Joseph, Wael R. (Appleton, WI, US)
Musil, David Charles (Appleton, WI, US)
Daley, Michael Allen (Appleton, WI, US)
Amundson, John David (Greenville, WI, US)
Argo, Brian Patrick (Hortonville, WI, US)
Krzysik, Duane G. (Appleton, WI, US)
Drath, David J. (Lakeland, MN, US)
Finney, John Michael (Mayer, MN, US)
Lafleur III, Hal Arthur (Maplewood, MN, US)
Hendrickson, William A. (Stillwater, MN, US)

Plaque It!

11/319856

10/28/2008

12/28/2005

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Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. (Neenah, WI, US)

428/402.24

428/402.2, 424/490, 424/489

A61K9/50

428/402.24, 424/408, 428/402.2, 428/40.2, 424/490, 424/489

2766478	Encapsulating method and apparatus	October, 1956	Raley, Jr. et al.
3084664	Means for dispensing toilet paper in wet or dry condition	April, 1963	Solomon et al.
3175558	Thermal therapeutic pack	March, 1965	Caillonette et al.
3199490	Device for dispensing, coating and cutting paper webs	August, 1965	Karlik
3261347	Chemical heating blanket	July, 1966	Sherman
3363604	Toilet accessory	January, 1968	Pschibul
3388953	Wet and dry towel dispenser	June, 1968	Browning
3516941	MICROCAPSULES AND PROCESS OF MAKING	June, 1970	Matson
3585982	SELF-HEATING COMPOSITION	June, 1971	Hollinshead
3638786	PACKAGE FOR PREPARATION AND DISPENSING OF HEATED FOAM	February, 1972	Borecki et al.
3676190		July, 1972	Lander et al.
3691270	COSMETIC MAKEUP REMOVING OR TREATING COMPOSITION WHICH IS MICROENCAPSULATED AND INCORPORATED IN A FLEXIBLE SUPPORT	September, 1972	Charle et al.
3707945	MEANS TO SELECTIVELY WET WEB MATERIAL	January, 1973	Boone
3756483	WET TOWEL DISPENSER	September, 1973	Schraeder
3804061	PAPER DISPENSER	April, 1974	Cassar et al.
3839220	MICROCAPSULES FOR USE IN PRESSURIZED SYSTEMS	October, 1974	Barchas
3849241	NON-WOVEN MATS BY MELT BLOWING	November, 1974	Butin et al.
3865271	DISPENSER AND LIQUID APPLICATOR FOR TOILET PAPER, PAPER TOWELS, AND THE LIKE	February, 1975	Gold
3889804	Disposable towel	June, 1975	Ravich
3947571	Lipstick containing microencapsulated oils	March, 1976	Murphy et al.
3980203	Fragrance dispenser	September, 1976	Dearling
4004711	Disposable towel	January, 1977	Ravich
4036301	Process and composition for cementing casing in a well	July, 1977	Powers et al.
4041900	Pivoted guide means for selective immersion of web feed	August, 1977	Charles
4077390	Reusable heat pack containing supercooled solution and means for activating same	March, 1978	Stanley et al.
4088751	Self-heating cosmetic	May, 1978	Kenkare et al.
4100324	Nonwoven fabric and method of producing same	July, 1978	Anderson et al.
4106433	Coating apparatus	August, 1978	Fernando et al.
4106616	Device for positioning a container of supplemental material in operational alignment adjacent to a toilet-tissue holder	August, 1978	Boone
4132771	Warm two tone flavored dentifrice	January, 1979	Schreiber et al.
4159316	Self-heating dentifrice	June, 1979	Januszewski et al.
4187287	Warm two tone flavored dentifrice	February, 1980	Schreiber et al.
4362715	Cosmetic vehicle	December, 1982	Strianse et al.
4375448	Method of forming a web of air-laid dry fibers	March, 1983	Appel et al.
4379143	Topical liquid or ointment	April, 1983	Sherry et al.
4407957	Reversible microencapsulation of a core material	October, 1983	Lim
4436224	Dispenser for fluids and paper towels	March, 1984	McInery
4516564	Heat generating body	May, 1985	Koiso et al.
4598664	Dispensing apparatus	July, 1986	Hamlin
4620502	Hand sanitizer	November, 1986	Kimble
4626550	Zeolite for personal care products	December, 1986	Hertzenberg
4667846	Toilet paper dispenser	May, 1987	Marceau
4747365	Toilet roll dispenser	May, 1988	Tusch
4756299	Chemical heating pad with differing air-admitting perforation sets for different heat-generation levels	July, 1988	Podella
4798691	Capsule-shaped polymer particles and process for the production thereof	January, 1989	Kasai et al.
4853266	Liquid absorbing and immobilizing packet containing a material for treating the absorbed liquid	August, 1989	Cullen
4872442	Activator for initiating reaction in a heat pack and method for making same	October, 1989	Manker
4880953	Method of recharging a heat pack by microwave energy	November, 1989	Manker
4904524	Wet wipes	February, 1990	Yoh
4923645	Sustained release of encapsulated molecules	May, 1990	Tsang et al.
4964543	Fluid dispenser	October, 1990	Scheiber
4984530	Hand wash towel dispensing system	January, 1991	Dutton
4991538	Towel coater and dispenser	February, 1991	Davids et al.
5035321	Cleaning supplies caddy	July, 1991	Denton
5045569	Hollow acrylate polymer microspheres	September, 1991	Delgado
5071706	Oily, free-flowing, microcapsules	December, 1991	Soper
5156885	Method for encapsulating electroluminescent phosphor particles	October, 1992	Budd
5180637	Double-walled microcapsules and a process for preparation of same	January, 1993	Sumii
5184613	Thermal pack heel warming apparatus for a neonate or infant	February, 1993	Mintz
5194356	Toner compositions	March, 1993	Sacripante et al.
5232769	Microcapsule, treating liquids containing the same, and textile structure having microcapsules adhering thereto	August, 1993	Yamato et al.	442/123
5265509	Automatic tissue supplier for providing moisturized tissue	November, 1993	Chen
5284703	High pulp content nonwoven composite fabric	February, 1994	Everhart et al.
5339796	Reusable warmers of the type employing a super-cooled solution and an activator	August, 1994	Manker
5350624	Abrasion resistant fibrous nonwoven composite structure	September, 1994	Georger et al.
5366801	Fabric with reversible enhanced thermal properties	November, 1994	Bryant et al.
5375616	Wet toilet paper automatic supplier	December, 1994	Chen
5385737	Surfactant-containing seamless capsules	January, 1995	Shigeno et al.
5392945	Stackable container for premoistened wipes	February, 1995	Syrek
5415222	Micro-climate cooling garment	May, 1995	Colvin et al.
5418062	Encapsulated electroluminescent phosphor particles	May, 1995	Budd
5425975	Sheet-shaped heat-generating body	June, 1995	Koiso et al.
5435465	Hygiene device	July, 1995	El-Amin
5439104	Eyeglass cleaning station	August, 1995	Wolska-Klis
5443084	Paper moistener device and moist toilet paper dispenser	August, 1995	Saleur
5484895	Graft copolymers of vascular plants, method of making same and uses therefore	January, 1996	Meister et al.
5507389	Stackable container for premoistened wipes	April, 1996	Syrek
5538531	Controlled release fertilizers and methods of production	July, 1996	Hudson et al.
5598954	Door actuated device for dispensing fluid from a container	February, 1997	Salzonao
5618008	Apparatus for dispensing multiple productions from a single tissue roll holder	April, 1997	Dearwester et al.
5624025	Multipurpose toilet tissue dispenser	April, 1997	Hixon
5637389	Thermally enhanced foam insulation	June, 1997	Colvin et al.
5656708	Process for making graft copolymers from lignite and vinyl monomers	August, 1997	Meister
5660636	Apparatus for housing and dispensing hygienic applicators	August, 1997	Shangold et al.
5677048	Coated skived foam and fabric article containing energy absorbing phase change material	October, 1997	Pushaw
5697577	Premoistened toilet paper dispenser	December, 1997	Ogden
