The present disclosure generally relates to a pouch comprising a plurality of mitts, wherein the plurality of mitts is arranged in a stack within the pouch. The present disclosure also relates to a kit comprising the pouch.

Prior to a surgical procedure, the skin of a patient must typically be thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic solution. The cleansing of the skin eliminates microorganisms present on the skin and reduces the risk that the surgical wound or incision becomes infected.

The primary action of an antiseptic is to mechanically remove and chemically kill or inhibit contaminating microorganisms present on the skin. Besides killing harmful microorganisms, the antiseptic solution may also bind to the skin and form a protective barrier.

The antiseptic solution is typically applied using a dedicated swab, cloth, mitt or glove, and is often applied using friction. Often, the application means may be pre-soaked or pre-wetted with the antiseptic solution.

A washing mitt is a type of washcloth, which is shaped like a pouch into which the hand can be inserted. A plurality of washing mitts is generally required to cleanse one single patient. For example, one mitt is used for the face and the neck, another one is used for the abdomen, one for the arms, one for the legs, and one for the genital area of the patient. After cleansing, a plurality of additional mitts may be required to rinse the skin of the patient.

The risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) generally poses demands on the applicator, i.e. the medical personnel or, in some scenarios, the patients themselves. It also poses demands on the application means, e.g. washing mitts, which need to be sterile during cleansing.

Prior to use, a plurality of mitts is typically stored in a single package. The mitts are often packaged in a folded condition.

The procedure of dispensing, i.e. extracting a mitt from the package, unfolding it, and subsequently arranging it onto the hand and wrist of an applicator typically requires the use of both hands of the applicator, and also involves touching various parts of the mitt. Such undesired touching significantly enhances the risk of contaminating the mitt, and thus also the patient.

Furthermore, as mentioned hereinbefore, patient cleansing typically involves the use of a plurality of mitts. The cleansing time and surgical preparation process can thus be a lengthy procedure.

In view of this, there is a need to provide improvements with respect to providing a simplified, quick and sterile means to cleanse a patient prior to surgery.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide improvements with respect to facilitating the patient cleansing procedure prior to surgery.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a pouch comprising a plurality of mitts, wherein the plurality of mitts is arranged in a stack within the pouch; each mitt of the plurality of mitts comprising a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer extends beyond a lower edge of the top layer to form a flap portion, wherein the pouch has a top side and a bottom side; the top side comprising a pouch opening line, wherein the pouch opening line is arranged to at least partially align with the lower edge of the top layer of each mitt or is arranged to overlie the flap portion of each mitt of the plurality of mitts.

The present disclosure is based on the realization that a pouch, as described hereinabove, significantly facilitates the donning procedure for an applicator such that the patient cleansing procedure can be carried out in a sterile, facilitated and time-efficient manner. The arrangement of the pouch opening line above the flap portion of each mitt or in partial alignment of the lower edge of the top layer of each mitt, allows an applicator to insert their hand into the mitt and don the hand while the mitt is still in the pouch. Accordingly, the risk of contaminating the exterior surface of the mitt (which is to contact the skin or wound of a patient) is eliminated, or at least significantly reduced.

Pouches for storing mitts and cloths are typically made of a flexible material and comprise a bottom side sealed to a top side. The top side typically comprises an opening mechanism for dispensing the mitts. The top side of the pouch may e.g. comprise a pre-formed opening from which the mitts are dispensed. Prior to use, the pre-formed opening is covered with a lid or label.

Alternatively, the top side of the pouch may comprise a perforation line, which is torn to provide access to the mitts.

With a pouch of the present disclosure, the mitts are arranged in the pouch to provide direct access to the interior of the mitt (i.e. of the uppermost mitt of the stack) when the lid is opened or when the perforation line is torn apart. Accordingly, an applicator may quickly don his/her hand such that the mitt (and the applicator) remains sterile prior to and during the cleansing procedure.

The flap portion of the mitt is formed by the bottom layer extending beyond the lower edge of the top layer.

Upon opening the pouch, whether via a lid covering a pre-formed opening or via a perforation line, the uppermost mitt in the stack is positioned such that the flap portion is immediately exposed. The flap portion provides a "hand insertion area" which allows an applicator to insert their hand directly into the mitt without needing to manually separate the layers of the mitt.

The mitts of the present disclosure may be used to cleanse intact skin of a patient prior to surgery. The mitts may also be used for cleansing a wound of a patient. For example, the mitts may be used to cleanse and debride dead or unhealthy tissue from a wound, e.g. a chronic wound.

Accordingly, a mitt of the present disclosure may be a skin cleansing mitt and/or a wound debridement mitt.

In exemplary embodiments, the pouch opening line may be a perforation line.

In alternative embodiments, the pouch opening line may define part of a pre-formed opening in the top side of the pouch, and wherein the pouch may further comprise a lid covering the pre-formed opening.

In exemplary embodiments, the top layer is defined by the lower edge, an upper edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, wherein the upper edge and the first and second side edges are joined to the bottom layer.

Accordingly, the mitt comprises three closed edges. The lower edge of the top layer is typically an open edge, i.e. an unsealed edge, facilitating insertion of a hand into the interior of the mitt.

In exemplary embodiments, the bottom layer extends a distance, D1, beyond the lower edge of the top layer to form the flap portion, wherein the distance, D1, may be from 10 to 60 mm, preferably from 15 to 35 mm.

The distance, D1, corresponds to the difference in lengths between the bottom layer and the top layer. If the distance, D1, is too large (i.e. if the flap portion is too large), it may result in unnecessary pouch material usage as the pouch must be sized to accommodate the mitts. Conversely, if the distance, D1, is too small, it may become more difficult for the applicator to insert their hand into the mitt. Accordingly, a distance in the above-mentioned range secures that the flap portion is sufficiently large for ease of donning while contributing to a practical and sustainable packaging solution.

In exemplary embodiments, the pouch opening line may be arranged less than 30 mm, preferably less than 15 mm from the lower edge of the top layer of each mitt.

Accordingly, the pouch opening line may substantially align with the lower edge of the top layer, or it may be arranged at a distance less than 30 mm from the lower edge of each mitt.

This arrangement is advantageous for facilitating the donning procedure.

Furthermore, in embodiments where the mitts are stored in a dry condition within the pouch, the cleansing procedure typically involves a step of wetting the mitts with a cleansing solution, e.g. water or an antiseptic solution, prior to use. The cleansing solution may be applied directly into the pouch and "massaged" into the plurality of mitts to ensure even distribution. If the pouch opening line is arranged too far from the lower edge of the top layer of the mitt (i.e. closer to a lower edge of the bottom layer), the space beyond the pouch opening line becomes smaller, making the wetting and massaging procedure more difficult.

Typically, each mitt of the plurality of mitts is unfolded in the pouch.

The risk of contaminating the exterior surface of the mitt is thereby reduced since unnecessary unfolding actions are avoided. Furthermore, the hand and wrist of an applicator may be inserted into the entire mitt.

In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of mitts may be arranged in the stack such that the top layers of the mitts are substantially aligned with one another and the bottom layers of the mitts are substantially aligned with one another.

This allows for a consistent mitt dispensing and a facilitated hand insertion. It also maintains the sterility of the mitts during the cleansing procedure.

In exemplary embodiments, the pouch is defined by an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein the pouch opening line is arranged at a distance, D2, from the lower edge of the pouch, and wherein D2 may be from 20 to 70 mm, preferably from 30 to 50 mm.

This is beneficial to facilitate donning prior to surgery. If D2 is too large, the pouch opening line may be positioned "too high", resulting in the usage of more packaging material (since the package will thus need to become larger), which is not sustainable.

In contrast, if D2 is too small, the pouch opening line may be positioned too close to the lower edge of the pouch, making it more difficult to extract the mitts. Furthermore, as mentioned hereinbefore, the space formed in the lower region of the pouch (i.e. below the pouch opening line) may be used to facilitate pre-wetting and distribution of a cleansing solution (e.g. water or an antiseptic solution) into the pouch ensuring that the mitts are evenly wetted or saturated prior to use.

In exemplary embodiments, the pouch opening line may extend across at least a portion of the width, W2, of the pouch.

This allows for a facilitated extraction of the mitts from the pouch.

In some embodiments, the pouch opening line extends only across a portion of the width (aligning with a portion of the lower edge of the top layer or overlying the flap portion), and then continues upwards along the top side of the pouch. This upward extension may be curved, angled, or otherwise shaped to create a wider opening from which the mitts can be dispensed. This configuration is typically applicable to embodiments where the pouch opening line forms part of a pre-defined opening in the pouch.

In exemplary embodiments, the pouch opening may be a perforation line, and wherein the perforation line extends across at least 90% of the width, W2, of the pouch.

This allows for a facilitated donning since entire hand, regardless of size, may be inserted into the pouch through the perforation line (once torn open).

In some embodiments, the pouch opening line may extend across the entire width of the pouch, i.e. from the first side edge of the pouch to the second side edge.

However, in case the side edges of top side and bottom side of the pouch are sealed to one another, a small unperforated margin may be present on both sides of the pouch.

In exemplary embodiments, the pouch opening line may be a perforation line, and wherein the perforation line may be formed by laser cutting, mechanical perforation, or scoring.

The pouch may thus be easily opened by tearing along the perforation line.

In exemplary embodiments, the top layer and the bottom layer of each mitt comprise a material selected from tissue, nonwoven and/or an absorbent foam.

Typically, the same material is used in the top layer and the bottom layer. However, it is also conceivable that the top layer comprises a first material and that the bottom layer comprises a second, different material.

In embodiments where the mitt is to be used for wound cleansing, e.g. wound debridement, the first and/or second layer may be textured or rough on its/their exterior surface. This is beneficial to break up and remove necrotic tissue, metabolic waste, and bacteria from a wound.

According to another aspect, there is provided a kit comprising the pouch hereinbefore and at least one cleansing solution.

In exemplary embodiments, the cleansing solution may be an antiseptic solution, antimicrobial solution, bacteriostatic solution, or a wound debridement solution.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present disclosure will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled addressee realizes that different features of the present disclosure may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The various aspects of the present disclosure, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 illustrates a mitt according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, seen from the top side of the mitt.
• Figure 2 illustrates a pouch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, seen from the top side of the pouch. In figure 2, no mitts are arranged in the pouch.
• Figure 3 illustrates an applicator introducing their hand into a pouch comprising a plurality of mitts according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In figure 3, the pouch opening line is a perforation line.
• Figure 4 illustrates a pouch comprising a plurality of mitts wherein the pouch opening line defines part of a pre-formed opening line, and wherein the pouch further comprises a lid, according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the skilled person. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.

With reference to figure 1 (illustrating a mitt), figure 2 (illustrating a pouch) and figures 3 and 4 (illustrating a mitt comprising a plurality of mitts), a pouch 1 comprising a plurality of mitts 2 is provided. The plurality of mitts 2 is arranged in a stack within the pouch 1 (see figure 3); each mitt of the plurality of mitts 2 comprising a top layer 3 and a bottom layer 4, wherein the bottom layer 4 extends beyond a lower edge 3a of the top layer 3 to form a flap portion 5 (see figure 1), wherein the pouch 1 has a top side 1a and a bottom side 1b; the top side 1a comprising a pouch opening line 6 (see figure 2), wherein the pouch opening line 6 is arranged to at least partially align with the lower edge 3a of the top layer 3 (see figure 3) of each mitt 2 or is arranged to overlie the flap portion 5 of each mitt of the plurality of mitts 2 (see figure 4).

As used herein, the term "pouch" refers to a package or container configured to store and dispense a plurality of mitts. The pouch has a top side and a bottom side. The top side comprises the pouch opening line, which provides access to the mitts inside. The pouch typically comprises a flexible and moisture impermeable material. For example, the pouch may comprise a polymeric material including, but not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, and the like, and combinations thereof.

The top side of the pouch is arranged to face upwards in an "operating position", i.e. when the pouch is placed on a table or the like and a user is able to access the mitts. The top side of the pouch may also be referred to as a first side. The bottom side may be referred to as a second side. In a "non-operating position", e.g. during transportation and storage, the top side may be facing any spatial direction.

As used herein, the term "pouch opening line" refers to a structurally defined line on the top side of the pouch, which is configured to provide access to the plurality of mitts inside the pouch. The pouch opening line may be a perforation line, such as a score line or a weakened line that can be separated upon application of a force. The perforation line may e.g. be formed by laser cutting, mechanical perforation, or scoring.

In some embodiments, e.g. as illustrated in figure 4, the pouch opening line may define part of a pre-formed opening on the top side of the pouch. In such embodiments, the pre-formed opening is initially covered by a lid or label. The lid is removed prior to use, i.e. prior to insertion of the hand into the pouch.

The pouch opening line 6 may extend across at least a portion of the width of the pouch 1. The pouch opening line 6 may include upward extensions to generate a larger dispensing area (see figure 4). Alternatively, the pouch opening line 6 may extend across the width of the pouch (see figures 2 and 3).

That the pouch opening line is "arranged to at least partially align with the lower edge of the top layer of each mitt" means that, when viewed from the top side of the pouch, the pouch opening line substantially overlaps at least part of the the lower edge of the top layer of each mitt in the stack.

That the pouch opening line is "arranged to overlie the flap portion of each mitt" means that the pouch opening line is positioned above the area defined by the flap portion of each mitt in the stack. Accordingly, the pouch opening line faces the flap portion of each mitt in the stack.

These arrangements ensure that the flap portion of each mitt is directly exposed and accessible when the pouch is opened. Accordingly, an applicator may insert their hand into the mitt without needing to unfold or reposition it.

As used herein, the term "mitt" refers to a cleansing aid shaped like a sleeve or glove, configured to rinse or cleanse of a patient. The mitts may be pre-wetted or stored in a dry condition in the pouch. Typically, the mitts are dry.

The pouch 1 comprises a plurality of mitts 2. For example, the pouch 1 may comprise the number of mitts required for cleansing all body parts of a single patient.

For example, the pouch 1 may comprise from 4 to 20 mitts, e.g. from 5 to 12 mitts.

As best illustrated in figure 1, each of the plurality of mitts 2 comprises a top layer 3 and a bottom layer 4. The bottom layer 4 extends beyond a lower edge 3a of the top layer 3 to form a flap portion 5.

The flap portion 5 represents the portion of the bottom layer 4 extending beyond the lower edge of the top layer 3.

The length, L1, of the bottom layer 4 may be from 170 to 300 mm, e.g. from 200 to 250 mm.

The length, L2, of the top layer 3 may be from 110 to 290 mm, e.g. from 140 to 240 mm, such as from 170 to 200 mm.

The length, L1, of the bottom layer corresponds to the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the bottom layer.

The length, L2, of the top layer corresponds to the maximum longitudinal (y) extension of the top layer.

The top layer 3 and the bottom layer 4 are typically co-extensive in width.

The width, W1, of the top layer, bottom layer, and the pouch 2 may be from 120 to 250 mm, e.g. from 140 to 190 mm.

The mitt 2 has a longitudinal (y) extension and a lateral (x) extension. Typically, the longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt 2 is larger than the lateral (x) extension of the mitt. This is beneficial to optimize material usage and to maximize coverage of the applicator's hand.

The mitt 2 may have a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape, as illustrated in e.g. figure 1. However, the present disclosure is by no means limited to a rectangular shape.

As illustrated in figure 1, the top layer 3 of each mitt is defined by a lower edge 3a, an upper edge 3b, a first side edge 3c and a second side edge 3d. The upper edge and the first 3a and second 3d side edges are joined to the bottom layer 4 of the mitt 2.

The bottom layer of each mitt is defined by a lower edge, an upper edge, a first side edge and a second side edge.

The first 3c and second 3d side edges of the top layer 3 are typically joined, e.g. sealed to the first and second side edges of the bottom layer 4 along the entire length, L2, of the top layer 3. The sealing area, denoted 15 and being illustrated by the dotted lines in figure 1, may have a width of from 5 to 15 mm.

The upper edge 3b of the top layer 3 is joined to the upper edge of the bottom layer 4, thereby forming a closed edge. In figure 1, the upper edge of the top layer is a folding line. Hence, the mitt may be formed by folding a single layer over itself. It is equally conceivable that the top layer and bottom layer are formed from two separate layers which are sealed along the upper edge of the top layer and the bottom layer.

Hence, that the edges of the top layer are "joined to the bottom layer" means that the edges of the top layer are attached to the corresponding edges of the bottom layer to form a closed structure along the edges of the mitt. The edges may be joined by sealing, e.g. by adhesion, welding, sewing, or another joining method. The upper edge of the top layer may be joined to the upper edge of the bottom layer by sealing (in the case of two separate layers) or by folding a single layer over itself to form a closed edge.

The lower edge 3a of the top layer is typically not joined, e.g. sealed to the bottom layer 4. The space between the lower edge 3a of the top layer 3 and the bottom layer 4 defines the area where a hand is to be inserted. However, it is also conceivable that a portion of the top layer 3 is partially sealed to the bottom layer 4, provided that the open edge remains sufficiently large to allow for a hand to be inserted therein.

In figure 1, the edges of the mitt 2 are illustrated as straight edges. It is, however, equally conceivable that the edges are rounded, curved or sloping.

As can be seen in figure 1, the bottom layer 4 extends a distance, D1, beyond the lower edge 3a of the top layer 3 to form the flap portion 5, wherein the distance, D1, may be from 10 to 60 mm, preferably from 15 to 35 mm.

The distance, D1, corresponds to L1-L2.

As best illustrated in figure 3, each mitt of the plurality of mitts 2 is unfolded in the pouch 1.

This allows for the entire interior portion of the mitt 2 to be accessed upon insertion of a hand therein.

As shown in figure 3, the plurality of mitts 2 is arranged in a stack within the pouch 1.

The plurality of mitts 2 is preferably arranged in the stack such that the top layers 3 of the mitts 3 are substantially aligned with one another and the bottom layers 4 of the mitts 2 are substantially aligned with one another

Accordingly, the flap portions 5 of the mitts 2 are also substantially aligned, which secures consistent positioning, facilitating hand insertion.

The term "substantially aligned" means that the top layers and bottom layers generally follow the same arrangement, but minor variations in positioning may occur inside the pouch. Hence, the mitts may be slightly offset while still being considered substantially aligned.

As illustrated in figure 2, the pouch 1 is defined by an upper edge 9, a lower edge 10, a first side edge 11 and a second side edge 12, wherein the pouch opening line 6 is arranged at a distance, D2, from the lower edge 10 of the pouch 1, and wherein D2 may be from 20 to 70 mm, preferably from 30 to 50 mm.

The pouch may be sealed along the upper, lower, first, and/or second side edges, illustrated by the sealing area 13 in figure 2. The width of the sealing area may e.g. be from 5 to 15 mm.

As illustrated in figure 3, the stack of mitts 2 is typically arranged in the pouch 1 such that a small space 14 is defined between the lower edge of the bottom layer (and the mitt) and the lower edge 10 of the pouch 2. This arrangement prevents the mitts from being squeezed inside the pouch, and also facilitates packaging and extraction of the mitts.

As mentioned hereinbefore, the pouch opening line may be a perforation line or it may be a line defining part of a pre-formed opening.

In figures 2 and 4, the pouch opening line 6 is a perforation line. The perforation line extends from the first side edge 11 to the second side edge 12 of the pouch. In other words, the perforation line may extend across the width, W2, of the pouch 1.

This allows for an applicator to quickly open the pouch 1 by tearing along the perforation line, and to subsequently insert their hand and don it directly.

Alternatively, the pouch opening line defines part of a pre-formed opening in the pouch, as illustrated in figure 4.

As can be seen in figure 4, the pre-formed opening 7 is formed on the top side 1a of the pouch 1, and is covered by a lid 8. The lid 8 is detachably attached to the top side 1a of the pouch 1. Upon the application of a separation force, the lid 8 or at least a portion thereof may be at least partially detached from the top side 1a to expose the pre-formed opening 7, and the mitts stored therein. Absent a separation force, the lid 8 remains attached to the top side 1a and covers the pre-formed opening 7 such that the mitts 2 are protected from contamination prior to use.

The lid 8 may comprise a gripping tab 15 to facilitate detachment and separation of the lid 8 from the top side 1a of the pouch 1.

In figure 4, the pouch opening line 6 is arranged to overlie the flap portion 5 of each mitt 2. In other words, in this embodiment, the lower edge 3a of the top layer 3 is not aligned with the pouch opening line 6, but instead arranged in vicinity thereto (above the flap portion 5). This is beneficial since the lower edge 3a of the top layer 3 of the mitt 2 is visually observable immediately upon removal of the lid 8.

The pouch opening line 6 may be arranged less than 30 mm, preferably less than 15 mm from the lower edge 3a of the top layer 3 of each mitt 2.

This distance is measured along the longitudinal (y) extension of the mitt 2 and the pouch 1. Thus, the pouch opening line 6 may be positioned a short vertical distance above the lower edge 3a of the top layer 3 of each mitt 2.

The top layer 3 and the bottom layer 4 of each mitt 2 of the plurality of mitts may comprise a material selected from tissue, nonwoven and/or an absorbent foam.

The top layer 3 and/or the bottom layer 4 may be a laminate comprising two or more sheets.

As mentioned hereinbefore, the material of the top layer 3 may be the same as the material of the bottom layer 4. Alternatively, the material of the top layer 3 is different from the material of the bottom layer 4. For example, the top layer 3 may be adapted for cleansing, and the second layer may be adapted for rinsing.

In embodiments where the mitt is to be used for wound cleansing, e.g. wound debridement, the exterior surface of the top layer 3 and/or bottom layer 4 may be textured or "rough". This may be beneficial to break up and remove necrotic tissue, metabolic waste, and bacteria from the wound.

When the mitt is to be used for wound debridement, the mitt 2 may comprise a material comprising microfibers or monofilament fibers. In this regard, the mechanical debridement of a wound may be improved

According to another aspect, there is provided a kit comprising the pouch 1 as described hereinbefore, and a cleansing solution.

The cleansing solution may be used to cleanse the skin or a wound of a patient.

Preferably, the cleansing solution is an antiseptic, antimicrobial or a bacteriostatic solution. Alternatively, the cleansing solution is a wound debridement solution.

In embodiments where the mitt is to be used for cleansing a wound, i.e. for debriding a wound, the mitt may have an exterior surface adapted for mechanical debridement of a wound (a textured or rough exterior surface). The cleansing solution of the kit may be a wound debridement solution. Accordingly, a combined debridement effect (chemical and mechanical) can be accomplished.

Terms, definitions and embodiments of all aspects of the present disclosure apply mutatis mutandis to the other aspects of the present disclosure. The advantages and embodiments discussed in relation to the first aspect also apply to the second aspect of the invention.

Even though the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled addressee in practicing the present disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Furthermore, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.