U.S. patent application number 13/005529 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-27 for reusable incontinence product and method of making the same.
Invention is credited to John W. Artley.
Application Number | 20110264066 13/005529 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46303907 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110264066 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Artley; John W. |
October 27, 2011 |
REUSABLE INCONTINENCE PRODUCT AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME
Abstract
Disclosed is a reusable incontinence products treated with a
polyethylene glycol formulation in the form of a pad that is worn
by a user for the control and collection of bodily fluids. The pad
may include two or more layers, wherein one layer absorbs the
bodily fluid and the other layer acts as a barrier layer to prevent
the fluid from soiling a user's garments. Further embodiments are
disclosed including a folder for conveniently carrying a supply of
fresh pads and a waterproof pocket to contain soiled pads, and a
pant for holding the pads in place next to the skin.
Inventors: |
Artley; John W.; (New York,
NY) |
Family ID: |
46303907 |
Appl. No.: |
13/005529 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11058737 |
Feb 15, 2005 |
7893313 |
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13005529 |
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10022959 |
Dec 18, 2001 |
7264638 |
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11058737 |
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11005083 |
Dec 6, 2004 |
7585330 |
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10022959 |
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60551823 |
Mar 10, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/372 ;
156/60 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C08J 2471/00 20130101;
Y10T 156/10 20150115; A61F 13/15699 20130101; D06M 23/00 20130101;
D06B 21/00 20130101; A61F 13/15268 20130101; D06M 23/06 20130101;
D06M 23/04 20130101; D06M 15/53 20130101; Y10T 442/2525 20150401;
B01J 20/26 20130101; D06M 16/00 20130101; A61F 13/551 20130101;
C08J 7/0427 20200101; B01J 2220/68 20130101; B01J 20/262 20130101;
D06N 3/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/372 ;
156/60 |
International
Class: |
A61L 15/22 20060101
A61L015/22; B32B 37/00 20060101 B32B037/00 |
Claims
1. A kit for a reusable incontinent product comprising: a pad, the
pad including an absorbent layer having a substrate treated with a
hydrophilic polyethylene glycol formulation and a barrier layer;
and a folder adapted to receive the pad.
2. The kit for a reusable incontinent product of claim 1, further
including a pant for holding the pad in place next to the skin of a
user.
3. The kit for a reusable incontinent product of claim 2, wherein
the pant is formed from an elastomeric material.
4. The kit for a reusable incontinent product of claim 1, wherein
the folder has a plurality of pockets for receiving the pad.
5. The kit for a reusable incontinent product of claim 1, wherein
the folder is formed from a water resistant material and is
resealable.
6. The kit for a reusable incontinent product of claim 1, wherein
the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol formulation includes on a
percent basis of the formulation between about 30% to about 60%
polyethylene glycol, between about 10% to about 30% DMDHEU and
between about 3% to about 10% of an acid.
7. The kit for a reusable incontinent product of claim 1, wherein
the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol formulation comprises a
polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight between about 1200
and 1500.
8. A method of making a reusable incontinent product comprising:
providing an absorbent layer including a substrate; treating the
substrate with a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol formulation; and,
attaching a barrier layer to the absorbent layer.
9. The method of making a reusable incontinent product of claim 8,
wherein treating a substrate includes curing the treated substrate
to a surface temperature of the substrate between about 200.degree.
F. to about 240.degree. F. and then neutralizing the treated
substrate.
10. The method of making a reusable incontinent product of claim 8,
wherein the hydrophilic polyethylene glycol formulation includes on
a percent basis of the formulation between about 30% to about 60%
polyethylene glycol, between about 10% to about 30% DMDHEU and
between about 3% to about 10% of an acid.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/551,823, filed Mar. 10, 2004, and is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.
