CA2248319A1 - Insect repellent article providing low contact wetness - Google Patents
Insect repellent article providing low contact wetness Download PDFInfo
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- CA2248319A1 CA2248319A1 CA002248319A CA2248319A CA2248319A1 CA 2248319 A1 CA2248319 A1 CA 2248319A1 CA 002248319 A CA002248319 A CA 002248319A CA 2248319 A CA2248319 A CA 2248319A CA 2248319 A1 CA2248319 A1 CA 2248319A1
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A50/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather
- Y02A50/30—Against vector-borne diseases, e.g. mosquito-borne, fly-borne, tick-borne or waterborne diseases whose impact is exacerbated by climate change
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Abstract
The present invention provides a portable, disposable article for repelling insects. The article includes a fibrous substrate which can be impregnated with the insect repellent. In one embodiment, the fibrous substrate is disposed intermediate a porous cover and a barrier layer, and comprises fibers having external capillary channels. The porous cover can comprise an apertured plastic film having tapered apertures. The insect repellent can be contained in a breakable packet, such that when the breakable packet is broken, the insect repellent is directed trhough the fibrous substrate for release through the apertured film.
Description
W O 97/32474 PCTrUS97/03224 INSECT REPELLENT ARTICLE
PROVIDING LOW CONTACT WETNESS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related to an article for providing release of a volatile substance, and more particularly, to a portable, disposable article for providing release of an insect repellent from a release surface, the release surface having a low contact wetness.
2s BACKGROUND OF THE ~NVENTION
Bug or insect repellent for personal use has been historically delivered in a number of di~.clll ways. For example, it may be sprayed or wiped onto one's skin, sprayed into 30 one's immP~ t~P environment, and/or sprayed onto one's clothing. The bug repellent solution is typically volatile so that vapors are emitted which repel bugs away from one's body.
Absoll,e.ll suballates saturated with volatile solutions of bug repellent, made in the form of p~tches, have been available for application to clothing. Typically, a patch 35 cont~ining a volatile solution must be contail1ed in a package which preventsvaporization of the solution prior to application of the patch. U.S. Patent Application 08/369,068, "Package for Cont~ining and Applying a Bug Repellent Patch" filed January 5, 1995 in the name of Cook et al, discloses a package for cont~ining a bug repellent s impregnated patch. The disclosed package enables a user to apply the patch to a target surface without contacting the patch.
Such patches can have a barrier material between the substrate and a target surface, such as a user's clothing. The barrier material can permit greater volumes of the volatile solution to be used to provide longer lasting protection from insects. As the amount of 0 solution is increased, however, it is more likely that some of the solution may leak out of the substrate in liquid forrri, and possibly soil an item, such as the user's skin or clothing.
Accordingly, the amount of solution that can be released in vapor form in a given arnount of time, from a given surface area of the article, and for a given amount of liquid initially provided on the article is limited by the desire to prevent soiling of an item by liquid 15 leaking out of the patch.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable, disposable article for providing release of a volatile liquid material, such as liquid insect repellent material.
Another obiect of the present invention is to provide a portable, disposable article 20 for providing release of a volatile liquid material while minimi7.ing the amount of the liquid material which is transferred to the wearer's skin or clothing when the article is applied to a target surface, such as by pressing.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable, disposable article for providing release of a volatile liquid material from a release surface of the article, 25 wherein the release surface has a low contact wetness under a prescribed loading.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a disposable, portable article for providing 30 release of volatile liquid material, such as an insect repellent material, from a release surface of the article. The article includes a substrate impregn~t~d with the volatile liquid material. Under a prescribed loading, the release surface of the article has a contact wetness of less than about 100 mg, more preferably less than about 50 mg, and even more preferably less than about 25 mg. Under the prescribed loading, the release 35 surface can have a norrn~li7~ contact wetness of less than about 100 mg/gram, more preferably less than about 50 mg/gram, and even more preferably less than about 25 mg/gram, where the norrn~li7.od contact wetness is the contact wetness divided by the total weight of the liquid material impregnating the substrate.
W O 97/32474 PCT~US97/03224 s In one embodiment, the article can provide a norm~li7~1 release rate of at least about 0.25, more preferably at least about 0.40, and even more preferably at least about 0.50.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the article comprises a barrier layer, a porous cover layer, and a substrate impregnated with a volatile liquid material. The o release surface can comprise an outwardly facing surface of the porous cover layer. The article can also comprise an adhesive fastener for attaching the article to a target surface, such as a wearer's g~rm~nt The release surface of the porous cover layer can have an open area ratio of at least about 20 percent, and more preferably at least about 30 percent to provide effective 1S release of vapors of the volatile liquid material. In one embodiment, the open area ratio can be greater than about 50 percent. The porous cover layer can have a caliper of at least about 0.015 inch, and in one embodiment, at least about 0.050 inch.
The disposable article can have a maximum caliper no greater than about 1.0 cm, preferably less than about 5.0 mm, and more preferably less than about 3.0 mm asmeasured with a confining load of 32.2 grarns applied by a 0.95 inch diameter load foot.
The article can have a total weight of no greater than about 4.0 grams (measured as the article is applied to the target surface), and a ~I;rr.~ of no more than about 0.5 lb/in, and more preferably no more than about 0.1 lb/in, to provide for comfortable conformance with a variety of target surfaces.
2s The ~ubsll~te can be hl.ple~;llated with a volatile liquid m~ten~l comprising an insect repellent. In one embodiment, the substrate is impregn~tecl with no more than about 2.0 grams of liquid m~te-i~l, and the ratio of the weight of the volatile liquid material to the weight of the substrate is at least about 2Ø
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly cl~iming the present invention, it is believed the present invention will be ~ better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying 3s drawings in which:
~ Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the article is enclosed in a sealed package.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the article of Figure 1, with the sealed package removed and the porous cover layer partially cut away to show a substrate having a relatively lower density region extending between relatively higher density regions.
Figure 3 is a enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the article of Figure 1 0 showing a porous cover layer having generally conically shaped apertures.
Figure 4 is a a cross-sectional illustration of a capillary channel fiber having a generally I-shaped cross section.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an ~ltern~tive embodiment of the present invention having a breakable vessel co~ ing the volatile liquid insect repellent positioned interme~i~te the porous cover layer and the barrier layer.
Figure 6 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having discrete stand-offs e~t~n-ling from the substrate to provide a release surface comprising a continuous network opening.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 6 taken along lines 7-7, and showing the discrete stand-offs e~ten~ling from a surface of the substrate.
Figure 8 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a substrate formed of a strand of woven polyolefinic fibers and a breakable vessel conn~cted to the substrate through a fluid conduit.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an ~Itern~tive embodiment of the present invention wherein the substrate has a contoured surface, and wherein a barrier layer is applied to elevated portions of the contoured surface to provide a release surface which is integral with the substrate.
Figure 10 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a peelable top film is heat sealed to at least portions of the barrier layer to prevent evaporation of the liquid m~teri~l prior to use of the article.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figures 1 and 2 show one embodiment of a disposable, portable article 20 according to the present invention for providing a release of volatile material comprising one or more components. The article 20 comprises a release surface and a substrate impregnated with a volatile liquid material. In one embodiment, the article 20 comprises s a substrate impregnated with a volatile liquid material, and the material released comprises an insect repellent.
By the terrn "disposable" it is meant that the article 20 is intended to be discarded after a single use. By the term "portable" it is meant that the article 20 can be conveniently and comfortably carried in a pocket, purse, or h~n(lb~g. By the term o "volatile liquid material" it is meant a liquid material comprising a component having a vapor pressure of at least about 0.001 mm Hg at 50 degrees Centigrade.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-2, the article 20 comprises a barrier layer30, a porous cover layer 40 having an outwardly facing release surface 44, and asubstrate 50 impregnated with a volatile liquid material. ~he material with which the s substrate 50 is impregnated preferably comprises a material effective for repelling insects. The release surface of the article has a contact wetness of less than about 0.100 gram ( 100 mg) under a prescribed loading, as described more fully below.
The article 20 can also include a fActen~r 60, such as a pl~es~ule sensitive adhesive. The fastener 60 can be used to support the article 20 on a target surface, such 20 as a wearer's g~ll.ellt. The article 20 can be sealed in wrapper 22 to prevent evaporation of the insect repellent prior to use of the article 20. In Figure 2 the wrapper 22 is omitted to show the intern~l construction of the article 20.
Referring to the components of the article 20 in more detail, the barrier layer 30 is generally impervious to the volatile liquid substance. The barrier layer 30 prevents the 2s volatile liquid substance in the substrate 50 from contacting the target surface on which article 20 is supported. In one embodiment the barrier layer 30 comprises a flexible film, such as a polymeric film; a flexible foil; or a composite material such as a foil/polymeric film l~ nin~te. By flexible it is meant that barrier 30 is compliant and readily conforms to the shapes and contours of a variety of target surfaces, such as clothing.
A suitable balTier layer 30 can comprise a woven or nonwoven m~teri~l or a polymeric film such as thermoplastic film of polyethylene or polypropylene. A suitable thermoplastic film is a polyethylene film having a thickness of between about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Suitable films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of ~ Cincinnati, Ohio under the designation P18-0401 and by Ethyl Corp. of Terre Haute, Tn~j~n~ under the design~tion XP-39385. Alternatively, the barrier layer 30 can comprise a l~min~te of foil and polymeric film, such as a Type M2077 foil/film l~min~te manufactured by the American Can Co. of Minn., Minnesota.
s The fastener 60 can be joined directly or indirectly to the barrier layer 30, as shown in Figure 1. Suitable fasteners 60 include, but are not limited to, adhesive fasteners and mechanical fasteners, such as VELCRO brand fasteners. Suitable pressure sensitive adhesives from which the fastener 60 can be formed are Century A-305-IV
brand Adhesive manufactured by Century Adhesives Corp. of Columbus, Ohio; and 0 Instant Lock 34-2823 brand adhesive m~nnf~etured by the National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, N.J.
The wrapper 22 can comprise a thermoplastic film incorporating a release liner for covering the fastener 60 while the article 20 is sealed in the wrapper 22. Suitable release liners for adhesive fasteners are described in U.S. Patent 4,917,697, which patent is incorporated herein by reference. Non-limiting examples of suitable release liners are BL30MG-A Silox El/0 and BL30MG-A Silox 4P/0 m~m-fActured by the Akrosil Corp.
of Menasha, Wisconsin.
The porous cover layer 40 can provide a norrn~li7ecl release rate of at least 0.25, and more preferably at least 0.40, while providing a low contact wetness. The method for measuring release rates and norrn~li7~d release rates of the volatile substance from the article 20 are described below.
The porous cover layer 40 can comprise a film formed of a liquid impermeable material. A plurality of apertures 41 extend through the film. In one ~fe.l~d embodiment, the porous cover layer can comprise an apertured formed plastic filmhaving a release surface in the form of an outwardly facing surface 44. The porous cover layer 40 also has an inwardly facing surface 42.
In one embodiment, apertured formed plastic films are l..efel,~d because they are generally non-absorbent with respect to the volatile liquid substance and help prevent the volatile liquid material from passing through tne cover layer 40 to contact the wearer's skin or clothing.
The porous cover layer 40 can be joined to the barrier layer 30, either directly or indirectly, by a number of suitable methods. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the perimeter of the cover layer 40 can be secured directly to the barrier layer 30 by adhesives, heat and/or plcs~ule se~lin~, ultrasonic bonding, and the like. A suitable heat 3s sealing method is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,382,245 issued Jan. 17, 1995 to Thompson et al.
The porous cover layer can have a caliper 45 of at least about 0.005 inch. The caliper 45 is measured under a compressive load of 32.2 grarns using a circular load foot having a 0.95 inch diameter (about 0.1 psi). The caliper 45 provides separation of the liquid in the substrate 50 from the outwardly facing surface 44 of the porous cover layer 40. Such a caliper 45 helps to restrict the liquid in the substrate 50 from reaching the o surface 44, and possibly contacting the wearer's skin or clothing. In one embodiment, the caliper 45 can be at least about 0.010 inch, and more preferably at least about 0.015 inch, and even more preferably at least about 0.050 inch.
The apclLul~s 41 can also be shaped to restrict flow of the liquid from the substrate 50 to the outer surface 44. As shown in Figure 3, the apertures 41 can be s tapered from a relatively large base opening 46 at the outwardly facing surface 44 to a relatively smaller apex opening 48 at the inwardly facing surface 42. U.S. Patent 3,929,135 issued December 30, 1975 to Thompson is incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of disclosing a suitable formed film having tapered openings. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the apertures 41 can be tapered from a relatively large opening at the inward surface 42 to a relatively smaller apex at the outward surface 44.
The openings 46 can each have a surface area between about 0.015 square mm and about 32 square mm. The porous cover layer 40 can have an open area ratio of at least about 10 percent. In one embodiment, the porous cover layer 40 has an open area ratio of at least about 20 percent, more preferably at least about 30 percent, and even more preferably at least about 50 percent. For in~t~nce, a suitable porous cover layer 40 can have an open area ratio between about 20 percent and about 50 percent. Such an open area ratio is suitable for providing effective release of the volatile m~t-ori~l from the substrate.
The open area ratio is deterrnin.o~l by first measuring the total surface area of the porous cover layer 40 overlying the substrate 50, as viewed in Figure 2, including the area of the openings 46. The surface areas of the openings 46 overlying the substrate are then measured and added. The surface area is measured at the outwardly facing release surface 44. The open area ratio is the ratio of the sum of the areas of these openings 46 divided by the total surface area of the cover layer 40 overlying the substrate 50.
While the porous cover layer 40 is shown having tapered a~lLul~s 41 in Figures 1-3, it will be understood that other formed films can also be used to provide release of the volatile material from the article 20, while restricting flow of the liquid volatile material s from the substrate 50 to the surface 44. Other formed films which can make suitable cover layers 40 are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents, which are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Patent 4,324,246 issued to Mullane et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
4,629,643 issued to Curro et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,394 issued to Baird. One 0 suitable porous cover layer 40 is marketed as DRI-WEAVE by The Procter & Gamble Company on sanitary napkins.
In yet another embodiment, the porous cover layer 40 can comprise a relative large aperture formed film (LAFF). Such a LAFF film can be formed to have a generally three ~limPn~jonal character from a generally planar sheet of polyethylene having a nominal thickness of about 1.5 mils (0.0015 inch). The LAFF film can be forrned to have discrete apertures 41 disposed in a generally contin-lous network surface 44. The LAFF porous cover layer 40 can have tapered ap.,l~ures 41 with base openings 46 ranging in size from about 0.007 square inch to about 0.015 square inch. The LAFF cover layer 40 can have a caliper of at least about 0.050 inch, and can have an open area ratio of at least 20 percent, 20 more preferably at least 30 percent, and in some embo-limç~tc, greater than 50 percent.
One suitable LAFF cover layer 40 can have an open area ratio of about 38 percent, and a caliper of between about 1.6 and about 1.7 mm (0.063 inch to about 0.067 inch). A
suitable LAFF porous cover layer is available from Tredegar Industries under thedesign~tion X5870.
In still another embodiment, the porous cover layer 40 can comprise a sheet of MOLDEX brand ap."~ d polyvinyl alcohol sheet material, available from Moldex Metric Inc. of Culver City, CA. Such an apertured sheet has discrete a~ ules 41 disposed in a generally continuous network surface 44. The MOLDEX ~lLu~d sheet m~t~ l can have a caliper of at least about 2.0 mm (0.079 inch), and can have an open area ratio of about 36 percent.
The substrate 50 can be fibrous, and can be in the form of a woven or non-woven patch, batt, tow, tuft, or bundle of a fibers. The fibers can be absorbent (e.g. cellulosic fibers or other natural fibers) or non-absorbent with respect to the volatile liquid substance. By "non-absorbent" it is meant that when the substrate 50 is immersed in the volatile liquid substance, the individual fibers absorb an amount of the volatile liquid substance less than their own weight (less than one gram of the volatile liquid substance absorbed by the fiber per gram of fiber weight). Accordingly, the volatile liquid substance is stored in the interstitial space between fibers or along the fibers' surfaces, rather than inside the fibers themselves, thereby enhancing release of the volatile liquid substance from the substrate 50.
In one embodiment, the substrate can comprise fibers formed from a polymer such as polyolefin. Suitable fibers include but not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester fibers. The substrate 50 can be joined, directly or indirectly, to the barrier layer 10 30. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the substrate 50 is secured directly to an inwardly facing surface of the barrier layer 30 by a layer of adhesive 35. Suitable adhesives 35 include Findley Adhesive #2120 or Findley H2031 Adhesive available from Findley Adhesives, Inc. of Elmgrove, Wisconsin, and Century 5227 Adhesive available from Century International Adhesive and Coating Corp. of Columbus, Ohio.
In another embodim~nt, the substrate 50 can comprise a plurality of capillary ch~nnel fibers 55. Capillary channel fibers 55 are fibers that have one or more channels formed therein, preferably on their exterior surfaces. Figure 4 shows a capillary channel fiber 55 having a generally I-shaped cross-section. It will be understood that suitable capillary channel fibers 55 can have any number of shapes, including but not limited to I, 20 H, C, V, and U-shaped cross-sections. The çh~nn~l~ 57 in the exterior surfaces of the fiber 55 can have a width W and a depth D. The value of W can be bet~,veen about 10 microns and about 100 microns. The value of D can be between about 10 microns and about 100 microns. The capillary ch~nnlol fibers 55 can have a denier of between about 10 and about 45 grams/9000 meters of fiber length. Suitable capillary channel fibers 55 25 are disclosed in the following lcferellces, which are incorporated herein by reference:
U.S. Patent 5,382,245 issued January 17, 1995 to Thompson et al.; and U.S. Patent 5,200,248 issued April 6, 1993 to Thompson et al.
The value of W can be greater than or equal to the value of D. In one embodiment, the ratio of W/D can be at least about 1.5, and more plereldbly at least 30 about 2Ø Such relatively shallow cll~nn~lc 57 having a relatively high W/D ratio are capable of transporting the volatile substance while providing for e~h~nced release of the substance from the substrate 50 colllpaled to the release that would be provided with fibers 55 having channels 57 with lower W/D ratios. In one embodiment the value of D
can be between about 15 microns and about 30 microns, and the value of W can be 35 between about 40 microns and about 70 microns.
The substrate 50 can comprise a relatively high density region and a relatively low density region. The relatively high density region provides relatively rapid ~ oll of the volatile fluid throughout the substrate, while the relatively lower density region s promotes relatively rapid release of the volatile liquid material from the substrate. The fibers in at least a portion of the substrate 50 can be oriented in a pre-~çte.mined direction, and in one embodiment the fibers in at least a portion of the substrate 50 are arranged in a generally parallel fashion to provide wicking of the volatile liquid in a predetermined direction.
o Referring to Figure 2, the substrate 50 can comprise a relatively low density region 54 e~t~n~ing between and joining two relatively high density regions 52A and 52B. The fibers in the relatively high density regions 52A and 52B can be arranged in a generally parallel fashion to provide wicking of the volatile liquid substance into the relatively low density region 54. The substrate shown in Figure 2 can be formed from a I s length of generally parallel capillary ch~nn~l fibers 55. The length of generally parallel capillary channel fibers can be compressed to buckle a portion of the fibers radially outwardly, thereby forming the relatively low density region 54.
In another embo~imçnt, the substrate 50 can comprise a natural or synthetic sponge material, or an open celled foam material. Suitable open celled foarns, such as foams ~le~ d by polym~ri7in~ a high internal phase emulsion, are described in the following U.S. Patent docllm~nts, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S.
Patent Application Serial Number 08/370,695, Absorbent Foams Made From High Tnt~rn~l Phase Emulsions Useful For Acquiring and Distributing Aqueous Fluids, filed Jan. 10, 1995 in the name of Stone, et al.; U.S. Patent Application entitled Absolbc Foams Made From High Tntern~l Phase Emulsions Useful For Acquiring Aqueous Fluids, filed Aug. 30, 1995 in the name of DesMarais; U.S. Patent 5,147,345; High Efficiency Absorbent Articles for Incontin~n~e Management, issued September 15, 1992 in the narne of Young et al.
In the embo~iim~ntc described above, the release surface comprises a surface of a porous cover layer 40, wherein the porous cover layer 40 comprises a plurality of discrete a~cllul~s in a generally continuous network surface 44. ~It~ tively, the release surface could comprise discrete surfaces forming a generally continuous network opening. For instance, the release surface could be forrned by discrete stand-offs e~t~n~ing from the substrate 50, such as in the form of pegs or other protuberances.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the stand-offs are ~sign~tto~ by nurnerals 241.
The discrete stand-offs 241 have surface portions 244 which are disposed above the surface of the substrate 50, and define the release surface. The stand-offs 241 are formed to be capable of resisting deformation, such as by a finger-tip, which could result W O 97/32474 PCTrUS97/03224 in contact of the skin with the substrate S0. The spacing between the stand-offs 241 permits release of the volatile material from the substrate 50. Together, the discrete stand-offs 241 provide a load resistant release surface with a generally continuous network shaped opening from which vapors of the volatile material in the substrate 50 can escape.
o The stand-offs 241 can have any number of shapes or configurations, including but not limited to spherical, cylindrical, mushroom, conical, and combinations thereof.
Alternatively, the stand-offs can comprise elongated elements, such as in the form of straight or curvilinear line segment~. As shown in Figure 7, the stand-offs 241 can extend through the substrate 50 and be integral with, or attached to, a base sheet 240.
The base sheet 240 can be integral with, or attached to, the barrier 30. The fibers of the substrate 50 can be entangled about the stand-offs 241, such as by hydroentanglement, or can be otherwise forced into the spaces between the stand-offs 241.
In still another embodiment, the release surface can be formed integrally with the substrate 50, such as by applying a barrier layer to a co~llouled surface of the ~u~lldle 50. Referring to Figure 9, the substrate S0 can have a contoured surface compri~ing a plurality of ridges or other protrusions, such that a portion of the contoured surface is elevated with respect to other portions of the contoured surface. In Figure 9, the substrate 50 has a corrugated surface comprising peaks and valleys. The substrate can be formed to have a contoured surface in any suitable manner, such as by molding a web of 2s fibers, or by folding a sheet of fibers to have accordian like pleats.
A barrier layer 440 can be applied to selective portions of the contoured surface, such that elevated portions of the surface of the substrate 50 are coated by the barrier layer, while other portions of the surface of the substrate remain uncoated. In Figure 9, the peaks are coated with the barrier layer 440, while the valleys remain uncoated. The barrier layer can comprise a curable resin-like material which is subst~nti~lly impervious to the liquid material.
The peaks are formed to be capable of resisting deformation, such as by a finger-tip, which could result in contact of the skin with uncoated portions of the substrate 50.
The coated peaks and lln~o~ted valleys provide a load resistant release surface which is integral with the substrate 50, and which permits vapors of the volatile material in the substrate 50 to escape. The height of the peaks and the stiffness of the substrate 50 are selected to provide low contact wetness on the barrier layer 440 under a prescribed loading.
WO 97/32474 PCTrUS97/03224 }2 The material with which the substrate 50 is impregnated preferably comprises one or more components effective in repelling bugs, including but not limited to insects such as mosquitoes. Of course, in other embodiments it may desirable to impregnate the substrate with a material which provides a desired scent, regardless of its suitability as an insect repellent.
Generally, suitable materials with which the substrate can be impregnated include materials having a boiling point between about 140 degrees Centigrade to about 290 degrees Centigrade, and in one embodiment between about 230 Centigrade to about 260 Centigrade. Suitable materials can have a molecular weight between about 75 and about 300, and in one embodiment, a molecular weight between about 146 and about 257.
In one embodiment, the substrate 50 can be impregnated with a liquid material comprising one or more organic compounds. Such organic compounds can have between one carbon atom and 20 carbon atoms (C1-C20 organic compounds), and morepreferably, between 6 carbon atoms and 12 carbon atoms (C6-C12 organic compounds).
In one embodiment, the substrate 50 is impregn;lte(l with a liquid material comrri~ing one or more C6-C12 organic compounds. Such organic compounds can be saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, and can have straight carbon chains, ~ ched carbon chains, or cyclical structures.
Examples of suitable organic compounds include, but are not limited to, ~Ik~nPs,~Iken~s, alcohols, such as citronellol; aldehydes, such as citronellal; ketones; esters;
~midçs, phenols, nitriles, and lactones. One suitable mixture with which the substrate 50 can be impregnated is CITRONELLA CEYLON, ~ecign~ted Flt FDG, FP 138 by Intt-rn~tional Flavors and Fragrances Inc. of New Jersey. Other suitable materials with which the substrate 50 can be impre~n~t~-d include but are not limited to Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate; N,N diethyl-M-toluamide (DEET); and Dimethyl Phth~l~t~
Still other examples of a suitable liquid material which can used to impregnate the substrate 50 include mixtures of one or more of the following ingredients:
GERALDEHYDE (tr~lçrn~rk of IFF, generically 5,9-dimethyl~,8-decadienal);
Citronellyl nitrile; Thyme oil red, Eugenol, Citral (generically 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-3s Octadien-1-al); Gamma methyl ionone; Beta Phenethyl alcohol; Clove bud oil; APO
PATCHONE (tr~çm~rk of IFF, generically Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol), Limonene PFCi (generically p-Mentha-1,8-diene); PEOMOSA (trademark of IFF, generically o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol), and/or VIOLIFF (trademark of IFF, generically 4-5 Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate). One suitable liquid material which can be used to impregnate the substrate 50 comprises a mixture, on a weight percent basis, of about 0 percent to about 5 percent APO PATCHONE, about 50 percent to about 90 percent Citral, about 1 percent to about 10 percent GERALDEHYDE, about 5 percent to about 20 percent Limonene PFG, about 5 percent to about 15 percent PEOMOSA, and about 0 lo percent to about 5 percent VIOLIFF, wherein the percentages are weight percentages.
One suitable mixture comprises about 1 percent APO PATCHONE, about 75 percent Citral, about 0.5 percent GERALDEHYDE, about 15 percent Limonene PFG, about 7.5 percent PEOMOSA, and about I percent VIOLIFF.
Another suitable liquid material with which the substrate 50 can be impregnated 5 comprises at least about 15 percent GERALDEHYDE, and in one embodiment betweenabout 15 and about 30 percent GERALDEHYDE. Yet another suitable material betweenabout 50 and about 100 percent GERALDEHYDE, with the balance being perfume.
The structures of the present invention can have a substrate 50 impregn~ted withan initial loading of about 2.0 grams or less of the volatile liquid material, and in one 20 embodiment about 1.0 grams or less. The ratio of the weight of the initial loading of the volatile liquid material to the weight of the dry substrate should be at least about 0.1. In one embodiment, the ratio of the weight of the initial loading of the volatile liquid material to the weight of the dry substrate 50 is preferably at least about 2.0, and in one embodiment at least about 4Ø
The structures of the present invention can provide an effective release rate ofinsect repellent m~teri~l with a relatively small amount of insect repellent material.
Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the ability of the structures of the present invention to provide an effective release rate with a small amount of insect repellent is due, at least in part, to having a relatively high ratio of weight of the initial loading of insect repellent material to dry substrate weight.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the substrate 50 can be illlple~llated withthe volatile liquid material, and then sealed in the wrapper 22. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 8, the article 20 can comprise a liquid impermeable breakable vessel 90 cont~ining a pre(leterrninçd quantity of the volatile liquid 100, and a substrate 50 for receiving the predetermined quantity of volatile liquid 100. The breakable vessel 90 is breakable by a user to direct the volatile liquid 100 to the substrate 50. The breakable vessel rn~int~in~ the volatile liquid material separate from the substrate 50 until the article 20 is ready to be used. Accordingly, the volatile liquid W O 97/32474 PCTrUS97/03224 5 substance is less likely to evaporate from the article 20 prior to the time the article is placed in use.
The breakable vessel 90 can comprise a packet formed from a liquid impervious layer of material. For instance~ the vessel 90 can comprise a packet formed from a polymeric film, such as a thermoplastic film. Such a packet can also be formed from a o l~minAte of foil and a polymeric film. Suitable materials from which the vessel 90 can be formed include the films and l~nnin~te from which the barrier layer 30 can be formed, as described above. In one embodiment, the vessel 90 can be formed from a film manl~f~ctured by Tredegar Industries of Terre Haute, Indiana under the ~lesign~tion C-8570 and having a thickness of about 0.028 rnm.
s The breakable vessel 90 and at least a portion of the substrate 50 can be disposed in a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit directs the predetermined amount of volatile liquid 100 from the vessel 90 to the substrate 50, once the vessel 90 is broken. In Figure 5, the fluid conduit comprises a sleeve 80 having a closed end 82 and an open end 84. The vessel 90 is disposed in the sleeve 80 adjacent the closed end 82. At least a portion of the relatively high density region 52A of the substrate 50 extends into the open end 84 of the sleeve 80. Generally parallel capillary channel fibers 55 in the region 52A extend into the sleeve 80 to wick fluid from the broken vessel 90 to the relatively low density region 54.
The sleeve 80 can be joined to the substrate 50 to form a fluid seal. For instance, the open end 84 of the sleeve 80 can be adhesively joined to the substrate 50 to prevent the predetenninç~ amount of liquid 100 from flowing b~lweell the substrate 50 and the sleeve 80. The sleeve can be formed of a liquid hlll.clllleable film, such as a polymeric film which is substantially non-absorbent with respect to the volatile liquid substance.
Suitable materials from which the sleeve can be formed include those films and l~.,.il,~t~
from which the barrier layer 30 can be formed. Another suitable film from which the sleeve 80 can be formed is SARAN brand wrap manufactured by Dow Brands, Inc. of Tn~ n~polis, Tn~i~n~
In another embo-limçnt the substrate 50 can comprise a nonwoven web of paper fibers, including paper webs m~nufa~tllred by through air drying techniques as well as by conventional paperm~king techniques. Suitable webs from which the substrate 50 can be formed are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent 4,528,239 issued July 9, 1985 to Trokhan; U.S. patent 5,277,761 issued January 11, 1994 to Phan et al.; and U.S. Patent 5,245,025 issued September 4, W 097/32474 PCTrUS97/03224 1993 to Trokhan et al. In one embodiment, the substrate 50 can have a weight of between about 0.20-0.40 grams, and can comprise 2 or more sections of 2-ply paper towels cut from BOUNTY brand paper towels manufactured by The Procter and GambleCompany.
Figure 10 illustrates an example of article 20 according to the present invention.
0 The article 20 includes a substrate 50 measuring about 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch, and having a dry weight of about 0.30-0.35 grams. The substrate comprises two layers, one overlying the other, and each layer comprising a 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch section cut from a two ply BOUNTY brand paper towel. The substrate 50 is impregnated with about 1.5 grams of a volatile liquid material comprising one or more of the ingredients listed above.
The substrate 50 is disposed between the LAFF porous cover layer 40 described above, and a barrier layer 30. The cover layer 40 measures about 2.9 inch by about 2.9 inch, and the barrier layer 30 measures about 3.25 inch by about 3.25 inch. The barrier layer 30 comprises a generally ~rdns~ e.lt l~min~te film. A transparent film is desirable to minimi7e the visibility of the article 20, as worn. The l~min~tç film comprising layers of Polyethylene Terephth~l~te (PET), Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), and Low DensityPolyethylene (LDPE). Such a l~min~te film is available from the Curwood Co. of New London, Wisconsin. The LDPE layer of the barrier layer 30 can be joined to the porous cover layer 40 by an adhesive or by heat se~ling.
A peelable top film 30' has its perimeter releasably heat sealed to the perimeter of 2s barrier layer 30 exten~ling beyond the edges of the porous cover layer 40. The peelable top film 30' comprises a l~min~te of PET, alllminllm foil, Nylon 6, and Surlyn. The Surlyn face of the top film 30' faces the LDPE surface of the barrier layer 30, and can be melted to provide a peelable heat seal between the top film 30' and the barrier layer 30.
The heat seal joining the top film 30' to the barrier layer 30 is about 3/16 inch wide. The heat seal provides releasable att~c~lm~nt of the peelable top film 30' to the barrier layer 30. Together, the top film 30' and the barrier film 30 provide a sealed col.lp~~ ent which prevents evaporation of the volatile liquid material from the substrate 50.
The article in Figure 10 has a fastener 60 joined to the outwardly facing surface of ~ the barrier layer 30. The fastener 60 comprises a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 35 joined to the barrier layer 30. A release paper cover 61 having an inwardly facing, silicone covered surface is positioned over the outwardly facing surface of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive prior to alt~chmçnt of the article to the target surface. The total weight of the article 20, including the volatile liquid material, but not counting the 5 weight of the release paper cover 61 and the peelable top film 30', is about 3.3 grams.
The length, width, and thickness of the article (thickness measured using a 0.95 inch load foot and 32.2 gram load) are about 3.25 inch, 3.25 inch, and about 2.7 mrn, respectively.
The articles of the present invention can have a stiffness of no more than about 0.5 Ib/in, and preferably no more than about 0.1' lb/in when measured using a three point o bending test. The three point bending test is conducted using a suitable tensile testing m~chin~, such as an INSTRON brand Model 1122 tester fitted with a 2 kg compressive load cell. To measure the stiffness of the article 20, the article 20 is supported on two hoI;zo~llal plates spaced 1.0 inch apart, so that the article bridges the 1.0 inch gap between the two horizontal plates (the 1.0 inch gap mea~sured parallel to the length of the article). A 1/8 inch thick plate is supported on the tester cross head so that, as the cross head moves downward, the edge of the 1/8 inch thick plate moves downward and contacts the article midway along the article's length, thereby pushing the article into the gap between the two horizontal plates. The cross head moves at a rate of 1 inch per minute. The peak load measured as the cross-head travels downward is recorded. The peak load is divided by the width of the article to obtain the stiffn.osc of the article in Ib/in.
The stiffn~ss of the articles such as those shown in Figure 10 was measured using the procedure above. The peak loads recorded ranged between about 0.09 lb to about 0.19 lb, which for the articles' width of 3.25 inch, corresponds to a three point bending stiffness of between about 0.03 lb/in and 0.06 lb/in.
wo 97/32474 PCTtUS97/03224 CONTACT WETNESS MEASUREMENT
The contact wetness of the release surface of the article 20 is measured by pressing the article and a piece of filter paper with a confining pressure of l.0 psi for a period of l0 seconds, and measuring the amount of the liquid material which is transferred from o the article to the filter paper. The filter paper is Filter Paper Grade #989 manufactured by the Ahlstrom Filtration Co. of Mt Holly Springs. Filter Paper Grade #989 has a Cellulose fiber composition and a white, llnfini~hed surface. The filter paper has a basis weight of 137 grams per square meter, a thickness of 0.70 mm, a Frazier Permeability of 39 cfm/square foot, a capillary rise of 87 rnrn/minute, and a retention of 55 micrometers.
15 The contact wetness is measured at a lemp~ldlllre of about 70 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees, and a relative humidity of about 55 percent.
If the article comes with a wrapper (the substrate is pre-impregnated), the contact wetness is measured as follows. A piece of the filter paper is cut to have length and width ~iimen~ions as large as those of the substrate 50. The dry filter paper is weighed. The 20 wrapper sealing the article 20 is removed, and the article is immediately placed on a flat, horizontal surface with the release surface facing upwards. The filter paper is then placed over the release surface of the article to be positioned above the ~ lale 50. A
weight is gently lowered onto the filter paper to apply a uniform p.es~u.e loading of l.0 psi over the substrate (The weight is selected so that the weight divided by the product of 25 the length and width of the substrate, as viewed in Figure 2, equals l.0 psi). The pressure loading is m~int~ined for l 0 seconds, after which the weight is removed and the filter paper is imme~ tçly reweighed. The di~fe.lce between the second and firstweights of the filter paper is the contact wetness for the sample. The norm~li7~d contact wetness of the sample is the contact wetness divided by the weight of liquid material 30 originally hlll,le~ tin~ the substrate.
If the substrate is not pre-impregn~t. d (such that the volatile liquid material must be applied to the substrate by the user prior to use of the article), then the above procedure is used, with the following modification. The volatile liquid material is applied to the substrate. The article is then m~int~in~d on a flat, horizontal surface with 35 the release surface facing upwards for l0 minntec to allow the liquid material to be distributed throughout the substrate. After l 0 minutes, the filter paper is placed over the release surface, and the loading pressure is applied.
wo 97/32474 PCTtUS97/03224 RELEASE RATE MEASUREMENT
The release rate of an article having volatile liquid material is measured using the following procedure. The release rate is measured in a KEM PONENT brand furne hood charnber measuring about 4 foot by 3 foot by 4 foot and manufactured by KewauneeScientific Corp of Adrian, Michigan. The chamber is used with the vent open, the fan lo turned on, and the glass shield raised to the open position. The chamber provides an air speed of about l 50 ft/min, as measured using a Vaneometer m~nuf~ctured by the Dw,ver Instrument Co. of Michigan City, Tn~i~n~ The chamber is m~int~ined at a te~ .dl~lre of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, plus or minus 2 degrees. The pressure in the charnber is m~int~inPd at about l atmosphere and the relative humidity in the chamber is m~int~ine(l s at about 55 percent. A ring stand is positioned in the chamber to support articles for which the release rate is to be measured.
For articles having a substrate pre-impregnated with a volatile liquid material and sealed to prevent evaporation of the volatile liquid material, the release rate is clet~rmin using the following measurements.
The seal preventing evaporation is removed, and the article is imme~i~tely weighed on a balance located in the chamber to obtain a beginning article weight, or WB, in grams. The article is then supported on the ring stand in the chamber. After one hour, the article is again weighed on the balance. This weight is the one-hour article weight, Wl. The article weight is re-measured at one-hour intervals to obtain the two-hour article weight, W2; the three-hour article weight, W3; and the four hour article weight, W4. The article is su~olled on the ring stand in the chamber between each weightmeasurement.
After four hours, the article is supported on the ring stand and periodically re-weighed until sllbst~nti~lly all the volatile material has escaped from the article, such that there is no significant change in the weight of the article on subsequent re-weighings at one hour intervals. The weight of the article at this point is the dry article weight, WD.
The macroscopic surface area of the substrate 50 which was wetted by the volatile liquid material is ~e~ tpcl SA, and is measured in square inches. By macroscopicsurface area, it is meant the surface area of the substrate calculated from the perimetric riim~n~ions (e.g. width and length) of the substrate, as di~,~ te~l from the micro-surface area of individual fibers or filaments m~king up the substrate. The surface area SA is measured when the substrate is substantially dry.
s Those portions of the surface area of the substrate which are sealed (such as by a sleeve 80) so that they cannot release the volatile liquid material are not counted in the area measurement SA. If the article being measured has a porous cover layer 40, the surface area SA is the portion of the surface area of the substrate which underlies the porous cover layer 40 and which is capable of releasing the volatile liquid material (i.e.
o not sealed, such as by a sleeve 80). By way of example, the surface area SA of the substrate 50 shown in Figures 1-2 would be the combined surface areas of the regions 52A, 52B, and 54 underlying the porous cover 40, as viewed in Figure 2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the surface area SA would not include the portion of region 52A covered by sleeve 80.
s For articles having a substrate which is not pre-impregnated with a volatile liquid material, the release rate is determined from the following measurements. The macroscopic surface area, SA, of the dry substrate is measured. The dry article weight, WD, is measured with a balance. The article is then impregnated with the volatile liquid material, and imm~ ely weighed with a balance to obtain the beginning article weight, WB. The article is then supported on the ring stand in the chamber. After one hour, the article is again weighed on the b~l~nre. This weight is the one-hour article weight, Wl.
The article weight is re-measured at one-hour intervals to obtain the two-hour article weight, W2; the three-hour article weight, W3; and the four hour article weight, W4.
The article is supported on the ring stand in the chamber between each weight measurement.
The release rate of articles having pre-impregnated and non-plein~ egn~t~l substrates can be calculated as follows. The weight of the volatile liquid material initially on the article is WL and is equal to WB-WD, in gratns. The one-hour release rate of the article is the weight (WB-WI), in grams, of volatile liquid material released in the first hour, per square inch of surface area SA of the :jul~sllale, per gram of volatile liquid material initially on the article. The one-hour release rate Rl is calculated as:
(WB-WI grams) / [ (WL grams) x (SA square inches)-hr ]
The two hour release rate, R2, can be calculated as follows:
(Wl-W2 grams) / [ (WL grarns) x (SA square inches)-hr ]
The three hour release rate, R3, can be calculated as follows:
(W2-W3 grams) / [ (WL grams) x (SA square inches)-hr ]
The extended four hour release rate, R4, can be calculated as follows:
(W3-W4 grams) / [ (WL grams) x (SA square inches)-hr]
In one embodiment, the present invention provides an extended four hour release rate R4 which is at least about 50 percent, and more preferably at least about 80 percent of the one-hour release rate Rl .
In order to determine a normalized release rate for an article 20, the followingmeasurements are made. A petri dish having a depth of about 0.47 inch and an inner o diameter of 1.7 inch (to provide a petri surface area SP of 2.27 square inches) is weighed to provide a weight of the clean, empty dish, WP. About 1.5 to about 2.0 grarns of the same liquid with which the substrate 50 is impregnated is added to the dish, so that the bottom of the dish is covered. The petri dish and liquid are immediately weighed to provide WBP, the beginning weight of the dish and liquid. The initial liquid weight is WLP=WBP-WP. The dish is placed in the fume hood chamber under the same conditions described above with respect to measuring the releace rates of the article 20.
After one hour, the dish is weighed on the balance. This weight is the one-hour weight, WPl. The petri release rate RP is:
RP = (WBP-WPI) grarns / [(WLP grarns x (SP) square inches-hr]
The norm~li7Pd one hour release rate RlN is the ratio of the release rate Rl divided by the one hour petri release rate RP, or RlN = Rl/RP. Similarly, the norm~li7Pd two, three, and four hour release rates are R2/RP, R3/RP, and R4/RP.
Table 1 below lists Contact Wetness test results for different disposable patch constructions, the different patch types deci~n~t~Pd A-F. Patches A-E are articles according to the present invention. Patch type F is a commercially available REPELLO-PATCH brand patch, described below.
Table 2 below lists release rate test results and nonn~li7Pd release rate test results for patch constructions A-E.
s Table 1: ContactWetness (CW) A. Substrate (50): 2.5" x 2.5", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid: 1.5 gm GERALDEHYDE
Cover Layer(40) LAFF
o CW (n=5) 1.7 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.8 mg 1.0 mg, 1.9 mg/mean 1.3 mg Norm~1i7Pd CW 0.87 mg/gram B. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) LAFF 38 percent open area CW (n=5) 29 mg, 17 mg, 20 mg, 15mg, 23 mg / mean 21 mg Nonn~1i7~1 CW 10.5 mg/gram C. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) Always Ultra Topsheet (DRI-WEAVE) CW (n=3) 25 mg, 20 mg, 27mg / mean 24 mg Norm~1i7~cl CW 12.0 mg/gram D. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) MOLDEX sheet CW (n=3) 1.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.1 mg, 1.3 mg / mean 0.9 mg Nonn~1i7ecl CW 0.5 mg/gram E. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) 3M Blenderm Brand Surgical Tape no. 1525 CW (n=5) 29 mg, 17 mg, 20 mg, l5mg, 23 mg / mean 21 mg No~n~1i7~.1 CW 10.5 mg/gram F. Substrate(50) REPELLO-PATCH BR~ND
LIQUID average of about 0.73 gm Citronella---Cover Layer None C~ (n=5) 0.51 gm, 0.35 gm, 0.40 gm, 0.39 gm, 0.36 gm / mean 0.40 gm Norrnalized CW 0.55 gram/gm or {550 mg/gm) Table 2 Release Rates o RP (Geraldehyde, 1.5 gm in dish, n=5) = 2.64 mg/gm-square inch-hr A. Substrate (50): 2.5" x 2.5", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid: 1.5 gm GERALDEHYDE
Cover Layer(40) LAFF
Release Rates (mg/gm-square inch-hr) (n=5) Rl: 1.07 R2: 1.39 R3: 0.83 R4: 083 R4/Rl=0.77 Norm~1i7~1 Release rates (dimensionless) based on RP=2.64 RlN: 0.40 R2N: 0.53 R3N: 0.31 R4N: 0.31 RP (Citronella Ceylon, 2.0 gm in dish, n=5) = 28.4 mg/gm-square inch-hr (n=5) B. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon 2s Cover Layer (40) LAFF 38 percent open area Release Rates (mg/gm-square inch-hr) (n=2) Rl: 19.0 R2: 13.2 R3: 9.4 R4: 6.5 R4/Rl=0.34 Norm~1i7~o~1 Release rates (~iimen~ionless) based on RP=28.4 RlN: 0.67 R2N: 0.46 R3N: 0.33 R4N: 0.23 C. Sul~Lia~ (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) Always Ultra Topsheet (DRI-WEAVE) Release Rates (mg/gm-square inch-hr) (n=2) R1: 16.2 R2: 10.6 R3: 6.6 R4: 5.7 R4/Rl=0.35 Norm~1i7P~l Release rates (~lim~n~ionless) based on RP=28.4 RIN:0.57 R2N: 0.37 R3N: 0.23 R4N: 0.20 wo 97/32474 0 Table 2 Continued D. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) MOLDFX sheet 5 Release Rates (mg/gm-square inch-hr) (n=2) R1: 11.1 R2:9.5 R3:6.4 R4: 1.9 R4/Rl=0.17 Norm~1i7ecl Release rates (~imen~ionless) based on RP=28.4 RlN: 0.39 R2N: 0.33 R3N: 0.22 R4N: 0.07 E. Subskate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) 3M Blenderm Brand Surgical Tape no. 1525 Release Rates (mg/gm-square inch-hr) (n=2) Rl: 6.2 R2: 6.1 R3: 5.4 R4: 1.6 R4/Rl=0.26 Norm~li7P(I Release rates (-iim~n.~ionless) based on RP=28.4 RlN: 0.22 R2N: 0.21 R3N: 0.19 R4N: 0.06 One and two-hour release rates were also measured for a first sample of a commercially available bug repellent patch marketed as REPELLO-PATCH by P.J.
Maxwell. The sample REPELLO-PATCH tested had a dry, uncovered substrate having a surface area SA of about 3.5 square inches and a separately packaged liquid material which was added to the substrate. The separately packaged liquid material was labeled 0 as being 99 percent citronella. About 0.75 grams of the separately packaged liquid material was added to the substrate. The one hour release rate was determined to be - about 0.0098 grams/square inch-gram-hour, and the two hour release rate was deterrnined to be about 0.0074 grarns /square inch-gram-hour. One, two, three, and four-hour release rates for a second sample of a REPE~LO-PATCH brand path were also ls measured, with the following results in grams/square inch-gram-hour: 0.0048, 0.0040, 0.0036, and 0.0034.
In the embo~iment~ described, the substrate 50 is impregnated with substance effective for repelling insects. In other embo-limPnt~, the substrate 50 can be impregn~tPd with materials which are effective in providing a desired fragrance, such as p~,lrwlle materials, or combinations of such materials.
While particular emborliment~ of the present invention have been illustrated anddescribed, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It is inten-lPcl to cover, in the appended claims, all such modifications and inten~ed uses.
PROVIDING LOW CONTACT WETNESS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is related to an article for providing release of a volatile substance, and more particularly, to a portable, disposable article for providing release of an insect repellent from a release surface, the release surface having a low contact wetness.
2s BACKGROUND OF THE ~NVENTION
Bug or insect repellent for personal use has been historically delivered in a number of di~.clll ways. For example, it may be sprayed or wiped onto one's skin, sprayed into 30 one's immP~ t~P environment, and/or sprayed onto one's clothing. The bug repellent solution is typically volatile so that vapors are emitted which repel bugs away from one's body.
Absoll,e.ll suballates saturated with volatile solutions of bug repellent, made in the form of p~tches, have been available for application to clothing. Typically, a patch 35 cont~ining a volatile solution must be contail1ed in a package which preventsvaporization of the solution prior to application of the patch. U.S. Patent Application 08/369,068, "Package for Cont~ining and Applying a Bug Repellent Patch" filed January 5, 1995 in the name of Cook et al, discloses a package for cont~ining a bug repellent s impregnated patch. The disclosed package enables a user to apply the patch to a target surface without contacting the patch.
Such patches can have a barrier material between the substrate and a target surface, such as a user's clothing. The barrier material can permit greater volumes of the volatile solution to be used to provide longer lasting protection from insects. As the amount of 0 solution is increased, however, it is more likely that some of the solution may leak out of the substrate in liquid forrri, and possibly soil an item, such as the user's skin or clothing.
Accordingly, the amount of solution that can be released in vapor form in a given arnount of time, from a given surface area of the article, and for a given amount of liquid initially provided on the article is limited by the desire to prevent soiling of an item by liquid 15 leaking out of the patch.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable, disposable article for providing release of a volatile liquid material, such as liquid insect repellent material.
Another obiect of the present invention is to provide a portable, disposable article 20 for providing release of a volatile liquid material while minimi7.ing the amount of the liquid material which is transferred to the wearer's skin or clothing when the article is applied to a target surface, such as by pressing.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable, disposable article for providing release of a volatile liquid material from a release surface of the article, 25 wherein the release surface has a low contact wetness under a prescribed loading.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a disposable, portable article for providing 30 release of volatile liquid material, such as an insect repellent material, from a release surface of the article. The article includes a substrate impregn~t~d with the volatile liquid material. Under a prescribed loading, the release surface of the article has a contact wetness of less than about 100 mg, more preferably less than about 50 mg, and even more preferably less than about 25 mg. Under the prescribed loading, the release 35 surface can have a norrn~li7~ contact wetness of less than about 100 mg/gram, more preferably less than about 50 mg/gram, and even more preferably less than about 25 mg/gram, where the norrn~li7.od contact wetness is the contact wetness divided by the total weight of the liquid material impregnating the substrate.
W O 97/32474 PCT~US97/03224 s In one embodiment, the article can provide a norm~li7~1 release rate of at least about 0.25, more preferably at least about 0.40, and even more preferably at least about 0.50.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the article comprises a barrier layer, a porous cover layer, and a substrate impregnated with a volatile liquid material. The o release surface can comprise an outwardly facing surface of the porous cover layer. The article can also comprise an adhesive fastener for attaching the article to a target surface, such as a wearer's g~rm~nt The release surface of the porous cover layer can have an open area ratio of at least about 20 percent, and more preferably at least about 30 percent to provide effective 1S release of vapors of the volatile liquid material. In one embodiment, the open area ratio can be greater than about 50 percent. The porous cover layer can have a caliper of at least about 0.015 inch, and in one embodiment, at least about 0.050 inch.
The disposable article can have a maximum caliper no greater than about 1.0 cm, preferably less than about 5.0 mm, and more preferably less than about 3.0 mm asmeasured with a confining load of 32.2 grarns applied by a 0.95 inch diameter load foot.
The article can have a total weight of no greater than about 4.0 grams (measured as the article is applied to the target surface), and a ~I;rr.~ of no more than about 0.5 lb/in, and more preferably no more than about 0.1 lb/in, to provide for comfortable conformance with a variety of target surfaces.
2s The ~ubsll~te can be hl.ple~;llated with a volatile liquid m~ten~l comprising an insect repellent. In one embodiment, the substrate is impregn~tecl with no more than about 2.0 grams of liquid m~te-i~l, and the ratio of the weight of the volatile liquid material to the weight of the substrate is at least about 2Ø
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly cl~iming the present invention, it is believed the present invention will be ~ better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying 3s drawings in which:
~ Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the article is enclosed in a sealed package.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the article of Figure 1, with the sealed package removed and the porous cover layer partially cut away to show a substrate having a relatively lower density region extending between relatively higher density regions.
Figure 3 is a enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the article of Figure 1 0 showing a porous cover layer having generally conically shaped apertures.
Figure 4 is a a cross-sectional illustration of a capillary channel fiber having a generally I-shaped cross section.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an ~ltern~tive embodiment of the present invention having a breakable vessel co~ ing the volatile liquid insect repellent positioned interme~i~te the porous cover layer and the barrier layer.
Figure 6 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having discrete stand-offs e~t~n-ling from the substrate to provide a release surface comprising a continuous network opening.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 6 taken along lines 7-7, and showing the discrete stand-offs e~ten~ling from a surface of the substrate.
Figure 8 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a substrate formed of a strand of woven polyolefinic fibers and a breakable vessel conn~cted to the substrate through a fluid conduit.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an ~Itern~tive embodiment of the present invention wherein the substrate has a contoured surface, and wherein a barrier layer is applied to elevated portions of the contoured surface to provide a release surface which is integral with the substrate.
Figure 10 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a peelable top film is heat sealed to at least portions of the barrier layer to prevent evaporation of the liquid m~teri~l prior to use of the article.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figures 1 and 2 show one embodiment of a disposable, portable article 20 according to the present invention for providing a release of volatile material comprising one or more components. The article 20 comprises a release surface and a substrate impregnated with a volatile liquid material. In one embodiment, the article 20 comprises s a substrate impregnated with a volatile liquid material, and the material released comprises an insect repellent.
By the terrn "disposable" it is meant that the article 20 is intended to be discarded after a single use. By the term "portable" it is meant that the article 20 can be conveniently and comfortably carried in a pocket, purse, or h~n(lb~g. By the term o "volatile liquid material" it is meant a liquid material comprising a component having a vapor pressure of at least about 0.001 mm Hg at 50 degrees Centigrade.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-2, the article 20 comprises a barrier layer30, a porous cover layer 40 having an outwardly facing release surface 44, and asubstrate 50 impregnated with a volatile liquid material. ~he material with which the s substrate 50 is impregnated preferably comprises a material effective for repelling insects. The release surface of the article has a contact wetness of less than about 0.100 gram ( 100 mg) under a prescribed loading, as described more fully below.
The article 20 can also include a fActen~r 60, such as a pl~es~ule sensitive adhesive. The fastener 60 can be used to support the article 20 on a target surface, such 20 as a wearer's g~ll.ellt. The article 20 can be sealed in wrapper 22 to prevent evaporation of the insect repellent prior to use of the article 20. In Figure 2 the wrapper 22 is omitted to show the intern~l construction of the article 20.
Referring to the components of the article 20 in more detail, the barrier layer 30 is generally impervious to the volatile liquid substance. The barrier layer 30 prevents the 2s volatile liquid substance in the substrate 50 from contacting the target surface on which article 20 is supported. In one embodiment the barrier layer 30 comprises a flexible film, such as a polymeric film; a flexible foil; or a composite material such as a foil/polymeric film l~ nin~te. By flexible it is meant that barrier 30 is compliant and readily conforms to the shapes and contours of a variety of target surfaces, such as clothing.
A suitable balTier layer 30 can comprise a woven or nonwoven m~teri~l or a polymeric film such as thermoplastic film of polyethylene or polypropylene. A suitable thermoplastic film is a polyethylene film having a thickness of between about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Suitable films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of ~ Cincinnati, Ohio under the designation P18-0401 and by Ethyl Corp. of Terre Haute, Tn~j~n~ under the design~tion XP-39385. Alternatively, the barrier layer 30 can comprise a l~min~te of foil and polymeric film, such as a Type M2077 foil/film l~min~te manufactured by the American Can Co. of Minn., Minnesota.
s The fastener 60 can be joined directly or indirectly to the barrier layer 30, as shown in Figure 1. Suitable fasteners 60 include, but are not limited to, adhesive fasteners and mechanical fasteners, such as VELCRO brand fasteners. Suitable pressure sensitive adhesives from which the fastener 60 can be formed are Century A-305-IV
brand Adhesive manufactured by Century Adhesives Corp. of Columbus, Ohio; and 0 Instant Lock 34-2823 brand adhesive m~nnf~etured by the National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, N.J.
The wrapper 22 can comprise a thermoplastic film incorporating a release liner for covering the fastener 60 while the article 20 is sealed in the wrapper 22. Suitable release liners for adhesive fasteners are described in U.S. Patent 4,917,697, which patent is incorporated herein by reference. Non-limiting examples of suitable release liners are BL30MG-A Silox El/0 and BL30MG-A Silox 4P/0 m~m-fActured by the Akrosil Corp.
of Menasha, Wisconsin.
The porous cover layer 40 can provide a norrn~li7ecl release rate of at least 0.25, and more preferably at least 0.40, while providing a low contact wetness. The method for measuring release rates and norrn~li7~d release rates of the volatile substance from the article 20 are described below.
The porous cover layer 40 can comprise a film formed of a liquid impermeable material. A plurality of apertures 41 extend through the film. In one ~fe.l~d embodiment, the porous cover layer can comprise an apertured formed plastic filmhaving a release surface in the form of an outwardly facing surface 44. The porous cover layer 40 also has an inwardly facing surface 42.
In one embodiment, apertured formed plastic films are l..efel,~d because they are generally non-absorbent with respect to the volatile liquid substance and help prevent the volatile liquid material from passing through tne cover layer 40 to contact the wearer's skin or clothing.
The porous cover layer 40 can be joined to the barrier layer 30, either directly or indirectly, by a number of suitable methods. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the perimeter of the cover layer 40 can be secured directly to the barrier layer 30 by adhesives, heat and/or plcs~ule se~lin~, ultrasonic bonding, and the like. A suitable heat 3s sealing method is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,382,245 issued Jan. 17, 1995 to Thompson et al.
The porous cover layer can have a caliper 45 of at least about 0.005 inch. The caliper 45 is measured under a compressive load of 32.2 grarns using a circular load foot having a 0.95 inch diameter (about 0.1 psi). The caliper 45 provides separation of the liquid in the substrate 50 from the outwardly facing surface 44 of the porous cover layer 40. Such a caliper 45 helps to restrict the liquid in the substrate 50 from reaching the o surface 44, and possibly contacting the wearer's skin or clothing. In one embodiment, the caliper 45 can be at least about 0.010 inch, and more preferably at least about 0.015 inch, and even more preferably at least about 0.050 inch.
The apclLul~s 41 can also be shaped to restrict flow of the liquid from the substrate 50 to the outer surface 44. As shown in Figure 3, the apertures 41 can be s tapered from a relatively large base opening 46 at the outwardly facing surface 44 to a relatively smaller apex opening 48 at the inwardly facing surface 42. U.S. Patent 3,929,135 issued December 30, 1975 to Thompson is incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of disclosing a suitable formed film having tapered openings. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the apertures 41 can be tapered from a relatively large opening at the inward surface 42 to a relatively smaller apex at the outward surface 44.
The openings 46 can each have a surface area between about 0.015 square mm and about 32 square mm. The porous cover layer 40 can have an open area ratio of at least about 10 percent. In one embodiment, the porous cover layer 40 has an open area ratio of at least about 20 percent, more preferably at least about 30 percent, and even more preferably at least about 50 percent. For in~t~nce, a suitable porous cover layer 40 can have an open area ratio between about 20 percent and about 50 percent. Such an open area ratio is suitable for providing effective release of the volatile m~t-ori~l from the substrate.
The open area ratio is deterrnin.o~l by first measuring the total surface area of the porous cover layer 40 overlying the substrate 50, as viewed in Figure 2, including the area of the openings 46. The surface areas of the openings 46 overlying the substrate are then measured and added. The surface area is measured at the outwardly facing release surface 44. The open area ratio is the ratio of the sum of the areas of these openings 46 divided by the total surface area of the cover layer 40 overlying the substrate 50.
While the porous cover layer 40 is shown having tapered a~lLul~s 41 in Figures 1-3, it will be understood that other formed films can also be used to provide release of the volatile material from the article 20, while restricting flow of the liquid volatile material s from the substrate 50 to the surface 44. Other formed films which can make suitable cover layers 40 are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents, which are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Patent 4,324,246 issued to Mullane et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
4,629,643 issued to Curro et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,394 issued to Baird. One 0 suitable porous cover layer 40 is marketed as DRI-WEAVE by The Procter & Gamble Company on sanitary napkins.
In yet another embodiment, the porous cover layer 40 can comprise a relative large aperture formed film (LAFF). Such a LAFF film can be formed to have a generally three ~limPn~jonal character from a generally planar sheet of polyethylene having a nominal thickness of about 1.5 mils (0.0015 inch). The LAFF film can be forrned to have discrete apertures 41 disposed in a generally contin-lous network surface 44. The LAFF porous cover layer 40 can have tapered ap.,l~ures 41 with base openings 46 ranging in size from about 0.007 square inch to about 0.015 square inch. The LAFF cover layer 40 can have a caliper of at least about 0.050 inch, and can have an open area ratio of at least 20 percent, 20 more preferably at least 30 percent, and in some embo-limç~tc, greater than 50 percent.
One suitable LAFF cover layer 40 can have an open area ratio of about 38 percent, and a caliper of between about 1.6 and about 1.7 mm (0.063 inch to about 0.067 inch). A
suitable LAFF porous cover layer is available from Tredegar Industries under thedesign~tion X5870.
In still another embodiment, the porous cover layer 40 can comprise a sheet of MOLDEX brand ap."~ d polyvinyl alcohol sheet material, available from Moldex Metric Inc. of Culver City, CA. Such an apertured sheet has discrete a~ ules 41 disposed in a generally continuous network surface 44. The MOLDEX ~lLu~d sheet m~t~ l can have a caliper of at least about 2.0 mm (0.079 inch), and can have an open area ratio of about 36 percent.
The substrate 50 can be fibrous, and can be in the form of a woven or non-woven patch, batt, tow, tuft, or bundle of a fibers. The fibers can be absorbent (e.g. cellulosic fibers or other natural fibers) or non-absorbent with respect to the volatile liquid substance. By "non-absorbent" it is meant that when the substrate 50 is immersed in the volatile liquid substance, the individual fibers absorb an amount of the volatile liquid substance less than their own weight (less than one gram of the volatile liquid substance absorbed by the fiber per gram of fiber weight). Accordingly, the volatile liquid substance is stored in the interstitial space between fibers or along the fibers' surfaces, rather than inside the fibers themselves, thereby enhancing release of the volatile liquid substance from the substrate 50.
In one embodiment, the substrate can comprise fibers formed from a polymer such as polyolefin. Suitable fibers include but not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester fibers. The substrate 50 can be joined, directly or indirectly, to the barrier layer 10 30. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the substrate 50 is secured directly to an inwardly facing surface of the barrier layer 30 by a layer of adhesive 35. Suitable adhesives 35 include Findley Adhesive #2120 or Findley H2031 Adhesive available from Findley Adhesives, Inc. of Elmgrove, Wisconsin, and Century 5227 Adhesive available from Century International Adhesive and Coating Corp. of Columbus, Ohio.
In another embodim~nt, the substrate 50 can comprise a plurality of capillary ch~nnel fibers 55. Capillary channel fibers 55 are fibers that have one or more channels formed therein, preferably on their exterior surfaces. Figure 4 shows a capillary channel fiber 55 having a generally I-shaped cross-section. It will be understood that suitable capillary channel fibers 55 can have any number of shapes, including but not limited to I, 20 H, C, V, and U-shaped cross-sections. The çh~nn~l~ 57 in the exterior surfaces of the fiber 55 can have a width W and a depth D. The value of W can be bet~,veen about 10 microns and about 100 microns. The value of D can be between about 10 microns and about 100 microns. The capillary ch~nnlol fibers 55 can have a denier of between about 10 and about 45 grams/9000 meters of fiber length. Suitable capillary channel fibers 55 25 are disclosed in the following lcferellces, which are incorporated herein by reference:
U.S. Patent 5,382,245 issued January 17, 1995 to Thompson et al.; and U.S. Patent 5,200,248 issued April 6, 1993 to Thompson et al.
The value of W can be greater than or equal to the value of D. In one embodiment, the ratio of W/D can be at least about 1.5, and more plereldbly at least 30 about 2Ø Such relatively shallow cll~nn~lc 57 having a relatively high W/D ratio are capable of transporting the volatile substance while providing for e~h~nced release of the substance from the substrate 50 colllpaled to the release that would be provided with fibers 55 having channels 57 with lower W/D ratios. In one embodiment the value of D
can be between about 15 microns and about 30 microns, and the value of W can be 35 between about 40 microns and about 70 microns.
The substrate 50 can comprise a relatively high density region and a relatively low density region. The relatively high density region provides relatively rapid ~ oll of the volatile fluid throughout the substrate, while the relatively lower density region s promotes relatively rapid release of the volatile liquid material from the substrate. The fibers in at least a portion of the substrate 50 can be oriented in a pre-~çte.mined direction, and in one embodiment the fibers in at least a portion of the substrate 50 are arranged in a generally parallel fashion to provide wicking of the volatile liquid in a predetermined direction.
o Referring to Figure 2, the substrate 50 can comprise a relatively low density region 54 e~t~n~ing between and joining two relatively high density regions 52A and 52B. The fibers in the relatively high density regions 52A and 52B can be arranged in a generally parallel fashion to provide wicking of the volatile liquid substance into the relatively low density region 54. The substrate shown in Figure 2 can be formed from a I s length of generally parallel capillary ch~nn~l fibers 55. The length of generally parallel capillary channel fibers can be compressed to buckle a portion of the fibers radially outwardly, thereby forming the relatively low density region 54.
In another embo~imçnt, the substrate 50 can comprise a natural or synthetic sponge material, or an open celled foam material. Suitable open celled foarns, such as foams ~le~ d by polym~ri7in~ a high internal phase emulsion, are described in the following U.S. Patent docllm~nts, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S.
Patent Application Serial Number 08/370,695, Absorbent Foams Made From High Tnt~rn~l Phase Emulsions Useful For Acquiring and Distributing Aqueous Fluids, filed Jan. 10, 1995 in the name of Stone, et al.; U.S. Patent Application entitled Absolbc Foams Made From High Tntern~l Phase Emulsions Useful For Acquiring Aqueous Fluids, filed Aug. 30, 1995 in the name of DesMarais; U.S. Patent 5,147,345; High Efficiency Absorbent Articles for Incontin~n~e Management, issued September 15, 1992 in the narne of Young et al.
In the embo~iim~ntc described above, the release surface comprises a surface of a porous cover layer 40, wherein the porous cover layer 40 comprises a plurality of discrete a~cllul~s in a generally continuous network surface 44. ~It~ tively, the release surface could comprise discrete surfaces forming a generally continuous network opening. For instance, the release surface could be forrned by discrete stand-offs e~t~n~ing from the substrate 50, such as in the form of pegs or other protuberances.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the stand-offs are ~sign~tto~ by nurnerals 241.
The discrete stand-offs 241 have surface portions 244 which are disposed above the surface of the substrate 50, and define the release surface. The stand-offs 241 are formed to be capable of resisting deformation, such as by a finger-tip, which could result W O 97/32474 PCTrUS97/03224 in contact of the skin with the substrate S0. The spacing between the stand-offs 241 permits release of the volatile material from the substrate 50. Together, the discrete stand-offs 241 provide a load resistant release surface with a generally continuous network shaped opening from which vapors of the volatile material in the substrate 50 can escape.
o The stand-offs 241 can have any number of shapes or configurations, including but not limited to spherical, cylindrical, mushroom, conical, and combinations thereof.
Alternatively, the stand-offs can comprise elongated elements, such as in the form of straight or curvilinear line segment~. As shown in Figure 7, the stand-offs 241 can extend through the substrate 50 and be integral with, or attached to, a base sheet 240.
The base sheet 240 can be integral with, or attached to, the barrier 30. The fibers of the substrate 50 can be entangled about the stand-offs 241, such as by hydroentanglement, or can be otherwise forced into the spaces between the stand-offs 241.
In still another embodiment, the release surface can be formed integrally with the substrate 50, such as by applying a barrier layer to a co~llouled surface of the ~u~lldle 50. Referring to Figure 9, the substrate S0 can have a contoured surface compri~ing a plurality of ridges or other protrusions, such that a portion of the contoured surface is elevated with respect to other portions of the contoured surface. In Figure 9, the substrate 50 has a corrugated surface comprising peaks and valleys. The substrate can be formed to have a contoured surface in any suitable manner, such as by molding a web of 2s fibers, or by folding a sheet of fibers to have accordian like pleats.
A barrier layer 440 can be applied to selective portions of the contoured surface, such that elevated portions of the surface of the substrate 50 are coated by the barrier layer, while other portions of the surface of the substrate remain uncoated. In Figure 9, the peaks are coated with the barrier layer 440, while the valleys remain uncoated. The barrier layer can comprise a curable resin-like material which is subst~nti~lly impervious to the liquid material.
The peaks are formed to be capable of resisting deformation, such as by a finger-tip, which could result in contact of the skin with uncoated portions of the substrate 50.
The coated peaks and lln~o~ted valleys provide a load resistant release surface which is integral with the substrate 50, and which permits vapors of the volatile material in the substrate 50 to escape. The height of the peaks and the stiffness of the substrate 50 are selected to provide low contact wetness on the barrier layer 440 under a prescribed loading.
WO 97/32474 PCTrUS97/03224 }2 The material with which the substrate 50 is impregnated preferably comprises one or more components effective in repelling bugs, including but not limited to insects such as mosquitoes. Of course, in other embodiments it may desirable to impregnate the substrate with a material which provides a desired scent, regardless of its suitability as an insect repellent.
Generally, suitable materials with which the substrate can be impregnated include materials having a boiling point between about 140 degrees Centigrade to about 290 degrees Centigrade, and in one embodiment between about 230 Centigrade to about 260 Centigrade. Suitable materials can have a molecular weight between about 75 and about 300, and in one embodiment, a molecular weight between about 146 and about 257.
In one embodiment, the substrate 50 can be impregnated with a liquid material comprising one or more organic compounds. Such organic compounds can have between one carbon atom and 20 carbon atoms (C1-C20 organic compounds), and morepreferably, between 6 carbon atoms and 12 carbon atoms (C6-C12 organic compounds).
In one embodiment, the substrate 50 is impregn;lte(l with a liquid material comrri~ing one or more C6-C12 organic compounds. Such organic compounds can be saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, and can have straight carbon chains, ~ ched carbon chains, or cyclical structures.
Examples of suitable organic compounds include, but are not limited to, ~Ik~nPs,~Iken~s, alcohols, such as citronellol; aldehydes, such as citronellal; ketones; esters;
~midçs, phenols, nitriles, and lactones. One suitable mixture with which the substrate 50 can be impregnated is CITRONELLA CEYLON, ~ecign~ted Flt FDG, FP 138 by Intt-rn~tional Flavors and Fragrances Inc. of New Jersey. Other suitable materials with which the substrate 50 can be impre~n~t~-d include but are not limited to Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropionate; N,N diethyl-M-toluamide (DEET); and Dimethyl Phth~l~t~
Still other examples of a suitable liquid material which can used to impregnate the substrate 50 include mixtures of one or more of the following ingredients:
GERALDEHYDE (tr~lçrn~rk of IFF, generically 5,9-dimethyl~,8-decadienal);
Citronellyl nitrile; Thyme oil red, Eugenol, Citral (generically 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-3s Octadien-1-al); Gamma methyl ionone; Beta Phenethyl alcohol; Clove bud oil; APO
PATCHONE (tr~çm~rk of IFF, generically Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol), Limonene PFCi (generically p-Mentha-1,8-diene); PEOMOSA (trademark of IFF, generically o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol), and/or VIOLIFF (trademark of IFF, generically 4-5 Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate). One suitable liquid material which can be used to impregnate the substrate 50 comprises a mixture, on a weight percent basis, of about 0 percent to about 5 percent APO PATCHONE, about 50 percent to about 90 percent Citral, about 1 percent to about 10 percent GERALDEHYDE, about 5 percent to about 20 percent Limonene PFG, about 5 percent to about 15 percent PEOMOSA, and about 0 lo percent to about 5 percent VIOLIFF, wherein the percentages are weight percentages.
One suitable mixture comprises about 1 percent APO PATCHONE, about 75 percent Citral, about 0.5 percent GERALDEHYDE, about 15 percent Limonene PFG, about 7.5 percent PEOMOSA, and about I percent VIOLIFF.
Another suitable liquid material with which the substrate 50 can be impregnated 5 comprises at least about 15 percent GERALDEHYDE, and in one embodiment betweenabout 15 and about 30 percent GERALDEHYDE. Yet another suitable material betweenabout 50 and about 100 percent GERALDEHYDE, with the balance being perfume.
The structures of the present invention can have a substrate 50 impregn~ted withan initial loading of about 2.0 grams or less of the volatile liquid material, and in one 20 embodiment about 1.0 grams or less. The ratio of the weight of the initial loading of the volatile liquid material to the weight of the dry substrate should be at least about 0.1. In one embodiment, the ratio of the weight of the initial loading of the volatile liquid material to the weight of the dry substrate 50 is preferably at least about 2.0, and in one embodiment at least about 4Ø
The structures of the present invention can provide an effective release rate ofinsect repellent m~teri~l with a relatively small amount of insect repellent material.
Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the ability of the structures of the present invention to provide an effective release rate with a small amount of insect repellent is due, at least in part, to having a relatively high ratio of weight of the initial loading of insect repellent material to dry substrate weight.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the substrate 50 can be illlple~llated withthe volatile liquid material, and then sealed in the wrapper 22. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 8, the article 20 can comprise a liquid impermeable breakable vessel 90 cont~ining a pre(leterrninçd quantity of the volatile liquid 100, and a substrate 50 for receiving the predetermined quantity of volatile liquid 100. The breakable vessel 90 is breakable by a user to direct the volatile liquid 100 to the substrate 50. The breakable vessel rn~int~in~ the volatile liquid material separate from the substrate 50 until the article 20 is ready to be used. Accordingly, the volatile liquid W O 97/32474 PCTrUS97/03224 5 substance is less likely to evaporate from the article 20 prior to the time the article is placed in use.
The breakable vessel 90 can comprise a packet formed from a liquid impervious layer of material. For instance~ the vessel 90 can comprise a packet formed from a polymeric film, such as a thermoplastic film. Such a packet can also be formed from a o l~minAte of foil and a polymeric film. Suitable materials from which the vessel 90 can be formed include the films and l~nnin~te from which the barrier layer 30 can be formed, as described above. In one embodiment, the vessel 90 can be formed from a film manl~f~ctured by Tredegar Industries of Terre Haute, Indiana under the ~lesign~tion C-8570 and having a thickness of about 0.028 rnm.
s The breakable vessel 90 and at least a portion of the substrate 50 can be disposed in a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit directs the predetermined amount of volatile liquid 100 from the vessel 90 to the substrate 50, once the vessel 90 is broken. In Figure 5, the fluid conduit comprises a sleeve 80 having a closed end 82 and an open end 84. The vessel 90 is disposed in the sleeve 80 adjacent the closed end 82. At least a portion of the relatively high density region 52A of the substrate 50 extends into the open end 84 of the sleeve 80. Generally parallel capillary channel fibers 55 in the region 52A extend into the sleeve 80 to wick fluid from the broken vessel 90 to the relatively low density region 54.
The sleeve 80 can be joined to the substrate 50 to form a fluid seal. For instance, the open end 84 of the sleeve 80 can be adhesively joined to the substrate 50 to prevent the predetenninç~ amount of liquid 100 from flowing b~lweell the substrate 50 and the sleeve 80. The sleeve can be formed of a liquid hlll.clllleable film, such as a polymeric film which is substantially non-absorbent with respect to the volatile liquid substance.
Suitable materials from which the sleeve can be formed include those films and l~.,.il,~t~
from which the barrier layer 30 can be formed. Another suitable film from which the sleeve 80 can be formed is SARAN brand wrap manufactured by Dow Brands, Inc. of Tn~ n~polis, Tn~i~n~
In another embo-limçnt the substrate 50 can comprise a nonwoven web of paper fibers, including paper webs m~nufa~tllred by through air drying techniques as well as by conventional paperm~king techniques. Suitable webs from which the substrate 50 can be formed are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent 4,528,239 issued July 9, 1985 to Trokhan; U.S. patent 5,277,761 issued January 11, 1994 to Phan et al.; and U.S. Patent 5,245,025 issued September 4, W 097/32474 PCTrUS97/03224 1993 to Trokhan et al. In one embodiment, the substrate 50 can have a weight of between about 0.20-0.40 grams, and can comprise 2 or more sections of 2-ply paper towels cut from BOUNTY brand paper towels manufactured by The Procter and GambleCompany.
Figure 10 illustrates an example of article 20 according to the present invention.
0 The article 20 includes a substrate 50 measuring about 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch, and having a dry weight of about 0.30-0.35 grams. The substrate comprises two layers, one overlying the other, and each layer comprising a 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch section cut from a two ply BOUNTY brand paper towel. The substrate 50 is impregnated with about 1.5 grams of a volatile liquid material comprising one or more of the ingredients listed above.
The substrate 50 is disposed between the LAFF porous cover layer 40 described above, and a barrier layer 30. The cover layer 40 measures about 2.9 inch by about 2.9 inch, and the barrier layer 30 measures about 3.25 inch by about 3.25 inch. The barrier layer 30 comprises a generally ~rdns~ e.lt l~min~te film. A transparent film is desirable to minimi7e the visibility of the article 20, as worn. The l~min~tç film comprising layers of Polyethylene Terephth~l~te (PET), Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), and Low DensityPolyethylene (LDPE). Such a l~min~te film is available from the Curwood Co. of New London, Wisconsin. The LDPE layer of the barrier layer 30 can be joined to the porous cover layer 40 by an adhesive or by heat se~ling.
A peelable top film 30' has its perimeter releasably heat sealed to the perimeter of 2s barrier layer 30 exten~ling beyond the edges of the porous cover layer 40. The peelable top film 30' comprises a l~min~te of PET, alllminllm foil, Nylon 6, and Surlyn. The Surlyn face of the top film 30' faces the LDPE surface of the barrier layer 30, and can be melted to provide a peelable heat seal between the top film 30' and the barrier layer 30.
The heat seal joining the top film 30' to the barrier layer 30 is about 3/16 inch wide. The heat seal provides releasable att~c~lm~nt of the peelable top film 30' to the barrier layer 30. Together, the top film 30' and the barrier film 30 provide a sealed col.lp~~ ent which prevents evaporation of the volatile liquid material from the substrate 50.
The article in Figure 10 has a fastener 60 joined to the outwardly facing surface of ~ the barrier layer 30. The fastener 60 comprises a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 35 joined to the barrier layer 30. A release paper cover 61 having an inwardly facing, silicone covered surface is positioned over the outwardly facing surface of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive prior to alt~chmçnt of the article to the target surface. The total weight of the article 20, including the volatile liquid material, but not counting the 5 weight of the release paper cover 61 and the peelable top film 30', is about 3.3 grams.
The length, width, and thickness of the article (thickness measured using a 0.95 inch load foot and 32.2 gram load) are about 3.25 inch, 3.25 inch, and about 2.7 mrn, respectively.
The articles of the present invention can have a stiffness of no more than about 0.5 Ib/in, and preferably no more than about 0.1' lb/in when measured using a three point o bending test. The three point bending test is conducted using a suitable tensile testing m~chin~, such as an INSTRON brand Model 1122 tester fitted with a 2 kg compressive load cell. To measure the stiffness of the article 20, the article 20 is supported on two hoI;zo~llal plates spaced 1.0 inch apart, so that the article bridges the 1.0 inch gap between the two horizontal plates (the 1.0 inch gap mea~sured parallel to the length of the article). A 1/8 inch thick plate is supported on the tester cross head so that, as the cross head moves downward, the edge of the 1/8 inch thick plate moves downward and contacts the article midway along the article's length, thereby pushing the article into the gap between the two horizontal plates. The cross head moves at a rate of 1 inch per minute. The peak load measured as the cross-head travels downward is recorded. The peak load is divided by the width of the article to obtain the stiffn.osc of the article in Ib/in.
The stiffn~ss of the articles such as those shown in Figure 10 was measured using the procedure above. The peak loads recorded ranged between about 0.09 lb to about 0.19 lb, which for the articles' width of 3.25 inch, corresponds to a three point bending stiffness of between about 0.03 lb/in and 0.06 lb/in.
wo 97/32474 PCTtUS97/03224 CONTACT WETNESS MEASUREMENT
The contact wetness of the release surface of the article 20 is measured by pressing the article and a piece of filter paper with a confining pressure of l.0 psi for a period of l0 seconds, and measuring the amount of the liquid material which is transferred from o the article to the filter paper. The filter paper is Filter Paper Grade #989 manufactured by the Ahlstrom Filtration Co. of Mt Holly Springs. Filter Paper Grade #989 has a Cellulose fiber composition and a white, llnfini~hed surface. The filter paper has a basis weight of 137 grams per square meter, a thickness of 0.70 mm, a Frazier Permeability of 39 cfm/square foot, a capillary rise of 87 rnrn/minute, and a retention of 55 micrometers.
15 The contact wetness is measured at a lemp~ldlllre of about 70 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees, and a relative humidity of about 55 percent.
If the article comes with a wrapper (the substrate is pre-impregnated), the contact wetness is measured as follows. A piece of the filter paper is cut to have length and width ~iimen~ions as large as those of the substrate 50. The dry filter paper is weighed. The 20 wrapper sealing the article 20 is removed, and the article is immediately placed on a flat, horizontal surface with the release surface facing upwards. The filter paper is then placed over the release surface of the article to be positioned above the ~ lale 50. A
weight is gently lowered onto the filter paper to apply a uniform p.es~u.e loading of l.0 psi over the substrate (The weight is selected so that the weight divided by the product of 25 the length and width of the substrate, as viewed in Figure 2, equals l.0 psi). The pressure loading is m~int~ined for l 0 seconds, after which the weight is removed and the filter paper is imme~ tçly reweighed. The di~fe.lce between the second and firstweights of the filter paper is the contact wetness for the sample. The norm~li7~d contact wetness of the sample is the contact wetness divided by the weight of liquid material 30 originally hlll,le~ tin~ the substrate.
If the substrate is not pre-impregn~t. d (such that the volatile liquid material must be applied to the substrate by the user prior to use of the article), then the above procedure is used, with the following modification. The volatile liquid material is applied to the substrate. The article is then m~int~in~d on a flat, horizontal surface with 35 the release surface facing upwards for l0 minntec to allow the liquid material to be distributed throughout the substrate. After l 0 minutes, the filter paper is placed over the release surface, and the loading pressure is applied.
wo 97/32474 PCTtUS97/03224 RELEASE RATE MEASUREMENT
The release rate of an article having volatile liquid material is measured using the following procedure. The release rate is measured in a KEM PONENT brand furne hood charnber measuring about 4 foot by 3 foot by 4 foot and manufactured by KewauneeScientific Corp of Adrian, Michigan. The chamber is used with the vent open, the fan lo turned on, and the glass shield raised to the open position. The chamber provides an air speed of about l 50 ft/min, as measured using a Vaneometer m~nuf~ctured by the Dw,ver Instrument Co. of Michigan City, Tn~i~n~ The chamber is m~int~ined at a te~ .dl~lre of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, plus or minus 2 degrees. The pressure in the charnber is m~int~inPd at about l atmosphere and the relative humidity in the chamber is m~int~ine(l s at about 55 percent. A ring stand is positioned in the chamber to support articles for which the release rate is to be measured.
For articles having a substrate pre-impregnated with a volatile liquid material and sealed to prevent evaporation of the volatile liquid material, the release rate is clet~rmin using the following measurements.
The seal preventing evaporation is removed, and the article is imme~i~tely weighed on a balance located in the chamber to obtain a beginning article weight, or WB, in grams. The article is then supported on the ring stand in the chamber. After one hour, the article is again weighed on the balance. This weight is the one-hour article weight, Wl. The article weight is re-measured at one-hour intervals to obtain the two-hour article weight, W2; the three-hour article weight, W3; and the four hour article weight, W4. The article is su~olled on the ring stand in the chamber between each weightmeasurement.
After four hours, the article is supported on the ring stand and periodically re-weighed until sllbst~nti~lly all the volatile material has escaped from the article, such that there is no significant change in the weight of the article on subsequent re-weighings at one hour intervals. The weight of the article at this point is the dry article weight, WD.
The macroscopic surface area of the substrate 50 which was wetted by the volatile liquid material is ~e~ tpcl SA, and is measured in square inches. By macroscopicsurface area, it is meant the surface area of the substrate calculated from the perimetric riim~n~ions (e.g. width and length) of the substrate, as di~,~ te~l from the micro-surface area of individual fibers or filaments m~king up the substrate. The surface area SA is measured when the substrate is substantially dry.
s Those portions of the surface area of the substrate which are sealed (such as by a sleeve 80) so that they cannot release the volatile liquid material are not counted in the area measurement SA. If the article being measured has a porous cover layer 40, the surface area SA is the portion of the surface area of the substrate which underlies the porous cover layer 40 and which is capable of releasing the volatile liquid material (i.e.
o not sealed, such as by a sleeve 80). By way of example, the surface area SA of the substrate 50 shown in Figures 1-2 would be the combined surface areas of the regions 52A, 52B, and 54 underlying the porous cover 40, as viewed in Figure 2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the surface area SA would not include the portion of region 52A covered by sleeve 80.
s For articles having a substrate which is not pre-impregnated with a volatile liquid material, the release rate is determined from the following measurements. The macroscopic surface area, SA, of the dry substrate is measured. The dry article weight, WD, is measured with a balance. The article is then impregnated with the volatile liquid material, and imm~ ely weighed with a balance to obtain the beginning article weight, WB. The article is then supported on the ring stand in the chamber. After one hour, the article is again weighed on the b~l~nre. This weight is the one-hour article weight, Wl.
The article weight is re-measured at one-hour intervals to obtain the two-hour article weight, W2; the three-hour article weight, W3; and the four hour article weight, W4.
The article is supported on the ring stand in the chamber between each weight measurement.
The release rate of articles having pre-impregnated and non-plein~ egn~t~l substrates can be calculated as follows. The weight of the volatile liquid material initially on the article is WL and is equal to WB-WD, in gratns. The one-hour release rate of the article is the weight (WB-WI), in grams, of volatile liquid material released in the first hour, per square inch of surface area SA of the :jul~sllale, per gram of volatile liquid material initially on the article. The one-hour release rate Rl is calculated as:
(WB-WI grams) / [ (WL grams) x (SA square inches)-hr ]
The two hour release rate, R2, can be calculated as follows:
(Wl-W2 grams) / [ (WL grarns) x (SA square inches)-hr ]
The three hour release rate, R3, can be calculated as follows:
(W2-W3 grams) / [ (WL grams) x (SA square inches)-hr ]
The extended four hour release rate, R4, can be calculated as follows:
(W3-W4 grams) / [ (WL grams) x (SA square inches)-hr]
In one embodiment, the present invention provides an extended four hour release rate R4 which is at least about 50 percent, and more preferably at least about 80 percent of the one-hour release rate Rl .
In order to determine a normalized release rate for an article 20, the followingmeasurements are made. A petri dish having a depth of about 0.47 inch and an inner o diameter of 1.7 inch (to provide a petri surface area SP of 2.27 square inches) is weighed to provide a weight of the clean, empty dish, WP. About 1.5 to about 2.0 grarns of the same liquid with which the substrate 50 is impregnated is added to the dish, so that the bottom of the dish is covered. The petri dish and liquid are immediately weighed to provide WBP, the beginning weight of the dish and liquid. The initial liquid weight is WLP=WBP-WP. The dish is placed in the fume hood chamber under the same conditions described above with respect to measuring the releace rates of the article 20.
After one hour, the dish is weighed on the balance. This weight is the one-hour weight, WPl. The petri release rate RP is:
RP = (WBP-WPI) grarns / [(WLP grarns x (SP) square inches-hr]
The norm~li7Pd one hour release rate RlN is the ratio of the release rate Rl divided by the one hour petri release rate RP, or RlN = Rl/RP. Similarly, the norm~li7Pd two, three, and four hour release rates are R2/RP, R3/RP, and R4/RP.
Table 1 below lists Contact Wetness test results for different disposable patch constructions, the different patch types deci~n~t~Pd A-F. Patches A-E are articles according to the present invention. Patch type F is a commercially available REPELLO-PATCH brand patch, described below.
Table 2 below lists release rate test results and nonn~li7Pd release rate test results for patch constructions A-E.
s Table 1: ContactWetness (CW) A. Substrate (50): 2.5" x 2.5", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid: 1.5 gm GERALDEHYDE
Cover Layer(40) LAFF
o CW (n=5) 1.7 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.8 mg 1.0 mg, 1.9 mg/mean 1.3 mg Norm~1i7Pd CW 0.87 mg/gram B. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) LAFF 38 percent open area CW (n=5) 29 mg, 17 mg, 20 mg, 15mg, 23 mg / mean 21 mg Nonn~1i7~1 CW 10.5 mg/gram C. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) Always Ultra Topsheet (DRI-WEAVE) CW (n=3) 25 mg, 20 mg, 27mg / mean 24 mg Norm~1i7~cl CW 12.0 mg/gram D. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) MOLDEX sheet CW (n=3) 1.0 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.8 mg, 1.1 mg, 1.3 mg / mean 0.9 mg Nonn~1i7ecl CW 0.5 mg/gram E. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) 3M Blenderm Brand Surgical Tape no. 1525 CW (n=5) 29 mg, 17 mg, 20 mg, l5mg, 23 mg / mean 21 mg No~n~1i7~.1 CW 10.5 mg/gram F. Substrate(50) REPELLO-PATCH BR~ND
LIQUID average of about 0.73 gm Citronella---Cover Layer None C~ (n=5) 0.51 gm, 0.35 gm, 0.40 gm, 0.39 gm, 0.36 gm / mean 0.40 gm Norrnalized CW 0.55 gram/gm or {550 mg/gm) Table 2 Release Rates o RP (Geraldehyde, 1.5 gm in dish, n=5) = 2.64 mg/gm-square inch-hr A. Substrate (50): 2.5" x 2.5", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid: 1.5 gm GERALDEHYDE
Cover Layer(40) LAFF
Release Rates (mg/gm-square inch-hr) (n=5) Rl: 1.07 R2: 1.39 R3: 0.83 R4: 083 R4/Rl=0.77 Norm~1i7~1 Release rates (dimensionless) based on RP=2.64 RlN: 0.40 R2N: 0.53 R3N: 0.31 R4N: 0.31 RP (Citronella Ceylon, 2.0 gm in dish, n=5) = 28.4 mg/gm-square inch-hr (n=5) B. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon 2s Cover Layer (40) LAFF 38 percent open area Release Rates (mg/gm-square inch-hr) (n=2) Rl: 19.0 R2: 13.2 R3: 9.4 R4: 6.5 R4/Rl=0.34 Norm~1i7~o~1 Release rates (~iimen~ionless) based on RP=28.4 RlN: 0.67 R2N: 0.46 R3N: 0.33 R4N: 0.23 C. Sul~Lia~ (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) Always Ultra Topsheet (DRI-WEAVE) Release Rates (mg/gm-square inch-hr) (n=2) R1: 16.2 R2: 10.6 R3: 6.6 R4: 5.7 R4/Rl=0.35 Norm~1i7P~l Release rates (~lim~n~ionless) based on RP=28.4 RIN:0.57 R2N: 0.37 R3N: 0.23 R4N: 0.20 wo 97/32474 0 Table 2 Continued D. Substrate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) MOLDFX sheet 5 Release Rates (mg/gm-square inch-hr) (n=2) R1: 11.1 R2:9.5 R3:6.4 R4: 1.9 R4/Rl=0.17 Norm~1i7ecl Release rates (~imen~ionless) based on RP=28.4 RlN: 0.39 R2N: 0.33 R3N: 0.22 R4N: 0.07 E. Subskate (50): 1.5" x 4", 2 layers Bounty Towel Liquid 2.0 gm Citronella Ceylon Cover Layer (40) 3M Blenderm Brand Surgical Tape no. 1525 Release Rates (mg/gm-square inch-hr) (n=2) Rl: 6.2 R2: 6.1 R3: 5.4 R4: 1.6 R4/Rl=0.26 Norm~li7P(I Release rates (-iim~n.~ionless) based on RP=28.4 RlN: 0.22 R2N: 0.21 R3N: 0.19 R4N: 0.06 One and two-hour release rates were also measured for a first sample of a commercially available bug repellent patch marketed as REPELLO-PATCH by P.J.
Maxwell. The sample REPELLO-PATCH tested had a dry, uncovered substrate having a surface area SA of about 3.5 square inches and a separately packaged liquid material which was added to the substrate. The separately packaged liquid material was labeled 0 as being 99 percent citronella. About 0.75 grams of the separately packaged liquid material was added to the substrate. The one hour release rate was determined to be - about 0.0098 grams/square inch-gram-hour, and the two hour release rate was deterrnined to be about 0.0074 grarns /square inch-gram-hour. One, two, three, and four-hour release rates for a second sample of a REPE~LO-PATCH brand path were also ls measured, with the following results in grams/square inch-gram-hour: 0.0048, 0.0040, 0.0036, and 0.0034.
In the embo~iment~ described, the substrate 50 is impregnated with substance effective for repelling insects. In other embo-limPnt~, the substrate 50 can be impregn~tPd with materials which are effective in providing a desired fragrance, such as p~,lrwlle materials, or combinations of such materials.
While particular emborliment~ of the present invention have been illustrated anddescribed, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
It is inten-lPcl to cover, in the appended claims, all such modifications and inten~ed uses.
Claims (32)
1. A portable, disposable article for providing release of a volatile liquid substance from a release surface of the article, the article comprising a substrate impregnated with the volatile liquid material, wherein the release surface of the article has a contact wetness of less than about 100 mg gram.
2. The portable disposable article of Claim 1 wherein the release surface has a contact wetness of less than about 50 mg.
3. The portable disposable article of Claim 2 wherein the release surface has a contact wetness of less than about 25 mg.
4. The portable disposable article of Claim 1 wherein the release surface has a normalized contact wetness of less than about 100 mg/gram.
5. The portable disposable article of Claim 4 wherein the release surface has a normalized contact wetness of less than about 25 mg/gram.
6. The portable disposable article of Claim 1 wherein the article has a normalized release rate of at least about 0.25.
7. The article of Claim 6 wherein the article has a normalized release rate of at least about 0.40.
8. The article of Claim 7 wherein the article has a normalized release rate of at least about 0.50.
9. The article of Claim 1 wherein the article has a substrate impregnated about 2.0 grams or less of the volatile liquid material.
10. The article of Claim 9 wherein the ratio of the weight of the volatile liquid material to the weight of the substrate is at least about 2Ø
11. The article of Claim 1 wherein the article has a maximum caliper no greater than about_3.0 mm.
12. The article of Claim 1 wherein the volatile liquid material comprises an insect repellent.
13. A portable, disposable article for providing controlled release of a volatile liquid substance, the article comprising:
a substrate impregnated with a volatile liquid substance; and a porous cover layer for providing release of the volatile substance from the article;
wherein the article has a normalized release rate of at least about 0.25, and wherein the porous cover layer has a contact wetness of less than about 100 mg.
a substrate impregnated with a volatile liquid substance; and a porous cover layer for providing release of the volatile substance from the article;
wherein the article has a normalized release rate of at least about 0.25, and wherein the porous cover layer has a contact wetness of less than about 100 mg.
14. The article of Claim 13 wherein the porous cover layer has a contact wetness of less than about 50 mg.
15. The article of Claim 14 wherein the release surface has a normalized contactwetness of less than about 25 mg/gram.
16. The article of Claim 13 wherein the porous cover layer has an opening area ratio of at least about 20 percent.
17. The article of Claim 16 wherein the porous cover layer has an opening area ratio of at least about 30 percent.
18. The article of Claim 13 wherein the porous cover layer has a caliper of at least about 0.015 inch.
19. The article of Claim 18 wherein the porous cover layer has a caliper of at least about 0.050 inch.
20. The article of Claim 13 wherein the article has a substrate impregnated about 2.0 grams or less of the volatile liquid material.
21. The article of Claim 20 wherein the ratio of the weight of the volatile liquid material to the weight of the substrate is at least about 2Ø
22. The article of Claim 13 wherein the article has a maximum caliper no greater than about 3.0 millimeter.
23. The article of Claim 13 wherein the volatile liquid material comprises an insect repellent.
24. A portable, disposable article for providing release of a volatile liquid substance, the article comprising:
a porous cover layer having a plurality of apertures for providing release of the volatile liquid substance from the article, wherein the porous cover layer has an open area ratio of at least about 20 percent, and wherein the porous cover layer has a contact wetness of less than about 100 mg;
a barrier layer. the barrier layer being generally impervious to the volatile liquid substance; and a substrate impregnated with the volatile liquid substance, wherein at least a portion of the substrate is disposed intermediate the porous cover layer and thebarrier layer.
a porous cover layer having a plurality of apertures for providing release of the volatile liquid substance from the article, wherein the porous cover layer has an open area ratio of at least about 20 percent, and wherein the porous cover layer has a contact wetness of less than about 100 mg;
a barrier layer. the barrier layer being generally impervious to the volatile liquid substance; and a substrate impregnated with the volatile liquid substance, wherein at least a portion of the substrate is disposed intermediate the porous cover layer and thebarrier layer.
25. The article of Claim 24 wherein the porous cover layer has an open area ratio of at least about 30 percent, and wherein the porous cover layer has a contact wetness of less than about 50 mg.
26. The article of Claim 24 wherein the article comprises no more than about 2.0grams of the volatile liquid material, and wherein the article has a normalized release rate of at least about 0.40.
27. The article of Claim 25 wherein the ratio of the weight of the volatile liquid material to the weight of the substrate is at least about 2Ø
28. A composition which is both an insect repellent and a perfume. the composition comprising:
Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol;
3,7-dimethyl-2,6-Octadien-1-al;
5,9-dimethyl-4,8-decadienal;
p-Mentha-1,8-diene;
o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol; and 4-Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate.
Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol;
3,7-dimethyl-2,6-Octadien-1-al;
5,9-dimethyl-4,8-decadienal;
p-Mentha-1,8-diene;
o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol; and 4-Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate.
29. The formulation of Claim 28, wherein the composition comprises. on a weight percentage basis:
about 0 percent to about 5 percent Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol;
about 50 percent to about 90 percent 3,7-dimethyl-2.6-Octadien-1-al;
about 1 percent to about 10 percent 5,9-dimethyl-4,8-decadienal;
about 5 percent to about 20 percent p-Mentha-1.8-diene;
about 5 percent to about 15 percent o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol: and about 0 percent to about 5 percent 4-Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate.
about 0 percent to about 5 percent Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol;
about 50 percent to about 90 percent 3,7-dimethyl-2.6-Octadien-1-al;
about 1 percent to about 10 percent 5,9-dimethyl-4,8-decadienal;
about 5 percent to about 20 percent p-Mentha-1.8-diene;
about 5 percent to about 15 percent o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol: and about 0 percent to about 5 percent 4-Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate.
30. The formulation of Claim 29, wherein the composition comprises, on a weight percentage basis:
about 1.0 percent Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol;
about 75 percent 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-Octadien-1-al;
about 0.5 percent 5,9-dimethyl-4,8-decadienal;
about 15 percentp-Mentha-1,8-diene;
about 7.5 percent o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol; and about 1.0 percent 4-Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate.
about 1.0 percent Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol;
about 75 percent 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-Octadien-1-al;
about 0.5 percent 5,9-dimethyl-4,8-decadienal;
about 15 percentp-Mentha-1,8-diene;
about 7.5 percent o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol; and about 1.0 percent 4-Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate.
31. A method for both perfuming a volume and repelling insects from said volume.comprising the step of introducing into said volume a perfuming and insect repelling concentration and quantity of a composition comprising:
Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol;
3,7-dimethyl-2,6-Octadien-1-al;
5,9-dimethyl-4,8-decadienal;
p-Mentha-1,8-diene;
o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol; and 4-Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate.
Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol;
3,7-dimethyl-2,6-Octadien-1-al;
5,9-dimethyl-4,8-decadienal;
p-Mentha-1,8-diene;
o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol; and 4-Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate.
32. The method of Claim 31 comprising the step of introducing into said volume aperfuming and insect repelling concentration and quantity of a composition comprising, on a weight percentage basis:
about 0 percent to about 5 percent Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol;
about 50 percent to about 90 percent 3,7-dimethyl-2.6-Octadien-1-al;
about 1 percent to about 10 percent 5,9-dimethyl-4.8-decadienal;
about 5 percent to about 20 percent p-Mentha-1,8-diene;
about 5 percent to about 15 percent o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol; and about 0 percent to about 5 percent 4-Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate.
about 0 percent to about 5 percent Para-Isopropylcyclohexanol;
about 50 percent to about 90 percent 3,7-dimethyl-2.6-Octadien-1-al;
about 1 percent to about 10 percent 5,9-dimethyl-4.8-decadienal;
about 5 percent to about 20 percent p-Mentha-1,8-diene;
about 5 percent to about 15 percent o-methyl-betaphenylethyl alcohol; and about 0 percent to about 5 percent 4-Cyclooctenyl methyl carbonate.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US1306596P | 1996-03-08 | 1996-03-08 | |
| US60/013,065 | 1996-03-08 | ||
| US08/691,197 US6162454A (en) | 1996-03-08 | 1996-08-07 | Insect repellent article providing low contact wetness |
| US08/691,197 | 1996-08-07 | ||
| PCT/US1997/003224 WO1997032474A1 (en) | 1996-03-08 | 1997-02-28 | Insect repellent article providing low contact wetness |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2248319A1 true CA2248319A1 (en) | 1997-09-12 |
Family
ID=29424304
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002248319A Abandoned CA2248319A1 (en) | 1996-03-08 | 1997-02-28 | Insect repellent article providing low contact wetness |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2248319A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112386734A (en) * | 2019-08-15 | 2021-02-23 | 睿泽企业股份有限公司 | Volatile liquid containing device |
-
1997
- 1997-02-28 CA CA002248319A patent/CA2248319A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112386734A (en) * | 2019-08-15 | 2021-02-23 | 睿泽企业股份有限公司 | Volatile liquid containing device |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20031014 |