CA1324487C - Absorbent article containing an anhydrous deodorant - Google Patents
Absorbent article containing an anhydrous deodorantInfo
- Publication number
- CA1324487C CA1324487C CA000604455A CA604455A CA1324487C CA 1324487 C CA1324487 C CA 1324487C CA 000604455 A CA000604455 A CA 000604455A CA 604455 A CA604455 A CA 604455A CA 1324487 C CA1324487 C CA 1324487C
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- Prior art keywords
- absorbent
- baffle
- mixture
- article
- absorbent article
- Prior art date
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Abstract
Abstract An absorbent article is disclosed for absorbing and retaining human exudate. The article includes an absorbent having a first surface facing the body of a user and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to the first surface. A liquid-impermeable baffle is positioned adjacent to at least the second surface of the absorbent while a fluid permeable cover is positioned adjacent to at least the first surface of the absorbent. A deodorizing mixture is positioned within the article and is positioned to remain dry for a substantial period of time. The mixture is an anhydrous, non-buffer blend of acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles.
Description
1~2~1~87 PATENTS
ABSORBEHT ARTICLE CONTAINING AN ANHYDROUS DEODORANT
Field of the Invention This invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a diaper, feminine pad, panty liner, incontinent garment, underarm shield, or bedpad which contains an anhydrous deodorant mixture including acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles.
More specifically, the mixture is a non-buffer.
Backqround of the Invention Absorbent articles whieh are designed to be worn by humans to absorb a quantity of urine, menstrual fluid, perspiration, etc~, are known to acquire a variety of malodorous compounds including ~;
amines and fatty acids. The emanation of odors from these absorbent `-articles can cause the user to feel self conscious. Furthermore, an absorbent article may emit an odor immediately after receiving the initial flo~ of body fluid, which is well before the absorbent article has retained a significant amount of fluid for which it has `
capacity. In such a situation, the user may not prefer to change the product due to its cost, time of occurrence or other consideration, yet would like to eliminate the malodor. `
A number of prior art devices have attempted to mask the malodor or to camouflage it wlth an artificial scent, such as perfume. U~S. patents 4,547,195, 4,545,080, 4,186,743 and 3,939,838 ~5 are examples of such prior art. In addition, there are patents which tleach spec;fic deodorant compositions For controlling malodors in feminine napklns and wound dresslngs. U~S. patents 2,024,145, 3,871,g93 and 3,995,636 and Australia patent 109,904 are examples :`
of different types of deodorants. `
For absorbent articles designed for absorbing urine and `
menstrual M uld, it is known that such body flulds contain acidic, basic and pH neutral odors which can best be controlled by providing a deodorant which has an acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing .
* : .
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. ,: .
1 32~7 - properties. However, until now, manufacturers have concentrated on form~lating deodorants with acid and base buffers which are activated when wetted by body fluid. World patent 81/01643 is one such patent which teaches the use of ion exchange materials for the deodorant. Other references, such as U.S. patents 4,372,309, 4,583,980, 4,055,184 and 3,340,875, describe controlling volatile nitrogen compounds, using citric acid or acetyl citric acid to control basic odors, and using hydrolyzed starch polyacrylonitrile qraft copolymers in acidic form. However, in the above references the deodorant has to be wetted before t~e buffer compound starts to control the malodor.
While the above-identified teachings attempt to alleviate malodors emanating from absorbent articles, there is still a need ~or a deodorant which can handle 3~ various types of malodors while in the dry state.
Summary of the Invent~Qn Briefly, the present invention relates to an ¦ absorbent article, such as a diàper, a feminine pad, a panty liner, an incontinent garment, an underarm shield, a bedpad, etc., ~hich contains an anhydrous deodorant.
¦ The general structure of one form of the invention includes an absorbent with a first sur~ace and second surface aligned approximately opposite to the first ;
surface, a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least the second surface of the absorbent and a fluid permeable cover positioned ad~acent to at least 30 the first sur~ace of the absorbent. `~
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from the absorbent, the deordorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles wherein the mixture is a non-buffer.
~ '` ~' .
s~ ,~" ,~"~ " ~ ,. " , . ~ " ~ ~, , . .~ ., In a specific embodiment of the invention, a substantial portion of the mixture is located in the outer 50% of the total surface area of the article.
Still another aspect of the invention resides in the providing of deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from the absorbent, the deodorizing ~eans being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles.
A vapor-permeable member may be positioned between the absorbent and the baffle, and in one embodiment of the invention, the mixture is positioned between the baffle and the vapor-permeable member. ~he vapor-permeable member may be liquid-impermeable and serve to Xeep the mixture dry while the absorbent article is being used.
Accor~ing to another aspect of the invention, the deodorizing means is an anhydrous mixture of at least basic and pH neutral odor absorbent particles. The particles may be positioned bQtween the baffle and the ~`
respective side surfaces of the absorbent.
Alternatively, the particles may be incorporated into th~ baffle.
~`Another genQral form of the invention is an absorbent article having a C-shaped cross-section with a first surfacQ and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to the first surfacQ and including a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at `
~ 3 ~ ~
.
1324~87 `- least a second surface of the absorbent and a fluid permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least the first surface of the absorbent. The fluid permeable cover may surround the absorbent with the liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to the second surface may be attached to an exterior surface of the cover.
According to an aspect of this form of the invention, there is provided deordorizing means for absorbing malodors e~anating from the absorbent, the - deordorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of at least basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles in the form of a non-woven web positioned within the folded absorbent. "
Alternatively, the deordorizing means in the form of at least basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles may be positioned between the exterior surface of the cover and the baffle.
~ Other ob;ects and advantages of the present t 20 invention will become more apparent to those skilled in thQ art in view of the followi~g description and the accompanying drawings. ``
.
Brief ~scrip~ion of ~b~ Drawings~
1 25 ~igure 1 is a top view of an absorbent article, such as a fe~inine pad, containing a deodorant ~ixture for absorbing odors~
Figure 2 is a side view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an end view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1 taken along line 4--4.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an absorbent article showing a ma;ority of the deodorant mixture positioned adjacent to the '` ,'. " .
3a , ,~"
132~7 outer periphery of the article between the absorbent and the liquid- -impermeable baffle.
Figure 6 is a schematic of a rectangular sheet showing the concentration of a deodorant mixture positioned thereon with "A"
being a minimum quantity, ~B" being an intermediate quantity and ~C" being the greater quantity.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article having a deodorant mixture positioned between a vapor permeable layer and a liquid-impermeable baffle.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article showing a deodorant mixture positioned between a ~apor permeable ; layer and a liquid-impermeable baffle wherein both the vapor permeable layer and the liquid-impermeable baffle have approximately equal surface areas.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article ha~ing a non-uniform layer of a deodorant mixture positioned within the absorbent such that a greater quantity of the deodorant mixture is adjacent to the outer periphery of the article and a lesser `~ ;`-amount of the mixture is positioned in the center of the article.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment showing a C-folded layer of deodorant positioned within the absorbent.
Figure 11 is another embodiment of an absorbent article having "`~
a liquid-i~permeable baffle extending upwards about the sides of `~
P5 the absorbent and a deodorant mixture is positioned between the sides of the absorbent and the interior surface of the liquid-impenmeable baffle.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment "
sho~ing a deodorant mixture incorporated into the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent article.
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment showing a deodorant mixture incorporated into the liquid permeable baffle.
v~ `5 ~ `f~
~32~487 Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the circled area shown in - F;gure 13 depicting the deodorant particles dispersed between fibers of the liquid-impermeable baffle.
Detailed De~cription of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figures 1-4, an absorbent article 10 is shown.
The article 10 can be a diaper, a feminine pad, a panty liner, an incontinent garment, an underarm shield, a bedpad, etc. For purposes of discussion, the absorbent article 10 is depicted as a feminine - 10 pad. The absorbent article 10 contains an absorbent 12, best shown ` in Figure 4, which can be constructed of cellulose, wood fluff, ; coform, meltblown or carded material, sphagnum moss, or other conventional material. Coform is an air-form mixture of meltblown and staple fibers such as wood fluff. The absorbent 12 is shown C-folded having abutting ends 14 and 16. The absorbent 12 contains a first surface 18, ~hich faces the body of a user, and a second surface 20 aligned approximately opposite to the first surface 18.
The absorbent article 10 also contains a liquid impermeable baff1e 22, which is positioned adjacent to at least the second j 20 surface 20 of the absorbent 12. It is possible that the baffle 22 can extend up~ards around a port~on of the sides of the absorbent 12 and even overlap a portion of the first surface 18 in certain embodiments. The liqu~d-impermeable baffle 22 can be constructed of polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable mater~al. A fluid penmeable cover 24 is positioned ad~acent to at least the first surface 18 of the absorbent 12. ~he co~er 24 can extend completely `~
~around the absorbent 12, as is shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, lt can part~ally cover the absorbent 12 and be attached directly to the baffle 22 or an intermediate member, see Figures 7 and 8, so "
that both the cover 24 and the baffle 22 sandwich the absorbent 12 therebetween. The cover 24 can be a nonwoven, spunbonded or film ~aterial, or be made from a material having a netting type texture.
The cover 24 can be pornus, embossed, perforated or exhibit a smooth surface. The cover 24 is designed to come in contact the body of the user and present a soft and comfortable feel while ' :':: ' ' ' ''''`;`'',.' ` ' 132~487 exhibiting the ability to allow human exudate in a form of blood, menstrual, intramenstrual, urine or other types of body fluid to readily pass through into the absorbent 12.
~hen the cover 24 completely surrounds the absorbent 12, as is shown in Figure 4, opposite ends 26 and 28 of the cover 24 can be bonded together~ Furthermore, the baffle 22 can be bonded to the outside surface of the cover 24 by construction adhesive 30. In Figure 4, four distally spaced longitudinal strips of construction adhesive 30 secure the baffle 22 to the cover 24. It is possible to use only a single strip of adhesive if one desires. As with most conventional pads, a garment adhesive 32, which can be pressure sensiti~e, is applied to an outside ~urface of the baffle 22 and a removable peel strip 34 is attached thereto. The peel strip 34 is designed to be remo~ed just prior to use of the product by the ultimate consumer~ In use, the consumer remo~es the peel str;p 34 and attaches the product to the inside surface of an undergarment so that the product will remain in position relati~e to the perineum of the body~
The absorbent article 10 also contains a deodorizing mixture 36 for absorbing malodors which may emanate therefrom during use.
