EP3165142A1

EP3165142A1 - Hygienic product and apparatus for its manufacture

Info

Publication number: EP3165142A1
Application number: EP16197163.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pasquale SALUTE
Original assignee: Lucart SpA
Current assignee: Lucart SpA
Priority date: 2015-11-04
Filing date: 2016-11-03
Publication date: 2017-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-03
Also published as: ITUB20155094A1; EP3165142B1

Abstract

A hygienic product (1), comprising at least a yielding laminar support (2) provided with a first surface (2a) and with a second surface (2b) that are opposite each other, at least one of which intended in contact with surfaces to clean and/or hygienize; on at least one of said surfaces (2a,2b), at least one layer (7;7,7a;7a) of at least one cleansing/disinfecting product is applied, adapted to be activated in contact with water or with moist surfaces; the hygienic product (1) is provided in dry state, or with a maximum moisture content of about 10%.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention regards a hygienic product and the apparatus for its manufacture.
More particularly, the invention regards a hygienic product admixed with at least one substance which is activated in direct contact with water or moist surfaces, and the apparatus specifically designed for the industrial manufacturing thereof

BACKGROUND ART

Many hygienic products are widespread on the market, such as the so-called wet wipes, i.e. sheets of paper or fabric soaked with water and/or detergents, disinfectants or other similar products, used for hygienic purposes for cleaning parts of the body, or even for cleaning surfaces or objects.
The great diffusion of these products has led manufacturing companies to make specific lines of wet wipes dedicated to different needs, such hygiene of newborn babies, or cleaning of specific surfaces of the house, of the car etc..
Indeed, these products allow obtaining good hygiene results without having to use running water, hence they are extremely practical in emergency situations, or when travelling, and the like.
As is known, wet wipes are packaged in packs or bags that are rather complex and heavy, normally comprising an opening which must allow the simple and quick extraction of the wipes themselves, one at a time, and which must be effectively reclosed in order to prevent the liquid with which the wipes are soaked from quickly evaporating away, this compromising the effectiveness of the use of the product.
In addition, in order to ensure the effectiveness and freshness of the product over time, the liquid with which the wipes are soaked frequently contains considerable amounts of preservative substances, perfumes or deodorants or other additives.
In detail, such liquid essentially comprises a component which acts as a carrier for active principles, e.g. detergents or disinfectants; most of the weight of the product, therefore, is conferred by only the carrier component.
The wet wipe, after its use, is normally not recyclable, and hence it constitutes unsorted waste that must of course be adequately disposed of (unless it is not released into the environment by disrespectful users).
In addition, the used wipe constitutes a waste product that comprises not only paper or fabric, but also the aforesaid additive substances that can often be harmful for the environment.
Not least, the cost of these products for the final user is quite high, if compared with the actual benefit connected with their use.
Nor should it be ignored that these products are often sold in multiple packages, with two or three bags or packs, in order to allow applying a discount on the final price and attracting the consumer to purchase: in consideration of the fact that the single bags have, as known, a considerable water content, it follows that the overall weight of the package is quite high.
Therefore, there is the need to implement alternative solutions that allow overcoming the above-lamented drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to improve the background art.
Within such object, an aim of the present invention is to implement a hygienic product that allows obtaining an effective cleansing action on body parts, surfaces, or other, but with limited weight with respect to analogous products present on the market.
Still another aim of the present invention is to provide a hygienic product with cleansing/disinfectant function that allows obtaining a considerable savings in terms of chemical substances used.
A further aim of the present invention is to achieve a hygienic product with cleansing/disinfecting function that is cheaper than analogous products present on the market.
Still another aim of the present invention is to realize a hygienic product which is not subjected to any deterioration over time.
Such object and such aims are all achieved by the hygienic product according to the attached claim 1.
The hygienic product comprises at least one yielding laminar support provided with a first surface and a second surface opposite each other, at least one of which intended for contact with surfaces to clean and/or hygienize.