5712212	Apparatus and method for the production of gel beads containing a biocatalyst	January, 1998	Scott et al.
5725888	Apparatus for the production of gel beads containing a biocatalyst	March, 1998	Scott et al.
5728454	Magnetic recording medium	March, 1998	Inaba et al.
5733272	Absorbent articles for odor control with positive scent signal	March, 1998	Brunner et al.
5738082	Portable baby wipes warmer and carrier	April, 1998	Page et al.
5747004	Self-heating dentifrice	May, 1998	Giani et al.
5762710	Apparatus for providing instant impregnated wipes	June, 1998	Ngai et al.
5780047	Patch	July, 1998	Kamiya et al.
5785179	Container for wet wipes having an improved closure mechanism	July, 1998	Buczwinski et al.
5819989	Combined liquid and paper towel dispenser	October, 1998	Saraceni
5839608	Stretch-activated container	November, 1998	Gillberg-LaForce
5887759	Liquid dispenser for moistening paper articles	March, 1999	Ayigbe
5944709	Flexible, multiple-compartment drug container and method of making and using same	August, 1999	Barney et al.
5951762	Apparatus for housing and dispensing hygienic applicators	September, 1999	Shangold et al.
5975074	Sheet type heating element and method of manufacturing the same	November, 1999	Koiso et al.
6057372	Antibacterial agents and cosmetics and clothing containing the same	May, 2000	Nobuhiro
6059882	Apparatus for dispensing tissue	May, 2000	Steinhardt et al.
6063406	Skin care compositions	May, 2000	Hornack
6085899	Wet and dry tissue dispenser	July, 2000	Thorsbakken
6099555	Gelling cold pack	August, 2000	Sabin
6121165	Wet-like cleaning articles	September, 2000	Mackey et al.
6127294	Sheet shaped heat generating body and method of manufacturing same	October, 2000	Koiso et al.
6170426	Apparatus and method for producing wet and dry pads	January, 2001	Thorsbakken
6171647	Gel-coated microcapsules	January, 2001	Holman
6180124	Cosmetic composition	January, 2001	Ohta et al.
6207738	Fabric coating composition containing energy absorbing phase change material	March, 2001	Zuckerman et al.
6213424	Towelette dispenser apparatus	April, 2001	Helfer-Grand
6216920	Combined spray bottle and paper towel holder	April, 2001	Baggett
6217889	Personal care articles	April, 2001	Lorenzi et al.
6238682	Anhydrous skin lotions having antimicrobial components for application to tissue paper products which mitigate the potential for skin irritation	May, 2001	Klofta et al.
6267975	Personal care articles	July, 2001	Smith, III et al.
6269969	Wet wipes container with improved closure	August, 2001	Huang et al.
6287580	Cosmetic compositions with self-warming component	September, 2001	Gott et al.
6314971	Dispenser for cleaning paper	November, 2001	Schneider
6319318	Apparatus for dispensing towels	November, 2001	Pekarek et al.
6321937	Aerosol dispensing system with on-board wiper dispenser	November, 2001	Desimone et al.
6322801	Personal care articles	November, 2001	Lorenzi et al.
6343491	Automatic wet towel supplying apparatus	February, 2002	Jung
6346153	Wet or dry web dispenser	February, 2002	Lake et al.
6355281	Microgranule for animal feeding	March, 2002	Cerchiari et al.
6387385	Process to prepare microencapsulated formulations	May, 2002	Wang
6401968	Wet wipes container having an improved opening mechanism	June, 2002	Huang et al.
6431111	Apparatus and method for dispensing towels	August, 2002	Zhang
6436128	Ink like or cream-like exothermic composition, exothermic device made thereof and manufacturing method of exothermic device	August, 2002	Usui
6457434	Wet/dry tissue dispenser	October, 2002	Lazar
6484514	Product dispenser having internal temperature changing element	November, 2002	Joseph et al.
6503976	Fabric coating containing energy absorbing phase change material and method of manufacturing same	January, 2003	Zuckerman et al.
6514362	Fabric coating containing energy absorbing phase change material and method of manufacturing same	February, 2003	Zuckerman et al.
6520942	Method to improve peri-anal hygiene after a bowel movement	February, 2003	Putman
6528766	Combination baby bottle and baby wipes container with integral warmer	March, 2003	Parks et al.
6547063	Article for the delivery of foam products	April, 2003	Zaveri et al.
6547881	Paper dispenser	April, 2003	Klackner
6550633	Process for joining wet wipes together and product made thereby	April, 2003	Huang et al.
6579570	Ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers, a method of making same and items using same	June, 2003	Lang et al.
6592004	Flexible orifice for wet wipes dispenser	July, 2003	Huang et al.
6601737	Baby wipe/rash cream dispenser	August, 2003	Sandler
6613144	Pump-free dosing device for flowable media	September, 2003	Loertscher et al.
6663686	Controlled release fertilizer and method for production thereof	December, 2003	Geiger et al.
6673358	Wet wipes containing a mono alkyl phosphate	January, 2004	Cole et al.
6680084	Formation of oriented multilayer polymeric films	January, 2004	Chtourou
6708845	Hygiene device	March, 2004	Weng
6749148	Commercially modeled portable towelette dispenser system with sensor means	June, 2004	Helfer-Grand
6752998	Exothermic cosmetic composition	June, 2004	Verdrel-Lahaxe et al.
6766919	Flexible orifice for wet wipes dispenser	July, 2004	Huang et al.
6831051	Pouched compositions	December, 2004	Sommerville-Roberts et al.
6838154	Creped materials	January, 2005	Varona et al.
6847011	Baby wipes warmer for maintaining moisture and coloration of baby wipes contained therein	January, 2005	McConnell et al.
6858666	Organogel particles	February, 2005	Hamer et al.
6863682	Method for manufacturing thin body warming devices	March, 2005	Usui
6890553	Exothermic topical delivery device	May, 2005	Sun et al.
6890592	Uniform microcapsules	May, 2005	Seehafer et al.
6903307	Hygienic wipes steamer	June, 2005	McConnell et al.
6918513	Toilet tissue dispenser with liquid spray	July, 2005	Downey
6946413	Composite material with cloth-like feel	September, 2005	Lange et al.
6958103	Entangled fabrics containing staple fibers	October, 2005	Anderson et al.
7021848	Semi-enclosed applicator having a temperature changing element	April, 2006	Gruenbacher et al.
7211249	Heat-generating composition for topical application to skin	May, 2007	Schnittger et al.
20020044968	Embedding and encapsulation of sensitive components into a matrix to obtain discrete controlled release particles	April, 2002	van Lengerich	424/469
20020050659	Hydrocapsules and method of preparation thereof	May, 2002	Toreki et al.
20020061954	Macrocapsules containing microencapsulated phase change materials	May, 2002	Davis et al.
20020086045	Novel process to prepare microencapsulated formulations	July, 2002	Wang
20020102488	Lithographic printing plate precursor	August, 2002	Yanaka et al.
20020174863	Unknown	November, 2002	Saric et al.
20020192268	Substrates utilizing shear responsive micropockets for storage and delivery of substances	December, 2002	Alwattari et al.
20030082217	Use of heat-stabilizing microcapsules to improve the activity or penetration of cosmetic or pharmaceutical active principles	May, 2003	Afriat et al.
20030084914	Cosmetic articles having encapsulated liquid and method of making same	May, 2003	Simon
20030105192	Multi-layer reaction mixtures and apparatuses for delivering a volatile component via a controlled exothermic reaction	June, 2003	Yu-Jun et al.