The odors are introduced into the absorbent article 10 when the ~ `
absorbent 12 absorbs body fluid. The body fluid can contain highly `
malodorous compound such as amines and fatty acids~ The following odors are co~monly known to exist in feminine pads: triethyl amine, pyridine, furaldehyde, and n-propyl sulfide. The particular malodorous compounds which will be absorbed by ~arious absorbtion articles will ~ary depending upon the person who is wearing the absorption article and the type of fluid absorbed, i.e., urine, menstrual fluid, perspiration, etc. For feminine pads in particular, the length of time that the article is worn, the quantity of fluid which is absorbed and the exposure of the pad to different body fluids will all determine the different odors which can be emitted by the absorbent article~
The deodorizing mixture 36 is an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles. The mixture is a :'` ,` ' ' ~ :
'` ' non-buffer which neutralizes odors emanating from the article 10.
The particles are mixed together but each particle maintains its distinct identity. Each particle is anhydrous and does not contain water either absorbed on its surface or combined as water of crystallization. All the particles are dry during the assembly process and are designed to remove odors in the dry state and are not normally designed to be wetted. Because of this, the particles do not act as a buffer and do not require contact by urine or menstrual fluid before they start to take effect. The particles are dry blended and mixed without the use of solvent or water and are retained in the dry state throughout the manufacturing process.
The particles themselves do not emit an unpleasant odor. The deodorizing mixture 36 is blended without the addition of a solvent or water and this is contrary to most buffers which are blended ~ith the addition of a solvent or with water.
As mentioned above, the deodorizing mixture 36 contains acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles~ The acidic particles, those having a pH of less than 7, may be any suitable dry acid material which will provide control of basic odoriferous compounds.
Typical of such materials are ascorbic acid, stearic acid, boric `
acid, maleic acid polymers, malonic acid, maleic acid, polyacrylic acid and monopotassium phosphate. A preferred material is citric `
acid for it is low in cost, safe to use, and has a low equivalent ~eight. Lo~ equivalent wei~ght means that a large amount of the acid is present per unit of weight. The amount of acid present ~ill vary depending upon the type of product that it is incorporated ~nto, and the particular odors that it is designed to control. For feminine products, it has been found that a suitable amount of acid is between aoout 20 and 50 percent of the total weight of the deodorizing mixture. A preferred amount is between about 30 and 45 -percent of the total weight of the deodorizing mixture. The amount of acid should be in approximate stoichiometric balance with the basic compound. This is advantageous in certain conditions.
Stoichiometric balance is desirable as the effectiveness of the `~
acid and base should be exhausted at approximately the same t~me.
1324~87 The basic odor controlling particles of the deodorizing mixture 36, those having a pH of greater than 7, are designed to primar;ly control acidic odoriferous compounds. Typical of such basic odor control particles are inorganic salts of carbonates, bicarbonate, phosphate, biphosphate, sulfate, bisulfate and mixtures thereof. A
preferred basic odor absorbing material is sodium bicarbonate because it is low in cost, safe to use and its effectiveness has been established over a number of years by previous use in consumer products. The amount of the basic odor absorbing particles used in the blend can be between about 25 and 75 percent of the total weight of the deodorizing mixture. A preferred range is between about qO and 65 percent of the total weight of the deodorizing ~`
mixture. These percentages will give adequate odor control and will also provide the stoichiometric balance as discussed above.
The pH neutral odor absorbing particles of the deodorizing mixture 36, those ha~ing a pH of approximately 7, are designed to absorb odori$erous compounds which are not acidic or basic. Typical of such pH neutral odor absorbing materlals are activated carbon, clays, silicas, diatomaceous earth, polystyrene derivatives, 2eolites, molecular sie~es and starches. A preferred material is a synthetic molecular sieve, such as synthetic sodium aluminum silicate ~ith a 2eolite structure that has been treated to be absorpti~e of odoriferous compounds but not absorptive of water. Such material is commercially available from UOP as ABSCENTS and SMELLRITE~. It ,25 slhould be noted that in the presence of water vapor, con~entional molecular sieves tend to loose most of their capacity to absorb odors~ In contrast, ABSCENTS- and SMELLRITE~ appear to retain most of their absorbent capac~ty in moist conditions and are therefor preferred.
As stated abo~e, the deodori2ing mixture 36 is a non-buffer mixture which can be inserted into an absorbent article in a variety of ways. Preferably, the deodorizing mixture 36 will be positioned such that it ~ill not be immediately contacted by body fluids dlscharged by the user. The non-buffered mixture is most effective ~hen dry, although it will work in the wet condition. The 132~87 deodorizing mixture 36 should be positioned within the absorbent article so as to intersect vapors emanating from the article and thereby absorb the malodors. In this regard, the deodorizing mixture 36 appears to be very useful when located around the peripheral edge near the lateral sides of the article or on the second surface 20 of the absorbent 12. In all of these positions, the deodorizing mixture 36 will remain dry until the absorbent article has absorbed a significant amount of fluid relative to its ultimate capacity. It is also possible to position the deodorizing mixture 36 in a central portion of the produot, but shield it by hydrophobic fibers in order to minimize its contact by body fluid while still allowing it to absorb malodorous. The deodorizing mixture 36 can further be placed within a fibrous material that is hydrophobic in order to discourage passage of fluid there through.
It should be noted that the deodori2ing mixture 36 absorbs the ~alodors emanating from the article 10 and this contrasted to fragrances ~hich are designed to conceal or mask odors. If one wished to add a perfume or a scent to the deodorizing mixture 36, one must carefully select the perfume or scent to avoid detracting from the functional ability of the mixture itself. The present deodorizing ~ixture 36, being anhydrous, exhibits good shelf life and stability and does not require any special type of packaging or handling~ Ho~ever, to maintain maximum effecti~eness, it is `~
advantageous to avoid close contact with strongly scented materials -during extended storage.
Referring to Figure 5, an absorbent article 38 is shown having an absorbent 40 and a liquid-impermeable baffle 42 surrounded by a fluid permeable co~er 44. The baffle 42 has an upper surface 46 `
which is in contact with a lo~er surface of the absorbent 40.
Positioned on the upper surface 46 is a deodorizing mixture 48 containing acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles, as explained above. The deodori~ing mixture 48 is applied to the ~;
surface 46, such that a greater quantity or amount of the mixture is present about the outer periphery of the baffle 42 than is present in the central portion thereof. The greater number of 9 ... .
' . ' ~ , ` 1324487 - particles, designated 50, are shown being more compact and located closer tQgether. The lesser number of the particles, designated 52, are located in the central portion and are spaced a greater distance apart. The novel feature of utilizing a greater quantity of the particles around the outer periphery of the absorbent article 38 presents the deodorizing mixture 48 to remain drier for a longer period of time and therefore will $acilitate better absorption of -malodors.
` It has been found that the particle size of the deodorizing mixture is important, especially when one attempts to form a blend or mixture. If any one of the three ingredients is overly large or particularly sma~l, it is possible that during normal shipping or stacking of the product that the particles will shift and separate.
This can cause a substantial amount of one of the particles to end up on the bottom, while other particles will be located at the top of the mixture~ In order to provide effect~ve odor control, it is 3 important that the mixture retain blended and the particles have a ¦ si2e which will allow them to stay blended. Experimentation has sho~n that when the components of the deodorizing mixture are j 20 citric acid, sodium bicarbonate and 2eolite, that the citric acid i particles have a size of between about 40 and 400 micrometers, that the sodium bicarbonate particles have a size of between about 25 and 250 micrometers and that the zeolite particles have a size of less than about 20 micrometers~ It should be noted that in these ranges a substantial amount of the particles should be within these spec~fic ``
ranges~ If one ~ere to use a sieve measurement to establish size, then the follo~ing U~S~ standard sieve sizes would correspond to the above-mentioned micrometers~ The citric acid should have a slze such that more than 90X passes through a number 40 sieve and more than 90X is retained on a number 400 sieve. The sodium bicarbonate should have a size such that more than 90% passes ` :
through a number 70 sieve and more than 70X is retained in a number 400 sieve~ The zeolite should have a size such that more than 70% ~`
passes through a number 400 sieve. Because many zeolites tend to - 35 agglomerate, to obtain an accurate measure of the zeolite particle ~`
particle size may require the use of a free flowing, f;ne particle size material as an aid in driving the zeolite through the sieve.
Another measurement of the amount of the deodorizlng mixture which should be present in the absorbent article will depend upon the given purpose that the article is designed to serve. It has been found that from about 5 to 50 percent and preferably about 10 to 25 percent of the total weight of the article should be made up of the mixture~ It has also been found that the mixture works satisfactorily when a substantial portion of the mixture is positioned in the outer 50 percent of the total surface area of the article. For products having a weight of at least 2 grams, the a~ount of the deodorizing mixture 36 can be between .15 to 2.5 grams, preferably .2 to 2.0 grams, and most preferably between about .4 and 1.0 grams. A preferred amount has been found to be about 1 gram for provid`ing adequate odor protection without substantially -adding to cost. For a 1 gram mixture, one can have about 39 percent by ~eight of citric acid, about 51 percent by weight of sodium bicarbonate and about 10 percent by weight of a molecular sieve zeolite~
Referring to Figure 6, a schematic is shown of a rectangular sheet 54, having a quantity of a deodoriz~ng mixture 56 positioned thereon. The rectangular sheet 54 has a length denoted ~L" and a ```
width denoted ~. The sheet 54 is representati~e of the surface of a liquid-impermeable baffle which would receive the deodorizing ``
mixture. The sheet 54 contains three areas designated "An, "B" and ~C~ with the central portion labeled "An, the intermediate portion ~labeled ~B~, and the extreme outer portlon labeled "C". The amount of the deodorizing mixture 56 present in each portion varies. The mlnimum amount of the mixture 56 is positioned in area ~An, an intenmediate amount is positioned in area "B" and the maximum amount is positioned in area ~C~.
Experimentation has shown that at least 50 percent and preferably 75 percent of the deodorizing mixture 56 should be located in the outer 50 percent of the total surface area of the absorbent article. More preferably, at least the outer 75 percent of the 1 1 ;, ' ' : .
'~ ~
,: .. .
