WO2018229166A1

WO2018229166A1 - Hygiene article capable of retaining a body fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2018229166A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/065733
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Angelidis; Mathieu Angelidis; Hakima Belbachir
Original assignee: Jean Angelidis; Mathieu Angelidis; Hakima Belbachir
Priority date: 2017-06-14
Filing date: 2018-06-13
Publication date: 2018-12-20
Also published as: FR3067605B1; FR3067605A1

Abstract

The invention concerns an article (1), in particular a hygiene article such as a layer, dressing or pad, intended to be applied against the skin of a person and capable of retaining a body fluid (5) discharged by the body of the person, the article comprising: an absorbent matrix (15) for retaining said body fluid; a deodorising powder (17), suitable for coming into contact with the body fluid when the latter is absorbed into the absorbent matrix, the deodorising powder comprising a deodorising plant extract; such that, when the deodorising plant extract comes into contact with the body fluid, the deodorising plant extract diffuses into the absorbent matrix in order to alleviate the odour of the body fluid.

Description

Hygiene article adapted to retain body fluid Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The technical field of the invention relates to hygiene articles intended to capture and retain a body fluid, in particular a diaper, a bandage or an article intended for feminine hygiene, or a body envelope (sheet, disposable pajamas, etc.). ) to broadcast an element for the purpose of deodorizing it.

PRIOR ART

Infant or adult diapers are consumer products and are still widely developed to improve the comfort of their users and in particular to reduce skin damage resulting from prolonged exposure to urine retained in the layer. The application EP1455722 describes for example a layer comprising active ingredients to improve the comfort of the skin. These active ingredients are used to reduce skin irritation due to the presence of urine in the diaper.

The document US2003 / 004479 describes a layer that can compote plant active ingredients, to limit the release of odors.

A drawback related to the use of diapers is the emanation of unpleasant odors related to the presence of urine. This disadvantage occurs especially in the use of adult diapers because of the larger volume of stored urine. This results in significant discomfort, which can significantly disturb the sleep or the daytime activity of the inconvenienced people. The invention contributes to solving this problem, by proposing a simple solution for reducing odors, from plant active ingredients.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the invention is an article intended to be applied against the skin of a person and to retain a body fluid emitted by the body of the person, the article comprising: an absorbent matrix for retaining body fluid;

a deodorizing powder capable of coming into contact with the body fluid when the latter is absorbed in the absorbent matrix, the deodorizing powder comprising a deodorant plant extract; so that when the deodorizing powder comes into contact with the body fluid, the deodorant plant extract diffuses into the absorbent matrix to reduce the odor of the body fluid.

The deodorizing powder mass is preferably between 0.5 and 10 grams, and more preferably between 0.5 g and 5 grams.

The deodorizing powder may comprise a plant extract extracted from one or more plants chosen from:

clove, which corresponds to the preferred embodiment;

- thyme ;

- turmeric;

- cinnamon.

According to one embodiment, the powder is obtained from turmeric, alone or in combination with another plant extract. The powder may comprise a mixture obtained from turmeric and clove. According to one embodiment, the deodorizing powder is dispersed in the absorbent matrix. According to this embodiment, the absorbent matrix extends between a proximal face and a distal face, the proximal face being intended to be dispersed closer to the skin of the person than the distal face, the deodorizing powder being dispersed between the face proximal and the distal face. Prior to the use of the article, the deodorizing powder is preferably located at a distance of at least 1 to 5 mm from the proximal face. It can extend to contact with the proximal surface.

According to one embodiment, the deodorizing powder comprises at least 10% to 25% by weight of eugenol.

According to one embodiment, the article comprises a masking powder, white in color, mixed with the deodorizing powder. The masking powder may comprise or consist of a mineral substance. It may for example be baking soda or talc. The amount of masking powder may be between 20% and 200% of the amount of deodorizing powder.