20030118779	Activatable laminate structures	June, 2003	Fish et al.
20030175517	Production of polyelectrolyte capsules by surface precipitation	September, 2003	Voigt et al.
20030228351	Cleansing articles for skin or hair	December, 2003	Hasenoehrl et al.
20030232090	Warming and nonirritating lubricant compositions and method of comparing irritation	December, 2003	Ahmad et al.
20040062735	Depilatory compositions and articles and the use thereof	April, 2004	Sun et al.
20040063603	Exothermic article and the use thereof	April, 2004	Dave et al.
20040069298	Method of forming a united exothermic medium and a heating element	April, 2004	Minami
20040084791	Biodegradale polyurethane capsules and manufacturing method thereof	May, 2004	Han et al.
20040116017	Personal care articles comprising batting	June, 2004	Smith, III et al.
20040118862	Multiple layer baffle structure for dispenser for wipes	June, 2004	Amundson
20040121072	Method for encapsulating phase transitional paraffin compounds using melamine-formaldehyde and microcapsule resulting therefrom	June, 2004	Jianwei et al.
20040147189	Personal care articles comprising batting	July, 2004	Smith, III et al.
20040164085	Wipe dispensing system	August, 2004	Kitching et al.
20040169299	Macrocapsules containing microencapsulated phase change materials	September, 2004	Davis et al.
20040185023	Modified heat-generating cosmetic compositions	September, 2004	Schnittger et al.
20040265589	Microcapsule and manufacturing method thereof	December, 2004	Yamada et al.
20050048090	Temperature changing skin care product	March, 2005	Rau
20050053647	Pharmaceutical product comprising the active substance diamorphine, and its use in a process for treating opiate addiction	March, 2005	Matusch et al.
20050067423	Disposable tissue structure	March, 2005	Cho
20050067726	Microcapsules having multiple shells and method for the preparation thereof	March, 2005	Yan et al.
20050113771	Odor control in personal care products	May, 2005	MacDonald et al.
20050136765	Fibrous materials exhibiting thermal change during use	June, 2005	Shannon
20050169868	Nonabrasive sensory exfoliating system	August, 2005	Mohammadi et al.
20050214242	Compositions containing internally activated antioxidant	September, 2005	Mohammadi et al.
20050226834	Product for treating the skin	October, 2005	Lambino et al.
20050250169	Biological soil detector and method of using same	November, 2005	Gonzalez et al.
20060159776	Compositions comprising components coated with a liquid impermeable but gas permeable layer, use thereof for treating cutaneous and other exocrine gland diseases	July, 2006	Ward
20060270585	Cleaning wipe comprising perfume microcapsules, a kit and a method of use thereof	November, 2006	Jordan, IV et al.
20060270586	Cleaning wipe comprising microcapsules, a kit and a method of use thereof	November, 2006	Jordan, IV et al.
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EP1181911	February, 2002			Steam generating cell with adhesive application layer
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EP1410753	April, 2004			ABRASIVE ITEM FOR CLEANING WITH SCENTED ABRASIVE FIBRES
EP1421872	May, 2004			Exothermic composition and the use thereof
EP1051478	November, 2004			WET-LIKE ARTICLES COMPRISING A MULTI-PHASE, MULTI-COMPONENT EMULSION AND AN ACTIVATION WEB
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WO/1993/004622	March, 1993			TOILET PAPER DISPENSER
WO/1993/022961	November, 1993			HYGIENIC BOX
WO/1999/024159	May, 1999			ENCAPSULATE OF ACTIVE MATERIAL IN ALGINATE MATRIX
WO/2000/043286	July, 2000			PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR THE APPLICATION OF COSMETIC PRODUCTS AT CONTROLLED TEMPERATURES
WO/2001/003619	January, 2001			EXOTHERMIC TOPICAL DELIVERY DEVICE
WO/2001/006903	February, 2001			INDIVIDUAL MOISTENING DEVICE
WO/2001/008658	February, 2001			PERSONAL CARE ARTICLES
WO/2001/012147	February, 2001			COSMETIC STRIP WITH AN AGENT FOR INDUCING A TEMPERATURE CHANGE
WO/2001/012148	February, 2001			COSMETIC STRIPS WITH LIQUID CRYSTAL TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT COLOR CHANGE
WO/2001/012149	February, 2001			COSMETIC STRIPS WITH TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT COLOUR CHANGE
WO/2001/026994	April, 2001			TEMPERATURE CHANGE POUCH WITH DISPENSING CHAMBER
WO/2001/035906	May, 2001			PERSONAL CARE ARTICLES COMPRISING A HYDROPHILIC CONDITIONING AGENT EXHIBITING A DEFINED LEACHING VALUE
WO/2001/039704	June, 2001			COOLING PAD
WO/2001/039705	June, 2001			COOLING PAD
WO/2001/042117	June, 2001			COMBINED FLUID AND POP-UP SHEET PRODUCT DISPENSING SYSTEM
WO/2001/054661	August, 2001			CLEANSING ARTICLES CONTAINING ISOLATED BENEFIT AREAS
WO/2001/060298	August, 2001			ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL
WO/2001/060305	August, 2001			ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH THERMAL CELL
WO/2001/064525	September, 2001			DISPENSING CONTAINER
WO/2001/076439	October, 2001			DISPENSING SYSTEM FOR WIPES
WO/2001/089353	November, 2001			DEVICE FOR MOISTENING TOILET PAPER
WO/2002/001129	January, 2002			MULTICOMPARTMENT PACKAGING FOR COOLING OR HEATING PRODUCTS
WO/2002/006421	January, 2002			METHODS AND REACTION MIXTURES FOR CONTROLLING EXOTHERMIC REACTIONS
WO/2002/026911	April, 2002			MACROCAPSULES CONTAINING MICROENCAPSULATED PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS
WO/2003/000487	January, 2003			SUBSTANCE ENCAPSULATING LAMINATE WEB
WO/2003/005876	January, 2003			ABRASIVE ITEM FOR CLEANING WITH SCENTED ABRASIVE FIBRES
WO/2003/018186	March, 2003			STABLE COATED MICROCAPSULES
WO/2003/028515	April, 2003			MOISTENING DEVICE FOR TOILET PAPER
WO/2003/048654	June, 2003			SELF-HEATING OR COOLING PRODUCT POUCH
WO/2003/049939	June, 2003			CLEANING ARTICLE CONTAINING HYDROPHILIC POLYMERS
WO/2003/099427	December, 2003			METHOD FOR ENCAPSULATING PARAFFIN COMPOUNDS THAT CAN UNDERGO PHASE TRANSITIONAL AND MICROCAPSULE RESULTING THEREFROM
WO/2004/014540	February, 2004			COLOR COATED LAYER-BY-LAYER MICROCAPSULES SERVING AS COMBINATORY ANALYSIS LIBRARIES AND AS SPECIFIC OPTICAL SENSORS
WO/2004/016234	February, 2004			COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING ENCAPSULATED MATERIAL
WO/2004/033340	April, 2004			PRESSURE ACTIVATED REACTION VESSEL AND PACKAGE
WO/2004/041251	May, 2004			MICROCAPSULES HAVING MULTIPLE SHELLS AND METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF
WO/2004/041134	May, 2004			EYELID MARGIN WIPES COMPRISING CHEMICAL MEANS FOR TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT
WO/2004/047977	June, 2004			METHOD FOR MODIFYING MICROPARTICLES AND DEVICE FOR MODIFYING MICROPARTICLES
WO/2004/066800	August, 2004			WIPE DISPENSING SYSTEM
WO/2004/105709	December, 2004			ANHYDROUS SELF-WARMING COMPOSITION
WO/2004/108075	December, 2004			SELF-WARMING OR SELF-HEATING COSMETIC AND DERMATOLOGICAL COMPOSITIONS AND METHOD OF USE
WO/2005/011855	February, 2005			MICROCAPSULES
WO/2005/011856	February, 2005			MICROCAPSULES
WO/2005/018795	March, 2005			DOUBLE WALLED MICROCAPSULES WITH AN OUTER THERMOPLASTIC WALL AND APPLICATION PROCESS THEREOF
WO/2005/055790	June, 2005			FREESTANDING DISPENSER FOR DUAL DISPENSING OF DRY AND WET WIPES
WO/2005/087068	September, 2005			PAPER DISPENSER

