EP1185311A1 - Absorbent article that contains an active additive and use of a visual indicator in an absorbent article - Google Patents
Absorbent article that contains an active additive and use of a visual indicator in an absorbent articleInfo
- Publication number
- EP1185311A1 EP1185311A1 EP00939261A EP00939261A EP1185311A1 EP 1185311 A1 EP1185311 A1 EP 1185311A1 EP 00939261 A EP00939261 A EP 00939261A EP 00939261 A EP00939261 A EP 00939261A EP 1185311 A1 EP1185311 A1 EP 1185311A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- absorbent article
- visual indicator
- active additive
- active
- acid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 47
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 47
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 39
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 36
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 30
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 206010021639 Incontinence Diseases 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 241000186660 Lactobacillus Species 0.000 claims description 16
- KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N citric acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC(O)(C(O)=O)CC(O)=O KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000013543 active substance Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N lactic acid Chemical compound CC(O)C(O)=O JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000004310 lactic acid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000014655 lactic acid Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 claims description 5
- ZXJXZNDDNMQXFV-UHFFFAOYSA-M crystal violet Chemical compound [Cl-].C1=CC(N(C)C)=CC=C1[C+](C=1C=CC(=CC=1)N(C)C)C1=CC=C(N(C)C)C=C1 ZXJXZNDDNMQXFV-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 claims description 3
- STZCRXQWRGQSJD-GEEYTBSJSA-M methyl orange Chemical compound [Na+].C1=CC(N(C)C)=CC=C1\N=N\C1=CC=C(S([O-])(=O)=O)C=C1 STZCRXQWRGQSJD-GEEYTBSJSA-M 0.000 claims description 3
- 229940012189 methyl orange Drugs 0.000 claims description 3
- CEQFOVLGLXCDCX-WUKNDPDISA-N methyl red Chemical compound C1=CC(N(C)C)=CC=C1\N=N\C1=CC=CC=C1C(O)=O CEQFOVLGLXCDCX-WUKNDPDISA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- HBRCDTRQDHMTDA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-[[4-(diethylamino)phenyl]diazenyl]benzoic acid Chemical compound C1=CC(N(CC)CC)=CC=C1N=NC1=CC=CC=C1C(O)=O HBRCDTRQDHMTDA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- MKNQNPYGAQGARI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-(bromomethyl)phenol Chemical compound OC1=CC=C(CBr)C=C1 MKNQNPYGAQGARI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- FRPHFZCDPYBUAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Bromocresolgreen Chemical compound CC1=C(Br)C(O)=C(Br)C=C1C1(C=2C(=C(Br)C(O)=C(Br)C=2)C)C2=CC=CC=C2S(=O)(=O)O1 FRPHFZCDPYBUAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- HMEKVHWROSNWPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Erioglaucine A Chemical compound [NH4+].[NH4+].C=1C=C(C(=C2C=CC(C=C2)=[N+](CC)CC=2C=C(C=CC=2)S([O-])(=O)=O)C=2C(=CC=CC=2)S([O-])(=O)=O)C=CC=1N(CC)CC1=CC=CC(S([O-])(=O)=O)=C1 HMEKVHWROSNWPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 240000006024 Lactobacillus plantarum Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000013965 Lactobacillus plantarum Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001045 blue dye Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- UDSAIICHUKSCKT-UHFFFAOYSA-N bromophenol blue Chemical compound C1=C(Br)C(O)=C(Br)C=C1C1(C=2C=C(Br)C(O)=C(Br)C=2)C2=CC=CC=C2S(=O)(=O)O1 UDSAIICHUKSCKT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- UHXQPQCJDDSMCB-UHFFFAOYSA-L disodium;3-[[9,10-dioxo-4-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-sulfonatoanilino)anthracen-1-yl]amino]-2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].CC1=CC(C)=C(S([O-])(=O)=O)C(C)=C1NC(C=1C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2C(=O)C=11)=CC=C1NC1=C(C)C=C(C)C(S([O-])(=O)=O)=C1C UHXQPQCJDDSMCB-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940072205 lactobacillus plantarum Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940039696 lactobacillus Drugs 0.000 claims 2
- 241000237519 Bivalvia Species 0.000 claims 1
- 244000297179 Syringa vulgaris Species 0.000 claims 1
- 235000004338 Syringa vulgaris Nutrition 0.000 claims 1
- 235000020639 clam Nutrition 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920000247 superabsorbent polymer Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000004583 superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) Substances 0.000 description 6
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 4
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- -1 airlaid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- RGCKGOZRHPZPFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N alizarin Chemical compound C1=CC=C2C(=O)C3=C(O)C(O)=CC=C3C(=O)C2=C1 RGCKGOZRHPZPFP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000001771 impaired effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006210 lotion Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- KJFMBFZCATUALV-UHFFFAOYSA-N phenolphthalein Chemical compound C1=CC(O)=CC=C1C1(C=2C=CC(O)=CC=2)C2=CC=CC=C2C(=O)O1 KJFMBFZCATUALV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010457 zeolite Substances 0.000 description 2
- UFBJCMHMOXMLKC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,4-dinitrophenol Chemical compound OC1=CC=C([N+]([O-])=O)C=C1[N+]([O-])=O UFBJCMHMOXMLKC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RTZZCYNQPHTPPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-nitrophenol Chemical compound OC1=CC=CC([N+]([O-])=O)=C1 RTZZCYNQPHTPPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZPLCXHWYPWVJDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 4-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one Chemical compound C1=CC(O)=CC=C1CC1NC(=O)OC1 ZPLCXHWYPWVJDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 102100031260 Acyl-coenzyme A thioesterase THEM4 Human genes 0.000 description 1
- ATJXMQHAMYVHRX-CPCISQLKSA-N Ellagic acid Natural products OC1=C(O)[C@H]2OC(=O)c3cc(O)c(O)c4OC(=O)C(=C1)[C@H]2c34 ATJXMQHAMYVHRX-CPCISQLKSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 101000638510 Homo sapiens Acyl-coenzyme A thioesterase THEM4 Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 101001018064 Homo sapiens Lysosomal-trafficking regulator Proteins 0.000 description 1
- IJKRDVKGCQRKBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lactobacillinsaeure Natural products CCCCCCC1CC1CCCCCCCCCC(O)=O IJKRDVKGCQRKBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 102100033472 Lysosomal-trafficking regulator Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 244000038561 Modiola caroliniana Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000010703 Modiola caroliniana Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- BELBBZDIHDAJOR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phenolsulfonephthalein Chemical compound C1=CC(O)=CC=C1C1(C=2C=CC(O)=CC=2)C2=CC=CC=C2S(=O)(=O)O1 BELBBZDIHDAJOR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920001131 Pulp (paper) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910021536 Zeolite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000001580 bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- OBRMNDMBJQTZHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N cresol red Chemical compound C1=C(O)C(C)=CC(C2(C3=CC=CC=C3S(=O)(=O)O2)C=2C=C(C)C(O)=CC=2)=C1 OBRMNDMBJQTZHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006735 deficit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002781 deodorant agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxosilane;oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O HNPSIPDUKPIQMN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RAGZEDHHTPQLAI-UHFFFAOYSA-L disodium;2',4',5',7'-tetraiodo-3-oxospiro[2-benzofuran-1,9'-xanthene]-3',6'-diolate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].O1C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2C21C1=CC(I)=C([O-])C(I)=C1OC1=C(I)C([O-])=C(I)C=C21 RAGZEDHHTPQLAI-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003112 inhibitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- IJKRDVKGCQRKBI-ZWKOTPCHSA-N lactobacillic acid Chemical compound CCCCCC[C@H]1C[C@H]1CCCCCCCCCC(O)=O IJKRDVKGCQRKBI-ZWKOTPCHSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 231100000252 nontoxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000003000 nontoxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012785 packaging film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006280 packaging film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007793 ph indicator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960003531 phenolsulfonphthalein Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- ZHFPEICFUVWJIS-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium 2-hydroxy-5-[(3-nitrophenyl)diazenyl]benzoate Chemical compound [Na+].Oc1ccc(cc1C([O-])=O)N=Nc1cccc(c1)[N+]([O-])=O ZHFPEICFUVWJIS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- PRZSXZWFJHEZBJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N thymol blue Chemical compound C1=C(O)C(C(C)C)=CC(C2(C3=CC=CC=C3S(=O)(=O)O2)C=2C(=CC(O)=C(C(C)C)C=2)C)=C1C PRZSXZWFJHEZBJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/42—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with wetness indicator or alarm
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
- A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
- A61L15/42—Use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties
- A61L15/56—Wetness-indicators or colourants
Definitions
- ABSORBENT AR ⁇ CLE THAT CONTAINS AN ACTIVE ADDITlVE AND USE OF A VISUAL INDICATOR IN AN ABSORBENT AR ⁇ CLE
- the present invention relates to an absorbent article that contains one or more active substances, and is characterised in that the absorbent article comprises a visual indicator that shows the activity status of the active substance.
- additives have been included in absorbent articles. These additives, or active substances, are often included to improve the properties of the product in some way.
- active additives are odour-inhibiting additives, or deodorants, such as zeolites and silica for instance, as described for example in WO 97/46188, WO 97/46190, WO 97/46192, WO 97/46193, WO 97/46195 and WO 97/46196.
- active additives shall function mainly in the actual product.
- Other examples of active additives include softeners, such as lotions, in diapers, which softeners are intended to be transferred from the product to the wearer's skin.
- Further examples include the addition of acid superabsorbent polymers (SAP) (SE- 9804390-4, SE-9804360-7), citric acid (US-A-4,583,980, GB-A-1317156), lactic acid (EP-A-0257007), or some form of acid-producing bacteria for preventing the occurrence of malodours in the products.
- SAP acid superabsorbent polymers
- An example of the addition of acid- producing bacteria is the addition of lactobacilli for inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the product. The lactobacilli may also be transferred to the wearer of the article, thereby enhancing defence against undesired bacteria.
- lactobacilli and the effect of such addition is mentioned in, inter alia, SE 9703669-3, SE 9502588-8, WO 92/13577, SE 9801951-6, SE 9804390-4 and SE 9902207-1.
- the invention relates to an absorbent article that contains at least one active additive, characterised in that said article comprises a visual indicator that indicates the activity status of the active additive.
- absorbent article is meant, for instance, a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence protector, a tampon, a panty liner and similar products that are comprised partially of an absorbent material, for instance a cellulose material such as airlaid, LDA, chemical pulp or CTMP.
- an absorbent material for instance a cellulose material such as airlaid, LDA, chemical pulp or CTMP.
- active additive is meant a substance, an agent, or a composition that is added to the absorbent article in manufacture and that is intended to change or improve the function of the article in some way.
- active additives include odour inhibitors, such as zeolite and silica, softeners such as lotions, lactobacilli for inhibiting the growth of other micro-organisms, and acids, such as lactic acid and citric acid, acid SAP, and partially neutralised SAP, which are intended to lower the pH and thereby inhibit bacterial growth.
- visual indicator is meant a substance, a composition, or a material that gives a visual indication of changed conditions in its environment, for instance changes in pH, moisture content or temperature.
- visual indicators are chemical substances such as methyl red, methyl violet, methyl orange, bromocresol mauve, Acid Blue 80, blue dye Calcocid Blue 2G, ethyl red, bromophenol blue, bromocresol green, crystal violet, cresol red, thymol blue, erythrosine B, 2,4- dinitrophenol, EriochromeTM Black T, alizarin, bromothymol blue, phenol red, m- nitrophenol, o-cresolphthaelin, phenolphthalein, tymolphthalein, alizarin Yellow Reller, and such material as litmus paper.
- an active additive By the activity of an active additive is meant its ability to perform its intended function. If an active additive has impaired activity, this means that its ability to produce lactic acid for instance, as in the case with lactobacilli, is worse than normal. Accordingly, by the activity status of an additive is meant the state of the activity possessed by an active additive on a given occasion.
- the object of the invention is to provide an absorbent article that can indicate the activity status of an active additive included in said article.
- This object can be achieved by including in the absorbent article a visual indicator that will show a change in pH in the absorbent article, said change in pH occurring as a result of a change in the active additive.
- This change may be because the environment in the absorbent article has become more basic, or more acid, depending on the properties of the active additive and/or of the absorbent article.
- the visual indicator will therefore preferably be selected on the basis of the properties of the active additive and the absorbent article.
- this is achieved by including in the absorbent article a visual indicator that will give an indication that an included active additive is active and that it remains active during use.
- the active additive produces acid, which results in a change in colour of the visual indicator.
- This colour change then indicates that the active additive is still active.
- the colour change takes place in the pH range of 4-7, or preferably in the pH range of 5-7.
- the active additive may, for instance, be a micro-organism.
- the active additive is an acid producing micro-organism.
- the active substance consists of lactobacilli.
- the active additive consists of lactobacilli of the strain Lactobacillus plantarum LB 931 (deposition No. (DSM): 41918).
- An active additive that consists of lactobacilli is sensitive to moisture take-up.
- the lactobacilli are activated and consumed when stored over a long period of time in a moist environment.
- a colour change in accordance with the aforedescribed embodiment may indicate that the lactobacilli have been activated prematurely, i.e. prior to use of the product.
- this will be shown by the visual indicator by virtue of a visible colour change.
- the visual indicator will normally show a colour change when use of the product is commenced.
- the visual indicator shows a colour change when the active substance exhibits activity. According to another embodiment, the visual indicator shows a colour change when the active substance has been consumed, either in the package prior to use, for instance as a result of poor storage conditions, or during use of the absorbent article.
- the visual indicator shows a colour change when the absorbent article has taken up moisture, for instance when the absorbent article has taken-up and contains >10 percent by weight liquid.
- the active additive or substance is citric acid.
- Citric acid is activated when wetting the absorbent article, which is indicated by a suitable pH indicator.
- Lactic acid, acid SAP and partially neutralised SAP may also be used as the active additive.
- the visual indicator will preferably be applied in the lowest possible concentration, preferably in a volume of at most 0.1 ml, and more preferably in a volume of at most 0,01 ml. However, the preferred volume depends on the type of visual indicator and the type of absorbent product. Typically, the amount of the visual indicator that is used is approximately 0.1 g/cm 2 . The total surface that will be used for application of the visual indicator is typically 1 cm 2 .
- the visual indicator may be applied in a pattern, such as in stripes, flowers, dots, loops or text that appear when the visual indicator changes colour. The visual indicator may be applied on top of LDA, or preferably in the nonwoven outer sheet (NW) of the absorbent article.
- the visual indicator is placed on one of the uppermost layers in the absorbent article and that the visual indicator can be detected on the surface of said article.
- the packaging unit in which the inventive absorbent article is packaged may be transparent, so that the visual indicator can be seen from outside the package.
- the absorbent article is, for instance, a panty liner that consists of three layers of material, to-wit an upper nonwoven layer (NW), an intermediate LDA layer and a bottom plastic layer.
- This article also includes an active substance, for instance lactobacilli or lactic acid, which is applied in the absorbent article.
- the indicator may be applied on the LDA layer or on the NW layer and will conveniently be visible from outside the package.
- the visual indicator is non-toxic or in not in any way harmful to the person wearing the absorbent article.
- the visual indicator may be printed on the absorbent article with the aid of a print roller, or optionally on packaging film that is in contact with the article. This can be effected by rolling roll material over a print roller that is in contact with a bath of indicator liquid.
- the technique is well known from the printing trade.
- the invention can be applied with absorbent articles such as diapers, panty liners, incontinence protectors, napkins and tampons, and finds the most beneficial use in panty liners, incontinence protectors and diapers.
- One advantage afforded by the invention is that the consumer obtains information relating to the durability of the product and that the quality of the purchased product is fully satisfactory.
- Another advantage afforded by the invention is that it is possible to see when the active substance has been impaired as a result of external conditions, and if so where in the handling chain from the manufacture to the use of the product the impairment has occurred. This enables the various stages in the handling chain to be improved and also enables products whose active substance is no longer fully active to be removed from said chain.
- Another important advantage afforded with the aid of the invention is that it can be seen when an active substance has been active during use. This activity can be observed after use by virtue of a colour change.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
Abstract
Active additive substances in absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, tampons, incontinence protectors and diapers, often have limited durability, and have been found to lose their properties and their activity when handled unfavourably. Thus, it is important to be able to determine the activity status of the active additive substance when the absorbent article is used and handled. The present invention relates to an absorbent article that includes at least one active additive substance and that also comprises a visual indicator which gives an indication of the activity status of said active additive substance.
Description
ABSORBENT ARΗCLE THAT CONTAINS AN ACTIVE ADDITlVE AND USE OF A VISUAL INDICATOR IN AN ABSORBENT ARΗCLE
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to an absorbent article that contains one or more active substances, and is characterised in that the absorbent article comprises a visual indicator that shows the activity status of the active substance.
BACKGROUND ART
In recent times, different additives have been included in absorbent articles. These additives, or active substances, are often included to improve the properties of the product in some way. Examples of active additives are odour-inhibiting additives, or deodorants, such as zeolites and silica for instance, as described for example in WO 97/46188, WO 97/46190, WO 97/46192, WO 97/46193, WO 97/46195 and WO 97/46196. These additives shall function mainly in the actual product. Other examples of active additives include softeners, such as lotions, in diapers, which softeners are intended to be transferred from the product to the wearer's skin. Further examples include the addition of acid superabsorbent polymers (SAP) (SE- 9804390-4, SE-9804360-7), citric acid (US-A-4,583,980, GB-A-1317156), lactic acid (EP-A-0257007), or some form of acid-producing bacteria for preventing the occurrence of malodours in the products. An example of the addition of acid- producing bacteria is the addition of lactobacilli for inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the product. The lactobacilli may also be transferred to the wearer of the article, thereby enhancing defence against undesired bacteria. The addition of lactobacilli and the effect of such addition is mentioned in, inter alia, SE 9703669-3, SE 9502588-8, WO 92/13577, SE 9801951-6, SE 9804390-4 and SE 9902207-1.
PROBLEMS AND DEFICIENCIES WITH KNOWN TECHNOLOGY
One problem with absorbent products that contain active additives is that the substances often have limited durability. For instance, lactobacilli can be affected negatively by moisture absorption in storage, thereby impairing the effect of the lactobacilli. It is therefore important to package the products in a manner, which will ensure the longest possible durability. It is also important, of course, to ensure that manufacturing conditions, storage conditions and transportation conditions are such as to make certain that the product will remain durable for as long as possible. It is often very difficult to ensure that a product has been handled optimally throughout the entire chain from its manufacture to its use. Furthermore, it can be difficult to determine whether or not the active substance in the absorbent product is still fully active.
There is at present no way of determining whether or not an absorbent article that contains active additives has normal activity and function potential.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an absorbent article that contains at least one active additive, characterised in that said article comprises a visual indicator that indicates the activity status of the active additive.
DEFINITIONS
By absorbent article is meant, for instance, a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence protector, a tampon, a panty liner and similar products that are comprised partially of an absorbent material, for instance a cellulose material such as airlaid, LDA, chemical pulp or CTMP.
By active additive is meant a substance, an agent, or a composition that is added to the absorbent article in manufacture and that is intended to change or improve the function of the article in some way. Examples of active additives include odour
inhibitors, such as zeolite and silica, softeners such as lotions, lactobacilli for inhibiting the growth of other micro-organisms, and acids, such as lactic acid and citric acid, acid SAP, and partially neutralised SAP, which are intended to lower the pH and thereby inhibit bacterial growth.
By visual indicator is meant a substance, a composition, or a material that gives a visual indication of changed conditions in its environment, for instance changes in pH, moisture content or temperature. Examples of visual indicators are chemical substances such as methyl red, methyl violet, methyl orange, bromocresol mauve, Acid Blue 80, blue dye Calcocid Blue 2G, ethyl red, bromophenol blue, bromocresol green, crystal violet, cresol red, thymol blue, erythrosine B, 2,4- dinitrophenol, Eriochrome™ Black T, alizarin, bromothymol blue, phenol red, m- nitrophenol, o-cresolphthaelin, phenolphthalein, tymolphthalein, alizarin Yellow Reller, and such material as litmus paper.
By the activity of an active additive is meant its ability to perform its intended function. If an active additive has impaired activity, this means that its ability to produce lactic acid for instance, as in the case with lactobacilli, is worse than normal. Accordingly, by the activity status of an additive is meant the state of the activity possessed by an active additive on a given occasion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The object of the invention is to provide an absorbent article that can indicate the activity status of an active additive included in said article.
This object can be achieved by including in the absorbent article a visual indicator that will show a change in pH in the absorbent article, said change in pH occurring as a result of a change in the active additive. This change may be because the environment in the absorbent article has become more basic, or more acid, depending on the properties of the active additive and/or of the absorbent article.
The visual indicator will therefore preferably be selected on the basis of the properties of the active additive and the absorbent article.
According to one embodiment of the invention, this is achieved by including in the absorbent article a visual indicator that will give an indication that an included active additive is active and that it remains active during use. In this regard, the active additive produces acid, which results in a change in colour of the visual indicator. This colour change then indicates that the active additive is still active. In a preferred embodiment, the colour change takes place in the pH range of 4-7, or preferably in the pH range of 5-7.
The active additive may, for instance, be a micro-organism. According to one preferred embodiment, the active additive is an acid producing micro-organism. According to a more preferred embodiment, the active substance consists of lactobacilli. In an even more preferred embodiment, the active additive consists of lactobacilli of the strain Lactobacillus plantarum LB 931 (deposition No. (DSM): 41918).
An active additive that consists of lactobacilli is sensitive to moisture take-up. The lactobacilli are activated and consumed when stored over a long period of time in a moist environment. This means that a colour change in accordance with the aforedescribed embodiment may indicate that the lactobacilli have been activated prematurely, i.e. prior to use of the product. In such a case, this will be shown by the visual indicator by virtue of a visible colour change. When no colour change can be seen on the visual indicator prior to use, this can be interpreted as meaning that the lactobacilli have still not been activated and that the product is in a fully satisfactory state. Thus, the visual indicator will normally show a colour change when use of the product is commenced.
According to one embodiment, the visual indicator shows a colour change when the active substance exhibits activity.
According to another embodiment, the visual indicator shows a colour change when the active substance has been consumed, either in the package prior to use, for instance as a result of poor storage conditions, or during use of the absorbent article.
According to still another embodiment, the visual indicator shows a colour change when the absorbent article has taken up moisture, for instance when the absorbent article has taken-up and contains >10 percent by weight liquid.
According to yet another embodiment, the active additive or substance is citric acid. Citric acid is activated when wetting the absorbent article, which is indicated by a suitable pH indicator.
Lactic acid, acid SAP and partially neutralised SAP may also be used as the active additive.
The visual indicator will preferably be applied in the lowest possible concentration, preferably in a volume of at most 0.1 ml, and more preferably in a volume of at most 0,01 ml. However, the preferred volume depends on the type of visual indicator and the type of absorbent product. Typically, the amount of the visual indicator that is used is approximately 0.1 g/cm2. The total surface that will be used for application of the visual indicator is typically 1 cm2. The visual indicator may be applied in a pattern, such as in stripes, flowers, dots, loops or text that appear when the visual indicator changes colour. The visual indicator may be applied on top of LDA, or preferably in the nonwoven outer sheet (NW) of the absorbent article. It is preferred that the visual indicator is placed on one of the uppermost layers in the absorbent article and that the visual indicator can be detected on the surface of said article. The packaging unit in which the inventive absorbent article is packaged may be transparent, so that the visual indicator can be seen from outside the package.
In one embodiment, the absorbent article is, for instance, a panty liner that consists of three layers of material, to-wit an upper nonwoven layer (NW), an intermediate LDA layer and a bottom plastic layer. This article also includes an active substance, for instance lactobacilli or lactic acid, which is applied in the absorbent article. In this case, the indicator may be applied on the LDA layer or on the NW layer and will conveniently be visible from outside the package.
It is important that the visual indicator is non-toxic or in not in any way harmful to the person wearing the absorbent article.
According to the invention, the visual indicator may be printed on the absorbent article with the aid of a print roller, or optionally on packaging film that is in contact with the article. This can be effected by rolling roll material over a print roller that is in contact with a bath of indicator liquid. The technique is well known from the printing trade.
The invention can be applied with absorbent articles such as diapers, panty liners, incontinence protectors, napkins and tampons, and finds the most beneficial use in panty liners, incontinence protectors and diapers.
ADVANTAGES AFFORDED BY THE INVENTION
One advantage afforded by the invention is that the consumer obtains information relating to the durability of the product and that the quality of the purchased product is fully satisfactory.
Another advantage afforded by the invention is that it is possible to see when the active substance has been impaired as a result of external conditions, and if so where in the handling chain from the manufacture to the use of the product the impairment has occurred. This enables the various stages in the handling chain to be
improved and also enables products whose active substance is no longer fully active to be removed from said chain.
Another important advantage afforded with the aid of the invention is that it can be seen when an active substance has been active during use. This activity can be observed after use by virtue of a colour change.
Claims
1 An absorbent article, such as a diaper, a panty liner, an incontinence protector, a napkin, or a tampon that includes at least one active additive substance, characterised in that the absorbent article comprises a visual indicator that indicates the activity status of the active additive.
2. An absorbent article according to Claim 1, characterised in that the visual indicator changes colour in response to a change in pH or a change in the moisture content of the absorbent article.
3. An absorbent article according to any one of Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the visual indicator is comprised of methyl red, methyl violet, methyl orange, bromocresol lilac, Acid Blue 80, blue dye Calcocid Blue 2G, ethyl red, bromophenol blue, bromocresol green, preferably methyl orange, methyl red or methyl violet.
4. An absorbent article according to any one of Claims 1-3, characterised in that the active additive is a micro-organism, preferably an acid producing micro- organism, more preferably a lactobacillus, and still more preferably a lactobacillus of the strain Lactobacillus plantarum LB931 (DSM No. 41918).
5. An absorbent article according to any one of Claims 1-3, characterised in that the active substance is an acid, preferably citric acid, lactic acid or acid SAP.
6. An absorbent article according to any one of Clams 1-5, characterised in that the visual indicator is placed on one of the uppermost layers of the absorbent product; and in that the visual indicator can be detected on the surface of the product.
7. The use of a visual indicator in an absorbent article, such as a diaper, a panty liner, an incontinence protector, a napkin or a tampon, that includes at least one active additive substance which provides an indication of the activity status of said active additive substance.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE9902207A SE9902207L (en) | 1999-06-11 | 1999-06-11 | Use of moisture-tight packaging for absorbent articles containing moisture-sensitive additives |
| SE9902207 | 1999-06-11 | ||
| SE9904648A SE514339C2 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 1999-12-17 | ABSORBING PRODUCTS WITH VISUAL INDICATOR TO DETERMINE THE ACTIVITY OF AN ACTIVE ADDITIVE CONTAINING IN THE ABSORBENT PRODUCT |
| SE9904648 | 1999-12-17 | ||
| PCT/SE2000/001206 WO2000076558A1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2000-06-09 | Absorbent article that contains an active additive and use of a visual indicator in an absorbent article |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP1185311A1 true EP1185311A1 (en) | 2002-03-13 |
Family
ID=26663597
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP00939261A Withdrawn EP1185311A1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2000-06-09 | Absorbent article that contains an active additive and use of a visual indicator in an absorbent article |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1185311A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2003501216A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU5437700A (en) |
| CO (1) | CO5190707A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA01012520A (en) |
| PE (1) | PE20010003A1 (en) |
| PL (1) | PL352190A1 (en) |
| SE (1) | SE514339C2 (en) |
| SK (1) | SK17902001A3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2000076558A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7365238B2 (en) | 2002-02-19 | 2008-04-29 | The Procter And Gamble Company | Absorbent article having a dehydration indicator |
| US8409618B2 (en) | 2002-12-20 | 2013-04-02 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Odor-reducing quinone compounds |
| US7666410B2 (en) | 2002-12-20 | 2010-02-23 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Delivery system for functional compounds |
| US7582308B2 (en) | 2002-12-23 | 2009-09-01 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Odor control composition |
| JP4393108B2 (en) * | 2003-05-16 | 2010-01-06 | 花王株式会社 | Absorbent articles |
| US7141518B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2006-11-28 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Durable charged particle coatings and materials |
| US7413550B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2008-08-19 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Visual indicating device for bad breath |
| US7879350B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2011-02-01 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Method for reducing odor using colloidal nanoparticles |
| US7438875B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2008-10-21 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Method for reducing odor using metal-modified silica particles |
| US7488520B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2009-02-10 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | High surface area material blends for odor reduction, articles utilizing such blends and methods of using same |
| US7678367B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2010-03-16 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Method for reducing odor using metal-modified particles |
| US7794737B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2010-09-14 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Odor absorbing extrudates |
| US7754197B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2010-07-13 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Method for reducing odor using coordinated polydentate compounds |
| US7582485B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2009-09-01 | Kimberly-Clark Worldride, Inc. | Method and device for detecting ammonia odors and helicobacter pylori urease infection |
| US7837663B2 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2010-11-23 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Odor controlling article including a visual indicating device for monitoring odor absorption |
| US7592020B2 (en) | 2003-12-05 | 2009-09-22 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Personal care products with visual indicator of vaginitis |
| US8348920B2 (en) | 2004-04-19 | 2013-01-08 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Disposable absorbent articles having wetness appearing graphics |
| US7332642B2 (en) | 2004-04-19 | 2008-02-19 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Disposable absorbent articles having printed wetness indicators |
| US20080081020A1 (en) * | 2006-10-03 | 2008-04-03 | Huang Yeong H | Color change surgical prep solution |
| US9279140B2 (en) * | 2009-02-06 | 2016-03-08 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Personal care products with visual indicator of vaginitis |
| US20120070480A1 (en) * | 2010-09-17 | 2012-03-22 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Antimicrobial disposable absorbent articles |
| CN104203116B (en) * | 2012-03-30 | 2017-07-21 | Sca卫生用品公司 | Fluid sampling device and method for sampling |
| US9320825B2 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2016-04-26 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Liquid-activated formulation with permanent colorant |
| WO2020004218A1 (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2020-01-02 | ユニ・チャーム株式会社 | Absorbent article, and package |
| JP6920252B2 (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2021-08-18 | ユニ・チャーム株式会社 | Package |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4231370A (en) * | 1979-06-18 | 1980-11-04 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Disposable diaper type garment having wetness indicator |
| US4895567A (en) * | 1986-03-17 | 1990-01-23 | The International Group, Inc. | Wetness indicating hot-melt adhesives |
| IL84443A (en) * | 1987-11-11 | 1993-01-14 | Schoenfeld A | Vaginal tampon |
| EP0691857A1 (en) * | 1993-03-31 | 1996-01-17 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Absorbent articles for odor control with positive scent signal |
| US5468236A (en) * | 1993-06-09 | 1995-11-21 | Kimberly-Clark Corporation | Disposable absorbent product incorporating chemically reactive substance |
| TR199701246T1 (en) * | 1995-04-24 | 1998-03-21 | The Procter&Gamble Company | A product of disposable paper with a marker tool. |
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1999
- 1999-12-17 SE SE9904648A patent/SE514339C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2000
- 2000-06-07 PE PE2000000563A patent/PE20010003A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-06-07 CO CO00042367A patent/CO5190707A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-06-09 PL PL00352190A patent/PL352190A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-06-09 WO PCT/SE2000/001206 patent/WO2000076558A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2000-06-09 JP JP2001502889A patent/JP2003501216A/en active Pending
- 2000-06-09 MX MXPA01012520A patent/MXPA01012520A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-06-09 EP EP00939261A patent/EP1185311A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-06-09 SK SK1790-2001A patent/SK17902001A3/en unknown
- 2000-06-09 AU AU54377/00A patent/AU5437700A/en not_active Abandoned
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| See references of WO0076558A1 * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| PE20010003A1 (en) | 2001-02-27 |
| SK17902001A3 (en) | 2002-05-09 |
| MXPA01012520A (en) | 2002-07-02 |
| WO2000076558A1 (en) | 2000-12-21 |
| CO5190707A1 (en) | 2002-08-29 |
| PL352190A1 (en) | 2003-08-11 |
| JP2003501216A (en) | 2003-01-14 |
| SE9904648L (en) | 2000-12-12 |
| SE514339C2 (en) | 2001-02-12 |
| AU5437700A (en) | 2001-01-02 |
| SE9904648D0 (en) | 1999-12-17 |
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