Disposable hygiene product pods

Abstract

To provide a disposable hygiene product including a water-soluble envelope and a hygiene product sealed in the envelope.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a disposable hygiene product pod, including a water-soluble envelope and a liquid hygiene product sealed in the envelope. The liquid hygiene product comprises (a) a carrier comprising an organic alcohol, which is one of butanediol and propyleneglycol and (b) an active agent, comprising (i) a mixture of capryloyl / caproyl methyl glucamide and lauroyl / myristoyl methyl glucamide in a total amount of 4 to 8 wt.%, (ii) linoleamidepropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate in an amount of 4 to 5 wt.%, and a free water content of about less than 20 wt.%, based on the total weight of the liquid hygiene product. The free water content of the liquid hygiene product is controlled to prevent dissolution of the water-soluble envelope.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 986,592, filed May 22, 2018, titled "HYGIENE PRODUCT POD AND METHODS OF USING SAME", which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 618,826, filed Jan. 18, 2018, titled "HYGIENE PRODUCT POD AND METHODS OF USING SAME". Both of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure provide disposable hygiene product pods and methods of using such pods.

Background Art

[0003] Hygiene products, such as shampoo, body wash, shaving cream, and conditioner, are typically sold in liquid or gel form. Such hygiene products generally contain active agents, such as surfactants and / or conditioning agents, in addition to a significant amount of water and / or viscosity modifiers. Such hygiene products are most commonly provided in bottles containing an amount of product sufficient for multiple uses. While such products are suitable for many consumer uses, smaller amounts of hygiene products are needed, particularly in the travel and hospitality industries.

[0004] Hygiene products have been provided in small bottles for the hospitality and / or travel industries. However, in the hospitality industry, small bottles of shampoo / conditioner / shaving cream generally have a high packaging-to-product ratio, which contributes to increased manufacturing costs and excessive waste amounts.

[0005] Disposable shampoo / conditioner packaging, such as in plastic sachets, bags, or blister packs, has also been developed. However, such packaging materials are generally not reusable and are not biodegradable. [Overview of the project]

[0006] Various embodiments include sanitary products comprising a carrier containing butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 25% to about 70% by weight based on the total weight of the sanitary products, and an activator containing at least one surfactant.

[0007] Various embodiments include a disposable sanitary product pod comprising a water-soluble cover and a sanitary product sealed within the cover, wherein the sanitary product comprises a carrier containing butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 25% to about 70% by weight based on the total weight of the sanitary product, and an activator containing at least one surfactant.

[0008] Various embodiments include a method of using a sanitary product pod comprising a water-soluble cover and a sanitary product sealed within the cover, wherein the sanitary product comprises an activator and a carrier containing butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 25% to about 70% by weight based on the total weight of the sanitary product, and the method includes adding water to the pod to dissolve the cover and release the sanitary product, applying the sanitary product to at least a portion of the user's body, and rinsing the sanitary product off the body portion.

[0009] The attached drawings, which are incorporated into this specification and constitute part thereof, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the above general description and the following detailed description, serve to illustrate the features of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1A] These are photographs of various embodiments of the sanitary supplies pod of this disclosure. [Figure 1B]This is a perspective view of the pod in Figure 1A after the optional cutting process. [Figure 2] This is a top view of a hygiene product pod according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a top view of a hygiene product pod according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the use of the hygiene product pod according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar parts will be indicated by using the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. References made to specific examples and practices are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the claims.

[0012] The use of the term “exemplary” in this specification means “serving as an example, example, or illustration.” Any practice described herein as “exemplary” does not necessarily have to be considered preferable or advantageous to any other practice.

[0013] Similarly, and naturally, as used herein, the terms “the,” “a,” or “an” mean “at least one,” and are never limited to “only one” unless explicitly denied. That is, for example, “a slot” includes examples having two or more slots unless otherwise specified in the context.

[0014] A range may be expressed herein as “about” one specific value and / or “about” another specific value. Where such a range is expressed, the examples include from one specific value and / or the other specific value. Similarly, where a value is expressed as an approximation by the use of the antecedent “about” or “substantially,” the specific value naturally forms a different aspect. In some embodiments, the value “about X” may include ±1% of X. Furthermore, naturally, each endpoint of a range is important both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0015] Various embodiments relate to a sanitary product pod, in which the sanitary product is encapsulated in a water-soluble casing in a single-dose form. The sanitary product pod can provide a cleansing agent and / or conditioning agent for hair and / or skin. In detail, the sanitary product contains an active ingredient, such as a shampoo, conditioner, or a combination thereof, in a carrier, and the carrier features butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 25% to about 70% by weight based on the total weight of the sanitary product.

[0016] Hygiene product pod Various embodiments include single-use sanitary products in pod form. As used herein, the term “pod” refers to a sanitary product filled in a water-soluble casing in the shape of a capsule, sphere, drop, etc., the sanitary product containing an active ingredient in a carrier which is butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 25% to about 70% by weight based on the total weight of the sanitary product. For example, a pod may comprise a casing that encloses a liquid or gel sanitary product. A pod may have any suitable shape and / or dimensions. A pod may contain a sufficient amount of sanitary product for single use. For example, a pod may contain a sufficient amount of shampoo to wash the hair of one head, a sufficient amount of body wash to wash the body of one person, or a sufficient amount of shaving supplies to shave one or more areas of the body. As used herein, the term “shaving supplies” may refer to a shaving cream, a shaving gel, or a precursor composition configured to form shaving supplies.

