U.S. patent application number 15/906143 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-05 for disposable absorbent articles comprising skin health composition(s) and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Duane Larry CHARBONNEAU, Serena Rae HEYSE, Paul Thomas WEISMAN.
Application Number | 20180185207 15/906143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52444670 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180185207 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WEISMAN; Paul Thomas ; et
al. |
July 5, 2018 |
DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES COMPRISING SKIN HEALTH COMPOSITION(S)
AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
The present disclosure describes disposable absorbent article(s)
comprising a skin health composition effective for treating
bacteria, including the bacteria associated with diaper rash.
Inventors: |
WEISMAN; Paul Thomas;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; CHARBONNEAU; Duane Larry;
(Mason, OH) ; HEYSE; Serena Rae; (Springboro,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52444670 |
Appl. No.: |
15/906143 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14602703 |
Jan 22, 2015 |
9937087 |
|
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15906143 |
|
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61931229 |
Jan 24, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/8405 20130101;
A61L 15/44 20130101; A61Q 19/00 20130101; A61L 15/36 20130101; A61Q
17/005 20130101; A61L 2300/406 20130101; A61K 8/99 20130101; A61K
8/0208 20130101; A61F 2013/8414 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/84 20060101
A61F013/84; A61K 8/02 20060101 A61K008/02; A61K 8/99 20060101
A61K008/99; A61Q 19/00 20060101 A61Q019/00; A61Q 17/00 20060101
A61Q017/00; A61L 15/44 20060101 A61L015/44; A61L 15/36 20060101
A61L015/36 |
Claims
1. A package comprising a first disposable absorbent article,
wherein the first disposable absorbent article comprises a first
bacteriophage composition comprising one or more bacteriophage
strains, wherein the first bacteriophage composition is in
releasable contact with at least a portion of a first delivery
surface.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first
disposable absorbent article is folded.
3. The package of claim 2, wherein the first disposable absorbent
article is bifolded.
4. The package of claim 2, wherein the first disposable absorbent
article is trifolded.
5. The package of claim 1, wherein the package is opaque.
6. The package of claim 1, comprising a plurality of disposable
absorbent articles, wherein the package has an in-bag stack height
of less than about 80 mm.
7. The package of claim 6, wherein the in-bag stack height is from
about 72 to about 80 mm.
8. The package of claim 1, wherein the first disposable absorbent
article is selected from the group consisting of diapers, training
pants, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene
products.
9. The package of claim 1, further comprising a second disposable
absorbent article, wherein the second disposable absorbent article
comprises a second bacteriophage strain, and wherein the first and
second bacteriophage strains are different.
10. The package of claim 1, further comprising a second
bacteriophage composition comprising one or more bacteriophage
strains, wherein the second bacteriophage composition is in
releasable contact with at least a portion of a second delivery
surface of the first disposable absorbent article.
11. The package of claim 10, wherein the disposable absorbent
article comprises a topsheet, and wherein the first delivery
surface is at least a portion of the topsheet.
12. The package of claim 10, wherein the second delivery surface is
at least a portion of a cuff.
13. The package of claim 1, wherein the one or more bacteriophage
strains is effective against a strain of bacteria of a taxonomic
genus selected from the group consisting of Streptococcus,
Escherichia, Salmonella, Listeria, Shigella, Campylobacter,
Clostridium, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, and any
combinations thereof.
14. The package of claim 1, wherein the first bacteriophage
composition comprises about 1.times.10.sup.3 PFUs to about
1.times.10.sup.8 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage strains.
15. A method of making a package of disposable absorbent articles,
the method comprising the steps of: applying a first bacteriophage
composition to a first web; using at least a portion of the first
web to construct at least a portion of a topsheets of the
disposable absorbent articles; and placing the disposable absorbent
articles into the package.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first bacteriophage
composition is applied to the first web via printing or
coating.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first bacteriophage
composition is applied to the first web via slot coating.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the first bacteriophage
composition is applied to the first web to form longitudinally
oriented stripes.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the topsheets are
apertured.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of applying
a second bacteriophage composition to a second web, wherein the
second bacteriophage composition is different than the first
bacteriophage composition.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of using at
least a portion of the second web to construct at least a portion
of cuffs of the disposable absorbent articles.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/602,703, filed on Jan. 22, 2015, which claims the benefit, under
35 USC .sctn. 119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
No. 61/931,229 filed on Jan. 24, 2014, the entire disclosures of
which are fully incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to disposable absorbent
articles comprising skin health composition(s), as well as methods
of using the disposable absorbent articles. The articles and
methods are useful for treating surfaces, including skin, that are
susceptible to bacterial contamination.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Skin or other epithelial tissue can colonize pathogenic
bacteria such as Streptococcus, Escherichia, Salmonella, Listeria,
Shigella, Campylobacter, Clostridium, and Staphylococcus, and
particularly Streptococcus, Escherichia, Salmonella, and
Staphylococcus. Pathogenic bacteria can result in any of a variety
of infections such as dermatitis, diaper rash, and impetigo,
commonly caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli,
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Staphylococcus
aureus, in which elderly, infants and pre-school children are
particularly susceptible. Other pathogenic conditions include other
bacterial skin conditions such as urinary tract infections commonly
suffered by women. Even further, moist skin surfaces, such as skin
susceptible to diaper rash in infants and pre-school children are
also particularly susceptible to bacterial contamination.
[0004] Unfortunately, in addition to counter-productive techniques
such as using contaminated cleaning devices, other techniques have
limited efficacy. Diaper rash and other infections on skin are
still common problems that are difficult to manage. Improved
technologies are necessary to infect, lyse, destruct, disrupt,
kill, inhibit the growth of, or otherwise reduce or eliminate these
bacteria on the surface of epithelial tissue. In addition to the
described problems, bacteriophage are prone to have decreased
activity or potency upon exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV)
light. Such exposure has a damaging effect on the bacteriophage,
decreasing lytic ability. Absorbent articles comprising
bacteriophage might also be susceptible to such decreased
bacteriophage activity upon exposure to sunlight or UV light.
Accordingly, there is a need for an absorbent article manufacturer
to devise approaches or means for maintaining the activity of
bacteriophage containing articles during distribution of the
absorbent articles or components thereof from the manufacturer, to
the retailer, to the consumer, and finally while being stored
before use in the consumer's dwelling. The present disclosure
provides disposable absorbent articles comprising skin health
composition(s) useful for treating said bacteria, as well as
methods of making and using the articles, as well as packages and
methods of packaging the absorbent articles to preserve the
composition, such as the skin health composition. The articles and
methods are useful for treating surfaces, including skin, that are
susceptible to bacterial contamination. These articles, and their
use, provide efficacy against pathogenic bacteria in a variety of
settings including in our homes, and on skin and other epithelial
tissue.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The present disclosure describes an embodiment comprising a
disposable absorbent article comprising skin health composition(s)
that may be useful for treating bacteria.