The article can be:

■ an absorbent layer, intended for an adult or a child;

pants for urinary leakage; panties;

a bandage ;

a sanitary napkin;

a tampon for feminine hygiene. Another object of the invention is a litter or play area, for animals, and in particular for cats, comprising a base material present in a dispersed form, the base material being preferably mineral or vegetable, the litter also comprising a deodorizing powder as defined in connection with the first subject of the invention. The base material may include silica, vegetable chips or straw. The deodorizing powder described above is mixed with the base material. Diffuse urine in the base material and solubilizing deodorant extract.

Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the description which will suffice from particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, and represented in the figures listed below. FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a general view of an article according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a section showing an exemplary position of a deodorizing powder in the article.

Figure 3 is a schematic of a litter according to an embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a general view of an example of layer 1 according to the invention. In this example, the body fluid is urine. The layer comprises a so-called contact web, intended to come into contact with the body of the user of the layer. The contact web 10 is porous with respect to a liquid 5, in this case urine, and hydrophilic. The layer also comprises a bsorbent matrix 15, able to retain the urine. The function of the contact web 10 is to promote the passage of the urine, through its thickness, to the absorbent matrix 15. Preferably, the absorbent matrix 15 is formed of a hydrophilic material and the contact web 10 is formed of a less hydrophilic material than that of the bsorbent matrix. Such an arrangement facilitates the passage of the liquid in the absorbent matrix by capillarity, as well as the retention of the liquid in the absorbent matrix. Examples of materials capable of forming the bsorbent matrix are given in EP1455722. The contact web 10 may be made of tulle, or a nonwoven material of polyolefin fibers. The absorbent matrix 15 may consist of hydrophilic fibers, for example cellulose. It generally comprises a superabsorbent polymer 16, the latter taking the form of particles dispersed in the absorbent matrix. The use of superabsorbent polymers 16, also referred to as superabsorbing polymer (SAP) is known to those skilled in the art. An example of an absorbent polymer is sodium polyacrylate. By superabsorbent, it is understood capa ble to absorb a quantity of liquid equal to 100 times its mass, initial or 500 times its initial mass. The amount of superabsorbent polymer is typically between 10 g and 25 g for one layer. Examples of superabsorbent polymers are given in EP1455722.

The layer also comprises a containment envelope 20, generally impervious to the liquid and permeable to a gas, so as to allow aeration. Thus, the absorbent matrix 15 extends between the contact web 10 and the containment envelope 20.

As shown in Figure 2, the contact web 10 defines a so-called proximal face 2a, as intended to extend close to the skin, or in contact with the skin. The containment envelope 20 defines a distal face 2b. The absorbent matrix 15 extends between the proximal face 2a and the distal face 2b.

The absorbent matrix 15 comprises a deodorizing powder 17, dispersed in its volume. The deodorant powder 17 comprises plant extracts, and in particular extracts of dry plants. The plant extracts are for example obtained from at least one of the following plants: clove, thyme, turmeric, cinnamon. The particle size of the deodorizing powder is not a critical parameter. The average diameter of the particles forming the deodorizing powder is for example between 0.1 and 0.5 mm.

The mass of the deodorant powder 17 is preferably between 0.5 g (gram) and 10 grams. Tests have shown that the amount of powder can be between 0.5 g and 2 g for children's diapers, and between 2 g and 5 g for adult diapers. Under the effect of the impregnation of the urine in the absorbent matrix 15, the particles forming the deodorant powder 17 are dispersed in the absorbent matrix. The inventors have observed that under the effect of the dispersion of the deodorant powder 17, the smell of the urine is masked or significantly attenuated by the deodorizing powder.

Trials were conducted on a cohort of three adult A, B and C individuals, using different amounts of deodorant powder in absorbent matrices of layers. In these tests, the deodorant powder is obtained from clove. The deodorizing powder is obtained from cloves by grinding, mechanical mixing, and sieving. Preferably the plants are crushed and then macerated in water, or / and alcohol. Once this operation is carried out, the solution comprising the plants and the water (or alcohol) is mechanically filtered in order to remove the vegetable particles from a solution resulting from the filtration.

These plant particles are subsequently washed and optionally heated to remove all traces of active compounds and make them inert in the form of plant fibers. After this operation, these fibers are dried. They are brought into contact with the solution resulting from the filtration in order to absorb it. When these plant fibers are soaked, they are dried at low temperature and preferably at room temperature.

This produces a deodorizing powder 17 consisting of plant fibers with anti-odor and antimicrobial properties. In such a powder, the anti-odor effect is attributed to eugenol, derived from clove. The deodorant powder tested comprises at least 25% by weight of eugenol.

The deodorant powder 17 may also comprise other plants, such as thyme, turmeric or cinnamon, exclusively or in mixture. Its characteristics are advantageously greatly increased by the synergy obtained with these other plants. For example, the addition of turmeric and / or thyme to clove may limit the risk of inflammation or infection.

Table 1 presents, for each individual, the results of the tests undertaken: the initial mass of the layer, the mass of deodorizing powder introduced, the final mass of the layer and the observation. In the observation column, the sign + corresponds to an absence of odor, while the sign - corresponds to a presence of odor. The observations were made on the human nose. individual mass initial mass powder mass final observation

(g) deodorant (g)

(boy Wut)

A 270 2.5 2040 +

A 270 3 1900 + individual mass initial mass powder mass final observation

(g) deodorant (g)

(boy Wut)

A 270 3.5 2000 +

A 270 4 1800 +

B 145 0.6 550 -

B 145 1.1 1200 -

B 145 1.5 1150 -

B 145 2.5 900 +

B 145 2 900 +

B 145 3.1 800 +

B 145 3.6 600 +

C 155 2.5 900 +

C 155 3 900 +

C 155 3.5 600 +

C 155 4 650 +

Table 1

Other tests have been performed on other people, and confirm the alleged technical effect.

It is observed that the mass of deodorizing powder is typically between 0.5% and 5% of the mass of the layer in the initial state, and preferably between 0.5% and 3% of the mass of the layer in the initial state.

Moreover, during these tests, there was a clear reduction of local inflammation resulting in the appearance of redness in the skin. This attenuation effect is attributed to clove, and in particular eugenol which composes it, this effect being able to be increased with the addition of the other plants mentioned. In clove it is advantageous to use only the head but it is possible to use the whole flower.

As shown in FIG. 2, the deodorant powder 17 may be disposed between the proximal face 2a and the distal face 2b, for example at the level of the contact veil 10 or the matrix absorbent 15, the latter option being the preferred option. Indeed, it is preferable that the deodorizing powder is in contact with the urine when the latter is retained in the absorbent matrix 15.

Preferably, the deodorizing powder is disposed deep in the absorbent matrix 15, so as not to be visible by the user of the layer. For example, the depth of the absorbent matrix 15 being defined in a direction perpendicular to the proximal face 2a and the distal face 2b, the deodorant powder 17 is located at a depth of at least 1 mm, or even 5 mm, or even 1 cm, of the face 15a of the adjacent absorbent matrix of the contact web 10. The deodorizing powder may extend to the face 15a of the absorbent matrix or to the contact web 10, forming the proximal face 2a of the layer.

It has been observed that the deodorant powder 17 can itself absorb a part of the body fluid, which may make it possible to limit the use of absorbent materials of the superabsorbent polymer type.

The deodorizing powder described above has a dark color, and is visible when it is arranged in the absorbent matrix. This can lead to visual discomfort for users, especially since it is a hygiene item, for which it is better to use a white item. According to one embodiment, the layer comprises a masking powder 18, of white color mixed with the deodorizing powder, so as to attenuate the dark color of the deodorizing powder. The masking powder 18 may be baking soda. The inventors have found that the addition of baking soda also has an additional effect of reducing odors. The amount of masking powder 18 added is of the same order of magnitude as the amount of added deodorizing powder. It may for example be between 20% and 200% of the mass of deodorizing powder 17, and preferably between 50% and 150% of the mass of deodorizing powder 17. In the tests carried out, the added amount of masking powder 18 in the form of baking soda, is equal to the amount of deodorant powder 17. Alternatively to baking soda, it is possible to use another masking powder 18, which is not aggressive for the skin, for example talc or based on clay.

