stick Lotion Composition:
TABLE-US-00004 [0200] 80 g PEG 1000 5 g PEG 4000 5 g PEG 400
[0201] 10 g Microthene FN51000 (made of polyethylene) available
from Equistar Chemicals, Houston, Tex., USA.
[0202] The mean percentage of residual ABM for the lotion
composition of example 3 as determined by the test method set out
above has been 8%.
[0203] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
[0204] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extend that any meaning or definition of a term in this written
document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
[0205] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended
claimed all such changes and modifications that are within the
scope of this invention.
* * * * *