[0006] The present disclosure further describes an embodiment
comprising a method of contacting a surface with one or more skin
health compositions, the method comprising contacting the surface
with the at least a portion of the disposable absorbent article
which comprises one or more skin health compositions.
[0007] The present disclosure further describes an embodiment
comprising an array of packages comprising a first package
comprising a first absorbent article and a second package
comprising a second absorbent article, wherein the first absorbent
article comprises a bacteriophage composition and wherein the
second package does not. The first package lists a first weight
range and the second package lists a second weight range that
overlaps with the first weight range at least in part. The first
and second packages are a common brand.
[0008] The present disclosure further describes an embodiment
comprising an array of packages comprising a first package
comprising a first absorbent article and a second package
comprising a second absorbent article, wherein the first absorbent
article comprises a first skin health composition and wherein the
second absorbent article comprises a second skin health
composition, different from the first skin health composition. The
first package lists a first weight range and the second package
lists a second weight range that overlaps with the first weight
range at least in part. The first and second packages are a common
brand and the first and second skin health compositions are
different.
[0009] The present disclosure further describes an embodiment
comprising a method comprising applying a first skin health
composition to a first web by a first method, applying a second
skin health composition to a second web by a second method, and
combining the first and second webs in the formation of an
absorbent article; wherein the first and second skin health
compositions are different.
[0010] The present disclosure further describes an embodiment
comprising a method comprising applying a skin health composition
to a web, wherein the web is used in formation of an absorbent
article.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a partially cut away plan view of a taped diaper
wherein the garment-facing exterior of the diaper faces the
viewer.
[0012] FIG. 2 is plan view of the taped diaper of FIG. 1 wherein
the wearer-facing interior of the diaper faces the viewer.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a partially cut away plan view of a pant diaper
with a pair of flaps, wherein the wearer-facing interior of the
diaper faces the viewer.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a partially cut away plan view a pant diaper with
front and rear flaps, wherein the garment-facing exterior of the
diaper faces the viewer.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective of the taped diaper shown in FIG. 1
in a folded configuration.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view the pant diaper shown in FIG. 3
wherein flaps connect opposing waist regions.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view the pant diaper shown in FIG. 4
wherein side seams connect the flaps and opposing waist
regions.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a pant diaper with a continuous
belt in the front and back waist regions.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross section view taken along line
9-9 in FIG. 1 of an example of a folded outer leg cuff suitable in
one embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross section view of a back
belt-like flap suitable in one embodiment of the invention, taken
along line 10-10 of FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a feminine
hygiene pad.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a feminine hygiene pad
comprising wings.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a side view of a package of absorbent articles
showing the package width.
[0024] The outer surface is illustrated as transparent for purposes
of clarity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0025] The disposable absorbent articles of the present disclosure
comprise a composition comprising one or more bacteriophage,
wherein the bacteriophage, which may be in a composition, is in
releasable contact with at least a portion of the disposable
absorbent article. These and other embodiments of the present
disclosure are described in detail herein.
[0026] In part, these articles may be particularly advantageous
because the transfer of bacteriophage to a desired surface, such as
human epithelial tissue (e.g., skin or the lining of a cavity or
other structure), presents a challenge in view of the non-motile
nature of bacteriophage generally. This is particularly the case
when the bacteriophage is incorporated into or applied to a solid
material, wherein efficacy may depend in part on transfer of the
bacteriophage from a solid material. Because the bacteriophage do
not move after application to a solid material (aside from possible
Brownian motion), they may only be effective in disrupting or
otherwise harming bacterial contamination if live bacteria happens
to come into contact with the fixed-position bacteriophage for a
sufficient period of time. Surprisingly, it is discovered herein
that the present inventive disposable absorbent articles, which
comprise a bacteriophage composition, facilitate the transfer of
the bacteriophage onto a surface susceptible to bacterial
contamination, such as human epithelial tissue, which is sufficient
to inactivate the colonized bacteria or inhibit the colonization
thereof.
[0027] As used herein, a disposable absorbent article may also be
referred to as an "article" or "absorbent article." In one
embodiment of the present disclosure, the article is used to treat
a surface that is susceptible to colonization by undesirable
bacteria, such as any or a combination of bacteria described
herein. In general, the surface that is susceptible to colonization
by undesirable bacteria may be epithelial tissue, such as human or
animal skin or a bodily cavity or other structure. In one
embodiment, the surface may be human or animal skin, such as infant
skin or adult skin. In another embodiment, the surface is other
epithelial tissue such as urothelial tissue.
[0028] Non-limiting examples of disposable absorbent articles
include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products, and
feminine hygiene products (including, for example, sanitary napkins
and tampons). Other examples of a disposable absorbent articles
include bandages and wound dressings.
Absorbent Article
[0029] In one embodiment, an absorbent article may comprise a
chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core
disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet.
The absorbent chassis may comprise a waistband, leg cuffs and or
elastic strands. In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1, an
example absorbent article 10 is shown in its flat uncontracted
state prior to joining the fastening components 53a and b.
[0030] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 8, one end
portion of the absorbent article 10 may be configured as a front
waist region 36 and the longitudinally opposing end portion may be
configured as a back waist region 38. An intermediate portion of
the absorbent article 10 extending longitudinally between the front
waist region 36 and the back waist region 38 may be configured as a
crotch region 37. In one embodiment, although not illustrated as
such, the length of each of the front waist region 36, the back
waist region 38 and the crotch region 37 may be about 1/3 of the
length of the absorbent article 10, for example. In other
embodiments, the length of each of the front waist region 36, the
back waist region 38, and the crotch region 37 may have other
dimensions. In various embodiments, the absorbent article 10 may
have a laterally extending front waist end edge 136 in the front
waist region 36 and a longitudinally opposing and laterally
extending back waist end edge 138 in the back waist region 38.
[0031] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 8, a chassis
100 of the absorbent article 10 may comprise a first longitudinally
extending side edge 137a and a laterally opposing and second
longitudinally extending side edge 137b . Both of the side edges
137 may extend longitudinally between the front waist end edge 136
and the back waist end edge 138. The chassis 100 may form a portion
of the laterally extending front waist end edge 136 in the front
waist region 36 and a portion of the longitudinally opposing and
laterally extending back waist end edge 138 in the back waist
region 38. Furthermore, the chassis 100 may comprise an interior
surface 102, an exterior surface 104, a longitudinal axis 42, and a
lateral axis 44. The longitudinal axis 42 may extend through a
midpoint of the front waist end edge 136 and through a midpoint of
the back waist end edge 138, while the lateral axis 44 may extend
through a midpoint of the first side edge 137a and through a
midpoint of the second side edge 137b.
