WO2013136032A1

WO2013136032A1 - Perspiration shield

Info

Publication number: WO2013136032A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/000510
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hayley Marie LEETE
Original assignee: POPE, Theresa Jane
Priority date: 2012-03-13
Filing date: 2012-06-12
Publication date: 2013-09-19
Also published as: GB2530937A; GB201521379D0; GB201204489D0; GB2500226A; US20150245679A1

Abstract

A perspiration shield releasably adherable to the skin of the underarm. A perspiration absorbing pad is disposed on the inner side of a perspiration barrier layer and a border between the outer perimeters of the perspiration absorbing pad and the perspiration barrier layer presents adhesive. The shapes of the perspiration absorbing pad and the perspiration barrier layer are each an acute- isosceles triangle with rounded corners shape having a base and a vertex. The perspiration absorbing pad and perspiration barrier layer are relatively oriented such that the perspiration shield has an arm end at which the bases of the first and second shapes are oriented and a torso end at which the vertexes of the first and second shapes are oriented. Preferably, the adhesive is transparent and the Outer side of the perspiration barrier layer presents a skin tone colouration.

Description

PERSPIRATION SHIELD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a perspiration shield, in particular to a perspiration shield releasably adherable to the body.

Background of the Invention

Perspiration, also known as sweating, is the excretion of fluid by the sweat glands in the skin of mammals. Sweating cools the body, and is hence a mechanism used for regulating body temperature. Sweating can also occur due to some medical conditions, nervousness, fear, excitement or as a side-effect of the ingestion of some foods, drinks and medication.

Excess perspiration under the arms is a problem for some people. The excess sweat can be uncomfortable and odorous. Visible sweat patches in clothing can form in the armpit area. Excessive sweating can result in personal embarrassment and garment staining.

A known type of product intended to address the problem of under arm sweating is antiperspirant. Antiperspirants are applied to the skin, and act to plug the duct of the sweat glands to stop or significantly reduce the amount of fluid reaching the surface of the skin. Another known type of product used under the arm is deodorant. Deodorants are also applied to the skin, and act to eliminate odour resulting from perspiration. An antiperspirant may be combined with a deodorant:

Being chemical-based products, it is known for antiperspirants and deodorants to irritate the skin of some users. In addition, an antiperspirant may fail in the event of particularly excessive perspiration, and the general effectiveness of the antiperspirant may vary between users and between uses.

It is desirable to provide an underarm perspiration shield for preventing sweat from reaching the clothing of a user, which is convenient and comfortable to use. Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a perspiration shield releasably adherable to the skin of the underarm, comprising: a perspiration absorbing pad having an outer perimeter defining a first shape, and a perspiration barrier layer having an outer perimeter defining a second shape, and having an inner side and an outer side; said perspiration absorbing pad is disposed on the inner side of said perspiration barrier layer such that a border between the outer perimeter of said perspiration absorbing pad and the outer perimeter of said perspiration barrier layer is defined on the inner side of said perspiration barrier layer, and said perspiration barrier layer carries adhesive presented in said border around the outer perimeter of said perspiration absorbing pad; said first shape of said perspiration absorbing pad and said second shape of said perspiration barrier layer are each an acute-isosceles triangle with rounded corners shape having a base and a vertex, and said perspiration absorbing pad and said perspiration barrier layer are relatively oriented such that said perspiration shield has an arm end at which the bases of said first shape and said second shape are oriented and a torso end at which the vertexes of said first shape and said second shape are oriented.

Preferably, the adhesive is transparent and the outer side of the perspiration barrier layer presents a skin tone colouration. Preferably, the perspiration shield is enclosed within manually openable sterile packaging having a transparent window.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 shows a perspiration shield in use;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the perspiration shield of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the perspiration shield of Figure 1 and

Figure 4 shows the perspiration shield of Figure 1 within packaging. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventor(s). In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

Figure 1

A perspiration shield 101 is shown in Figure 1. The perspiration shield 101 is releasably securable to the skin of the underarm. In this Figure, the perspiration shield 101 is shown positioned for use within an armpit 102 of a user 103. The perspiration shield 101 has a predetermined shape and a predetermined in-use orientation. The perspiration shield 101 has an arm end 04 and a torso end 105. The arm end 104 is wider than the torso end 105: When the arm 106 of the user 103 is raised as shown in this Figure, the arm end 104 of the perspiration shield 101 points towards the elbow 107 of the user 03 and the torso end 105 points towards the trunk 108 of the user 103.

