Absorbent articles containing antibacterial agents in the topsheet for odor control

Abstract

The present invention provides an article of manufacture which minimizes odor caused by bodily fluids, i.e. perspiration, comprising: a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet; an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; and optionally, a means for supporting the article in an appropriate position to perform its absorbency and odor control function; wherein the topsheet comprises an apertured plastic film containing an effective amount of zeolite impregnated with a heavy metal ion; The articles of the present invention provide an increase in the topsheet surface area available for contact with external body fluids such as perspiration, places the antibacterial active in the closest proximity to the skin of the wearer, the active reducing the perspiration malodor by minimizing its formation.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A disposable absorbent article which minimizes the odor that can be caused by bodily fluids and perspiration, comprising: A. a liquid pervious topsheet;   B. a liquid impervious backsheet;   C. an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; and   D. optionally, a means for supporting the article in an appropriate position to perform its absorbency and odor control functions;   wherein the topsheet comprises an apertured plastic film positioned for contacting the wearer's body, the apertured plastic film containing from about 0.05% to about 4% by weight of zeolite impregnated with a heavy metal ion.   
     
     
       2. The article of claim 1 wherein the zeolite impregnated with a heavy metal ion is generally evenly distributed throughout the apertured plastic film. 
     
     
       3. The article of claim 2 wherein the topsheet comprises from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of zeolite impregnated with a heavy metal ion. 
     
     
       4. The article of claim 3 wherein the metal ion is selected from the group consisting of silver, zinc, copper, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       5. The article of claim 3 wherein the zeolite is selected from the group consisting of A-type zeolite, X-type zeolite, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       6. The article of claim 5 wherein the zeolite is A-type zeolite. 
     
     
       7. The article of claim 1 wherein the topsheet comprises a material selected from the group consisting of apertured formed thermoplastic film, apertured hydroformed thermoplastic film, reticulated thermoplastic film, thermoplastic scrim, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       8. The article of claim 7 wherein the topsheet is apertured formed thermoplastic film. 
     
     
       9. The article of claim 8 wherein the topsheet comprises from about 0.05% to about 4% by weight of zeolite impregnated with a heavy metal ion. 
     
     
       10. The article of claim 9 wherein the topsheet comprises from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of zeolite impregnated with a heavy metal ion. 
     
     
       11. The article of claim 10 wherein the metal ion is selected from the group consisting of silver, zinc, copper, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       12. The article of claim 11 wherein the zeolite is selected from the group consisting of A-type zeolite, X-type zeolite, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       13. The article of claim 12 wherein the zeolite is A-type zeolite. 
     
     
       14. The article of claim 1 wherein the topsheet is a resilient three-dimensional web exhibiting a fiber-like appearance and tactile impression, said web having first and second surfaces, the first surface having a multiplicity of apertures therein, each of the apertures being defined by a multiplicity of intersecting fiber-like elements interconnected to one another in the plane of the first surface, each of the fiber-like elements further exhibiting a substantially uniform U-shaped cross-section along its length, the cross-section comprising a base portion in the plane of the first surface and a side wall portion joined to each edge of the base portion, the sidewall portions extending generally in the direction of the second surface of the web, the intersecting sidewall portions being interconnected to one another intermediate the first and the second surfaces of the web, the interconnected sidewall portions terminating substantially concurrently with one another in the plane of the second surface. 
     
     
       15. The article of claim 14 wherein the topsheet comprises from about 0.05% to about 4% by weight of zeolite impregnated with a heavy metal ion. 
     
     
       16. The article of claim 15 wherein topsheet comprises from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight of zeolite impregnated with a heavy metal ion. 
     
     
       17. The article of claim 16 wherein the metal ion is selected from the group consisting of silver, zinc, copper, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       18. The article of claim 17 wherein the zeolite is selected from the group consisting of A-type zeolite, X-type zeolite, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       19. The article of claim 18 wherein the zeolite is A-type zeolite. 
     
     
       20. The article of claim 1 wherein the absorbent core additionally comprises an effective amount of an adjunct odor-controlling agent selected from the group consisting of: a. zeolite;   b. activated carbon;   c. silica gel;   d. moisture activated encapsulated perfume;   e. cyclodextrin;   f. activated alumina; and   g. mixtures thereof.   
     
     
       21. The article of claim 20 wherein the level of adjunct odor-controlling agent is from about 0.01 g to about 15 g per article. 
     
     
       22. The article of claim 21 wherein the level of adjunct odor-controlling agent is from about 0.1 g to about 10 g per article. 
     
     
       23. The article of claim 20 wherein the adjunct odor-controlling agent comprises a cyclodextrin/perfume complex. 
     
     
       24. The article of claim 20 wherein the adjunct odor controlling agent is attached to the absorbent core by a water-soluble binder. 
     
     
       25. The article of claim 24 wherein the water-soluble binder comprises a water soluble polymer.