10/022,959, filed Dec. 18, 2001, and 11/005,083, filed Dec. 6,
2004, and is a divisional patent application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/058,737 filed Feb. 15, 2005 the contents of
which are hereby incorporated in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to incontinence
products and to a greater degree the invention relates to reusable
incontinence products treated with a polyethylene glycol
formulation.
BACKGROUND
[0003] As the population continues to age an increasingly large
number of these adults will suffer from age, stress, systemic, or
surgically induced full or partial loss of bladder control. In the
medical community, this condition is normally called
"incontinence."
[0004] Numerous types of products--usually made from various woven
or nonwoven materials--designed to help absorb and contain the
urine after a loss of control episode (called an "insult") are
widely available in commerce from many different manufacturers.
Such types of incontinence products include: underpads to be placed
beneath a bedridden patient; seat pads for wheelchair use; adult
and infant diapers; various types of pants with built-in absorbent
pads; and small shields or insert pads of a type used by
ambulatory, light-incontinent patients. Typically shields and pads
are placed inside an undergarment and positioned next to the
skin.
[0005] Incontinence products are produced in both durable (meaning
they can be washed and reused numerous times before throwing away)
and disposable forms (meaning after a single use they must be
thrown away).
[0006] Durable incontinence products are generally made from
various woven fabrics, such as cotton, usually placed in several
layers between a fluid barrier and a woven top cover such as
birds-eye cotton. Because they incorporate woven-type fabrics they
may be washed multiple times before wearing out, and having to be
thrown away. However these types of products generally suffer from
a lack of liquid holding capacity, may be expensive, can bunch up
causing pressure points against the skin, or often leak causing
discomfort for the user and soiling of the bed linens.
[0007] Disposable incontinence products are manufactured from many
types of materials, and usually incorporate some form of fluid
barrier to the outside. The absorbent materials used can include,
for example, stacked sheets of newsprint paper, or tissue. Other
types of materials used to make disposable incontinence products
include various blends of fibers (for example, a 50/50 blend of
cotton and polyester) formed into an entangled nonwoven web/matrix
structure. These nonwoven structures may be made from one, or
several, types of available production methods such as air laid,
spunbond, needlepunched or hydroentangled. Whatever the form of
nonwoven construction used, later, with dies or other forming
techniques, these structures may be stamped, cut, bonded, sewn
and/or shaped into various incontinence products.
[0008] Many of the disposable incontinence products available today
incorporate a superabsorbent powder (SAP) made of polyacrylic acid,
or starch, placed in the core of the structure to assist with
capturing and holding the liquid after an insult. Generally in a
powder or pellet form, the SAP, or starch, is inserted, or simply
sprinkled, into, or onto, the substrate during conversion into an
incontinence product. This is necessary, for without these
chemistries disposable incontinence products generally do not hold
liquids in sufficient quantities to be useful, or they leak,
rendering the product unusable.
[0009] However there are several problems with the use of a SAP, or
starch, in disposable incontinence products. For one, these
chemicals are tenacious, and aggressively hold liquids in a
gel-like state that will not easily give up liquid after an insult.
Because of this, when the resulting product is disposed of in a
landfill it may for many years maintain the liquid in its gel-state
possibly causing the accidental spread of bacteria, odors, or
result in downstream environmental problems. And because of the
natural affinity of SAPs and starches to water, these types of
incontinence products are inherently disposable as they cannot be
washed and reused.
[0010] An additional problem with the incorporation of super
absorbent chemistries into an incontinence products is when
saturated with fluid (such as after an insult), the powders or
pellets (now a gel) will swell in an irregular fashion, causing
lumps to form within the structure. In some cases this may result
in simple irritation and discomfort for the user. In other
instances it may lead to pressure being applied to the skin in a
manner that can result in the formation of lesions, or entryways,
allowing the passage of dangerous bacteria into, or through, the
epidermis causing infection and other health-related
difficulties.