[0017] Depending on the embodiment, pods containing shampoo, conditioner, or both shampoo and conditioner in a butylene glycol carrier may have a volume ranging from approximately 4 g to approximately 12 g, for example, from approximately 5 g to approximately 8 g. Pods containing body wash may have a volume ranging from approximately 6 g to approximately 15 g, for example, from approximately 8 g to approximately 10 g. Pods containing concentrated activators may be smaller than pods containing undiluted or semi-diluted activators.

[0018] Figure 1A is a photograph of a hygiene product pod 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 1B is a perspective view of the pod 100 of Figure 1A after an optional cutting process. Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, the pod 100 includes a hygiene product 104 sealed within a water-soluble coating 102. The pod 100 can generally be in a drop shape (as shown). However, the pod 100 is not limited to any particular shape. For example, the pod 100 can be rectangular, circular, triangular, square, pentagonal, circular, elliptical, or tablet-shaped.

[0019] The coating 102 can be configured to dissolve rapidly in the presence of a solvent such as water. For example, the coating 102 can include or be formed from a water-soluble material such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), etc. The water-soluble material can be in the form of a film, or woven or non-woven fibers such as PVOH or CMC fibers. For example, the coating 102 can be formed from a PVOH film such as Monosol 9643 available from Kuraray Inc.

[0020] The coating 102 can be in a thickness range of about 0.5 mm to about 5.0 mm. The coating 102 can be in a pH range of about 4.0 to about 9.0 at a temperature of about 25°C. The coating 102 can be configured to dissolve in water at about 25°C in a time length in the range of about 3 seconds to about 15 seconds, for example, about 5 seconds to about 7 seconds.

[0021] It has been found that forming the coating 102 with PVOH can be particularly beneficial. For example, dissolved PVOH can act as a film-forming agent (e.g., a conditioning agent) and / or a foaming promoter. Thus, the PVOH coating 102 can unexpectedly improve the properties of the hygiene product 104 when added to a foamy liquid, foam, or foam product during use.

[0022] Pod 100 can be formed by surrounding the hygiene product 104 and sealing two sheets or layers of water-soluble material. For example, the coating 102 can be formed by placing the hygiene product 104 between two sheets of water-soluble material and then sealing the outer perimeters of the two sheets to form a seal area 106 that extends across the entire outer perimeter of the pod 100. In some embodiments, the sheets can be sealed partially (e.g., sealed along three sides) to form the coating 102, after which the hygiene product 104 can be inserted through the open end of the coating 102, and subsequently, the open end can be sealed to complete the pod 100.

[0023] In various embodiments, the sealing can be achieved using any suitable sealing method. In some embodiments, the water-soluble material can be sealed using a heat-sealing method. In other embodiments, the sealing can include the use of a water-soluble adhesive. In some embodiments, the pod 100 can be formed using a packaging machine, such as a Hydroforma packaging machine manufactured by Cloud Packaging Solutions, Des Plaines, IL.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1B, at least a portion of the seal area 106 can be optionally removed from the pod 100 to form a tab 108. For example, the coating 102 can be cut during the manufacture of the pod 100. The tab 108 can function as a contact point to facilitate handling of the pod 100 and / or removal of the pod 100 from the product packaging.

[0025] In some embodiments, the pod 100 can optionally include an outer moisture barrier layer. For example, the moisture barrier layer can be a hydrophobic coating or film applied to the outer surface of the coating 102. In some embodiments, the moisture barrier layer can include hydrophobic esterified plant triglycerides, natural plant fats, etc. In some embodiments, the moisture barrier layer can be configured to decompose or dissolve in warm water.

[0026] Figure 2 shows top views of the sanitary product pod 110 in various embodiments. Since pod 110 is similar to pod 100, only the differences between the two will be explained in detail.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, the pod 110 comprises a cover 102 in which a sanitary product 104 is placed. In contrast to the pod 100 shown in Figure 1, the cover 102 is formed by folding a single sheet of water-soluble material and sealing it around the sanitary product 104. As a result, the pod 110 comprises a sealing region 106 extending along three sides of the sanitary product 104, and a folding region 112 extending between the opposing ends of the sealing region 106.

[0028] Figure 3 shows top views of the sanitary product pod 120 in various embodiments. Since pod 120 is similar to pod 100, only the differences between the two will be explained in detail.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3, the pod 120 comprises a cover 102 in which the sanitary product 104 is placed. In contrast to the pod 100 shown in Figure 1, the cover 102 is formed by sealing the opposing ends of a tubular sheet of water-soluble material in which the sanitary product 104 is placed. As a result, the pod 120 comprises a sealing region 106 located at the opposing ends of the pod 120.

[0030] Although three methods for forming a pod have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to any particular method of inclusion formation.

[0031] sanitary products According to various embodiments, the sanitary product may be in the form of a carrier containing shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or any combination thereof, for example, a mixed shampoo, body wash, and / or conditioner, and the carrier may feature butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 25% to about 75% by weight, for example, about 40% to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary product. For example, in some embodiments, the sanitary product may include a carrier containing butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 30% to about 70% by weight, about 35% to about 65% by weight, about 40% to about 60% by weight, or about 50% to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary product.

[0032] For convenience of description, such products may be collectively referred to as “cleaning products” in this specification. In some embodiments, the sanitary products may be liquid or gel-like. In other embodiments, the sanitary products may also be in the form of shaving products, such as shaving gel, shaving cream, shaving liquid, etc., in a carrier, the carrier characterized by butylene glycol in the amounts described above, for example, about 25% to about 75% by weight, or about 40% to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary products.

