U.S. patent application number 13/739530 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-18 for blanket for health care use.
This patent application is currently assigned to MMI-IPCO, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is MMI-IPCO, LLC. Invention is credited to Moshe Rock.
Application Number | 20130180056 13/739530 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47757685 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130180056 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rock; Moshe |
July 18, 2013 |
BLANKET FOR HEALTH CARE USE
Abstract
A medical health care blanket or fabric, formed of micro-denier
fibers, e.g., polyester or other suitable polymer, has at least one
raised surface, and incorporates an antimicrobial system having
durable antimicrobial properties after at least 50, 100, 150, or
even up to 200 industrial laundering cycles. A method of
contributing to a sanitary health care environment is also
described.
Inventors: |
Rock; Moshe; (Lawrence,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MMI-IPCO, LLC; |
Lawrence |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MMI-IPCO, LLC
Lawrence
MA
|
Family ID: |
47757685 |
Appl. No.: |
13/739530 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61587275 |
Jan 17, 2012 |
|
|
|
61604779 |
Feb 29, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
8/137 ; 428/87;
428/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 9/0253 20130101;
D04B 21/04 20130101; A47G 9/0238 20130101; D03D 1/0017 20130101;
D06M 13/188 20130101; D06M 11/44 20130101; D10B 2503/06 20130101;
D06L 1/16 20130101; Y10T 428/2395 20150401; A47G 9/0223 20130101;
Y10T 428/23921 20150401; Y10T 442/2525 20150401; D06M 11/46
20130101; D06M 11/50 20130101; A47G 9/007 20130101; Y10T 428/24479
20150115; D06M 13/342 20130101; D04B 1/04 20130101; D06M 11/83
20130101; D06M 15/263 20130101; D10B 2401/13 20130101; D04B 1/00
20130101; D06M 13/192 20130101; D06M 16/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/137 ; 428/91;
428/87 |
International
Class: |
D06M 11/50 20060101
D06M011/50 |
Claims
1. A medical health care blanket comprising: a fabric of
micro-denier polymer fibers having at least one raised surface, and
an antimicrobial system applied to the fabric and having durable
antimicrobial properties after at least 50 industrial laundering
cycles.
2. A medical health care blanket of claim 1, wherein the polymer of
the polymer fibers is selected from among polyester, polypropylene,
polyamide, and combinations thereof.
3. The medical health care blanket according to claim 1, wherein
the antimicrobial system has durable antimicrobial properties after
at least 100 industrial laundering cycles.
4. The medical health care blanket according to claim 1, wherein
the antimicrobial system has durable antimicrobial properties after
at least 150 industrial laundering cycles.
5. The medical health care blanket according to claim 2, wherein
the antimicrobial system has durable antimicrobial properties after
at least 200 industrial laundering cycles.
6. The medical health care blanket of claim 1, wherein the fabric
has a double face knit configuration with velour/velour surface
finishes.
7. The medical health care blanket of claim 1, wherein the
antimicrobial system comprises: an antimicrobial agent, a
rechargeable sequestering agent isolating the antimicrobial agent,
and a binding agent binding the sequestering agent to surfaces of
the polymer fibers.
8. The medical health care blanket of claim 7, wherein the
antimicrobial agent comprises peroxide.
9. The medical health care blanket of claim 7, wherein the
sequestering agent is a complex of metal oxide, metal salt, metal
peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide.
10. The medical health care blanket of claim 7, wherein the
rechargeable sequestering agent comprises zinc oxide, or zinc
hydroxide, or zinc salt.
11. The medical health care blanket of claim 7, wherein the
rechargeable sequestering agent comprises zinc oxide and/or zinc
salt.
12. The medical health care blanket of claim 9, wherein the metal
is selected from the group of: zinc, magnesium, and zirconium.
13. The medical health care blanket of claim 9, wherein the metal
salt is selected from the group of: chloride, nitrate, acetate, and
bromide.
14. The medical health care blanket of claim 7, wherein the
sequestering agent is rechargeable by contact with a peroxide
antimicrobial agent.
15. The medical health care blanket of claim 7, where the binding
agent comprises an acrylate or polyurethane.
16. The medical health care blanket of claim 1, wherein the
antimicrobial system comprises: an antimicrobial agent, and a
rechargeable sequestering agent isolating the antimicrobial agent,
the rechargeable sequestering agent being incorporated in the
polymer fibers as micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned
particles.