.' ,', deodorizing mixture 56 should be located in the outer 75 percent of the total surface area of the absorbent article. Optimumly, at least 90 percent of the deodorizing mixture 56 should be located in the outer 75 percent of the total surface area of the article. The purpose for positioning a gr~ater quantity of the deodorizing mixture 56 adjacent to the perimeter of the sheet 54 is to allow it to maintain its dryness for a longer period of time and to be in a position to intercept the odors emanating from the product along the sides and bottom surfaces~ By positioning the deodorizing mixture between the absorbent and the liquid-impermeable baffle, as is shown in Figure ~, the deodorizing mixture will be spaced away from - the porous fluid permeable cover. This distant relationship will assist in preventing the mixture from migrating up and out through the cover and into contact with the body of the user. Although the mixture 56 is not known to be harmful to the skin, it would be preferable to keep the mixture away from the skin. One reason for this is that consumers have expressed their dislike with having a residue of powder left on their body after using an absorbent article. `
Referring to Figure 7, an absorbent article 58 is shown having an absorbent 60 sandwiched between a liquid-impermeable baffle 62 and a fluid permeable cover 64. The baffle 62 and cover 64 are bonded together, such as by an adhesive or ultrasonic sealing to form a peripheral seal 66. The absorbent article 58 also contains a ~apor penmeable member or layer 68 which is positioned between the `` `
absorbent 60 and the liquid-impermeable baffle 62. The vapor permeable member 68 can be a nonwoven, fibrous web which is preferably liquid-impermeable. The vapor permeable member 68 can be bonded to the absorbent 60, the baffle 62 or both, such as by a construction adhesive or by heat. Preferably, the vapor permeable member 68 is located adjacent to the surface of the absorbent 60 which is away from the body of the user. Alternatively, the vapor `~
permeable me~ber 68 can be simply positioned adjacent to the absorbent 60 ~ithout actually being bonding to it. The vapor permeable member 68 can optionally be liquid permeable but should contain some of hydrophobic fibers so as to reduce the amount of l;quids which will permeate there through. It should also be noted that the vapor permeable member 68 can have a smaller surface area than that of the liquid-impermeable baffle 62 such that less material has to be used. This may be important if the vapor permeable material 68 is very costly.
Positioned between the vapor permeable member 68 and the liquid-impermeable baffle 62 is a deodorizing mixture 70 as taught above. The vapor permeable member 68 will allow the malodors from the absorbent 60 to emanate there through and be absorbed by the - `
deodorizing mixture 70 while providing a barrier which will prolong the amount of time it takes before the deodorizing mixture 70 is wetted. As mentioned above, the deodorizing mixture 70 is a non-buffer and therefore is not designed to be wetted in order to activate it. The absorbent article 58 also contains a garment adhesi~e 72 and a peel strip 74, the purpose of which was explained above.
Referring to Figure 8~ an alternative absorbent article 76 is shown which is similar to the absorbent article 58~ All of the structural features which are identical to those discussed above for Figure ~ bears the same reference numerical. The only difference `-is that in Figure 8, a vapor permeable member or layer 78 is coten~inous with the baffle 62 and the cover 64 and is joined with both to form a peripheral seal 80. It should be noted that the deodorizing ~ixture can be deposited onto the baffle, by gravity, be sprinkled on, be blown on, be air-formed, or be mixed with a nonaqueous binder to form a layer and the layer is then interwoven or meltblown onto a substrate. The particular method of introducing -`
the deodorizing mixture into the product will depend upon the -`
equipment available, the amount of mixture to be applied, the location ~here the mixture is to be applied, the type of product, `
etc. ` `
Referring to Figure 9, another embodiment of an absorbent article 82 is shown hav~ng an absorbent 84 completely surrounded by -:
a fluid permeable cover 86. A llquid-impermeable baffle 88 is ~ ~
bonded by several strips of construction adhesive 90 to the exterior of the cover 86 on the side away from the body of the user. The absorbent article 82 also contains a garment adhesive 92 covered by a removable peel strip 94, the purpose of which was explained above. The unique feature of the absorbent article 82 is that the absorbent 84 is C-folded and has a cavity or opening 96 located within the horizontal center portion of the C-fold. Positioned within the cavity 96 is a nonwoven web 98 made up of a deodorizing mixture of acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles.
The nonwoven web 98 has a reduced diameter in the center such that the outer periphery of the web 98 is thicker than the central portion. The web 98 can be formed by dry mixing and blending the three different components and then adding a nonaqueous binder to hold the particles together. The web 98 can be compressed to a desired cross-sectional configuration~ The web 98 is then simply laid onto the absorbent 84 before it is C-folded into the final product~ The web 98 can also contain hydrophobic fibers if desired, to add strength and integrity as well as to repel fluid or moisture from contacting the odor absorbing particles.
Referring to Figure 10, an absorbent article 100 is shown ha~ing a C-folded absorbent 102 completely surrounded by a fluid permeable cover 104~ A liquid-impermeabla baffle 106 is bonded to an exterior surface of the cover which is spaced away from the body of the user~ A garment adhesive 108 is bonded to an exterior surface of the baffle 106 and is covered by a peel strip llQ~ A `":
~eb 112, construc~ed of a deodori~ing mixture of acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles is C folded within the center portion of the absorbent 102~ The web 112 is shown having a constant thickness and again may contain hydrophobic fibers if desired~
Referring to Figure 11, another embod~ment of an absorbent article 114 is depicted having an absorbent 116 which is completely surrounded by a fluid permeable cover 118~ The absorbent 116 contains a pa~r of opposed side surfaces 120 and 122. A liquid^
impermeable baffle 124 having a pair of upwardly extending side ~:
portions 126 and 128 is positioned between the absorbent 116 and , , ' ' ~ i324487 the cover 118. The side portions 126 and 128 extend upward and substantially cover a greater portion of the side surfaces 120 and 122. Positioned in the cavities or spaces between the surfaces 120 and 126, and the surfaces 122 and 128, respectively, is a deodorizing mixture 130. The absorbent article 114 also contains one or more garment adhesive strips 132 which are bonded to an exterior surface - of the cover 118 and which hold a removable peel strip 134 in place.
The deodorizing mixture 130 is composed of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles as described above. ~y positioning the deodorizing mixture 130 on the sides or peripheral portions of the absorbent article 114, one can be assured that the deodorizing mixture 130 will absorb any malodors emanating from the side or periphery while remaining dry for a greater portion of the life of the product. The reason for this is that in most absorbent articles the fluid is dispersed along the central longitudinal top portion -`
of the cover and is drawn down into the absorbent along the central -vertical ~Y~ axis. As the absorbent 116 absorbs and retains additional fluid, the fluid slowly progresses outward along the "Xn and ~ axes ~etting more of the absorbent 116. The absorbent - -article 114 can absorb roughly 75 percent of the total fluid which -it is designed to absorb before the outer periphery or side edges will be contacted by the fluid.
Referring to Figure 12~ another embodiment of an absorbent ~5 article 136 is shown contalning an absorbent 138 having a first `~--surface 140 faclng the body of a user and a second surface 142 -posltioned away from the body of the user~ A liquld-impermeable baffle 144 is positioned ad~acent to the second surface 142 and wraps around the sides of the absorbent 138 and partially covers a portlon of the first surface 140. Bonded to the baffle 144 and -:
posltloned adjacent to the first surface 140 of the absorbent 138 ls a fluld penmeable cover 146. A garment adhesive 148 is applied to the exterior surface of the baffle 144 and is covered by a ~ -removable peel strlp 150. A deodorizing mixture 152 is incorporated ` `~
lnto the absorbent 138 and extends about the entire periphery ," .`:' . ...
-~ 132~4~7 thereof. The deodorizing mixture 152 can extend inward from the lateral side edges of the absorbent 138 approximately 10 to 25 percent of its total width. By incorporating the deodorizing mixture 152 into the side edges or periphery of the absorbent 138, one may be able to speed up the manufacturing process and provide a location for the deodorizing mixture 152 which will maintain its dryness for essentially the entire life of the product.
Referring to Figures 13 and 14, another embodiment of an absorbent article 154 is shown having an absorbent 156 sandwiched between a liquid-impermeable baffle 158 and a fluid permeable cover 160. The baffle 158 and the cover 160 are joined together about their periphery by construction adhesive 162 to form a peripheral seal 164. The absorbent artic7e 154 also contains a garment adhesive 166 applied to an exterior surface of the ba ffle 158 which is covered by a remo~able peel strip 168~ The novel feature of the `
absorbent article 15~ is that deodorizing particles 170 are incorporated and dispersed within the baffle 158. The baffle 158 can also contain fibrous materials 172 which can provide integrity as ~ell as acting as a carrier for the deodorizing particles 170.
The deodorizing particles 170 are individual acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particle~ blended or mixed together. Since tlhe deodorizing particles 170 are dispersed and incorporated directly into the bafM e 158, the baffle 158 should be vapor permeable. By ` ~`
being vapor penmeable, yet l~quid-impermeable, the baffle 158 will -`;
allow odors to e~anate there through while prevent~ng liquid from exiting the article 154 Referring once again to Figure 13, it should be noted that a constructlon adhesi~e 174 ~s applied between the lower surface of the absorbent 156 and the inner surface of the baffle 158. The adhesive 174 will bond the baffle 158 and provide integrity to the product~ ~he presence of the adhesi~e 174 is optional and can be ~ `
eliminated if not needed.
An illustrated laboratory test was conducted wh~ch although not totally reflected of real world conditions, does offer evidence supporting the contention that the deodorizing mixture described `
132~87 herein is more effective than the presence of a single absorbing substance, such as only an acid absorbent or a base absorbent. The odoriferous compounds given off by absorbent articles, particularly menstrual pads and panty liners, vary with the particular person utilizing the pad, as well as the time of menstrual cycle and the length of time the product is worn. Therefore, exact comparison in real world situations are difficult to document except by numerically calculated preferences in large groups of wearers. However, the effecti~eness of the deodorant ingredient against the odoriferous compounds given off from menstrual products is demonstrated.
