WO2003086274A2

WO2003086274A2 - A compound for cleansing the skin and a product impregnated therewith

Info

Publication number: WO2003086274A2
Application number: PCT/IL2003/000321
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kobi Barki
Original assignee: Right After - Advanced Hygiene Solutions Ltd.
Priority date: 2002-04-18
Filing date: 2003-04-16
Publication date: 2003-10-23
Also published as: WO2003086274A9; WO2003086274A3; AU2003226609A8; AU2003226609A1

Abstract

A compound for cleansing the skin is provided which may be utilized by men and women before, during and after sexual intercourse. The compound includes water and a botanical extract, such as calendula extract, cranberry extract or chamomile extract and may include a surfactant, a preservative, an emollient, a pH modifier and a probiotic. The compound may be impregnated within a cleansing product such as a tissue, soap and cream.

Description

A COMPOUND FOR CLEANSING THE SKIN AND A PRODUCT IMPREGNATED THEREWITH

FTELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of cleansing and hygienic tissues. More particularly, the invention relates to a cleansing compound and a means for improving the feeling of freshness and for increasing the level of personal hygiene of a men and women involved in sexual intercourse.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sexual relationship between persons is one of the most basic human needs. During such relationship, the penis of the male is brought in contact of with, or penetrates the vagina, in case of heterosexual intercourse, or the anus, in case of anal intercourse. As a result, natural secretions from each body contaminate the anus and/or the vagina, as well as the penis. During the sexual intercourse, the vagina increases the amount of secretion in order to allow the penis to move with lower level of friction. At the end of the sexual intercourse, a fluid containing the male^'s sperm is ejected from the penis into the anus and/or the vagina. After the sexual intercourse is terminated, the penis is pulled out from the anus or from the vagina.

If the sexual intercourse is made naturally, without using any barrier contraceptive means (that mechanically eliminate secretion contamination), such as a condom, bacteria that may reside in each participant's secretion may be transferred from body to body, and harm the hygienic condition of the participant, or even his physiological condition. The problem becomes more severe when one of the participants suffers from infectious diseases, such as diseases caused by a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In addition, the presence of increased amount of secretion causes uncomfortable feeling on the contaminated body area (skin) after the sexual intercourse is terminated. It is therefore desirable to clean up the contaminated body areas immediately, or shortly after, the sexual intercourse is terminated.

If the sexual intercourse is made using any barrier contraceptive means (that mechanically eliminate secretion contamination), such as a condom, no secretion is transferred from body to body. However, the secretion resulting from sperm ejection of the male participant into the condom still causes uncomfortable feeling on the contaminated penis and its surrounding body area (skin) after the sexual intercourse is terminated.

A conventional method for eliminating the uncomfortable feeling is simply to take a shower or to wash the contaminated skin area. However, this solution is sometimes cumbersome and time consuming, and is also limited to sexual intercourse that occurs indoors, and with sufficient water supply. Moreover, when the sexual intercourse that occurs outdoors, for example, when a client needs sexual services for which he pays, there arc no showers or hygienic conditions that require constant supply of water, and the client remains with uncomfortable feeling and in some cases even contaminated. All the methods described above have not yet provided satisfactory solutions to the problem of improving the feeling of freshness and increasing the level of personal hygiene after a sexual intercourse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to improving the feeling of freshness and increasing the level of personal hygiene after a sexual intercourse. After the sexual intercourse is terminated, a disposable tissue is provided to each participant. The disposable tissue is made of non-woven fabric and is impregnated with a fragrant liquid compound in order to obtain a wet tissue. The fragrant liquid compound comprises cleansing ingredients capable of removing unwanted secretion from the contaminated skin area and/or from areas that surround the vagina and/or the anus, which are not harmful to the skin or to other areas in the body. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for improving the feeling of freshness and increasing the level of personal hygiene after a sexual intercourse, which is easy and fast to use.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method for improving the feeling of freshness and increasing the level of personal hygiene after a sexual intercourse, which can be used outdoors with no need for water supply.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fabric is cut into square or rectangular sheets (wipes) of approximately 20 cm long by 25 cm wide, for example. Each sheet is folded and packed in a hermetic sachet, so as to prevent evaporation and drying of the active liquid. The hermetic sachet may be a personal package, or alternatively, several hermetic sachets may be packed together into a personal pocket pack.