17. The medical health care blanket of claim 16, wherein the
micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned particles of the rechargeable
sequestering agent are is distributed throughout the cross section
of the polymer fibers.
18. The medical health care blanket of claim 16, wherein the
micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned particles of the rechargeable
sequestering agent are distributed in a relatively greater
concentration in an outer layer of the polymer fibers.
19. The medical health care blanket of claim 17 or 18, wherein the
micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned particles of the rechargeable
sequestering agent are exposed on an outer surface of the polymer
fibers.
20. A method of contributing to a sanitary health care environment,
comprising: 1) providing a medical health care blanket of claim 1
having a predetermined enhanced level of antimicrobial protection,
and 2) subjecting the medical health care blanket to frequent
industrial laundering cycles including contact with an aqueous
solution of hydrogen peroxide, thereby to recharge antimicrobial
protection provided by the medical health care blanket to at least
a predetermined minimum acceptable level, and 3) repeating step 2)
for at least 50 industrial laundering cycles.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the multiple industrial
laundering cycles comprises at least 100 industrial laundering
cycles.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the multiple industrial
laundering cycles comprises at least 150 industrial laundering
cycles.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the multiple industrial
laundering cycles comprises at least 200 industrial laundering
cycles.
24. A medical health care fabric material comprising: a fabric of
micro-denier polymer fibers having at least one raised surface, and
an antimicrobial system having durable antimicrobial properties
after at least 50 industrial laundering cycles.
25. A medical health care fabric material of claim 24, wherein the
polymer of the polymer fibers is selected from among polyester,
polypropylene, polyamide, and combinations thereof.
26. The medical health care fabric material of claim 24, wherein
the antimicrobial system has durable antimicrobial properties after
at least 100 industrial laundering cycles.
27. The medical health care fabric material of claim 24, wherein
the antimicrobial system has durable antimicrobial properties after
at least 150 industrial laundering cycles.
28. The medical health care fabric material of claim 24, wherein
the antimicrobial system has durable antimicrobial properties after
at least 200 industrial laundering cycles.
29. The medical health care fabric material of claim 24, wherein
the antimicrobial system comprises: an antimicrobial agent, a
rechargeable sequestering agent isolating the antimicrobial agent,
and a binding agent binding the sequestering agent to surfaces of
the polyester polymer fibers.
30. The medical health care fabric material of claim 24, wherein
the antimicrobial system comprises: an antimicrobial agent, and a
rechargeable sequestering agent isolating the antimicrobial agent,
the rechargeable sequestering agent being incorporated in the
polymer fiber as micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned
particles.
31. The medical health care fabric material of claim 30, wherein
the micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned particles of the
rechargeable sequestering agent are distributed throughout the
cross section of the polymer fibers.
32. The medical health care fabric material of claim 30, wherein
the micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned particles of the
rechargeable sequestering agent are distributed in a relatively
greater concentration in an outer layer of the polymer fibers.
33. The medical health care fabric material of claim 31 or 32,
wherein the micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned particles of the
rechargeable sequestering agent are exposed on an outer surface of
the polymer fibers.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application No. 61/587,275, filed on Jan. 17, 2012, now pending,
and to U.S. provisional application No. 61/604,779, filed on Feb.
29, 2012, now pending. The entire contents of both provisional
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to blankets, and more particularly to
blankets and similar fabric articles suited for use, e.g., in
medical health care environments.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Blankets used in medical health care environments, e.g., in
hospitals and long-term care facilities, are often formed of woven
or knit fabric, e.g., formed of cotton or a blend of polyester and
cotton. These blankets can be quite heavy, but generally have only
a low value of CLO (a measure of thermal insulation wherein 1
CLO=0.155 m.sup.2K/W), and, accordingly, only a low CLO-to-weight
ratio. By way of example only, a typical woven hospital blanket
formed by standard textile procedures may have a weight of 10.3
oz/yd.sup.2, thickness of 0.086 inch, CLO of 0.467, and
CLO-to-weight ratio of 0.045. Hospital blankets typically also only
have a relatively short useful life, e.g., in some cases only a few
months, after which the repeated exposure to the harsh conditions
of industrial laundering, including high temperatures, bleach, and
high pH, cause the blankets to fall apart and disintegrate.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a medical health
care blanket comprises a fabric of micro-denier polymer fibers
having at least one raised surface, and an antimicrobial system
applied to the fabric and having durable antimicrobial properties
after at least 50 industrial laundering cycles (e.g., at
160.degree. F. with alkali detergent and peroxide).
[0005] Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure can include
one or more of the following additional features. The polymer of
the polymer fibers is selected from among polyester, polypropylene,
polyamide, and combinations thereof. The antimicrobial system has
durable antimicrobial properties after at least 100 industrial
laundering cycles, or after at least 150 industrial laundering
cycles, or after at least 200 industrial laundering cycles. The
fabric has a double face knit configuration with velour/velour
finish surfaces. The antimicrobial system comprises an
antimicrobial agent, a rechargeable sequestering agent isolating
the antimicrobial agent, and a binding agent binding the
sequestering agent to surfaces of the polymer fibers. The
antimicrobial agent comprises peroxide. The sequestering agent is a
complex of metal oxide, metal salt, metal peroxide, and hydrogen
peroxide. The metal is selected from the group of: zinc, magnesium,
and zirconium. The metal salt is selected from the group of:
chloride, nitrate, acetate, and bromide. The rechargeable
sequestering agent comprises zinc oxide, or zinc hydroxide, or zinc
salt, e.g. zinc oxide and/or zinc salt. The sequestering agent is
rechargeable by contact with peroxide antimicrobial agent. The
binding agent comprises an acrylate (or polyurethane). The
antimicrobial system comprises: an antimicrobial agent, and a
rechargeable sequestering agent isolating the antimicrobial agent,
the rechargeable sequestering agent being incorporated in the
polymer fiber as micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned particles.
The micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned particles of the
rechargeable sequestering agent are is distributed throughout the
cross section of the polymer fibers. The micro-dimensioned or
nano-dimensioned particles of the rechargeable sequestering agent
are distributed in a relatively greater concentration in an outer
layer of the polymer fibers. The micro-dimensioned or
nano-dimensioned particles of the rechargeable sequestering agent
are exposed on an outer surface of the polymer fibers.
[0006] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of
contributing to sanitary health care environment, comprising: 1)
providing a medical health care blanket as described above having a
predetermined enhanced level of antimicrobial protection, and 2)
subjecting the medical health care blanket to frequent industrial
laundering cycles including contact with an aqueous solution of
hydrogen peroxide, thereby to recharge antimicrobial protection
provided by the medical health care blanket to at least a
predetermined minimum acceptable level, and 3) repeating step 2)
for at least 50 industrial laundering cycles.
[0007] Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure can include
one or more of the following additional features. The polymer of
the polymer fibers is selected from among polyester, polypropylene,
polyamide, and combinations thereof. The multiple industrial
laundering cycles comprises at least 100 industrial laundering
cycles, or at least 150 industrial laundering cycles, or at least
200 industrial laundering cycles.
[0008] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a medical
health care fabric material comprises a fabric of micro-denier
polymer fibers having at least one raised surface, and an
antimicrobial system having durable antimicrobial properties after
at least 50 industrial laundering cycles.
[0009] Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure can include
one or more of the following additional features. The antimicrobial
system has durable antimicrobial properties after at least 100
industrial laundering cycles, or after at least 150 industrial
laundering cycles, or at least 200 industrial laundering cycles.
The antimicrobial system comprises: an antimicrobial agent, a
rechargeable sequestering agent isolating the antimicrobial agent,
and a binding agent binding the sequestering agent to surfaces of
the polymer fibers.
[0010] Other implementation of this aspect of the disclosure can
include one or more of the following additional features. The
antimicrobial system comprises: an antimicrobial agent, and a
rechargeable sequestering agent isolating the antimicrobial agent,
the rechargeable sequestering agent being incorporated in the
polymer fiber as micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned particles.
The micro-dimensioned or nano-dimensioned particles of the
rechargeable sequestering agent are distributed throughout the
cross section of the polymer fibers. The micro-dimensioned or
nano-dimensioned particles of the rechargeable sequestering agent
are distributed in a relatively greater concentration in an outer
layer of the polymer fibers. The micro-dimensioned or
nano-dimensioned particles of the rechargeable sequestering agent
are exposed on an outer surface of the polymer fibers.
