Biodegradable disposable diaper with fungal reactants

Abstract

To provide an environmentally friendly and efficient disposable diaper.SOLUTION: A biodegradable disposable diaper 101 includes an inner layer comprising a soft, nonwoven fabric, the inner layer for resting against a wearer's skin and allowing the passage of bodily waste fluids, a middle layer comprising superabsorbent polymer for absorbing and retaining the bodily waste fluids, and an outer layer comprising a liquid impermeable membrane, the outer layer for restricting the passage of bodily waste fluids. The diaper further includes a frangible capsule containing a substance comprising mycelium, fungal spores and / or enzymes configured for using bodily waste to grow and degrading the biodegradable disposable diaper in a disposal environment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention disclosed herein relates generally to the field of fluid-absorbent articles, and more specifically to the field of diapers and other personal waste management products. [Background technology]

[0002] A diaper is a type of undergarment that allows the wearer to urinate and defecate without using a toilet by absorbing or containing waste products and preventing soiling of outer clothing and the external environment. Diapers need to be changed when they become wet or soiled. Most diapers are made of disposable synthetic materials that can be discarded after a single use.

[0003] Due to the widespread use of disposable diapers, a large amount of disposable diapers for infants are discarded every year, and their disposal has become a problem. Most disposable diapers on the market are composed mainly of polypropylene and polyethylene-based plastics. These plastics are resistant to biodegradation and do not decompose in the environment. An average disposable diaper can take hundreds of years to decompose and contains petroleum, plastics, fragrances, wood pulp, and dioxins. Although a typical disposable diaper is composed of a significant number of biodegradable materials, for example wood pulp fibers, the amount of non-biodegradable materials in disposable diapers needs to be reduced. There is also a need to speed up the decomposition time of disposable diapers in landfills. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-265522 A [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 4-50587 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Thus, there is a need to overcome the problems of the prior art discussed above, and in particular, there is a need for more effective, environmentally friendly and efficient disposable diapers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The presently claimed subject matter improves upon the prior art by providing a biodegradable disposable diaper. This Summary is provided to briefly introduce a selection of concepts disclosed herein, which are described in more detail below in the Detailed Description, including the provided drawings. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] Briefly, according to one embodiment, a biodegradable disposable diaper comprises an inner layer comprising a soft nonwoven fabric, the inner layer being configured to contact the wearer's skin and allow the passage of waste fluid, a middle layer comprising a superabsorbent polymer for absorbing and retaining the waste fluid that has passed through the inner layer, an outer layer comprising a liquid impermeable membrane, the outer layer being configured to restrict the passage of waste fluid, and a frangible capsule, dispenser or packet comprising a substance comprising mycelium, fungal spores and / or enzymes configured to use waste material for growth and to degrade the biodegradable disposable diaper in a disposal environment, the frangible capsule, dispenser or packet further configured to allow the substance to be attached to the diaper upon disposal. In another embodiment, a substance comprising mycelium, fungal spores and / or enzymes configured to use waste material for growth and to degrade the biodegradable disposable diaper in a disposal environment, the substance configured to be attached to the diaper upon disposal.

[0008] Additional aspects of the presently disclosed embodiments will be outlined in part in the following description, will be apparent in part from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of the presently disclosed embodiments. These aspects of the presently disclosed embodiments are attained by the elements and combinations particularly set forth in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the embodiments disclosed and claimed herein.

[0009] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the claimed subject matter and, together with the following description, serve to explain the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments. The embodiments shown herein are exemplary. It will be understood, however, that the claimed subject matter is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a biodegradable disposable diaper with a fungal reactant according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a biodegradable disposable diaper with a fungal reactant in a closed configuration according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a biodegradable disposable diaper with a fungal reactant with a dispenser in an open configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a biodegradable disposable diaper with a fungal reactant with a dispenser in an open configuration during use, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings and the following description, the same reference numbers are used wherever possible to represent the same or similar elements. Although several embodiments may be described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations thereof are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or changes may be made to the elements shown in the drawings, and modifications may be made to the methods described herein by substituting, rearranging, or adding steps to the disclosed methods. Thus, the following detailed description does not limit the claimed subject matter. Instead, the exact scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by the appended claims.

[0012] The claimed subject matter improves upon the prior art by providing an improved biodegradable disposable diaper that has improved biodegradability while still performing the traditional function of absorbing or containing waste material to prevent soiling of outer clothing and the external environment. Applicant's claimed embodiments further address the problems of the prior art of disposable diapers by implementing a system that not only speeds up the biodegradation of the instant diaper, but also increases the biodegradation of other plastic waste in the vicinity of the diaper in a landfill or trash dump. From an ethical perspective, the claimed embodiments provide an eco-friendly feature that speeds up the breakdown of waste material to help the environment. From a practical perspective, the claimed embodiments reduce the amount of waste material in landfills and trash dumps, and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases.

[0013] The claimed subject matter will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a biodegradable disposable diaper 101, a biodegradable disposable diaper with a fungal reactant, according to one embodiment. The biodegradable disposable diaper 101 includes an inner layer 102 or topsheet. The inner layer 102 is positioned adjacent to the baby's skin and serves as the first layer in contact with waste fluids. The inner layer 102 may be composed of a soft nonwoven fabric that will not irritate or injure the child's skin. The inner layer 102 allows waste fluids, such as urine and fecal liquid, and solids, such as feces, to pass through to the next or intermediate layer.

[0014] The biodegradable disposable diaper 101 then includes an intermediate layer 104. The intermediate layer 104 includes a superabsorbent polymer for absorbing and retaining the waste fluid that has passed through the inner layer 102. The intermediate layer 104 may include an absorbent core 103 for absorbing and retaining said fluid. The absorbent core 103 may be composed of fluff made from wood pulp fibers or corn / wheat based materials. The absorbent core 103 may also include superabsorbent polymer crystals distributed throughout the fluff so that the fluff acts to distribute the fluid. Superabsorbent polymer crystals (also called slush powder) are water-absorbing polymers that can absorb and retain very large amounts of liquid relative to their mass. The superabsorbent polymer crystals are for absorbing the fluid and fixing it to the core away from the wearer or baby. The intermediate layer 104 may further include one or more breathable films 105, 107 located between layers 103 and 106.

[0015] The biodegradable disposable diaper 101 further includes an impermeable membrane and waterproof outer layer 106. The outer layer 106 does not allow solids, liquids, or gases to pass through. The outer layer 106 may be composed of a petroleum-based plastic or plastic-engineered material. Alternatively, the outer layer 106 may be composed of a plant-based plastic (such as a bioplastic). The outer layer 106 may also include a film barrier that functions as a fluid barrier to prevent leakage of the diaper.

[0016] The biodegradable disposable diaper 101 may further include elastic elements 111 for providing a snug fit of the diaper around the legs of the wearer, and fasteners 112 necessary to secure the diaper in place. The elastic elements are typically polyurethane, polyester foam elastics, or synthetic rubber or elastin (polyether-polyurea copolymer) elastics. Elastin elastics can be soft and very efficient. They can stretch as much as 400% of their original length before breaking. The elastics may also be used in the leg cuff areas of the diaper and near the waist to provide a better fit around the thighs and hips of the wearer. The elastics may also be used at the side panels of the diaper and near the fastening tape areas to provide elasticity in the fastening section of the diaper. The fastener tape used in the diaper may be a hook-and-loop type fastener or a pressure sensitive adhesive type fastener. A hook-and-loop type fastener provides good mechanical grip, allowing for a strong closure. Adhesive tape type fasteners are typically made of adhesive polypropylene side tapes that are sealed to a polypropylene front tape. The biodegradable disposable diaper may further include a fungal reactant embedded in one of the layers of the diaper.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a biodegradable disposable diaper with a fungal reactor 100 in a closed configuration according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 shows that a capsule 210 may be attached to the hip area of ​​the diaper 101. The diaper 101 is closed as it would be worn by a user. The capsule 210 may be attached to the diaper using adhesive or plastic snap loops, as is often used for retail hang tags. The capsule 210 may be configured to be fragile and easily broken by hand force. The capsule 210 may include a material or substance 202 therein. The substance 202 is configured to use the waste material for growth and to degrade the biodegradable disposable diaper in a disposal environment, such as a landfill or dump. It should be noted that the diaper may be fully biodegradable, i.e., 100% of the diaper, the entire diaper, or every aspect and every element of the diaper is biodegradable. The material or substance 202 may include mycelium, fungal spores, and / or enzymes. Mycelium is the vegetative part of a colony of fungi or fungus-like bacteria, composed of a mass of branched, filamentous hyphae. Through this mycelium, fungi absorb nutrients from their environment. Spores are single sexual or asexual reproductive bodies that can adapt to dispersal and survival under unfavorable conditions, often for long periods of time. Spores are part of the life cycle of fungi. A typical single fungal spore occurs in a monokaryotic mycelium that cannot reproduce sexually. When two compatible monokaryotic mycelium combine to form a dikaryotic mycelium, the mycelium can form fruiting bodies, such as mushrooms. Mycelium can form colonies that are microscopic, too small to see, or they can grow to large sizes. Enzymes are proteins that function as biological catalysts, also known as biocatalysts, to speed up chemical reactions.

[0018] The mycelium and / or fungal spores are configured to utilize waste materials (such as feces and / or urine) within the diaper as fuel for growth, and the mycelium and / or fungal spores are then configured to degrade the diaper when it is in a landfill or dump. The mycelium and / or fungal spores are further configured to degrade plastics and other materials around or near the diaper at the landfill or dump. Enzymes are also configured to degrade the diaper when it is in a landfill or dump, as well as degrade plastics and other materials around or near the diaper at the landfill or dump.

[0019] The material or substance 202, which may include mycelium, fungal spores and / or enzymes, may be in the form of beads, or in the form of a fabric to which said material or substance is attached (in the form of encapsulated pellets), or in the form of a powder, which may or may not be attached to a substrate. In one embodiment, the material or substance 202 is embedded in the diaper 100.

[0020] 2 also shows that the capsule 210 can be easily broken to allow the material or substance 202 to fall out therefrom. The diaper 100 is configured to be used in the following manner: after the diaper 101 is soiled and before it is disposed of, the capsule 210 is broken and the material or substance 202 is deposited on the interior of the diaper so that it can react with waste products or fluids within the diaper. The diaper can then be disposed of.

[0021] 2 also shows that the packet 220 may be bonded or otherwise associated with the diaper 101. The packet 220 may be attached to the diaper using adhesive or plastic snap loops, such as are often used on retail hang tags. The packet 220 may be configured to be easily torn by hand force. The packet 220 may include a material or substance 202 therein.

[0022] 2 shows that the packet 220 can be easily torn apart to allow the material or substance 202 to fall out of it. The diaper 100 is configured to be used in the following manner: after the diaper 101 is soiled and before it is disposed of, the packet 220 is broken apart and the material or substance 202 is deposited on the interior of the diaper so that it can react with waste products or fluids within the diaper. The diaper can then be disposed of.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a biodegradable disposable diaper with a fungal reactant 100 with a dispenser 302 in an open configuration, according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 also illustrates that the dispenser 302 may be coupled to or otherwise associated with a diaper 101, which is open as in the case of after the diaper has been used. The dispenser 302 may be attached to the diaper using adhesive or plastic snap loops, as often used for retail hang tags. The dispenser 302 may include a reservoir 308, a top surface 304, and a number of holes 306 on the top surface. The reservoir 308 may contain a material or substance 202 therein.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a biodegradable disposable diaper 100 with a dispenser 302 in an open position during use, according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 shows that the dispenser 302 can be shaken or moved over the diaper 101 to allow the material or substance 202 to fall out of it. Optionally, the dispenser can be percussion-activated, whereupon a button on the dispenser is clicked and pellets are released. The diaper 100 is configured to be used in the following manner: before the diaper 101 is soiled or after it is soiled and before it is disposed of, the dispenser 302 is shaken over the diaper to deposit the material or substance 202 on the inside of the diaper so that it can react with the waste or bodily fluids in the diaper. The diaper can then be disposed of.

[0025] Further disclosed is a material comprising mycelium, fungal spores and / or enzymes, configured to use waste material for growth and to degrade biodegradable disposable diapers in a disposal environment and to be deposited on the diapers upon disposal, the material may include a plurality of mycelium beads, a fabric with mycelium attached, or a powdered mycelium, among others.

[0026] Although specific embodiments of the claimed embodiments have been disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made to those specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the claimed embodiments should not be limited to the specific embodiments described above. Moreover, all such applications, modifications, and embodiments that are within the scope of the claimed embodiments are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

[0027] The embodiments herein have been described above, for example with reference to the figures of devices and apparatus according to the embodiments. Although the description has been given of a particular embodiment, other embodiments may exist. Although the claimed subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features, it should be understood that the subject matter is defined by the appended claims and is not necessarily limited to the specific features or operations described above. Rather, the specific features and operations described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0028] 100 Fungal Reactor, Biodegradable Disposable Diapers 101 Biodegradable disposable diapers 102 Inner layer 103 Absorbent Core 104 Middle Class 105 Breathable film 106 Outer layer 107 Breathable Film 111 Elastic Elements 112 Fixtures 202 Materials or substances that may contain mycelium, fungal spores and / or enzymes 210 Capsules 220 packets 302 Dispenser 304 Top of dispenser 306 Top hole 308 Dispenser container

Claims

1. 1. A biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article comprising: an inner layer comprising a nonwoven fabric and configured to abut the wearer's skin and to permit the passage of bodily waste fluid; an intermediate layer including a superabsorbent polymer for absorbing and retaining the waste fluid that has passed through the inner layer; an outer layer including a liquid impermeable membrane and configured to restrict the passage of waste fluid therethrough; a material comprising mycelium and / or fungal spores and configured to use bodily waste for growth and to degrade said biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article; A biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article comprising:

2. 10. The biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article of claim 1, wherein said material is a plurality of mycelium beads, a fabric having mycelium attached thereto, or a powdered mycelium, or is contained within a frangible capsule.

3. 10. The biodegradable, disposable, fluid-absorbent article of claim 1, wherein said material is contained within a frangible capsule, said frangible capsule being attached to the fluid-absorbent article via a plastic snap loop or an adhesive.

4. 10. The biodegradable disposable liquid absorbent article of claim 1, wherein said intermediate layer comprises superabsorbent polymer crystals dispersed throughout the fluff.

5. 1. A biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article comprising: an inner layer comprising a nonwoven fabric and configured to abut the wearer's skin and to permit the passage of bodily waste fluid; an intermediate layer including a superabsorbent polymer for absorbing and retaining the waste fluid that has passed through the inner layer; an outer layer including a liquid impermeable membrane and configured to restrict the passage of waste fluid therethrough; a dispenser containing a substance including mycelium and / or fungal spores configured to use bodily waste for growth and to degrade said biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article; The dispenser is further configured to be opened and operated to apply the substance to the biodegradable disposable, fluid-absorbent article after the article has been soiled with bodily waste fluid.

6. 6. The biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article of claim 5, wherein the material is a plurality of mycelium beads, a fabric having mycelium attached thereto, or a powdered mycelium.

7. 6. The biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article of claim 5, wherein the dispenser is a disposable container having a perforated upper surface.

8. 1. A biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article comprising: an inner layer comprising a nonwoven fabric and configured to abut the wearer's skin and to permit the passage of bodily waste fluid; an intermediate layer including a superabsorbent polymer for absorbing and retaining the waste fluid that has passed through the inner layer; an outer layer including a liquid impermeable membrane and configured to restrict the passage of waste fluid therethrough; a packet containing a substance comprising mycelium and / or fungal spores configured to use bodily waste for growth and to degrade said biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article; A biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article comprising:

9. 9. The biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article of claim 8, wherein the material is a plurality of mycelium beads, a fabric having mycelium attached thereto, or a powdered mycelium.

10. A substance comprising mycelium and / or fungal spores configured to use bodily waste for growth and to degrade a biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article comprising a superabsorbent polymer, and configured to adhere to the fluid-absorbent article before or after the fluid-absorbent article is soiled with bodily waste fluid.

11. 11. The material of claim 10, wherein the material is a plurality of mycelium beads, a fabric having mycelium attached thereto, or a powdered mycelium.

12. 10. The biodegradable disposable liquid absorbent article of claim 9, wherein said intermediate layer comprises superabsorbent polymer crystals dispersed throughout the fluff.

13. 10. The biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article of claim 9, wherein the packet is configured to be opened and manipulated to deposit mycelium and / or fungal spores onto the fluid-absorbent article upon disposal.

14. 3. The biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the frangible capsule is adapted to be broken by manual force so as to attach mycelium and / or fungal spores to said fluid-absorbent article upon disposal.

15. 9. The biodegradable disposable fluid-absorbent article of claim 1, claim 5 or claim 8, wherein the substance further comprises an enzyme.

16. 10. The biodegradable, disposable, fluid-absorbent article of claim 1, wherein said material is embedded in the biodegradable, disposable, fluid-absorbent article.

17. The material of claim 10 , further comprising an enzyme.

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