On at least one of such surfaces, at least one layer of at least one cleansing/disinfecting product is applied, adapted to be activated in contact with water or with moist surfaces; the hygienic product is provided in dry state or with a maximum moisture content of about 10%.
In addition, such object and such aims are all achieved by an apparatus for manufacturing the aforesaid hygienic product according to claim 8.
The apparatus for manufacturing the aforesaid hygienic product comprises at least one station for applying the layer of cleansing/disinfecting product on the surface of the yielding laminar support, and means for advancing the yielding laminar support in the form of a continuous strip that crosses the application station.
The application station, in turn, comprises at least one airtight distribution chamber for the cleansing/disinfecting product, means for feeding the product towards the distribution chamber, and means for drawing the product from the distribution chamber and applying it on aforesaid surface of the continuous strip.
The dependent claims refer to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

These and further advantages will be better understood by the skilled person from the following description and enclosed drawings, given as a non-limiting example, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a hygienic product according to the present invention, provided in roll form;
figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the hygienic product according to the present invention, provided in the form of single tissues or wipes;
figure 3 is an enlarged schematic and side section view of the hygienic product;
figure 4 is an enlarged schematic and side section view of the hygienic product according to another embodiment of the invention;
figure 5 is an enlarged schematic and side section view of the hygienic product according to yet another embodiment of the invention;
figure 6 is an enlarged schematic and side section view of the hygienic product according to a further embodiment of the invention;
figure 7 is a diagram of the apparatus for manufacturing the hygienic product according to the present invention;
figure 8 is a side view of structural details of the apparatus of figure 7.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION.

With reference to figure 1, reference number 1 overall indicates, only as a non-limiting example, a hygienic product according to the invention.
The hygienic product 1 comprises at least one yielding laminar support 2.
In figure 1, the yielding laminar support 2 is provided in roll form 3.
For example, in this case the yielding laminar support 2 can comprise a plurality of pre-cuts 4, equidistant from each other, adapted to separate sheets 5 that can be separately used.
However, it is specified that the yielding laminar support 2 can be provided in any one other form of practical use for the user.
In the embodiment schematically represented in figure 2, still by way of example, the yielding laminar support 2 is provided in tissue form 6, wipe form or the like. In this case, the single tissues 6 or wipes are normally packaged stacked on each other.
In any case, no matter the form of the yielding laminar support 2, it comprises a first surface 2a and a second surface 2b, opposite each other.
At least one of the surfaces 2a,2b can be intended for contact with surfaces to clean and/or hygienize; in some applications, both surfaces 2a,2b can be indiscriminately intended for such contact, i.e. the product 1 can be indiscriminately used on one side or on the other side.
In any case, it is specified that, in the present description, the distinction between first surface 2a and second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2 is entirely conventional, only for the purpose of an improved comprehension of the features of the invention, as will be clearer hereinbelow.
According to one aspect of the present invention, on at least one from among the first surface 2a and the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2, at least one layer 7 of at least one cleansing/disinfecting product is applied.
Such cleansing/disinfecting product is adapted to be activated in contact with water or with moist surfaces; this aspect shall be discussed in more detail hereinbelow. According to another aspect of the invention, the product 1 is provided in dry state, or with a maximum moisture content of about 4-5%, and in any case it does not exceed about 10%.
The latter specification refers to the state in which the product 1 according to the invention is provided to the final user, i.e. the state in which it is sold.
However, the specification does not regard possible states of the product during its manufacture, or in specific steps of packaging, storage, etc..
According to another aspect of the invention, the cleansing/disinfecting product applied on the yielding laminar support 2 is entirely constituted by at least one active principle.
In addition, the cleansing/disinfecting product is soluble in water.
In other words, the cleansing/disinfecting product does not contain carriers for the active principle or the active principles contained therein.
For example, the aforesaid product can be entirely constituted by the active principle of a soap, of a detergent, of a degreaser, of a disinfectant, of an antibacterial agent, or by a mixture of different active principles, for example of the above-listed types, without specific limitations.
