JP2007524772A - Elastic glove covering - Google Patents

Abstract

  An elastic glove comprising a hydrogel coating is provided. The inventors have found that this hydrogel coating can improve the feel (wetting and / or drying properties) of the glove and provide some other convenience to the wearer. It was. Specifically, the hydrogel coating includes an active agent retained within a cross-linked hydrogel network. When exposed to an aqueous environment, the hydrogel coating swells, allowing the active agent to diffuse through the pores and contact the wearer's skin.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

(Background of the Invention)
Elastic gloves are made to fit tightly into the user's hand and provide good grip and touch during use. In addition, elastic gloves are typically liquid impermeable to provide a barrier between the wearer and the environment in which the glove is used. Unfortunately, these desirable properties of the elastic glove create a harsh environment for the wearer's skin. For example, sweating is a common problem for glove wearers, and the high humidity environment it generates can lead to various skin problems, such as mold and yeast growth, as well as Includes skin bacterial and viral infection problems. In addition, those using elastic gloves in the medical field frequently wash their hands with soap or sanitary alcohol formulations. This regular cleansing is severe for the skin and causes excessive drying, which can further exacerbate other skin problems.
In the past, the contact surface of the elastic glove wearer is treated with a powder such as talc or calcium carbonate powder to absorb moisture and reduce some of the above problems facing the glove wearer. Was. This powder also simplifies wearing. However, although powders are still acceptable in some applications, this is typically undesirable in a surgical or clean room type environment. Therefore, there is a general need for improved gloves that can alleviate some of the above problems that can result from harsh environments where the wearer's hands are exposed during use. To do.

(Summary of Invention)
According to one aspect of the invention, an elastic glove is disclosed that includes a support body that includes a layer made of an elastic material. The support body defines an inner surface and an outer surface. A coating is on the inner surface of the support body and defines a surface that contacts the user of the glove. The coating includes a crosslinked hydrogel network within which an active agent can be retained that can provide convenience to the user. The active agent can be released from the network when the coating is in contact with an aqueous environment.
According to another aspect of the invention, an elastic article is disclosed, which includes a support body that includes a layer made of an elastic material. The elastic material includes styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-isoprene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene block copolymer, natural rubber latex, nitrile rubber, It is selected from the group consisting of isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, silicone rubber and combinations thereof. The support body defines a surface on which there is a coating. This coating is substantially water insoluble and contains a cross-linked hydrogel network within which active agents that can provide convenience can be retained. The active agent can be released from the network when the coating is in contact with an aqueous environment.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of making an elastic glove is disclosed that includes a support body and a coating on a surface of the support body. The method includes immersing a hand-shaped dipping mold in at least one bath containing an elastic polymer to produce a support body for the glove. An aqueous solution is poured into the support body or the hand-shaped dipping mold to produce the glove coating. The aqueous solution includes at least one hydrogel-forming polymer and an active agent. The hydrogel-forming polymer is crosslinked to produce a hydrogel network. In this glove, the active agent is retained within the hydrogel network and can release the active agent from the network when the coating is in contact with an aqueous environment.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of making an elastic glove is disclosed that includes a support body and a coating on a surface of the support body. The method includes immersing a hand-shaped dipping mold in at least one bath containing an elastic polymer to produce a support body for the glove. An aqueous solution is poured into the support body or the hand-shaped dipping mold to produce the glove coating. This aqueous solution contains at least one hydrogel-forming polymer. This hydrogel-forming polymer is cross-linked to produce a hydrogel network. An active agent is formulated into the hydrogel network, which can be released from the network when the coating is in contact with an aqueous environment.

Other features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in more detail below.
The complete and easy implementation of the present invention, directed to those skilled in the art, including the best mode of the present invention, will be more specifically set forth in the remainder of this specification. Referring to the attached drawings.
Repeat use of reference numbers in the present specification and the accompanying drawings represents the same or similar features or elements of the present invention.

(Detailed description of typical embodiments)
Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided to illustrate the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one aspect can be applied to other aspects to yield additional aspects. Accordingly, the present invention covers such modifications and changes as falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

  In general, the present invention contemplates elastic articles such as condoms or gloves that include a hydrogel coating. The inventors have found that this hydrogel coating can improve the feel (wetting and / or drying) of the article and provide some other convenience to the user. It was. Specifically, the hydrogel coating includes an active agent retained within a cross-linked hydrogel network. When exposed to an aqueous environment, the hydrogel coating swells, allowing the active agent to diffuse through the pores and contact the user's skin.

  For example, referring to the attached FIG. 1-2, one embodiment of the elastic glove 20 is illustrated, which can be put on the hand of the user 22. The glove 20 includes a support body 24 having the basic shape. The support body 24 can be made using any of a variety of natural and / or synthetic, elastic materials known in the art. For example, some suitable examples of elastic materials are S-EB-S (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) block copolymer, SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene) block copolymer, SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) block. Copolymers, SI (styrene-isoprene) block copolymers, SB (styrene-butadiene) block copolymers, natural rubber latex, nitrile rubber, isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, silicone rubber and combinations thereof include, but are not limited to Not. Other suitable elastic materials that can be used to manufacture the support body 24 include Buddenhagen et al., U.S. Pat.No. 5,112,900, Buddenhagen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,288,159 and US Pat. No. 6,306,514 to Weikel et al. For all purposes, the entire contents of these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

  In one embodiment, the support body 24 is made from natural rubber latex. In order to produce the support body 24 from natural latex, the immersion mold is first immersed in a coagulant bath to facilitate subsequent removal of the glove from the immersion mold. The coagulant bath can include calcium carbonate and / or calcium nitrate. The immersion mold coated with the coagulant is then dried and subsequently immersed in one or more latex baths. The resulting latex layer is then typically leached in water to extract most of the water-soluble impurities in the latex and coagulant. The coated immersion mold is then dried to cure (ie, crosslink) the rubber. It should be understood that the conditions, processing methods and materials used in making natural rubber gloves are well known in the art and are not critical to the practice of the present invention.

  Regardless of the particular material used to manufacture the support body 24, the glove 20 also includes a covering 26 that resides on an inner surface 28 defined by the support body 24. In this embodiment, the covering 26 defines a contact surface 27 with the wearer of the glove 20 that contacts the body of the user 22. The coating 26 serves a dual purpose in the present invention. Specifically, the coating 26 has a low coefficient of friction that facilitates wearing of the glove 20 when the user's hand is dry or wet, i.e. when dry and wet. This low coefficient of friction can be imparted through the texture of the surface and / or through the lubricity of the material used to produce the coating 26. In addition to ease of wearing, another purpose of the coating 26 is to adjust the active agent contained therein to contact the user's skin and provide some predetermined convenience. To release. The inventors have found that such a dual purpose can be achieved by making the coating 26 with a hydrogel having the active agent retained therein.

  Generally speaking, any of a variety of polymers can be used in the present invention to make this hydrogel. Typically, polymers made from at least one hydrogel-forming monomer that is hydrophilic and water soluble are used. In the present invention, there are many known hydrophilic and water-soluble monomers that can be used to make this hydrogel. Some examples of such monomers are vinyl pyrrolidone, hydroxyethyl acrylate or methacrylate (eg 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), hydroxypropyl acrylate or methacrylate, acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, acrylic acid ester or methacrylic acid ester, vinyl Examples include, but are not limited to, pyridine, acrylamide, vinyl alcohol, ethylene oxide, and derivatives thereof. Other examples of suitable monomers are described in US Pat. No. 4,499,154 to James et al. For all purposes, the entire contents of this document are incorporated herein by reference. The resulting polymer can be a homopolymer or copolymer (eg, copolymer, terpolymer, etc.) and can be a nonionic, anionic, cationic, or amphoteric polymer. Further, the polymer may be of one type (ie, homogeneous) or a mixture of different polymers (ie, heterogeneous).

  To produce this hydrogel, the polymer is crosslinked using any known crosslinking technique, including known ionic or covalent crosslinking techniques. For example, in some embodiments, a crosslinking agent can be used to facilitate crosslinking. Examples of cross-linking agents include polyhydric alcohols (eg, glycerol), polyaziridine compounds (eg, 2,2-bishydroxymethylbutanol tris [3- (1-aziridine) propionate] or triaziridine), epoxy compounds, haloepoxy compounds (E.g. epichlorohydrin), aldehyde compounds (e.g. urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde, hydantoin-formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, glyoxal, malonaldehyde, succinaldehyde, adipaldehyde or dialdehyde starch), polyisocyanate compounds (e.g. 2,4-toluene diisocyanate) and the like. Crosslinking can occur before, during and / or after applying the polymer to the surface 28 of the support body 24. For example, in one embodiment, an aqueous solution comprising a crosslinker and a polymer is applied to the surface 28. Thereafter, the mixture is cured at an elevated temperature. In addition to thermal activation, cross-linking can be performed using other well-known techniques. For example, cross-linking can be caused by ionizing radiation, which radiation has sufficient energy to generate ions directly or indirectly in the medium. Some suitable examples of ionizing radiation techniques that can be used in the present invention include electron beam radiation, natural or artificial radioisotope radiation (eg, α-, β- and γ-rays), X-rays, neutron beams, Including, but not limited to, positively charged beams, laser beams and the like. Electron beam radiation includes the generation of accelerated electrons, for example by an electron beam device. Electron beam devices are generally well known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, an electron beam device may be used that is available as “Microbeam LV” from Energy Sciences, Inc., Woburn, Massachusetts. Other examples of suitable electron beam devices are described in Livesay US Pat. No. 5,003,178, Avnery US Pat. No. 5,962,995, Avnery et al US Pat. No. 6,407,492. For all purposes, the entire contents of these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Regardless of the technique used, cross-linking produces a hydrogel, which is constituted by a substantially water-insoluble 3-dimensional network. Thus, when exposed to water, the hydrogel is not dissolved and instead can absorb some water. For example, the hydrogel has a moisture content in the range of about 20% to about 90%, in some embodiments, a moisture content in the range of about 35% to about 85%, and in some embodiments, about 50%. A moisture content ranging from% to about 80% can be achieved. The water content of this hydrogel is determined as follows:
Water content (%) = [(Difference between wet hydrogel weight and dry hydrogel weight) /
(Dry hydrogel weight)] × 100
When water is absorbed, the hydrogel swells, resulting in an increase in the area between the crosslinks, creating pores. For example, at the maximum water content of the hydrogel, it can range from about 1 nm to about 10 μm, in some embodiments, from about 10 nm to about 1 μm, and in some embodiments, from about 50 nm to about 100 nm. It can have holes with a range of average diameters.

  When this hydrogel is on the glove 20, its expected use is due to water of various origins, such as water present on the user's hands due to washing, water secreted from mammalian sweat glands Exposure of this hydrogel to For example, there are two types of human sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Apocrine glands are found only in the armpits and near the ears, navel, nipples and interanal regions, and are odorous glands. However, the eccrine gland is present throughout the body, including the hands, and is responsible for regulating body temperature. Clearly, the amount of fluid secreted from this eccrine gland is dependent on body temperature, but even on cold days, some water loss through the skin will occur as well. Elastic gloves (e.g. surgical gloves) often fit tightly into the user's hand and are not easily cooled by the outside air, so if you are wearing gloves The temperature of the user's hand is likely to increase. This increase in temperature can cause further fluid secretion by the eccrine glands.

  Thus, when placed near the user's skin, the hydrogel will always be exposed to fluids secreted by the eccrine glands or fluids from some other source. This exposure leads to an increase in the degree of hydration for the hydrogel and a corresponding increase in the pore size of the hydrogel. With this increase in pore size, the active agent in the crosslinked hydrogel network can be released. Once released, the active agent interacts directly with epithelial tissue at the cellular level, providing convenience to the skin. Alternatively, the active agent can interact with various ingredients at or near the skin surface to provide certain conveniences.

  The active agent can be formulated therein before, during and / or after the formation of the hydrogel. For example, in one embodiment, the active agent can be mixed with the hydrogel-forming polymer and crosslinking agent described above prior to crosslinking. When cross-linked, the active agent is retained within the resulting 3-dimensional network. As mentioned above, the active agent can also be applied after formation of the hydrogel. For example, an aqueous solution containing the active agent can be applied to the hydrogel. As mentioned above, this aqueous solution hydrates the hydrogel and causes an increase in porosity. Because of this high porosity, the active agent can diffuse through the pores and into the crosslinked hydrogel network. The hydrogel is then dried to retain the active agent therein. Typically, the particle size of the active agent is smaller than the pore size of the hydrogel so that when dry, the agent is physically retained within the hydrogel network. Apart from the physical retention of the agent within the hydrogel, the active agent can also be chemically bound to the hydrogel, for example via covalent bonds, ionic bonds, or hydrogen bonds.

  Generally speaking, the “active agent” can be any compound or mixture thereof that can give a predetermined result. Whether solid or liquid, the active agent is typically sufficiently soluble or miscible in an aqueous system and can be released through the pores of the hydrogel network. Examples of such active agents include, but are not limited to drugs, skin conditioners, botanical agents and the like. “Drugs” include any physiologically or pharmacologically active substance, which produces a local or systemic effect in an animal. These agents that can be released include, but are not limited to, anti-inflammatory agents, immunosuppressive agents, anti-microbial agents, anesthetics, analgesics, hormonal agents, anti-histamines, and the like. A number of such compounds are known to those skilled in the art, such as The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Hardman, Limbird, Goodman & Gilman, McGraw-Hill, NY, (1996). US Patent No. 6,419,913 to Niemiec et al., US Patent No. 6,562,363 to Mantelle et al., US Patent No. 6,593,292 to Rothbard et al., US Patent No. 6,567,693 to Allen, Jr. Has been. For all purposes, the entire contents of these documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although several examples of active agents are described herein, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular active agent. In fact, any active agent with any convenience for any user can be used according to the present invention.

  In this regard, a group of suitable drugs includes anti-inflammatory agents such as glucocorticoids (adrenocorticoid steroids). Examples of glucocorticoids include hydrocortisone, prenisone (deltasone) and predrisonlone (hydeltasol). Glucocorticoids are inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema (eg atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and allergic dermatitis), blistering diseases, collagen vascular diseases, sarcoidosis, sweet disease , Pyoderma gangrenosum, type I reactive leprosy, capillary hemangioma, lichen planus, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema nodosum, abnormal hormone secretion (including acne and hirsutism), toxic epidermal necrosis, polymorphism Can be used to treat erythema, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, lupus erythematosus, etc. It is also possible to use retinoids such as retinol, tretinoin, isotretinoin, etretinate, acitretin and allotinoids. Conditions that can be treated using retinoids include, for example, acne, keratinization disorders, psoriasis, skin aging, lupus erythematosus, sclerosing myxedema, wart-like epidermal nevus, substratum pustular skin Disease, Reiter's syndrome, warts, lichen planus, black epidermoma, sarcoidosis, Grover's disease, pneumokeratosis, and the like. Other suitable anti-inflammatory drugs are COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib, meloxicam, rofecoxib, and flosulide. These drugs inhibit the production of the COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) enzyme induced by pro-inflammatory stimuli in migratory cells and causing tissue inflammation. Furthermore, non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used. Examples of NSAIDs include, but are not limited to, aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, bromfenac, sulindac, nabumetone, ketorolac, mefenamic acid, and naproxen.

  Immunosuppressive drugs constitute an additional group of drugs from which the active agent can be selected. These drugs can be used to treat hyperproliferative diseases such as psoriasis, as well as immune diseases such as blistering skin disease and leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Examples of such drugs include antimetabolites such as methotrexate, azathioprine, fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, 6-thioquanine, mycophenolate, chlorambucil, vinicristine, vinblastine, and dac Tinomycin; including but not limited to alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide, mechloroethamine hydrochloride, carmustine, taxol, tacrolimus, vinblastine, and the like.

  Another suitable group of drugs includes anti-microbial agents such as antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, anti-viral agents and the like. Antibacterial drugs are useful for treating conditions such as acne and skin infections. For example, some suitable anti-microbial agents include bisphenols such as 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan); quaternary ammonium compounds such as benzalkonium chloride; p Esters of hydroxy-benzoic acid, such as methyl paraben; formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors, such as 2-bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol, hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, and imidazolidinyl urea; alkylisothizaolinones ); Phenoxyethanol; chlorhexidine gluconate; p-chlorometaxylenol (PCMX); chitosan such as chitosan pyrrolidone carboxylate; combinations thereof and the like. Examples of antifungal drugs that are also useful for treating conditions such as trunk ringworm, foot ringworm, onychomycosis, candidiasis, clonfish, onychomycosis, azole antifungal drugs, Examples include but are not limited to itraconazole, miconazole and fluconazole. Examples of anti-viral drugs include, but are not limited to, acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. Such agents are useful for the treatment of viral diseases such as herpes.

  Anti-histamines are yet another suitable group of drugs. Examples of such anti-histamines include terfenadine, astemizole, lorotadine, cetirizine, acribastine, temelastine, cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, nizatidine and the like. These drugs are useful for the treatment of conditions such as pruritus, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis. Furthermore, local anesthetics constitute another group of drugs that can be used. Examples of local anesthetics include but are not limited to lidocaine, bupivacaine, novocaine, procaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, mepivacaine, etidocaine, 2-chloroprocaine hydrochloride, and the like.

  In addition to drugs, various other active agents can be released from the gloves of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, the active agent can be a skin-conditioner, which can improve water retention, flexibility, texture, and other skin related properties. One example of such a skin-conditioner is an emollient, which helps restore dry skin to a more normal moisture balance. Specifically, emollients act on the skin by applying blended fats and oils to the skin, softening it, repairing some of the cracks and cracks in its stratum corneum, and moisture in the skin. A protective film is formed. Emollients that may be suitable for use in the present invention include beeswax, butyl stearate, cermides, cetyl palmitate, eucerit, isohexadecane, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, mink oil , Mineral oil, nut oil, oleyl alcohol, petroleum jelly or petrolatum, glyceral stearate, avocado oil, jojoba oil, lanolin (or wool wax), lanolin derivatives such as lanolin alcohol, retinyl palmitate (vitamin A derivative) ), Cetearyl alcohol, squalane, squalene, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, myristal myristate, various lipids, decyl oleate and castor oil. Another possible skin-conditioner is a humectant, which can supply moisture to the skin by taking moisture from the air and holding it on the skin. Moisturizers that may be suitable in the present invention include alanine, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, natural moisturizing factor; amino acids and salts as natural moisturizing factors for skin. Mixture), saccharide isomerase, sodium lactate, sorbitol, urea and the like, but is not limited thereto. Yet another suitable skin-conditioner includes an antioxidant, a group of substances that prevent or delay the oxidation of the skin and consequently protect the skin from its premature aging. Examples of antioxidants include vitamin E, vitamin E derivatives, vitamin C, vitamin C derivatives, vitamin A palmitate, butylated hydroxytoluene, phenol, phenol derivatives, thiodipropionate esters, hydroquinone derivatives, alkylated arylamines, etc. However, it is not limited to these.

  The active agent may also be a botanical agent that can potentially reduce swelling, itchiness, hyperemia, and the like. Examples of some botanicals that can be used are carrots, aloe vera, finflowers, calendulas, dong quai, eastern U.S. antaceae plants, chamomile, evening primrose, hypericum perforatum, licorice Root, Blackcurrant Seed Oil, St. John's Grass (Hyperoptera), Tea Extract, Pepper, Pepper, Rosemary, Arecacatechu, Yaenari, Borage Seed Oil, American Witch, Koroha, Lavender, Soybean , Almonds, chamomile extract (eg, bisabolol), elder plants, nectar, safflower oil, and elastin.

The coating 26 can be manufactured using any suitable method. For example, in the present invention, techniques such as immersion, spraying, putting, and tumbling can be used. Although it is generally desirable for the coating 26 to cover the entire surface 28, it is possible to cover only a portion of the surface 28 with the coating 26. The thickness of the coating 26 at the time of drying can range from about 0.05 to about 50 μm, in some embodiments, from about 0.1 to about 20 μm, and in some embodiments, from about 1 to about 10 μm. . Further, the dried coating may range from about 0.0001 to about 1 g per gram of glove 20, in some embodiments from about 0.001 to about 0.5 g per g of glove, and in some embodiments, It is contained in the range of about 0.01 to about 0.2 g per 1 g of the glove. Further, in addition to covering the surface 28, an additional coating that is the same as or different from the coating 26 may cover the outer surface 30 (eg, the gripping surface) of the support body 24. For example, when present on the surface 30, the hydrogel coating 26 can adjustably release an active agent that provides some convenience to a person in contact with the glove 20.
Elastic articles made in accordance with the present invention can be made using a variety of methods generally known in the art. In fact, any method that can produce an elastic article can be utilized in the present invention. For example, elastic article manufacturing techniques can be dipping, spraying, halogenating, drying, curing, as well as any other technique known in the art. In this regard, one aspect of a natural rubber latex glove dipping-manufacturing method is described in more detail below. Although a batch process is described herein, it should be understood that a semi-batch process and a continuous process can also be used in the present invention.

  First, any known immersion mold, for example, a metal, ceramic, or plastic immersion mold is prepared. The immersion mold is dried by being transported in a preheated oven to remove residual moisture. The preheated immersion mold is then immersed in a bath containing a coagulant, a surfactant, water and optionally other ingredients such as powder. The coagulant contains calcium ions (eg calcium nitrate), so that the protection system of the emulsion is broken and consequently the latex can be deposited on this immersion mold. The powder can be a calcium carbonate powder that later acts as a release agent. The surfactant provides good wettability, avoids meniscus formation, and entraps air between the mold and the deposited latex, particularly in the folded portion. As described above, the immersion mold is preheated in the drying stage, and the residual heat dissipates moisture, leaving, for example, calcium nitrate, calcium carbonate powder, and a surfactant on the immersion mold. Other suitable coagulant solutions are also described in Joung US Pat. No. 4,310,928. For all purposes, the entire contents of this document are incorporated herein by reference.

The coated immersion mold is then immersed in a tank containing a natural rubber latex bath solution. This bath contains, for example, natural rubber latex, stabilizers, antioxidants, curing activators, organic accelerators, vulcanizing agents and the like. The stabilizer can be, for example, a phosphate type surfactant. The antioxidant can be a phenol-based compound, such as 2,2′-methylenebis (4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol). The cure activator can be zinc oxide. The organic promoter can be a dithiocarbamate. The vulcanizing agent can be sulfur or a sulfur-containing compound. When these materials are used, the stabilizer, antioxidant, activator, accelerator and vulcanizing agent can be dispersed in water using a ball mill to avoid the formation of small pieces. This dispersion is then mixed with the latex. The immersion mold is immersed in one or more latex baths a sufficient number of times to deposit a latex layer having a predetermined thickness on the immersion mold. As an example, the support body 24 may have a thickness in the range of about 0.1 to about 0.3 mm.
In some embodiments, a bead roll station can be used to impart a folded portion to the glove 20. For example, the bead roll station can include one or more bead rolls to index the immersion mold and provide a turn-up portion. Next, the immersion type coated with the latex is immersed in an exudation tank in which hot water is circulated to remove water-soluble components such as residual calcium nitrate and proteins contained in the natural latex. This leaching process can be continued for about 12 minutes at a water temperature in the tank of about 49 ° C.

  The latex-coated dip mold can then be immersed in a solution to form the hydrogel coating 26 of the glove 20. In one embodiment, the latex-coated immersion mold is immersed in an aqueous solution of a water-soluble hydrogel-forming polymer or a mixture of such polymers. The aqueous composition includes, for example, a hydrogel-forming polymer in the range of about 0.1% to about 30%, in some embodiments, a hydrogel-forming polymer in the range of about 0.5% to about 10%, and some embodiments. Can include a hydrogel-forming polymer in the range of about 1% to about 5% by weight. The amount of active agent used may vary depending on the type of active agent, the type of hydrogel, and the like. Specifically, hydrogels that provide a slow release rate may require a higher active agent content than hydrogels that provide a rapid release rate. For example, in most embodiments, the aqueous solution comprises from about 0.0001% to about 30% active agent by weight, and in some embodiments from about 0.001% to about 10% active agent by weight. Including, and in some embodiments, active agents in the range of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. The aqueous solution can also contain other components. For example, in some embodiments, the aqueous solution has a crosslinking agent in the range of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight, and in some embodiments, in the range of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight. , And in some embodiments, may include from about 0.2% to about 2% by weight of a crosslinking agent. Water typically comprises about 70% to about 99.9%, and in some embodiments about 90% to about 99% by weight of the aqueous solution. An additional dipping can be performed to build a coating 26 having a predetermined thickness. Furthermore, the coating 26 can also be applied to the mold before it is immersed in the latex-containing bath.

  It should also be understood that other components may be present in the coating mixture. For example, a catalyst such as p-toluenesulfonic acid or hydrochloric acid can be used to initiate or accelerate the crosslinking process. Furthermore, it is also possible to use polymerization initiators, as described, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,242,042 to Goldstein et al. For all purposes, the entire contents of this document are incorporated herein by reference. A pH regulator, such as an acid or base, can also be added to achieve a predetermined pH.

  Once coated, the immersion mold is sent to a curing station (eg, an oven) where the natural rubber is vulcanized and the hydrogel-forming polymer is crosslinked. If desired, the curing station can first remove any residual water and then proceed to a higher temperature vulcanization and crosslinking stage. For example, the crosslinking of the hydrogel-forming polymer can be from about 25 to about 200 ° C, in some embodiments from about 50 to about 150 ° C, and in some embodiments from about 70 to about 120 ° C for about 1 minute to It can be initiated by heating for about 12 hours, in some embodiments, from about 5 minutes to about 5 hours, and in some embodiments, from about 10 minutes to about 1 hour. Vulcanization may occur simultaneously with crosslinking of the hydrogel-forming polymer or may occur at different times. If desired, the oven may be divided into four different zones, and the immersion mold may be conveyed through these zones with gradually increasing temperatures. One example has four zones, the first two zones being exclusively for drying, and the remaining two zones being primarily for vulcanization and crosslinking of the hydrogel-forming polymer. It's like an oven. Each of these zones can have a slightly higher temperature, for example, the first zone is at about 80 ° C, the second zone is at about 95 ° C, the third zone is at about 105 ° C, and The fourth zone is at about 115 ° C. The immersion type residence time is, for example, about 10 minutes.

The immersion mold can then be transferred to a stripping station. The stripping station can include means for automatically or manually removing the glove 20 from the immersion mold. For example, in one embodiment, the glove 20 can be manually removed from the immersion mold by turning it over while peeling it from the immersion mold. After removal from the immersion mold, the glove 20 can be washed with water and dried.
In some cases, a coating may be applied to enhance the gripping characteristics of the glove 20. For example, in one embodiment, a silicone emulsion (e.g., DC365, obtained from Dow Corning) is first thoroughly mixed with water using a high shear mixer to produce a homogeneous solid with a predetermined solids content. Obtain a solution. The resulting emulsion can then be applied to the surface 30 of the support body 24 in a variety of different ways. For example, in one embodiment, the glove 20 is immersed in a tumbler for a predetermined period of time (eg, 1-10 minutes), during which time the grip surface 30 is rinsed with a silicone emulsion. Alternatively, the silicone emulsion may be sprayed onto the grip surface 30 using a known spray nozzle. Once the silicone emulsion is applied, the glove 20 is dried. For example, in some embodiments, the glove 20 can be dried at a temperature in the range of about 20 to about 200 ° C, and in some embodiments in the range of about 35 to about 115 ° C.

  After the drying step, the glove is optionally turned over and halogenated. Halogenation (eg, chlorination) can be performed by any suitable method known in the art. Such methods include (1) a method of directly injecting chlorine gas into an aqueous mixture, (2) a method of mixing high-density bleaching powder and aluminum chloride in water, and (3) chlorination by electrolyzing salt water. And (4) an acidified bleaching method. Examples of such methods include Kavalir U.S. Pat.No. 3,411,982, Agostinelli 3,740,262, Homsy et al. 3,992,221, Momose 4,597,108, and Momose 4,851,266, Littleton et al. No. 5,792,531. For all purposes, the entire contents of these documents are incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment, for example, chlorine gas is injected into a water stream and then supplied to a chlorination processor (sealed container) containing gloves. Chlorine concentration can be monitored and adjusted to control the degree of chlorination. The chlorine concentration is typically at least about 100 ppm, in some embodiments in the range of about 200 to about 3500 ppm, and in some embodiments in the range of about 300 to about 600 ppm, such as about 400 ppm. The duration of this chlorination stage can also be adjusted to control the degree of chlorination, which can range, for example, from about 1 to about 10 minutes, for example 4 minutes. Still within the chlorinator, the glove 20 can be washed with tap water at about room temperature. This washing cycle may be repeated if necessary. Once all the water has been removed, the glove 20 is tumbled to remove excess water.

  While various configurations of an elastic article and various manufacturing techniques thereof have been described above, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in any way by the specific configuration of the article and its manufacturing technique. is there. For example, the above layers may not be used in all examples. Furthermore, other layers not specifically mentioned above can be used in the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the lubricant can be applied over the hydrogel coating 26 as long as the attendant lubricant does not adversely affect the ability of the active agent to be adjustably released. . Although not required, the lubricant can also cover portions of the surface 28 that are not covered by the coating 26. Suitable lubricants include silicone emulsions such as those described in US Patent Application 2003/0118837 to Modha et al. For all purposes, the entire contents of this document are incorporated herein by reference.

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following examples.
According to the present invention, it was proved that an elastic glove can be manufactured. First, a preheated glove-shaped immersion mold was immersed in a coagulation solution containing calcium nitrate, calcium carbonate, a surfactant, and water. The coated immersion mold was then immersed in an immersion tank containing a natural rubber latex that had been blended and pre-cured. After immersion, the immersion mold was taken out of the natural rubber latex-containing immersion tank and leached with water. Thereafter, the immersion mold coated with the latex was cured in an oven at a temperature of 115 ° C. for about 20 minutes. The glove was manually removed from the immersion mold by turning it over while removing it from the corresponding immersion mold. After removal from the immersion mold, the gloves were washed in deionized water. The thickness of the obtained glove was 0.24 mm. After the drying step, the gloves were turned over and placed in a chlorination processor. Chlorine gas mixed with a water stream was injected into the chlorination processor to chlorinate the wearing surface of the glove. The chlorine concentration was 875 ppm and the pH was 1.8. The glove was immersed in the chlorine solution for 4 minutes. After chlorination, the glove was inverted and dried at a temperature of about 55 ° C. for 40 minutes.
The latex glove was then mixed with 96.725% by weight water, 0.25% by weight melamine-formaldehyde (crosslinking agent), 0.025% by weight p-toluenesulfonic acid (catalyst), and 3% by weight hydroxyethyl acrylate. It was immersed in a solution containing a hydrogel-forming polymer formed from an acrylic acid monomer (obtained from Ortec, Inc., Easley, Southern California). This mixture was then heated at a temperature of about 120 ° C. for about 18 minutes to crosslink the polymer and form a hydrogel coating on the glove.

  To test the ability of this hydrogel-coated glove to regulate the active active agent release, 99.5% by weight water and 0.5% by weight dye (Fiber Identification Stain # 7, available from DuPont) It was immersed in an aqueous solution containing Comparative gloves were also immersed in the same aqueous solution for 7 hours. This comparative glove was equivalent to the test glove, but the former did not contain a hydrogel coating. Each glove was removed from the dye solution and washed several times with water to remove excess dye. These gloves were then dried in an oven at 60 ° C. overnight. Thereafter, 50 ml of water was injected into the cavity that received the hand formed by each glove and maintained for 2 minutes. The water was poured out and an additional 50 ml of water was placed in the gloves and maintained for 3 minutes. This process of pouring water into the glove and maintaining it for various periods was repeated until the contact time was 280 minutes. Next, the absorbance value of this water sample was measured at a wavelength of 547 nm using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. This spectrophotometer is commercially available (Model No. UV-1601) from Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan. The amount of dye diffused into the water from the glove was correlated with this absorbance.

The results are shown in Figure 3. As shown, the dye build-up was detected for diffusion times up to about 275 minutes. This result illustrates the controlled release ability of the active agent from the hydrogel coating present on the glove according to the present invention. On the other hand, the glove without the hydrogel did not show the ability to take up the dye.
Although the present invention has been described in detail in connection with specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will readily recognize various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of these embodiments when understanding the above description. Will come to mind. Therefore, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is a perspective view regarding one mode of elastic gloves manufactured according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the glove of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. Figure 2 is a graph showing the results obtained in the examples, where the absorbance of the dye is plotted against various diffusion times.

Explanation of symbols

20 ... Gloves
22 ... User
24 ・ ・ ・ Support body
26 ... Hydrogel coating
27 ... Contact surface with the wearer
28 ・ ・ ・ Inner surface
30 ... Grip surface

Claims (20)

An elastic article comprising a support body and a coating present on an inner surface of the support body,
The support body includes a layer made of an elastic material and defines an inner surface and an outer surface;
The coating has a cross-linked hydrogel network that defines a surface in contact with the user of the article and within which an active agent that can provide convenience to the user is retained. The elastic article described above, wherein the active agent can be released from the network structure when it is in contact with an aqueous environment.   The hydrogel network is made from one or more polymers, and at least one of the polymers is made from at least one monomer that is hydrophilic and water-soluble. Elastic article.   The monomer is vinylpyrrolidone, hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic ester, methacrylic ester, vinyl pyridine, acrylamide, vinyl alcohol, ethylene oxide, derivatives thereof, The elastic article according to claim 2, which is selected from the group consisting of and combinations thereof.   The elastic article of claim 3, wherein the monomer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.   The elastic article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hydrogel network is substantially water-insoluble.   The elastic article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the article is a glove. A method for producing an elastic glove comprising a support body and a coating present on the surface of the support body,
Immersing a hand-shaped dipping mold in at least one bath containing an elastic polymer to produce the glove support body;
Pouring an aqueous solution into the support body or the hand-shaped dipping mold to produce a glove coating, the aqueous solution containing at least one hydrogel-forming polymer and an active agent; and Cross-linking the hydrogel-forming polymer to produce a substantially water-insoluble hydrogel network having an active agent retained therein, wherein the network is separated from the network when the coating is contacted with an aqueous environment. A method for producing the elastic glove, comprising the step of releasing the active agent.   8. The method of claim 7, wherein the active agent is included in an amount ranging from about 0.0001% to about 30%, preferably from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight, based on the aqueous solution. A method for producing an elastic glove comprising a support body and a coating present on the surface of the support body,
Immersing a hand-shaped dipping mold in at least one bath containing an elastic polymer to produce the glove support body;
Pouring an aqueous solution into the support body or the hand-shaped dipping mold to produce a glove coating, the aqueous solution comprising at least one hydrogel-forming polymer;
Crosslinking the hydrogel-forming polymer to produce a substantially water-insoluble hydrogel network, and adding an active agent to the hydrogel network when the coating is in contact with an aqueous environment; A step of releasing the active agent from the network;
A method for producing the elastic glove as described above.   10. The hydrogel-forming polymer is included in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 30% by weight, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, based on the aqueous solution. 2. The method according to item 1.   The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the aqueous solution further comprises a crosslinking agent.   12. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the aqueous solution is poured onto the support body while it is present on the hand-shaped immersion mold.   The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the aqueous solution is poured into a hand-shaped dipping mold before dipping in the bath.   The method of claim 9, further comprising applying an additional aqueous solution containing the active agent to the hydrogel network.   The elastic material or the polymer of the support body is styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-isoprene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene block copolymer, natural rubber The elastic article or method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, selected from the group consisting of latex, nitrile rubber, isoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, silicone rubber and combinations thereof.   The elastic article or method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the elastic material or the polymer of the supporting body is natural rubber latex.   The elastic article or method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the active agent is a drug, a skin conditioner, a botanical agent, or a combination thereof.   The hydrogel network can achieve a moisture content in the range of about 20% to about 90%, preferably in the range of about 35% to about 85%, and preferably in the range of about 50% to about 80%. The elastic article or method of any one of -17.   19. An elastic article or method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the average thickness of the coating is in the range of about 0.1 to about 20 [mu] m.   20. An elastic article or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating is in the range of about 0.001 to about 0.5 g / g of the article or glove.

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