Elastomeric Articles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an elastomeric article (10) and a method for making the same, the elastomeric article (10) comprising a substrate body (11) defining an inner surface (12) proximate the skin of a user and an outer surface (13) distal to the skin of a user, the substrate body (11) comprising an elastomer, an intermediate coating (15) covering at least a portion of the inner surface (12), the intermediate coating (15) comprising a therapeutic agent, and an inner coating (14) covering at least a portion of the intermediate coating (15), the inner coating (14) comprising an extract of soapnut for preserving the therapeutic agent.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to elastomeric articles and methods for making the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved elastomeric articles having emollient and rejuvenative properties. [Background technology]

[0002] Elastomers are polymers characterized by the properties of elasticity and resilience. Elastomers are available in both natural and synthetic forms with a variety of mechanical properties. Elastomers are often used to form flexible articles such as gloves, liners, finger cots, sheaths, cervical caps, dental dams, and condoms. The flexibility and impermeability of the articles provide good barrier and protection for the user.

[0003] Gloves are elastomeric articles designed to protect the wearer from chemicals, infectious agents, or other hazardous substances. They are widely and frequently used in laboratories and hospitals when working with hazardous materials or high-risk patients. However, excessive dryness and irritation of the skin are common problems when wearing gloves for extended periods of time.

[0004] Therefore, to overcome these undesirable effects, various elastomeric articles and gloves with various inner treatments have been devised. For example, International Publication No. 2018 / 119491 teaches an elastomeric article that can effectively provide skin care properties to a person wearing or coming into contact with the article. The article includes an elastomeric film and plant stem cell material. The plant stem cell material has skin care properties, and the plant stem cell material may be encapsulated in a bilayer membrane or may be present as a layer or coating on the surface of the elastomeric film.

[0005] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0091504 provides flexible elastomeric articles with improved moisturizing and wear properties. Plant extracts containing polysaccharides are incorporated into elastomeric emulsions, solutions, and / or plastisols to enhance the physical and therapeutic properties of articles made from these materials. In another aspect, flexible elastomeric articles are coated with non-aloe vera mucilaginous plant polysaccharides or laboratory-produced polysaccharides, which are enriched with additives known to protect, repair, and moisturize mammalian skin or mucous membranes and enhance the ease of use or wear of the articles.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 6,692,756 discloses moisturizing and medical gloves containing a thin layer of aloe vera evenly and uniformly coated on the inner surface of the glove. The aloe vera is attached to the surface through a drying process achieved by a controlled drying method. Therefore, the glove is a single-layer glove with a dry coating of aloe vera.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 6,589,544 teaches a method for making thin-walled elastomeric articles incorporating aloe vera. The method involves immersing a foam in the shape of the article in a latex composition mixed with an aloe vera extract. The foam is then processed and cured so that the extract is present within the article as one or a combination of the polymer, copolymer, and filler of the article.

[0008] Although elastomeric articles are available in a variety of forms with different interior treatments and skin care properties, the degradation of skin care properties during manufacturing or storage has rarely been addressed.

[0009] In view of the above, there is a need for elastomeric articles and methods of making same that allow for maintaining the effectiveness and stability of skin care properties. Summary of the Invention

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an elastomeric article having therapeutic properties.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an elastomeric article having an extract of soapnut to preserve the beneficial properties of the therapeutic agent.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a low cost method for producing the above article. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an elastomeric article, such as a glove, constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1, illustrating an elastomeric article including an intermediate coating and an inner coating according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1, illustrating an elastomeric article including an inner coating according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for making an elastomeric article according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to an elastomeric article 10 and a method for making the elastomeric article 10. More particularly, the present invention relates to an elastomeric article 10 having a therapeutic agent and a soap nut extract.

[0015] As used herein, the term "therapeutic agent" refers to any therapeutic ingredient that has a beneficial or restorative effect on the body, particularly the skin. Therapeutic agents may include, but are not limited to, one or more of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-aging, antioxidant, wound healing, and cosmetic properties. Therapeutic agents may include compositions or formulations that have moisturizing, emollient, and rejuvenating effects.

[0016] Preferably, the therapeutic agent comprises a botanical extract, which may be in the form of a gel, powder, or solution.

[0017] More preferably, the plant extract is an extract of a plant selected from aloe vera, ginseng, lotus, or any combination thereof.

[0018] More preferably, the plant extracts include aloe vera extract and ginseng extract. Aloe vera is known for its moisturizing, hydrating, and soothing properties, and this plant is generally suitable for use on sensitive or allergic skin. Furthermore, ginseng contains natural substances that promote skin whitening and are effective in preventing signs of skin aging. Because ginseng ingredients are heat-resistant, the efficacy of the ingredients is not impaired even if the temperature during the process of manufacturing the article (10) is too high.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, an elastomeric article (10), such as a glove, comprises a therapeutic agent and soapnut extract. In one embodiment, the elastomeric article (10) comprises a substrate body (11) defining an inner surface (12) proximate to a user's skin and an outer surface (13) distal to the user's skin, the substrate body (11) comprising an elastomer; an intermediate coating (15) covering at least a portion of the inner surface (12), the intermediate coating (15) comprising a therapeutic agent; and an inner coating (14) covering at least a portion of the intermediate coating (15), the inner coating (14) comprising soapnut extract for storing the therapeutic agent. In one example where the elastomeric article (10) is a glove, the inner surface (12) forms a cavity for receiving a user's hand, and the outer surface (13) will come into contact with an external object. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an elastomeric article (10) in which a therapeutic agent and soap nut extract are sequentially applied to a substrate body (11), thereby forming an intermediate coating of therapeutic agent (15) and an inner coating of soap nut extract (14).

[0020] In another embodiment, the substrate body (11) comprises an elastomer and a therapeutic agent, and an inner coating (14) covering at least a portion of the inner surface (12), the inner coating (14) including a soap nut extract for preserving the therapeutic agent.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an elastomeric article (10) in which a therapeutic agent is incorporated into a substrate body (11) and an inner coating of soapnut extract (14) is applied directly to the substrate body (11).

[0022] Thus, the therapeutic agent may be incorporated into the substrate body (11) or applied to the substrate body (11) as an intermediate coating (15).

[0023] Therapeutic agents, particularly botanical extracts, are susceptible to microbial degradation, and therefore the soapnut extract serves to protect the therapeutic agent from degradation, thereby extending the shelf life of the article (10).

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, the coating of therapeutic agent or soap nut extract is applied to a substantial thickness forming a layer covering the inner surface (12) of the substrate body (11).

[0025] Preferably, the article (10) includes a preservative incorporated into the substrate body (11), intermediate coating (15), or inner coating (14).

[0026] More preferably, the preservative is sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate, or a combination thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any preservative suitable for manufacturing elastomeric article 10 may be used.

[0027] Article 10 may also include any other additives known in the art, such as colorants, fragrances, flavors, lubricants, or any other substances that do not adversely affect the safety and effectiveness of article 10.

[0028] In one embodiment, the intermediate coating (15) can include a combination of botanical extracts selected from aloe vera, ginseng, and lotus. In a further embodiment, the botanical extracts can be incorporated as multiple separate intermediate coatings (15) in any order. In yet another embodiment, the intermediate coating (15) includes a first intermediate coating incorporating aloe vera extract and a second intermediate coating incorporating ginseng extract.

[0029] Preferably, the intermediate coating (15) contains 25 to 40% by volume of 1% (w / v (mass to volume percentage)) aloe vera extract and 25 to 40% by volume of 1% (w / v) ginseng extract. More preferably, the intermediate coating (15) contains 25 to 35% by volume of 1% (w / v) aloe vera extract, 25 to 35% by volume of 1% (w / v) ginseng extract, 10 to 15% by volume of sodium benzoate, 10 to 15% by volume of potassium benzoate, and 0 to 30% by volume of water.

[0030] Preferably, the inner coating (14) contains 20-30% by volume of 1% soapnut extract, and more preferably, the inner coating (14) contains 20-30% by volume of 1% soapnut extract, 4-6% by volume of sodium benzoate, 4-6% by volume of potassium benzoate, and 58-72% by volume of water.

[0031] The amount of preservative is proportional to the amount of therapeutic agent, i.e., the higher the amount of aloe vera extract and soap nut extract, the higher the amount of sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate.

[0032] The substrate body (11) may be comprised of an elastomer selected from polyurethane, acrylonitrile rubber, polychloroprene, synthetic polyisoprene, nitrile, carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene, butadiene copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, natural rubber, or combinations thereof. Advantageously, the substrate body (11) of the glove is made from natural latex or nitrile.

[0033] The elastomeric article (10) described above may include any flexible article known in the art, such as a glove, liner, finger cot, sheath, cervical cap, dental dam, or condom.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making an elastomeric article (10), comprising the steps of dipping a former of the article (10) into a dipping mixture comprising an elastomer, coating the article (10) with a therapeutic agent, and coating the article (10) with a soap nut extract, wherein the coating steps are performed at low temperatures.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the step of coating the article (10) with a therapeutic agent may include the steps of coating the article (10) with an aloe vera extract and coating the article (10) with a ginseng extract.

[0036] In a further aspect of the present invention, another method of making an elastomeric article (10) is provided, comprising the steps of dipping a former of the article (10) into a dipping mixture comprising an elastomer and a therapeutic agent, and coating the article (10) with a soap nut extract at a low temperature.

[0037] Preferably, the step of coating the article (10) with the therapeutic agent is carried out at a low temperature, for example, a temperature between 12°C and 15°C.

[0038] More preferably, the step of coating the article (10) with the soap nut extract is carried out at a low temperature, for example at a temperature of 20°C.

[0039] Advantageously, the step of coating the article (10) with the soap nut extract is carried out by spraying the soap nut extract onto the article (10) in an enclosed space, an example of which is a cool room.

[0040] Therapeutic agents often contain substances that are unstable under high temperatures or heat. Existing methods typically require temperatures above 35°C to apply a therapeutic agent, such as aloe vera extract, to the substrate body (11). Considering that the efficacy of the therapeutic agent may be impaired by heat, the therapeutic agent and soapnut extract are advantageously coated at low temperatures to maintain the efficacy and stability of the therapeutic agent. The aloe vera, ginseng, and soapnut extract can be well crosslinked with the elastomer and integrated well with each other to form a stable product with high efficacy.

[0041] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary method for manufacturing gloves according to one embodiment of the present invention. The gloves are manufactured by dipping a glove former into a dip mixture containing an elastomer. The gloves are then cured to prepare them for the coating process. The gloves are dipped in aloe vera extract and then in ginseng extract at a temperature of 12°C to 15°C. The coated gloves are dried in an oven. After drying, soapnut extract is sprayed onto the gloves in a cool room to form a quick-drying soapnut coating. The finished gloves are then stripped from the former and turned inside out so that the soapnut coating contacts the wearer's skin when worn. [Example]

[0042] The following examples further illustrate the advantages of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention to the embodiments set forth in the examples.

[0043] Tables 1 and 2 show examples of ingredients and component volumes for preparing the intermediate coating (15) and inner coating (14), respectively.

[0044] [Table 1]

[0045] [Table 2]

[0046] (single patch test) Eurofins conducted a 24-hour patch test to evaluate the acute cutaneous tolerance of gloves in 33 adult subjects. The gloves tested included gloves containing aloe vera extract, ginseng extract, soapnut extract, or a combination of the three extracts. Clinical safety testing showed that all gloves tested were non-irritating.

[0047] (Tensile strength and morphological studies) The coating on the substrate body (11) was evaluated using two glove samples, one coated with lotus extract and the other coated with ginseng extract. The results showed that the physical properties of the coated glove were equivalent to those of the control glove (uncoated), suggesting that the coating did not affect the physical strength of the glove.

[0048] The morphology of the coating on the gloves one year after manufacture was examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging. Flake-like particles were observed in the images, suggesting the presence of active coating material on the gloves.

[0049] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the following claims cover all such changes, modifications, and areas of application that fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a substrate body (11) defining an inner surface (12) proximate to the skin of a user and an outer surface (13) distal to the skin of the user, the substrate body (11) comprising an elastomer; an intermediate coating (15) covering at least a portion of the inner surface (12), the intermediate coating (15) including a therapeutic agent; an inner coating (14) covering at least a portion of the intermediate coating (15), the inner coating (14) including an extract of soapnut for preserving the therapeutic agent; An elastomeric article (10) comprising:

2. a substrate body (11) defining an inner surface (12) proximate to the skin of a user and an outer surface (13) distal to the skin of the user, the substrate body (11) comprising an elastomer and a therapeutic agent; an inner coating (14) covering at least a portion of the inner surface (12), the inner coating (14) including an extract of soapnut for preserving the therapeutic agent; An elastomeric article (10) comprising:

3. The elastomeric article (10) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises a botanical extract.

4. 4. The elastomeric article (10) of claim 3, wherein the botanical extract is an extract of a plant selected from aloe vera, ginseng, lotus, or any combination thereof.

5. 4. The elastomeric article (10) of claim 3, wherein the botanical extracts include extracts of aloe vera and extracts of ginseng.

6. The elastomeric article (10) of claim 1, comprising a preservative incorporated into the substrate body (11), the intermediate coating (15), or the inner coating (14).

7. An elastomeric article (10) as described in claim 2, comprising a preservative incorporated into the substrate body (11) or the inner coating (14).

8. 8. The elastomeric article (10) of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the preservative is sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate or a combination thereof.

9. 10. The elastomeric article (10) of claim 1, wherein the intermediate coating (15) comprises a first intermediate coating incorporating an extract of aloe vera and a second intermediate coating incorporating an extract of ginseng.

10. 2. The elastomeric article (10) of claim 1, wherein the intermediate coating (15) comprises 25-40% by volume of 1% (w / v) aloe vera extract and 25-40% by volume of 1% (w / v) ginseng extract.

11. The elastomeric article (10) of claim 1, wherein the inner coating (14) comprises 20-30% by volume of 1% (w / v) soapnut extract.

12. 3. The elastomeric article (10) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the elastomer is selected from polyurethane, acrylonitrile rubber, polychloroprene, synthetic polyisoprene, nitrile, carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, styrene isoprene styrene, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene, butadiene copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, natural rubber, or combinations thereof.

13. Gloves, liners, finger cots, sheaths, cervical caps, dental dams, or condoms The elastomeric article (10) of claim 1 or claim 2.

14. A method for producing the elastomeric article (10) of claim 1, comprising: dipping a mold of the article (10) into a dipping mixture comprising an elastomer; coating the article (10) with a therapeutic agent; coating the article (10) with an extract of soap nuts; Including, the step of coating the article (10) with the therapeutic agent is carried out at a temperature low enough to preserve the effectiveness of the therapeutic agent; method.

15. A method for producing the elastomeric article (10) of claim 2, comprising: dipping a prototype of the article (10) into a dipping mixture comprising an elastomer and a therapeutic agent; coating the article (10) with an extract of soapnuts at a temperature low enough to preserve the effectiveness of the therapeutic agent; A method comprising:

16. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of coating the article (10) with the therapeutic agent comprises coating the article (10) with an extract of aloe vera and coating the article (10) with an extract of ginseng.

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