The action of baking soda also helps correct the acidity of the urine, increasing the pH. This promotes healing, a too acidic pH being unfavorable to good healing. Particularly interesting results have been obtained when the deodorant powder 17 comprises turmeric, and more particularly when a masking powder 18 comprising sodium bicarbonate is used. Turmeric has a particularly important action in reducing odors as well as antifungal or antiseptic properties. This effect is attributed to the antioxidant properties of turmeric, which limit the oxidation of liquids and the development of fungi or bacteria. In the presence of bicarbonate, the pH of the medium is increased, which limits the fungal population and the development of pathogenic bacteria.

The bactericidal or antifungal action of turmeric is attributed, in part, to the fat-soluble properties of turmeric, acting on the fungal or cellular membrane.

Turmeric has also been found to have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. In the presence of skin wounds, the presence of turmeric significantly accelerates healing, reducing the extent of wounds.

Comparative tests were carried out on layers as previously described. The composition of the deodorant powder 17 was modified and the odor evolution emitted by urine-contaminated diapers was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.

Table 2

The best results have been observed when the pH is greater than 7, which can be obtained in a medium containing urine in the presence of sodium bicarbonate. Under such conditions, optimal results have been obtained when the deodorant powder comprises clove and turmeric.

Moreover, a deodorizing powder, as described above, combined with baking soda has a safety vis-à-vis the skin.

The masking powder may comprise another mineral active agent, different from sodium bicarbonate, making it possible to obtain a pH greater than 7. It may for example be sulphate of magnesium or clay. In the presence of clay, the pH can reach 10. In addition, the clay has an ability to absorb liquids.

Although described in connection with a diaper, the invention may be applied to other types of articles, for example a dressing, the body fluid being then an exudate, or a feminine hygiene article, for example a tampon .

The invention may for example be applied to an animal litter, in particular litter for cats, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3. It is known that such litter comprises a material 25, called base material, presenting itself under a dispersed form. The base material generally comprises a mineral material (eg sand) and / or plant material, for example straw or wood chips or other plant pieces. The deodorant powder 17 as previously described may be added so as to limit the odor of the diffusing urine through the base material. The deodorizing powder is then mixed with the base material, the mass fraction of deodorizing powder being for example between 10% and 100% of the base material, and preferably between 10% and 30% of the base material 25.

Claims

1. Article (1) intended to be applied against the skin of a person and to retain a body fluid (5) emitted by the body of the person, the article comprising:

an absorbent matrix (15) for retaining body fluid;

a powder (17), said deodorizing powder, adapted to come into contact with the body fluid when the latter is absorbed in the absorbent matrix, the deodorizing powder comprising a deodorizing plant extract;

such that when the deodorizing powder comes into contact with the body fluid, the deodorant plant extract diffuses into the absorbent matrix to reduce the odor of the body fluid,

the article being characterized in that it also comprises a masking powder (18), of white color, mixed with the deodorizing powder (17).

2. Article according to claim 1, wherein the masking powder (18) comprises sodium bicarbonate or talc.

3. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a mass of deodorizing powder of between 0.5 and 10 grams, and preferably between 0.5 g and 5 grams.

4. Article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plant extract deodorant is obtained following the grinding of a plant obtained from:

- clove;

- and / or thyme;

- and / or turmeric;

- and / or cinnamon.

5. Article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plant extract is obtained from clove.

6. Article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plant extract is turmeric or comprises turmeric.

An article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deodorant powder (17) comprises at least 10% to 25% by weight of eugenol.

An article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deodorant powder (17) is dispersed in the absorbent matrix (15).

9. Article according to claim 8, wherein the absorbent matrix (15) extends between a proximal face (2a) and a distal face (2b), the proximal face being intended to be disposed closer to the skin of the person. that the distal face, the deodorizing powder being dispersed between the proximal face and the distal face.

10. Article according to claim 9, wherein the deodorizing powder is dispersed, prior to the use of the article, at a distance of at least 5 mm from the proximal face.

An article according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the amount of masking powder (18) is between 20% and 200% of the amount of deodorant powder (17).

12. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, the article being chosen from: an absorbent layer, intended for an adult or a child;

panties;

a bandage ;

■ a tampon for feminine hygiene.