The fabric can also be cut into straps, each of which is punched along lines which are equally spaced between their neighboring lines and are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal contour of the cut strap, and soaked with the fragrant liquid compound. Each strap is then folded or wound in a manner that allows packing it into a substantially hermetic dispenser. The dispenser comprises a suitable slot, through which the strap can be pulled out of the dispenser. The punched lines allow the user to tear a single sheet that is formed between two subsequent lines. After the sexual intercourse is terminated, one or more participants in said sexual intercourse wipes areas of his body that are contaminated with unwanted secretion using one or more sheets soaked with the fragrant liquid compound, that can be pulled out from the dispenser or from the personal sachet. By doing so, the unwanted secretion is quickly removed and the participant remains with a feeling of freshness and with higher level of personal hygiene. There is thus provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a compound for cleansing the skin. The compound includes water and a botanical extract, such as calendula extract, cranberry extract or chamomile extract.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the compound may further include at least one of a surfactant, a preservative, an emollient and a pH modifier.

The surfactant may be Disodium Cocoa phodi acetate and sodium laurethe sulphate. The preservative may include at least one of a group including triclosan, phenoxy ethanol, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and butyl paraben. The emollient may include at least one of a group including isopropyl palmitate, propylene glycol and glycerine.

The pH modifier may include at least one of a group including citric acid and lactic acid.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the compound may further include at least one of a group of probiotics including lacto-bacillus and bi lido bacterium.

Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the compound may further include methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone and benzenmethanol. Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the compound may further include 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-l , 3-Diol.

Additionally, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the compound may be impregnated within a cleansing product such as a tissue, soap and cream for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 A and I B schematically illustrate the production of a personal sachet containing a single sheet of an after-sex tissue, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate the production of a dispenser containing a plurality of sheets of an after-sex tissue, according to a prefeixed embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 A and I B schematically illustrate the production of a personal sachet containing a single sheet of an after-sex tissue, according to a prefeixed embodiment of the invention. The dimensions of the sheet arc approximately 20 cm long by 25 cm wide, for example, but not restricted thereto, made of non-woven fabric having width of approximately 0.5 mm. The non-woven fabric provides more comfortable and pleasant feeling when brought in contact with the skin areas. The sheet is then soaked with a fragrant liquid compound that contains cleansing ingredients capable of removing unwanted secretion from the contaminated skin area. The sheet is soaked by immersing it in the fragrant liquid compoimd for the minimal time that is sufficient to obtain the required liquid absorption, depending of the water absorption rate and water absorption capacity of the fabric. The soaked sheet 10 is then removed from the fragrant liquid compound, folded essentially along its central line and refolded again essentially along its new central line as shown in Fig. 1A, so as to obtain an area that is essentially a quarter of an unfolded sheet. The soaked sheet 10 is then inserted into a sachet 1 1 , made of substantially hermetic plastic or metal foil, so as to eliminate drying losses of the fragrant liquid compound over time. After the soaked sheet 10 is completely inserted into the sachet 1 1, the opposite edges 12a and 12b of the sachet 1 1 are soldered together by applying a combination of pressure and heat, or by conventional welding techniques. Several personal sachets can be packed into a personal pocket pack.

Fig. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate the production of a dispenser containing a plurality of sheets of an after-sex tissue, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The fabric is cut into relatively elongated straps 20 cm wide. Each strap 20 is punched along a plurality of lateral lines 21. which are equally spaced between each other with a distance of approximately 20 cm, as shown in Fig. 2A. The strap 20 is soaked with the fragrant liquid compound and is then wound around in an essentially cylindrical shape that allows packing it into a substantially hermetic dispenser. Alternatively, the strap 20 can be first wound around and then soaked with the fragrant liquid compound.

The dispenser comprises a cylindrical plastic container 22, into which the wound strap is inserted. The plastic container 22 is sealed with a matching cylindrical plastic cover 23 having a suitable slot 24, through which sheets of the strap 20 can be pulled out of the dispenser. The plastic cover also comprises a smaller cover 25 for the slot 24, so as to eliminate drying losses when no sheet is pulled out from the dispenser. The internal edge of the strap (the first sheet) is slightly seeps out of the slot 24 before sealing the dispenser to provide foothold for pulling out sheets. The punched lines 21 allow the user to tear a single sheet that is formed between two subsequent lines. The dispenser can be designed to relatively compact dimensions and shape, in order to provide a personal pocket dispenser.

It will be appreciated by persons knowledgeable in the art that the liquid compound may be used with many other types of products, such as vaginal inserts & disposable applicators, disposable douche, condoms, foams, spray-deodorant, powders, sanitary pads and panty-liners, gels, films, suppositories, sponges and rings.

Table 1 comprises the ingredients of the fragrant liquid compound absorbed by the fabric, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Table 1

^"able 2 comprises the attributes of the fabric, according to an embodiment of the invention. Table 2

After the sexual intercourse is terminated, each participant pulls out sheets from the dispenser, or opens an hermetic sachet and wipes areas of his body that are contaminated with unwanted secretion. If a condom is used, the male removes the condom and then wipes the penis and its surrounding skin areas using sheets soaked with the fragrant liquid compound that can be pulled out from the dispenser or from the personal sachet. Since the fabric is disposable, it can be disposed as trash or by rinsing it through the toilet.

Friendly bacteria (probiotics) help maintain good health and have protective and therapeutic properties. For instance, friendly bacteria manufacture some of the B-vitamins including niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid and biotin. They manufacture the milk- digesting enzyme lactase, which helps the body digest calcium-rich dairy products. They actively produce anti-bacterial substances, which kill or deactivate hostile disease-causing bacteria. They do this by changing the local levels of acidity or by depriving pathogenic bacteria of their nutrients or by actually producing their own antibiotic substances that can kill invading bacteria, viruses and yeasts.

Among types of friendly bacteria are LaclobaciUus aciclophilus, which is the main inhabitant of the small intestine and which is also found in the mouth and vagina. Acidophilus manufactures lactase to digest milk sugar and produces lactic acid that suppresses undesirable bacteria and yeasts. Some strains produce natural antibiotics. They also lower cholesterol levels and kill Candida yeasts.

Laclohacilhis bulgaricus is a transient but very important bacterium. Together with Streptococcus thermophiliis it makes yogurt. Some strains of bulgaricus and thermophilus also produce antibiotics that kill harmful bacteria. By manufacturing lactic acid these encourage a good environment for the resident bacteria such as acidophilus and the

Bifidohacteria.

Unfortunately, steroids (hormonal drugs such as cortisone, ACTH, prednisilone and the contraceptive Pill arc known to cause damage to the bowel flora. The natural antibiotics manufactured by L.bulgaricus, Lacidophilus and the bifidobacteria can kill the harmful bacteria of proteus and klebsiella. The acidophilin antibiotic which L. acidophilus produces is known to be effective in the treatment of many different diseases causing bacteria. Another type of probiotic (friendly bacteria) is Bifidobacterium which includes

Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium brevi, Bifidobacterium infant is and Bifidobacterium longum. Bifidobacterium controls intestinal pH by liberating lactic acid and acetic acid which also decreases the pH and inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria including Candida alhicans and E. coli. The growth of Bifidobacteria is dependent on the metabolism of carbohydrates that are not metabolized upon reaching the colon.

There are many herbs that are known to be effective for different diseases and medical complaints, for example, Calendula (Calendula offiαπalis) is known as a herb for treating local skin problems, such as minor burns and scalds. It is also known for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Cranberry ( Vαccinium mαcrocαrpo ), has been long reputed to have antibacterial properties and may have the potential to prevent urinary tract infections.

Applicants have realized that the properties associated with Friendly Bacteria, Calendula and Cranberry when mixed with other cleansing materials are particularly effective in preventing the transfer and growth of harmful bacteria in the vaginal area. For example, Cranberry is effective in proportions varying from 5 -25% of the non-water volume. Similarly, Calendula is effective in proportions varying from 5 -10% of the non- water volume. Lacto-bacillus is effective in proportions varying from 10 million units/gram up to 1000 million cfu (colony forming units)/gram. Table 3 is an exemplary illustration of the components of a hygienic cleansing compound in a soap form.

Table 3

Tables 4 and 5 are two exemplary illustrations of the components of a hygienic cleansing compound in a liquid form. Table 4

A tissue impregnated with the compound in Table 4 was tested by wiping the tissue over a surface contaminated with Candida albicans ATCC 10231 with the following results:

Table 5

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, microbicides may be which are known to combat infection may be used. Microbicides are known to be able to substantially reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when applied in either the vagina or rectum. Non-limiting types of STIs are shown in Table 6, below.

Microbicides may be used as pH regulators. pH regulators maintain the natural acidity (pH) level of the vagina, combating the alkalinity of semen, making the vagina inhospitable to HIV and other diseases. Table 6

It will be appreciated by persons knowledgeable in the art that though embodiments have referred to the use of a cleansing tissue after sexual intercourse, the cleaning tissues may be utilized for cleansing at any time including before and during intercourse, for example. fhe above examples and description have of course been provided only for the purpose of illustration, and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the invention can be carried out in a great variety of ways, employing more than one technique from those described above, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Claims

I . A compound for cleansing the skin, said compound comprising water and a botanical extract, said botanical extract comprising at least one of a group including calendula extract, cranberry extract and chamomile extract. 2. The compound according to claim 1 , further comprising a surfactant, said surfactant comprising at least one of a group including disodium cocoamphodiacetate and sodium laurethe sulphate.

3. The compound according to claim 1. further comprising a preservative, said preservative comprising at least one of a group including triclosan, phenoxy ethanol, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and butyl paraben.

4. The compound according to claim 1. further comprising an emollient, said emollient comprising at least one of a group including isopropyl palmitate, propylene glycol and glycerine.

5. The compound according to claim 1 , further comprising an pH modifier, said pH modifier comprising at least one of a group including citric acid and lactic acid.

6. The compound according to claim 1. further comprising at least one of a group of probiotics including lacto-bacillus and bifidobacterium.

7. The compound according to claim I . further comprising methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone and benzenmethanol. 8. The compound according to claim 1 , further comprising 2-Bromo-2-

Nitropropane- 1 , 3-Diol.

9. A tissue impregnated with a compound, said compound said compound comprising water and a botanical extract, said botanical extract comprising at least one of a group including calendula extract, cranberry extract, and chamomile extract. 10. The tissue according to claim 9, further comprising a surfactant, said surfactant comprising at least one of a group including disodium cocoamphodiacetate and sodium laurethe sulphate.

I I . The tissue according to claim 9, further comprising a preservative, said preservative comprising at least one of a group including triclosan, phenoxy ethanol, methyl paraben. ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and butyl paraben.

12. The tissue according to claim 9, further comprising an emollient, said emollient comprising at least one of a group including isopropyl palmitate, propylene glycol and glycerine.

13. The tissue according to claim 9, further comprising an pH modifier, said pH modifier comprising at least one of a group including citric acid and lactic acid.

14. The tissue according to claim 9, further comprising at least one of a group of probiotics including lacto-bacillus and bifidobacterium.

15. The tissue according to claim 9, further comprising methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone and benzenmethanol. 16. The tissue according to claim 9, further comprising 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-l, 3-Diol.

17. A soap impregnated with a compound, said compound comprising water and a botanical extract, said botanical extract comprising at least one of a group including calendula extract, cranberry extract, and chamomile extract. 18. The soap according to claim 17, further comprising a surfactant, said surfactant comprising at least one of a group including disodium cocoamphodiacetate and sodium laurethe sulphate.

19. The soap according to claim 17, further comprising a preservative, said preservative comprising at least one of a group including triclosan, phenoxy ethanol, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and butyl paraben.

20. The soap according to claim 17, further comprising an emollient, said emollient comprising at least one of a group including isopropyl palmitate, propylene glycol and glycerine.

21 . The soap according to claim 17, further comprising an pH modifier, said pH modifier comprising at least one of a group including citric acid and lactic acid.

22. The soap according to claim 17, further comprising at least one of a group of probiotics including lacto-bacillus and bifidobacterium.

23. The soap according to claim 17, further comprising methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone and benzenmethanol.

24. The soap according to claim 17, further comprising 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-l, 3-Diol.

25. A cream impregnated with a compound, said compound comprising water and a botanical extract, said botanical extract comprising at least one of a group including calendula extract, cranberry extract, and chamomile extract.

26. The cream according to claim 25, further comprising a surfactant, said surfactant comprising at least one of a group including disodium cocoamphodiacetate and sodium laurethe sulphate.

27. The cream according to claim 25, further comprising a preservative, said preservative comprising at least one of a group including triclosan, phenoxy ethanol, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben and butyl paraben.

28. The cream according to claim 25, further comprising an emollient, said emollient comprising at least one of a group including isopropyl palmitate, propylene glycol and glycerine. 29. The cream according to claim 25, further comprising an pH modifier, said pH modifier comprising at least one of a group including citric acid and lactic acid.

30. The cream according to claim 25, further comprising at least one of a group of probiotics including lacto-bacillus and bifidobacterium.

31 . The cream according to claim 25, further comprising methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone and benzenmethanol.

32. The cream according to claim 25, further comprising 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane- 1 , 3-Diol.