Product intended for combating bad body odors and use of the product

Abstract

A product (10) for combating bad body odors with a composition (27) containing lactic acid-producing bacteria comprises a first chamber (21) in which the composition (27) is located and a second chamber (23) designed to receive a fluid (28), wherein the product (10) has a transportable state in which the first and second chambers (21, 23) are fluidically separated from each other and a usable state in which the first and second chambers (21, 23) are fluidically in contact with each other.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a product intended for combating bad body odors based on lactic acid-producing bacteria, comprising a composition containing the lactic acid-producing bacteria.

[0002] Such products are known from DE 10 2018 106 331 B4.

[0003] The use of lactic acid-producing bacteria to combat bad odors is well known from the state of the art.

[0004] Thus, WO 2007 / 039086 A1 describes the use of lyophilized bacteria of various Lactobacillus strains, which are mixed with a suitable liquid such as water to make them grow again, and which are then sprayed onto the skin, for example with a pump spray, to prevent or reduce the development of bad body odor.

[0005] The use of extracts of microorganisms to inhibit body odors is known from EP 1 082 091 B1.

[0006] CA 2 056 167 A1 discloses a powder containing Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidus spp., which is applied to the human body, e.g., the feet, and activated there by perspiration. To inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause skin irritation, a culture medium is to be added. Fragrances are added to control odor.

[0007] EP 1468 075 B1 describes the Lactobacillus strain L-paracasei viro-01-KCTC 10132BP and its use in a deodorizing agent. The bacterium can be used as a dry powder to combat odors, or alternatively, the fermentation liquid diluted in water can be sprayed onto the odor source from an aerosol can.

[0008] Finally, DE 27 23 191 A1 discloses a deodorizing composition containing live cells of Lactobacillus spp. The bacteria must be cultivated in a special nutrient medium and can be lyophilized or stored at low temperatures for extended periods without losing their activity.

[0009] The products known from the aforementioned DE 10 2018 106 331 B4 are incontinence diapers to which a composition containing lactic acid-producing bacteria was applied, and which were then tested in use on incontinent patients. This treatment of fresh incontinence diapers is intended to reduce the urine odor that occurs when the diapers are worn for extended periods.

[0010] The composition contained the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus TYCA15, Lactobacillus salivarius sp., Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum in a ratio of 1:1:1:1:1.

[0011] EP 1 257 303 B1 also describes the use of lactic acid-producing microorganisms for odor control and teaches that these microorganisms should be incorporated into articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, or diapers with a breathable backing layer. This backing ensures that the microorganisms remain dry and are only activated by liquid, and not by even slight moisture, when the article is worn. Various bacterial strains and their ATCC numbers are mentioned as examples, including Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactococcus lactis.

[0012] As in DE 10 2018 106 331 B4, the lactic acid-producing bacteria were in powder or lyophilized form.

[0013] The state of the art described so far indicates that lactic acid-producing bacteria can be stored dry and applied directly to affected areas of the body or introduced into hygiene products, where they are activated by contact with body fluids and counteract the development of bad body odors.

[0014] In the prior art, various additives are proposed for the respective disclosed compositions with lactic acid-producing bacteria in order to supply the bacteria with nutrients and / or to achieve the desired odor reduction.

[0015] A product for combating bad body odors, based on lactic acid-producing bacteria, is not known to the inventors of the present application on the market and cannot be inferred from the various relevant intellectual property rights.

[0016] Against this background, the present invention aims to create a product of the type mentioned at the outset, avoiding the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the product should be easy and inexpensive to manufacture and suitable for everyday use.

[0017] For the purposes of this application, a product suitable for everyday use is understood to be a product that can be purchased ready for use in stores, stored at home, and used without problems at any time.

[0018] In the aforementioned product, this problem is solved by comprising a first chamber containing the composition and a second chamber designed to hold a fluid, wherein the product has a transportable state in which the first and second chambers are fluidically separated from each other and a usable state in which the first and second chambers are fluidically in contact with each other, wherein the fluid is preferably already in the second chamber, the fluid further preferably comprises water, in particular tap water, and furthermore the fluid preferably contains at least one nutrient that promotes the growth of bacteria.

[0019] The underlying problem of the innovation is thus completely solved.

[0020] The product, preferably designed as a pump spray bottle, can, according to the inventors, be stored in a transportable state for several months in stores or by the user without losing effectiveness. Furthermore, it can also be stored in a usable state for several days and used repeatedly.

[0021] This makes the new product suitable for everyday use, as it can be stored on the shelf at home or at the retailer for longer periods without losing its activity.

[0022] Although it is intended that the user fills the product with fluid shortly before use, the shelf life is not reduced if the fluid is already contained in the second chamber when the product is delivered.

[0023] Because the new product can be stored at room temperature for months without losing its effectiveness, it is particularly easy to use. It requires no special attention and is always ready to use.

[0024] If the new product includes a manually operated pump mechanism to create an aerosol containing the fluid and composition, its application is particularly simple.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the product is transferred from the transportable to the usable state by the first actuation of the pump mechanism.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the product can be transformed from a transportable to a usable state independently of the actuation of the pump mechanism by suitable manipulation, for example by twisting or moving two parts of the product's housing relative to each other.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferred if the composition contains bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus ssp. and Bifidobacterium ssp., and preferably probiotic bacteria, wherein the composition preferably contains or is a probiotic preparation.

[0028] Probiotic preparations are also known as probiotics. They contain live microorganisms, for example lactic acid-producing bacteria, and are intended as food or dietary supplements to maintain, support, or restore the "good" bacteria in the body, i.e., the microflora.

[0029] The inventors of the present application have surprisingly discovered in various experiments that, in particular, a probiotic preparation containing lactic acid-producing bacteria and preferably carbohydrates, when added to tap water, yields a solution which, when applied to affected body regions such as the feet, worn footwear or worn clothing, delivers very good results in the short term for combating bad odors.

[0030] The new product is therefore particularly easy and inexpensive to produce because preparations already available on the market can be used.

[0031] The probiotic preparation preferably contains one or more bacterial strains, each selected from the group consisting of: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus breve, Lactobacillus retueri, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis and Streptococcus thermophilus.

[0032] If the preparation contains at least one nutrient in addition to the bacterial strains, especially carbohydrates such as cornstarch or lactose, the bacteria will take effect particularly quickly after application.

[0033] Against this background, the present innovation also concerns the use of the new product on the human body to combat bad odor, in particular foot odor, on worn clothing to combat bad odor resulting from wearing, and in or on worn footwear to combat bad odor resulting from wearing.

[0034] For the purposes of this application, "wearing" means the intended use of a garment or footwear.

[0035] In this context, "bad odor resulting from wearing" refers to an odor clinging to or on clothing or footwear that does not completely disappear even through normal cleaning.

[0036] Against this background, the present innovation also relates to the use of a probiotic preparation containing lactic acid-producing bacteria for combating bad body odors, wherein the probiotic preparation preferably contains one or more bacterial strains, each bacterial strain being selected from the group consisting of: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus breve, Lactobacillus retueri, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis and Streptococcus thermophilus.

[0037] Preferably, the probiotic preparation contains at least one nutrient, especially carbohydrates.

[0038] Further advantages are outlined in the description and the accompanying drawing.

[0039] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 In schematic side view as the first embodiment of the new product, a manually operated pump spray bottle in a transportable state; Fig. 2. Take out the pump spray bottle Fig. 1 in a usable condition; Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic side view as a second embodiment of the new product, another manually operated pump spray bottle in a transportable state; and Fig. 4. Take out the pump spray bottle Fig. 3 in a usable condition

[0041] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic and not-to-scale side view of the new product 10, which is designed here as a manually operated pump spray bottle 11.

[0042] The pump spray bottle 11 has a push button 14 at its upper end 12, which acts via a bolt 15 on a pump mechanism 16 inside 17 of the pump spray bottle 11 to spray, in a manner known per se, as an aerosol containing a substance only in Fig. 2 to emit the spray jet 18 shown from the print head 12.

[0043] Manually operated pump spray bottles are sufficiently known from the prior art, see for example DE 20 2006 013 373 U1, so that a detailed description of the generation of the spray jet 18 is unnecessary.

[0044] At the lower end 19 of the pump spray bottle 11, which has a vertical axis 20, there is a lower first chamber 21 with a lid 22, the interior 17 of the pump spray bottle 11 forming an upper second chamber 23 with a bottom 24.

[0045] The base 24 and the lid 22 are positioned such that the lower chamber 21 can be rotated about the vertical axis 20 relative to the upper chamber 23, as indicated by an arrow 25.

[0046] Inside 26 of the lower chamber 21 is a lypholated, bacteria-containing composition 27, which is described in more detail below.

[0047] Inside 17 of the pump spray bottle 11, i.e. in the second chamber 23 there is a fluid 28, which is water, in the simplest case tap water.

[0048] The fluid 28 can be filled into the interior 17 by the user via a nozzle schematically indicated at 29, before the pump spray bottle 11 is put to its intended use.

[0049] Alternatively, the pump spray bottle 11 can also be manufactured without nozzle 29. In this case, the fluid 28 is filled into the second chamber 23 by the manufacturer before the pump spray bottle 11 is placed on the market.

[0050] The lid 22 has through holes 31 arranged, of which in Fig. Two examples are shown. Similarly, 24 through holes 32 are arranged in the ground, of which in Fig. 1. Two examples are also shown.

[0051] In the Fig. In the transportable state of the pump spray bottle 11 shown in Figure 1, the chambers 21 and 23 are twisted relative to each other in such a way that the through holes 31 and 32 are not aligned with each other, and the chambers 21 and 23 are fluidically separated from each other.

[0052] The composition 27, which is stored inside 26 of the first chamber 21 and must be kept dry, does not come into contact with the fluid 28 even over longer storage periods, regardless of whether the second chamber 23 is filled with the fluid 28 by the manufacturer or by the user before use.

[0053] By rotating the first chamber 21 relative to the second chamber 23 in accordance with arrow 25 about the vertical axis 20, the through holes 31 and 32 are aligned with each other, as shown for example in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0054] The aligned through holes 31, 32 now connect the interior 17 of the second chamber 23 with the interior 26 of the first chamber 21, so that fluid 28 and composition 27 mix, which the user can support and, if necessary, accelerate by shaking the pump spray bottle 11.

[0055] Inside 17 and inside 26 is now fluid 28, in which composition 27 has been incorporated; fluid 28 and composition 27 have mixed to form solution 33. The pump spray bottle 11 is now ready for use.

[0056] When the printhead 14 is now manually operated, outside air is pumped into the interior 17, which causes the solution 33 to be forced into the pumping mechanism 16 via a hose 34 extending into the solution 33 and from there released as an aerosol in the spray jet 18.

[0057] Composition 27 consists of a probiotic preparation available commercially under product code 12785 from Dr. Behr GmbH, Königswinterer Str. 37a, 53227 Bonn.

[0058] This preparation contains the bacterial strains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus retueri, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, and Streptococcus thermophilus, as well as carbohydrates in the form of cornstarch.

[0059] The preparation is supplied in lyophilized form and, according to the data sheet, can be stored for transport purposes for up to 10 days at 8°C and for up to 18 months at -18°C.

[0060] However, the inventors have now surprisingly found that a pump spray 11, which contained the aforementioned probiotic preparation in the first chamber 21 and tap water in the second chamber 23, can be used to combat bad odors.

[0061] For this purpose, the first chamber 21 was rotated so that the fluid 28 and the composition 27 could mix. Then, using the push button 14, a spray jet 18 was generated and the aerosol was applied to the feet of a test subject suffering from foot odor, into the test subject's worn shoes, and onto worn clothing.

[0062] A noticeable reduction in the previously present bad odor could be observed just a few hours after application. This effect lasted for several days to months, even after the shoes or clothing were worn again. Washing the clothing or excessively washing the feet reduced the duration of the effect.

[0063] The effect is reduced primarily by wearing the same socks for several days in shoes that are worn for several hours at a time, or by wearing wet footwear.

[0064] Without committing to this explanation, the inventors of the present innovation assume that the odor-fighting effect of the lactic acid-producing bacteria is based on the fact that they hinder or prevent the growth of the bacteria that cause bad body odor by metabolizing bodily fluids, excretions, or other substances that the human body releases or "sweats out".

[0065] Despite the demanding storage conditions specified in the data sheet, the inventors have further discovered that the new product can be stored in its transportable state at room temperature for over a year without losing its effectiveness, provided it is then put back into its usable state and applied.

[0066] Fig. Figure 3 shows in a diagram how Fig. 1 another embodiment of the new product 10 in the form of a pump spray bottle 41.

[0067] The pump spray bottle 41 has a cap 42 which is screwed onto a transparent housing 43 which encloses an outer chamber 44 which corresponds in function to the second chamber 23 in the pump spray bottle 11.

[0068] Cap 42 is comparable to the embodiment shown in the illustration. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a push button 14 is arranged, by means of which a pump mechanism 16 arranged in the cap 42 and projecting into the outer chamber 44 is actuated.

[0069] The point mechanism 16 is surrounded by an inner, tubular transparent housing 45 that encloses an inner chamber 46 which corresponds in function to the first chamber 21 in the pump spray bottle 11.

[0070] In the inner chamber 46, a hollow bolt 47 projects downwards centrally. A cover 48, firmly connected to the bolt 47, is mounted on the cover, and an intake manifold 49, projecting downwards into the outer chamber 44, is attached to the cover 48.

[0071] The lid 48 sits in the one in Fig. 3 shown, transportable state of the pump spray bottle 41 sealing in a lower opening 50 of the inner housing 45, so that the chambers 44 and 46 are fluidically separated from each other.

[0072] The hollow bolt 47 is in fluid contact with the intake manifold 49 via the cover 48.

[0073] The inner chamber 46 contains the item already related to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described composition 27, while the fluid 28 is located in the outer chamber 44.

[0074] The composition 27 and the fluid 28 are filled by the manufacturer into the inner chamber 46 and the outer chamber 44 respectively before the pump spray bottle 41 is placed on the market, and in this embodiment is a physiological saline solution.

[0075] In the Fig. In the transportable state of the pump spray bottle 41 shown in Figure 3, the composition 27 stored in the inner chamber 46 and kept dry does not come into contact with the fluid 28 located in the outer chamber 44, even over longer storage periods.

[0076] When the push button 14 is first pressed, the bolt 47, and with it the cover 48 and the suction nozzle 49, is moved downwards, i.e. towards the bottom 51 of the housing 43, thereby bringing the pump spray bottles 41 into the usable state, which is in Fig. 4 is shown.

[0077] The two chambers 44 and 46 are now fluidically connected via the opening 49, so that fluid 28 and composition 27 mix, which the user can support and, if necessary, accelerate by shaking the pump spray bottle 41.

[0078] Both chambers 44 and 46 now contain the solution 33 from fluid 28 with the composition 27 incorporated and mixed therein.

[0079] When the push button is pressed, solution 33 is drawn into the pump mechanism 16 via suction nozzle 49 and bolt 47 and mixed with air there, so that a spray jet is emitted from the push button 14. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2018 106 331 B4 [0002, 0009, 0012] WO 2007 / 039086 A1

[0004] EP 1 082 091 B1

[0005] CA 2 056 167 A1

[0006] EP 1468 075 B1

[0007] DE 27 23 191 A1

[0008] EP 1 257 303 B1

[0011] DE 20 2006 013 373 U1

[0043]

Claims

[1] Product (10) intended for combating bad body odors based on lactic acid-producing bacteria, comprising a composition (27) containing the lactic acid-producing bacteria, characterized by , that it comprises a first chamber (21,46) in which the composition (27) is located and a second chamber (23, 44) designed to receive a fluid (28), wherein the product (10) has a transportable state in which the first and second chambers (21, 23; 46, 44) are fluidically separated from each other and a usable state in which the first and second chambers (21,23; 46, 44) are fluidically in contact with each other. [2] Product according to claim 1, wherein the fluid (18) is located in the second chamber (23, 44). [3] Product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the fluid (28) comprises water. [4] Product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the fluid (28) contains at least one nutrient that promotes the growth of bacteria. [5] Product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the composition (27) contains bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus ssp. and Bifidobacterium ssp. [6] Product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the composition (27) contains probiotic bacteria. [7] Product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the composition (27) contains a probiotic preparation. [8] Product according to claim 7, characterized by , that the composition (27) is the probiotic preparation. [9] Product according to claim 8, characterized by, that the probiotic preparation contains one or more strains of bacteria, each strain being selected from the group consisting of: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus breve, Lactobacillus retueri, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis and Streptococcus thermophilus. [10] Product according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by that the probiotic preparation contains at least one nutrient, especially carbohydrates, in addition to the bacterial strains. [11] Product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that it includes a manually operated pumping mechanism (16) to generate an aerosol containing the fluid (28) and the composition (27). [12] Use of the product according to any one of claims 1 to 11 on the human body to combat bad odor, in particular foot odor. [13] Use of the product according to any one of claims 1 to 11 on worn garments to combat bad odors resulting from wearing. [14] Use of the product according to any one of claims 1 to 11 on worn footwear to combat bad odor caused by wearing. [15] Use of a probiotic preparation containing lactic acid-producing bacteria to combat bad body odors. [16] Use according to claim 15, characterized by, that the probiotic preparation contains one or more strains of bacteria, each strain being selected from the group consisting of: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus breve, Lactobacillus retueri, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis and Streptococcus thermophilus. [17] Use according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by that the probiotic preparation contains at least one nutrient, especially carbohydrates, in addition to the bacterial strains.

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