[0033] In various embodiments, for example, in the case of cleaning products, the sanitary product may include an activator and a carrier (e.g., a surfactant vehicle or filler), the carrier containing butylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 25% to about 75% by weight, for example, about 40% to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary product. The activator can be dispersed in the carrier. The sanitary product may optionally include one or more thickeners (e.g., gelling agents) and / or one or more second components.

[0034] In various embodiments, the water content of the sanitary product can be controlled to prevent dissolution of the packaging. For example, the sanitary product may have a free water content of about 20% by weight or less, e.g., 15% by weight or less, 10% by weight or less, or 5% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the sanitary product. In some embodiments, the sanitary product may have a free water content ranging from about 1% by weight to about 12% by weight, e.g., about 2% by weight to about 10% by weight, about 3% by weight to about 9% by weight, or about 4% by weight to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary product. The second component may be configured to reduce the water activity (aW) of the sanitary product.

[0035] In some embodiments, it has been found that by utilizing such a low water content, sanitary products with a water activity of approximately 0.40 or less, for example, approximately 0.37 or less, can be obtained. Therefore, because the low water activity of the sanitary product inhibits microbial activity, the sanitary product does not need to contain preservatives. In other words, sanitary products may have natural preservation properties.

[0036] The activator may include a surfactant system comprising a surfactant and / or a mixture of surfactants, one or more detergents, and / or one or more conditioning agents. The conditioning agent may be configured to counteract the inherent harshness of the surfactant. The conditioning agent, carrier, thickener (e.g., gelling agent), and / or second component may be configured to enhance the cohesiveness of the pod and / or to function to disperse the activator when the pod is dissolved in water.

[0037] Activating agent In various embodiments, the activator may be formulated as a shampoo, body wash, conditioner, or any combination thereof (for example, as a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner or a 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, and body wash). In other embodiments, the activator may be formulated as a shaving product. Therefore, as used herein, "activator" may refer to any of the above formulations.

[0038] In various embodiments, the activator may be in the form of a concentrate, such as a concentrated shampoo, concentrated conditioner, concentrated body wash, or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the activator may be in the form of a concentrated shaving product. Depending on the embodiment, the activator may contain one or more of the above components in powder form.

[0039] In various embodiments, the activator is an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant This may include agents and / or amphoteric surfactants, or any combination thereof. Not limited examples of suitable anionic surfactants include alkali metal sulforicinates, sulfonated glyceryl esters of fatty acids, e.g., sulfonated monoglycerides of coconut oil, salts of sulfonated monohydric alcohol esters, e.g., sodium oleylisethianate, metal soaps of fatty acids, amides of aminosulfonic acids, e.g., sodium salt of oleyl methyl tauride, sulfonated products of fatty acid nitriles, e.g., palmitonitrile sulfonate, sulfonated aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g., sodium alpha-naphthalene monosulfonate, condensates of naphthalene sulfonic acid and formaldehyde, sodium octahydroanthracene Sulfonates, alkali metal alkyl sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, or triethanolamine lauryl sulfate; ether sulfates having an alkyl group with eight or more carbon atoms, such as sodium lauryl ether sulfate, ammonium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium alkylaryl ether sulfate, and ammonium alkylaryl ether sulfate; alkylaryl sulfonates having one or more alkyl groups with eight or more carbon atoms; alkali metal alkylbenzenesulfonates, such as sodium hexylbenzenesulfonate, sodium octylbenzenesulfonate, calcium salt, sodium decylbenzenesulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium cetylbenzenesulfonate, and sodium myristylbenzenesulfonate; sulfate esters of polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, such as CH3(CH2)6CH2O(C2H4O)2SO3H, CH3(CH2)7CH2O(C2H4O) 3.5 SO3H, CH3(CH2)8CH2O(C2H4O)8SO3H, CH3(CH2) 19 CH2O(C2H4O)4SO3H and CH3(CH2)10 Examples include CH2O(C2H4O)6SO3H, sodium salts, potassium salts, and amine salts of alkylnaphthylsulfonic acid.

[0040] Examples of suitable cationic surfactants include various fatty acid amines and amides and their derivatives, as well as salts of fatty acid amines and amides. Examples of aliphatic fatty acid amines include homologs of fatty acid-containing aromatic amines such as dodecylamine acetate, octadecylamine acetate, amine acetate of tala fatty acid, and dodecylaniline; fatty amides derived from aliphatic diamines, such as undecylimidazolin; fatty amides derived from disubstituted amines, such as oleylaminodiethylamine; ethylenediamine derivatives; quaternary ammonium compounds and their salts, such as talatrimethylammonium chloride, dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride, didodecyldimethylammonium chloride, and dihexadecylammonium chloride; and alkyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, for example. Examples include dialkyldimethylammonium hydroxides such as octyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, dodecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, or hexadecyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, methylpolyoxyethylene cocoammonium chloride such as octyldimethylammonium hydroxide, decyldimethylammonium hydroxide, didodecyldimethylammonium hydroxide, dioctadecyldimethylammonium hydroxide, talotrimethylammonium hydroxide, and trimethylammonium hydroxide, and dipalmitylhydroxyethylammonium methosulfate, amide derivatives of amino alcohols such as beta-hydroxylethylstearylamide, and amine salts of long-chain fatty acids.

[0041] Examples of suitable cationic surfactants that are not limited to these include quaternary ammonium halides, such as octyltrimethylammonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, octyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, decyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, and cocotrimethylammonium chloride, as well as these substances, fatty amines, and other salts of basic pyridinium compounds, quaternary ammonium bases of benzimidazoline, polypropanol polyethanolamine, polyethoxylated quaternary ammonium salts, and ethylene oxide condensates of primary fatty amines (available under trade names Ethoquad, Ethomeen, or Arquad from Armak Company, Chicago, Ill). Ester quaternary (esterquat) type compounds are also possible as suitable cationic surfactants.

[0042] Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include capryloyl / caproyl methylglucamide and lauroyl / myristoyl methylglucamide, lauryldimethylamine oxide (e.g., lauramine oxide), decyl glucoside, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenol ethers, polyoxyethylene lauryl ethers, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters. Suitable nonionic surfactants include condensates of ethylene oxide with long-chain (fatty) alcohols or (fatty) acids, condensates of ethylene oxide with amines or amides, condensates of ethylene oxide with propylene oxide, fatty acid alkylolamides, and fatty amine oxides. Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, such as polyethylene glycol long-chain (12-14C) alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkoxylate esters, polyoxyalkylene alkylphenol ethers, ethylene glycol propylene glycol copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and alkyl polysaccharides.

[0043] Examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants include aliphatic secondary or tertiary amine derivatives in which the aliphatic radical is a linear or branched chain having 8 to 22 carbon atoms and having at least one water-soluble anionic group (e.g., carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate); for example, (C8-C 20 ) Alkyl-betaine, sulfobetaine, (C8-C 20 )Alkylamide (C1-C6)alkyl-betaine, or (C8-C 20 Alkylamide (C1-C6) alkyl sulfobetaine is another example. In some embodiments, cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) may be included in hygiene products as an amphoteric surfactant.

[0044] Depending on the embodiment, environmentally friendly surfactants, such as sulfate-free surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, alpha-olefin sulfonate, or combinations thereof, can be used.

[0045] Depending on the embodiment, surfactants and / or detergents derived from natural oils, such as coconut oil or safflower oil, may be used. For example, hygiene products may include surfactant systems containing mixtures of naturally derived surfactants and / or detergents, such as sodium cocoyl isethionate (Hostapon SCI-85C, manufactured by Clariant Corp.), cocamidopropyl betaine (Chembetaine C-42, manufactured by Lubrizol Corp.), capryloyl / caproyl methylglucamide and lauroyl / myristoyl methylglucamide (GlucoTain Plus, manufactured by Clariant Corp.), cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate (Cola Lipid C, manufactured by Colonial Chemical Inc.), linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate (Cola Lipid SAFL, manufactured by Colonial Chemical Inc.), lauramine oxide (Mackamine LO, manufactured by Solvay Novecare Corp.), or combinations thereof.

[0046] In various embodiments, the sanitary product may contain a surfactant system in an amount of about 20% to about 60% by weight, for example, about 30% to about 50%, about 35% to about 45%, or about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary product.

[0047] In various embodiments, the surfactant system may contain sodium cocoyl isethionate in amounts ranging from about 0% to about 40% by weight, for example, about 10% to about 30% by weight, about 15% to about 27% by weight, about 18% to about 25% by weight, or about 20% to about 23% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary products.

[0048] The surfactant system may contain cocamidopropyl betaine in amounts ranging from approximately 0% to approximately 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary products. For example, approximately 1% to approximately 10% by weight, approximately 2% to approximately 8% by weight, approximately 3% to approximately 7% by weight, or approximately 4% to approximately 6% by weight.

[0049] The surfactant system may contain capryloyl / caproyl methylglucamide and lauroyl / myristoyl methylglucamide in amounts ranging from approximately 0% to approximately 20% by weight, for example, approximately 2% to approximately 10% by weight, approximately 3% to approximately 9% by weight, or approximately 4% to approximately 8% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary products.

[0050] The surfactant system may contain linoleamidepropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate in amounts ranging from approximately 0% to approximately 12% by weight, for example, approximately 0.5% to approximately 6% by weight, approximately 1% to approximately 5% by weight, or approximately 2% to approximately 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary products.

[0051] The surfactant system may contain cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate in amounts ranging from approximately 0% to approximately 12% by weight, for example, approximately 0.5% to approximately 6% by weight, approximately 1% to approximately 5% by weight, or approximately 2% to approximately 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary products.

[0052] The surfactant system may contain approximately 0% to 15% by weight of lauramine oxide, based on the total weight of the sanitary products, for example, approximately 1% to 5% by weight, approximately 2% to 4% by weight, or approximately 3% by weight.

[0053] Depending on the embodiment, the surfactant system may include capryloyl / caproyl methylglucamide (and) lauroyl / myristoyl methylglucamide, sodium cocoyl isethionate, cocamidopropyl betaine, and cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate.

[0054] Depending on the embodiment, the activator may include one or more conditioners. Not limited examples of suitable conditioners include petrolatum, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols, ethoxylated alcohols, polyol polyesters, glycerin, glycerin monoesters, glycerin polyesters, epidermal and sebaceous hydrocarbons, lanolin, linear and branched hydrocarbons, silicone oils, silicone gums, vegetable oils, vegetable oil adducts, hydrogenated vegetable oils, nonionic polymers, natural waxes, synthetic waxes, polyolefin glycols, polyolefin monoesters, polyolefin polyesters, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, triglycerides, and mixtures thereof.

[0055] Career In various embodiments, the carrier can function as a vehicle and / or filler for the surfactant. Depending on the embodiment, the carrier may be selected or configured to reduce the overall reactivity of the sanitary product and its coating. For example, the carrier may function to control the free moisture percentage of the sanitary product. Depending on the embodiment, the carrier may be a non-aqueous liquid and / or configured to moisten the components of the pod. Depending on the embodiment, the carrier may also function as a hair and / or skin conditioner.

[0056] Depending on the embodiment, the carrier may include organic alcohols such as butanediol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, N-acetyl diglycoamine, glycerin (e.g., glycerol), or combinations thereof. With respect to butanediol, 1,3-butylene glycol (e.g., butylene glycol) may be particularly useful as a carrier, as the inventors have found that butylene glycol is compatible with the sanitary product pod covering material and also provides benefits in conditioning and / or product feel. However, other butanediols, such as 1,2-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, and 1,4-butanediol, may also be used alone or in combination with 1,3-butanediol.

[0057] Depending on the embodiment, the sanitary product may contain butylene glycol (i.e., 1,3-butanediol) in amounts ranging from about 25% to about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary product, for example, about 30% to about 70%, about 40% to about 70%, about 35% to about 65%, about 45% to about 70%, about 50% to about 70%, or about 50% to about 60% by weight. Depending on the embodiment, the butylene glycol may be natural butylene glycol derived from plant materials such as sugarcane. Suitable natural butylene glycol is available from Genomatica Inc.

[0058] Thickening agent / Gelling agent In various embodiments, the sanitary product pod may contain one or more thickeners, which may be referred to as gelling agents. For example, the thickeners may include hygroscopic polymers, such as guar gum (e.g., gum of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), cationic guar gum, xanthan gum, starch, pregelatinized starch, hydroxypropylated phosphate cross-linked starch and modified starches such as sodium starch glycolate, honey, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), ExpertGel EG312 (poloxamer 338 / PPG-12 / SMDI copolymer, available from DKSH Inc.), ExpertGel EG412 (poloxamer 407, PPG-12 / SMDI copolymer, available from DKSH Inc.), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thickeners may include cellulose derivatives, such as carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose gum, or tyrose powder. In some embodiments, the sanitary product may contain polyoxyethylene ether.

[0059] Depending on the embodiment, the sanitary product may contain a hygroscopic polymer thickener in an amount ranging from about 0% to about 0.4% by weight, for example, about 0.05% to about 0.3% by weight, or about 0.1% to about 0.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary product.

[0060] For example, a sanitary product may contain a modified starch thickener in an amount ranging from approximately 0.1% to approximately 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary product, for example, approximately 0.2% to approximately 2% by weight, or approximately 0.3% to approximately 1% by weight.

[0061] In some embodiments, the thickener may include a nonionic surfactant configured to form a layered network. For example, the thickener may include a layered network formed from polyoxyethylene ethers containing high molecular weight saturated fatty alcohols, mainly a mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, such as ceteareth-20. In some embodiments, the sanitary product may contain the nonionic surfactant in an amount ranging from about 8% to about 18% by weight, for example, about 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary product.

[0062] Carrier spreading control In some embodiments, the casing of a sanitary product pod may have some degree of permeability with respect to the sanitary product. This could lead to one or more components of the sanitary product diffusing through the casing over time, potentially shortening the shelf life of the pod. For example, a casing formed of PVOH may inherently have some degree of permeability with respect to a butylene glycol carrier. Therefore, the sanitary product may contain a thickener configured to reduce the permeability of the carrier through the casing.

[0063] For example, according to various embodiments, sanitary products can be configured as a layered gelling agent system. For instance, a thickener / gelling agent can be added to the sanitary product as a second component. In some embodiments, a mixture containing a nonionic surfactant thickener / gelling agent, such as a fatty alcohol, an activator, and a carrier, can be heated to a temperature above the melting point of the surfactant, and then the mixture can be cooled to a temperature below the melting point of the surfactant. As a result, the surfactant can form a lamellar phase within the carrier.

[0064] For example, the mixture may contain ceteareth-20, an activator, and a carrier containing butylene glycol. The mixture can be heated to a temperature above the melting point of ceteareth-20 and then cooled so that ceteareth-20 forms a layered gel network surrounding the butylene glycol.

[0065] The amount of nonionic surfactant (e.g., ceteareth-20) contained in the sanitary product can range from approximately 8% to approximately 18% by weight, for example, approximately 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the sanitary product. Amounts exceeding 18% by weight may excessively reduce foaming after water is added. Amounts below approximately 8% by weight may be insufficient for stable gel formation and reduction of butylene glycol diffusion. Amounts within the above range can provide a fluid and smooth shampoo or body wash sanitary product with appropriate foaming properties, and can also provide pods with a shelf life of more than one year.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the sanitary product may include an oil phase. For example, the oil can be added to the activator / carrier mixture during or before heating the activator / carrier mixture. The heated mixture can be blended to form an oil emulsion in a polyol, which is then cooled. For example, such an emulsion may contain an anhydrous concentrated conditioner as the activator.

[0067] In various embodiments, thickeners, such as carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose gum, or tyrose powder, can be added to the sanitary product to reduce the amount of butylene glycol that diffuses through the coating. For example, tyrose powder can be added to the sanitary product in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight, for example, about 0.15% to about 0.25% by weight, or about, based on the total weight of the sanitary product.

[0068] Polyol cocktail In some embodiments, the sanitary product may include a carrier containing a polyol "cocktail," which may be a mixture of polyols with different carbon chain lengths, such as a mixture of different diols and / or glycols. For example, the polyol cocktail may include butylene glycol and a polyol, such as propylene glycol and glycerin. While we do not intend to adhere to any particular theory, it appears that including such diols and glycols would suppress the unexpected passage of butylene glycol through the water-soluble encapsulation. Thus, by using a polyol cocktail, the sanitary product pod can benefit from using butylene glycol as the primary carrier without the problem of unexpected passage of butylene glycol through the water-soluble capsule encapsulation.

[0069] More specifically, the sanitary product may contain a polyol cocktail based on the total weight of the sanitary product, including: about 30% to about 46% by weight, e.g., about 32% to about 44% by weight, or about 34% to about 41% by weight of butylene glycol; about 5% to about 11% by weight, e.g., about 6% to about 7% by weight, or about 8% by weight of propylene glycol; and about 8% to about 19% by weight, e.g., about 10% to about 17% by weight, or about 11% to about 16% by weight of glycerin.

[0070] second component In various embodiments, the sanitary product pod may contain a second component. For example, the second component may include buffers / pH adjusters, dyes / colorants, humectants, fragrances, vitamins, modifiers, essential oils, foaming accelerators, and antibacterial agents, as well as combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the sanitary product may contain about 0% to about 8% by weight of the second component.

[0071] Examples of buffers / pH adjusters include calcium ions, potassium ions, or hydroxide ions, any combination thereof, or any salts or compounds capable of producing such ions. Buffers / pH adjusters can be blended in various ratios to achieve the appropriate pH. For example, an appropriate amount of buffer / pH adjuster can be added to the sanitary product to bring it to a weakly acidic pH to be compatible with the PVOH encapsulation. For example, the sanitary product may have a room temperature pH in the range of approximately 4.8 to approximately 6.9, for instance, approximately 5.0 to approximately 6.8, for advantage.

[0072] Depending on the embodiment, the second component may include essential oils such as lavender oil, rosemary oil, cedarwood oil, thyme oil, peppermint oil, chamomile oil, sage oil, lemon oil, patchouli oil, tea tree oil, ylang-ylang oil, vetiver oil, carrot seed oil, cypress oil, helichrysum oil, or combinations thereof.

[0073] Depending on the embodiment, the sanitary product may include a humectant such as betaine (Genencare OSMS BA, manufactured by Dupont Corp.). Depending on the embodiment, the sanitary product may include vitamins, such as tocopherol, DL-panthenol, or a combination thereof.

[0074] Examples of useful second components for improving solubility and / or foaming include coconut milk powder, kudzu starch, colloidal oatmeal powder, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the sanitary product may contain a second component such as coconut milk powder, kudzu starch, colloidal oatmeal powder, or any combination thereof in an amount ranging from about 0% to about 22% by weight, for example, about 5% to about 20% by weight, or about 8% to about 15% by weight. Colloidal oatmeal powder can also function as a modifier to provide a smoother texture.

[0075] Any suitable coloring agent can be used. The sanitary product may contain the coloring agent in an amount ranging from approximately 0% to approximately 0.3% by weight, for example, from approximately 0.1% to approximately 0.2% by weight.

[0076] Suitable fragrances can be used in various embodiments. Useful fragrances, such as conventional fragrances which are mixtures of synthetic and natural compounds, natural fragrances which consist of blends of natural extracts and essential oils, or essential oils in pure or untreated form, may be in liquid form. Sanitary products may contain fragrance oils in amounts ranging from about 0% to about 0.3% by weight, for example, from about 0.1% to about 0.2% by weight.

[0077] In various embodiments, the modifier may include, for example, small or large abrasive particles when the pod is equipped with a body scrub. Suitable abrasives include, for example, nut powder, silica powder, polymer beads such as wax beads, and combinations thereof. Depending on the embodiment, the sanitary product may contain the abrasive in an amount ranging from about 0% to about 3% by weight, for example, about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, or about 0.2% to about 1% by weight.

[0078] Depending on the embodiment, the modifier may include swelling, crosslinking, or hygroscopic polymers, such as guar gum (e.g., gum of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), cationic guar gum, xanthan gum, or combinations thereof. Depending on the embodiment, the sanitary product may contain the hygroscopic polymer in an amount ranging from about 0% to about 0.4% by weight, for example, from about 0.05% to about 0.3% by weight, or from about 0.1% to about 0.2% by weight.

[0079] In various embodiments, the antimicrobial agent can be a natural material having antimicrobial properties. For example, antimicrobial agents can include thyme oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, lavender oil, citrus essential oils, grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, and honey. The sanitary product may contain the antimicrobial agent in an amount ranging from about 0% to about 3% by weight, for example, from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, or from about 0.2% to about 1% by weight.

[0080] Instructions for using the hygiene product pod Figure 4 is a process diagram illustrating the use of the sanitary product pod according to various embodiments. Referring to Figure 4, in step 402, the pod as described above can be removed from the container or packaging and placed in the user's hand. The container can accommodate multiple pods and can be configured to limit contact between the pods contained in the container and moisture. For example, the container can be made of water-resistant paper or cardboard, such as the type of paper used for packaging soap, sugar, or flour. In other embodiments, the pods can be packaged in biodegradable or reusable packs, such as blister packs or polylactic acid bags. Thus, the pods can be packaged in a single-use form that minimizes environmental impact.

[0081] In step 404, water is added to the pod, for example, while the pod is held in the user's hand. Depending on the embodiment, friction and / or agitation may also be optionally added to the pod. The pod remains in contact with the water in the user's hand, and optional friction may be applied thereto for a duration sufficient for the water to dissolve the pod's covering and release the sanitary product contained within. For example, the duration for completely or substantially completely dissolving the pod's covering can range from about 0.5 seconds to about 1 minute, for example, about 1 second to about 30 seconds, about 1 second to about 20 seconds, or about 1 second to about 10 seconds. The dissolution time may vary depending on the friction applied and / or the temperature of the water added (for example, stronger friction and / or higher water temperature may result in a shorter dissolution time).

[0082] In step 406, the sanitary product is applied to the user's body. For example, if the sanitary product is in the form of shampoo and / or a mixed shampoo, conditioner, and / or body wash, the sanitary product can be applied to the user's hair. In other embodiments, if the sanitary product is in the form of body wash, mixed shampoo and body wash, and / or mixed body wash, shampoo, and conditioner, the sanitary product can be applied to the user's body and / or hair. In other embodiments, if the sanitary product is in the form of shaving products, the sanitary product can be applied to the area of ​​the user's skin from which body hair is to be removed.

[0083] In step 408, the sanitary product can be rinsed off from one or more areas where it was applied.

[0084] Combination example Examples of sanitary product compositions 1 to 40 are listed in Tables 1 to 10 below. The components of each composition example are mixed to form a sanitary product, in particular a sanitary product configured to cleanse and / or condition hair. The sanitary product is then packaged in a cover to form a pod for use in the manner described above. The pod is then placed in a water-resistant package.

[0085] [Table 1]

[0086] Composition 1 showed immediate phase separation upon mixing. Composition 2 formed an excessively thick, creamy solid. Compositions 3 and 4 were prepared to test the use of Cola Det.EQ-154 instead of Hostapon SCI-85P. Both Compositions 3 and 4 showed phase separation. Composition 5 was a variant of Composition 2, using Cola Lipid SAFL instead of Cola Lipid C. Composition 5 was thick and creamy, showing slight phase separation in retained bubbles and cracks.

[0087] [Table 2]

[0088] To produce stable, concentrated sanitary products, compositions 6-13 contained conditioning agents, essential oils, and additional components. In composition 6, Merquat 3330PR and butylene glycol were first mixed and rapidly polymerized to form small spheres without the remaining components. Composition 7 showed phase separation at the bottom of the sample. Composition 8 contained an additional foaming accelerator and water for the purpose of partially hydrating Hostapon SCI-85 P. Composition 8 formed a concentrated paste. Composition 9 formed a softer, creamier sanitary product than the previous compositions. Composition 10 formed a relatively soft and creamy sanitary product paste, but lacked fluidity and showed some phase separation.

[0089] [Table 3]

[0090] Composition 11 formed a relatively soft and creamy paste, but lacked fluidity. Composition 12 formed a spongy solid. Composition 13 was spreadable, soft, and showed high stability. Composition 14 was tested with arnica extract and poly sugamulse as an emulsifier, and it formed a granular paste. Composition 15 was similar to composition 5, but with a higher liquid-to-surfactant ratio.

[0091] [Table 4]

[0092] Compositions 16-22 were formulated to provide a low-viscosity sanitary product. Compositions 16 and 17 were heated during mixing to promote the dissolution of Genencare and panthenol conditioner. Composition 18 exhibited relatively low viscosity but also showed slight phase separation after 48 hours. Composition 19 had even lower viscosity but also showed increased phase separation. Composition 20 was formulated to correct the shortcomings of composition 19, but the resulting sanitary product was excessively viscous (stiff).

[0093] [Table 5]

[0094] Composition 21 is similar to composition 20, except that Genencar is used instead of panthenol, resulting in improved fluidity, stability, and texture. Composition 22 contains both butylene glycol and propylene glycol, and as a result, when the composition is inserted into the PVOH encapsulation, the composition dissolves the encapsulation.

[0095] [Table 6]

[0096] Compositions 23-26 were formulated to reduce the diffusion of butylene glycol through the PVOH encapsulation. Compositions 23-26 were formed by dissolving Ceteareth-20 in butylene glycol while heating to a temperature higher than the melting point of Ceteareth-20. The mixture was cooled to form a layered network surrounding the butylene glycol, SCI was added, and then the remaining components were added to form the sanitary product.

[0097] Composition 23 showed moderate gelation and no syneresis. Composition 24 showed stable gelation, but its performance was poor due to excessive Ceteareth-20 emulsification. Composition 25 showed moderate gelation, but phase separation of the SCI powder was observed at the bottom of the sample. Composition 26 showed improved gelation compared to Composition 25, but also exhibited phase separation of the SCI powder.

[0098] [Table 7]

[0099] Compositions 27-29 used tyrose powder as a gelling agent to prevent butylene glycol diffusion. Compositions 27-29 all showed high compatibility with the PVOH coating. Compositions 27-29 were formed by dissolving tyrose in butylene glycol while heating at approximately 60°C. The mixture was cooled, and then the remaining components were added. Composition 27 showed good stability but was excessively viscous and contained undispersed tyrose powder. Composition 28 showed better stability and lower viscosity compared to composition 27.

[0100] Composition 29 produced a free-flowing gel with good stability and viscosity. However, some slight retention of the liquid outer phase (gelled glycol) was observed after curing in both the stable cup and encapsulated samples.

[0101] [Table 8]

[0102] Compositions 30-34 were designed to improve the long-term stability of the shampoo composition by providing a more fluid system that does not harden, crack, or separate while maintaining the current level of performance of the formulation. Compositions 30-34 use glycol aggregates, i.e., "glycol" cocktails, diols with different carbon chain lengths, and other plasticizers to make the shampoo more liquid while improving stability (reducing synelysis while mitigating glycol migration and passage through the PVOH film in the droplets). When the water content was measured, composition 29 was close to 9%. Therefore, formulations 30-40 were formulated with a slightly lower water level to aid in the overall stability of the shampoo droplets filling the PVOH film.

[0103] Composition 30 was formed by modifying composition 29 to include honey in order to improve stability. However, separation was observed over time. Composition 31 was prepared by pre-dissolving essential oils and argan oil in order to reduce the separation observed in composition 30. Stability was improved, but separation still occurred at a mark 1-2 weeks after processing.

[0104] Composition 32 was formed by modifying composition 29 to remove Chembetaine C-42 and increasing the amount of the remaining components. However, the stability results of composition 32 were almost identical to those of composition 29, ultimately showing curing and leeching in the capsular margins.

[0105] Composition 33 was formed by modifying composition 29 to contain 10% by weight of lactamide MEA. Compared to composition 29, composition 33 showed improved softness by providing a thicker, slower-flowing gel. Composition 33 also showed similar stability, but did not show improvement in glycol migration through the PVOH encapsulation.

[0106] [Table 9]

[0107] Composition 34 was prepared with the aim of maximizing the addition of lactamide MEA and reducing the total percentage of butylene glycol. 18% LMEA was used. At this addition level, a significant decrease in new foaming performance was observed. Furthermore, it was soon discovered that LMEA is an expensive ingredient, and based on their contribution to the price per finished product, higher levels of LMEA addition became economically unfeasible.

[0108] Composition 35 contained decyl glucoside as a potential surfactant additive, which also reduced the total amount of butylene glycol. Unfortunately, the resulting sample rapidly increased viscosity after processing. Composition 36 was a modified form of composition 33, with glycerin removed and the glycerin addition level proportionally redistributed among the remaining components. The purpose was to see how removing such a viscous humectant would affect the final form. The physical properties showed only slight differences compared to composition 33, with only viscosity and skin feel being slightly different.

[0109] Composition 37 was a modified version of Composition 36, which included a slightly increased LMEA content to increase the conditioning agent, in order to explore the possibility of 2-in-1 product application.

[0110] [Table 10]

[0111] Composition 38 is a modification of Composition 37 by employing propylene glycol, thereby forming a polyol "cocktail" containing butylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerin. A relatively low butylene glycol content (36% by weight) was used to reduce glycol migration through the PVOH encapsulation while still maintaining butylene glycol as the primary plasticizer.

[0112] Composition 39 is a modification of composition 38 by employing a slight increase in the addition of SCI powder. This modification was sufficient to make the formulation too thick and shift the liquid / solid balance of the formulation towards the paste side.

[0113] Composition 40 adopted the 18 wt% SCI powder addition level of Composition 38, and the tyrose content was increased to 0.21 wt%. These additions were found to enhance the outer continuous phase of the gelled polyol cocktail of the composition. Furthermore, Composition 40 resulted in an unexpectedly long shelf life and minimal glycol migration through the PVOH encapsulation.

[0114] Examples of sanitary product compositions 1 to 14 are listed in Tables 11 to 14 below. The components of each example composition are mixed to form a sanitary product, in particular a sanitary product configured to condition and / or lubricate hair and / or skin. The sanitary product is then packaged in a cover to form a pod for use in the manner described above. The pod is then placed in a water-resistant package.

[0115] [Table 11]

[0116] [Table 12]

[0117] [Table 13]

[0118] [Table 14]

[0119] The compositions in Tables 11-14 demonstrate that shaving and / or conditioning products can be formed using carrier compositions similar to those of shampoo and body wash compositions. When packaged in the water-soluble coatings of this disclosure, the shaving and / or conditioning compositions provided a high level of lubrication and conditioning.

[0120] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided so that anyone skilled in the art may construct or utilize the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. That is, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments and / or forms shown herein, but rather should correspond to the broadest possible scope that is not inconsistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. a water-soluble envelope; A disposable hygiene product pod comprising a liquid hygiene product sealed within the aforementioned water-soluble casing, The aforementioned liquid sanitary product is (a) A carrier containing only butanediol, (b) an activating agent comprising (i) a mixture of capryloyl / caproyl methylglucamide and lauroyl / myristoyl methylglucamide in a total amount of 3% to 6% by weight, and (ii) 3% to 5% by weight of linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, (c) Based on the total weight of the liquid sanitary product, the free water content is less than 20% by weight, Disposable hygiene product pods.

2. The disposable sanitary product pod according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble coating has a pH in the range of 4.0 to 9.0 at a temperature of 25°C.

3. The disposable sanitary product pod according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble cover comprises a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) film or a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) woven fiber or nonwoven fiber.

4. The disposable sanitary product pod according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble covering has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

5. The disposable sanitary product pod according to claim 1, wherein the liquid sanitary product has a free water content of 10% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the liquid sanitary product.

6. The linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate is present in an amount of 4% to 5% by weight. A disposable sanitary product pod according to claim 1.

7. The mixture of capryloyl / caproyl methylglucamide and lauroyl / myristoyl methylglucamide is present in an amount of 4% to 5% by weight. A disposable sanitary product pod according to claim 1.

8. The carrier further comprises glycerin. A disposable sanitary product pod according to claim 1.

9. A water-soluble envelope; A disposable hygiene product pod comprising a liquid hygiene product sealed within the aforementioned water-soluble casing, The aforementioned liquid sanitary product is (a) A carrier comprising 30% to 46% by weight of butylene glycol, 5% to 11% by weight of propylene glycol, and 8% to 19% by weight of glycerin, (b) an activating agent comprising (i) a mixture of capryloyl / caproyl methylglucamide and lauroyl / myristoyl methylglucamide in a total amount of 3% to 6% by weight, and (ii) 3% to 5% by weight of linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, (c) Based on the total weight of the liquid sanitary product, the free water content is less than 20% by weight, Disposable hygiene product pods.

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