Abstract:
This invention relates generally to an underarm hygiene product having the form of a deodorant patch between a top carrier sheet and a bottom carrier sheet. Deodorant patches dissolve upon contact with the underarm skin and provide a discreet, portable method of remaining fresh in any time or place. Convenient one time dispensing by a flat patch eliminates the need for bulky containers and provides an elegant solution to limitations on quantities of personal care products during airline flights while away from home. This invention also relates to a method of producing the underarm hygiene product.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/767,322 filed on 17 Mar. 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to an underarm hygiene product having the form of a deodorant patch between a top carrier sheet and a bottom carrier sheet. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of Related Art 
         [0005]    It is known to use disposable, non-disposable (launderable) and partially disposable garment shields for protecting clothing from perspiration by attaching them directly to apparel such as a dress. Some conventional garment shields have absorption properties to capture perspiration and others offer barrier properties to keep perspiration from contacting the garment. It is also known to modify conventional garment shields with an adhesive for attachment directly to the skin of a wearer. 
         [0006]    Deodorants and antiperspirants are also known for underarm hygiene purposes. These compounds have a limited number of dispensing options for application by the user. Common deodorant application forms are roll-on, aerosol, stick, gel and cream. All of these dispensing containers (even “travel size”) provide sufficient quantities for multiple uses of deodorant material to last several days or weeks. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is desirable to provide a portable, economical, single-use dispenser of deodorant. From the above, there is a need for an improved method of dispensing deodorant and to provide improved hygiene and personal freshness in a convenient take-anywhere form. 
         [0008]    The above and other objects of this invention can be attained, at least in part, with an underarm hygiene product including a deodorant patch with a first side and an opposite side while having a thickness and size suitable for placement under the arm. The patch may be constructed where the deodorant dissolves following skin contact with a user. The underarm hygiene product may further include a top carrier sheet positioned on the first side of the deodorant patch and a bottom carrier sheet positioned on the opposite side of the deodorant patch. 
         [0009]    The deodorant may dissolve in under or less than ten minutes or desirably 3 to 5 seconds at a temperature between about 33.3 degrees C. and about 37.8 degrees C. The deodorant patch may have one of a circular shape, a rectangular shape and an annular shape wherein the deodorant patch has an area of about 4 square centimeters to about 150 square centimeters and an outer width of about 3 centimeters to about 10 centimeters. The deodorant patch may have a thickness of about 15 micrometers to about 150 micrometers and maybe flexible. At least one of the first side of the deodorant patch and the opposite side of the deodorant patch may include an adhesive. 
         [0010]    The deodorant may perform at least one of the functions of preventing, masking and destroying odors and may include antiperspirant capabilities. The deodorant may include a fragrance and in particular such fragrance may be selected from the group consisting of regular scented, unscented or powder fresh. 
         [0011]    According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the deodorant patch includes aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY, cyclomethicone, stearyl alcohol, octyl isonanoate, talc, hydrogenated vegetable oil, glyceryl stearate, fragrance, BHT, T-butyl hydroquinone, starch, polyol, and PEG-100 stearate. 
         [0012]    At least one of the top carrier sheet and the bottom carrier sheet may be made from one of the group consisting of paper, plastic, foil or combinations thereof and may include a release agent or an adhesive. The top carrier sheet and the bottom carrier sheet may bond together to form a seal around the deodorant patch. 
         [0013]    The invention further includes a method of producing an underarm hygiene product that may include: melting a deodorant material; spreading or molding the deodorant material into a form; cooling the form; shaping or slicing the form into a deodorant patch; laminating the deodorant patch between a top carrier sheet and a bottom carrier sheet. 
         [0014]    Other objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The above and other objects of this invention can be better understood when the specification is read in view of the drawings, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view of an underarm hygiene product, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2A  is a sectional view of a deodorant patch, according to a preferred embodiment of this invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2B  is a sectional view of a deodorant patch, according to a preferred embodiment of this invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2C  is a sectional view of a deodorant patch, according to a preferred embodiment of this invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a partial sectional view of a user of an underarm hygiene product, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a schematic of a manufacturing process, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view of a dual dispensing configuration, according to one preferred embodiment of this invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a cross sectional view of underarm hygiene product  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of this invention. Underarm hygiene product  10  may include deodorant patch  12 , top carrier sheet  18  and bottom carrier sheet  20 . 
         [0024]    Deodorant patch  12  or w may have first side  14  and opposite side  16 . Deodorant patch  12  may be generally adapted for underarm use. Deodorant patch  12  may be relatively thin, such as, for example, about 15 micrometers to about 150 micrometers, desirably about 30 micrometers to about 75 micrometers. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, deodorant patch  12  has a thickness of about 50 micrometers. 
         [0025]    A suitable size for deodorant patch  12  may include an outer width of about 3 centimeters to about 10 centimeters and desirably about 4 centimeters to about 7 centimeters. In practice, small, medium, large and extra large sizes of deodorant patch  12  may be produced. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, deodorant patch  12  has an outer width of about 5 centimeters. 
         [0026]    Suitable areas for deodorant patch  12  may include about 4 square centimeters to about 150 square centimeters and desirably about 10 square centimeters to about 100 square centimeters. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, deodorant patch  12  has an area of about 80 square centimeters. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 2A-2C , suitable shapes for deodorant patch  12  may include circular shape  22 , rectangular shape  24 , annular shape  26  (ring) or any other suitable geometric, linear or arcuate form. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, deodorant patch  12  has a generally elliptical shape. 
         [0028]    Generally, deodorant patch  12  dissolves following contact with the skin of user  30 . Desirable deodorant formulations allow for handling, positioning or repositioning of deodorant patch  12  during application so as not to significantly dissolve in a hand of user  30 . Typically, dissolving occurs due to the elevated temperature of skin and in particular the warmth above the ambient surroundings in an underarm of user  30 . Dissolving may include melting at least a part of the deodorant material. Suitable deodorant melting temperatures may range from about 33.3 degrees C. to about 37.8 degrees C., and desirably from about 34.5 degrees C. to about 36 degrees C. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, deodorant patch  12  dissolves at about 35.5 degrees C. 
         [0029]    Typically, deodorant patch  12  may dissolve, melt, soften or be absorbed after less than about 10 minutes in contact with skin. Desirably, deodorant patch  12  may dissolve in about 2 minutes to about 4 minutes following placement and lowering of an arm of user  30 . Deodorant patch  12  may include formulations to allow spreading or increasing area while dissolving or may include formulations to resist spreading. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, deodorant patch  12  dissolves in about 3 seconds to about 5 seconds. 
         [0030]    Deodorant patch  12  may perform more than one hygiene function. Desirably, deodorant patch  12  may prevent, mask and/or destroy odors. Odors often come from a combination of skin secretions and bacteria which consume the skin secretions before emitting pungent or undesirably aromatic odors. One method to control odors is to reduce the presence of bacteria such as by antimicrobial or antibacterial agents. Another method to control odors as well as unsightly wetting of clothing at the armpits may include using an antiperspirant agent such as a salt to reduce the amount of sweat on the skin. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the antiperspirant agent is aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY. 
         [0031]    Suitable deodorant formulations may include, for example, fragrances, skin conditioners, skin softeners, emollients, moisturizers, masking oils (to minimize drying out and showing a residue), cooling agents, oil absorbing agents, wash off agents, antioxidants, colorings, pigments, carrier agents, fillers, propellants and any other suitable agent/material to improve consumer enjoyment and/or effectiveness. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the deodorant formulation includes aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY, cyclomethicone, stearyl alcohol, octyl isonanoate, talc, hydrogenated vegetable oil, glyceryl stearate, fragrance, BHT, T-butyl hydroquinone, starch, polyol, and PEG-100 stearate. 
         [0032]    Another desirable attribute of deodorant patch  12  may include some degree of flexibility or resilience. This may allow for better handling characteristics of deodorant patch  12  so that during transportation, such as, for example in a fully loaded suitcase, deodorant patch  12  does not become broken into pieces upon jostling of the suitcase as may happen during luggage loading on an airplane. Flexibility, may be increased by deodorant formulations including polymer and/or plastic like materials such as waxes and the like. 
         [0033]    Deodorant patch  12  may include any desirable fragrance. Often fragrances can be gender specific and tailored to consumer preferences. Deodorant patch  12  may include any known fragrances, especially those complimenting or matching existing brands of perfumes, aftershaves, deodorants, antiperspirants and/or colognes. This may allow user  30  to enjoy the same fragrance during travel as when at home. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the fragrance is selected from the group consisting of regular scented, unscented or powder fresh. 
         [0034]    Deodorant patch  12  may include an adhesive material applied to at least first side  14  and/or opposite side  16 . Suitable adhesives may either dissolve with deodorant patch  12  when applied to the underarm or remain for removal, such as, for example, during a shower. Desirably, substantially all of or the entire deodorant patch  12  dissolves completely with minimal residue and no more than conventional deodorant products. Other possible embodiments of deodorant patch  12  may include nondissolving or less dissolving materials, and such materials may include absorbents such as natural or synthetic gauze or terry cloths to capture perspiration. Other less dissolving material may include reinforcement to provide structural stability and/or support, such as, for example from loose bulk fibers. Additionally, barrier materials such as cellulose or plastic films may be included to prevent perspiration from contacting outer garments. 
         [0035]    Underarm hygiene product  10  may include top carrier sheet  18  positioned on first side  14  of deodorant patch  12  and bottom carrier sheet  20  positioned on opposite side  16  of deodorant patch  12 . Positioned may include touching, contacting, adhering and any other suitable mounting configuration to facilitate packaging and application of deodorant patch  12 . Generally, top carrier sheet  18  and/or bottom carrier sheet  20  may include a substantially thin material to aid in portability and provide protection for deodorant patch  12 . Desirably, these sheets are a low-cost material such as paper, plastic, foil, combinations thereof or any other suitable material to contain, isolate, sandwich, laminate and convey deodorant patch  12 . According to a preferred embodiment, carrier sheets  18 ,  20  are made from 20 pound paper. Alternatively, at least one of carrier sheets  18 ,  20  may be or may include a relatively stiff material to prevent deodorant patch  12  from flexing before application. 
         [0036]    At least a portion of one of carrier sheets  18 ,  20  may include a release agent to facilitate application of deodorant patch  12 . Suitable release agents are compatible with the deodorant formulation and substantially little or none of deodorant patch  12  becomes affixed to carrier sheets  18 ,  20  when treated with a release agent during production, distribution and storage prior to use. Material similar to a typical label backing sheet may form suitable carrier sheets  18 ,  20 . According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, top carrier sheet  18  is printable paper treated with a wax. 
         [0037]    At least a portion of one of carrier sheets  18 ,  20  may include an adhesive to facilitate application of deodorant patch  12 . Suitable adhesives are compatible with the deodorant formulation and substantially the entire or all of deodorant patch  12  remains affixed to carrier sheets  18 ,  20  when treated with adhesive during production, distribution and storage prior to use. Pressure sensitive paper such as commonly used for labels may form suitable carrier sheets  18 ,  20 . According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, bottom carrier sheet  20  is treated with a water soluble glue. 
         [0038]    Top carrier sheet  18  and bottom carrier sheet  20  may extend beyond a perimeter of deodorant patch  12 . Desirably, top carrier sheet  18  and bottom carrier sheet  20  include a lip or an edge suitable for sealing, such as, for example by adhesive or crimping to form a seal around deodorant patch  12 . An opening aid such as a notch, perforation, string or any other suitable mechanism to facilitate application may be included. 
         [0039]    One or more deodorant patches  12  may be sealed within carrier sheets  18 ,  20 . A package of two deodorant patches  12  may ensure user  30  of having one for each side. As shown in  FIG. 5  and according to a preferred embodiment of this invention, dual dispensing configuration  46  may include top carrier sheet  18  adjacent to, disposed on or positioned next to deodorant patch  12  with optional divider sheet  48  adjacent to second deodorant patch  50  which is adjacent to bottom carrier sheet  20 . Divider sheet  48  may include adhesive and/or release agents. 
         [0040]    Keeping deodorant fresh and fragrance contained before use may improve shelf life of underarm hygiene product  10 . According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, a substantially air tight enclosure or seal  28 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , is formed by top carrier sheet  18  and bottom carrier sheet  20  around deodorant patch  12 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , user  30  may apply deodorant patch  12  to underarm area or armpit. Desirably, user  30  removes one of carrier sheets  18 ,  20  from underarm hygiene product  10  and places or locates deodorant patch  12  and remaining carrier sheet  18 ,  20  to the underarm area with the deodorant patch  12  contacting underarm skin. User  30  may then remove remaining carrier sheet  18 ,  20  and lower arm desirably until deodorant patch  12  is at least partially dissolved and repeat for the other side. User  30  may perform this procedure as desired to maintain freshness. 
         [0042]    User  30  may remove deodorant patch  12  and discard prior to next cleaning such as in a shower, especially if there are nondissolving components. Desirably, underarm hygiene product  10  and the components therein are at least substantially or fully biodegradable and/or hypoallergenic. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, user  30  has nothing to remove following use. 
         [0043]    As described above individual underarm hygiene product  10  includes “peel &#39;n stick” features which may be particularly useful when traveling to avoid carrying a bulky convention deodorant container. Additional uses may include one time application, such as, for example, in hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, motels, and/or as promotional items. Typical retail packaging (box) may include quantities of 6, 12, 24 or any other convenient amount. Alternate embodiments may include a single larger resealable container with deodorant patch  12  lacking carrier sheets  18 ,  20  and only a separation layer between deodorant patches or wafers of deodorant. 
         [0044]    As schematically shown in  FIG. 4 , a method for producing underarm hygiene product  10  may include a manufacturing process  32 . Manufacturing process  32  may include the steps of combining or mixing ingredients  34  and melting  36  them. Additional steps may include spreading  38  or molding the deodorant material into a form and cooling  40  of the form. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention a design or insignia is applied, inlaid or embossed during the forming step. 
         [0045]    Depending on the methods used to make the form, a shaping step  42  may be needed to trim excess material or thinly slice deodorant patches  12 . The method may also include the application of carrier sheets  18 ,  20  in a lamination step  44  which may include sealing the carrier sheets  18 ,  20  together. One skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein will readily appreciate that one or more of the above steps may be omitted or performed in an order other than stated without departing from the spirit of this invention. Other manufacturing steps such as printing, boxing, palletizing and any other suitable steps may be included in the method. 
         [0046]    While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.