Temperature sensation imparting patch and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a temperature-sensing patch that can provide temperature sensation even after repeated use over a long period of time, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Solution] The temperature-sensing patch provides the user with a warm or cold temperature sensation by contact with the user's skin. The temperature-sensing patch comprises a base material and an irritant that activates temperature-sensitive TRP channels. The manufacturing method comprises the steps of (ST1) adding the irritant to a liquid base material and stirring to create a mixture in which the irritant is dispersed in the liquid base material, and (ST3) curing the mixture. The base material preferably contains a silicone resin. When providing the user with a warm temperature sensation, the irritant preferably contains vanillyl butyl ether.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature sensation-imparting patch that gives a user a warm or cold temperature sensation by activating a temperature-sensitive TRP (Transient Receptor Potential) channel, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] The TRP channel is one of the ion channel-type receptors present in the cell membrane. When a temperature-sensitive TRP channel such as TRPV1 or TRPM8 is activated in humans, a warm or cold temperature sensation is obtained.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a heat-sensitive sheet that contains a heat-sensitive agent that activates a TRP channel and a solvent, and does not contain a heating agent. The heat-sensitive sheet described in Patent Document 1 includes, in that order, a liquid-retaining and liquid-permeable skin-contact sheet, a liquid-impermeable clothing-contact sheet, and a fixing portion for fixing to clothing, and the heat-sensitive agent and the solvent are contained in the skin-contact sheet. The skin-contact sheet is made of cloth, non-woven fabric, woven fabric, knitted fabric, etc., the air permeability of the skin-contact sheet is higher than that of the clothing-contact sheet, and the solvent can move outside through the skin-contact sheet.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a heat-sensitive adhesive material provided with an adhesive layer on a support. In the heat-sensitive adhesive material described in Patent Document 2, vanillyl butyl ether is contained in the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer has an acrylic-based adhesive, a rubber-based adhesive, or a water-containing adhesive as an adhesive base.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, with the conventional technology described above, the warming agent such as vanillyl butyl ether may leak out from the warming sheet or warming patch, shortening the duration of the warming sensation and potentially making it only usable once. In view of this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a warming sensation-imparting patch and a method for manufacturing the same that can provide a warming sensation even when used repeatedly over a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a temperature-sensing patch (1) that provides a warm or cold temperature sensation to a user by contact with the user's skin, comprising the steps of: (ST1) adding an irritant (3) that activates temperature-sensitive TRP channels to a liquid substrate (2) and stirring to create a mixture in which the irritant is dispersed in the liquid substrate; and (ST3) curing the mixture.

[0008] According to this embodiment, by bringing the substrate surface into contact with the user, the irritant activates temperature-sensitive TRP channels, giving the user a temperature sensation. Since the irritant is dispersed and retained on the substrate, the irritant is not lost from the substrate surface even after repeated use over a long period of time, and the temperature sensation-imparting patch can provide the user with a temperature sensation.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the temperature-sensing patch (1) provides the user with a warm temperature sensation, the substrate (2) may contain a silicone resin, and the irritant (3) may contain vanillyl butyl ether.

[0010] According to this embodiment, the substrate firmly retains the irritant, and because the substrate contains silicone resin, the substrate remains stable when in contact with the user's skin.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the weight ratio of the vanillyl butyl ether to the substrate (2) is preferably 0.011 or less.

[0012] According to this embodiment, the vanillyl butyl ether can be reliably held by the substrate, and the separation or leakage of the vanillyl butyl ether from the substrate can be prevented.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the weight ratio of the vanillyl butyl ether to the liquid substrate is preferably 0.0037 to 0.005.

[0014] This configuration allows the user to feel a moderate level of warmth.

[0015] One aspect of the present invention is a temperature-sensing patch (1) that provides a warm temperature sensation to a user by contact with the user's skin, comprising a base material (2) containing a silicone resin and an irritant (3) containing vanillyl butyl ether held on the base material.

[0016] According to this embodiment, by bringing the substrate surface into contact with the user, the irritant activates temperature-sensitive TRP channels, giving the user a temperature sensation. Since the irritant is retained in the substrate, the irritant is not lost from the substrate surface even with repeated use over a long period of time, and the temperature sensation-imparting patch can provide the user with a temperature sensation.

[0017] In the above embodiment, the weight ratio of the vanillyl butyl ether to the substrate (2) is preferably 0.011 or less.

[0018] According to this embodiment, the vanillyl butyl ether can be reliably held by the substrate, and the separation or leakage of the vanillyl butyl ether can be prevented.

[0019] In the above embodiment, the weight ratio of the vanillyl butyl ether to the liquid substrate is preferably 0.0037 to 0.005.

[0020] According to this aspect, it is possible to make the user feel appropriate warmth.

[0021] In the above aspect, it may further include a mineral that emits far-infrared rays and is disposed in the base material.

[0022] According to this aspect, the mineral that emits far-infrared rays can warm the portion where the temperature-sensation-imparting patch is attached.

Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the above aspects, since the stimulant that activates the temperature-sensitive TRP channel is held in the base material, it is possible to provide a temperature-sensation-imparting patch and a method for manufacturing the same that can give a temperature sensation even when repeatedly used over a long period.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view of the temperature-sensation-imparting patch according to the embodiment [Figure 2] Flowchart showing the method for manufacturing the temperature-sensation-imparting patch according to the embodiment

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sheet-shaped temperature-sensation-imparting patch 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature-sensation-imparting patch 1 includes a base material 2 and a stimulant 3 (shown as dots in the figure) dispersed and held in the base material.

[0026] The base material 2 is formed in a sheet shape. Since the surface of the base material 2 directly contacts the user's skin, the base material 2 preferably has flexibility so as to deform in accordance with the shape of the user's skin, and preferably has adhesiveness so as not to shift. The base material 2 includes, for example, a silicone resin.

[0027] Stimulant 3 is a substance that activates temperature-sensitive TRP channels. Even after activating temperature-sensitive TRP channels, stimulant 3 is not consumed or chemically altered; the substance itself remains intact. Stimulant 3 is dispersed throughout the entire substrate 2, including its surface, and is retained within the substrate 2 by the substrate 2 to prevent leakage. In a temperature-sensing patch 1 that provides the user with a warm temperature sensation, stimulant 3 is, for example, vanillyl butyl ether that activates TRPV1. In a temperature-sensing patch 1 that provides the user with a cold temperature sensation, stimulant 3 is, for example, menthol that activates TRPM8. The weight ratio of stimulant 3 to substrate 2 (weight of stimulant 3 / weight of substrate 2) is between 0.001 and 0.025 (hereinafter, the numerical range "x or more and y or less" will be written as "x~y"), preferably between 0.001 and 0.011, and more preferably between 0.0037 and 0.005.

[0028] Substances that activate TRPV1 include, in addition to vanillyl butyl ether, capsaicin, acids, camphor, allicin, lipids, 2-APB, NO, vanillotoxin, and resiniferatoxin. Substances that activate TRPM8 include, in addition to menthol, ishirin and membrane phospholipids.

[0029] The temperature-sensing patch 1 may further include a substance (not shown) that actually warms or cools the area where it is applied to the user. For example, if the temperature-sensing patch 1 provides the user with a warm temperature sensation, powdered minerals that emit far-infrared rays may be placed within the base material 2.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a method for manufacturing a temperature-sensing patch 1 will be described, using as an example the case in which a base material 2 containing silicone resin and an irritant 3 containing vanillyl butyl ether are used.

[0031] The worker mixes the main component and hardener of the liquid silicone resin and adds the irritant 3 (ST1). If powdered minerals that emit far-infrared rays are to be mixed in, those minerals are added at this stage. The worker stirs these together to create a mixture in which the irritant 3 is dispersed in the liquid substrate 2. For example, HTV-2000 components A and B (manufactured by Engraving Japan Co., Ltd.) can be used as the main component and hardener of the liquid silicone resin, and components A and B of HTV-2000 are mixed in a 1:1 ratio.

[0032] Next, the worker pours the liquid mixture into the mold (ST2). The mixture poured into the mold is degassed and then allowed to harden at room temperature (ST3). The worker removes the hardened mixture from the mold (ST4). The mixture hardens to become temperature-sensing patch 1.

[0033] One temperature-sensing patch 1 may be formed from one mold, or multiple temperature-sensing patches 1 may be formed by cutting a mixture taken from one mold.

[0034] The effects of temperature-sensing patch 1 are described below. When the surface of the base material 2 comes into direct contact with the user's skin, the irritant 3 contained in the base material 2 activates the user's temperature-sensitive TRP channels. As a result, temperature-sensing patch 1 provides the user with a warm or cold temperature sensation.

[0035] Since the irritant 3 is retained in the substrate 2 and does not leach out, and the irritant 3 as a substance is maintained, the temperature sensation-imparting patch 1 can stably provide the user with a warm or cold temperature sensation even when used repeatedly over a long period of time.

[0036] Due to the adhesive properties of the silicone resin, the temperature-sensing patch 1 remains somewhat stable with the surface of the base material 2 in contact with the user's skin. Depending on the site of use, the temperature-sensing patch 1 may be secured to the user by adhesive tape, a band, or an elastic annular supporter.

[0037] When providing a warm temperature sensation, adding a mineral that emits far-infrared rays allows the area to be warmed by this mineral. [Examples]

[0038] <Example 1> Samples were prepared using silicone resin as the base material 2 and vanillyl butyl ether as the irritant 3. Each sample differed in the weight ratio of irritant 3 to base material 2. HTV-2000 components A and B (manufactured by Engraving Japan Co., Ltd.) were used as the silicone resin. The inventor placed HTV-2000 components A and B, along with vanillyl butyl ether, into a paper cup and manually stirred them with chopsticks. The inventor poured the stirred mixture into a mold created with a 3D printer, degassed it, left it to harden, and after hardening, removed it from the mold to obtain a 3 mm thick sheet-like sample.

[0039] The inventor visually observed the condition of each sample. Each sample was also attached to the skin of seven subjects for approximately 30 minutes, and the inventor recorded the subjects' perception of the warmth they felt from each sample. Table 1 shows the results. [Table 1]

[0040] Visual observation revealed that in samples A, B, and C, where the weight ratio of irritant 3 to substrate 2 was 0.05 or higher, the irritant 3 (vanillyl butyl ether) appeared as a liquid on the surface of substrate 2. In samples D, E, and F, where the weight ratio of irritant 3 to substrate 2 was 0.011 or lower, no separation of irritant 3 from substrate 2 was observed, and a good condition was observed.

[0041] The results of the thermal sensation survey revealed that subjects felt intense pain from samples A and B, pain from sample C, heat above the comfortable temperature from sample D, and moderate warmth from samples E and F. Furthermore, approximately one year after this test, when samples E and F were applied to the subjects again, they felt moderate warmth. From this, it is presumed that in samples E and F, the irritant 3, vanillyl butyl ether, was trapped within the silicone resin substrate 2 due to the properties of the silicone resin itself and did not leak out.

[0042] <Example 2> A sample was prepared using a silicone resin as the base material 2 and powdered capsaicin as the irritant 3. Capsaicin is a substance that activates TRPV1, similar to vanillyl butyl ether. Since capsaicin is lipid-soluble, it was pre-treated by dissolving it in anhydrous ethanol before being added to a mixture of HTV-2000 components A and B. The sample was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except for the pre-treatment of capsaicin.

[0043] The inventor who prepared the sample was wearing safety glasses, a mask, and nitrile rubber gloves, but experienced pain in his eyes and other areas during sample preparation. The sample hardened in about 10 hours, and superficially, the capsaicin did not appear to have risen to the surface of substrate 2. However, the inventor felt pain in the areas he touched with his face or other parts of his body after touching the sample. From the above, it is presumed that the capsaicin was not trapped within the silicone resin and was capable of leaking out.

[0044] This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments or modifications and can be broadly modified and implemented. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 1: Temperature sensation-granting patch 2: Base material 3: Stimulants

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a temperature-sensing patch that provides a user with a warm or cold temperature sensation by contact with the user's skin, The process involves adding a stimulant that activates temperature-sensitive TRP channels to a liquid substrate and stirring to create a mixture in which the stimulant is dispersed in the liquid substrate, A method for producing a temperature-sensing patch, comprising the step of curing the aforementioned mixture.

2. The aforementioned temperature sensation-imparting patch provides the user with a warm temperature sensation. The aforementioned substrate contains a silicone resin, The method for producing a temperature-sensing patch according to claim 1, wherein the stimulant comprises vanillyl butyl ether.

3. The method for manufacturing a temperature-sensing patch according to claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of the vanillyl butyl ether to the substrate is 0.011 or less.

4. The method for manufacturing a temperature-sensing patch according to claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of the vanillyl butyl ether to the substrate is 0.0037 to 0.

005.

5. A temperature-sensing patch that provides the user with a warm temperature sensation by coming into contact with the user's skin, A substrate containing silicone resin, A temperature-sensing patch comprising a stimulant containing vanillyl butyl ether held in the aforementioned substrate.

6. The temperature-sensing patch according to claim 5, wherein the weight ratio of the vanillyl butyl ether to the substrate is 0.011 or less.

7. The temperature-sensing patch according to claim 5, wherein the weight ratio of the vanillyl butyl ether to the substrate is 0.0037 to 0.

005.

8. The temperature-sensing patch according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a mineral that emits far-infrared rays disposed within the substrate.

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