Example 1 -In this example, about 97.5 milligrams (mg) of citric acid, about 127 mg of sodium bicarbonate and about 25 mg of SMELLRITE
molecular sieve material were tested indi~idually and in combination~
The particles were exposed to the common types of odors found in feminine pads containing menstrual fluids. These odors contained triethyl amine, pyridine, furaldehyde, and n-propyl sulfide~ Thare may have been other odors emanating from the pad which were not tested for. A mixture of odors was injected into a sealed ~ial containing the particles. A sample of the air abo~e the particles ` .`
was taken fi~e hours later and analyzed. The data from the analyses is represented in ~able 1. The data indicated that a large percent `
reduction of odors occurred after fi~e hours and that the deodorizing mixture did not interfere with the indi~idual performance of the three components~ The results also confirmed that the deodorizing ~mixture deli~ered a broader spectrum of performance than any individual ingredient~
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-~ ` 132~487 ` Table 1 .
Percent tX) Reduction of Odor Leve~ After 5 Hours ~cidic B~sic pH ~eutr~l Deodori~ing o ~bsorbent ~bsorben~ ~bsorbent _ ~ixture, çontrQ~ -` - ' Citric Sodiu~ S~EL~RITE~ ~ixture of No rcidic, ~cid 8ic~rbona~e thes~ three basic or substDnces pN neutral odor ~, 15 ebsorbent s` ~97,5 ~9~ ~127~5 ~g) ~25 ~g) ~250 ~9) Odop us Co~aoun_ Tri~thyl u~ine 98 9 ~I 9~ NR
Pyridine 9~ NR 33 ~6 ~R
Fureldhhyde~R 19 56 o8 NR
propyl sulfide NR NR 33 35 NR
, ~ote: U~R~ indioetes no reductior~ in odor level ~es obsorv d~ , The effectiYeness of the deodorizing mixture was demonstrated in a clinical study. New Freedom~ Anyday~ pantiliner pads having a construction si~ilar to that sho~n in Figure ~ was tested with a ``deodorizing ~lxture in the amount of 1 gram per product. The ~ixture was evaluated to determine odor reducing ability. Four tralned ~udges evaluated the odor of the products using a O to 10 scale.
Thlrty-three (33) subjects wore both unscented control products ; and deodorlzed test products on alternate days. The ~udges observedthat for twenty of the subjects the deodorized test products had less odor, while for ten subjects the control product had less odor. h r three sub~ects no difference was observed in the odor level between the t~o products. Table 2 indicates the recorded data.
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Tahle 2 3244 7 Clinical StudY
; Difference in Number mean odor of ratinqs* Sub.iects Observations 102.00 1 Deodorized test 1.7~ 1 product had less 1~50 4 odor than the 1~25 4 control product~
l~no 150.75 5 0~50 2 0~25 -0~25 8 Control product had less 20 -0~50 1 odor than deodorized -0~75 1 test product~
o.o0 3 Control product and deodorized test product exhibited equal odor. :
0.55 = mean difference 0.75 = standard de~iation 0.13 = standard error * Odor rating for deodori2ed test product minus the odor ratin~ for control product.
. ., While the invention has been described in con~unction with several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, ~odifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the aforegoing description.
Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, ~odifications and variations which fall within the spir~t and scope of the appended claims.
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The abo~e desctibed absorbent article wherein the deodorizing means includes an anhydrous mixture of odor absorbing particles ~ith a substantial portion of the mixture positioned in the outer 50% of the total suface area of the article is also described and .`
is clai~ed in applicant's copending divisional application, Serial .:
No. 616,45~ ~iled on August 11, 1992.
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SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
In addition to prior art devices described above, still other U.S. patents, such as 4,304,675: 4,5~4,962 and 4,826,497, teach deodorizing compositions for rugs and catamenial devices. The compositions vary, but the use of sodium or potassium bicarbonate and natural and synthetic zeolites is disclosed.
As described above, bodily fluids contain various malodorous chemical compounds~ These have been found to o include acyclic and cyclic a~ines, aldehydes, fatty acids, and sulfur-containing compounds such as sulfides. Vaginal secretions and used menstrual pads may contain many malodorous chemical compounds: ~or example, trimethyl amine, pyridine, furaldehye, isovaleric acid, and methyl mercaptan. The boiling points of these co~pounds are 3'C, 115'C, 162'C, l~9'C, and 37'C, respectively. To facilitate laboratory evaluations, five compounds with boiling points significantly above room temperature were chosen as models to represent five types of chemical co~pounds. ~riethyl ; 20 amine (boiling point 8~'C)~ pyridine, furaldehyde, isovaleric acid, and n-propyl sulfide ~boiling point l42'C) were chosen as representatives o~ the types of odoriferous c~Qmical co~pounds to which an absorbent article ~ight be exposed.
It has been found that the deodorizing mixture 36 should ~Q an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles, and may also include acidic odor absorbing particles.
As previously indicated, the acidic particles, those 30 h~vinq a pH o~ 1QSS than 7, may be any suitable dry acid m~teri~l which will provide control o~ basic odoriferou~
compounds. Typical of such materials are ascorbic acid, stearic acid, bori~ acid, maleic acid polymers, malonic acid, maleic acid, polyacrylic acid and monopotassium phosph~te. A preferred material is citric acid, for it is low in cost, safe to use, and has a low equivalent weight.
Low equivalent weight m~ans that a large amount of the acid is present per unit o~ weight. It has been found that the amount Or acid present will vary depending upon the type of "~ .
-~ 13244~7 product that it is incorporated into and the particular odors that it is designed to control. For feminine products, it has been found that very small amounts of acid, l~ss than about lo percent, preferably less than about 5 percent, and most preferably less than about 1 percent of the total weight of the deodorizing mixture is desirous. It should be noted that the acid component can be eliminated if desired. The amount of acid should be less than, or approximately equal to, the stoichiometric balance of the basic compound. A value equal to the stoichiometric balance is desirable, as the effectiveness -of the acid and base should be exhausted at approximately the same time.
The amount of the pH neutral odor absorbing particles used in the blend can be between about 1 to 25 percent of ~ the total weight of the deodorizing mixture. A preferred range is between about 10 to 20 percent, and a ~ost preferred range is between 15 to 20 percent of the total weight of the deodori2ing mixture.
The following example, ~xample la, further ~
demonstrates the effectiveness of the mixture ingredient aqainst the types of odoriferous co~pounds g~ven off from ~en~trual products.
Exam~le la In this example, about 97.5 milligrams tmg) of citric acid, about 127 mg of sodium bicarbonate and about 25 mg o~
SM~LLRITE ~ molecular sieve material were tested individually and in combination. The particles were exposed to triethyl amine, isovaleric acid, pyridine, furaldehyde, and n-propyl sulfide which were chosen as rapresentative of the types of odoriferous chemical compounds to which an absorbent article might be exposed.
A mixture of these compounds was injected onto the particles contained in a sealed vial. A sample of the air 35 above the particles was taken four ~4) hours later and ;~
analyzed using qas chromatography. The data indioated that the three component mixture was a more effective absorbent overall than any onle of the individual components. ~ `
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ABSORBEHT ARTICLE CONTAINING AN ANHYDROUS DEODORANT
Field of the Invention This invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a diaper, feminine pad, panty liner, incontinent garment, underarm shield, or bedpad which contains an anhydrous deodorant mixture including acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles.
More specifically, the mixture is a non-buffer.
Backqround of the Invention Absorbent articles whieh are designed to be worn by humans to absorb a quantity of urine, menstrual fluid, perspiration, etc~, are known to acquire a variety of malodorous compounds including ~;
amines and fatty acids. The emanation of odors from these absorbent `-articles can cause the user to feel self conscious. Furthermore, an absorbent article may emit an odor immediately after receiving the initial flo~ of body fluid, which is well before the absorbent article has retained a significant amount of fluid for which it has `
capacity. In such a situation, the user may not prefer to change the product due to its cost, time of occurrence or other consideration, yet would like to eliminate the malodor. `
A number of prior art devices have attempted to mask the malodor or to camouflage it wlth an artificial scent, such as perfume. U~S. patents 4,547,195, 4,545,080, 4,186,743 and 3,939,838 ~5 are examples of such prior art. In addition, there are patents which tleach spec;fic deodorant compositions For controlling malodors in feminine napklns and wound dresslngs. U~S. patents 2,024,145, 3,871,g93 and 3,995,636 and Australia patent 109,904 are examples :`
of different types of deodorants. `
For absorbent articles designed for absorbing urine and `
menstrual M uld, it is known that such body flulds contain acidic, basic and pH neutral odors which can best be controlled by providing a deodorant which has an acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing .
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1 32~7 - properties. However, until now, manufacturers have concentrated on form~lating deodorants with acid and base buffers which are activated when wetted by body fluid. World patent 81/01643 is one such patent which teaches the use of ion exchange materials for the deodorant. Other references, such as U.S. patents 4,372,309, 4,583,980, 4,055,184 and 3,340,875, describe controlling volatile nitrogen compounds, using citric acid or acetyl citric acid to control basic odors, and using hydrolyzed starch polyacrylonitrile qraft copolymers in acidic form. However, in the above references the deodorant has to be wetted before t~e buffer compound starts to control the malodor.
While the above-identified teachings attempt to alleviate malodors emanating from absorbent articles, there is still a need ~or a deodorant which can handle 3~ various types of malodors while in the dry state.
Summary of the Invent~Qn Briefly, the present invention relates to an ¦ absorbent article, such as a diàper, a feminine pad, a panty liner, an incontinent garment, an underarm shield, a bedpad, etc., ~hich contains an anhydrous deodorant.
¦ The general structure of one form of the invention includes an absorbent with a first sur~ace and second surface aligned approximately opposite to the first ;
surface, a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least the second surface of the absorbent and a fluid permeable cover positioned ad~acent to at least 30 the first sur~ace of the absorbent. `~
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from the absorbent, the deordorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles wherein the mixture is a non-buffer.
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s~ ,~" ,~"~ " ~ ,. " , . ~ " ~ ~, , . .~ ., In a specific embodiment of the invention, a substantial portion of the mixture is located in the outer 50% of the total surface area of the article.
Still another aspect of the invention resides in the providing of deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from the absorbent, the deodorizing ~eans being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles.
A vapor-permeable member may be positioned between the absorbent and the baffle, and in one embodiment of the invention, the mixture is positioned between the baffle and the vapor-permeable member. ~he vapor-permeable member may be liquid-impermeable and serve to Xeep the mixture dry while the absorbent article is being used.
Accor~ing to another aspect of the invention, the deodorizing means is an anhydrous mixture of at least basic and pH neutral odor absorbent particles. The particles may be positioned bQtween the baffle and the ~`
respective side surfaces of the absorbent.
Alternatively, the particles may be incorporated into th~ baffle.
~`Another genQral form of the invention is an absorbent article having a C-shaped cross-section with a first surfacQ and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to the first surfacQ and including a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at `
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1324~87 `- least a second surface of the absorbent and a fluid permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least the first surface of the absorbent. The fluid permeable cover may surround the absorbent with the liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to the second surface may be attached to an exterior surface of the cover.
According to an aspect of this form of the invention, there is provided deordorizing means for absorbing malodors e~anating from the absorbent, the - deordorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of at least basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles in the form of a non-woven web positioned within the folded absorbent. "
Alternatively, the deordorizing means in the form of at least basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles may be positioned between the exterior surface of the cover and the baffle.
~ Other ob;ects and advantages of the present t 20 invention will become more apparent to those skilled in thQ art in view of the followi~g description and the accompanying drawings. ``
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Brief ~scrip~ion of ~b~ Drawings~
1 25 ~igure 1 is a top view of an absorbent article, such as a fe~inine pad, containing a deodorant ~ixture for absorbing odors~
Figure 2 is a side view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an end view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1 taken along line 4--4.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an absorbent article showing a ma;ority of the deodorant mixture positioned adjacent to the '` ,'. " .
3a , ,~"
132~7 outer periphery of the article between the absorbent and the liquid- -impermeable baffle.
Figure 6 is a schematic of a rectangular sheet showing the concentration of a deodorant mixture positioned thereon with "A"
being a minimum quantity, ~B" being an intermediate quantity and ~C" being the greater quantity.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article having a deodorant mixture positioned between a vapor permeable layer and a liquid-impermeable baffle.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article showing a deodorant mixture positioned between a ~apor permeable ; layer and a liquid-impermeable baffle wherein both the vapor permeable layer and the liquid-impermeable baffle have approximately equal surface areas.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article ha~ing a non-uniform layer of a deodorant mixture positioned within the absorbent such that a greater quantity of the deodorant mixture is adjacent to the outer periphery of the article and a lesser `~ ;`-amount of the mixture is positioned in the center of the article.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment showing a C-folded layer of deodorant positioned within the absorbent.
Figure 11 is another embodiment of an absorbent article having "`~
a liquid-i~permeable baffle extending upwards about the sides of `~
P5 the absorbent and a deodorant mixture is positioned between the sides of the absorbent and the interior surface of the liquid-impenmeable baffle.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment "
sho~ing a deodorant mixture incorporated into the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent article.
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment showing a deodorant mixture incorporated into the liquid permeable baffle.
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~32~487 Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the circled area shown in - F;gure 13 depicting the deodorant particles dispersed between fibers of the liquid-impermeable baffle.
Detailed De~cription of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figures 1-4, an absorbent article 10 is shown.
The article 10 can be a diaper, a feminine pad, a panty liner, an incontinent garment, an underarm shield, a bedpad, etc. For purposes of discussion, the absorbent article 10 is depicted as a feminine - 10 pad. The absorbent article 10 contains an absorbent 12, best shown ` in Figure 4, which can be constructed of cellulose, wood fluff, ; coform, meltblown or carded material, sphagnum moss, or other conventional material. Coform is an air-form mixture of meltblown and staple fibers such as wood fluff. The absorbent 12 is shown C-folded having abutting ends 14 and 16. The absorbent 12 contains a first surface 18, ~hich faces the body of a user, and a second surface 20 aligned approximately opposite to the first surface 18.
The absorbent article 10 also contains a liquid impermeable baff1e 22, which is positioned adjacent to at least the second j 20 surface 20 of the absorbent 12. It is possible that the baffle 22 can extend up~ards around a port~on of the sides of the absorbent 12 and even overlap a portion of the first surface 18 in certain embodiments. The liqu~d-impermeable baffle 22 can be constructed of polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable mater~al. A fluid penmeable cover 24 is positioned ad~acent to at least the first surface 18 of the absorbent 12. ~he co~er 24 can extend completely `~
~around the absorbent 12, as is shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, lt can part~ally cover the absorbent 12 and be attached directly to the baffle 22 or an intermediate member, see Figures 7 and 8, so "
that both the cover 24 and the baffle 22 sandwich the absorbent 12 therebetween. The cover 24 can be a nonwoven, spunbonded or film ~aterial, or be made from a material having a netting type texture.
The cover 24 can be pornus, embossed, perforated or exhibit a smooth surface. The cover 24 is designed to come in contact the body of the user and present a soft and comfortable feel while ' :':: ' ' ' ''''`;`'',.' ` ' 132~487 exhibiting the ability to allow human exudate in a form of blood, menstrual, intramenstrual, urine or other types of body fluid to readily pass through into the absorbent 12.
~hen the cover 24 completely surrounds the absorbent 12, as is shown in Figure 4, opposite ends 26 and 28 of the cover 24 can be bonded together~ Furthermore, the baffle 22 can be bonded to the outside surface of the cover 24 by construction adhesive 30. In Figure 4, four distally spaced longitudinal strips of construction adhesive 30 secure the baffle 22 to the cover 24. It is possible to use only a single strip of adhesive if one desires. As with most conventional pads, a garment adhesive 32, which can be pressure sensiti~e, is applied to an outside ~urface of the baffle 22 and a removable peel strip 34 is attached thereto. The peel strip 34 is designed to be remo~ed just prior to use of the product by the ultimate consumer~ In use, the consumer remo~es the peel str;p 34 and attaches the product to the inside surface of an undergarment so that the product will remain in position relati~e to the perineum of the body~
The absorbent article 10 also contains a deodorizing mixture 36 for absorbing malodors which may emanate therefrom during use.
The odors are introduced into the absorbent article 10 when the ~ `
absorbent 12 absorbs body fluid. The body fluid can contain highly `
malodorous compound such as amines and fatty acids~ The following odors are co~monly known to exist in feminine pads: triethyl amine, pyridine, furaldehyde, and n-propyl sulfide. The particular malodorous compounds which will be absorbed by ~arious absorbtion articles will ~ary depending upon the person who is wearing the absorption article and the type of fluid absorbed, i.e., urine, menstrual fluid, perspiration, etc. For feminine pads in particular, the length of time that the article is worn, the quantity of fluid which is absorbed and the exposure of the pad to different body fluids will all determine the different odors which can be emitted by the absorbent article~
The deodorizing mixture 36 is an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles. The mixture is a :'` ,` ' ' ~ :
'` ' non-buffer which neutralizes odors emanating from the article 10.
The particles are mixed together but each particle maintains its distinct identity. Each particle is anhydrous and does not contain water either absorbed on its surface or combined as water of crystallization. All the particles are dry during the assembly process and are designed to remove odors in the dry state and are not normally designed to be wetted. Because of this, the particles do not act as a buffer and do not require contact by urine or menstrual fluid before they start to take effect. The particles are dry blended and mixed without the use of solvent or water and are retained in the dry state throughout the manufacturing process.
The particles themselves do not emit an unpleasant odor. The deodorizing mixture 36 is blended without the addition of a solvent or water and this is contrary to most buffers which are blended ~ith the addition of a solvent or with water.
As mentioned above, the deodorizing mixture 36 contains acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles~ The acidic particles, those having a pH of less than 7, may be any suitable dry acid material which will provide control of basic odoriferous compounds.
Typical of such materials are ascorbic acid, stearic acid, boric `
acid, maleic acid polymers, malonic acid, maleic acid, polyacrylic acid and monopotassium phosphate. A preferred material is citric `
acid for it is low in cost, safe to use, and has a low equivalent ~eight. Lo~ equivalent wei~ght means that a large amount of the acid is present per unit of weight. The amount of acid present ~ill vary depending upon the type of product that it is incorporated ~nto, and the particular odors that it is designed to control. For feminine products, it has been found that a suitable amount of acid is between aoout 20 and 50 percent of the total weight of the deodorizing mixture. A preferred amount is between about 30 and 45 -percent of the total weight of the deodorizing mixture. The amount of acid should be in approximate stoichiometric balance with the basic compound. This is advantageous in certain conditions.
Stoichiometric balance is desirable as the effectiveness of the `~
acid and base should be exhausted at approximately the same t~me.
1324~87 The basic odor controlling particles of the deodorizing mixture 36, those having a pH of greater than 7, are designed to primar;ly control acidic odoriferous compounds. Typical of such basic odor control particles are inorganic salts of carbonates, bicarbonate, phosphate, biphosphate, sulfate, bisulfate and mixtures thereof. A
preferred basic odor absorbing material is sodium bicarbonate because it is low in cost, safe to use and its effectiveness has been established over a number of years by previous use in consumer products. The amount of the basic odor absorbing particles used in the blend can be between about 25 and 75 percent of the total weight of the deodorizing mixture. A preferred range is between about qO and 65 percent of the total weight of the deodorizing ~`
mixture. These percentages will give adequate odor control and will also provide the stoichiometric balance as discussed above.
The pH neutral odor absorbing particles of the deodorizing mixture 36, those ha~ing a pH of approximately 7, are designed to absorb odori$erous compounds which are not acidic or basic. Typical of such pH neutral odor absorbing materlals are activated carbon, clays, silicas, diatomaceous earth, polystyrene derivatives, 2eolites, molecular sie~es and starches. A preferred material is a synthetic molecular sieve, such as synthetic sodium aluminum silicate ~ith a 2eolite structure that has been treated to be absorpti~e of odoriferous compounds but not absorptive of water. Such material is commercially available from UOP as ABSCENTS and SMELLRITE~. It ,25 slhould be noted that in the presence of water vapor, con~entional molecular sieves tend to loose most of their capacity to absorb odors~ In contrast, ABSCENTS- and SMELLRITE~ appear to retain most of their absorbent capac~ty in moist conditions and are therefor preferred.