This expedient allows limiting to the minimum the quantity of product necessary to achieve the desired effect on the surface to be treated, with considerable benefits both in terms of costs of the product 1 and in terms of environmental pollution.
In addition, the weight of the laminar support 2 on which the product is applied is increased, following the application of the layer 7 of cleansing/disinfecting product, by an amount that is entirely imperceptible for the final user - to the contrary of what occurs for the wet wipes of known type, which as stated contain a certain quantity of liquid which only has the function of carrying the active principle. According to another aspect of the invention, the layer 7 of cleansing/disinfecting product is applied, on at least one of the surfaces 2a,2b of the yielding laminar support 2, in a uniform or substantially uniform manner.
This solution is schematically illustrated in the enlarged section of figure 3.
In another embodiment of the invention, schematically illustrated in the enlarged section of figure 4, the layer 7 of cleansing/disinfecting product is applied on at least one of the surfaces 2a,2b of the yielding laminar support 2 (e.g. the first surface 2a) in a non-uniform manner, according to a point, spot or strip distribution, or a combination of such distributions.
In particular, the latter solution could be followed if the cleansing/disinfecting product is distinguished by a specific pigmentation: its application on at least one of the surfaces 2a,2b of the yielding laminar support 2 can therefore determine, on the finished product 1, a certain chromatic/graphical effect, which can be functional, e.g. for obtaining drawings, logos, decorations or the like.
According to still another aspect of the invention, the layer 7 of cleansing/disinfecting product is applied, on at least one of the surfaces 2a,2b of the yielding laminar support 2, in a quantity variable between 1 g/m² and 10 g/m² in dry state (in a uniform or non-uniform manner, as clarified above).
This is a very low amount, in consideration of the fact that the cleansing/disinfecting product does not remain in contact with the yielding laminar support 2, but rather enters into a solution with the aqueous carrier, and is then applied and distributed on the affected surfaces, which can also be quite wide. According to another aspect of the invention, the yielding laminar support 2 can be made of paper, or "air-laid" type paper, or non-woven fabric, or of any other material suitable for this specific application.
The preceding considerations assume that the layer 7 of cleansing/disinfecting product is essentially applied on top of at least one of the surfaces 2a,2b (e.g. the first surface 2a) of the yielding laminar support 2, as shown in figures 3,4. Nevertheless, in other embodiments of the invention, the layer 7 could also be partially or completely incorporated in the thickness of the yielding laminar support 2.
The latter situation can for example occur if the material constituting the yielding laminar support 2 has an absorbent behavior.
Therefore, it is possible to attain a result like that illustrated in the embodiment of figure 5, in which the layer 7 of cleansing/disinfecting product - whether continuous or discontinuous - partially penetrates through the thickness of the yielding laminar support 2, with a portion 7a thereof.
Or, it is possible to obtain a result like that illustrated in the embodiment of figure 6, in which the layer 7a of cleansing/disinfecting product - whether continuous or discontinuous - completely penetrates through the thickness of the yielding laminar support 2.
The behavior of the various embodiments of the hygienic product 1 illustrated, when placed in contact with water or moist surfaces, can be mutable in relation to the final structure of the product 1 itself: for example, in the case of the embodiments of figures 3,4, the activation of the product that constitutes the layer 7 - and hence its entrance into the aqueous solution which will carry it - will be immediate, while in the case of the embodiments of figures 5,6 the activation of its product that constitutes the layer 7,7a, and hence its release into the aqueous solution, will be more gradual.
The way of using the hygienic product 1 according to the present invention is the following.
The laminar support 2 can be previously soaked with water in order to allow the activation of the cleansing/disinfecting product applied thereon.
For example, the laminar support 2 can be washed with running water, or it can be dipped in a container of water, or other solutions.
Therefore, it is possible to wipe/rub the first surface 2a (or the second surface 2b) of the yielding laminar support 2 on any surface to clean/disinfect, in a manner such that the product (suitably activated by water, which acts as a carrier) can effectively exert its function.