[0011] Implementations of this disclosure can incorporate one or
more of the following advantages. For example, a medical health
care blanket of this disclosure, formed of a micro-denier polyester
polymer material, e.g., polyester, polypropylene, or polyamide, in
a double face knit configuration, with velour/velour finish, can
offer: e.g., relatively improved thermal insulation efficiency
properties (e.g., a relatively higher CLO-to-weight ratio) as
compared to conventional hospital blankets formed of cotton or a
blend of polyester and cotton; and/or can retain relatively less
water, e.g. about 31% less, as compared to traditional hospital
blankets formed of cotton or polyester and cotton blend, resulting
in significantly shorter drying times during industrial laundering
cycles, e.g. about 70% less, with commensurate reduction in energy
costs; and/or can have a relatively longer usable life than
traditional hospital blankets formed of cotton or a blend of
polyester and cotton.
[0012] When used as a hospital or long-term care facility bed
blanket, a medical health care blanket of this disclosure can serve
as a first line of defense against transmission of disease and
infection, e.g., in some implementations, a medical health care
blanket of this disclosure can incorporated durable antimicrobial
properties that assist patients to avoid contracting germs and/or
bacteria, and thus create a more sanitary environment.
[0013] Antimicrobial fabrics of the disclosure, e.g. in the form of
blankets and/or in the form of bed sheets, pillow covers, etc., can
also be a factor in achieving health care objectives such as
keeping the entire environment surrounding a medical patient (or
other user) free, or at a reduced level, of infectious disease
bacteria.
[0014] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure
are set forth in the accompanying drawings and in the description
below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical health care
blanket of the present disclosure, disposed upon a bed, e.g. in a
hospital or other health care facility.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic side section view of the
medical health care blanket of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a similar somewhat diagrammatic side section view
of another medical health care blanket of the disclosure.
[0018] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a medical health care blanket 10, e.g.
for use in the health care industry, is shown on a patient bed 12,
e.g., in a hospital or other long-term patient care facility. Over
time, the blanket 10 must undergo frequent and repeated industrial
laundering cycles under extreme conditions, including of high
temperature water, disinfecting agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide or
bleach), and high pH, for reasons of sanitation and in efforts to
combat transmission of disease and other unhealthy conditions. This
may be a particular concern in environments where the bed and
blanket are subject to use sequentially for multiple patients, e.g.
in a hospital or other short term case situation.
[0020] Referring next to FIG. 2, the medical health care blanket 10
is formed of suitable polymer, e.g. 100% polyester, or
polypropylene, or polyamide material, or combinations thereof
(e.g., micro-denier polyester material), e.g. in a double face knit
configuration, with a knit body 14 and velour/velour finish
surfaces 16, 18. The double face knit material can be, e.g. in
reverse plating terry sinker loop circular knit, double needle bar
warp knit, or brushed woven. Double face circular knit material can
be produced by raising (e.g., napping) or by cut loop (off-line or
on the knitting machine) of terry sinker loop. The raised surface
yarn (or pile yarn) of the material can be polyester flat yarn,
e.g. round, trilobal, delta, or other profile, or textured yarn.
The pile yarn can also be broader than microdenier fibers (e.g.,
0.3 to 3.0 dpf).
[0021] The fibers of the medical health care blanket polymer
material may be treated with an antistatic chemical to reduce
electrostatic build up that can be annoying to a user, e.g. due to
uncomfortable static discharge, and/or that can interfere with
operation of medical and/or communications devices in the vicinity.
An example of a commercial antistatic chemical for treating fabric
is Lurotex A25 (a nonionic polyamide derivative available
commercially from BASF Aktiengesellschaft, of Ludwigshafen,
Germany), applied, e.g., at 2% to 4%.
[0022] The medical health care blanket 10 of the disclosure offers
multiple advantages during use a medical care environment, e.g., as
compared to conventional or traditional hospital blankets formed of
cotton or a blend of polyester and cotton. For example, the medical
health care blanket 10 exhibits improved thermal insulation
properties, lower water retention, a longer usable life, and
antimicrobial properties for resisting transmission of disease and
other medical conditions. All of these features will be discussed
in more detail below.
[0023] In particular, the medical health care blanket 10 of the
disclosure has relatively better thermal insulation efficiency
properties than conventional hospital blankets made from cotton or
a blend of polyester and cotton. For example, the medical health
care blanket 10 of the disclosure has CLO of 0.812 (compared to CLO
of 0.467 for a traditional hospital blanket) and a CLO-to-weight
ratio of 0.140 (compared to 0.045 for traditional hospital
blankets). The medical health care blanket 10 is also thicker, e.g.
having a thickness, T, of about 0.154 inch (as compared to a
thickness of about 0.086 inch for a traditional hospital blanket).
A medical health care blanket 10 of the disclosure is also
relatively lighter in weight than traditional hospital blankets,
e.g. the medical health care blanket 10 of the disclosure may weigh
about 5.8 ounces/yard.sup.2 as compared to about 10.3
ounces/yard.sup.2 for a traditional hospital blanket. These
features in combination contribute to a medical health care blanket
10 allowing a patient increased comfort of a covering of relatively
lighter weight, and with increased warmth and insulation of the
thicker and thermally more efficient material, while also providing
durable antimicrobial properties that contribute to a more sanitary
environment through enhanced resistance to contracting germs and/or
bacteria.
[0024] The medical health care blanket 10 of the disclosure also
retains much less water during laundering, e.g. as compared to
traditional hospital blankets formed of cotton or a blend of
polyester and cotton. For example, the medical health care blanket
10 of the disclosure retains about 31% less water as compared to a
traditional hospital blanket formed of cotton or a blend of
polyester and cotton. As a result, the drying time for the medical
health care blanket 10 following laundering is approximately 70% of
that required for drying a traditional hospital blanket of cotton
or a blend of polyester and cotton. The reduced water retention
properties, resulting in shorter drying times, has the additional,
particularly beneficial, effect of significantly lowering energy
consumption and costs for the health care facility.
[0025] The micro-denier polymer blanket 10 of the disclosure also
exhibits greater longevity (i.e., longer useful life), e.g. as
compared to traditional hospital blankets formed of cotton or a
blend of polyester and cotton, through repeated industrial
laundering cycles under harsh conditions, including high water
temperatures and exposure to bleach and high pH environments. For
example, a traditional hospital blanket made of cotton or a blend
of polyester and cotton can be expected to degrade and disintegrate
to a point of being unusable within a just a few months of first
use. In contrast, the medical health care blanket 10 of the
disclosure, formed of micro-denier polymer material, can be
expected to have significantly longer usable life, e.g., extending
12 months or longer. Additionally, forming the medical health care
blanket 10 of polyester material allows the blanket to be provided
in a range of colors that remain stable (e.g., will not
substantially fade or become discolored) during repeated industrial
laundering cycles.
[0026] Also, in order to reduce or minimize transmission of drug
resistant germs, e.g. MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
Aureus), the medical health care blanket 10 of the disclosure has
been developed with a capacity for killing GRAM-positive and/or
GRAM-negative bacteria, even after numerous industrial laundering
cycles. For example, in antimicrobial performance tests described
in more detail below, a sample medical health blanket of the
disclosure continued to show an acceptable level of antimicrobial
performance after 50 industrial laundering cycles. Similar
performance is projected for antimicrobial fabrics of the
disclosure, e.g., after at least 100 industrial laundering cycles,
or after at least 150 industrial laundering cycles, or after at
least 200 industrial laundering cycles. The medical heath care
blanket 10 can serve as a first line of defense in a hospital,
health care facility, or other similar environment, protecting the
patient from contact transmission, droplet transmission, airborne
transmission, etc. The medical health care blanket 10, having a
raised surface of, e.g., polyester fiber, and containing
antimicrobial agents for killing GRAM-positive and/or GRAM-negative
bacteria, can provide an important enhancement to reducing
nosocomial infections, such as MRSA and/or klebsiella
pneumonia.
[0027] Examples of types of antimicrobial agents are described,
e.g., in "Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation", edited
and partially written by Professor Seymour S. Block, Fourth
Edition, published 1991 by Lea & Febiger, Pennsylvania, and in
"Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Treatments of Textiles", Y. Gao
and R. Cranston, TEXTILE RESEARCH JOURNAL Vol. 78(1), p 60-72
(2008), a review of antimicrobial treatment of textiles. The
complete disclosures of both references are also incorporated
herein by reference. Described below are examples of a few
categories of antimicrobial agents that can be applied to polyester
and other polymeric fibers of the medical health care blanket 10 in
order to reduce transmission of infectious disease in the health
care environment where the blanket 10 is employed.
(Zinc) Peroxide Antimicrobial Agents
[0028] In one implementation, a medical health care blanket 10 of
the disclosure is treated with zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc
peroxide, and/or zinc salt (which has very low solubility and, by
itself, has mild antimicrobial properties), e.g. zinc oxide and/or
zinc salt, to create a system for providing a peroxide
antimicrobial agent, e.g. as described in Toreki et al. U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2011/0171280, published Jul. 14, 2011, and assigned
on its face to Quick-Med Technologies, Inc., of Gainesville, Fla.,
the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference. In particular, during spinning of the polyester fibers
that will be formed, e.g., by knitting, into the medical health
care blanket 10 of the disclosure, sequestering agents, e.g. zinc
oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc peroxide, and/or zinc salt, e.g. zinc
oxide and/or zinc salt, are added to the polymeric blend, along
with a binding agent, e.g. an acrylate (or polyurethane). The
sequestering agent can be a complex of metal oxide, metal salt,
metal peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide. The metal can be zinc (or
magnesium or zirconium). The metal salts can contain chloride or
nitrate (or acetate or bromide). The complex has low solubility and
it is deposited on the textile fabric or entrapped within the
binder. In the medical health care blanket 10, the binding agent on
the surfaces of the polyester or other polymeric fibers then serves
to secure the sequestering agents, e.g. against early dislodgement
during repeated industrial laundering cycles. The binder, based,
e.g., on acrylate, can entrap peroxide and contributes to the
antimicrobial property. The binder binds the metal oxide, metal
peroxide, and/or metal salt to increase antimicrobial durability to
withstand industrial laundering cycles. The sequestering agents, in
turn, serve to sequester (or immobilize) the antimicrobial agent,
i.e. the peroxide, on the surfaces of the blanket fibers, thereby
to provide durable antimicrobial protection.
[0029] In another implementation, the medical health care blanket
10 is formed of polyester, polypropylene, or polyamide (or other
suitable polymer or polymer blend) fibers that incorporate
particles of sequestering agent, e.g. zinc oxide and/or zinc salt,
of small characteristic dimension, e.g. particles of micro or nano
dimension. The zinc oxide and/or zinc salt particles may be added
to feed of polymer chips or polymer melt during extrusion of the
polymer fibers. In this manner, the zinc oxide and/or zinc salt
particles are distributed (e.g., randomly) throughout the cross
section of the fiber.
[0030] Alternatively, a relatively greater distribution or
concentration of particles of sequestering agent (zinc oxide and/or
zinc salt) can be preferentially provided in an outer (sheath)
layer of the polymer fibers, and/or even exposed on the outer
surface of the polyester fibers. For example, the polymer fibers
formed, e.g., using core/sheath spinning technology may have the
form of bicomponent fibers having an outer sheath with a relatively
high concentration of zinc oxide and/or zinc salt particles, and an
inner core with a relatively lower concentration of, or little or
no, zinc oxide and/or zinc salt particles.
[0031] As described above, the medical care blanket 10 having
polyester polymer fibers incorporating particles of zinc oxide
and/or zinc salt, e.g. on the surface, in the outer layer, and/or
distributed throughout the cross section, can be treated with a
disinfecting agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or percarboxylic
acid, to produce a complex system of zinc oxide and/or zinc salt,
zinc peroxide (generated by exposure of the zinc oxide and/or zinc
salt to the hydrogen peroxide), as well as the hydrogen peroxide
sequestered at a controlled pH on the surface of the textile
fabric, e.g. the fibers of a raised surface blanket or linen. For
example, the disinfecting agent may be applied to the fabric, e.g.
in a textile mill, during an industrial laundering cycle, or as a
separate step before or after the industrial laundering cycle. The
treated medical care blanket 10, after this hydrogen peroxide
recharging or reloading process, will typically have good
antimicrobial properties and with high durability.
[0032] During use extended use and repeated industrial laundering
cycles, the antimicrobial properties and capabilities of medical
health care blanket 10 can be expected to degrade as the
antimicrobial agent becomes depleted, e.g. is washed or worn away.
However, according to the present disclosure, industrial laundering
of the medical health care blanket 10, with application of an
aqueous solution including hydrogen peroxide, which is routinely
used as a disinfecting agent, including processing in a textile
mill (during industrial laundering, or separately, before or after
laundering), serves to recharge the sequestering agents with
peroxide from the laundering solution, thus restoring the
antimicrobial properties of the medical health care blanket 10. Use
of hydrogen peroxide as a disinfecting agent (e.g., rather the
bleach) reduces discoloration of colored medical health care
blankets during repeated industrial laundering cycles. Industrial
laundries of the type discussed are also moving away from use of
chlorine as a disinfectant (for example, for environmental reasons)
and moving to peroxide as an alternative.
Silver Based Antimicrobial Agents
[0033] Silver-based antimicrobial agents can also be used in
medical health care blankets 10 of the disclosure. The silver can
be in the form of, e.g. silver ions, silver ions embedded in
Zeolite, and/or silver deposited on the surface of polyester or
other suitable polymeric fibers by reduction-oxidation process.
[0034] Any of these silver treatments can be combined with a
polymer, e.g. polyester, nylon, and/or acrylic, during fiber
manufacture. The silver-loaded fibers can then be blended with
untreated synthetic yarn in simple form to make blended spun yarn,
or can be blended in filament form to be commingled with untreated
synthetic filament yarn. The silver-loaded fibers can also be added
to the knit construction with untreated synthetic filaments.
[0035] The silver ions loaded into the fibers leach out of the
fiber material over time, migrating towards bacteria to react with
its cell DNA and/or during repeated industrial laundering cycles.
Binders may be added to the silver ion during application in order
to to control, i.e. reduce, the level of leaching during
laundering. Selection of a binder is crucial to improvement of the
durability and longevity of the medical health care blanket 10
through repeated cycles of industrial laundering. The binder, mixed
with the antimicrobial agent, can be applied by pad as is, or with
an added cross-linking agent. After application, the treated fabric
is dried and cured at 375.degree. F. for 60 seconds. The binder
must be stable under the conditions of industrial laundering, e.g.
temperatures of 160.degree. F., alkaline PH 10.+-.1, and bleaching
chemicals (peroxide, Clorox, ozone). A preferred binder is based on
acrylate, but other binders based on polyurethane, silicon, etc.
will be effective as well.
Quaternary Ammonium Silane-Based Antimicrobial Agents
[0036] The family of quaternary ammonium silane (QAS) chemicals can
also be used as antimicrobial agents in medical health care
blankets 10 of the disclosure. One suitable antimicrobial agent of
this family is 3 (trimethoxysilyl) propyldimethyl octadecyl
ammonium chloride. Trimethoxy silyl reacts with another trimethoxy
silyl, or with the hydroxyl, carboxylic, amine, or amide on the
fiber surface, and the octadecyl with the quaternary ammonium will
puncture and rupture the outer wall of a bacteria cell. This
antimicrobial agent type does not leach out of the fibers in order
to penetrate the bacteria, so the effective useful life of the
medical health care blanket 10 is extended, and thus enhanced.
Further enhancement of the durability of the medical health care
blanket through repeated industrial laundering cycles (e.g. at
160.degree. F. with high PH and exposure to disinfecting agents,
such as peroxide or bleach) may be obtained by addition of a
chemical binder, with or without a cross-linking agent.
Polyhexamethylene Bigunide (PHMB) Antimicrobial Agents
[0037] Polyhexamethylene bigunide (PHMB) can also be used as a
antimicrobial agent in medical health care blankets 10 of the
disclosure. This agent may be applied to polyester or other
suitable polymeric fabric by patting with addition of binder, and
with or without cross linking agent.
[0038] Other types of disinfectant chemicals include, e.g.,
peracetic acid, ozone, etc., which can recharge the metal salt or
metal oxide to generate the complex containing metal peroxide as an
antimicrobial agent.
[0039] The antimicrobial agents discussed above have broad
"killing" capacity, targeting no specific moiety in the cell
metabolism, and, as a result, will not generate bacteria resistance
to antibiotic agents (so-called "super bug"). Transmission of drug
resistant bacteria (like MRSA) can occur by contact transmission
(direct or indirect), as well as by airborne transmission.
Antimicrobial Performance Testing
[0040] Several standard testing methods are available for
evaluation of the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment of
medical health care blankets as described herein. For example, ISO
2073 is a standard quantitative test method for determining
antimicrobial activity of immobilized antimicrobial agents. Other
or additional testing methods may also be utilized. For example,
ATCC 147 is a form of qualitative testing, and ASTM E 2149-01
("Shake Flask" test) tests antimicrobial activity of immobilized
antimicrobial agents under dynamic contact conditions.
[0041] A sample of the medical health care blanket 10 of this
disclosure (Material Sample Reference No. 082411B) was treated with
the zinc-based peroxide antimicrobial agent system discussed above.
Testing of antimicrobial properties was conducted on an unlaundered
sample, and on a sample that had undergone 100 industrial
laundering cycles of 160.degree. F. for 10 minutes each cycle. The
samples were tested according to ISO 20743, AATCC 100, and JIS L
1902, with two different bacteria in different inoculum
concentrations (shown in Table 1).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Organism, ATCC#: Assay Ref.: Inoculum
Concentration: *Staphylococcus aureus, 6538 2669 1.90 .times.
10.sup.5 cfu/ml **Klebsiella pneumonia, 4352 2675 1.73 .times.
10.sup.5 cfu/ml *Staphylococcus aureus, 6538 2721 1.38 .times.
10.sup.5 cfu/ml **Klebsiella pneumonia, 4352 2720 2.01 .times.
10.sup.5 cfu/ml *GRAM-positive **GRAM-negative
[0042] Both the treated unlaundered and the treated laundered test
samples were found to have good antimicrobial properties. Test
results for the samples are provided below in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Assay Log/Percent Sample: Ref: Organism,
ATCC#: Reduction: 082411B, 2669 Staphylococcus aureus, 6538 5.28**
logs Unlaundered 99.99948% 2675 Klebsiella pneumonia, 4352 5.24**
logs 99.99924% 082411B, 2721 Staphylococcus aureus, 6538 4.07 logs
Laundered 99.9915% 2720 Klebsiella pneumonia, 4352 4.97 logs
99.9989% **denotes full kill
[0043] As shown in these test results, the treated laundered sample
maintained good antimicrobial properties and performed nearly as
well as the treated unlaundered sample, even after undergoing 100
industrial laundering cycles.
[0044] A number of embodiments of the disclosure have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the disclosure. For example, referring to FIG. 3, a
medical health care blanket 10' of the disclosure may have a knit
body 14' with only a single raised or fleece surface 16'. The
medical health care blanket can also be formed of a blend of
polyester (or other suitable polymer) and natural fibers (e.g.,
cotton). Also, the zinc oxide or low solubility zinc salt of the
rechargeable sequestering agent can be substituted by, e.g.,
magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, or low solubility salt of
magnesium or zirconium.
[0045] Also, in other implementations, the yarn or fibers of the
textile fabric may be chemically treated, e.g. with 4% Lurotex A-25
(available from BASF Aktiengesellschaft, of Ludwigshafen, Germany),
a nonionic polyamide derivative that improves moisture transport in
textiles composed of synthetic fibers, to increase the moisture
content on the face of the fabric, to impart antistatic and soil
release properties, as well as absorbing moisture from the air,
e.g., to release hydrogen peroxide from sequestration on the
surface of the fabric.
[0046] Use of the antimicrobial blanket fabric of the disclosure in
other environments, e.g., in nursing homes, correctional
facilities, hospitality environments (e.g., hotels, motels, cruise
ships, etc.), dormitories, military facilities, schools, daycare
facilities and kindergartens, private homes, and the like, is also
contemplated. Referring again to FIG. 1, other uses of
antimicrobial fabrics of the disclosure are also contemplated. For
example, in other implementations, use of the antimicrobial fabric
material described herein for particular use in medical health care
blankets might be expanded, e.g., to include bed sheets 22, which
are generally formed woven fabric of cotton and/or blends of
polyester (or other suitable polymer) and cotton, which, in fabrics
of the present disclosure, could include relatively higher
polyester (or other polymer) content in the polyester/cotton
blends. Antimicrobial fabrics of the disclosure might also be used,
e.g., for other products in the home consumer textile market, such
as pillow cases 24, window coverings 26, floor coverings 28, etc.,
all for use in medical health care environments (as shown) as well
as other environments, and also for use in other types of products
and/or markets.
[0047] Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *