JP7254162B2 - Wettable SMS material for personal protective equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present specification relates generally to wettable SMS materials for personal protective equipment articles.

Healthcare workers should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgeon's caps, gowns, gloves, shoe covers, or other wearable personal protective equipment to prevent contact with hazards such as blood and other bodily fluids. is often worn. In addition, health care workers often require the wearing of personal protective equipment, such as head coverings, gowns, gloves, etc., that cover part or all of the individual, to protect the sterile environment. However, many articles of personal protective equipment contain multiple layers of material that trap heat and can be bulky.

Additionally, many personal protective equipment articles used during surgery are constructed of non-wettable materials. In particular, materials such as spunbond or meltspun polyolefin materials, e.g., spunbond meltspun spunbond laminates (SMS materials or SMS fabrics), lack breathability and wettability, resulting in individual resistance to stress, heat, and/or perspiration. Due to their physical constitution, they can cause sweating all over the body. Accordingly, such articles can cause unsanitary and uncomfortable conditions during surgery or surgery by allowing perspiration to drip onto the eyes or onto sterile surfaces, increasing the risk of infection.

Accordingly, there is a need for materials for personal protective equipment that overcome the aforementioned shortcomings of existing materials used to form personal protective equipment. In particular, materials that meet modern demands for durability and strength with improved breathability and/or wettability would be beneficial. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a wettable material suitable for personal protective equipment that can also dry after getting wet and/or wick sweat away from the user's body. It would also be of value to provide a personal protective article at least partially formed from a wettable material suitable for personal protective equipment.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to a wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) material for use in personal protective equipment, comprising a wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond laminate and a surfactant. Surfactants include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, or combinations thereof. The wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material is configured to dry after being exposed to liquids, and the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material is configured to absorb liquids.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) material is configured to absorb liquid from its surface. In yet another embodiment, the surface is skin. In yet another embodiment, the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material comprises a polyolefin-based polymer. In yet another embodiment, the surfactant is applied to the polyolefin-based polymer. Additionally, in one embodiment, the polyolefin-based polymer is hydrophobic prior to applying the surfactant to the polyolefin-based polymer. Alternatively or additionally, polyolefin-based polymers include polypropylene and random copolymer resins.

In yet another embodiment, the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) material has a weight and an amount of liquid from about 1.5 times to about 4.5 times the weight of the wettable spunbond-meltblown. can be absorbed. Alternatively or additionally, a wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) material forms all or part of the fabric, and the fabric has a basis weight of about 10 GSM to about 60 GSM. Additionally, in one embodiment, the fabric has an air permeability of from about 40 CFM to about 62 CFM.

The present disclosure also generally contemplates articles for use in personal protective equipment that include wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabrics. A wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric comprises a spunbond meltblown spunbond laminate and a surfactant. Surfactants include anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, or combinations thereof, and at least a portion of the article is configured to contact the user's skin while worn.

Alternatively or additionally, the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric has a weight, an amount of from about 1.5 times to about 4.5 times the weight of the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric. of liquid can be absorbed. In a further embodiment, the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric is configured to absorb liquids from the user's skin. In yet another embodiment, the spunbond meltblown spunbond laminate comprises at least about three layers, and the surfactant is contained in or on at least two layers of the spunbond meltblown spunbond laminate.

In yet another embodiment, the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric exhibits a dry rate of from about 2.5 mL/hr to about 4 mL/hr. Additionally, in one embodiment, the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric has an air permeability of from about 40 CFM to about 62 CFM. Alternatively or additionally, the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric is adapted to absorb an amount of liquid from about 1.25 grams to about 7.25 grams per gram of wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric. configured to

In yet another embodiment, the article is a headcover, at least a portion of the headcover comprises a wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric, and at least a portion of the headcover comprises a spunbond fabric.

The present disclosure also generally contemplates methods of forming articles for use in personal protective equipment. The method includes impregnating at least one side of a spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric with a surfactant, wherein the surfactant is a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, or It's a combination. The method also includes the steps of drying a surfactant saturated spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric, treating the surfactant saturated spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric, and wet spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) fabric. (SMS) Including the step of forming the dough. Alternatively or additionally, the treating step includes at least one antistatic treatment.

The above and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

A complete and enabling disclosure (including the best mode) of the present invention directed to those skilled in the art is described in more detail in the remainder of the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 shows a laminate according to the present disclosure; 1B shows the laminate of FIG. 1A including surfactants according to the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 4 is a rear view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure; 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure; FIG. 12 is a side view of one embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure, separated and flattened at the rear seam 122 of FIG. 11; FIG. Figure 8 is a side view of the head cover of Figure 7 including elastics; FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a rear view of an embodiment of a head cover according to the present disclosure;

Various embodiments of the invention and one or more examples thereof are described in detail below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations of this invention are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention embrace such modifications and variations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In general, the present invention relates to SMS materials, such as SMS fabrics, that have been treated to improve wettability and absorbency of the SMS fabrics. As noted above, SMS fabrics exhibit desirable properties for forming personal protective equipment (PPE), while SMS fabrics are generally hydrophobic and water repellent. This can be disruptive and/or unsanitary during surgery as sweat can drip onto the clinician's face or head, distracting the clinician and increasing the risk of infection at the surgical or procedure site. can cause a condition. Thus, while it is beneficial to utilize SMS fabric for its desired breathability and light weighting qualities, it is also possible here for SMS fabric to absorb liquids.

Therefore, we have found that by treating SMS fabrics with surfactants, we can retain the desirable qualities of durable SMS fabrics and form wettable SMS fabrics that may also exhibit good water absorption and drying properties. I found For example, surfactants selected according to the present disclosure enable wettable SMS fabrics to retain their durability, breathability, and comfort, and also reduce the surface tension of liquids that contact SMS fabrics. In addition to assisting in the absorption, it may provide wettability and absorbent properties to the fabric.

In particular, the SMS fabric may be formed from a laminate of spunbond meltblown spunbond material made from three separate layers. The separate layers may then be laminated together. In particular, the number of layers, the materials used to form the SMS material, and the laminate may support a headlamp or other accessory that a healthcare worker may wear around the head crown. resulting in a durable fabric that can provide a durable structure. Methods of making the above materials are known and described in US Pat. No. 4,041,203 to Brock et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The Brock et al. material described above is a three-layer laminate of spunbond meltblown spunbond layers, which is also commonly referred to by the acronym "SMS." The two outer layers of the SMS (eg, the innermost layer and the outermost layer) are extruded polyolefin fibers, a spunbond material in which filaments are laid in a random pattern and adhered to each other. The inner layer (or intermediate layer located between two outer spunbond layers) is also a meltblown layer, generally made from extruded polyolefin fibers of smaller diameter than the fibers of the spunbond layers.

As a result, the meltblown layer provides an improved barrier due to its fine fiber structure, allowing sterilant to pass through the fabric while preventing the passage of bacteria and other contaminants. Conversely, the two outer spunbond layers provide a greater portion of the overall laminate strength factor. Laminates can be produced with an intermittent bond pattern that is preferably employed such that the pattern repeats substantially regularly over the surface of the laminate. The pattern is selected so that the bond can occupy about 5% to about 50% of the surface area of the laminate. Preferably, the bond will occupy about 10% to about 30% of the surface area of the laminate.

The fibers of the nonwoven material itself can be made from a variety of both natural and synthetic materials including, but not limited to, rayon, nylon, polyester, polyolefins, and many other materials. Specifically, in one embodiment, the SMS fabric can be made from a polyolefin-based polymer, and in one embodiment, the polyolefin-based polymer and/or SMS fabric comprises polypropylene and random copolymer (RCP) resin. The fibers can be relatively short length fibers, typically less than 3 inches, or longer, substantially continuous fibers such as those produced by spunbonding and meltblowing processes. good.

For example, FIG. 1A shows an SMS stack 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. SMS laminate 200 includes first spunbond layer 148 , meltblown layer 150 , and second spunbond layer 152 . In one embodiment, first spunbond layer 148 and second spunbond layer 152 can be formed from the same or similar polymer compositions, such as one of the polymer compositions described above. Alternatively or in other embodiments, the first spunbond layer 148 and the second spunbond layer 152 may be formed from different polymer compositions, or the first spunbond layer 148 and the second spunbond layer 148 may be formed from different polymer compositions. One or more additives may be included in different compositions such as between layers. Further, although the first spunbond layer 148 is described as the "first layer," the first spunbond layer 148 may serve as the inner or outer surface of the laminate. Similarly, the second layer 152, although described as the second layer, may function as either the inner or outer surface of the laminate.

Regardless of the form or composition of the SMS laminate 200 used, the SMS laminate 200 according to the present disclosure may incorporate surfactants. In one embodiment, the surfactant may be a cationic or anionic surfactant. Regardless of the type of surfactant selected, it may be preferable to select a surfactant that is compatible with the antistatic treatment applied to the nonwoven. In particular, one or both sides of the SMS fabric may be sprayed with surfactant, such as by applying an amount of surfactant such that the SMS fabric is saturated, regardless of the surfactant selected.

The surfactant-impregnated SMS fabric is then subjected to standard processing of SMS fabrics, including passing the impregnated fabric through rolls and dryers to remove the liquid, resulting in surfactants on or in the fabric. The agent remains impregnated. For example, an SMS fabric impregnated with a surfactant according to the present disclosure may carry the surfactant on one or both sides of the fabric and/or be coated through all three layers of fibers forming the fabric. Alternatively, a portion of the fibers of each of the three layers may be coated, or only the fibers of one or more layers of the fabric formed from the SMS laminate 200 according to the present disclosure may be coated. Therefore, it would be desirable to select a surfactant that is compatible with processes such as antistatic treatment in manufacturing SMS fabrics, since the surfactants are treated with the SMS fabric after incorporation.

Thus, in one embodiment, the surfactant may comprise one or more anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, or combinations thereof. Examples of anionic surfactants include mono- and di-alkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl, aryl, benzene, alkyl ether, sulfonates such as olefin sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates, alcohol and alcohol ether sulfates, Phosphates such as alkyl phosphates and phosphate esters, alkyl and alkyl ether carboxylates, fatty carboxylates, alkyl and ethoxylated alkyl phosphates, taurate salts, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the cationic surfactant is applied alone or in combination and may be a dialkyl sulfosuccinate or a salt thereof, such as the dialkyl sulfosuccinate sold under the tradename DOSS-70D.

Surfactants according to the present disclosure may also include cationic surfactants such as quaternary ammonium compounds, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkylene glycol surfactants, or combinations thereof.

Additionally, the surfactant may be applied as part of a surfactant composition that includes a carrier or solvent. In one embodiment, the carrier or solvent may be water, or another carrier or solvent commonly known in the art that is compatible with SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure. Additionally, although not essential, in some embodiments, the surfactant composition also includes antifoaming additives, such as, for example, antifoaming additives to minimize foaming of the surfactant when added to a carrier or solvent. Various additives known in the art may be included.

In particular, as is generally known in the art, surfactants are used to lower the surface tension of liquids and enhance the spreading and wetting properties of liquids. The inventors have found that when SMS fabric is coated with a surfactant composition, e.g. It has been found that fabrics can exhibit wettability and water absorption even when they have hydrophobic properties.

For example, surfactants are polar molecules with a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end. When introduced into an SMS laminate or fabric according to the present disclosure, the hydrophobic ends orient themselves onto the fibers of the SMS fabric or laminate, coating all or part of the fibers of the SMS fabric or laminate, and the hydrophilic Sex ends can be left available. The hydrophilic end also overcomes adhesion (e.g., surface tension) to the fluid itself and reduces the surface tension of the fluid in contact with the fabric, leading to droplet spreading and dispersion of the fluid on the surface of the fabric. can cause

For example, if an SMS fabric or laminate is saturated with a surfactant and then dried, the surfactant is retained on the fabric or laminate while the carrier or solvent evaporates and, as noted above, the SMS Fibers of fabrics or laminates are sometimes coated with surfactants. For example, referring to FIG. 1B, an SMS laminate 200, which may form all or part of a wettable SMS fabric according to the present disclosure, includes a first spunbond layer 148, a meltblown layer 150, and as described above. , and a second spunbond layer 152 , further comprising a surfactant 154 . Surfactant 154 was applied in a manner capable of coating SMS laminate 200 (eg, coating the fibers thereof in one embodiment) and coating all three layers of SMS laminate 200 . In such embodiments, all or some of the fibers of each layer are coated between the first spunbond layer 148, the meltblown layer 150, and the second spunbond layer 152, as shown in FIG. 1B. a continuous path of coated fibers (e.g., coated fibers or sections of fibers of one layer are adjacent to or in contact with coated fibers or sections of fibers of an adjacent layer) As such, it may be coated with a surfactant.

However, FIG. 1B shows an SMS laminate 200 having a continuous path of coated fibers throughout the laminate 200, which, as discussed above, is meltblown from the first spunbond layer 148. It may be fibers or portions of fibers of adjacent layers that form a continuous path of coated fibers through layer 150 to second spunbond layer 152 . Or vice versa, in one embodiment, an SMS fabric according to the present disclosure may have only a portion of the fabric with continuously coated fiber portions, and other portions are only partially coated. or may be uncoated. Thus, after drying, the surfactant is added to the SMS fabric in an amount of about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt%, such as an amount of about 0.5 wt% to about 18 wt%, such as an amount of about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%. May be present on top or in the SMS fabric.

Regardless of the surfactant or combination of surfactants selected and/or the material used to form the wettable SMS fabric, the inventors found that after treatment with the surfactant, the wettable SMS It was unexpectedly discovered that the fabric exhibited excellent absorbent properties. For example, in one embodiment, the wettable SMS fabric according to the present disclosure is about 1.5 times to about 4.5 times the weight of the SMS fabric based on the total weight of the SMS fabric, e.g. It can absorb an amount of liquid that is from about 2 to about 4 times the weight of the SMS fabric, such as from about 3 to about 3.9 times. Further, wettable SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure may have a high absorbent capacity per gram of wettable SMS fabric. For example, the wettable SMS dough is about 1.25 grams to about 7.25 grams per gram of SMS dough, such as about 2.75 grams to about 6.5 grams per gram of SMS dough, about 3.5 grams per gram of SMS dough. May absorb up to about 5 grams of liquid. In addition, the wettable SMS fabric can dispense an amount of liquid up to its absorbent capacity per gram at a rate of from about 1 second to about 9 seconds, such as from about 3 seconds to about 7 seconds, such as from about 3 seconds to about 6 seconds. It may be possible to absorb at

In such embodiments, the wettable SMS fabric is from about 10 gsm to about 60 gsm, such as from about 15 gsm to about 55 gsm, such as from about 20 gsm to about 20 gsm, such as from about 25 gsm to about 45 gsm, such as from about 30 gsm to about 40 gsm. It may have a dough weight in grams per square meter (gsm). Additionally, wettable SMS fabrics may exhibit excellent wicking properties such that absorbed liquid evaporates from the fabric and dries to keep moisture away from the body. In particular, the wettable SMS fabrics of the present disclosure are porous such that they can exhibit capillary action, particularly higher capillary action and/or drying rates than some cellulosic fibers, and the wettable SMS fabrics are surface indicates that it can wick moisture from and dry after absorbing the liquid. For example, wettable SMS dough according to the present disclosure (tested using AATCC201 at 37° C. with 0.2 mL of water) yields about 2.5 mL/hr to about 4 mL/hr, such as about 2.75 mL/hr It may have a drying rate of to about 3.75 mL/hr, such as from about 3 mL/hr to about 3.5 mL/hr.

Additionally, wettable SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure also exhibit excellent breathability, as indicated by having high permeability to air passages. For example, in one embodiment, an SMS fabric according to the present disclosure (tested according to ASTM D737-18 using a 4 inch by 4 inch (10 cm by 10 cm) sample) has from about 40 CFM to about 62 CFM, such as from about 42 CFM to about 60 CFM, such as from about 44 CFM to about 58 CFM, such as from about 46 CFM to about 56 CFM, such as from about 48 CFM to about 54 CFM, to air measured in cubic feet of good too. In addition, because the wettable SMS fabrics of the present disclosure are composed of polyolefin-based compositions, the wettable SMS fabrics of the present disclosure have accelerated 1- and 5-year It exhibits low linting properties even after deterioration.

Additionally, certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following examples, which are intended to be non-limiting and illustrative in nature. In particular, wettable SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure were tested for their absorbent capacity (and absorption rate) and absorption rate, the results of which are shown in Table 1. Absorption rate is measured according to TAPPI T 432 using 4 inch by 4 inch (10 cm by 10 cm) samples and is the average of 90 samples tested. Absorbent capacity and rate were tested using 90 samples of SMS fabric with a basis weight of 34 gsm and a sample size of 4″×4″ (10 cm×10 cm). Samples of wettable SMS fabric were made from three different lots to account for lot variability.

In particular, the wettable SMS fabric averaged 1.39 grams of absorbent capacity per gram, or 376.6% absorbent capacity (measured as absorbency), or about 3.75 times the weight of the fabric. of liquid absorption capacity. In addition, Table 1 shows that the absorption rate of the amount of liquid up to the absorbent capacity of the sample was 4.35 seconds, indicating that the wettable SMS fabric can absorb liquid quickly.

In Table 2, the drying rate of three wet SMS samples (SMS1, SMS2, SMS3) according to the present disclosure is , at 37° C., with an air flow over the sample of 1.25 m/s against more traditional cellulosic fibers.

As shown in Table 2, the SMS samples had an average drying rate of 3.22 mL/hr, while the cellulose-based samples had an average drying rate of 1.67 mL/hr. Therefore, the SMS samples dried the liquid almost twice as fast as the cellulose-based samples after absorbing the liquid. Thus, SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure may be able to wick sweat away from a user's body more quickly than cellulose-based fabrics. Further, Tables 1 and 2 demonstrate the ability of SMS fabrics to absorb liquid from the surface (eg, perspiration from a user in one embodiment) and dry after liquid absorption.

Table 3 presents data obtained from testing a total of 90 samples divided into wettable SMS fabric samples according to the present disclosure and spunbond fabrics for breathability. For example, the spunbond fabric may be the above-described spunbond fabric formed from polyolefin, which may be used in personal armor articles in conjunction with SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure. In particular, as discussed in more detail below, spunbond fabrics require high breathability, but to form portions of articles that do not require high support, e.g., device support. and may not be used on the top of the head cover. Therefore, spunbond fabrics can be used with SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure to form breathable, lightweight PPE garments. As will be discussed in more detail, articles according to the present disclosure may be formed solely from SMS fabric, or portions such as the crown and sides formed from SMS fabric, and a top formed from spunbond fabric. It may have other parts such as

Therefore, the samples were tested for air permeability according to ASTM test D737-18 using 10 cm x 10 cm (4 inch x 4 inch) samples. In such tests, higher values indicate a more permeable air passageway. Specifically, the results are given in units of cubic feet per minute (CFM) and reflect the velocity at which air exits or passes through the medium. Thus, the higher the CFM value, the higher the air permeability of the material because the CFM value passes through the medium at a higher velocity.

Therefore, it can be concluded from Table 3 that both fabrics used in the head covering 100 according to the present disclosure exhibit air permeability and breathability. Accordingly, the present disclosure has discovered the potential for wettable SMS fabrics to exhibit properties that make them ideal fabrics for use in personal protective equipment.

The present disclosure has found that SMS fabrics, such as the SMS fabrics described above, can be treated to impart absorbency, wettability, and wicking properties as well as maintaining the known benefits of SMS fabrics. SMS fabrics will be used in many applications where perspiration or sweat wicking is desired. For example, wettable SMS fabrics can be used to form part and all of a variety of personal protective equipment such as gowns, head coverings, face masks, and other wearable applications, particularly in the field of personal protective equipment. can. Alternatively or additionally, SMS fabric may be used only to form part or one or more layers of an article for use as personal protective equipment. In such embodiments, the SMS fabric may be used to form the inner layer or layers of such articles, while the outer layer or layers are impervious to substances such as blood and other bodily fluids. It may also be a fabric that is permeable, such as a barrier fabric as known in the art.

For example, in one embodiment, an article for use as personal protective equipment may include using a wettable SMS fabric according to the present disclosure to form all or part of a head covering. Although the following describes specific head coverings for use with wettable SMS fabrics, the wettable SMS fabrics can be used to form any head covering or wearable personal protective garment where liquid or moisture absorption is desired. It should be understood that it can be used to

2-11, on the other hand, provide an example of a head covering that can be used in combination with the disclosed wettable SMS fabric. A head covering 100 according to the present disclosure may be formed wholly or partially from a wettable SMS fabric, as described above, and has a front portion 102 positioned about the wearer's forehead and a back portion of the wearer's head. Or it may have a rear portion 104 that is fixed about the neck. Head cover 100 also includes a top surface 106 and side portions 108 .

In one embodiment, top 106 and side 108 (or side panel 126, described in more detail below) are joined together at a seam 110 that circumscribes the circumference of top 106 (shown more clearly in FIG. 4). may Side 108 extends between a first end 112 located adjacent front portion 102 and a second end 114 located adjacent rear portion 104 . Of course, it should be noted that the side portion 108 may be formed from a continuous piece of material such as a side panel 126 that wraps around the user's head, as shown in Figures 8-11.

In certain embodiments, the top surface 106 of the head cover 100 may be formed from a spunbond material to facilitate air flow and minimize the amount of heat trapped within the head cover 100. Sides 108 or side panels 126, on the other hand, in addition to providing absorbency and breathability in areas prone to sweating and accumulating moisture, can be used by medical personnel to wrap around the headlamp or head crown. It can be formed from the wettable SMS material of the present disclosure to provide sufficient structure to support other accessories that may be worn.

Further, although the head cover 100 is described above as being formed from a combination of spunbond and SMS materials, different portions of the head cover 100 may be sufficiently structured to minimize heat trapping as desired. It should be understood that it can be made from any other suitable material that yields. For example, in addition to the spunbond or SMS materials described above, any or all portions of the headcovering 100 can be formed from a woven cotton material.

Additionally, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the head cover 100 may have a height h at the front portion 102 of the head cover 100 that is less than the height _h2 at the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 . For example, in one embodiment, the height h is such that it can cover the user's forehead without obscuring the user's eyes or eyebrows or obstructing the user's vision or line of sight. good too. In such embodiments, the height h of the front portion 102 of the head covering 100 may be from about 7 cm to about 17 cm, such as from about 8 cm to about 16 cm, such as from about 9 cm to about 15 cm, from about 10 cm to about 14 cm, and the like.

Further, in one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the height h ₂ of the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 may be greater than the height h of the front portion 102 of the head cover 100 . For example, in one embodiment, the height _h2 of the rear portion 104 of the head covering 100 can cover the back of the user's neck, such as covering at least partially, if not all, the nape of the user's neck. In such embodiments, the height h ₂ of the rear portion 104 of the head covering 100 is between about 11 cm and about 23 cm, such as between about 12 cm and about 22 cm, such as between about 13 cm and about 21 cm, such as between about 14.5 cm and about 20 cm. you can Note that in one embodiment, the rear portion 104 of the head covering 100 can completely cover the user's nape to provide adequate neck coverage, as required by the AORN standard.

In one embodiment, the height _h2 of the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 is about 1.1 to about 3.3 times the height h of the front portion 102, such as about 1.2 times the height h of the front portion 102. times to about 2.9 times the height h of the front portion 102, such as about 1.3 times to about 2.35 times the height h of the front portion 102, such as about 1.3 times to about 2 times the height h of the front portion 102. may have a Therefore, vice versa is also true. Specifically, if the height h ₂ of the rear portion 104 is known instead, the height h ₂ may be divided by the above multiplier to arrive at the height h of the front portion 102 of the head cover 100 .

Continuing with FIG. 2, the head covering 100 according to the present disclosure has side portions 108 that are part of continuous side panels 126 that extend from the front portion 102 of the head covering 100 to the rear portion 104 of the head covering 100 . You may have Side 108 may have a contour t that defines a lower end 116 of side 108 . However, in embodiments in which the side portions 108 are part of continuous side panels 126 that completely enclose the user's head, the contour t may define the lower edge 116 of the side portions 108 only, e.g. The front portion 102 and the rear portion 104 may have respective lower ends (112, 114) not defined by the contour t, such as the portion extending between the front lower end 112 and the rear lower end 114 of the side portion 108. Good thing to keep in mind.

In such embodiments, the front bottom edge 112 and rear bottom edge 114 are marked with seams or other markers (FIGS. 6, 7, 10 and 11) that mark the transition from the side 108 to the front 102 or back 104. (more clearly shown), or points where the height (h or h ₂ ) no longer increases or decreases along contour t; and/or the bottom edge 116 is simply unbounded (Fig. 8 and 10) on the side panel 126). In particular, the front bottom edge 112 and/or the rear bottom edge 114 may have some slope between their respective first and second ends (111 and 113, 115 and 117 respectively). ), in one embodiment, the front lower edge 112 and the rear lower edge 114 are substantially horizontal or have no or negligible slope.

Further, in one embodiment, the front lower end 112 extends between a first end 111 of the front lower end 112 and a second end 113 of the front lower end 112, and the rear lower end 114 extends between the rear It extends between a first end 115 of the lower end 114 and a second end 117 of the rear lower end 114 . Thus, in one embodiment, the lower ends 116 of the sides 108 are between the first ends 111 of the front lower ends 112 and the first ends 115 of the rear lower ends 114 and/or the lower ends 116 of the sides 108 . may extend between a second end 113 of the front lower end 112 and a second end 117 of the rear lower end 114 .

Nevertheless, contour t increases the height of sides 108 of head cover 100 when moving from front 102 to rear 104 and decreases the height of sides 108 when moving from rear 104 to front 102. A lower edge 116 of the side 108 may be defined to allow the side 108 to extend. In particular, the lower edge 116 of the side 108 connects the lower front edge 112, which has a smaller height h, and the lower edge 114, which has a larger height _h2 , in a smooth and continuous but non-linear manner. , is not horizontal and/or has at least some positive slope when moving from posterior 104 to anterior 102 along lower edge 116; A lower edge 116 of side 108 having at least some negative slope is used to connect front lower edge 112 and rear lower edge 114 . For example, the side lower edges 116 are configured in one embodiment by extending between the first ends 111 of the front lower edges 112 and the first ends 115 of the rear lower edges 114 and/or the lower edges 116 . The portion 102 and the rear portion 104 can be connected.

In one embodiment, bottom edge 116 can display height changes in a linear or non-linear manner. For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, the change in height of head cover 100 along lower edge 116 may be substantially linear. Alternatively, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the lower edge 116 may exhibit height changes in a non-linear manner, and such as at least two changes in average slope, at least three changes in average slope, It may have at least one change in average slope, the average slope of the non-linear lower end 116 being between the starting point and the inflection point, the inflection point and the endpoint, or simply the starting point and the endpoint and multiple gradients therebetween. may be measured at a predetermined position.

For example, as generally shown in FIG. 2, contour t begins at first end 111 and/or second end 113 of front bottom edge 112 and extends along bottom edge 116 to the first edge of rear bottom edge 114 . It defines a lower edge 116 that moves toward end 115 and/or second end 117 and has a negative slope that initially increases the height of side 108 of head cover 100 at a very gradual rate. Upon reaching a point along the bottom edge 116, such as the point numbered m in FIG. It may refer to a point along the lower edge 116 , such as a point of change in the slope of the slope that indicates the rate of increase in height of 108 , the slope being a significant increase in the height of the side 108 along a portion of the lower edge 116 . Similarly, continuing from point m toward the first end 115 and/or second end 117 of the rear lower end 114, Bottom edge 116 may reach a point where the slope becomes more negative and begins to slope toward the horizon like the slope of rear bottom edge 114 , such as point 118 , which is the height of side 108 of head cover 100 . It shows that it reduces the rate of increase in stiffness. Of course, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and as discussed above, lower edge 116 also exhibits a generally linear change in height between front portion 102 and rear portion 104. There is

Regardless of contour t, head covering 100 may also include elastic strips 120 or elastics along all or part of head covering 100 . For example, referring again to FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, head covering 100 may include elastic strips 120 only along rear portion 104 . In particular, FIG. 2 shows elastic strip 120 beginning at point 118 and extending to at least first end 115 of rear bottom edge 114 . The elastic strips 120 may be formed from a material that has a degree of elasticity in the rear portion 104, or the elastic strips 120 may be attached to the portion where it is desired to attach the elastic strips 120 either before or after the head cover 100 is formed. It may be integrated into the head cover 100 of the head cover 100 by attaching the elastic strips 120 to the forming material.

In embodiments in which each elastic strip 120 is integrated with the head cover 100 by attaching the elastic strip 120 to the material forming the head cover 100 and is not a property of the material itself, the elastic strips 120 are formed on the outer surface of the head cover 100. It may be attached to the head cover 100 so that it is on top or so that the elastic strip 120 is on the inner surface of the head cover 100 (eg, between the head cover 100 and the user when worn). However, in some embodiments, as discussed in more detail below, the elastic strips 120 may be disposed along the rear bottom edge 114, and in further embodiments disposed within the rear bottom edge 114. good too. In such an embodiment, the fit of the head covering 100 is improved by providing a soft elastic strip 120 attached to only a portion of the head covering 100 to avoid pinching and marking from elastic bands (e.g., surrounding the user's head). Minimization may improve as noted above, but still provide a comfortable and secure fit for more users.

As such, in one embodiment, elastic strip 120 may be attached to point 118 having height _h3 . Height h ₃ is slightly less than height h ₂ of rear portion 104 , but may be slightly greater than height h of front portion 102 of head cover 100 . For example, in one embodiment, the height h ₃ of the sides 108 of the head covering 100 to which the elastic strips 120 may be attached to the lower ends 116 of the sides 108 is between about 10 cm and about 20 cm, such as between about 11 cm and about 19 cm, For example, it may be from about 12 cm to about 18 cm, such as from about 13 cm to about 17 cm.

Further, in a relaxed state, the elastic strip 120 may have a length L, such as from about 7 cm to about 17 cm, such as from about 8 cm to about 16 cm, such as from about 9 cm to about 15 cm, before being incorporated into the head covering 100. . Of course, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in one embodiment, the above range may be for elastic strip 120 extending from first end 115 of rear lower end 114 to rear seam 122 . Specifically, in such an embodiment, the elastic strip 120 may include two portions, one portion extending from the first end 115 of the rear bottom edge 114 toward the rear seam 122 and the second portion. extends from second end 117 of rear lower end 114 toward rear seam 122 . Alternatively, the elastic strip 120 may be an elastic strip 120 extending along the entire rear 104 area from the first end 115 of the rear lower end 114 to the second end 117 of the rear lower end, or see There may be an elastic strip 120 extending from a point marked as point 118 corresponding to reference numeral 118 to a corresponding point 118 on the opposite side of head cover 100 . In such cases, the elastic strips 120 (whether halves or all of them) may extend from about 14 cm to about 34 cm, such as from about 16 cm to about 32 cm, such as from about 18 cm to about It may have a length l ₂ of 30 cm.

Nonetheless, the elastic strip 120 may include only a single portion having the originally disclosed relaxed length l, or may include two portions each having a length l, and the length Although comprising a single portion having l ₂ , the elastic strip 120 has a length (l or l ₂ ) extension (not shown) (as shown more clearly in FIG. 11). In such embodiments, the length l of the elastic strip 120 is from about 21 cm to about 31 cm, for example about It may be from 22 cm to about 30 cm, such as from about 23 cm to about 29 cm, such as from about 24 cm to about 28 cm.

Of course, the above lengths may be imparted to the elastic strips 120, but the amount of elongation of the head covering 100 may be the amount of elongation of the material forming the head covering 100 or the elongation of any pleats 124 or gussets provided therein. May be quantity dependent or limited. In one embodiment, the head covering 100 may have one or more gussets and/or pleats 124, as shown in FIGS. Thus, in an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 2, when the head cover 100 is folded in half or separated along its midline, such as a line extending through the center of the rear portion 104 and the center of the front portion 102, The head covering 100 may have a length l ₃ of about 18 cm to about 28 cm, such as about 19 cm to about 27 cm, such as about 20 cm to about 26 cm, such as about 21 cm to about 25 cm. In such embodiments, when stretched along line A (see FIG. 2), the head covering 100 is from about 26 cm to about 36 cm, such as from about 27 cm to about 35 cm, such as from about 28 cm to about 34 cm, such as from about 29 cm. It may have a length (not shown) of about 33 cm, or a length of about 1.25 to about 2 times its unstretched or relaxed length, in this case a length of _l3 . May be stretched.

Next, FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the present disclosure from the front. The head cover 100 has a top surface 106 and sides 108 (or portions 108 as previously described). Top surface 106 and sides 108 may be joined together at a seam 110 surrounding the circumference of top surface 106 (shown more clearly in FIG. 5). The head cover 100 includes a front bottom edge 112 , first and second ends 111 and 113 of the front bottom edge 112 , a rear bottom edge 114 , and first and second ends 115 and 117 of the rear bottom edge 114 . have As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, side portion 108 is part of continuous side panel 126 . Therefore, there are no marks or divisions between the side portion 108 and the front portion 102 and/or rear portion 104 .

Alternatively, the first end 111 and/or the second end 113 of the front bottom edge 112 may mark the point where the contour t meets the front portion 102 and/or the front bottom edge 112 may be substantially horizontal or located at the front of the head 102 with no or negligible slope. Similarly, the first end 115 and/or the second end 117 of the posterior bottom edge 114 may mark the point where the contour t and the posterior part 104 meet, or the posterior bottom edge 114 may be substantially It can be located at the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 if it is horizontal or has no or negligible slope.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the present disclosure from the back. The head cover 100 has a top surface 106 and sides 108 (or portions 108 as previously described). Top surface 106 and sides 108 may be joined together at a seam 110 that circumscribes the circumference of top surface 106 (shown clearly in FIG. 5). The head cover 100 has a front lower edge 112 and a rear lower edge 114, but only the rear lower edge 114 including the first end 115 and the second end 117 of the rear lower edge 114 are visible from the rear. there is A portion of contour t is visible and extends to the left of first end 115 of rear lower end 114 and to the right of second end 117 of rear lower end 114 . As noted above, side portion 108 may be part of a continuous side panel 126 . Thus, there are no marks or divisions between side 108 and back 104 . Alternatively, the first end 115 and/or the second end 117 of the rear bottom edge 114 may mark the point where the contour t and the rear portion 104 meet, or the rear bottom edge 114 may be substantially It may be located at the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 if it is horizontal or has a negligible slope.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the present disclosure from the top. The head cover 100 has a top surface 106 and sides 108 (or portions 108 as previously described). Top surface 106 and sides 108 may be joined together at a seam 110 surrounding the circumference of top surface 106 (shown more clearly in FIG. 5). As shown in the top view of FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the head covering 100 can have a circumference C measured around the exterior of the head covering 100, such as the circumference of the side panels 126. As shown in FIG. Further, in this embodiment, the circumference C around the portion of side panel 126 adjacent top surface 106 or seam 110 is the same or similar to the circumference of side panel 126 adjacent bottom edge 116 (not shown). may However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure also provides that the portion adjacent top surface 106 has a smaller circumference than the portion adjacent bottom edge 116, as generally shown in FIG. We envision such an embodiment.

For example, in one embodiment, the circumference C of the head covering 100 is between about 55 cm and about 76 cm, such as between about 57 cm and about 74 cm, such as between about 59 cm and about 72 cm, such as between about 61 cm and about 70 cm, such as between about 63 cm and about 68 cm. There may be. Alternatively, in embodiments where the circumference can be different from that adjacent the top surface 106 at the lower end 116, the larger of the two circumferences C can be based on the above circumferences, the smaller circumference being approximately 54 cm. from about 75 cm, such as from about 56 cm to about 73 cm, such as from about 58 cm to about 71 cm, such as from about 60 cm to about 69 cm, such as from about 62 cm to about 67 cm.

Next, FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the headcover 100 of the present disclosure includes a front portion 102, a rear portion 104, a top surface 106, a rear seam 122, a bottom edge 116, and a bottom seam 128 that joins the bottom edge 116 to the side panels 126 (or sides 108). may have In such embodiments, head covering 100 also has gussets or pleats 124 . Although the head covering 100 may be formed from a material that is inherently stretchable or resilient, in one embodiment, the gussets or pleats 124, as described above, are suitable for various head shapes and sizes. It may be used to provide excess material that is folded and stored to allow the head covering 100 to stretch a predetermined amount to fit a wide variety of users of different sizes.

Gussets or pleats 124 are also present at one or both of first end 111 and second end 113 of front lower end 112 between sides 108 and front 102, or at sides. At one or both of the first end 115 and second end 117 of the rear bottom edge 114 between the portion 108 and the rear portion 104 may serve as marks or divisions. Of course, in further embodiments, gussets or pleats are not required, and instead the material may be crimped in all or part of the head covering 100, such as around the elastic strips 120, or the material may be folded as described above. Additionally, it may be elastic in nature so as to allow the head cover 100 to extend to a fully extended extended position.

Fig. 7 is a side perspective view of one embodiment according to the present disclosure; As shown in FIG. 6, the headcover 100 of the present disclosure joins the front portion 102, the top surface 106, the seam (or seams) 110, the bottom edge 116, and the bottom edge 116 to the side panels 126 (or sides 108). It may also have a bottom seam 128 . For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the seams are, for example, to form a tapered seam or line from the side panel 126 to the top surface 106, or to better secure the top surface 106 to the side panel 126. It may be used to join the top and side panels 126 .

In such embodiments, head covering 100 also has gussets or pleats 124 . As noted above, the head covering 100 may be formed from an inherently stretchable or resilient material, but in one embodiment, gussets or pleats 124 are used to allow the head covering 100 to accommodate different head shapes and sizes. Excess material may be folded and stored to allow the head covering 100 to stretch to fit a wide variety of users. A gusset or pleat 124 also serves as a mark or divider at the first end 111 of the front lower end 112 of this embodiment to mark the point where the side 108 meets the front 102 in this embodiment. may

FIG. 8 shows a view of the head cover 100 according to the present disclosure separated along the rear seam 122. As shown in FIG. For example, length _l4 in FIG. 8 may have the same length in centimeters as any of the circumferences C described above. Further, FIG. 8 shows that the head cover 100 is or will be sewn at the rear seam 122 or using other methods of securing at the rear seam 122 to form the head cover 100 to enclose the user's head. , a single panel 126 forming the sides of the head cover 100 is shown.

FIG. 8 further shows an embodiment in which contour t has a substantially linear contour. As mentioned above, the contour t may or may not be linear, but such contour should be selected to correspond to the previously disclosed heights and be visually appealing to the user. selected to have a contour t that connects the front lower edge 112 and the rear lower edge 114 of the head cover 100 while remaining unobstructed and unobtrusively covering the user's ears, scalp and nape. should.

For example, in one embodiment, contour t begins around first end 111 and/or second end 113 of front lower edge 112 and the height of head cover 100 increases from front 102 to rear 104 . It may have a fairly shallow negative slope so that it rises slowly at In this way, the height of contour t, which is close to front portion 102 and whose shape when worn is close to the user's face and/or eyes, is equal to or slightly higher than the height of front portion 102. good too. On the other hand, as the transition continues along the bottom edge 116, the profile may have a steep negative slope, rapidly increasing the height of the head covering 100 to cover the user's ears and, preferably, earrings if desired. rise to The contour t may then begin to taper back to a more gradual slope near the first end 115 and/or the second end 117 of the rear bottom edge 114, with the slope near zero. . In this way, the contoured portion t forms the sides of the head covering 100 to cover the user's ears, hair, scalp and nape without covering the user's eyes or eyebrows and/or without obstructing the user's vision or line of sight. A lower edge 116 may be defined that varies in height of 108 .

Similarly, and as noted above, elastic strips 120 may be used to improve the fit of head coverings 100 according to the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. In particular, FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of FIG. 8 further including one or more elastic strips 120 . The elastic strip 120 may be any material having elastic properties such as those commonly used or known to those skilled in the art, and may be used as part of the head covering 100, and , an elastic strip 120 attached to or incorporated into the head cover 100 .

In particular, as noted above, elastic strip 120 may terminate at point 118 or may be attached to head cover 100 . Such points may be located along the contour t on the lower edge 116 of the side 108, where the height of the side 108 is about 1 cm to 1 cm higher than the height _h2 of the rear 104. It may be about 4.5 cm lower, or the height of side 108 may be the same as any of the heights discussed above in connection with height _h3 .

In one embodiment, the point 118 may be located along the lower edge 116 of the side portion 108 and, when measured forward from the rear seam 122, is about 7 cm to about 17 cm from the rear seam 122 when in the relaxed state. , such as from about 8 cm to about 16 cm from the rear seam 122 , such as from about 9 cm to 15 cm from the rear seam 122 toward the front portion 102 .

In this way, at least one of the contour t of the side 108 and the location of the elastic strip 120, or a combination thereof, selected according to the present disclosure, will fit the majority of users and meet the AORN guidelines for coverage. A head cover 100 is provided. In particular, if contour t, first height h, second height _h2 , elastic strip 120, or a combination thereof are selected in accordance with the present disclosure, head covering 100 in accordance with the present disclosure may be worn by a user. at least 60% of the users wearing the head covering 100, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 85%, such as at least For 90%, a satisfactory or satisfactory fit as described above may be evident.

Alternatively or additionally, the head covering 100 according to the present disclosure, when worn by a user, is at least about 60%, such as at least about 70%, such as at least about 80%, such as at least about 85%, such as at least about 90% of the head covering. The user's head and/or neck may be covered. In particular, the head covering 100 according to the present disclosure provides AORN for at least about 70%, such as at least about 75%, such as at least about 80%, such as at least about 85%, such as at least about 90% of users wearing the head covering. Found to comply with cover guidelines.

This written description uses examples to disclose the subject matter of the invention and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system, and practicing any method incorporated herein. ). The patented technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and may include other embodiments that can be conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments, if they contain elements that do not differ from the language of each claim, or if they contain equivalent elements that do not differ substantially from the language of each claim, shall be within the technical scope specified by the claims.

Claims (9)

Articles for use in personal protective equipment,
including a wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric,
The wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric comprises a spunbond meltblown spunbond laminate and a surfactant,
the surfactant comprises an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, or a combination thereof;
the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric is configured to dry after saturating the surfactant;
the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric exhibits a drying rate of about 2.5 mL/hr to about 4 mL/hr;
An article, wherein at least a portion of the article is configured to contact a user's skin when worn. The article of claim 1, wherein the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric is configured to absorb an amount of liquid from about 1.5 to about 4.5 times its weight. 3. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric is configured to absorb liquid from a user's skin. 4. Any of claims 1-3, wherein the spunbond meltblown spunbond laminate comprises at least about three layers, and wherein the surfactant is contained in or on at least two layers of the spunbond meltblown spunbond laminate. or the article described in paragraph 1. The article of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric has an air permeability of from about 40 CFM to about 62 CFM. 4. The wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric is configured to absorb an amount of liquid from about 1.25 grams to about 7.25 grams per gram of the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric. The article according to any one of 1-5. Articles for use in personal protective equipment,
7. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the article is a head cover, at least a portion of the head cover comprises the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric, and at least a portion of the head cover is composed of the spunbond fabric. or the article described in paragraph 1. A method of forming an article for use in personal protective equipment comprising:
saturating at least one side of a spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric with a surfactant comprising a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, or a combination thereof;
drying the surfactant- saturated spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric;
treating the spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric saturated with the surfactant;
forming a wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric;
including
The method wherein the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond fabric exhibits a drying rate of from about 2.5 mL/hr to about 4 mL/hr . 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the treating step comprises at least one antistatic treatment.

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