The same effect can also be obtained by wiping/rubbing the first surface 2a (or the second surface 2b) of the laminar support 2 on a moist surface.
It is noted here that the activation of the cleansing/disinfecting product in contact with water or with moist surfaces determines the uniform distribution thereof over the entire surface to be treated, since water acts as a carrier: hence, in this sense all the solutions illustrated in figures 3-6 can be equally effective.
In some embodiments of the invention, the product 1 could also be rinsed after the first use, in which the cleansing/disinfecting product had been activated.
The rinsing carried out after the first use allows cleaning the surfaces 2a,2b of the laminar support 2 of the product 1, and if desired possible residues of cleansing/disinfecting product can also be eliminated in order to be able to clean consequently again the surface to be treated simply with water.
This action is particularly effective if the laminar support 2 of the product 1 is made of a material not intended to be dissolved in contact with water (as typically occurs with toilet paper or the like).
In some applications, it may be necessary to use a yielding laminar support 2 made of a material that allows receiving/absorbing a greater amount of cleansing/disinfecting product, for example in order to achieve product structures like those according to the embodiments of figures 5 and 6.
For such purpose, the use of a yielding laminar support 2 made of "air laid" or other similar material could be particularly effective.
In the preceding description, it is assumed that the layer 7 of cleansing/disinfecting product is only applied on one of the surfaces 2a,2b of the yielding laminar support 2.
In other embodiments of the invention, the layer 7 of cleansing/disinfecting product could be applied both on the first surface 2a and on the second surface 2b of the yielding laminar support 2, for example on the first surface 2a.
The present invention also concerns an apparatus 10 for manufacturing the hygienic product 1 whose features were disclosed above.
The apparatus 10 comprises at least one station 11 for applying, on at least one of the surfaces 2a,2b of the yielding laminar support 2, at least one layer 7 of at least one cleansing/disinfecting product, adapted to be activated in contact with water or with moist surfaces.
In addition, the apparatus 10 comprises means for advancing the yielding laminar support 2 in the form of continuous strip 12, which crosses the aforesaid application station 11.
According to one aspect of the invention, the application station 11 of the apparatus 10 comprises at least one distribution chamber 13 for the cleansing/disinfecting product.
The application station 11 also comprises means 14 for feeding the cleansing/disinfecting product towards the distribution chamber 13.
The application station 11 also comprises means 15,16 for drawing the cleansing/disinfecting product from the chamber 13, and for applying it on at least one of the surfaces 2a,2b of the continuous strip 12.
The drawing and applying means 15,16 are of roller type.
The aforesaid drawing and applying means 15,16 comprise, in one embodiment of the invention, at least one drawing roller 15, for drawing the cleansing/disinfecting product from the distribution chamber 13.
In addition, the drawing and applying means 15,16 comprise at least one cliché roller 16.
The cliché roller 16 is in rolling contact with the drawing roller 15, in order to apply the cleansing/disinfecting product itself on at least one of the surfaces 2a,2b of the yielding laminar element 2, e.g. on the first surface 2a of the continuous strip 12 that crosses the application station 11.
It is specified that, if the product 1 is provided in roll form 3 (as in the embodiment of figure 1), the continuous strip 12 on which the layer 7 of cleansing/disinfecting product is applied will, in subsequent processing stations not represented in detail, be wound on itself, for example on a core, or even according to a coreless winding solution, hence to constitute the yielding laminar support 2 of the product 1 usable by the final user, with possible execution of pre-cuts 4 in order to allow the separation of single autonomously usable sheets 5.
If, however, the product 1 is provided in the form of tissues or wipes 6 (as in the embodiment of figure 2), the continuous strip 12 on which the layer 7 of cleansing/disinfecting product is applied will, in subsequent processing stations not represented in detail, be cut to size in order to achieve single yielding laminar supports 2 (i.e. which constitute the tissues or wipes 6), which will be subsequently stacked and packaged.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the drawing roller 15 and the cliché roller 16 are associated with respective drive means.