[0032] In various embodiments, a portion of or the whole absorbent
article 10 may be made to be laterally extensible. The
extensibility of the absorbent article 10 may be desirable in order
to allow the absorbent article 10 to conform to a body of a wearer
during movement by the wearer. The extensibility may also be
desirable, for example, in order to allow the caregiver to extend
the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38, the crotch
region 37, and/or the chassis 100 to provide additional body
coverage for wearers of differing size, i.e., to tailor the
absorbent article 10 to the individual wearer. Such extension may
provide the absorbent article 10 with a generally hourglass shape,
so long as the crotch region 37 is extended to a relatively lesser
degree than the waist regions 36 and/or 38. This extension may also
impart a tailored appearance to the absorbent article 10 during
use.
[0033] Any or all portions of the absorbent article may comprise a
bacteriophage composition, wherein the bacteriophage composition,
and/or levels thereof, may be the same or different for each
component of the absorbent article. For example, where present, any
or all of the topsheet, the absorbent core, the backsheet, the leg
cuffs, the waistband, the wings, the flaps, and/or even the
fastening system may comprise bacteriophage composition. Each
bacteriophage composition may be the same or different, such as the
same or different bacteriophage, number of bacteriophage, or levels
of each bacteriophage. As used herein, when a component of the
absorbent article comprises a bacteriophage composition, the
bacteriophage composition may be present within that component or
it may be disposed on that component as, for example, a composition
printed onto the portion of the absorbent article. For simplicity,
in any of these arrangements, it may be stated that the referenced
component of the absorbent article comprises the bacteriophage
composition.
Topsheet
[0034] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2, 8, and 10-12, the
absorbent article 10 may comprise a topsheet 81. The topsheet 81
may be compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's
skin and may be elastically stretchable in one or more directions.
Further, the topsheet 81 may be liquid pervious, permitting liquids
(e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) to penetrate through its
thickness. Various topsheets may also comprise a hydrophilic
material, for example, which is configured to draw bodily fluids
into an absorbent core of the chassis 100 when these fluids are
expelled from the body. A suitable topsheet 81 may be manufactured
from a wide range of materials, such as woven and nonwoven
materials, apertured or hydroformed thermoplastic films, apertured
nonwovens, porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulated
thermoplastic films, and/or thermoplastic scrims, for example.
Suitable apertured films may comprise those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,929,135, 4,324,246, 4,342,314, 4,463,045, 5,006,394,
5,628,097, 5,916,661, 6,545,197, and 6,107,539.
[0035] Apertured film topsheets typically may be pervious to bodily
exudates, yet non-absorbent, and have a reduced tendency to allow
fluids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Suitable
woven and nonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers, such as,
for example, wood or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers, such as, for
example, polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers, or
combinations thereof. If the topsheet 81 comprises fibers, the
fibers may be spunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown,
hydroentangled, or otherwise processed, for example, as is
generally known in the art. The topsheet may comprise a skin care
lotion. The skin care lotion may be a component of the
bacteriophage composition, or it may be a separate composition.
Examples of suitable lotions include, but are not limited to, those
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587; 5,635,191;
5,643,588; and 5,968,025, and as described in U.S. Application No.
61/391,353. Bacteriophage compositions may be applied onto the skin
care composition, for example, in the manner described in U.S. Pat.
No. 7,166,292, such that the bacteriophages sit on or be dispersed
within the skin care composition to prevent the bacteriophages from
saturating into the topsheet, thus migrating toward the core.
Alternatively, sections of the topsheet may comprise the skin care
lotion, while adjacent areas of the topsheet may comprise a
bacteriophage composition. In one embodiment, the bacteriophage
composition and the skin care lotion may be stripes oriented in the
longitudinal direction.
[0036] In one embodiment, the topsheet may comprise graphics (e.g.,
116 in FIG. 12) such that depth perception is created as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,528.
Backsheet
[0037] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1, 3-7, and 9-12, for
example, the absorbent article 10 may comprise a backsheet 83. The
backsheet 83 may be impervious, or at least partially impervious,
to fluids or body exudates (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny
feces) and may be manufactured from a thin plastic film, although
other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. The
backsheet 83 may prevent the body exudates or fluids absorbed and
contained in an absorbent core of the absorbent article 10 from
wetting articles which contact the absorbent article 10, such as
bedsheets, pajamas, clothes, and/or undergarments. The backsheet 83
may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as
thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, and/or a
multi-layer or composite materials comprising a film and a nonwoven
material (e.g., having an inner film layer and an outer nonwoven
layer). A suitable backsheet may comprise a polyethylene film
having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051
mm (2.0 mils). Examples of polyethylene films are manufactured by
Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation
BR-120 and BR-121, and by Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute,
Ind., under the designation XP-39385.
[0038] Particularly regarding feminine hygiene, one suitable
material for the backsheet can be a liquid impervious thermoplastic
film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.50 mil) to about
0.051 mm (2.0 mils), for example including polyethylene or
polypropylene. Typically, the backsheet can have a basis weight of
from about 5 g/m.sup.2 to about 35 g/m.sup.2. The backsheet can be
typically positioned adjacent the outer-facing surface of the
absorbent core and can be joined thereto. For example, the
backsheet may be secured to the absorbent core by a uniform
continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an
array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive.
Illustrative, but nonlimiting adhesives, include adhesives
manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn., U.S.A.,
and marketed as HL-1358J. An example of a suitable attachment
device including an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986. Another suitable
attachment device including several lines of adhesive filaments
swirled into a spiral pattern is illustrated by the apparatus and
methods shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,911,173; 4,785,996; and
4,842,666. Alternatively, the attachment device may include heat
bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds,
or any other suitable attachment device or combinations of these
attachment devices.
[0039] In one embodiment, the backsheet 83 may be embossed and/or
matte-finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance. Further,
the backsheet 83 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent
core of the absorbent article 10 (i.e., the backsheet 83 is
breathable) while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, fluids
or body exudates from passing through the backsheet 83. In one
embodiment, the size of the backsheet 83 may be dictated by the
size of the absorbent article 10 and the design or configuration of
the absorbent article 10 to be formed, for example.
[0040] In one embodiment, the backsheet comprises a bacteriophage
composition.
[0041] In one embodiment, an adhesive may be applied to the
garment-facing exterior of the backsheet for the purpose of holding
the absorbent article in place by adhering to the wearer's
underwear. Such adhesive may be especially desirable for use with
adult incontinence and feminine hygiene type absorbent
articles.
Absorbent Core
[0042] In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 8-12, the
absorbent article 10 may comprise an absorbent core 200 that is
disposed between the topsheet 81 and the backsheet 83. The
absorbent core 200 may comprise a laterally extending front edge
236 in the front waist region 36, a longitudinally opposing and
laterally extending back edge 238 in the back waist region 38, a
first longitudinally extending side edge 237a, and a laterally
opposing and second longitudinally extending side edge 237b. Both
of the side edges 237 may extend longitudinally between the front
edge 236 and the back edge 238. In one embodiment, more than one
absorbent core 200 or more than one absorbent core layer may be
provided in an absorbent article 10, for example. The absorbent
core 200 may be any suitable size or shape that is compatible with
the absorbent article 10. Example absorbent structures for use as
the absorbent core 200 of the present disclosure that have achieved
acceptance and commercial success are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,888,231; and 4,834,735.
[0043] In one embodiment, suitable absorbent cores may comprise
cellulosic airfelt material. For instance, such absorbent cores may
comprise less than about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even 1% of the
cellulosic airfelt material as determined by weight. Additionally,
such an absorbent core may be primarily comprised of an absorbent
gelling material in amounts of at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%,
90%, 95%, or even about 100% as determined by weight. Furthermore,
a portion of the absorbent core may comprise a microfiber glue (if
applicable). Such absorbent cores, microfiber glues, and absorbent
gelling materials are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,599,335;
5,562,646; 5,669,894; 6,790,798; and 7,521,587 and in U.S. Pat.
Publ. No. 2004/0158212.
[0044] In one embodiment, the absorbent core comprises a
bacteriophage composition. In one such embodiment, the
bacteriophage composition resides within the absorbent core. In
another such embodiment, the bacteriophage composition resides on
an outermost surface of the absorbent core (i.e., the bacteriophage
composition may be disposed on the exterior of an outermost layer
of the absorbent core). In one embodiment, the bacteriophage
composition resides on the outermost surface (which may be an
acquisition layer or an upper covering sheet) of the absorbent
core, wherein such surface is in contact with the topsheet.
[0045] In one embodiment, the core, including multiple layers
making up the core system, may be printed and embossed as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 8,536,401.
Leg Cuffs
[0046] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1-4, the chassis 100
of the absorbent article 10 may comprise longitudinally extending
and laterally opposing leg cuffs 147a and 147b that are disposed on
the interior surface of the chassis 100 that faces inwardly toward
the wearer and contacts the wearer. The leg cuffs 147a and 147b may
comprise one or more elastic gathering members disposed at or
adjacent the proximal edge of one or both of the leg cuffs 147. In
addition, to the elastic gathering members the leg cuff may also
comprise one or more elastic strands disposed at or adjacent the
distal edge of one or both of the leg cuffs 147. The elasticized
leg cuffs 147 may comprise several embodiments for reducing the
leakage of body exudates or fluids in the leg regions. The
elasticized leg cuffs 147 are sometimes referred to as leg bands,
barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs, or gasketing cuffs. Suitable
elasticized leg cuffs 147 may comprise those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,860,003, 4,909,803, 4,695,278, 4,795,454, 4,704,115, and
4,909,803, and U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2009/0312730. The leg cuffs 147
may be formed by folding portions of the chassis 100 laterally
inward, i.e., toward the longitudinal axis 42, to form both the
respective leg cuffs 147 and the side edges 137a and b of the
chassis 100. In other embodiments, the leg cuffs 147 may be formed
by attaching an additional layer or layers to the chassis 100 at or
adjacent to each of the respective side edges 137a and 137b of the
chassis 100. In one embodiment, the chassis 100 may also comprise
other elastics disposed adjacent the side edges 137 which may cause
the article 10 to form into a "U" shape when allowed to relax
thereby pulling the interior surface 102 of the front waist region
36 toward the interior surface 102 of the back waist region 38.
[0047] In one embodiment, each leg cuff 147 may comprise a proximal
edge 157a and 157b. These edges 157a and 157b are positioned
proximate to the longitudinal axis 42 compared to distal edges 139a
and 139b. The leg cuffs 147 may overlap the absorbent core 200,
i.e., the proximal edges 157a and 157b lie laterally inward of the
respective side edges 237a and 237b of the absorbent core 200. Such
an overlapped configuration may be desirable in order to impart a
more finished appearance to the absorbent article 10 than that
imparted by a non-overlapped configuration. In other embodiments,
the leg cuffs 147 may not overlap the absorbent core 200.
[0048] In one embodiment, each leg cuff 147 may be attached to the
interior surface 102 of the chassis 100 in a leg cuff attachment
zone (not shown) adjacent to the front waist end edge 136 and in a
longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zone (not shown)
adjacent to the back waist end edge 138. In one embodiment, between
the leg cuff attachment zones, the proximal edge 157 of the leg
cuff 147 remains free, i.e., not attached to the interior surface
102 of the chassis 100 or to the absorbent core 200. Also, between
the longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zones, each leg
cuff 147 may comprise one or more (specifically including one, two,
three, or four elastic strands per leg cuff 147) longitudinally
extensible cuff elastic gathering members 159 that may be disposed
at or adjacent to the proximal edge 157 of the leg cuff 147 by any
suitable methods. Each of such cuff elastic gathering members 159
may be attached over the leg cuff's entire length or over only a
portion of the leg cuff's length. For example, such cuff elastic
gathering members 159 may be attached only at or near the leg
cuff's longitudinally opposing ends and may be unattached at the
middle of the leg cuff's length. Such cuff elastic gathering
members 159 may be disposed in the crotch region 37 and may extend
into one or both of the front waist region 36 and the back waist
region 38. For example, an elastic gathering member 159 may be
attached at or adjacent to the proximal edge 157 of each of the leg
cuffs 147 and extends into both the front waist region 36 and the
back waist region 38.
[0049] In various embodiments, each cuff elastic gathering member
159 may be enclosed inside a folded hem for example. In various
embodiments, the cuff elastic gathering members 159 may be
sandwiched between two layers forming the leg cuff 147, by two
layers of the chassis 100, or may be attached on a surface of the
chassis 100 or the leg cuff 147 and remain exposed.
[0050] In one embodiment, when stretched, the cuff elastic
gathering member 159 disposed adjacent to each leg cuff's proximal
edge 157 allows the leg cuff proximal edge 157 to extend to the
flat uncontracted length of the chassis 100, e.g., the length of
the chassis 100. When allowed to relax, the cuff elastic gathering
member 159 contracts to pull the front waist region 36 and the back
waist region 38 toward each other and, thereby, bend the article 10
into a "U" shape in which the interior of the "U" shape may be
formed by the portions of the article 10 that are intended to be
placed toward the body of the wearer (i.e., interior surface 102).
Because each of the proximal edges 157 remains free between the
longitudinally oriented leg cuff attachment zones, the contractive
force of the elastic gathering member 159 may lift the proximal
edge 157 of the leg cuff 147 away from the interior surface 102 of
the chassis 100. This lifting of the proximal edges 157 when the
article 10 is in the relaxed condition lifts the leg cuffs 147 into
a position to serve as side barriers to prevent, or at least
inhibit, leakage of bodily exudates.
[0051] In one embodiment, the bacteriophages are disposed on a
wearer-facing surface, within the folded area of the cuff (see, for
example, 120 FIG. 10).
Waistband
[0052] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, the article 10 may
comprise an elasticized waistband 112a and b. The elasticized
waistband may provide improved fit and containment and may be
configured to elastically expand and contract laterally to
dynamically fit a wearer's waist. The elasticized waistband may
extend longitudinally outwardly from the waist edge of the
absorbent article 10 toward the waist edge of the absorbent core
200. In one embodiment, the absorbent article 10 may have two
elasticized waistbands, one positioned in the back waist region 38
and one positioned in the front waist region 36, although other
pant embodiments may be constructed with a single elasticized
waistband. The elasticized waistband may be constructed in a number
of different configurations including those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,515,595 and 5,151,092.
