AU7197900A - Article for providing release of a volatile material - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2(2)

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application Number: Lodged: 00..0 0 .0 0.0 0 00.

Invention Title: ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING RELEASE OF A VOLATILE MATERIAL The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING RELEASE OF A VOLATILE

MATERIAL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is related to an article for providing release of a volatile substance, and more particularly, to a portable, disposable article for providing release of an insect repellent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Bug or insect repellent for personal use has been historically delivered in a number of different ways. For example, it may be sprayed or wiped onto one's skin, sprayed into one's immediate environment, and/or sprayed onto one's clothing. The bug repellent solution is typically volatile so that vapors are emitted which repel bugs away from one's body.

:'Absorbent substrates saturated with volatile solutions of bug repellent, made in the form of patches, have been available for application to clothing. Typically, a patch containing a volatile solution must be contained in a package which prevents vaporization of the solution prior to application of the patch. U.S. Patent Application 08/369,068, "Package for Containing and Applying a Bug Repellent Patch" filed January 5, 1995 in the name of Cook et al; discloses a package for containing a bug repellent impregnated'patch. The disclosed package enables a user to apply the patch to a target surface without contacting the patch.

Such patches can have a barrier material between the substrate and a target surface, such as a user's clothing. The barrier material can permit greater volumes of the volatile solution to be used to provide longer lasting protection from insects.

As the amount of solution is increased, however, it is more likely that some of the solution may leak out of the substrate in liquid form, and possibly be absorbed into the user's skin, or be transferred from a finger into one's eye or mouth. Accordingly, the amount of solution that can be released in vapor form in a given amount of time, from a given surface area of the article, and for a given amount of liquid initially provided on the article is limited by the need to prevent contact of the volatile solution with the user's skin.

It 2 Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable, disposable article for providing release of a volatile substance, such as liquid insect repellent.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an article having a barrier layer, a porous cover layer, and a substrate impregnated with a volatile liquid bug repellent, wherein at least a portion of the substrate is disposed intermediate the barrier layer and the porous cover layer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a disposable, portable article for providing a consumer controlled release of volatile material, such as an insect repellent, from a substrate.

The article comprises a substrate supported on the article for receiving and releasing the volatile liquid substance; and a breakable vessel supported on the article. The breakable vessel contains the volatile liquid substance. The vessel is breakable by a user to direct the volatile liquid substance to the substrate. In one embodiment, the vessel is broken by compressing and rupturing the vessel, such as between a thumb and forefinger. In another embodiment, the article can comprise a piercing element for breaking the vessel.

The substrate can comprise a fibrous substrate. In one embodiment, the substrate comprises fibers which are non-absorbent with respect to the volatile liquid substance. The fibers can be formed from a polyolefinic material. In one o embodiment, the substrate comprises capillary channel fibers having external capillary channels.

A portable disposable article according to the present invention for providing consumer controlled release of a volatile substance comprises: a cover that is vapor pervious and liquid impervious; a barrier layer, the barrier layer being impervious to the volatile liquid substance; a fibrous substrate that is supported on the portable disposable article for receiving and releasing the volatile liquid substance through wicking means wherein at least a portion of the fibrous substrate is disposed intermediate the cover and the barrier; and one or more breakable vessels supported on the portable disposable article, the one or more vessels containing the volatile liquid substance, wherein the one or more breakable vessels are breakable by a user to direct the volatile liquid substance to the fibrous substrate; wherein the total amount of volatile liquid substance contained in the breakable vessels is about 2.0 grams or less and the ratio of the total weight of the volatile liquid material in the breakable vessels to the weight of the substrate is at least According to the present invention, the article may comprise a barrier layer and a porous cover layer. The article can also comprise an adhesive fastener for attaching the article to a target surface, such as a wearer's garment. The porous cover layer can comprise an apertured plastic film having an open area ratio of at least about 10 percent, and more preferably at least about 20 percent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the ooee o0 ~accompanying drawings in which: 0*0* Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an article enclosed in a sealed Spackage.

package.

o Figure 2 is a top plan view of the article of Figure 1, with the sealed package removed and the porous cover layer partially cut away to show a substrate having a relatively lower density region extending between relatively higher density regions.

Figure 3 is a enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the article of Figure I showing a porous cover layer having generally conically shaped apertures.

Figure 4 is a a cross-sectional illustration of a capillary channel fiber having a generally I-shaped cross section.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an article according to the present invention having a breakable vessel containing a predetermined quantity of volatile liquid insect repellent positioned intermediate the porous cover layer and the barrier layer.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a substrate formed of generally parallel capillary fibers and a breakable packet of the volatile liquid disposed in an elongated package having a removable end.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 6 showing the end of the elongated package removed to provide a relatively low density portion of the substrate extending from the package.

Figure 8 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a substrate formed of a strand of woven polyolefinic fibers and a breakable vessel connected to-the substrate through a fluid conduit.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having the substrate and the breakable vessel enclosed in a container, with a portion of the top surface of the container shown cut away.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the article shown in Figure 9 taken along the lines 10-10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures I and 2 show a disposable, portable article 20 for providing a release of volatile material comprising one or more components. The article 20 comprises a substrate which can be impregnated with a volatile liquid material, such as an insect repellent. By the term "disposable" it is meant that the article 20 is intended to be discarded after a single use. By the term "portable" it is meant that the article can be conveniently and comfortably carried in a pocket, purse, or handbag. By the 4 term "volatile liquid material" it is meant a liquid material comprising a component having a vapor pressure of at least about 0.001 mm Hg at 50 degrees Centigrade.

In Figures 1-2, the article 20 comprises a barrier layer 30, a porous cover layer 40, and a substrate 50. The article 20 can also include a fastener 60, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive. The fastener 60 can be used to support the article 20 on a target surface, such as a wearer's garment. The article 20 can be sealed in wrapper 22 to prevent evaporation of the insect repellent prior to use of the article 20. In Figure 2 the wrapper 22 is omitted to show the internal construction of the article The article according to the present invention comprises a breakable vessel The breakable vessel contains a predetermined quantity of a volatile liquid material 100 for impregnating the substrate 50. The vessel 90 is shown in Figure Referring to the components of the article 20 of the present invention in more detail, the barrier layer 30 is generally impervious to the volatile liquid substance. The barrier layer 30 prevents the volatile liquid substance in the substrate 50 from contacting the target surface on which article 20 is supported. In one embodiment the barrier layer 30 comprises a flexible film, such as a polymeric film; a flexible foil; or a composite material such as a foil/polymeric film laminate.

By flexible it is meant that barrier 30 is compliant and readily conforms to the shapes and coiitours of the human body.

A suitable barrier layer 30 can comprise a woven or nonwoven material or a polymeric film such as thermoplastic film of polyethylene or polypropylene.

A

suitable thermoplastic film is a polyethylene film having a thickness of between about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Suitable films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio under the designation P 8-0401 and by Ethyl Corp.

of Terre Haute, Indiana under the designation XP-39385. Alternatively, the barrier layer 30 can comprise a laminate of foil and polymeric film, such as a Type M2077 foil/film laminate manufactured by the American Can Co. of Minn., Minnesota.

The fastener 60 can be joined directly or indirectly to the barrier layer 30, as shown in Figure 1. Suitable fasteners 60 include, but are not limited to, adhesive fasteners and mechanical fasteners, such as VELCRO brand fasteners. Suitable pressure sensitive adhesives from which the fastener 60 can be formed are Century A-305-IV brand Adhesive manufactured by Century Adhesives Corp. of Columbus, Ohio; and Instant Lock 34-2823 brand adhesive manufactured by the National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater,

N.J.

The wrapper 22 can comprise a thermoplastic film incorporating a release liner for covering the fastener 60 while the article 20 is sealed in the wrapper 22.

Suitable release liners for adhesive fasteners are described in U.S. Patent 4,917,697, which patent is incorporated herein by reference. Non-limiting examples of suitable release liners are BL30MG-A Silox El/0 and BL30MG-A Silox 4P/0 manufactured by the Akrosil Corp. of Menasha, Wisconsin.

The porous cover layer 40 provides a release of an effective amount of the volatile substance from the article 20. The porous cover layer 40 can comprise a film formed of a liquid impermeable material. A plurality of apertures 41 extend through the film. In one preferred embodiment, the porous cover layer can comprise an apertured formed plastic film having an outwardly facing surface 44, and inwardly facing surface 42. In one embodiment, apertured formed plastic films are preferred because they are generally non-absorbent with respect to the volatile liquid substance and help prevent the volatile liquid material from passing through the cover layer 40 to contact the wearer's skin or clothing.

The porous cover layer 40 can be joined to the barrier layer 30, either directly or indirectly, by a number of suitable methods. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the perimeter of the cover layer 40 can be secured directly to the barrier layer 30 by adhesives, heat and/or pressure sealing, ultrasonic bonding, and the like.

A suitable heat sealing method is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,382,245 issued Jan. 17, 1995 to Thompson et al.

In one embodiment, the porous cover layer has a caliper 45 of at least about 0.005 inch. The caliper 45 is measured under a compressive load of 95 grams per square inch using a circular load foot having a 2.00 inch diameter. The caliper provides separation of the liquid in the substrate 50 from the outwardly facing surface 44 of the porous cover layer 40. Such a caliper 45 helps to restrict the liquid in the substrate 50 from reaching the surface 44, and possibly contacting the wearer's skin or clothing. In one embodiment, the caliper 45 can be at least about 0.010 inch, and more preferably at least about 0.015 inch. For ekample, a suitable ;porous cover layer 40 can have a caliper 45"between about 0.015 inch and about 0.025inch.

The apertures 41 can also be shaped to restrict flow of the liquid from the substrate 50 to the outer surface 44. As shown in Figure 3, the apertures 41 can be tapered from a relatively large base opening 46 at the outwardly facing surface 44 to a relatively smaller apex opening 48 at the inwardly facing surface 42. U.S. Patent 3,929,135 issued December 30, 1975 to Thompson is incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of disclosing a suitable formed film having tapered openings. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the apertures 41 can be tapered 6 from a relatively large opening at the inward surface 42 to a relatively smaller apex at the outward surface 44.

Each of the openings 46 can each have a surface area between about 0.015 square mm and about 32 square mm. The porous cover layer 40 can have an open area ratio of at least about 10 percent. In one embodiment, the porous cover layer has an open area ratio of at least about 20 percent. For instance, a suitable porous cover layer 40 can have an open area ratio between about 20 percent and about 50 percent. Such an open area ratio is suitable for providing effective release of the volatile material from the substrate.

The open area ratio is determined by first measuring the total surface area of the porous cover layer 40, as viewed in Figure 2, including the area of the openings 46. The surface areas of all the openings 46 in the cover layer 40 are then measured and added. The surface areas of the openings 46 are measured at the outward surface 44. The open area ratio is the ratio of the sum of the areas of these openings 46 divided by the total surface area of the cover layer While the porous cover layer 40 is shown having tapered apertures 41 in Figures 1-3, it will be understood that other formed films can also be used to provide release of the volatile material from the article 20, while restricting flow of the liquid volatile material from the substrate 50 to the surface 44. Other formed films suitable for use as the cover layer 40 are disclosed in the following

U.S.

Patents, which are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Patent 4,324,246 issued to Mullane et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel et al.; U.S. Pat. No.

4,463,045 issued to Ahr et al.; U.S. Pat. No' 4,629,643 issued to Curro et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,394 issued to Baird. One suitable porous cover layer 40 is marketed as DRI-WEAVE by The Procter Gamble Company on sanitary napkins.

The substrate 50 can be fibrous, and can be in the form of a woven or nonwoven patch, batt, tow, tuft, or bundle of a fibers which are non-absorbentwith respect to the volatile liquid substance. By "non-absorbent" it is meant that when Sthe substrate 50 is immersed in the volatile liquid substance, the individual fibers absorb an amount of the volatile liquid substance less than their own weight (less :i than one gram of the volatile liquid substance absorbed by the fiber per gram of fiber weight). Accordingly, the volatile liquid substance is stored in the interstitial space between fibers or along the fibers' surfaces, rather than inside the fibers themselves, thereby enhancing release of the volatile liquid substance from the substrate 50.

In one embodiment, the substrate can comprise fibers formed from a polymer such as a polyolefin. Suitable fibers include but not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester fibers. The substrate 50 can be joined, directly or indirectly, to the barrier layer 30. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the substrate 50 is secured directly to an inwardly facing surface of the barrier layer by a layer of adhesive 35. Suitable adhesives 35 include Findley Adhesive #2120 or Findley H2031 Adhesive available from Findley Adhesives, Inc. of Elmgrove, Wisconsin, and Century 5227 Adhesive available from Century International Adhesive and Coating Corp. of Columbus, Ohio.

In another embodiment, the substrate 50 can comprise a plurality of capillary channel fibers 55. Capillary channel fibers 55 are fibers that have one or more channels formed therein, preferably on their exterior surfaces. Figure 4 shows a capillary channel fiber 55 having a generally I-shaped cross-section. It will be understood that suitable capillary channel fibers 55 can have any number of shapes, including but not limited to I, H, C, V, and U-shaped cross-sections. The channels 57 in the exterior surfaces of the fiber 55 can have a width W and a depth D. The value of W can be between about 10 microns and about 100 microns. The value of D can be between about 10 microns and about 100 microns. The capillary channel fibers 55 can have a denier of between about 10 and about 45 grams/9000 meters of fiber length. Examples of capillary channel fibers 55 are disclosed in the following references, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent 5,382,245 issued January 17, 1995 to Thompson et al.; and U.S. Patent 5,200,248 issued April 6, 1993 to Thompson et al.

The value of W can be greater than or equal to the value of D. In on embodiment, the ratio of WID can be at least about 1.5, and more preferably at least about 2.0. Such relatively shallow channels 57 having a relatively high W/D ratio are capable of transporting the volatile substance while providing for enhanced release of the substance from the substrate 50 compared to therelease that would be provided with fibers 55 having channels 57 with lower W/D ratios. In one embodiment the value of D can be between about 15 microns and about 30 microns, and the value of W can be between about 40 microns and about 70 microns.

The substrate 50 can comprise a relatively high density region and a Srelatively low density region. The relatively high density region provides relatively rapid transport of the volatile fluid throughout the substrate, while the relatively lower density region promotes relatively rapid release of the volatile liquid material from the substrate. The fibers in at least a portion of the substrate 50 can be oriented in a predetermined direction, and in one embodiment the fibers in at least a portion of the substrate 50 are arranged in a generally parallel fashion to provide wicking of the volatile liquid in a predetermined direction.

8 Referring to Figure 2, the substrate 50 can comprise a relatively low density region 54 extending between and joining two relatively high density regions 52A and 52B. The fibers in the relatively high density regions 52A and 52B can be arranged in a generally parallel fashion to provide wicking of the volatile liquid substance into the relatively low density region 54. The substrate shown in Figure 2 can be formed from a length of generally parallel capillary channel fibers 55. The length of generally parallel capillary channel fibers can be compressed to buckle a portion of the fibers radially outwardly, thereby forming the relatively low density region 54.

In another embodiment, the substrate 50 can comprise a natural or synthetic sponge material, or an open celled foam material. Suitable open celled foams, such as foams prepared by polymerizing a high internal phase emulsion, are described in the following U.S. Patent documents, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 08/370,695, Absorbent Foams Made From High Internal Phase Emulsions Useful For Acquiring and Distributing Aqueous Fluids, filed Jan. 10, 1995 in the name of Stone, et al.; U.S. Patent Application entitled Absorbent Foams Made From High Internal Phase Emulsions Useful For Acquiring Aqueous Fluids, filed Aug. 30, 1995 in the name of DesMarais; U.S.

Patent 5,147,345; High Efficiency Absorbent Articles for Incontinence Management, issued September 15, 1992 in the name of Young et al., which patent is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to Figure 5, the article 20 according to the present invention comprises a liquid impermeable breakable vessel 90 containing a predetermined quantity of the volatile liquid 100. The breakable vessel 90 is breakable by a user to direct the volatile liquid 100 to the substrate 50. The breakable vessel maintains the volatile liquid material separate from the substrate 50 until the article 20 is ready to be used. Accordingly, the volatile liquid substance is less likely to evaporate from S. the article 20 prior to the time the article is placed in use.

The material with which the substrate 50 is impregnated preferably comprises one or more components effective in repelling bugs, including but not limited to insects such as mosquitos. In one embodiment, the substrate 50 can be impregnated with a liquid material comprising one or more organic compounds.

Such organic compounds can have between one carbon atom and 20 carbon atoms organic compounds), and more preferably, between 6 carbon atoms and 12 carbon atoms (C6-C 12 organic compounds). In one embodiment, the substrate 50 is impregnated with a liquid material comprising one or more C6-C12 organic compounds. Such organic compounds can. be saturated, unsaturated, or aromatic, and can have straight carbon chains, branched carbon chains, or cyclic structures.

Examples of suitable organic compounds include, but are not limited to, alchohols, such as cintronellol; aldhehydes, such as citronellal; ketones; esters; lactones, and amids. One suitable mixture with which the substrate 50 can be impregnated is CITRONELLA CEYLON, designated Fit FDG, FP 138 manufactured by International Flavors and Fragrances of New Jersey. Other suitable materials with which the substrate 50 can be impregnated include but are not limited to Ethyl Butylacetylaminopropinate, N.N diethyl-M-toluamide

(DEET);

and Dimethyl Phthalate.

Th articles of the present invention can have a substrate 50 impregnated with an initial loading of about 2.0 grams or less of the volatile liquid material carried in the breakable vessel 90. In embodiment, the breakable vessel can contain about 1.0 grams or less of the volatile liquid material. Additionally, the ratio of the weight of the volatile liquid material to the weight of the substrate should be at least about 0.1. In one embodiment, the ratio of he weight of the volatile liquid material preferably at least about 2.0, and more preferably, at least about 4.0. By way of illustrative example, the substrate 50 can have a dry weight of about 0.22 grams mrned wit abot ra m of foi l d grams impregnated with about 2.0 grams ofa liquid comprising citronella oil, such as the Sabove referenced CITRONELLA

CEYLON.

The structures of the present invention can provide an effective release rate of insect repellent material with a relatively small amount of insect repellent material. Without being limited by theory; it is believed that the ability of the structures of the present invention to' provide an effective release rate with a small amount of insect repellent is due, at least in part, to having a relatively high ratio of weight of the initial loading of insect repellent material to dry substrate Weight.

The breakable vessel 90 can comprise a packet formed from a liquid :i impervious layer of material. For instance, the vessel 90 can comprise a packet formed from a polymeric film, such as a thermoplastic film. Such a packet can also be formed from a laminate of foil and a polymeric film. Suitable materials from which the vessel 90 can be formed include the films and laminate from which the barrier layer 30 can be formed, as described above. In one embodiment, the vessel can be formed from a film manufactured by Tredegar Industries of Terre Haute, Indiana under the designation C-8570 and having a thickness of about 0.028 mm.

The breakable vessel 90 and at least a portion of the substrate 50 can be disposed in a fluid conduit.. The fluid conduit directs the predetermined amount of S; volatile liquid 100 from the vessel 90 to the substrate 50, once the vessel 90 is broken. In Figure 5, the fluid conduit comprises a sleeve 80 having a closed end 82 and an open end 84. The vessel 90 is disposed in the sleeve 80 adjacent the closed end 82. At least a portion of the relatively high density region 52A of the substrate extends into the open end 84 of the sleeve 80. Generally parallel capillary channel fibers 55 in the region 52A extend into the sleeve 80 to wick fluid from the broken vessel 90 to the relatively low density region 54.

The sleeve 80 can be joined to the substrate 50 to form a fluid seal. For instance, the open end 84 of the sleeve 80 can be adhesively joined to the substrate to prevent the predetermined amount of liquid 100 from flowing between the substrate 50 and the sleeve 80. The sleeve can be formed of a liquid impermeable film, such as a polymeric film which is substantially non-absorbent with respect to the volatile liquid substance. Suitable materials from which the sleeve can be formed include those films and laminate from which the barrier layer 30 can be formed. Another suitable film from which the sleeve 80 can be formed is SARAN brand wrap manufactured by Dow Brands, Inc. of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 6, an article 220 according to the present invention comprises a substrate 50 formed of generally parallel capillary fibers 55 and a breakable vessel containing a predetermined amount of a volatile liquid 100. The substrate 50 and the breakable vessel 90 are disposed in an elongated package 235. A fastener 60 can be disposed on an external surface of the package 235.

The package 235 can have a generally cylindrical shape, and can have a first end 237 and a second removable end 239. The second removable end 239 can be separated from the package 235 at a line of weakness, such as along a line of perforations 238. The package 235 preferably comprises a liquid impermeable film, such as a plastic film which is substantially non-absorbent.with respect to the volatile liquid substance. Suitable materials from which the package 235 can be formed include those films and laminate from which the barrier layer 30 can be formed.

The breakable vessel 90 can be disposed in the package 235 adjacent the first end 237. The fibers 55 can extend in a generally parallel fashion from the vessel to the second end 239. The fibers 55 can be transversely restrained by a sheath 245.

The sheath 245 can comprise one or more layers of paper which encircle the fibers and maintain the fibers 55 in a radially compact, generally cylindrical form.

Orienting the fibers 55 in a general parallel fashion, and maintaining the fibers 55 in a radially compact form along at least a portion of their lengths is desirable. Such a fiber configuration is desirable for wicking the volatile liquid material from the vessel 90 toward the second end 239.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the article 220 of Figure 6 showing the removable end 239 detached from the elongated package 235. With the removable end 239 detached from the package, a portion of the sheath 245 adjacent to the end 239 can be peeled back to free the ends of the fibers 55, as shown in Figure 7.

Freeing the ends of the fibers 55 permits the ends of the fibers to expand transversely as indicated by the arrows 154 in Figure 7, such as in a radial direction, thereby forming a a relatively low density region 54 of the substrate 50. The portion of the substrate 50 which remains encircled by the sheath 245 comprises a relatively high density region 52. The vessel 90 can be broken by exerting oppositely directed compressive forces on either side of the package 235 by pinching the package 235 between two fingers) as indicated by arrows 236.

Figure 8 is a partially cut away top plan view of an article 320 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The article 320 comprises a barrier layer 30, a porous cover layer 40 joined to the barrier layer 30, and a substrate disposed intermediate the barrier layer and the porous cover layer 40. The substrate comprises a strand of braided polyolefinic fibers. The strand of braided fibers can have two ends disposed in a sleeve 80, to. be positioned adjacent a breakable vessel 90 containing the volatile liquid substance: In yet another embodiment, the substrate 50 can comprise a woven or non-woven web of non-absorbent fibers in the *form of a patch. Such a patch can comprise polypropylene fibers, and can have a basis weight of about 5-6 ounces per square yard and a caliper of between about 0.05 inch and about 0.10 inch.

In another embodiment, the substrate 50 can comprise a nonwoven web of paper fibers, including paper webs manufacture by through air drying techniques as well as by conventional papermaking techniques. Suitable webs from which the substrate 50 can be formed are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent 4,528,239 issued July 9, 1985 to Trokhan; U.S. patent 5,277,761 issued January 11, 1994 to Phan et al.; and U.S.

Patent 5,245,025 issued September 4, 1993 to Trokhan et al. In one embodiment, the substrate 50 can have a weight of about 0.25 grams, and can comprise 2 or more sections of 2-ply paper towels cut from BOUNTY brand paper towels manufactured by The Procter and Gamble Company.

Figures 9 and 10 show an article 420 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The article 420 comprises a container 425. The container 425 can comprise a shell 440 having apertures 441 therethrough. The shell 440 can 12 be joined directly or indirectly to a base 430, such as by adhesive, by interference fit, or by other suitable means. A fibrous substrate 50 and a breakable vessel containing a predetermined amount of volatile liquid 100 are shown disposed in the container, intermediate the shell 440 and the base 430. The shell 440 and the base 430 can be thermoformed from thermoplastics.

A piercing element 443 can be joined to or extend integrally from an inside surface of the shell 440. The breakable vessel 90 can be positioned subjacent the piercing element 443. The substrate 50 can at least partially encircle the vessel so that fibers 55 of the substrate 50 extend around the vessel 90 in a generally parallel fashion. The shell 440 can be resiliently or plastically deformed relative to the base 430, such as by applying oppositely directed compressive forces 436 to the shell and base by squeezing the shell and base between two fingers). Deflection of the shell relative to the base causes the piercing element 443 to pierce the vessel thereby releasing the volatile liquid to impregnate the substrate 50. Vapors of the volatile liquid substance are then released through the apertures 441 in the shell 440.

In the embodiments described, the substrate 50 is impregnated with substance effective for repelling insects. In other embodiment, the substrate 50 can be impregnated with materials which are effective in providing a desired fragrance, such as perfume materials, or combinations of such materials.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover, in the appended claims, all such modifications and intended uses.

"Comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims (9)

1. A portable disposable article for providing consumer controlled release of a volatile liquid substance as herein defined, the portable disposable article comprising: a cover that is vapor pervious and liquid impervious; a barrier layer, the barrier layer being impervious to the volatile liquid substance; a fibrous substrate that is supported on the portable disposable article for receiving and releasing the volatile liquid substance through wicking means wherein at least a portion of the fibrous substrate is disposed intermediate the cover and the barrier; and one or more breakable vessels supported on the portable disposable article, the one or more vessels containing the volatile liquid substance, wherein the one or more breakable vessels are breakable by a user to direct the volatile liquid substance to the fibrous substrate; wherein the total amount of volatile liquid substance contained in the breakable vessels is about 2.0 grams or less and the ratio of the total weight of the volatile liquid substance in the breakable vessels to the weight of the substrate is at least *O

2. The article of claim 1 further comprising a fluid conduit for directing volatile fluid from the breakable vessel to the substrate upon breaking of the vessel.

3. The article of claims 1 or 2 wherein the fibrous substrate comprises a relatively low density region and a relatively high density region.

4. The article of claim 3 wherein the relatively high density region of the fibrous substrate transports the volatile liquid substance from the breakable vessel to the relatively lower density region of the fibrous substrate for relatively rapid release of the volatile liquid substance from the fibrous substrate.

The article of claims 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein the substrate comprises non- absorbent fibers, and wherein the substrate preferably comprises capillary channel fibers having external capillary channels.

6. The article of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 wherein the article comprises a fastener for joining the article to a target surface.

7. The article of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 comprising a container for holding the fibrous substrate and the breakable vessel, wherein the container comprises a piercing element for breaking the breakable vessel.

8. The article of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 comprising one or more breakable vessels, wherein the total amount of volatile liquid substance contained in the breakable vessels is about 2.0 grams or less, and more preferably about grams or less of the volatile liquid substance, and where the ratio of the total weight of the volatile liquid substance in the one or more breakable vessels to the weight of the substrate is preferably at least about

9. The article of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 wherein the breakable vessel .,*contains an insect repellent material. V. I I L A portable disposable article as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures i to DATED this 28th day of November 2000 THE PROCTER AND GAMBLE COMPANY WATERMARK PATENT AND TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS 290 BURWOOD ROAD HAWTHORN VICTORIA 3122 AUSTRALIA LCG:RBP:VRH P13334AUOO 0SOo S S OS 0 S. S 0050 SO S. S 0 S 5505 S 0 ~6@ S *55q @6 0@ SS S 650555 0 0 S S