Such drive means are not represented in detail in the enclosed figures.
The drive means can for example comprise two motors, or two gear motor groups, respectively coupled to the rollers 15,16, and controlled by a same central control unit, which coordinates the operation thereof.
The drive means for the drawing roller 15 and the cliché roller 16 are controlled such that the rollers 15,16 themselves rotate at different speeds, such to be able to vary as desired the quantity of cleansing/disinfecting product transferred by the drawing roller 15 to the cliché roller 16.
This aspect will be better clarified hereinbelow.
According to one aspect of the invention, the drawing roller 15 is of the type having porous external surface, in order to ensure a uniform drawing of the cleansing/disinfecting product from the distribution chamber 13.
In one embodiment of the invention, the drawing roller 15 can be of the type known with the commercial name Anilox, which normally ensures a nominal flow rate ranging from 10 cc/cm² to 40 cc/cm².
Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, the drawing roller 15 can be a lapped roller.
In other embodiments, the drawing roller 15 can be of any other type suitable for ensuring a uniform drawing of a certain flow rate of product from the distribution chamber 13.
The selection of the features of the drawing roller 15 depends on various factors, of which one of the main ones is undoubtedly the viscosity of the cleansing/disinfecting product that must be drawn from the distribution chamber. According to one aspect of the invention, the cliché roller 16 is covered with rubber, e.g. with 60 Pusey & Jones (PJ) hardness.
The cliché roller 16 can comprise a surface distribution of cells that allow an improved transportation and transfer of the cleansing/disinfecting product, or allow distributing the product preferably into certain zones of the yielding laminar support 2.
The cliché roller 16 is driven to rotate in a manner such that the peripheral speed of points of its external surface coincides with the advancing speed of the continuous strip 12: in other words, there is no relative sliding between the surface of the cliché roller 16 and the continuous strip 12 itself.
According to another aspect of the invention, the distribution chamber 13 has airtight seal.
The reasons for this particular expedient will be better clarified hereinbelow. According to still another aspect of the invention, the feeding means 14 of the cleansing/disinfecting product are of gravity type.
Feeding means 14 comprise, more particularly, at least one tank 17, containing the cleansing/disinfecting product.
The tank 17 is placed at a specific height H with respect to the distribution chamber 13.
It was determined that the optimal height H of the tank 17 with respect of the distribution chamber 13 is comprised between about 70 cm and about 200 cm, and it varies as a function of the viscosity of the cleansing/disinfecting product.
This ensures the obtainment of a specific hydrostatic pressure of the cleansing/disinfectant liquid at the distribution chamber 13.
Feeding means 14 also comprise at least a feeding manifold 18.
The feeding manifold 18 places the tank 17 in communication with the distribution chamber 13.
More particularly, and according to another aspect of the present invention, the feeding manifold 18 leads into a plurality of secondary pipes 19.
The secondary pipes 19 are in turn, communicating with the distribution chamber 13 at respective connection points 20 distributed along its width.
This expedient is schematically represented in figure 6.
The number of secondary pipes 19 used depends on the width of the apparatus 10, and/or on the width of the product 1 to be attained.
The connection points 20 between the secondary pipes 19 and the distribution chamber 13 are for example arranged along a row parallel to the axis of the rollers 15,16.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the feeding manifold 18 has variable section, in order to ensure uniform pressure in all zones of the distribution chamber 13, and in particular in all the secondary pipes 19 which communicate with the aforesaid distribution chamber 13.
The connection points 20 are positioned at mutual distances D selected in a manner such to obtain a distribution as uniform as possible of the cleansing/disinfecting product for the entire length of the drawing roller 15.
For example, in the embodiment illustrated in figure 6, the connection points 20 are arranged equidistant from each other, and positioned at a specific minimum distance D.
The minimum distance D can for example be about 10 cm; indeed, it was calculated that, independent of the features of the cleansing/disinfecting product, such minimum distance D still ensures a uniform distribution of the product itself over the entire length of the drawing roller 15.
In addition, this is the minimum distance D that ensures a uniform distribution of the cleansing/disinfecting product over the entire length of the drawing roller 15 even in the case of possible obstruction - partial or complete - of one of the secondary pipes 19.
According to another aspect of the invention, the application station 11 of the apparatus 10 comprises winding means 21 of the continuous strip 12 around the cliché roller 16 for a predetermined winding angle α.
The winding of the continuous strip 12 around the cliché roller 16 for a certain angle α allows obtaining the optimal distribution and application of the cleansing/disinfecting product on at least one of the surfaces 2a,2b of the continuous strip 12 (e.g. the first surface 2a).
In other words, such winding allows making a contact - between the surface of the cliché roller 16 that carries the product, and the continuous strip 12 - that is sufficiently extended, for a sufficient time interval, so that there can be the effective transfer of the product from the cliché roller 16 to the continuous strip 12, according to the desired modes.
The selection of the aforesaid winding angle α depends on various parameters, such as the material constituting the continuous strip 12, the features of the cleansing/disinfecting product, and still other parameters.
It was calculated that such winding angle α can vary between 15° and 90°, in relation at least to the above-listed parameters.
In one embodiment of the invention, it was determined that the optimal value for the winding angle α is fixed at about 60°.
More particularly, the winding means 21 comprise a fixed roller 22.
The fixed roller 22 is positioned downstream of the cliché roller 16 with reference to the advancement direction of the continuous strip 12 (indicated by the arrow F in figure 7).
In addition, the winding means 21 comprise an adjustable roller 23.
The adjustable roller 23 is positioned upstream of the cliché roller 16 with reference to the advancement direction of the continuous strip 12.
Therefore, the continuous strip 12 is wound, in succession, around the adjustable roller 23, around the cliché roller 16 and around the fixed roller 22, according to the path schematized in figure 7.
The adjustable roller 23 allows attaining the correct tension on the continuous strip 12 in order to achieve the desired winding angle α of the continuous strip 12 itself around the cliché roller 16.
According to one aspect of the invention, the adjustable roller 23 is associated with respective translation means 24, according to a direction substantially orthogonal to the advancing direction F of the continuous strip 12.
The translation means 24, as schematically shown in figure 7, allow continuously varying the position of the adjustable roller 23 with respect of the position of the cliché roller 16, in order to achieve the desired winding angle α with precision. The translation means 24 can for example comprise a pneumatic linear actuator, or a hydraulic linear actuator, or an electric linear actuator.
Downstream of the fixed roller 22, a possible drying station can be provided, which is traversed by the continuous strip 12 after the application of the cleansing/disinfecting product.
If provided, the drying station allows bringing the continuous strip 12, with the layer 7 of cleansing/disinfecting product already applied thereon, to the desired dry state, or with the desired moisture content (e.g. around 4-5%, and in any case not greater than 10%).
The drying station can be for example of the type with heated rollers, or of another type suitable for the present application.
According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus 10 is installable, for example, in any paper manufacturing plant (possibly also already in existence and operating) or manufacturing plant of another suitable material for making the requested yielding laminar support 2 to achieve the desired product 1.
The means for advancing the continuous strip 12 through the application station 11 are not represented and described in detail since, as stated, in one embodiment of the invention the apparatus 10 is intended to be installed in the context of a more complex plant (e.g. a paper manufacturing plant) where means are already provided for advancing/driving the continuous strip 12 itself through the various production stations.
However, this does not mean that the apparatus 10 according to the invention cannot be provided in an autonomous version, i.e. not installed in a more complex plant that is possibly already in existence and operating.
In this case, the apparatus 10 can be provided with autonomous means for advancing the continuous strip 12 through the station 11 for applying the cleansing/disinfecting product.
The operation of the apparatus 10 according to the invention, in light of that described above, is quite evident.
The continuous strip 12 is made to advance through the application station 11 in the manner illustrated in figure 7.
The continuous strip 12, in its movement through the application station 11, winds around the cliché roller 16 according to the desired winding angle α.
As stated, the cliché roller 16 is driven such that the peripheral speed at its surface coincides with the advancing speed of the continuous strip 12.
The drawing roller 15, instead, is driven with a rotation speed different from that of the cliché roller 16.
More in detail, the peripheral speeds of the rollers 15,16, at the respective surfaces, are different: for example, the driving of the two rollers 15,16 can be controlled such that the peripheral speed of the drawing roller 15 is less than the peripheral speed of the cliché roller 16: this allows optimizing and making more efficient the transfer of the cleansing/disinfecting product from the drawing roller 15 to the cliché roller 16.
The cleansing/disinfecting product, collected in the tank 17, is fed via gravity through the feeding manifold 18; from the latter, it reaches the distribution chamber 15 through the secondary pipes 19.
As stated, the distribution chamber 13 has airtight seal.
This feature is very important since, during the distribution of the product on the drawing roller 15, the mixing of the cleansing/disinfecting product with air is precisely avoided.
It is clear that the latter phenomenon could be particularly harmful in the case of use of foaming products (e.g. soaps, detergents) due to the same nature thereof. Due to the particular structural solution employed for the feeding means 14, the mixing of the product with air is precisely prevented also in all other zones of the fluid descent path, i.e. in particular in tank 17, along the feeding manifold 18 and along secondary pipes 19.
In one embodiment of the invention, also the tank 17 for the cleansing/disinfecting product can be made with airtight seal.
In addition, the tank 17 could be communicating with suction means that provide for eliminating the air possibly present at its interior, i.e. means for creating the vacuum within tank 17.
The particular structural solution employed for the feeding means 14 - i.e. with gravity feed mode - allows completely avoiding the use of pumping means for transporting the cleansing/disinfecting product towards the distribution chamber 13: also this expedient allows completely eliminating the risk that foam is formed along the feeding means 14, if the product fed is of foaming type.
As stated, the product within the distribution chamber 13 is drawn by the drawing roller 15 with the desired flow rate, and it is transferred by contact to the cliché roller 16.
From the latter, the product is transferred on the continuous strip 12, which as stated winds around the cliché roller 16 with the desired winding angle α.
The transfer of the product from the cliché roller 16 to the continuous strip 12 occurs with modalities that depend on the features of the rollers 15,16: for example, it is possible to carry out a uniform or substantially uniform transfer, or point, spot or strip transfer, or combinations of the latter, in relation to the specific needs. After the surface application of the cleansing/disinfecting product, the continuous strip 12 can be subjected to possible drying in order to bring its moisture content to values around 4-5%, and in any case not greater than 10%.
After this, the continuous strip 12 is subjected to a further processing in order to define the configuration of the final product 1.
For example, the continuous strip 12 can be cut in order to achieve continuous strips of small size to be wound again in rolls or reels, or pre-cuts 4 can be made along the strip which allow separating single autonomously usable sheets 5; or the continuous strip 12 can be completely cut, at regular distances, in a manner so as to obtain single sheets/tissues/wipes 6.
The product 1 thus obtained can then be suitably packed in order to be stored and/or transferred towards the distribution points.
It is thus seen that the invention achieves the proposed purposes.
The hygienic product 1 according to the present invention constitutes an excellent alternative to wet wipes from many points of view.
Indeed, as clarified above, this is a lighter, less-expensive and greener product whose features are maintained unaltered over time without having to use particular sealed packages.
The product is also obtained with a structurally simple and inexpensive apparatus, which can also be installed in production plants that are already in existence and operating.
In particular, the feeding of the cleansing/disinfecting product to the application station 11 achieved via gravity, without pumping means and with an airtight distribution chamber 13 allows, on one hand, to contain the plant costs, and on the other hand allows prevent foam formation problems, which are particularly felt since the product is only constituted by an active principle or by mixtures of active principles.
The present invention was described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variants can be conceived without departing from the scope offered by the following claims.

Claims

Hygienic product (1), comprising at least a yielding laminar support (2) provided with a first surface (2a) and with a second surface (2b) that are opposite each other, at least one of which intended for contact with surfaces to clean and/or hygienize, characterized in that on at least one of said surfaces (2a,2b), at least one layer (7;7,7a;7a) of at least one cleansing/disinfecting product is applied, adapted to be activated in contact with water or with moist surfaces, said hygienic product (1) being provided in dry state or with a maximum moisture content of about 10%.
Product according to claim 1, wherein said cleansing/disinfecting product is entirely constituted by at least one active principle, or by a mixture of active principles.
Product according to one of the claims 1,2, wherein said layer (7;7,7a;7a) of cleansing/disinfecting product is applied in a uniform or substantially uniform manner on said surface (2a,2b), or said layer (7;7,7a;7a) is applied on said surface (2a,2b) in a non-uniform manner according to a point or spot or strip distribution, or a combination of these distributions.
Product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said layer (7,7a;7a) is partially or completely incorporated in the thickness of said yielding laminar support (2).
Product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said yielding laminar support (2) is made of paper, or "air-laid" type paper, or non-woven fabric.
Product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said layer (7;7,7a;7a) of cleansing/disinfecting product is soluble in water and is applied in a quantity variable between 1 g/m² and 10 g/m² in dry state.
Product according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said yielding laminar support (2) is provided in roll form (3), or tissue form, wipe form (6) or the like.
Apparatus (10) for manufacturing a hygienic product (1) according to one of the claims 1-7, comprising at least one station (11) for applying said layer (7;7,7a;7a) on said surface (2a,2b), means for advancing said yielding laminar support (2) in the form of a continuous strip (12) that crosses said application station (11), said application station (11) comprising at least one airtight distribution chamber (13) for the cleansing/disinfecting product, feeding means (14) of the product towards said distribution chamber (13) and means (15,16) for drawing the product from said chamber (13) and for applying it on said surface (2a,2b) of said continuous strip (12).
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said drawing and applying means (15,16) are of roller type and comprise at least one drawing roller (15) for drawing product from said distribution chamber (13), and at least one cliché roller (16), in rolling contact with said drawing roller (15), for applying the product on said surface (2a,2b) of said continuous strip (12).
Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said drawing roller (15) and said cliché roller (16) are associated with respective controlled drive means such that said rollers (15,16) rotate at different speeds, so as to be able to vary as desired the amount of product transferred by said drawing roller (15) to said cliché roller (16).
Apparatus according to one of claims 8-10, wherein said feeding means (14) are of gravity type and comprise at least one tank (17), containing the product, placed at a specific height (H) with respect to said distribution chamber (13), and at least one feeding manifold (18) which places said tank (17) in communication with said distribution chamber (13).
Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said feed manifold (18) leads into a plurality of secondary pipes (19) in turn communicating with said distribution chamber (13) at respective connection points (20) distributed along its width, said feeding manifold (18) having variable section in order to ensure uniform pressure in all zones of said distribution chamber (13).
Apparatus according to one of the claims 8-12, wherein said application station (11) comprises winding (21) of the continuous strip (12) around said cliché roller (16) for a predetermined winding angle (α).
Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein said winding means (21) comprise a fixed roller (22) positioned downstream of said cliché roller (16) with reference to the advancement direction of the continuous strip (12), and an adjustable roller (23) positioned upstream of said cliché roller (16) with reference to the advancement direction of the continuous strip (12), said continuous strip (12) being wound in succession on said fixed roller (22), on said cliché roller (16) and on said adjustable roller (23), said adjustable roller (23) allowing the obtainment of the correct tension on the continuous strip (12) in order to achieve the desired winding angle (α).
Apparatus according to one of the claims 11-14, wherein said tank (17) has airtight seal, and/or said tank (17) is in communication with suction means which create the vacuum at its interior.