[0053] In one embodiment, the elasticized waistbands may comprise
materials that have been "prestrained" or "mechanically
prestrained" (i.e., subjected to some degree of localized pattern
mechanical stretching to permanently elongate the material). The
materials may be prestrained using suitable deep embossing
techniques. In other embodiments, the materials may be prestrained
by directing the material through an incremental mechanical
stretching system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,458. The
materials may then be allowed to return to their substantially
untensioned condition, thus forming a zero strain stretch material
that is extensible, at least up to the point of initial stretching.
Examples of zero strain materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,075,189; 3,025,199; 4,107,364; 4,209,563; 4,834,741; and
5,151,092.
Flaps
[0054] The flaps 189(a-d) may be discrete from or integral with the
chassis 100. A discrete flap is formed as separate element which is
joined to the chassis 100. In some embodiments, this includes a
plurality of flaps, e.g. 2 or 4 (often referred to as ear panels or
side flaps) being joined to the side edges 137a and b of the
chassis in the front and/or rear waist regions 36 and 38 (see FIGS.
1-7). In other embodiments this may include a front and/or back
belt-like flaps being joined across the front and back (or rear)
waist regions of the chassis 100, at least across end edges of the
chassis 136 and 138 (see FIGS. 8 and 10). In some embodiments the
waistbands 112 can overlap the flaps to create a continuous
belt-like structure (not shown).
[0055] The belt-like flaps and may comprise an inner nonwoven layer
and an outer nonwoven layer and elastics therebetween. The inner
and outer nonwoven layers may be joined using adhesive or
thermoplastic bonds. Various suitable belt-like flap configurations
can be found in U.S. Pub. No. 2013-0211363.
[0056] An integral flap is a portion, one or more layers, of the
chassis that projects laterally outward from the longitudinal edge.
The integral flap may be formed by cutting the chassis to include
the shape of the flap projection.
[0057] While many of the embodiments illustrated in this
application having belt-like flaps are pant articles, taped
articles may have belt-like flaps disposed in one or both waist
regions as well.
Fastening System
[0058] The absorbent article may also include a fastening system.
When fastened, the fastening system interconnects the front waist
region 36 and the rear waist region 38 resulting in a waist
circumference that may encircle the wearer during wear of the
absorbent article 10. This may be accomplished by flaps 189a and b
in the back waist region interconnecting with flaps 189c and d in
the front waist region or by flaps in the back waist region
interconnecting with the chassis 100 in the front waist region. The
fastening system may comprises a fastener 53 a and b such as tape
tabs, hook and loop fastening components, interlocking fasteners
such as tabs & slots, buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or
hermaphroditic fastening components, although any other known
fastening means are generally acceptable. The fasteners may
releasably engage with a landing zone 118, which may be a woven or
nonwoven. Some exemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060;
4,946,527; 5,151,092; and 5,221,274. An exemplary interlocking
fastening system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098. The
fastening system may also provide a means for holding the article
in a disposal configuration as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,963,140. The fastening system may also include primary and
secondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,699,622. The fastening system may be constructed to reduce
shifting of overlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,242,436; 5,499,978; 5,507,736; and 5,591,152.
Wings
[0059] The absorbent article may comprise "wings" (114a and b in
FIG. 12) intended to wrap the edges of the wearer's undergarments
in the crotch region and/or affix the article to the undergarment
to avoid poor folding and premature detachment. Exemplary absorbent
articles comprising wings are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
8,039,685.
The Bacteriophage Composition
[0060] The articles of the present disclosure comprise a
composition comprising one or more bacteriophage and may be
referred to as a "bacteriophage composition." When the
bacteriophage composition comprises bacteriophage effective against
treating the bacteria associated with an infection of the skin,
such as diaper rash, the bacteriophage composition may be referred
to as a "skin health composition." In one embodiment herein, the
bacteriophage composition comprises two or more bacteriophage. In
another embodiment herein, the bacteriophage composition comprises
three or more bacteriophage. In another embodiment herein, the
bacteriophage composition comprises four or more bacteriophage. For
example, in one embodiment, the bacteriophage composition comprises
six bacteriophage, such as LISTSHIELD.TM. (LMP-102.TM.),
commercially available from Intralytix, Inc., Baltimore, Md.
[0061] As used herein, the term "bacteriophage" refers to a
particular bacteriophage that is effective against one or more
bacterial strains. As used in this context, "effective against"
means that the referenced bacteriophage infects, lyses, destructs,
disrupts, kills, inhibits the growth of, reduces, inactivates or is
otherwise effective against to the referenced strain of bacteria.
In one embodiment, the bacteriophage is a lytic bacteriophage, and
therefore is capable of infecting and killing the target bacteria.
As used herein, "bacteria" or "target bacteria" refer to an
undesirable microorganism susceptible to infection, lysis,
destruction (e.g., apoptosis), disruption, death, or inhibited
growth, or any alternate mode of cell death caused by a
bacteriophage. Different bacteriophage may infect different strains
of bacteria with different results, or may infect some strains of
bacteria but not others. In one embodiment, the bacteria or target
bacteria is pathogenic bacteria (i.e., bacteria that are capable of
causing infection). However, other bacteria, such as bacteria that
are the source of malodor or other undesirable characteristics, are
appropriate target bacterial as well.
[0062] The bacteriophage may be, independently, wild-type or
genetically modified, or any combination thereof. In one
embodiment, one or more of the bacteriophage present in the
bacteriophage composition are wild-type. In another embodiment, all
of the bacteriophage present in the bacteriophage composition are
wild-type.
[0063] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more of
the bacteriophage is a lytic bacteriophage, and is therefore
capable of infection, destruction, and bacterial cell death.
[0064] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more of
the bacteriophage is of the taxonomic family selected from the
group consisting of Siphoviridae, Podoviridae, Myoviridae, and any
combinations thereof. In one embodiment, one or more of the
bacteriophage is of the taxonomic family Myoviridae. In one
embodiment, all of the bacteriophage is of the taxonomic family
Myoviridae.
[0065] In one embodiment herein, one or more of the bacteriophage
is a lytic bacteriophage of the taxonomic family Myoviridae. In a
further embodiment, wherein the bacteriophage composition comprises
two or more bacteriophage, then two or more of the bacteriophage
are a lytic bacteriophage of the taxonomic family Myoviridae. In a
further embodiment, wherein the bacteriophage composition comprises
three or more bacteriophage, then three or more of the
bacteriophage are a lytic bacteriophage of the taxonomic family
Myoviridae.
[0066] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is a lytic
bacteriophage of the taxonomic family Myoviridae and the taxonomic
subfamily Teequatrovirinae. In one embodiment, the bacteriophage is
a lytic T4 phage. Non-limiting examples include Enterobacteria
phage T2, Enterobacteria phage T4, Enterobacteria phage T6, phage
JS10, phage JS98, phage RB51, and any combinations thereof.
[0067] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. In one embodiment
herein, the bacteriophage is effective against gram-negative
pathogenic bacteria. In one embodiment, herein the bacteriophage
cocktail is effective against a combination of gram-negative and
gram-positive pathogenic bacteria.
[0068] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against Enterobacterium such as, for example, Salmonella,
Escherichia, or Shigella. Additionally or alternatively, one of
more of the bacteriophage is effective against a strain of bacteria
of a taxonomic genus selected from the group consisting of
Streptococcus, Escherichia, Salmonella, Listeria, Shigella,
Campylobacter, Clostridium, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas,
Mycobacterium, and any combinations thereof. In one embodiment, one
of more of the bacteriophage is effective against a strain of
bacteria of a taxonomic genus selected from the group consisting of
Streptococcus, Escherichia, Salmonella, Listeria, Staphylococcus,
Pseudomonas, and any combinations thereof.
[0069] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against Streptococcus. In one embodiment, the Streptococcus
bacteria is Streptococcus pyogenes.
[0070] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against Escherichia. In one embodiment, the Escherichia bacteria is
Escherichia coli.
[0071] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against Salmonella. In one embodiment, the Salmonella bacteria is
selected from the group consisting of Salmonella enteritidis,
Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella heidelberg, Salmonella newport,
Salmonella hadar, and any combinations thereof. In one embodiment,
the Salmonella bacteria is Salmonella enteritidis. In one
embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is a combination of
bacteriophage such as, for example, SALMOLYSE.TM., containing six
bacteriophage and commercially available from Intralytics, Inc.,
Baltimore, Md. In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is a
combination of bacteriophage such as, for example, SALMOFRESH.TM.,
containing six bacteriophage and commercially available from
Intralytix, Inc., Baltimore, Md. In one embodiment herein, the
bacteriophage may be, for example, SALMONELEX.TM., a broad-spectrum
combination of bacteriophage commercially available from Micreos
B.V.
[0072] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against Listeria. In one embodiment, the Listeria bacteria is
Listeria monocytogenes. In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage
is a combination of bacteriophage such as, for example,
LISTSHIELD.TM. (LMP-102.TM.), containing six bacteriophage and
commercially available from Intralytix, Inc., Baltimore, Md. In one
embodiment herein, the bacteriophage may be, for example,
LISTEX.TM. P100, a broad-spectrum combination of bacteriophage
commercially available from Micreos B.V.
[0073] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against Shigella. In one embodiment, the Shigella bacteria is
Shigella sonnei or Shigella flexneri.
[0074] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against Campylobacter. In one embodiment, the Campylobacter
bacterium is Campylobacter jejuni.
[0075] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against Clostridium. In one embodiment, the Clostridium bacterium
is Clostridium botulinum.
[0076] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against Staphylococcus. In one embodiment, the Staphylococcus
bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus.
[0077] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against Pseudomonas. In one embodiment, the Pseudomonas bacteria is
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
[0078] In one embodiment herein, the bacteriophage is effective
against Mycobacterium. In one embodiment, the Mycobacterium
bacteria is Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
[0079] In one embodiment, at least two absorbent article components
comprise the same or different bacteriophage. For example, the
topsheet may comprise bacteriophage composition A (which may
comprise one or a composition of bacteriophage) and the absorbent
core may comprise bacteriophage composition A as well. As another
example, the topsheet may comprise bacteriophage A (which may
comprise one or a composition of bacteriophage) and the cuffs
comprise bacteriophage composition B (which may comprise one or a
composition of bacteriophage, but is compositionally different
relative to bacteriophage composition A).
[0080] In one embodiment, at least three absorbent article
components comprise the same or different bacteriophage. For
example, the topsheet may comprise bacteriophage composition A
(which may comprise one or a composition of bacteriophage) and the
cuffs and an acquisition layer of the core may comprise
bacteriophage composition A as well. In another embodiment, the
cuffs and/or acquisition layer of the core may comprise
bacteriophage composition B (which may comprise one or a
composition of bacteriophage, but is compositionally different
relative to bacteriophage composition A).
[0081] In one embodiment, from two to four different absorbent
article components may each comprise a unique bacteriophage
composition, relative to any other component of the absorbent
article.
[0082] Two, three, and/or four or more absorbent article components
may comprise the same or different bacteriophage composition in
different concentrations. One of ordinary skill of the art, with
the benefit of this disclosure, will readily determine the level of
bacteriophage composition suitable for inclusion with respect to
any given component of the absorbent article herein.
[0083] The articles of the present disclosure may comprise at least
about 1.times.10.sup.1 PFUs (as is commonly understood in the art,
plaque forming units) or at least about 1.times.10.sup.2 PFUs of
the one or more bacteriophage or at least 1.times.10.sup.3 PFUs of
the one or more bacteriophage or at least 1.times.10.sup.4 PFUs of
the one or more bacteriophage or at least 1.times.10.sup.5 PFUs of
the one or more bacteriophage or at least 1.times.10.sup.6 PFUs of
the one or more bacteriophage. In another embodiment herein, the
articles comprise from about 1.times.10.sup.1 PFUs to about
1.times.10.sup.12 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage. In yet
another embodiment herein, the articles comprise from about
1.times.10.sup.3 PFUs to about 1.times.10.sup.8 PFUs of the one or
more bacteriophage. In yet another embodiment herein, the articles
comprise from about 1.times.10.sup.3 PFUs to about 1.times.10.sup.6
PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage.
[0084] One or a combination of the absorbent article components
(including the topsheet, backsheet, leg cuffs, absorbent core,
flaps and waistband) of the present disclosure may comprise at
least about 1.times.10.sup.1 PFUs or at least about
1.times.10.sup.2 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage or at least
1.times.10.sup.3 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage or at least
1.times.10.sup.4 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage or at least
1.times.10.sup.5 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage or at least
1.times.10.sup.6 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage . In another
embodiment herein, one or a combination of the absorbent article
components comprise from about 1.times.10.sup.1 PFUs to about
1.times.10.sup.12 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage. In yet
another embodiment herein, one or a combination of the absorbent
article components comprise from about 1.times.10.sup.3 PFUs to
about 1.times.10.sup.8 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage. In
yet another embodiment herein, the articles comprise from about
1.times.10.sup.3 PFUs to about 1.times.10.sup.6 PFUs of the one or
more bacteriophage. The bacteriophages may be disposed on a wearer
and/or garment-facing surface of one or more of the absorbent
article components.
[0085] An absorbent article may comprise least about
1.times.10.sup.1 PFUs or at least about 1.times.10.sup.2 PFUs of
the one or more bacteriophage or at least 1.times.10.sup.3 PFUs of
the one or more bacteriophage or at least 1.times.10.sup.4 PFUs of
the one or more bacteriophage or at least 1.times.10.sup.5 PFUs of
the one or more bacteriophage or at least 1.times.10.sup.6 PFUs of
the one or more bacteriophage per square centimeter of a component
of the disposable absorbent article. In another embodiment herein,
the absorbent article may comprise from about 1.times.10.sup.1 PFUs
to about 1.times.10.sup.9 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage per
square centimeter of the a component of the disposable absorbent
article. In yet another embodiment herein, the absorbent article
may comprise from about 1.times.10.sup.3 PFUs to about
1.times.10.sup.6 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage per square
centimeter of a component of the disposable absorbent article.
Indicia
[0086] In one embodiment, it may be useful for the disposable
adsorbent article to comprise indicia for communication to a user
that a bacteriophage composition is present. For example, employing
a top sheet within a diaper or adult incontinence product, it is
possible that the bacteriophage composition resides on the
wearer-facing surface of a top sheet. In order to ensure that it is
evident that at least a portion of the bacteriophage composition
contacts the surface that is susceptible to bacterial
contamination, the disposable adsorbent article may comprise a
component, such as a topsheet, a backsheet, or an absorbent core,
which could contain an indicator such as a sensor, colors, ink,
dye, pigment, shading, design, picture, word, symbol, graphic,
image, diaper wetness indicator or any combination thereof, or any
of a variety of other indicators that communicates to the wearer or
caretaker that the article comprises the bacteriophage
composition.
[0087] In addition, other indicia could indicate that at least a
portion of the bacteriophage composition has been transferred from
the article to the surface susceptible to bacterial contamination
while in use. Continuing with the non-limiting example of the
diaper, the backsheet could contain a colored indicator that
communicates that a certain amount of bacteriophage composition
resides on the topsheet (for example) of the diaper, and this
colored indicator could change in some manner once at least a
portion of the bacteriophage composition is transferred from the
article to the desired surface (e.g., a baby's skin). The article
may contain an indicator such as a sensor, colors, ink, dye,
pigment, shading, design, picture, word, symbol, graphic, image,
diaper wetness indicator or any combination thereof, or any of a
variety of other indicators that communicates to the user that
transfer has occurred.
[0088] The indicia may be present on the articles via any of a
variety of different mechanisms such as, for example, printing,
coating, or embossing, the indicia onto a surface of a component of
the article. In some embodiments, an indicia will also be present
on the packaging material containing the articles of the invention.
The package indicia may have a functional relationship with the
articles in the package to better inform the wearer or caretaker of
the particular location of the bacteriophage on/in the article. For
example, the article and the package indicia may comprise the same
symbol, wherein the package indicia makes it clear that said symbol
on the article represents the location of the bacteriophage(s).
Methods of Applying Bacteriophages of the Present Disclosure to a
Wearer
[0089] The present disclosure is further directed to methods of
contacting a surface with one or more bacteriophage, comprising
contacting the surface with an article herein. The surface may be
any surface that is susceptible to bacterial contamination. To
illustrate, the surface may be epithelial tissue of a human or
other animal (including, for example, a companion animal such as a
dog or cat). In one embodiment, the surface susceptible to
bacterial contamination is human skin or the epithelial surface of
a cavity or other body structure. For example, the epithelial
surface may be urothelial tissue (susceptible to, for example,
bacterial urinary tract infection) or infant or toddler skin that
is often in contact with absorbent articles such as diapers or
training pants.
[0090] In one embodiment herein, at least a portion of the one or
more bacteriophage is releasably transferred from the article to
the surface. In one embodiment, from about 1.times.10.sup.1 PFUs to
about 1.times.10.sup.10 PFUs of the one or more bacteriophage is
releasably transferred from the article to the surface.
[0091] In one embodiment, such transfer is readily accomplished
wherein the bacteriophage composition is contained on a surface of
the article that may come in contact with the surface that is
susceptible to bacterial contamination. For example, with respect
to a disposable diaper, the article may comprise bacteriophage
composition on the wearer-facing surface of the topsheet (the
surface of the diaper that comes into contact with skin and other
epithelial tissue) of the diaper.
[0092] In one embodiment, the bacteriophage composition release is
delayed. For instance, the bacteriophages are released after the
wearer moves around for a period of time, or after the wearer
insults the absorbent article. Delay of release of the
bacteriophages may be accomplished by formulations that release the
bacteriophages when wetted. Other mechanisms include placement of
the bacteriophage composition two or more layers away from the
wearer, such that a urine insult puts the bacteriophages in fluid
communication with the wearer. Another mechanism includes
encapsulation of the bacteriophages, such that the capsules break
due to movement stresses, a solvent, etc.
Methods of Applying Bacteriophages of the Present Disclosure to an
Absorbent Article
[0093] In one embodiment, bacteriophage compositions of the present
disclosure may be applied to one or more components of the
absorbent articles via printing (e.g., via ink jet) and/or by
coating (e.g., slot coating). Bacteriophage compositions may be
applied to continuous precursor webs as the webs travel in the
machine direction. For instance, the topsheet precursor web may
receive the bacteriophage composition prior to being joined to one
or more other webs (e.g., the backsheet web), and prior to the
final knife that creates discrete absorbent articles.
Alternatively, bacteriophage compositions may be applied to each of
the discrete absorbent article.
[0094] In one embodiment of making absorbent articles of the
present disclosure, one bacteriophage may be applied via
application method A (e.g., slot coating) while the same or
different bacteriophage is applied via method B (e.g., ink jet
printing), which is different from method A.
Array of Absorbent Articles Comprising a Bacteriophage
[0095] In one embodiment, different sizes of absorbent articles
comprise different bacteriophage.
[0096] In one embodiment, absorbent articles having different
absorbent article components, like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,648,864, may comprise different bacteriophage. In another
embodiment, absorbent article designed for wearers having different
stages of development, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,648,864,
have different bacteriophage.
EXAMPLES
[0097] This example demonstrates the transfer of bacteriophage from
an article of the present disclosure onto a surface such as
skin.
Method:
[0098] 1. Prepare pig skin [0099] a. cut 7, .about.2''.times.1''
squares of pig skin with ethanol sterilized scissors [0100] b.
Place cut skin squares into a large petri plate (1 square/plate)
[0101] 2. Cut 6, 6''.times.6'' squares of diaper top sheet [0102]
3. Prepare a working surface by laying down three pieces of foil
(larger than 6''.times.6'') [0103] 4. Add 1 diaper top sheet onto a
foil surface [0104] a. Spray 10 times with T4 lysate [0105] b.
Repeat for 2 more top sheets [0106] c. Allow to dry [0107] 5. Fold
top sheet in half 3 times [0108] 6. Wipe top sheet across a square
of pig skin 10 times using sterile forceps [0109] a. Repeat with
fresh pig skin piece for remaining phage treated top sheets [0110]
b. Repeat with fresh pig skin piece for remaining non-phage treated
top sheets (neg controls) [0111] 7. Place pig skin samples in 20 ml
sterile saline in a 50 ml conical [0112] a. Vortex 30s [0113] b.
Pass saline through a 0.2 um filter and collect filtrate [0114] 8.
Complete positive control [0115] a. Add 75 ul of phage directly
onto a pig skin sample [0116] b. Place pig skin sample into 20 ml
sterile saline in a 50 ml conical [0117] c. Vortex for 30s [0118]
d. Pass saline through a 0.2 um filter and collect filtrate [0119]
9. Complete plaque assay on collected filtrates (using E. coli
13303) [0120] a. Dilute phage test samples to 10.sup.-5 in saline
[0121] i. Add 1 ml of dilutions undiluted to 10.sup.-5 to 1.5 ml
sterile microcentrifuge tubes [0122] b. Dilute positive control to
10.sup.-7 in saline [0123] i. Add 1 ml of dilutions 10.sup.-5to
10.sup.-7 to 1.5 ml sterile microcentrifuge tubes [0124] c. Add 1
ml of each undiluted negative control to a 1.5 ml sterile
microcentrifuge tube [0125] d. Add 100 ul of the overnight 13303
culture to each tube [0126] i. Allow to incubate at RT for 10
minutes [0127] e. Add each bacteria/phage solution to a 5 ml tube
of top agar [0128] i. Mix gently [0129] f. Pour onto a TSA plate
[0130] i. Allow to harden [0131] ii. Invert and incubate at
36.degree. C. overnight [0132] 10. At least 16 hours later, count
the number of plaques observed on each plate and record
Results:
TABLE-US-00001 [0133] Dilution Plate Count pfu/mL LOG Positive
control Replicate 1 5 70 7.00E+06 6.8451 Replicate 1 6 11 1.10E+07
7.0414 Replicate 1 7 2 2.00E+07 7.3010 Pig Skin (neg controls)
Replicate 1 0 150 1.50E+02 2.1761 Replicate 2 0 149 1.49E+02 2.1732
Replicate 3 0 63 6.30E+01 1.7993 AVERAGE 1.21E+02 2.0816 Pig Skin
Transfer Replicate 1 4 45 4.50E+05 5.6532 Replicate 2 4 98 9.80E+05
5.9912 Replicate 3 5 25 2.50E+06 6.3979 AVERAGE 1.31E+06 6.1173 Avg
total recovered/skin sample 2.62E+07 PFU 7.42 log PFU
Packages
[0134] Absorbent articles comprising the bacteriophage composition
of the present disclosure may be placed into packages. The packages
may comprise polymeric films and/or other materials. Graphics or
indicia relating to properties of the absorbent articles may be
formed on, positioned on, and/or placed on outer portions of the
packages. Each package may comprise one or more absorbent articles.
The absorbent articles may be packed under compression so as to
reduce the size or height of the packages while still providing an
adequate amount of absorbent articles per package.
[0135] Accordingly, packages of the absorbent articles comprising
the bacteriophage composition according to the present disclosure
may have an in-bag stack height of less than about 80 mm, less than
about 78 mm, or less than about 76 mm, according to the In-Bag
Stack Height Test described herein. Alternatively, packages of the
absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have an in-bag
stack height of from about 72 mm to about 80 mm or from about 74 mm
to about 78 mm, specifically reciting all 0.5 mm increments within
the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby,
according to the In-Back Stack Height Test described herein. These
stack heights may be desirable for protecting against ultraviolet
light, which may be responsible for degrading the effectiveness of
the bacteriophage compositions of the present disclosure.
Particularly, as the bacteriophage containing surfaces of the
absorbent article are compressed, ultraviolet light is not able to
penetrate the inner portions of the absorbent articles, thus
preserving the integrity and activity of the bacteriophage
composition. Further details regarding in-back stack height are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,585,666, to Weisman et al., issued on
Nov. 19, 2013.
[0136] In combination with stack height, or as an alternative to
it, the absorbent articles may be folded, including bifolded or
trifolded. This will also act to keep ultraviolet light from coming
into contact with the bacteriophage(s).
[0137] Further, in combination with stack height and folding, the
absorbent articles may be placed in packages that are opaque or
nearly opaque, such that no light, or very little light is able to
penetrate the package.
In-Bag Stack Height Test
[0138] The in-bag stack height of a package of the absorbent
articles of the present disclosure is determined as follows:
Equipment
[0139] Universal Diaper Packaging Tester (UDPT) (Model #M-ROEL;
Machine #MK-1071), including a horizontal sliding plate (horizontal
plate that moves up and down in a vertical plane) for adding
weights. It is counter-balanced by a suspended weight to assure
that no downward force is added from the horizontal sliding plate
assembly to the diaper package at all times. The UDPT is available
from Matsushita Industry Co. LTD, 7-21-101, Midorigaoka-cho,
Ashiya-city, Hyogo JAPAN. Zip code: 659-0014. A 850 g (+/-0.5 g)
weight.
Definitions
[0140] As illustrated in FIG. 13, a package 1000 defines an
interior space 1002 and comprises a plurality of absorbent articles
1004. The absorbent articles are in a stack 1006. The package has a
package width 1008. The package width 1008 is defined as the
maximum distance between the two highest bulging points along the
same compression stack axis 1100 of the absorbent article package
1000.
In-Bag Stack Height=(Package Width/Pad Count Per Stack).times.10
absorbent articles.
Apparatus Calibration
[0141] Pull down the horizontal sliding plate until its bottom
touches the tester base plate. Set the digital meter located at the
side of the horizontal sliding scale to zero mark.
[0142] Raise the horizontal sliding plate away from the tester base
plate.
Test Procedure
[0143] Put one of the side panel of the absorbent article package
along its width standing at the center of the tester base
plate.
[0144] Make sure the vertical sliding plate (vertical plate that
moves left and right in a horizontal plane) is pulled to the right
so it does not touch the package being tested.
[0145] Add the 850 g weight onto the vertical sliding plate.
[0146] Allow the horizontal sliding plate to slide down slowly
until its bottom lightly touches desired highest point of the
package.
[0147] Measure the package width in mm (distance from the top of
the base plate to the top of the diaper package).
[0148] Record the reading that appears on the digital meter.
[0149] Remove the 850 g weight.
[0150] Raise the horizontal sliding plate away from the diaper
package.
[0151] Remove the absorbent article package.
Calculation/Reporting
[0152] Calculate and report the "In-Bag Stack Height"=(Package
Width/Pad Count Per Stack).times.10. Report Sample Identification,
i.e. complete description of product being tested (product brand
name/size).
[0153] Report the determined value for each width measurement to
the nearest 1 mm. At least five absorbent article packages having
the same pad count are measured in this manner for a given product
and the in-bag stack height values are aggregated to calculate an
average and standard deviation.
[0154] Report the Production Date of the measured package (taken
from package coding).
[0155] Report the Testing Date and Analytical Method used.
[0156] All documents cited herein 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 disclosure.
[0157] While particular embodiments of the present disclosure 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
disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended
claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope
of this disclosure.
* * * * *