[0011] A further problem with disposable-type incontinence products
is there is currently no satisfactory way for an ambulatory
light-incontinent patient, for example, to readily carry a supply
of unused shields or insert pads, nor is there a convenient way to
carry ones that have been soiled for later disposal. Additionally,
with currently available incontinent products there is often a
concern by the user that when in a public place others may detect
the odor of an insult, or can physically see, because of bulkiness,
or even tell from hearing the rustle of paper or fabrics, that the
patient is wearing a form of incontinence product.
[0012] Although these problems apply to both men and women, men
generally do not benefit from the availability of shields and
insert pads designed especially for their needs, or they are forced
to rely on the use of disposable shields or pads designed
originally as feminine hygiene products. Correspondingly men often
suffer discomfort and embarrassment from having to use such
products, and rather than enjoying a useful, productive life, these
types of incontinent individuals will not venture from their
residences.
[0013] And last, disposable insert shields and pads of the types
now generally available are expensive, and for individuals on a
limited budget, the cost of replacing these disposable products
numerous times during a single day may pose an unnecessary
financial burden. Recognizing that the currently available durable
and disposable incontinence products, especially shields and insert
pads for light incontinence, are inherently defective and offer
numerous opportunities for improvement, the invention embodied
herein provides the individual who is incontinent with a more
comfortable, efficient, better performing, lower cost solution to
the control of liquids than he, or she, is now able to acquire,
while providing improved personal dignity and a better quality of
life.
SUMMARY
[0014] The present invention provides for a reusable incontinent
product in the form of a pad that is worn by a user for the control
and collection of bodily fluids. The pad may include two or more
layers, wherein one layer absorbs the bodily fluid and the other
layer acts as a waterproof barrier layer to prevent any residual
the fluid from seeping through the pad. The pad is worm next to the
skin of a user, with the absorbent layer next to the skin and the
barrier layer backing the absorbent layer to prevent the fluids
from soiling the garments of the user. In a further embodiment, the
present invention includes a folder for conveniently carrying a
supply of fresh pads and storing soiled pads, and a pant for
holding the pad in place on the user.
[0015] In greater detail, the reusable incontinent product or pad
comprises an absorbent layer including a substrate treated with a
hydrophilic polyethylene glycol formulation and a barrier layer.
Additional layers are contemplated and may be used in the product.
Furthermore, the absorbent layer and the barrier layer may comprise
multiple layers. The substrate of the absorbent layer may include
any nonwoven material such as felt or a hydroentangled structure.
The barrier layer may be a polymeric sheet or a fabric material
coated with a polymeric layer. The barrier layer may also be a
coating applied to the absorbent layer.
[0016] Additionally, the substrate may exhibit various desirable
characteristics. For example, the treated substrate may exhibit
antimicrobial properties whereby the treated pad prevents
populations of bacteria from growing. The antimicrobial properties
of the treated substrate also provide protection from common
odor-causing bacteria. The treated substrate also exhibits thermal
buffering properties whereby heat can be absorbed or released to
provide comfort to the user. Additionally, the product may further
include a wear indicator. The wear indicator can be a colored
patch, or ink applied directly, that fades as the pad is washed to
reveal a different color thereby indicating the need to discard the
product.
[0017] The hydrophilic polyethylene glycol formulation used to
treat the substrate may comprise on a percent basis of the
formulation between about 30% to about 60% polyethylene glycol,
between about 10% to about 30% DMDHEU and between about 3% to about
10% of an acid. The polyethylene glycol may have a molecular weight
between about 1200 and 1500.
[0018] A further embodiment includes a sealable folder for
receiving a reusable incontinent product. The folder provides for a
storage area to carry a supply of fresh pads including ones treated
with a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol formulation. The folder also
incorporates a waterproof pouch, or pocket, to receive used or
soiled pads. The folder may also hold a pant for holding the pad in
position next to the user's skin.
[0019] An additional embodiment includes a method of making a
reusable incontinent product. The method includes providing an
absorbent layer including a substrate treated with a hydrophilic
polyethylene glycol formulation and a barrier layer that can be
attached to the absorbent layer. The step of treating the substrate
includes curing the treated substrate to a surface temperature of
the substrate between about 200.degree. F. to about 240.degree. F.
and then neutralizing the treated substrate.
DRAWINGS
[0020] In the Drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the reusable incontinent
product showing the absorbent layer and the barrier layer;
[0022] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the folder in cooperation
with the reusable incontinent product;
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the folder having
compartments for holding the reusable incontinent product and a
zipper for holding the folder closed; and
[0024] FIG. 4 depicts a pant for holding the reusable incontinent
product in place against the skin of a user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Disclosed in greater detail is a reusable incontinent
product having multiple layers for collecting bodily fluids of a
user. The product may be in the form of a pad having two or more
layers, wherein one layer absorbs the bodily fluid and the other
layer acts as a waterproof barrier layer to prevent any residual
fluid from fully seeping through the absorbent layer. The pad is
configured such that the absorbent layer resides next to the skin
of the user and the barrier layer backs the absorbent layer to
prevent the fluids from soiling the garments of the user. Further
embodiments are also disclosed including a sealable folder to be
used for conveniently carrying a supply of fresh pads and receiving
and holding used or soiled pads, a pant for holding the pad in
place against the skin, and a method of making the reusable
incontinent product.
[0026] Referring now in greater detail to the drawings in which
like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views,
FIGS. 1-4 depict the reusable incontinent product and kit in
various embodiments of the present invention.
The Product
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the reusable incontinent product
or pad 2 may comprise at least two layers. The term "product" may
be used interchangeably with the term "pad". A first layer includes
an absorbent layer 4 having a substrate treated with a hydrophilic
polyethylene glycol formulation and a barrier layer 6. The
substrate of the absorbent layer 4 may be formed of fibers, which
have been previously treated with the hydrophilic polyethylene
glycol formulation and then formed into the substrate.
Additionally, further layers may be added to the product 2 and the
additional layers may reside between the absorbent layer 4 and the
barrier layer 6. Furthermore, the barrier layer 6 may be directly
applied to the absorbent layer 4.
[0028] The product 2 includes in one embodiment the treated
substrate 4 and barrier layer 6 joined together to form the product
2. The product 2 may be formed by cutting, punching, heating or any
other method, into an absorbent shield or insert pad, or any other
pad, of a shape and size allowing it to be positioned, and used,
next to the skin in an area of the body suitable for capturing
urine, or blood, or any other liquid discharged, or emitted, by the
wearer.
[0029] In greater detail, the treated substrate comprising the
absorbent layer 4 includes any woven or nonwoven fabric or material
made from any fiber or blend of fibers, of any type of
construction, that has been modified with the formulation and which
formulation has been made insoluble and linked, or permanently
bonded, to the material. The barrier layer 6 includes any water
repellent or resistant substrate or coating, including films or
topical solutions which may be operatively positioned such that a
liquid may not flow through and out of the treated substrate. In
one embodiment, the barrier layer 6 may be attached to or bounded
to the treated substrate 4. The barrier layer 6 may be attached
using glue, heat, by spray application, ultrasound, or any other
method of joining by which fluids are prevented from soaking
through the treated substrate 4, to soil or wet a garment, or piece
of furniture or any object not usually found in a wet
condition.
The Folder
[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the folder 8 is designed to
inconspicuously and conveniently store a number of clean, fresh
products 2 as well as products 2 that have been soiled, and which
later must be rinsed or washed and dried, before they can be
reused. The folder 8 includes by way of example a device made from
plastic, leather, cloth, or any other material, or combination of
materials, designed specifically to hold both fresh/unused products
2, and products 2 that have been soiled, and are in a wet
state.
[0031] Additionally, the folder 8 is designed to be carried
unobtrusively in any number of places. A woman, for example, may
choose to carry the folder in a purse, or sports bag, while a man
may choose to carry a folder 8 in the glove box of an automobile,
in a golf bag, or in an attache case, or sports bag.
[0032] The folder 8 may be made from many types of materials, and
can come in various shapes and sizes. Correspondingly, the
following description is only to generally illustrate how the
folder 8 might appear and function, and is not necessarily
representative of its actual size and design.
[0033] The folder 8 may be constructed in two pieces: an exterior
cover and a flexible interior, waterproof holder, or "envelope",
with both being sized approximately 8''.times.41/2''.times.2''.
[0034] The purpose of the exterior cover is to shield, or hide, in
an attractive, pleasing manner, the contents of the folder 8, while
the interior is designed to contain a supply of both fresh and
soiled products 2.
[0035] The exterior cover may readily be fabricated from numerous
materials, or combinations of materials, such as plastic, leather
or cloth, in various designs and colors, and may be constructed by
sewing, gluing, thermal, or laser bonding, depending upon the
method of assembly chosen and materials used.
[0036] The flexible interior may be made of plastic, or any other
material that will contain or holds liquids without leakage.
Typically, this separate interior piece would contain two
compartments. One of the two compartments would hold a supply of
fresh (meaning unused) products (represented as a lined, oval
shape). The second of the two compartments would hold one or more
of the products (represented as a lined, oval shape) after they had
been soiled, and would be secured shut by a plastic closure similar
to the type found on Ziploc.RTM. bags, or a button, or snap, or any
other convenient method of sealing to prevent the leakage of
liquid.
[0037] When ready to be used, the inner waterproof holder is fitted
inside the exterior cover by snapping it into place, or slipping
under an integral lip built into the cover. With the two pieces now
assembled a supply of fresh products may be inserted into the unit
and the folder brought together and closed, or secured, with an
ordinary zipper sewn around its periphery, or by buttons, or by
Velcro fasteners, or any other convenient method of joining. The
folder 8, now closed and secured, may be is readily carried as
previously described.
[0038] Later, when an insult has occurred, the folder 8 is opened
and the soiled product is temporarily placed in the second
compartment, and this compartment closed. A fresh product is
removed from the first compartment and positioned next to the skin
of the user in the desired location. Thereafter, the folder 8 is
again closed and secured as previously shown
[0039] At the end of any period of time, the soiled products may be
removed from the second compartment and rinsed or washed. At the
same time, the now empty inner waterproof holder is removed
entirely from the outer cover, and also rinsed or washed. When
dried, the two pieces are reassembled, and a new supply of fresh
products inserted into the first compartment.
[0040] This procedure may be repeated as often as needed with the
folder thereby providing the incontinent individual with an
attractive, convenient, secure, and odor-free method of
transporting the products.
The Pant
[0041] The pant 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4, is operatively
configured to hold product 2 in position next to the skin of a
user.
[0042] By way of example and limitation, the pant 10 may be formed
from a lightweight blend of elastic and spandex, or any other
suitable fiber, or blend of fibers, the pant 10 (similar to the
type manufactured by Tytex, Inc. USA, East Providence, R.I.) is
woven on a machine of the kind used in the manufacture of pantyhose
for women, but with no legs incorporated into the finished product,
making a fine mesh, legless brief. Also contemplated within the
present invention are pants 10 having legs or having only partial
legs fitting around the thighs of a user. When ready to be used,
the pant 10 is pulled on to approximately mid-thigh, and a product
2 placed in position in the area of the crotch. Similarly, the
product may be inserted into an opened-ended pouch built into the
pant 10. The pant 10 is then pulled up to the waist, now securing
the product and holding it in place next to the skin thereby
preventing its movement.
[0043] When worn by the user in one embodiment, the pant 10 cannot
be seen, or observed, through the clothing, such as a skirt, or
pair of slacks, for example, by others providing both comfort and
security for the user. Equally important, the pant 10 can be
readily washed and used numerous times before disposing. The pant
10 may further have the pad 2 permanently attached to the pant
10.
[0044] Additionally, because the pant 10 is lightweight, and takes
up little room, a spare pant 10 may be easily carried inside the
folder 8.
[0045] Alternatively, the product 2 may be held in position against
the skin with a belt containing straps and clips.
Method of Making the Reusable Incontinent Pad
[0046] The term "PEG" means polyethylene glycol, a water soluble,
thermoplastic polymer available in varying molecular weights
produced by the heterogeneous polymerization of ethylene oxide.
Polyethylene glycols demonstrate a low order of toxicity by all
routes of exposure, are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal
tract, nor do they sensitize the skin or irritate the eyes.
Polyethylene glycol is classified by the FDA as Codex Grade and is
cleared for direct use in numerous pharmaceutical products and most
foods.
[0047] The term "formulation" means a blend of polyethylene glycol,
acid, glyoxal resin, water and other chemicals. The formula
compositions are listed on a percent basis of active components and
it is understood that solvents such as water can be added to the
formulation in varying amounts to have a desired viscosity.
[0048] The techniques described in the description below are only
illustrative and not meant to imply that there are no other methods
or techniques that may be used to make the reusable incontinent
product.
Treating the Substrate
[0049] First acquiring from a supplier a web, or roll, of a
suitable nonwoven substrate made by one of a number of methods such
as air laid, spunbond, needlepunched or hydroentangled, the roll is
placed at the front of a finishing line using components, such as
pads, curing ovens, and other devices, of the type commonly found
in most textile finishing facilities.
[0050] In the saturation device, a tank holds the formulation which
is pumped as needed to the pad. By means of a motors or belts, the
nonwoven substrate passes through the pad where it is saturated
with the formulation. Pinch rollers may be used to remove excess
formulation. Alternatively, the formulation may be sprayed with the
excess extracted by a vacuum, or the formulation may be foamed
onto, or through, the substrate.
[0051] From the pad, the now saturated substrate, carried by pins,
or resting on a type of conveyor, passes into the curing oven. The
oven has been previously heated to the desired temperature level
and as the substrate passes through the interior, the heat causes
the fiber hydroxyl groups to react with reactive sites found in the
glyoxal resin thereby bonding the fibers and formulation together
(cross-linking) and insolubilizing the PEG molecules. A further
bonding effect is provided by the formulation reacting with itself.
The reaction of the formulation with the fibers, and with itself,
results in the formation of a very large molecular network that
becomes permanently entangled within the fibers of the nonwoven
substrate.
[0052] Next, the cured nonwoven substrate passes through a wash
box. Here it is washed and agitated in warm water previously
treated with soda ash to a pH level of approximately 10.5. This
process removes any remaining residual insolubilized chemicals and
neutralizes any acids remaining in the substrate to a pH level
ranging between 5.5 and 8.8. Additional chemicals, such as
softeners, may be added as needed in tanks.
[0053] The washed and rinsed substrate now passes into a second
drying oven where, by using a combination of pinch rollers and
blowing hot air heated with gas or electricity, the moisture picked
up during the wash/rinse step is removed, drying the substrate.
With the conclusion of this second drying step, the nonwoven
material is now a treated substrate. The final step in the process
is to wind the treated substrate onto a roll and store until needed
for conversion into a finished product.
[0054] The benefits of treating a nonwoven substrate with the
formulation as described in the steps above, are numerous, and
uniquely imbue the treated substrate with permanent attributes,
that together, have not heretofore been incorporated into nonwoven
structures used in the manufacture of incontinence shields and
insert pads, or other types of absorbent products such as
underpads, lap pads, wraps, bandages and wound care dressings.
Product Assembly
[0055] There are numerous techniques that may be readily used to
construct a reusable incontinent product. Gluing, bonding,
stamping, slitting, thermal forming, as well as other available
methods, are all suitable. Correspondingly the following is only
illustrative of the numerous techniques that may be utilized
[0056] First, a roll of the treated substrate is positioned in
front of a device, or machine, of the type typically used to glue,
or laminate, two flexible structures together. Beneath this roll, a
second roll is positioned containing the barrier. Together, using
motors or belts, the treated substrate and barrier now pass over,
or under, a series of heated rollers warming the materials to the
desired temperatures, thereby causing the surfaces to be joined to
become viscous, or sticky. In other instances, a glue, or adhesive
may be sprayed across the surface of the treated substrate and/or
barrier to provide the bonding or laminating agent.
[0057] A third set of rollers now brings the treated substrate and
barrier together. depending on the type of bonding agent used,
these rolls could be chilled, or at room temperature. By applying
pressure to the treated substrate and barrier, the bonding agent,
or glue, or adhesive, sets, permanently joining the two structures
in a single, integral unit
[0058] Finally, the joined structure passes through a set of roller
dies, with the dies shaped to the desired size and conformation of
the product. By squeezing together, the roller dies cut, or press
out the product, where it drops to a belt, or other type of
carrier. In an embodiment, a wear indicator may be applied to the
product before the product is transported to a station for
packaging.
[0059] Generally using similar methods and techniques to those
described herein, to the top surface of the treated substrate a
permeable, or perforated, plastic film, or any other material
allowing a liquid to pass through, may also be bonded or joined
making the product a tri-laminate structure.
Attributes
[0060] With the permanent bonding of the formulation to the
substrate, the treated substrate acquires the following permanent
characteristics:
[0061] 1. Increased liquid absorption--The polyethylene glycol
formulation is hydrophilic and has a natural affinity to liquids,
and after the bonding of the formulation to the treated substrate
the PEG still maintains its affinity to liquid. Correspondingly,
when subjected to an insult, a product will absorb, and retain,
many times more liquid (often ten or more times) than the untreated
substrate. Equally important, because the fibers in the substrate
are now bonded together in a durable matrix structure, the treated
substrate may now be rinsed or washed, then dried, and reused
numerous times before disposing.
[0062] 2. Antimicrobial properties--Laboratory testing (using
standardized AATCC 100, 147-1993 and ASTM G.21 test methods) has
demonstrated that with an effectiveness of 99.9%, treated
substrates generally prevent the population of numerous
Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria providing protection from
common odor-causing bacteria such as B. and S. epidermidis, and
harmful bacteria such as K. peneumoniae and P. mirabilis. The
treated substrate is equally effective against certain fungi such
as A. niger and A. repens.
[0063] 3. Thermal Properties--Treated substrates demonstrate
increased thermal capacity (much like ice melts when subjected to
heat, or freezes when subjected to cold), compared to a non-treated
substrate providing improved comfort for the user. For example,
when the skin surface temperature is warm (above a predetermined
set point), the released heat is absorbed by the treat substrate
thereby cooling the skin surface. Correspondingly, when the skin
temperature is cool (below a predetermined set point), the treated
substrate releases heat warming the skin surface.
[0064] It is believed that this phenomena occurs when the long
chain molecules in the polyethylene glycol polymer either contract
(absorbing thermal energy), or straighten (releasing thermal
energy). This naturally occurring phenomena moderates, or buffers,
changes to the ambient surface skin temperature for the wearer, or
user, providing a more comfortable product over a wider temperature
range (even when wetted after an insult).
[0065] 4. Durability--Because the fibers of a treated substrate are
now bound in a permanent molecular network of resins and PEG
entangled within the structure, what was once a nonwoven that when
wet would lose its strength, and shred or fall apart, will now,
when wetted after an insult, maintain its integrity and hold
together. Correspondingly, a product constructed from a treated
substrate may now be rinsed, or washed, and reused, numerous times
before disposing.
[0066] 5. Soil Release--A treated substrate demonstrates improved
soil release characteristics when compared to an untreated
structure giving an improved physical appearance to the
product.
[0067] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the present invention. Various alternatives
and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the
scope of the claims.
* * * * *