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Cano, Milton I.

Matzek, Matthew

Armstrong Teasdale LLP

What is claimed is:

1. A stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle comprising a core composition, an encapsulation layer surrounding the core composition, a moisture protective layer surrounding the encapsulation layer, and a fugitive layer surrounding the moisture protective layer, wherein the core composition comprises mineral oil, magnesium chloride, and a surfactant, the magnesium chloride being surrounded by a hydrophobic wax material, wherein the encapsulation layer comprises crosslinked sodium alginate, wherein the moisture protection layer comprises vinyl toluene acrylate, wherein the fugitive layer comprises starch, wherein the encapsulation layer has a thickness of from about 1 micrometers to about 20 micrometers, and wherein the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

2. The stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the hydrophobic wax material has a melting point of less than about 90° C.

3. The stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the hydrophobic wax material is selected from the group consisting of glyceryl tristearate, glyceryl distearate, canola wax, canola oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil flakes, hydrogenated soybean oil flakes, castor wax, rapeseed wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, microwax, polyethylene, polypropylene, epoxies, long chain alcohols, long chain esters, long chain fatty acids, hydrogenated plant and animal oils, microcrystalline waxes, metal stearates, metal fatty acids, and combinations thereof.

4. The stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the magnesium chloride is present in a particle size of from about 10 micrometers to about 100 micrometers.

5. The stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the moisture protective layer has a thickness of from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers.

6. The stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the fugitive layer has a thickness of from about 1 micrometer to about 50 micrometers.

7. The stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the encapsulation layer has a thickness of from about 10 micrometers to about 20 micrometers.

8. The stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the core composition is present in the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in an amount of from about 20% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 40% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), the mineral oil is present in the core composition in an amount of from about 30% (by weight core composition) to about 40% (by weight core composition), the magnesium chloride is present in the core composition in an amount of from about 35% (by weight core composition) to about 55% (by weight core composition), the hydrophobic wax material is present in the core composition in an amount of from about 1% (by weight heating agent) to about 20% (by weight heating agent), the surfactant is present in the core composition in an amount of from about 0.1% (by weight core composition) to about 10% (by weight core composition), the encapsulation layer is present in the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in an amount of from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 50% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), the moisture protective layer is present in the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in an amount of from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 50% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), and the fugitive layer is present in the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in an amount of from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 50% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle).

9. The stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle as set forth in claim 1 further comprising an encapsulating activator.

10. The stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle as set forth in claim 9 wherein the encapsulating activator is calcium chloride.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to microencapsulated delivery vehicles including an active agent and processes for producing the same, as well as products incorporating the microencapsulated delivery vehicles and processes for producing the products. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles that can be effectively utilized in a wipe or similar product such that, upon use and activation, the contents of the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles are released and contacted with moisture, which causes a warming sensation on the skin upon product use. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles may include one or more moisture protective and fugitive layers to improve overall capsule performance. Additionally, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles may include other active ingredients.

Wet wipes and dry wipes and related products have been used for some time by consumers for various cleaning and wiping tasks. For example, many parents have utilized wet wipes to clean the skin of infants and toddlers before and after urination and/or defecation. Many types of wet wipes are currently commercially available for this purpose.

Today, many consumers are demanding that personal health care products, such as wet wipes, have the ability to not only provide their intended cleaning function, but also to deliver a comfort benefit to the user. In recent studies, it has been shown that baby wet wipes currently on the market are sometimes perceived to be uncomfortably cold upon application to the skin, particularly for newborns. To mitigate this problem, there have been many attempts to produce warming products to warm the wipes to comfort the wet wipe users from the inherent “chill” given off by the contact of the moistened wipes upon the skin.

These warming products are generally electrically operated and come in two distinct styles. One is an “electric blanket” style which is sized to wrap around the external surfaces of a plastic wet wipes container. The other is a self-contained plastic “appliance” style which warms the wet wipes with its internally positioned heating element. Though such currently known and available wet wipe warming products typically achieve their primary objective of warming the wet wipe prior to use, they possess certain deficiencies, which can detract from their overall utility and desirability.

Perhaps the biggest deficiency of the current wet wipe warming products is their inability to sustain the moisture content of the wet wipes. More specifically, drying of the wet wipes occurs due to heating of their moisture which accelerates dehydration. As a result, wet wipes may become dried-out and unusable.

Other complaints by wipe warmer users include discoloration of the wet wipes after heating, which appears to be inevitable because of a reaction of various chemicals in the wipes upon the application of heat. Wipe warmer users further complain about warmer inconvenience and potential electrical fire hazards, which can result with the use of electrical warming products.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for wet wipes that can produce a warming sensation just prior to, or at the point of use, without using external heating products. It would be desirable if the wet wipes could produce a warming sensation within less than about 10 seconds after activation and raise the temperature of the wet wipe solution and the wet wipe base substrate at least 20° C. or more for at least 20 seconds.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to microencapsulated delivery vehicles, such as microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles or microencapsulated delivery vehicles including a cooling agent, suitable for use in personal care products, such as wet wipes, dry wipes, lotions, creams, cloths, and the like. Other active agents may also be employed in the microencapsulated delivery vehicles.

In one embodiment, the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles, upon activation in a wet wipe, for example, can produce a warming sensation on the skin when the wet wipe is used. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles include a core composition comprising a matrix material, such as mineral oil, and a heating agent, such as magnesium chloride. Optionally, the core composition may also include a surfactant and a hydrophobic wax material surrounding the heating agent to improve overall performance. In some cases, the core composition of the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle may contain a small amount of un-used encapsulating activator as described herein. The core composition and components therein are encapsulated in a thin capsule that may have one or more moisture protective layers and/or fugitive layers thereon to impart additional advantageous characteristics. Upon use in a wet wipe, the capsules containing the core composition including the matrix material and heating agent (and any other optional components) are ruptured such that the heating agent contacts water present in the wet wipe solution and releases heat to cause a warming sensation on the skin.

The present disclosure also relates to processes for manufacturing a microencapsulated delivery vehicle suitable for use in personal care products, such as wet wipes. In one embodiment, a composition including a core composition comprising a matrix material, such as mineral oil, and a heating agent that may or may not be surrounded by a hydrophobic wax material, an encapsulating activator, and optionally, a surfactant, is introduced into a liquid solution containing a crosslinkable compound. Once in the liquid solution, the encapsulating activator reacts with the crosslinkable compound to form an encapsulation layer that surrounds the core composition. After a sufficient time has passed, the encapsulated core composition containing the heating agent is removed from the liquid solution. Optionally, the encapsulated core composition may then be subjected to one or more further processing steps to introduce additional layers of encapsulation onto the formed shell. These layers may include, for example, a moisture protective layer to reduce the potential for premature heat release through deactivation of the heating agent through contact with water, and a fugitive layer to impart mechanical strength to the capsule.

The present disclosure further relates to self-warming wipes and methods of manufacturing the self-warming wipes. In one embodiment, the wipes are self-warming wet wipes. Generally, the wet wipes comprise a fibrous sheet material, a wetting solution, and a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle that includes an encapsulation layer that surrounds a core composition including a heating agent. When the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle is ruptured, the contents of the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle contact the wetting solution and generate heat to create a warming sensation at the surface of the wet wipe.

The present disclosure further relates to self-warming wet wipes comprising a fibrous sheet material, a wetting solution, a heat delivery vehicle, and a first phase change material. The first phase change material present in the wet wipe is capable of providing thermal stability to the wipe and keeping the wet wipe from becoming too hot upon use.

The present disclosure further relates to cleansing compositions for use in cleaning both animate and inanimate surfaces. The cleansing compositions generally include the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in combination with a biocide agent. The cleansing compositions may further be incorporated in cleansing products. For example, in one embodiment, the cleansing composition is used in combination with a wet wipe. When the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle contained in the wet wipe solution is ruptured, the contents of the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle contact the wetting solution and generate heat, which can activate or enhance the biocidal function of the biocide agent.

As such, the present disclosure is directed to a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle comprising a core composition surrounded by an encapsulation layer. The core composition material comprises a matrix material and a heating agent. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

The present disclosure is further directed to a substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle comprising a core composition, an encapsulation layer surrounding the core composition, and a moisture protective layer surrounding the encapsulation layer. The core composition comprises a matrix material and a heating agent and the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

The present disclosure is further directed to a stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle comprising a core composition, an encapsulation layer surrounding the core composition, a moisture protective layer surrounding the encapsulation layer, and a fugitive layer surrounding the moisture protective layer. The core composition comprises a matrix material and a heating agent and the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

The present disclosure is further directed to a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle comprising a core composition surrounded by an encapsulation layer. The core composition comprises a matrix material and a heating agent, and the heating agent is surrounded by a hydrophobic wax material. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

The present disclosure is further directed to a substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle comprising a core composition, an encapsulation layer surrounding the core composition, and a moisture protective layer surrounding the encapsulation layer. The core composition comprises a matrix material and a heating agent, and the heating agent is surrounded by a hydrophobic wax material. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

The present disclosure is further directed to a stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle comprising a core composition, an encapsulation layer surrounding the core composition, a moisture protective layer surrounding the encapsulation layer, and a fugitive layer surrounding the moisture protective layer. The core composition comprises a matrix material and a heating agent. The heating agent is surrounded by a hydrophobic wax material. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

The present disclosure is further directed to a stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle comprising core composition, an encapsulation layer surrounding the core composition, a moisture protective layer surrounding the encapsulation layer, and a fugitive layer surrounding the moisture protective layer. The core composition comprises mineral oil, magnesium chloride, and a surfactant, wherein the magnesium chloride is surrounded by a hydrophobic wax material. The encapsulation layer comprises crosslinked sodium alginate and the moisture protection layer comprises vinyl toluene acrylate. The fugitive layer comprises starch. The encapsulation layer has a thickness of from about 1 micrometer to about 20 micrometers and the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of making a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. The method comprises first mixing a matrix material, a heating agent and an encapsulating activator to form a core composition. The core composition is then introduced into a liquid solution comprising a crosslinkable compound to form the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. Finally, the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle is removed from the liquid solution.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of making a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. The method comprises first mixing a matrix material and a heating agent to form a core composition. The core composition is then introduced into a liquid solution comprising a crosslinkable compound to form the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. Finally, the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle is removed from the liquid solution.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of making a substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. The method comprises first mixing a matrix material, a heating agent, and an encapsulating activator to form a core composition. The core composition is then introduced into a liquid solution comprising a crosslinkable compound to form a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle is then removed from the liquid solution and a moisture protective layer is applied to the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle such that the moisture protective layer surrounds the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of making a stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. The method comprises first mixing a heating agent, a matrix material, and an encapsulating activator to form a core composition. The core composition is then introduced into a liquid solution comprising a crosslinkable compound to form a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle is then removed from the liquid solution and a moisture protective layer is applied to the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle such that the moisture protective layer surrounds the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. Finally, a fugitive layer is applied to the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle such that the fugitive layer surrounds the moisture protective layer.

The present disclosure is further directed to a wet wipe comprising a fibrous sheet material, a wetting solution, and a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle includes an encapsulation layer that surrounds a core composition including a matrix material and a heating agent.

The present disclosure is further directed to a dry wipe comprising a fibrous sheet material and a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle includes an encapsulation layer that surrounds a core composition comprising a matrix material and a heating agent.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of manufacturing a self-warming wet wipe. The method comprises embedding a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle inside of a fibrous sheet material.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of manufacturing a self-warming wet wipe. The method comprises depositing a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle on an outer surface of a fibrous sheet material.

The present disclosure is further directed to a wet wipe comprising a fibrous sheet material, a wetting solution, a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle, and a first phase change material, wherein the first phase change material is capable of providing thermal stability to the wipe.

The present disclosure is further directed to a dry wipe comprising a fibrous sheet material, a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle, and a first phase change material, wherein the first phase change material is capable of providing thermal stability to the wipe.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of manufacturing a self-warming wet wipe. The method comprises first embedding a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle inside of a fibrous sheet material and then embedding a first phase change material inside of the fibrous sheet material. Finally, the fibrous sheet material containing the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle and the first phase change material is contacted with a wetting solution.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of manufacturing a self-warming wet wipe. The method comprises first depositing a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle on an outer surface of a fibrous sheet material and depositing a first phase change material on the outer surface of the fibrous sheet material. Finally, the fibrous sheet material containing the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle and first phase change material are contacted with a wetting solution.

The present disclosure is further directed to a cleansing composition comprising a biocide agent and a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle comprises an encapsulation layer surrounding a core composition comprising a matrix material and a heating agent.

The present disclosure is further directed to a wet wipe comprising a fibrous sheet material, a wetting solution, a biocide agent, and a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle comprises an encapsulation layer surrounding a core composition comprising a matrix material and a heating agent.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of manufacturing a biocidal wet wipe. The method comprises embedding a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle inside of the fibrous sheet material, embedding a biocide agent inside of the fibrous sheet material, and contacting the fibrous sheet material containing the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle and biocide agent with a wetting solution.

The present disclosure is further directed to a method of manufacturing a biocidal wet wipe. The method comprises depositing a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle on an outer surface of a fibrous sheet material, depositing a biocide agent on an outer surface of the fibrous sheet material, and contacting the fibrous sheet material containing the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle and biocide agent with a wetting solution.

The present disclosure is further directed to a microencapsulated delivery vehicle comprising a core composition surrounded by an encapsulation layer. The core composition comprises a matrix material and a cooling agent and the microencapsulated delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

The present disclosure is further directed to a substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated delivery vehicle comprising a core composition, an encapsulation layer surrounding the core composition, and a moisture protective layer surrounding the encapsulation layer. The core composition comprises a matrix material and a cooling agent and the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

The present disclosure is further directed to a stabilized substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated delivery vehicle comprising a core composition, an encapsulation layer surrounding the core composition, a moisture protective layer surrounding the encapsulation layer, and a fugitive layer surrounding the moisture protective layer. The core composition comprises a matrix material and a cooling agent and the microencapsulated delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

The present disclosure is further directed to a microencapsulated delivery vehicle comprising a core composition surrounded by an encapsulation layer. The core composition comprises a matrix material and a cooling agent. The cooling agent is surrounded by a hydrophobic wax material. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle has a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers.

Other features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a cross sectional view of a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a fluidized bed coating apparatus for use imparting a moisture protective layer to a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the heat generation rate for five size ranges of calcium chloride that were tested in accordance with an experiment described herein.

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the heat generation rate for four size ranges of magnesium chloride that were tested in accordance with an experiment described herein.

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the conductivity of a solution including a microencapsulated delivery vehicle having a moisture protective layer made in accordance with an experiment described herein.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the ability of various samples of microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles including moisture protective layers to generate heat as tested in accordance with an experiment described herein.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the ability of microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles including various coating levels of moisture protective layers to generate heat as tested in accordance with an experiment described herein.

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the ability of microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles including moisture protective layers to generate heat after being flooded over various intervals of time with a wetting solution as tested in accordance with an experiment described herein.

FIGS. 9-11 are graphs illustrating the rupture force required to rupture various microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles as tested in accordance with an experiment described herein.

FIGS. 12-14 are graphs illustrating the rupture force required to rupture various microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles as tested in accordance with an experiment described herein.

FIGS. 15-17 are graphs illustrating the rupture force required to rupture various microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles as tested in accordance with an experiment described herein.

FIGS. 18-24 are graphs illustrating the rupture force required to rupture various microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles as tested in accordance with an experiment described herein.

DEFINITIONS

Within the context of this specification, each term or phrase below will include, but not be limited to, the following meaning or meanings:

• • (a) “Bonded” refers to the joining, adhering, connecting, attaching, or the like, of two elements. Two elements will be considered to be bonded together when they are bonded directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly bonded to intermediate elements.
  • (b) “Film” refers to a thermoplastic film made using a film extrusion and/or forming process, such as a cast film or blown film extrusion process. The term includes apertured films, slit films, and other porous films which constitute liquid transfer films, as well as films which do not transfer liquid.
  • (c) “Layer” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single element or a plurality of elements.
  • (d) “Meltblown” refers to fibers formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually circular, die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into converging high velocity heated gas (e.g., air) streams which attenuate the filaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameter, which may be to microfiber diameter. Thereafter, the meltblown fibers are carried by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly dispersed meltblown fibers. Such a process is disclosed for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,241 to Butin et al. (Nov. 19, 1974). Meltblown fibers are microfibers which may be continuous or discontinuous, are generally smaller than about 0.6 denier, and are generally self bonding when deposited onto a collecting surface. Meltblown fibers used in the present disclosure are preferably substantially continuous in length.
  • (e) “Nonwoven” refers to materials and webs of material which are formed without the aid of a textile weaving or knitting process.
  • (f) “Polymeric” includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc. and blends and modifications thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term “polymeric” shall include all possible geometrical configurations of the material. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and atactic symmetries.
  • (g) “Thermoplastic” describes a material that softens when exposed to heat and which substantially returns to a nonsoftened condition when cooled to room temperature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present disclosure relates to microencapsulated delivery vehicles, such as microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles, suitable for use in personal care products such as wet wipes and dry wipes. The present disclosure also relates to self warming wipes that include a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle and, optionally, a phase change material. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles, upon activation, are capable of evolving heat and causing a warming sensation on the skin of a user of the wet wipe. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles as described herein may include one or more encapsulating layers, moisture protective layers, and fugitive layers to impart various characteristics upon the encapsulated vehicles and the products in which they are used. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that an encapsulating activator can be included directly within a core composition and the combination introduced into a solution containing a crosslinkable compound and the thickness of the resulting crosslinked encapsulation layer closely controlled. Furthermore, in some embodiments disclosed herein, the encapsulating activator can also act as the heating agent. Additional active ingredients may also be included, with or without the heating agent, in the microencapsulated delivery vehicles.

Although discussed primarily herein in relation to microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein that other active agents or active ingredients, in addition to, or in place of, the heating agent, may be incorporated into the microencapsulated delivery vehicles described herein. For example, the microencapsulated delivery vehicles may include a heating agent and a biocide agent, or may simply include a biocide agent. A number of suitable active agents for incorporation into the microencapsulated delivery vehicles described herein are set forth below.

As noted above, the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles as described herein may include a number of components and layers. Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a cross sectional view of a microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle 2 of the present disclosure. The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle 2 includes a fugitive layer 4 surrounding a moisture protective layer 6 that surrounds an encapsulation layer 8 . Additionally, microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle 2 includes a core composition 10 that includes a matrix material 100 and a heating agent 12 surrounded by a hydrophobic wax material 14 , and an encapsulating activator 16 . Each of these layers and components, some of which are optional, are more thoroughly discussed below.

The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles as described herein are desirably of a size such that, when incorporated into a personal care product such as a wet wipe, they cannot readily be felt on the skin by the user. Generally, the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles have a diameter of from about 5 micrometers to about 10,000 micrometers, desirably from about 5 micrometers to about 5000 micrometers, desirably from about 50 micrometers to about 1000 micrometers, and still more desirably from about 300 micrometers to about 700 micrometers.

The core composition includes all of the components or materials that are encapsulated as described herein by, for example, a crosslinked polymeric system, to form the microencapsulated delivery vehicles. The core composition may include, for example, the matrix material (i.e., mineral oil), the heating agent (i.e., magnesium chloride) (or other active agent as described herein), a surfactant, an encapsulating activator, and a hydrophobic wax material that surrounds the heating (or other active) agent.

Generally, the core composition is present in the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in an amount of from about 0.1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 99.99% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), desirably from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 95% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), more desirably from about 5% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 90% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), more desirably from about 10% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 80% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), more desirably from about 15% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 70% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), and even more desirably from about 20% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 40% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle).

The matrix material included in the core composition is used as a carrying or bulking agent for other components of the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle, including, for example, the heating agent, the surfactant, and the encapsulating activator. Although generally preferred to be a liquid material, the matrix material may also be a low melting material that is a solid at room temperature. The matrix material is desirably a material that is emulsifiable in water. Preferred liquid matrix materials include oils commonly used in commercial cosmetic applications that may impart some skin benefit to the user, such as a moisturizing or lubricating benefit. Generally, these oils are hydrophobic oils.

Specific examples of suitable liquid matrix materials include, for example, mineral oil, isopropyl myristate, silicones, copolymers such as block copolymers, waxes, butters, exotic oils, dimethicone, thermoionic gels, plant oils, animal oils, and combinations thereof. One preferred material for use as the matrix material is mineral oil. The matrix material is generally present in the core composition of the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in an amount of from about 1% (by weight core composition) to about 99% (by weight core composition), desirably from about 10% (by weight core composition) to about 95% (by weight core composition), more desirably from about 15% (by weight core composition) to about 75% (by weight core composition), more desirably from about 20% (by weight core composition) to about 50% (by weight core composition), more desirably from about 25% (by weight core composition) to about 45% (by weight core composition), and even more desirably from about 30% (by weight core composition) to about 40% (by weight core composition).

The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle as disclosed herein also includes a heating agent that is contained in the core composition. The heating agent releases heat when contacted with water and may result in a warm feeling on the skin if used in combination with a personal care product such as a wet wipe. Suitable heating agents for use in the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles include compounds with an exothermic heat of hydration and compounds with an exothermic heat of solution. Suitable compounds for use as heating agents in the core composition include, for example, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, zeolites, aluminum chloride, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, sodium acetate, metals, slaked lime, quick lime, glycols, and combinations thereof. The heating agents may be in either hydrous or anhydrous forms, although anhydrous forms are generally preferred. Particularly preferred compounds include magnesium chloride and calcium chloride.

The heating agent is generally included in the core composition of the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in an amount of from about 0.1% (by weight core composition) to about 98% (by weight core composition), desirably from about 1% (by weight core composition) to about 80% (by weight core composition), more desirably from about 20% (by weight core composition) to about 70% (by weight core composition), more desirably from about 30% (by weight core composition) to about 60% (by weight core composition), more desirably from about 35% (by weight core composition) to about 55% (by weight core composition), and even more desirably about 55% (by weight core composition).

The heating agent utilized in the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle generally has a particle size of from about 0.05 micrometers to about 4000 micrometers, desirably from about 10 micrometers to about 1000 micrometers, desirably from about 10 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, and more desirably from about 10 micrometers to about 100 micrometers to facilitate substantial and continuous heat release. In one specific embodiment, a particle size of from about 149 micrometers to about 355 micrometers is preferred. Although many heating agents as described herein are commercially available in a number of particle sizes, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that any number of techniques can be used to grind and produce the desired particle sizes.

Along with the heating agent, a surfactant may optionally be included in the core composition. As used herein, “surfactant” is intended to include surfactants, dispersants, gelling agents, polymeric stabilizers, structurants, structured liquids, liquid crystals, Theological modifiers, grinding aids, defoamers, block copolymers, and combinations thereof. If a surfactant is utilized, it should be substantially non-reactive with the heating agent. A surfactant may be added along with a heating agent and matrix material to the core composition as a grinding and mixing aid for the heating agent and to reduce the surface tension of the core composition and allow for better mixing with water and an increase in heating ability upon use. In one embodiment, the use of a surfactant in the core composition generally allows for higher loading of the heating material (or other active agent as described herein) within the core composition without unwanted flocculation of the heating material occurring, which can hinder heat release by the heating agent.

Any one of a number of surfactant types including anionic, cationic, nonionic, zwitterionic, and combinations thereof can be utilized in the core composition. One skilled in the art will recognize, based on the disclosure herein, that different heating agents in combination with different matrix materials may benefit from one type of surfactant more than another; that is, the preferred surfactant for one chemistry may be different than the preferred surfactant for another. Particularly desirable surfactants will allow the core composition including the matrix material, heating agent, and surfactant mixture to have a suitable viscosity for thorough mixing; that is, the surfactant will not result in the mixture having an undesirably high viscosity. Generally, low HLB surfactants are desirable; that is, surfactants having an HLB of less than about 7. Examples of commercially available surfactants suitable for use in the matrix material include, for example, Antiterra 207 (BYK Chemie, Wallingford, Conn.) and BYK-P104 (BYK Chemie).

When included in the core composition of the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles of the present disclosure, the surfactant is generally present in an amount of from about 0.01% (by weight core composition) to about 50% (by weight core composition), desirably from about 0.1% (by weight core composition) to about 25% (by weight core composition), more desirably from about 0.1% (by weight core composition) to about 10% (by weight core composition), more desirably from about 1% (by weight core composition) to about 5% (by weight core composition), and still more desirably about 1% (by weight core composition).

As will be described in more detail below, during the manufacturing process for the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle, the core composition including the matrix material and the heating agent is introduced into an aqueous environment. During contact with this aqueous environment, it may be possible for the heating agent present in the core composition to come into contact with water. This contact can result in a loss of potency and deactivation of the heating agent and render the resulting microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle ineffective for its intended purpose. As such, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heating agent included in the core composition is substantially completely surrounded by a hydrophobic wax material prior to being introduced into the core composition and ultimately into the aqueous environment. As used herein, the term “hydrophobic wax material” means a material suitable to coat and protect the heating agent (or other active agent) from water. This hydrophobic wax material may provide the heating agent with temporary water protection during the timeframe of exposure to the aqueous environment; that is, the hydrophobic wax material may keep water from contacting the heating agent. Although the hydrophobic wax material provides protection of the heating agent during treatment of the core composition in an aqueous environment, in one embodiment it will gradually dissolve away and off of the heating agent within the core composition over time; that is, the hydrophobic wax material dissolves into the bulk of the core composition over time and off of the heating agent so that the heating agent can be directly contacted with water upon activation in a wipe or other product.

In an alternative embodiment, the hydrophobic wax material does not substantially dissolve into the core composition and off of the heating agent but is removed from the heating agent at the time of use through shearing or disruption of the hydrophobic wax material; that is, the hydrophobic wax material is mechanically broken off of the heating agent to allow the heating agent access to water.

It is generally desirable to have substantially complete coverage of the heating agent with the hydrophobic wax material to ensure that the heating agent is not susceptible to contact with water during the introduction of the core composition into the aqueous liquid as described herein. When contacted with a substantially continuous layer of hydrophobic wax material, the core composition including the matrix material and the heating agent can be encapsulated in the liquid environment without the heating agent losing potency. Generally, the hydrophobic wax material may be applied to the heating agent in from about 1 to about 30 layers, desirably in from about 1 to about 10 layers.

Generally, the hydrophobic wax material is present on the heating agent in an amount of from about 1% (by weight heating agent) to about 50% (by weight heating agent), desirably from about 1% (by weight heating agent) to about 40% (by weight heating agent), more desirably from about 1% (by weight heating agent) to about 30% (by weight heating agent), and even more desirably from about 1% (by weight heating agent) to about 20% (by weight heating agent). At these levels, there is sufficient hydrophobic wax material present on the heating agent to provide the desired level of protection, yet not too much to keep it from dissolving over time into the core composition to allow for water to access the heating agent at the desired time.

Suitable hydrophobic wax materials for coating the heating agent are relatively low temperature melting wax materials. Although other hydrophobic low temperature melting materials can be used to coat the heating agent in accordance with the present disclosure, low temperature melting hydrophobic wax materials are generally preferred. In one embodiment, the hydrophobic wax material has a melting temperature of less than about 140° C., desirably less than about 90° C. to facilitate the coating of the heating agent as described below.

Suitable hydrophobic wax materials for use in coating the heating agent (or other active agent) include, for example, organic ester and waxy compounds derived from animal, vegetable, and mineral sources including modifications of such compounds in addition to synthetically produced materials having similar properties. Specific examples that may be used alone or in combination include glyceryl tristearate, glyceryl distearate, canola wax, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, castor wax, rapeseed wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, microwax, polyethylene, polypropylene, epoxies, long chain alcohols, long chain esters, long chain fatty acids such as stearic acid and behenic acid, hydrogenated plant and animal oils such as fish oil, tallow oil, and soy oil, microcrystalline waxes, metal stearates and metal fatty acids. Specific commercially available hydrophobic wax materials include, for example, Dynasan™ 110, 114, 116, and 118 (commercially available from DynaScan Technology Inc., Irvine, Calif.), Sterotex™ (commercially available from ABITEC Corp., Janesville, Wis.); Dritex C (commercially available from Dritex International, LTD., Essex, U.K.); Special Fat™ 42, 44, and 168T.

As noted herein, the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles include an encapsulation layer that substantially completely surrounds the core composition that includes the matrix material, heating agent and optionally the hydrophobic wax material and the surfactant (and optionally an encapsulating activator as discussed below). The encapsulation layer allows the core composition including the heating agent or other active agent to undergo further processing and use without a loss of structural integrity; that is, the encapsulation layer provides structural integrity to the core composition and its contents to allow for further processing.

Although described in more detail below, and generally in relation to a crosslinked polymeric material, the encapsulation layer may be comprised of a polymeric material, a crosslinked polymeric material, a metal, a ceramic or a combination thereof, that results in a shell material that may be formed during manufacturing. Specifically, the encapsulation layer may be comprised of crosslinked sodium alginate, anionic dispersed latex emulsions, crosslinked polyacrylic acid, crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol, crosslinked polyvinyl acetate, silicates, carbonates, sulfates, phosphates, borates, polyvinyl pyrolidone, PLA/PGA, thermoionic gels, urea formaldehyde, melamine formaldehyde, polymelamine, crosslinked starch, nylon, ureas, hydrocolloids, and combinations thereof. One particularly preferred crosslinked polymeric system is crosslinked sodium alginate.

The encapsulation layer present in the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle generally has a thickness of from about 0.1 micrometers to about 500 micrometers, desirably from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers, more desirably from about 1 micrometer to about 50 micrometers, more desirably from about 1 micrometer to about 20 micrometers, and even more desirably from about 10 micrometers to about 20 micrometers. At these thicknesses, the crosslinked polymeric layer has a sufficient thickness to provide its intended function. The encapsulation layer may be one discrete layer, or may be comprised of multiple layers added in one or more steps. Suitable methods for measuring the thickness of the encapsulation layer (once fractured), and the other optional layers described herein, include Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Optical Microscopy.

Generally, the encapsulation layer will be present in from about 1 layer to about 30 layers, desirably in from about 1 layer to about 20 layers, and more desirably in from about 1 layer to about 10 layers to provide further protection.

The encapsulation layer is generally present in the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in an amount of from about 0.001% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 99.8% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), desirably from about 0.1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 90% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), more desirably from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 75% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), more desirably from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 50%(by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), more desirably from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 20% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), and still more desirably about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle).

The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle as described herein may optionally comprise a moisture protective layer to produce a substantially fluid-impervious microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. As used herein, “fluid” is meant to include both water (and other fluids) and oxygen (and other gases) such that “fluid-impervious” includes both water-impervious and oxygen-impervious. Although referred to throughout herein as a “moisture protective layer,” one skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein will recognize that this layer may be both “moisture protective” and “oxygen protective;” that is, the layer will protect and insulate the core composition and its contents from both water and oxygen.

When present, the moisture protective layer substantially completely surrounds the crosslinked polymeric encapsulation layer described above. The moisture protective layer may be utilized when it is desirable to impart additional water (and/or oxygen) repelling characteristics onto the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle. For example, if the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle is to be used in a wet wipe, it may be desirable to utilize a moisture protective layer on top of the encapsulating layer such that the active heating agent is shielded from the water contained in the wet wipe solution until the end user ruptures the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle at the desired time of use to allow water to contact the heating agent. In the absence of a moisture protective layer, when the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle is used in a wet wipe, it may be possible that over time the water present in the wet wipe solution can diffuse and gain access through the crosslinked encapsulated shell described above and gain access to the heating agent causing it to release its heat prematurely.

The moisture protective layer may be present on the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in one layer or in multiple layers. Desirably, the moisture protective layer will be present in from about 1 layer to about 30 layers, desirably in from about 1 layer to about 20 layers, and more desirably in from about 1 layer to about 10 layers to provide further protection. As noted above, the moisture protective layer substantially completely surrounds the encapsulating layer to keep water from reaching the internal matrix material and ultimately the heating agent. To ensure the moisture protective layer substantially completely covers the encapsulating layer, multiple layers may be utilized as noted above. Each of the moisture protective layers generally has a thickness of from about 1 micrometer to about 200 micrometers, desirably from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers, and even more desirably from about 1 micrometer to about 50 micrometers.

The moisture protective layer may comprise any number of materials including, for example, polyols in combination with isocynate, styrene-acrylate, vinyl toluene-acrylate, styrene-butadiene, vinyl-acrylate, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, poly lactic acid, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyldichloride, polyethylene, alkyd polyester, carnauba wax, hydrogenated plant oils, hydrogenated animal oils, fumed silica, silicon waxes, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, metals, metal carbonates, metal sulfates, ceramics, metal phosphates, microcrystalline waxes, and combinations thereof.

Generally, the moisture protective layer is present in the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in an amount of from about 0.001% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 99.8% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), desirably from about 0.1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 90% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), more desirably in an amount of from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 75% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), more desirably in an amount of from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 50% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), and even more desirably in an amount of from about 5% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 35% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle).

In addition to the moisture protective layer, the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle may also optionally include a fugitive layer that surrounds the moisture protective layer, if present, or the encapsulating layer if the moisture protective layer is not present. The fugitive layer can act to stabilize and protect the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle from rupturing prematurely due to mechanical load, or can provide other benefits. When present on the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle, the fugitive layer can impart strength and withstand a given mechanical load until a time when the fugitive layer is ruptured by the end user or is decomposed or degraded in a predictable manner in a wet wipe solution, usually during shipment and/or storage of the product prior to use. Consequently, the fugitive layer allows the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle to survive relatively high mechanical load conditions commonly experienced in shipping and/or manufacturing.

In one embodiment, the fugitive layer substantially completely surrounds the moisture protective layer (or the encapsulating layer) such that there are substantially no access points to the underlying layer. Alternatively, the fugitive layer may be a non-continuous, porous or non-porous layer surrounding the moisture protective layer (or the encapsulating layer).

The fugitive layer, similar to the moisture protective layer, may be present in multiple layers. Specifically, the fugitive layer may be present in anywhere from about 1 to about 30 layers, desirably from about 1 to about 20 layers, and more desirably from about 1 to about 10 layers. Generally, each fugitive layer may have a thickness of from about 1 micrometer to about 200 micrometers, desirably from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers, and more desirably from about 1 micrometer to about 50 micrometers.

The fugitive layer is generally present in the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle in an amount of from about 0.001% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 99.8% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), desirably in an amount of from about 0.1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 90% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), more desirably in an amount of from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 80% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), more desirably in an amount of from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 75% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle), and even more desirably in an amount of from about 1% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle) to about 50% (by weight microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle).

The fugitive layer may be comprised of any one of a number of suitable materials including, for example, polylactic acid, polymers of dextrose, hydrocolloids, alginate, zein, and combinations thereof. One particularly preferred material for use as the fugitive layer is starch.

The microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles as described herein may be manufactured in any number of ways as discussed below. The first step in the manufacturing process is generally to coat the desired heat delivery vehicle (i.e., magnesium chloride) with a hydrophobic wax material as described above prior to incorporating the hydrophobic wax material-coated heating agent into the core composition. As would be recognized by one skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein, this hydrophobic wax material coating of the heating agent step is optional and can be eliminated if such a coating is not desired and the heating agent is to be incorporated into the core composition without any protective coating.

In one embodiment, the hydrophobic wax material is coated onto the heating agent by blending the heating agent and hydrophobic wax material together at an elevated temperature sufficient to melt the hydrophobic wax material in the presence of the heating agent and the melted wax material and heating agent stirred sufficiently to coat the heating agent. After the coating of the heating agent is complete, the mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature to allow the wax to solidify on the heating agent particles. After the coated heating agent particles have cooled, they can be ground to the desired size prior to incorporation into the matrix material.

After the grinding of the hydrophobic wax material-coated heating agent, it may be desirable to subject the ground material to a further process to ensure that the hydrophobic wax material coating is substantially complete around the heating agents. Suitable additional processes include, for example, spheroidization (high heat fluidization slightly below the melt temperature of the hydrophobic wax material) and ball milling. These additional processes can be used to ensure substantially complete coverage of the heating agent with the hydrophobic wax material.

In preparing the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicle, a core composition including the hydrophobic wax material-coated (or uncoated) heating agent, an optional encapsulating activator, and surfactant (if utilized) are first mixed together with the matrix material. This core composition is the resulting “core material” inside of the encapsulating layer(s), although it will be recognized by one skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein that the encapsulating activator, if initially present in the core composition, may be substantially or completely used up in the crosslinking reaction described herein. As will be further recognized by one skilled in the art, some methods of forming an outer layer on the core composition (i.e., coacervation) may not require a chemical encapsulating activator to be present in the core composition, but may utilize a change in pH, a change in temperature, and/or a change in ionic strength of the liquid solution to initiate the formation of the encapsulating layer around the core composition. Additionally, it will be further recognized by one skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein that the encapsulating activator, when present, may be located outside of the core composition; that is, the encapsulating activator may be located in the liquid solution for example, although it is generally desirable to have it located within the core composition.

The encapsulating activator, when present in the core composition, acts as a crosslinking agent to crosslink the encapsulating layer discussed herein. Once the core composition is introduced into a liquid solution containin