As stated abo~e, the deodori2ing mixture 36 is a non-buffer mixture which can be inserted into an absorbent article in a variety of ways. Preferably, the deodorizing mixture 36 will be positioned such that it ~ill not be immediately contacted by body fluids dlscharged by the user. The non-buffered mixture is most effective ~hen dry, although it will work in the wet condition. The 132~87 deodorizing mixture 36 should be positioned within the absorbent article so as to intersect vapors emanating from the article and thereby absorb the malodors. In this regard, the deodorizing mixture 36 appears to be very useful when located around the peripheral edge near the lateral sides of the article or on the second surface 20 of the absorbent 12. In all of these positions, the deodorizing mixture 36 will remain dry until the absorbent article has absorbed a significant amount of fluid relative to its ultimate capacity. It is also possible to position the deodorizing mixture 36 in a central portion of the produot, but shield it by hydrophobic fibers in order to minimize its contact by body fluid while still allowing it to absorb malodorous. The deodorizing mixture 36 can further be placed within a fibrous material that is hydrophobic in order to discourage passage of fluid there through.
It should be noted that the deodori2ing mixture 36 absorbs the ~alodors emanating from the article 10 and this contrasted to fragrances ~hich are designed to conceal or mask odors. If one wished to add a perfume or a scent to the deodorizing mixture 36, one must carefully select the perfume or scent to avoid detracting from the functional ability of the mixture itself. The present deodorizing ~ixture 36, being anhydrous, exhibits good shelf life and stability and does not require any special type of packaging or handling~ Ho~ever, to maintain maximum effecti~eness, it is `~
advantageous to avoid close contact with strongly scented materials -during extended storage.
Referring to Figure 5, an absorbent article 38 is shown having an absorbent 40 and a liquid-impermeable baffle 42 surrounded by a fluid permeable co~er 44. The baffle 42 has an upper surface 46 `
which is in contact with a lo~er surface of the absorbent 40.
Positioned on the upper surface 46 is a deodorizing mixture 48 containing acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles, as explained above. The deodori~ing mixture 48 is applied to the ~;
surface 46, such that a greater quantity or amount of the mixture is present about the outer periphery of the baffle 42 than is present in the central portion thereof. The greater number of 9 ... .
' . ' ~ , ` 1324487 - particles, designated 50, are shown being more compact and located closer tQgether. The lesser number of the particles, designated 52, are located in the central portion and are spaced a greater distance apart. The novel feature of utilizing a greater quantity of the particles around the outer periphery of the absorbent article 38 presents the deodorizing mixture 48 to remain drier for a longer period of time and therefore will $acilitate better absorption of -malodors.
` It has been found that the particle size of the deodorizing mixture is important, especially when one attempts to form a blend or mixture. If any one of the three ingredients is overly large or particularly sma~l, it is possible that during normal shipping or stacking of the product that the particles will shift and separate.
This can cause a substantial amount of one of the particles to end up on the bottom, while other particles will be located at the top of the mixture~ In order to provide effect~ve odor control, it is 3 important that the mixture retain blended and the particles have a ¦ si2e which will allow them to stay blended. Experimentation has sho~n that when the components of the deodorizing mixture are j 20 citric acid, sodium bicarbonate and 2eolite, that the citric acid i particles have a size of between about 40 and 400 micrometers, that the sodium bicarbonate particles have a size of between about 25 and 250 micrometers and that the zeolite particles have a size of less than about 20 micrometers~ It should be noted that in these ranges a substantial amount of the particles should be within these spec~fic ``
ranges~ If one ~ere to use a sieve measurement to establish size, then the follo~ing U~S~ standard sieve sizes would correspond to the above-mentioned micrometers~ The citric acid should have a slze such that more than 90X passes through a number 40 sieve and more than 90X is retained on a number 400 sieve. The sodium bicarbonate should have a size such that more than 90% passes ` :
through a number 70 sieve and more than 70X is retained in a number 400 sieve~ The zeolite should have a size such that more than 70% ~`
passes through a number 400 sieve. Because many zeolites tend to - 35 agglomerate, to obtain an accurate measure of the zeolite particle ~`
particle size may require the use of a free flowing, f;ne particle size material as an aid in driving the zeolite through the sieve.
Another measurement of the amount of the deodorizlng mixture which should be present in the absorbent article will depend upon the given purpose that the article is designed to serve. It has been found that from about 5 to 50 percent and preferably about 10 to 25 percent of the total weight of the article should be made up of the mixture~ It has also been found that the mixture works satisfactorily when a substantial portion of the mixture is positioned in the outer 50 percent of the total surface area of the article. For products having a weight of at least 2 grams, the a~ount of the deodorizing mixture 36 can be between .15 to 2.5 grams, preferably .2 to 2.0 grams, and most preferably between about .4 and 1.0 grams. A preferred amount has been found to be about 1 gram for provid`ing adequate odor protection without substantially -adding to cost. For a 1 gram mixture, one can have about 39 percent by ~eight of citric acid, about 51 percent by weight of sodium bicarbonate and about 10 percent by weight of a molecular sieve zeolite~
Referring to Figure 6, a schematic is shown of a rectangular sheet 54, having a quantity of a deodoriz~ng mixture 56 positioned thereon. The rectangular sheet 54 has a length denoted ~L" and a ```
width denoted ~. The sheet 54 is representati~e of the surface of a liquid-impermeable baffle which would receive the deodorizing ``
mixture. The sheet 54 contains three areas designated "An, "B" and ~C~ with the central portion labeled "An, the intermediate portion ~labeled ~B~, and the extreme outer portlon labeled "C". The amount of the deodorizing mixture 56 present in each portion varies. The mlnimum amount of the mixture 56 is positioned in area ~An, an intenmediate amount is positioned in area "B" and the maximum amount is positioned in area ~C~.
Experimentation has shown that at least 50 percent and preferably 75 percent of the deodorizing mixture 56 should be located in the outer 50 percent of the total surface area of the absorbent article. More preferably, at least the outer 75 percent of the 1 1 ;, ' ' : .
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.' ,', deodorizing mixture 56 should be located in the outer 75 percent of the total surface area of the absorbent article. Optimumly, at least 90 percent of the deodorizing mixture 56 should be located in the outer 75 percent of the total surface area of the article. The purpose for positioning a gr~ater quantity of the deodorizing mixture 56 adjacent to the perimeter of the sheet 54 is to allow it to maintain its dryness for a longer period of time and to be in a position to intercept the odors emanating from the product along the sides and bottom surfaces~ By positioning the deodorizing mixture between the absorbent and the liquid-impermeable baffle, as is shown in Figure ~, the deodorizing mixture will be spaced away from - the porous fluid permeable cover. This distant relationship will assist in preventing the mixture from migrating up and out through the cover and into contact with the body of the user. Although the mixture 56 is not known to be harmful to the skin, it would be preferable to keep the mixture away from the skin. One reason for this is that consumers have expressed their dislike with having a residue of powder left on their body after using an absorbent article. `
Referring to Figure 7, an absorbent article 58 is shown having an absorbent 60 sandwiched between a liquid-impermeable baffle 62 and a fluid permeable cover 64. The baffle 62 and cover 64 are bonded together, such as by an adhesive or ultrasonic sealing to form a peripheral seal 66. The absorbent article 58 also contains a ~apor penmeable member or layer 68 which is positioned between the `` `
absorbent 60 and the liquid-impermeable baffle 62. The vapor permeable member 68 can be a nonwoven, fibrous web which is preferably liquid-impermeable. The vapor permeable member 68 can be bonded to the absorbent 60, the baffle 62 or both, such as by a construction adhesive or by heat. Preferably, the vapor permeable member 68 is located adjacent to the surface of the absorbent 60 which is away from the body of the user. Alternatively, the vapor `~
permeable me~ber 68 can be simply positioned adjacent to the absorbent 60 ~ithout actually being bonding to it. The vapor permeable member 68 can optionally be liquid permeable but should contain some of hydrophobic fibers so as to reduce the amount of l;quids which will permeate there through. It should also be noted that the vapor permeable member 68 can have a smaller surface area than that of the liquid-impermeable baffle 62 such that less material has to be used. This may be important if the vapor permeable material 68 is very costly.
Positioned between the vapor permeable member 68 and the liquid-impermeable baffle 62 is a deodorizing mixture 70 as taught above. The vapor permeable member 68 will allow the malodors from the absorbent 60 to emanate there through and be absorbed by the - `
deodorizing mixture 70 while providing a barrier which will prolong the amount of time it takes before the deodorizing mixture 70 is wetted. As mentioned above, the deodorizing mixture 70 is a non-buffer and therefore is not designed to be wetted in order to activate it. The absorbent article 58 also contains a garment adhesi~e 72 and a peel strip 74, the purpose of which was explained above.
Referring to Figure 8~ an alternative absorbent article 76 is shown which is similar to the absorbent article 58~ All of the structural features which are identical to those discussed above for Figure ~ bears the same reference numerical. The only difference `-is that in Figure 8, a vapor permeable member or layer 78 is coten~inous with the baffle 62 and the cover 64 and is joined with both to form a peripheral seal 80. It should be noted that the deodorizing ~ixture can be deposited onto the baffle, by gravity, be sprinkled on, be blown on, be air-formed, or be mixed with a nonaqueous binder to form a layer and the layer is then interwoven or meltblown onto a substrate. The particular method of introducing -`
the deodorizing mixture into the product will depend upon the -`
equipment available, the amount of mixture to be applied, the location ~here the mixture is to be applied, the type of product, `
etc. ` `
Referring to Figure 9, another embodiment of an absorbent article 82 is shown hav~ng an absorbent 84 completely surrounded by -:
a fluid permeable cover 86. A llquid-impermeable baffle 88 is ~ ~
bonded by several strips of construction adhesive 90 to the exterior of the cover 86 on the side away from the body of the user. The absorbent article 82 also contains a garment adhesive 92 covered by a removable peel strip 94, the purpose of which was explained above. The unique feature of the absorbent article 82 is that the absorbent 84 is C-folded and has a cavity or opening 96 located within the horizontal center portion of the C-fold. Positioned within the cavity 96 is a nonwoven web 98 made up of a deodorizing mixture of acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles.
The nonwoven web 98 has a reduced diameter in the center such that the outer periphery of the web 98 is thicker than the central portion. The web 98 can be formed by dry mixing and blending the three different components and then adding a nonaqueous binder to hold the particles together. The web 98 can be compressed to a desired cross-sectional configuration~ The web 98 is then simply laid onto the absorbent 84 before it is C-folded into the final product~ The web 98 can also contain hydrophobic fibers if desired, to add strength and integrity as well as to repel fluid or moisture from contacting the odor absorbing particles.
Referring to Figure 10, an absorbent article 100 is shown ha~ing a C-folded absorbent 102 completely surrounded by a fluid permeable cover 104~ A liquid-impermeabla baffle 106 is bonded to an exterior surface of the cover which is spaced away from the body of the user~ A garment adhesive 108 is bonded to an exterior surface of the baffle 106 and is covered by a peel strip llQ~ A `":
~eb 112, construc~ed of a deodori~ing mixture of acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles is C folded within the center portion of the absorbent 102~ The web 112 is shown having a constant thickness and again may contain hydrophobic fibers if desired~
Referring to Figure 11, another embod~ment of an absorbent article 114 is depicted having an absorbent 116 which is completely surrounded by a fluid permeable cover 118~ The absorbent 116 contains a pa~r of opposed side surfaces 120 and 122. A liquid^
impermeable baffle 124 having a pair of upwardly extending side ~:
portions 126 and 128 is positioned between the absorbent 116 and , , ' ' ~ i324487 the cover 118. The side portions 126 and 128 extend upward and substantially cover a greater portion of the side surfaces 120 and 122. Positioned in the cavities or spaces between the surfaces 120 and 126, and the surfaces 122 and 128, respectively, is a deodorizing mixture 130. The absorbent article 114 also contains one or more garment adhesive strips 132 which are bonded to an exterior surface - of the cover 118 and which hold a removable peel strip 134 in place.
The deodorizing mixture 130 is composed of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles as described above. ~y positioning the deodorizing mixture 130 on the sides or peripheral portions of the absorbent article 114, one can be assured that the deodorizing mixture 130 will absorb any malodors emanating from the side or periphery while remaining dry for a greater portion of the life of the product. The reason for this is that in most absorbent articles the fluid is dispersed along the central longitudinal top portion -`
of the cover and is drawn down into the absorbent along the central -vertical ~Y~ axis. As the absorbent 116 absorbs and retains additional fluid, the fluid slowly progresses outward along the "Xn and ~ axes ~etting more of the absorbent 116. The absorbent - -article 114 can absorb roughly 75 percent of the total fluid which -it is designed to absorb before the outer periphery or side edges will be contacted by the fluid.
Referring to Figure 12~ another embodiment of an absorbent ~5 article 136 is shown contalning an absorbent 138 having a first `~--surface 140 faclng the body of a user and a second surface 142 -posltioned away from the body of the user~ A liquld-impermeable baffle 144 is positioned ad~acent to the second surface 142 and wraps around the sides of the absorbent 138 and partially covers a portlon of the first surface 140. Bonded to the baffle 144 and -:
posltloned adjacent to the first surface 140 of the absorbent 138 ls a fluld penmeable cover 146. A garment adhesive 148 is applied to the exterior surface of the baffle 144 and is covered by a ~ -removable peel strlp 150. A deodorizing mixture 152 is incorporated ` `~
lnto the absorbent 138 and extends about the entire periphery ," .`:' . ...
-~ 132~4~7 thereof. The deodorizing mixture 152 can extend inward from the lateral side edges of the absorbent 138 approximately 10 to 25 percent of its total width. By incorporating the deodorizing mixture 152 into the side edges or periphery of the absorbent 138, one may be able to speed up the manufacturing process and provide a location for the deodorizing mixture 152 which will maintain its dryness for essentially the entire life of the product.
Referring to Figures 13 and 14, another embodiment of an absorbent article 154 is shown having an absorbent 156 sandwiched between a liquid-impermeable baffle 158 and a fluid permeable cover 160. The baffle 158 and the cover 160 are joined together about their periphery by construction adhesive 162 to form a peripheral seal 164. The absorbent artic7e 154 also contains a garment adhesive 166 applied to an exterior surface of the ba ffle 158 which is covered by a remo~able peel strip 168~ The novel feature of the `
absorbent article 15~ is that deodorizing particles 170 are incorporated and dispersed within the baffle 158. The baffle 158 can also contain fibrous materials 172 which can provide integrity as ~ell as acting as a carrier for the deodorizing particles 170.
The deodorizing particles 170 are individual acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particle~ blended or mixed together. Since tlhe deodorizing particles 170 are dispersed and incorporated directly into the bafM e 158, the baffle 158 should be vapor permeable. By ` ~`
being vapor penmeable, yet l~quid-impermeable, the baffle 158 will -`;
allow odors to e~anate there through while prevent~ng liquid from exiting the article 154 Referring once again to Figure 13, it should be noted that a constructlon adhesi~e 174 ~s applied between the lower surface of the absorbent 156 and the inner surface of the baffle 158. The adhesive 174 will bond the baffle 158 and provide integrity to the product~ ~he presence of the adhesi~e 174 is optional and can be ~ `
eliminated if not needed.
An illustrated laboratory test was conducted wh~ch although not totally reflected of real world conditions, does offer evidence supporting the contention that the deodorizing mixture described `
132~87 herein is more effective than the presence of a single absorbing substance, such as only an acid absorbent or a base absorbent. The odoriferous compounds given off by absorbent articles, particularly menstrual pads and panty liners, vary with the particular person utilizing the pad, as well as the time of menstrual cycle and the length of time the product is worn. Therefore, exact comparison in real world situations are difficult to document except by numerically calculated preferences in large groups of wearers. However, the effecti~eness of the deodorant ingredient against the odoriferous compounds given off from menstrual products is demonstrated.
Example 1 -In this example, about 97.5 milligrams (mg) of citric acid, about 127 mg of sodium bicarbonate and about 25 mg of SMELLRITE
molecular sieve material were tested indi~idually and in combination~
The particles were exposed to the common types of odors found in feminine pads containing menstrual fluids. These odors contained triethyl amine, pyridine, furaldehyde, and n-propyl sulfide~ Thare may have been other odors emanating from the pad which were not tested for. A mixture of odors was injected into a sealed ~ial containing the particles. A sample of the air abo~e the particles ` .`
was taken fi~e hours later and analyzed. The data from the analyses is represented in ~able 1. The data indicated that a large percent `
reduction of odors occurred after fi~e hours and that the deodorizing mixture did not interfere with the indi~idual performance of the three components~ The results also confirmed that the deodorizing ~mixture deli~ered a broader spectrum of performance than any individual ingredient~
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-~ ` 132~487 ` Table 1 .
Percent tX) Reduction of Odor Leve~ After 5 Hours ~cidic B~sic pH ~eutr~l Deodori~ing o ~bsorbent ~bsorben~ ~bsorbent _ ~ixture, çontrQ~ -` - ' Citric Sodiu~ S~EL~RITE~ ~ixture of No rcidic, ~cid 8ic~rbona~e thes~ three basic or substDnces pN neutral odor ~, 15 ebsorbent s` ~97,5 ~9~ ~127~5 ~g) ~25 ~g) ~250 ~9) Odop us Co~aoun_ Tri~thyl u~ine 98 9 ~I 9~ NR
Pyridine 9~ NR 33 ~6 ~R
Fureldhhyde~R 19 56 o8 NR
propyl sulfide NR NR 33 35 NR
, ~ote: U~R~ indioetes no reductior~ in odor level ~es obsorv d~ , The effectiYeness of the deodorizing mixture was demonstrated in a clinical study. New Freedom~ Anyday~ pantiliner pads having a construction si~ilar to that sho~n in Figure ~ was tested with a ``deodorizing ~lxture in the amount of 1 gram per product. The ~ixture was evaluated to determine odor reducing ability. Four tralned ~udges evaluated the odor of the products using a O to 10 scale.
Thlrty-three (33) subjects wore both unscented control products ; and deodorlzed test products on alternate days. The ~udges observedthat for twenty of the subjects the deodorized test products had less odor, while for ten subjects the control product had less odor. h r three sub~ects no difference was observed in the odor level between the t~o products. Table 2 indicates the recorded data.
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Tahle 2 3244 7 Clinical StudY
; Difference in Number mean odor of ratinqs* Sub.iects Observations 102.00 1 Deodorized test 1.7~ 1 product had less 1~50 4 odor than the 1~25 4 control product~
l~no 150.75 5 0~50 2 0~25 -0~25 8 Control product had less 20 -0~50 1 odor than deodorized -0~75 1 test product~
o.o0 3 Control product and deodorized test product exhibited equal odor. :
0.55 = mean difference 0.75 = standard de~iation 0.13 = standard error * Odor rating for deodori2ed test product minus the odor ratin~ for control product.
. ., While the invention has been described in con~unction with several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, ~odifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the aforegoing description.
Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, ~odifications and variations which fall within the spir~t and scope of the appended claims.
.. . .
The abo~e desctibed absorbent article wherein the deodorizing means includes an anhydrous mixture of odor absorbing particles ~ith a substantial portion of the mixture positioned in the outer 50% of the total suface area of the article is also described and .`
is clai~ed in applicant's copending divisional application, Serial .:
No. 616,45~ ~iled on August 11, 1992.
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SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
In addition to prior art devices described above, still other U.S. patents, such as 4,304,675: 4,5~4,962 and 4,826,497, teach deodorizing compositions for rugs and catamenial devices. The compositions vary, but the use of sodium or potassium bicarbonate and natural and synthetic zeolites is disclosed.
As described above, bodily fluids contain various malodorous chemical compounds~ These have been found to o include acyclic and cyclic a~ines, aldehydes, fatty acids, and sulfur-containing compounds such as sulfides. Vaginal secretions and used menstrual pads may contain many malodorous chemical compounds: ~or example, trimethyl amine, pyridine, furaldehye, isovaleric acid, and methyl mercaptan. The boiling points of these co~pounds are 3'C, 115'C, 162'C, l~9'C, and 37'C, respectively. To facilitate laboratory evaluations, five compounds with boiling points significantly above room temperature were chosen as models to represent five types of chemical co~pounds. ~riethyl ; 20 amine (boiling point 8~'C)~ pyridine, furaldehyde, isovaleric acid, and n-propyl sulfide ~boiling point l42'C) were chosen as representatives o~ the types of odoriferous c~Qmical co~pounds to which an absorbent article ~ight be exposed.
It has been found that the deodorizing mixture 36 should ~Q an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles, and may also include acidic odor absorbing particles.
As previously indicated, the acidic particles, those 30 h~vinq a pH o~ 1QSS than 7, may be any suitable dry acid m~teri~l which will provide control o~ basic odoriferou~
compounds. Typical of such materials are ascorbic acid, stearic acid, bori~ acid, maleic acid polymers, malonic acid, maleic acid, polyacrylic acid and monopotassium phosph~te. A preferred material is citric acid, for it is low in cost, safe to use, and has a low equivalent weight.
Low equivalent weight m~ans that a large amount of the acid is present per unit o~ weight. It has been found that the amount Or acid present will vary depending upon the type of "~ .
-~ 13244~7 product that it is incorporated into and the particular odors that it is designed to control. For feminine products, it has been found that very small amounts of acid, l~ss than about lo percent, preferably less than about 5 percent, and most preferably less than about 1 percent of the total weight of the deodorizing mixture is desirous. It should be noted that the acid component can be eliminated if desired. The amount of acid should be less than, or approximately equal to, the stoichiometric balance of the basic compound. A value equal to the stoichiometric balance is desirable, as the effectiveness -of the acid and base should be exhausted at approximately the same time.
The amount of the pH neutral odor absorbing particles used in the blend can be between about 1 to 25 percent of ~ the total weight of the deodorizing mixture. A preferred range is between about 10 to 20 percent, and a ~ost preferred range is between 15 to 20 percent of the total weight of the deodori2ing mixture.
The following example, ~xample la, further ~
demonstrates the effectiveness of the mixture ingredient aqainst the types of odoriferous co~pounds g~ven off from ~en~trual products.
Exam~le la In this example, about 97.5 milligrams tmg) of citric acid, about 127 mg of sodium bicarbonate and about 25 mg o~
SM~LLRITE ~ molecular sieve material were tested individually and in combination. The particles were exposed to triethyl amine, isovaleric acid, pyridine, furaldehyde, and n-propyl sulfide which were chosen as rapresentative of the types of odoriferous chemical compounds to which an absorbent article might be exposed.
A mixture of these compounds was injected onto the particles contained in a sealed vial. A sample of the air 35 above the particles was taken four ~4) hours later and ;~
analyzed using qas chromatography. The data indioated that the three component mixture was a more effective absorbent overall than any onle of the individual components. ~ `
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Claims (33)
1. An absorbent article comprising:
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent; and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles wherein said mixture is a non-buffer.
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent; and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles wherein said mixture is a non-buffer.
2. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein a substantial portion of said mixture is positioned in the outer 50 percent of the total surface area of said article.
3. The absorbent article of claim 2 wherein a majority of said mixture is positioned adjacent to the periphery of said article between said absorbent and said baffle.
4. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein a vapor-permeable member is positioned between said absorbent and said baffle and said mixture is retained between said vapor-permeable member and said baffle.
5. The absorbent article of claim 4 wherein said vapor-permeable member is liquid-impermeable.
6. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said acidic odor absorbing particles include citric acid, said basic odor absorbing particles include sodium bicarbonate and said pH neutral odor absorbing particles include a zeolite.
7. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said odor absorbing particles include basic odor absorbing particles in the form of sodium bicarbonate and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles in the form of a zeolite.
neutral odor absorbing particles in the form of a zeolite.
8. The absorbent article of claim 6 or 7 wherein a substantial amount of said citric acid particles have a size of between about 40 and 400 micrometers, a substantial amount of said sodium bicarbonate particles have a size of between about 25 and 250 micrometers and a substantial amount of said zeolite particles have a size of lass than about 20 micrometers.
9. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said anhydrous mixture is blended without the addition of a solvent.
10. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said anhydrous mixture is blended without water.
11. An absorbent article comprising:
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent; and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of distinct acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles, said mixture representing from about 5 to 50 percent of the total weight of said article and wherein a substantial portion of said mixture is positioned adjacent to the periphery of said article.
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent; and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of distinct acidic, basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles, said mixture representing from about 5 to 50 percent of the total weight of said article and wherein a substantial portion of said mixture is positioned adjacent to the periphery of said article.
12. The absorbent article of claim 11 wherein said mixture represents from about 10 to 25 percent of the total weight of said article.
13. The absorbent article of claim 11 wherein said article has a total weight of at least 2 grams and said mixture has a weight of between about 0.15 and 2.5 grams.
14. The absorbent article of claim 13 wherein said mixture has a weight of between about .4 and 1.0 grams.
15. An absorbent article comprising:
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent;
d) a vapor-permeable member positioned between said baffle and said absorbent; and e) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles positioned between said baffle and said vapor-permeable member.
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent;
d) a vapor-permeable member positioned between said baffle and said absorbent; and e) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles positioned between said baffle and said vapor-permeable member.
16. The absorbent article of claim 15 wherein said vapor-permeable member is liquid-impermeable and serves to keep said mixture dry while said absorbent article is being used.
17. An absorbent article comprising:
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent:
d) a vapor-permeable member positioned between said baffle and said absorbent; and e) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles positioned between said baffle and said vapor-permeable member wherein said vapor-permeable member is liquid-impermeable and serves to keep said mixture dry while said absorbent article is being used.
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent:
d) a vapor-permeable member positioned between said baffle and said absorbent; and e) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles positioned between said baffle and said vapor-permeable member wherein said vapor-permeable member is liquid-impermeable and serves to keep said mixture dry while said absorbent article is being used.
18. The absorbent article of claim 15 or 17 wherein said vapor-permeable member has a smaller surface area than said baffle.
19. The absorbent article of claim 15 or 17 wherein said vapor-permeable member is conterminous with said baffle.
20. The article of claim 15 or 17 wherein said vapor-permeable member is a non-woven fibrous web.
21. An absorbent article comprising:
a) an absorbent having a C-shaped cross-section with a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a fluid-permeable cover surrounding said absorbent;
c) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to said second surface of said absorbent and attached to an exterior surface of said cover; and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles positioned between said exterior surface of said cover and said baffle.
a) an absorbent having a C-shaped cross-section with a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a fluid-permeable cover surrounding said absorbent;
c) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to said second surface of said absorbent and attached to an exterior surface of said cover; and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles positioned between said exterior surface of said cover and said baffle.
22. An absorbent article comprising:
a) an absorbent having a C-shaped cross-section with a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a fluid-permeable cover surrounding said absorbent;
c) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to said second surface of said absorbent and attached to an exterior surface of said cover; and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles positioned between said exterior surface of said cover and said baffle.
a) an absorbent having a C-shaped cross-section with a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a fluid-permeable cover surrounding said absorbent;
c) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to said second surface of said absorbent and attached to an exterior surface of said cover; and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles positioned between said exterior surface of said cover and said baffle.
23. An absorbent article comprising:
a) a folded absorbent having a C-shaped cross-section with a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent:
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbents and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles in the form of a non-woven web positioned within said folded absorbent.
a) a folded absorbent having a C-shaped cross-section with a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent:
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbents and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles in the form of a non-woven web positioned within said folded absorbent.
24. An absorbent article comprising:
a) a folded absorbent having a C-shaped cross-section with a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent; and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles in the form of a non-woven web positioned within said folded absorbent.
a) a folded absorbent having a C-shaped cross-section with a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent; and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles in the form of a non-woven web positioned within said folded absorbent.
25. The absorbent article of claim 23 or 24 wherein said non-woven web is C-shaped within said absorbent.
26. An absorbent article comprising:
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface and a pair of side surfaces joining said first surface to said second surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to said second surface of said absorbent and extending upward to overlap a substantial portion of said side surfaces;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent, and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles wherein said particles are positioned between said baffle and said respective side surfaces of said absorbent.
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface and a pair of side surfaces joining said first surface to said second surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to said second surface of said absorbent and extending upward to overlap a substantial portion of said side surfaces;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent, and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles wherein said particles are positioned between said baffle and said respective side surfaces of said absorbent.
27. An absorbent article comprising:
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface, and a pair of side surfaces joining said first surface to said second surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to said second surface of said absorbent and extending upward to overlap a substantial portion of said side surfaces;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent, and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles wherein said particles are positioned between said baffle and said respective side surfaces of said absorbent.
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface, and a pair of side surfaces joining said first surface to said second surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to said second surface of said absorbent and extending upward to overlap a substantial portion of said side surfaces;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent, and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles wherein said particles are positioned between said baffle and said respective side surfaces of said absorbent.
28. The absorbent article of claim 26 or 27 wherein said deodorizing means is incorporated into said absorbent and is situated along said side surfaces of said absorbent.
29. The absorbent article of claim 26 or 27 wherein said deodorizing means is incorporated into the periphery of said absorbent.
30. An absorbent article comprising:
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent:
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent, and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles wherein said particles are incorporated into said baffle.
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent:
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent, and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of acidic, basic and pH
neutral odor absorbing particles wherein said particles are incorporated into said baffle.
31. An absorbent article comprising:
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent, and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles wherein said particles are incorporated into said baffle.
a) an absorbent having a first surface and a second surface aligned approximately opposite to said first surface;
b) a liquid-impermeable baffle positioned adjacent to at least said second surface of said absorbent;
c) a fluid-permeable cover positioned adjacent to at least said first surface of said absorbent, and d) deodorizing means for absorbing malodors emanating from said absorbent, said deodorizing means being an anhydrous mixture of basic and pH neutral odor absorbing particles wherein said particles are incorporated into said baffle.
32. The absorbent article of claim 30 or 31 wherein said baffle is vapor-permeable.
33. The absorbent article of claim 30 or 31 wherein said baffle is a fibrous material having said odor absorbing particles dispersed therein.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000616454A CA1328987C (en) | 1988-06-30 | 1992-08-11 | Absorbent article containing an anhydrous deodorant |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US21339988A | 1988-06-30 | 1988-06-30 | |
| US213,399 | 1988-06-30 | ||
| US35433789A | 1989-05-23 | 1989-05-23 | |
| US354,337 | 1989-05-23 | ||
| US68536391A | 1991-04-15 | 1991-04-15 | |
| US685,363 | 1991-04-15 |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000616454A Division CA1328987C (en) | 1988-06-30 | 1992-08-11 | Absorbent article containing an anhydrous deodorant |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1324487C true CA1324487C (en) | 1993-11-23 |
Family
ID=27395863
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000604455A Expired - Fee Related CA1324487C (en) | 1988-06-30 | 1989-06-29 | Absorbent article containing an anhydrous deodorant |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1324487C (en) |
-
1989
- 1989-06-29 CA CA000604455A patent/CA1324487C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |