FR2728785A1 - Absorbent and re-usable undergarment - Google Patents

Abstract

The undergarment consists of a waterproof outer cover with adjustable waistband fastenings, and an inner liner made from a first isolating layer (2), made from a material designed to be comfortable and to prevent irritation and sores, an absorbent layer (4), and a sealed layer (5) forming a tunnel (11) and a pouch (5) for a quantity of a super-absorbent polymer material. It also has an intermediate layer (3) between the first and second layers (2, 4), with all three layers joined along their edges. The first and intermediate layers are made from polyester or cotton jersey fabric; the sealed layer (5) is of PVC or a polyester fabric coated with PVC, polyurethane or silicone. The pouch is designed to contain between 2 and 25 g of superabsorbent polymers, which is replaced once it becomes saturated, while the remainder of the garment is washed and dried.

Description

 The present invention relates to a reusable absorbent slip.

 At present, two main types of layers are known. It is primarily disposable disposable diapers composed of a waterproof plastic envelope, an absorbent material consisting of a mixture of about 98% by weight of cellulose wadding and about 2% by weight of superabsorbent polymers, and a nonwoven film which insulates the wearer's skin from the absorbent. Their closure is ensured by adhesives. Because they are composed solely of disposable materials, they must be treated, after their use, as waste, that is to say, according to the regions and systems of collection and treatment of urban waste, by placing in landfill or incineration.

 Reusable layers are also known composed of a polyvinyl chloride envelope, a cotton-type textile absorbent material, and a mothproof polyester-cotton insulation layer. Their closure is most often ensured by a series of buttons. After being soiled, they are necessarily retired for reuse.

However, when the absorption is only carried out by means of a textile absorbent, the surface and / or the thickness thereof must be large, in order to guarantee an average absorption capacity of approximately one and a half liters. in the case of a product intended for adults. The layers are bulky and easily release the absorbed liquids under pressure, which causes some discomfort. A mixed absorbent of textile and superabsorbent polymers is therefore a better compromise
Specifically, the reusable absorbent slip of the present invention combines the absorption by a textile with the chemical absorption of superabsorbent polymers. It is nonetheless reusable by simply removing the particles of these liquid-saturated polymers, which constitute a gel, washing and drying slip then reintroduction of a new charge of polymer powder. A remarkable advantage of this material results from the possibility of isolating the saturated polymer particles, then to make them release the liquid they have absorbed by a suitable chemical treatment. Indeed, these characteristics make it possible to have to be processed later than the minimum amount of non-biodegradable residues, consisting of polymers.

 For this purpose, the present invention relates to a reusable absorbent slip, characterized in that it comprises, from the inside to the outside, a first insulating layer of comfort likely to prevent irritation and pressure ulcers, a second absorbent layer and a sealed envelope, the assembly constituted by said first and second layers forming a surface inscribed inside the surface of said sealed envelope, to which it is secured throughout the entire length of the lateral contours of said inscribed surface, but not its front and rear contours, so as to form, between said second layer and said impervious envelope, a tunnel extending between two passages respectively located at the front and the back of the underpants, the only said first and second layers being secured to one another along the entire length of one of said front or rear contours, but not of the other of these rear or front contours, so that the single opening of a pocket formed between said first and second layers is thus formed, allowing the introduction of a desired amount of superabsorbent polymers into said pocket, the possibility of sealing said opening being provided by any suitable means.

According to a second object of the invention, there is provided a method for treating reusable absorbent slip described above, characterized in that it comprises the steps of
- clear the opening of said pocket,
washing the underpants by circulating a stream of liquid in said tunnel towards said opening so as to loosen the superabsorbent polymer particles saturated with liquid from said second absorbent layer and to drive them out of the pocket, the pH having a value greater than 10.5 for at least part of the duration of this washing operation,
- isolate the underpants, then
- perform a first filtration of the washing effluent,
- Take up and acidify the refusal of this first filtration at pH 2 + 0.5, so that said saturated liquid particles much salted out by desorption,
performing a second filtration of the effluent from the previous acidification stage,
- incinerate the refusal of this second filtration,
to combine the effluents from the first and second filtrations,
- reject the total effluent thus produced at the treatment plant and, at the same time,
- Dry the slip, so that it can be reused by simply introducing a new amount of superabsorbent polymer powder in the dry state in said pocket.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood in the light of the following description of the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schenetic longitudinal section of the reusable absorbent slip according to the invention; and
- Figure 2 is a schematic internal view of this panty.

 With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a brief 1 is constituted, from the inside to the outside, of a first comfort insulating layer 2 capable of preventing irritation and pressure ulcers, an intermediate layer 3, a second layer 4, the intermediate layer 3 and the second layer 4 form a surface 6 inscribed inside the surface 7 of the sealed envelope 5 .

This assembly is secured to the sealed envelope 5 over the entire length of the lateral contours 8 of the inscribed surface 6, but not of its contours before 9 and rear iO. A tunnel 11 extending between a front passage 12 and a rear passage 13 is thus formed between the second layer 4 and the sealed envelope 5. Only the first layer 2, the intermediate layer 3 and the second layer 4 are joined together. along the entire length of the front contour 9; only the first layer 2 and the intermediate layer 3 are joined together over the entire length of the rear contour 10. The single opening 14 of a pocket 15 formed between the intermediate layer 3 and the second layer 4 is thus constituted. The pocket 15 is intended to receive a desired amount of superabsorbent polymers in the dry state of origin as a powder. This powder having been introduced into the bag 15, it is essential to seal the opening 14 to prevent any powder leakage. In a simple manner, it is possible in particular to extend the first layer 2 and the intermediate layer 3 to the left, in FIG. 1, beyond the opening 14. The closure of this opening 14 is then obtained by folding this extended portion of the layers 2 and 3 between the second insulating layer 4 and the sealed envelope 5 via the passage 13.

The process of loading the superabsorbent polymers into the pocket 15 is arbitrary. Nevertheless, advantageously, this process is entirely autorntisé.

The polymer powder is expelled in a quantity dosed by the end of a pipe previously introduced to a determined depth of the pocket 15. The pipe is removed, the opening 14 closed, then the slip is shaken from right to left then from top to bottom in order to distribute the powder uniformly in the pocket 15.

 The presence of the intermediate layer 3 is optional. However, this layer 3 must be interposed when the meshes of the textile constituting the first layer 2 are not sufficiently tight, so that they can pass superabsorbent polymer particles outside the pocket 15.

 Preferably, the first layer 2 and the intermediate layer 3 consist of a polyester and / or cotton jersey fabric, the second layer 4 of a scuffed polyester or cotton absorbent textile, with a thickness of between 2 and 10 mm, and the waterproof envelope 5 of a polyvinyl chloride film or polyester fabric coated with polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane or silicone. The different layers 2, 3, 4 and the sealed envelope 5 are then joined together by stitching. An initial quantity of superabsorbent polymers in the dry state of between 2 and 25 g is introduced into the bag 15. These superabsorbent polymers are well known and consist, for example, of partially salified acrylic polymers, in particular of partially found poly (acrylic acid). in the form of its sodium salt.

 Several parameters intervene in the choice of the thickness of the second absorbent layer 4. It should, on the one hand, to limit it so that the slip is not too bulky. On the other hand, the combination of the textile absorbent and the superabsorbent polymers must, of course, correctly assume the absorption function. However, the polymers never enter action of liquid emission, but instead have a non-zero duration of entry into action. On the other hand, it is necessary to favor the circulation of the liquid and its homogeneous distribution in the textile. In fact, if the polymer particles come into action when the liquid is too concentrated locally in the textile, it can not be avoided. agglomeration of saturated particles in the form of a gel, causing a phenomenon of clogging, or clogging, and finally decreasing unacceptably the absorption capacity of the composite. It is then possible to limit the thickness of the second layer 4 while ensuring a good propagation of the liquid, by using a small amount of polymers & BR <kinetics of rapid absorption, disseminated over the entire surface of the textile, possibly associated with a second amount of superabsorbent polymers & slower action.

As shown in FIG. 2, anti-leak strips 16 of mixed fabric of elastic fibers and scraped polyester fibers are disposed at the peripheries of the inscribed surface 6 and of the surface 7 of the sealing envelope 5, constituting a double watertight barrier. . The reusable absorbent slip 1 is also in a form similar to that of the aforementioned layers, in that its parts 17 covering the right and left sides of the user can be attached in an adjustable and removable manner on its front outer surface. . This can be achieved in particular by means of hook-and-loop fastener fastening strips 18 of the type
Velcro, whose closing positions are adaptable to the size of the user.

 An example of a slip 1 processing method, after it has been used, is now described below in detail. Several slips 1 are collected in fuse bags. They are treated in washer-extractor & BR because of a maximum loading of 1.5 layers per kg nominal load of the machine. An example of a sequence used in the case of 300 dirty slips loaded in a 200 kg load washer is described in the table below.

BOARD
OPERATION TIME TEMPERATURE ADDITIVES TRE @ PAGE 1 6 mn 45 C Wetting (1) 1,7 cc / slip
Metasilicate (2) 10 g / slip VIDA @ GE 1 mn
TRBMPAGE 2 2 mn 45 C VIDA @ GE 1 mn
PRE-WASHING 7 mn 45 C Metasilicate (2) 3.3 g / slip
Laundry (3) 5 g / layer VIDA @ GE 1 mn
WASHING 14 mn 85'C Laundry (2) lOg / layer
H2O2 1.33 cc / layer
Drain 1 mn
RINSING 1 3 mn
Drain 1 mn ZINCAGE 2 3 mn
Drain 1 mn
NEUTRALIZATION 3 min Bisulfite (4) 2.5 cc / layer
Drain 1 mn
RINSING 3 3 mn Sanorix (5) at 7.5% 1000 cc
SPINNING 8 mn
Duration: 56 minutes (1) Non-ionic Surfactant Blend (2) Sodium Metasilicate (3) Commonly Used Laundry Detergent for Polyester Fibers (4) Sodium Bisulfite (5) Ether-Based Bacteriostatic Antimicrobial Agent
trichlorodiphenyl sold by the company ECOLAE.

 Prior to each of the steps of soaking, prewashing, washing, rinsing and neutralization, cold water is introduced to the top level of the machine.

This water can be heated if necessary with steam to the desired temperature. A base which may consist of sodium metasilicate, but also of sodium hydroxide, is introduced into the first quenching bath in order to obtain, at the beginning of the washing, a pH greater than 10.5. The additional short intermediate dipping (soaking 2) is intended to deconcentrate the bath into superabsorbent polymer beads. Hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching agent. Once this washing operation is completed, the briefs are isolated and then dried. It then suffices to introduce into the pocket 15 of each slip I a new quantity of superabsorbent polymer powder in the dry state so that it is ready for a new use.

 Moreover, it is necessary to treat the effluents from the different drainages and the spinning done at the end of washing. These effluents contain all saturated superabsorbent polymer particles. The effluent treatment firstly comprises a first filtration which makes it possible to separate the saturated polymer particles and the majority of the textile lint from the rest of the effluent, which constitutes a conventional aqueous laundry effluent that can be treated as such. what a treatment plant.

 This first filtration can be performed by means of a static stainless steel static sieve of less than 300 μm, for example of 250 ps mesh or a vibrating mesh screen of between 200 and 250 μm. In the latter case, a maximum effluent flow rate of 60 m3xh can be filtered for a filter diameter of 1.2 in. It is of course imperative to clean the filter before use.

 Based on 1 g of dry superabsorbent polymer introduced into the washer, 80 & 100 g of plush gel mixture is obtained.

 This refusal of first filtration is then resumed and acidified to pH 2 + 0.5 by addition of a strong acid, for example HCl or H 2 SO 4. This operation results in chemically releasing a large part of the water retained by the saturated polymer particles.

 The mixture thus obtained is separated by a second filtration. In fact, it can then proceed by simple decantation or filtering on paper consonant. The liquid fraction is mixed with the overall rejection of the plant, thereby contributing to the pH correction. This global release is likely to be treated directly in wastewater treatment plant. The solid fraction constituting the refusal of second filtration, is destroyed by incineration by an authorized external organism. The volume of the second filtration refusal is 15 to 20 times lower than the refusal of first filtration.

 Thus, it is made available a slip of optimal absorption capacity with regard to its reduced enconbrement, reusable at will with economic treatment being carried out in the best ecological conditions. For this set of reasons, the brief according to the invention is particularly suitable for a hospital application responding to the incontinence of very young children or adults, although it is also possible to propose & individuals the provision of a such slip as well as the service of carrying out the treatment for reuse.

In a particularly advantageous way, the invention makes it possible to avoid a public landfill, and to treat all the residues under conditions that perfectly respect the environment.

Claims (7)

 1.- Reusable absorbent brief (1), characterized in that it comprises, from the inside to the outside, a first layer <2) insulating comfort capable of preventing irritation and pressure sores, a second layer <4) absorbent and a sealed envelope (5), the assembly consisting of said first and second layers <2>, respectively <4) forming a surface (6) inscribed inside the surface <7) of said watertight envelope <5 >, to which it is secured over the entire length of the lateral contours <8) of said inscribed surface <6), but not of its contours before <9> and rear (10), so as to form, between said second layer < 4) and said sealed envelope (5), a tunnel (11) extending between two passages (12) and (13) situated respectively at the front and at the back of the underpants (1), the only said first and second layers <2), respectively (4) being secured to each other over the entire length of one of said contours before <9) or rear (10), but not the other of these rear contours (10) or front (9), so that the single opening <14) of a pocket <15) formed between said first and second layers <2), respectively <4) is thus constituted, allowing the introduction of a desired amount of superabsorbent polymers into said pocket (15), the possibility of closing said opening (14) being provided by any appropriate means.  2. Slip <1) reusable absorbent according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an intermediate layer <3) disposed between said first and second layers <2), respectively <4), the assembly constituted by said first layer (2), intermediate layer (3) and second layer <4) drilling a surface (6) inscribed inside that <7) of said sealed envelope <5 ?, to which it is secured along the entire length lateral contours (8) of said inscribed surface <6), but not of its contours before <9? ) and rear <10), the only said first layer <2), intermediate layer <3) and second layer <4) being joined together over the entire length of one of the two contours before <9) or back <10 ? of said inscribed surface (6) while the only said first layer <2) and intermediate layer (3) are joined together over the entire length of the other of these two rear contours <10) or before <9), so that the single opening <14> of a pocket <15) formed between said intermediate layer <3) and second layer (4) is formed.  3. Slip <1) reusable absorbent according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the only said first layer <2), intermediate layer <3), when it is present, and second layer <4), are joined together between them along the entire length of said contour before <9) *  4. Reusable absorbent brief (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first layer (2) and intermediate layer (3) consist of a polyester jersey fabric and / or cotton, said second layer (4) consists of a scuffed polyester or cotton absorbent textile, of a thickness of between 2 and 10 nia, the impervious envelope (5) consists of a polyvinyl chloride film or a polyester fabric coated with polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane or silicone, the different layers <2), <3), <4) and the impermeable envelope <5) being joined together by stitching, and a quantity of polymers superabsorbents between 2 and 25 g being introduced into said pocket (15).  5. Brief <1) reusable absorbent according to any one of claims 1 & 4, characterized in that anti-leakage strips <16), consisting of a mixed fabric of elastic fibers and scraped polyester fibers, are disposed at the peripheries of said inscribed surface (6) and the surface (7) of said sealed envelope (5).  6.- Slip <1? reusable absorbent according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that its parts <17) covering the right and left sides of the user are attachable adjustably and removably on its outer front surface.  7. A process for treating a reusable absorbent panty (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, after it has been used, characterized in that it comprises the steps of  - release the opening (14) of said pocket <15>,  washing the underpants (1) by circulating a stream of liquid in said tunnel (11), in the direction of said opening (14), so as to loosen the superabsorbent polymer particles saturated with liquid, from said second layer (4) absorbent, and to expel them outside the pocket (15), the pH having a value greater than 10.5 during at least part of the duration of this washing operation,  - isolate the slip (1), then  - perform a first filtration of the washing effluent,  - Take up and acidify the refusal of this first filtration at pH 2 + 0.5, so that said saturated liquid particles much salted out by desorption,  performing a second filtration of the effluent from the previous acidification stage,  - incinerate the refusal of this second filtration,  to combine the effluents from the first and second filtrations,  - reject the total effluent thus produced at the treatment plant and, at the same time,  - Dry the slip (1), so that it can be reused by simply introducing a new amount of superabsorbent polymer powder in the dry state in said pocket (15).