When in use, the perspiration shield 101 allows a user to perspire from the armpit naturally and acts to provide a barrier between armpit sweat and clothing.

Figure 2

Further details of perspiration shield 101 are shown in Figure 2.

- The perspiration shield 101 comprises a perspiration absorbing pad 201 and a perspiration barrier layer 202. The perspiration absorbing pad 201 has an outer perimeter 203 defining a first shape, and the perspiration barrier layer 202 has an outer perimeter 204 defining a second shape. The perspiration barrier layer 202 has an inner side 205 and an outer side 206.

The perspiration absorbing pad 201 is disposed on the inner side 205 of the perspiration barrier layer 202 such that a border 207 between the outer perimeter 203 of the perspiration absorbing pad 201 and the outer perimeter 204 of the perspiration barrier layer 202 is defined on the inner side 205 of the perspiration barrier layer 202. The perspiration barrier layer 202 carries adhesive, indicated at 208, presented in the border 207 around the outer perimeter 203 of the perspiration absorbing pad 201.

The first shape of the perspiration absorbing pad 201 and the second shape of the perspiration barrier layer 202 are each an acute-isosceles triangle with rounded corners shape having a base B and a vertex V. In this Figure, an acute- isosceles triangle 209 is shown around perspiration absorbing pad 201 and an acute-isosceles triangle 201 is shown around perspiration barrier layer 202.

The perspiration absorbing pad 201 and the perspiration barrier layer 202 are relatively oriented such that the perspiration shield 101 has an arm end 104 at which the bases B of the first shape of the perspiration absorbing pad 201 and the second shape of the perspiration barrier layer 202 are oriented and a torso end 05 at which the vertexes V of the first shape of the perspiration absorbing pad 201 and the second shape of the perspiration barrier layer 202 are oriented.

The shape of the perspiration absorbing pad 201 complements the shape of the zone in which the sweat glands are found in the armpit and comfortable for the user. The shape of the perspiration barrier layer 202 is influenced by the shape of the perspiration absorbing pad 201 and is comfortable for the user. The shapes of the perspiration absorbing pad 201 and the perspiration barrier layer 202 are arcuate, and do not present any sharp comers that may cause discomfort to the user.

The perspiration shield 101 has a length L, a width W and a depth D.

As shown, the shapes of the perspiration absorbing pad 201 and the perspiration barrier layer 202 are substantially symmetrical about an axis 211 extending in the length direction between the arm end 104 of the perspiration shield 101 and the torso end 105 of the perspiration shield 101.

To use, the perspiration shield 01 is releasably adhered to the skin of the underarm, using the adhesive 208, such that the perspiration absorbing pad 201 is in contact with the skin of the underarm. In use, the perspiration absorbing pad 201 absorbs sweat from the underarm and the perspiration barrier layer 202 contains, and prevents exposure of, the sweat absorbed by the perspiration absorbing pad 201. The perspiration shield 101 thus acts to prevent underarm sweat from contacting clothing. After use, the perspiration shield 101 is peeled off the skin. The used perspiration shield 01 may then be disposed of in an appropriate manner.

In an embodiment, the perspiration shield 101 has overall approximate dimensions of: length L 97.5 mm, width W of 72.5mm and depth D 1.35mm. In an embodiment, the perspiration absorbing pad 201 has approximate dimensions of: length L 80 mm, width W of 49.5 mm and depth D 1.3 mm and the perspiration barrier layer 202 has approximate dimensions of: length L 97.5 mm, width W of 72.5mm and depth D 0.05mm.

Thus, the overall depth D of the perspiration shield 101 is relatively thin, to reduce the noticeability of the perspiration shield 101 to the user and also onlookers.

The perspiration absorbing pad 201 is configured to be sweat-absorbent. In an embodiment, the perspiration absorbing pad 201 comprises viscose fibre. In a specific example, the perspiration absorbing pad 201 is fabricated from viscose fibre. In an alternative specific example, the perspiration absorbing pad 201 is fabricated from viscose fibre and polyester fibre.

In a specific example, the perspiration absorbing pad 201 has a pH value in the range 5.2 to 7.2 inclusive.

The perspiration barrier layer 202 is configured to be sweat-impermeable. In an embodiment, the perspiration barrier layer 202 is fabricated from polyurethane (PU) film. In a specific example, the perspiration barrier layer 202 has an outer side 206 that is relatively smooth, to prevent clothing from snagging on the outer side 206 of the perspiration barrier layer 202 when the perspiration shield is in use.

Preferably, and in a specific example, the outer side 206 of the perspiration barrier layer 202 presents a skin tone colouration. The colour of the outer side 206 of the perspiration shield 101 may then be selected to match the armpit skin colour of a user, to visibly blend in the perspiration shield 101. The actual colouration may vary between applications, to allow a user to select a colour that complements their own skin colour. The perspiration shield 101 may have a light colouration, for example a shade of white, cream or beige.

The adhesive 208 is configured to be skin-friendly. In an embodiment, the adhesive is a medical grade, flexible, water resistant, pressure sensitive adhesive. In an embodiment, the adhesive is acrylic adhesive. Preferably, and in a specific example, the adhesive is transparent. Preferably, the adhesive force against the skin is at most 2.5N/cm.

In an embodiment, adhesive 208 is presented in a continuous ring around the outer perimeter 203 of the perspiration absorbing pad 201. In a specific example, adhesive 208 is presented over the whole of the area of the border 207.

In an alternative embodiment, adhesive 208 is presented in a broken ring around the outer perimeter 203 of the perspiration absorbing pad 201, such that an inlet region in which no adhesive is present is provided. The inlet region allows a user to insert their finger under the perspiration barrier layer 202 to assist in the lifting and peeling away of the perspiration shield 01 from the skin. An inlet region may be provided at any one or more locations. In a specific example, an inlet region in which no adhesive is present is provided at the torso end 105 (narrowest point) of the perspiration shield 101.

Fipure 3

A further view of perspiration shield 101 is shown in Figure 3.

According to this illustrated embodiment, the perspiration shield 101 has an at-rest condition in which the perspiration shield 01 is substantially planar. As indicated by double-headed arrow 301, the perspiration shield 101 has a degree of flexibility about axis 211, which extends in the length L direction. Further, as indicated by double-headed arrow 302, the perspiration shield 101 has a degree of flexibility about axis 303, which extends in the width W direction, substantially perpendicularly to axis 211.

In a specific example, the perspiration shield 101 is resiliency biased towards an unflexed condition in which the perspiration shield is substantially planar. This feature of the perspiration shield 101 acts to resist undesired creasing.

Thus, the perspiration shield 101 has an inherent degree of flexibility.

When in use, the perspiration shield 101 will flex in response to movement by the user. This feature of the perspiration shield 101 serves to provide a natural feel for the comfort of the user. Figure 4

Figure 4 shows perspiration shield 101 within packaging 401. The packaging 401 provides a sealed, sterile environment in which the perspiration shield 101 is transportable and storable. The packaging 401 has a transparent window, indicated at 402, allowing the perspiration shield 101 to be seen. In the shown arrangement, the perspiration shield 101 and packaging 401 are relatively arranged such that both the perspiration absorbing pad 201 and the perspiration barrier layer 202 are visible through the window 402.

Preferably, and in this embodiment, the packaging 401 is manually openable. In this specific example, the packaging 401 comprises a first transparent window layer 403 and a second layer 404, which are sealed to provide a chamber in which the perspiration shield 101 is enclosed. At one end 405 of the packaging 401, a portion of the first transparent window layer 403 and a portion of the second layer 404 are separate from one another, allowing the layers to be peeled apart to open the chamber and gain access to the perspiration shield 101. Alternatively, an opening in to the packaging chamber in which the perspiration shield 101 is enclosed may be formed using a pair of scissors or other suitable tool.

In this Figure, perspiration shield 101 is enclosed singly in the packaging 401. Alternatively, a plurality, for example a pair, of perspiration shields 101 is enclosed in the packaging 401.

As also shown in this Figure, the perspiration shield 101 is provided with a manually releasable protective layer 406 covering the perspiration absorbing pad 201 and the border 207 of the perspiration shield 101. Preferably, and according to this embodiment, the manually releasable protective layer 406 is transparent. This allows a user to view both the perspiration absorbing pad 201 and the perspiration barrier layer 202 therethrough.

The manually releasable protective layer 406 covers the adhesive 208 until it is required to be exposed for use. In this specific example, the manually releasable protective layer 406 comprises a first portion 407 comprising a first handling strip 408 and a second portion 409 comprising a second handling strip 410. In this example, the handling strips 408, 410 present visual indicia providing instructions for use. It is to be appreciated that the packaging 401 may also present indicia presenting useful information and/or decoration.

It is to be appreciated that the present invention provides a perspiration shield that is effective, convenient and comfortable to use, and discreet.

Claims

1. A perspiration shield releasably adherable to the skin of the underarm, comprising:

a perspiration absorbing pad having an outer perimeter defining a first shape, and

a perspiration barrier layer having an outer perimeter defining a second shape, and having an inner side and an outer side;

said perspiration absorbing pad is disposed on the inner side of said perspiration barrier layer such that a border between the outer perimeter of said perspiration absorbing pad and the outer perimeter of said perspiration barrier layer is defined on the inner side of said perspiration barrier layer, and

said perspiration barrier layer carries adhesive presented in said border around the outer perimeter of said perspiration absorbing pad;

said first shape of said perspiration absorbing pad and said second shape of said perspiration barrier layer are each an acute-isosceles triangle with rounded corners shape having a base and a vertex, and

said perspiration absorbing pad and said perspiration barrier layer are relatively oriented such that said perspiration shield has an arm end at which the bases of said first shape and said second shape are oriented and a torso end at which the vertexes of said first shape and said second shape are oriented.

2. A perspiration shield as claimed in claim 1, wherein said perspiration barrier layer is fabricated from polyurethane (PU) film.

3. A perspiration shield as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said adhesive is transparent.

4. A perspiration shield as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said adhesive is an acrylic adhesive.

5. A perspiration shield as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said perspiration absorbing pad comprises viscose fibre.

6. A perspiration shield as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said perspiration absorbing pad said perspiration absorbing pad comprises viscose fibre and polyester fibre.

7. A perspiration shield as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the overall combined thickness of the perspiration barrier layer and perspiration absorbing pad is in the range 1.2 - 1.5 mm.

8. A perspiration shield as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the perspiration absorbing pad has a pH value in the range 5.2 to 7.2 inclusive.

9. A perspiration shield as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the outer side of said perspiration barrier layer presents a skin tone colouration.

10. A perspiration shield as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a manually releasable protective layer covering said perspiration absorbing pad and said border between the outer perimeter of said perspiration absorbing pad and the outer perimeter of said perspiration barrier.

11. A perspiration shield as claimed in claim 10, wherein said manually releasable protective layer comprises a first portion comprising a first handling strip and a second portion comprising a second handling strip.

12. A perspiration shield as claimed in any preceding claim, enclosed in manually openable sterile packaging.

13. A perspiration shield as claimed in claim 12, wherein said manually openable sterile packaging has a transparent window.

14. A perspiration shield as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said perspiration shield is resiliently biased towards an unflexed condition in which the perspiration shield is substantially planar.

15. A perspiration shield substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures.