IES84253Y1 - An absorbent article - Google Patents
An absorbent article Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- IES84253Y1 IES84253Y1 IE2005/0227A IE20050227A IES84253Y1 IE S84253 Y1 IES84253 Y1 IE S84253Y1 IE 2005/0227 A IE2005/0227 A IE 2005/0227A IE 20050227 A IE20050227 A IE 20050227A IE S84253 Y1 IES84253 Y1 IE S84253Y1
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- IE
- Ireland
- Prior art keywords
- web
- absorbent article
- liquid
- absorbent
- hair
- Prior art date
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- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 66
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 66
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000004698 Polyethylene (PE) Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 abstract description 11
- 239000006210 lotion Substances 0.000 abstract description 10
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 53
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 29
- 229920000297 Rayon Polymers 0.000 description 26
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 23
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 19
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 19
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 19
- 239000002964 rayon Substances 0.000 description 15
- 210000002832 Shoulder Anatomy 0.000 description 12
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 11
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 11
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 11
- 241000681094 Zingel asper Species 0.000 description 9
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 9
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Chemical compound O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 208000009874 Lice Infestations Diseases 0.000 description 7
- 241000517307 Pediculus humanus Species 0.000 description 7
- 239000003513 alkali Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 7
- 125000001145 hydrido group Chemical group *[H] 0.000 description 7
- 230000002633 protecting Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000000149 penetrating Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 5
- ZOOODBUHSVUZEM-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethoxymethanedithioic acid Chemical compound CCOC(S)=S ZOOODBUHSVUZEM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- OZAIFHULBGXAKX-UHFFFAOYSA-N precursor Substances N#CC(C)(C)N=NC(C)(C)C#N OZAIFHULBGXAKX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000118 hair dye Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 206010061217 Infestation Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 210000003491 Skin Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- QGJOPFRUJISHPQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon bisulphide Chemical compound S=C=S QGJOPFRUJISHPQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000002791 soaking Methods 0.000 description 3
- HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+] HEMHJVSKTPXQMS-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 229920003043 Cellulose fiber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000126 Latex Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000006065 biodegradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000006071 cream Substances 0.000 description 2
- 201000009910 diseases by infectious agent Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 125000002887 hydroxy group Chemical group [H]O* 0.000 description 2
- 230000000749 insecticidal Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 description 2
- PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L na2so4 Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000001520 Comb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000001624 Hip Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfuric acid Chemical compound OS(O)(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NWONKYPBYAMBJT-UHFFFAOYSA-L Zinc sulfate Chemical compound [Zn+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O NWONKYPBYAMBJT-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010420 art technique Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000020127 ayran Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002585 base Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003518 caustics Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015271 coagulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005345 coagulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000354 decomposition reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007872 degassing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002845 discoloration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002209 hydrophobic Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002917 insecticide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004900 laundering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006223 plastic coating Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004627 regenerated cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008929 regeneration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011069 regeneration method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005070 ripening Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052938 sodium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000011152 sodium sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003892 spreading Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001117 sulphuric acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000011149 sulphuric acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000009827 uniform distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 239000011686 zinc sulphate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000009529 zinc sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Abstract
ABSTRACT The invention provides a disposable absorbent article comprising a spun lace non- woven web and wherein the absorbent article is substantially moisture free. The use of a disposable spun lace non-woven web to produce absorbent articles such as towels, capes, etc., which have significant moisture absorbing capabilities, while being of significantly reduced weight and volume when compared with conventional woven cotton products or the like. The invention also provides a liquid proof surface, such as a plastic film, on one side of the web so that the disposable article absorbs liquid on one side only. The invention relates in particular to liquid or lotion applications applied to a person, for example in hair colouring applications.
Description
Title
An Absorbent Article
Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns an absorbent article such as a towel, turban, capes
or the like. In particular the invention relates to disposable absorbent articles.
Background to the Invention
Absorbent articles such as towels, capes, etc. are generally formed from woven
cotton or the like, and are used in a large number of commercial applications such
as in hairdressers, swimming pools, gyms, health spas, etc. Whilst such articles
perform satisfactorily, there are a number of drawbacks when using same.
The most common method of drying articles or persons or drying or absorbing
liquids and fluids involves the use of cloth and textile based materials. The
articles, in particular towels and robes, are generally quite bulky, and
consequently take up significant storage space. In addition, after each use, the
article must be washed and dried, and possibly ironed, before it can be re-used.
Widespread use of reusable textiles for all types of applications means that the
costs and environmental impact of constantly re-washing these is very high.
Furthermore, depending on the particular use required, issues of hygiene and
convenience also arise. In some situations a high level of time is also spent on
separating the textile items into various different batches which must then be
washed separately. Examples of this would be in a hairdressing situation were the
dye covered towels are washed separately or in a hospital where textiles must be
separated depending on the level and type of contamination. This process is
clearly time and labour intensive, and an improved alternative to such absorbent
articles is therefore highly desirable.
In order to overcome these drawbacks, more recently light paper based products
are often used in situations where the absorption required is small. However, these
products are not designed for second or prolonged use, as their level of
absorbency and ability to remain together when wet is not high. These products
are therefore used once, and disposed.
Some developments have taken place were by strands of plastic are woven into
the paper products to provide extra strength. However these disposable towels are
still not as soft to the touch, have limitations in absorbency and will lose strength
after absorbing liquid. These disposable towels do not use the 100% viscose
rayon.
One material known to have the properties of absorbency and strength when wet
is spun lace hydro entanglement rayon. It is known to use this material to provide
products that absorb liquid and hold the liquid within the material. However all
known products produced from this material are provided saturated with a liquid
i.e. in a wet state. Their purpose is to use the material to produce wet products.
In hair dye or other liquid lotion applications, for example head lice lotion applied
to an individual, typically involves the use of conventional towels draped around a
person in the form of a cape. However towels do not provide an effective neck
seal at front and back. Furthermore, towels are not effective at preventing colorant
seeping through onto the clothes or person. In addition, as the towels are not
disposable, colorant can damage or discolour the towels.
Additionally a significant amount of towels are required in the colouring
processing during hair dye applications. From the first washing of the hair,
through to the protecting of the customers clothes, through to the final rinsing of
the hair, a large quantity of individual towels are used. These towels can be
damaged or bleached by the colorant/dye becoming patchy and unsightly. They
can also require separate washing, thereby increasing the labour and costs
involved in running separate systems. Sometimes aprons or capes made from
plastic type materials are used to drape over the customers shoulders and tie
around the stylist. These will stop the colorant from soaking through to the clothes
of either person. However, as they have no absorbent properties, and the material
is smooth it causes the excess colorant to form droplets, which can then run onto
clothes or floor area. It is also known to use plastic caps placed over the head in
hair dye applications. Prior art caps consists of people either using a normal towel
for wrapping and tying up their hair, a textile based head turban or a plastic cap.
Such caps are generally reusable and not disposable. They are also bulky and
more awkward to attach. If a colorant is being used, it will also stain the textile
material. This makes the textile material unsightly for future use.
US Patent Publication No. US20030029872 entitled “Spill preventing paper
holder for use during hair dye applications” attempts to overcome the problem
associated with towels by providing a neck seal. A plastic spill prevention paper
holder is described, which comprises a tray fitted around the neck. The tray is
adapted to enable a sheet of paper to be placed into it in order to soak up any
spillages. However, when compared to the cape made from the absorbent article
of the present invention, it will be appreciated that a technique which requires the
tray to be loaded with a sheet of paper results is a much more awkward, messy
and ineffective technique. Other known capes used re made of plastic only.
However while such capes prevent seepage, they do not absorb. The fact that there
is no absorption can cause the dye or liquid to run off the plastic onto clothes or
the floor.
A problem with head lice lotion is the danger of cross contamination when towels
are used to dry ones hair. Head lice treatments are insecticidal in nature, so it is
preferable not to have these chemicals spreading onto other surfaces or people
beyond what is intended. There is also the problem of the possibility of cross or
continued infection carrying on from the first infestation.
The present invention seeks to overcome the problems associated with existing
absorbent articles.
Summafl of Invention
The present invention provides, as set out in the appended Claims, a disposable
absorbent article comprising a spun lace non-woven web and wherein the
absorbent article is substantially moisture free.
Preferably a liquid proof membrane layer is provided on one surface of the web.
The liquid proof membrane layer may comprise of a plastic film layer or a layer of
polyethylene film
Preferably the content of the web comprises between 50 and 100% rayon and up
to 30% polyester.
Ideally the web is formed by hydro entanglement.
Suitably the web has a density of between 30 and 80 g/m2.
Preferably the web is formed from hydrophilic fibres.
Ideally the web is impregnated with a dye retainer or the like. The dye retainer
absorbs any dye in the web and prevents dye from penetrating through the
disposable absorbent article.
Suitably the web is formed from a recyclable material.
Preferably the absorbent article maybe one of the following: a towel, a turban, a
glove, a cape, a cap,’ an apron or a mat.
Ideally the cape is adapted to fit around the neck of a user.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of
an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 illustrates one use of an absorbent article according to one aspect of the
present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a second use of an absorbent article according to another
aspect of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a third use of an absorbent article according to a further aspect
of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates fourth use of an absorbent article according to another aspect
of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The present invention will now be described in detail. The present invention
provides a novel application of a material, in particular the use of a spun lace non-
woven web to produce absorbent articles such as towels, capes, etc., in order to
produce products which have significant moisture absorbing capabilities, while
being of significantly reduced weight and volume when compared with
conventional woven cotton products or the like.
The fibres chosen to produce the spun lace web will determine the characteristics
of the finished fabric. The fabric will generally be a mixture of cellulose and
synthetic fibres, such as nylon, acrylic, or polyethylene.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the web is made of between
50% and 100% rayon fibres spun into the web by means of hydro entanglement.
The process of making viscose rayon involves several steps. Firstly, the cellulose
pulp is steeped by immersing it in liquid sodium hydroxide at a temperature of
18c to 25c. This process swells the cellulose fibres and converts the cellulose to
alkali cellulose.
The swollen alkali cellulose mass is then pressed to a wet equivalent of
approximately 3 times the original pulp weight, so as to obtain an accurate ratio of
alkali to cellulose.
Next, the pressed alkali cellulose is shredded mechanically to give finely divided
particles. This step provides an increased surface area of alkali cellulose, and
results in an increase in its ability to react during the next steps of the process.
After pressing, the alkali cellulose is aged under controlled conditions of time and
temperature. in order to depolymerise the cellulose. During this stage of the
process the average weight of each molecule of pulp will be reduced, the object
being to provide a viscose solution with the ratio of viscosity and cellulose
concentrate .
The aged alkali cellulose pieces, called “crumbs“, are then placed in storage
containers and allowed to react with carbon disulphide to form cellulose xanthate.
The crumb is dissolved in a liquid caustic solution. The large xanthate particles
attached to the cellulose force the fibres apart, reducing the strength of the group
of fibres thereby allowing water molecules to separate the chains, leading to
solution of an other wise insoluble cellulose.
The viscose is then allowed to ripen for a period of time. During ripening two
important processes occur, namely redistribution, and the loss of the xanthate
groups. The reversible xanthation reaction allows some of the xanthate groups to
revert to cellulosic hydroxyls and free CS2. This free CS2 can then escape or react
with other hydroxyl on the other portions of the cellulose chain. The crystalline
structure is thus gradually broken down and a more complete solution is achieved.
The solubility of the cellulose is reduced, and this facilitates the regeneration of
the cellulose after it is formed into a filament.
In order to remove undissolved materials, the viscose is then filtered. If it were not
filtered at this stage, the undissolved materials would disrupt the spinning process.
This could cause possible defects in the rayon filament.
The next step of the process is the removal of bubbles of air trapped in the viscose
by degassing. These air bubbles would cause weakness in the fine filaments if
they were not removed.
The viscose solution is then fed into a spin bath containing sulphuric acid, sodium
sulphate and zinc sulphate. This results in the rapid coagulation of the rayon
filament. This is followed by simultaneous stretching and decomposition of
cellulose xanthate to regenerated cellulose.
The rayon filaments are then stretched while the cellulose chains are still
relatively supple. This causes the chains to stretch out and orient along the axis of
the fibre.
The freshly regenerated rayon contains many impurities which need to be
removed. There exist a number of different washing techniques which may be
used to remove these.
Finally, a group of filaments is passed through a cutter to provide a fibre which is
then ready for processing.
Once the fibre web is formed, it is consolidated. This is achieved by mechanical
bonding the web by the method of hydro entanglement. This entangles the fibres
to give strength to the web.
The process of hydroentanglement of the web utilises jets of water at high speed,
directed against a web of fibres, such that the fibres are tangled or knotted about
one another. This involves a number of sequential steps, namely the initial
formation of a precursor web, the subsequent entanglement of the web, the
circulation of water out of the web, and finally the drying of the web. The
precursor web may be an air laid or carded web (a “dry laid” web), or may
alternatively be a wet laid web. The precursor web is generally first wetted and
compacted in order to reduce or eliminate any air pockets which may be contained
therein.
Once the precursor web has been so pretreated, it is then exposed to an array of
water jets, whose pressure will normally increase from the leading to the trailing
edge of the array of water jets. The action of the waterjets striking the web forces
the fibres to become entangled. The precursor web will normally be drawn over a
conveying roller, which is generally wire or mesh like in form, and across which a
negative pressure is applied in order to draw the used water from the web, in order
to prevent flooding of the web, which would reduce the entanglement effect of the
water jets thereon.
The fabric or web will nonnally be passed over a second conveying roller,
exposing the reverse side of the fabric, in order to effect entanglement of same.
These steps may be repeated a number of times until the desired level of
entanglement has been achieved. The web can be impregnated with a dye retainer
or the like. The dye retainer absorbs any dye absorbed by the web and prevents
dye from penetrating through the disposable absorbent article.
The entangled web is then de-watered by passing through a suitable de-watering
device, following which the fabric is dried.
The above produced spun lace fabric has a number of beneficial properties which
make it suitable for use to produce absorbent articles. Its properties include high
strength and conformability. In particular, spun lace produced fabrics possess the
property of substantial water absorption.
The spun lace fibre also has the added advantage of being soft and comfortable to
the skin. In addition, such fibres easily absorb dye and drape easily and naturally.
Furthermore, these fibres provide an even and uniform distribution of additives
throughout the whole of the fibre structure, when compared to other materials,
which would only allow the additives onto the surface. This material also has the
added benefit of being recyclable and bio-degradable.
For the application of spun lace webs to the manufacture of absorbent articles, use
of hydrophilic fibres is greatly preferred, obviously due to their water retention
capabilities. However, it has also surprisingly been found that hydrophilic fibres
entangle more easily than hydrophobic fibres, due to the higher drag forces
therebetween. It has however been found that the greater the hydroentangling
energy used, and therefore the greater the entanglement of the fibres forming the
web, the lesser the absorbent capacity of the web.
The dried fabric manufactured using the above described process may be cut to
any desired shape to form a particular absorbent articles. It will be appreciated
that any type of article may be made which would benefit from the properties of
the absorbent material. A number of embodiments of absorbent articles in
accordance with the present invention are now described.
One article which may be made using the above described spun lace material is a
disposable towel, as illustrated in Figure 1 used for drying hair. The towel is made
of between 50 and 100% viscose rayon material and is made by means of the
above described spun lace hydro entanglement. This will give the towels all the
properties of both the material used, and the method used in its production, as
mentioned above, namely high absorbency, strength, softness and natural
drapability. The use of 100% viscose rayon specification will give the highest
absorption while maintaining strength. It has been found that using viscose rayon
of below 50% is not suitable to provide sufficient absorption. The towel can be
cut to any desired size and folded in any means suitable for its end use or
packaging requirements.
Another article which may be made using the above described spun lace material
is a head wrap/turban as illustrated in Figure 2. A towel may also be used as a
modified turban. Such a head wrap/turban may be used for example after washing
hair and/or colouring hair.
The turban can be made from 100% viscose rayon material made by means of
spun lace hydro entanglement for maximum absorption. The turban is designed,
cut and shaped to fit a person’s head, as illustrated in Figure 2. The hair is held up
by means of attachment at either the front or the back. The wrap has an elasticated
bottom rim to allow a seal (not shown) be created around the hairline. This
product enables hair to be tied up comfortably and safely, while at the same time
acting to absorb any liquid still contained within the hair.
It will be appreciated that this head wrap made of this absorbent material provides
a number of advantages over existing head wraps. Typical head wraps are in the
form of textile based head turban, or involve people using a normal towel and
wrapping it up. In contrast to the head wrap made of the absorbent material of the
present invention, these prior art turbans are not disposable, and are also more
bulky and awkward to attach. Furthermore, if a colorant is being used on the head
prior to the fitting of the head wrap, it will also stain the textile material making it
unsightly for future use.
Due to its disposability, the head wrap of Figure 2 made of the absorbent material
of the present invention also has applications in situations where something has
been in contact with the hair, which it is not desirable to have passed on, for
example, head lice chemical treatment. These head wraps can be used effectively
and safely, and then be disposed of. This therefore does away with any potential
for cross contamination.
Another article incorporating the material of the present invention is a cap. The
cap can be designed, cut and shaped to fit all head sizes. It allows hair to be
wrapped up into it and held up by means of an elastic rim along the base of the
cap that will create a seal along the hairline.
Such a cap is suitable for example for washing hair and/or colouring hair. It
allows the hair to be tied up comfortably and safely while at the same time acting
to absorb any liquid still contained within the hair.
Furthermore, due to its disposability, the cap will also have applications in
situations where something has been in contact with the hair, which it is not
desirable to have passed on for example, head lice chemical treatment. In this
case, the cap can be used effectively and safely, and then be disposed of, thereby
doing away with any potential for cross contamination.
In one embodiment of the absorbent articles of the present invention, the property
that spun lace materials can be impregnated with various chemicals or coated in a
variety of ways is made use of in the design of the absorbent articles. In
accordance with this embodiment, a thin film of plastic type material is coated on
one surface of the spun lace fibre material, so as to form a liquid proof membrane
on one side, while maintaining absorbency on the other. In essence, such an
absorbent article is made of two layers of material. One side of such an absorbent
article is made of spun lace rayon. This side is therefore highly absorbent, soft to
the touch and strong when wet. The other side of the absorbent article is provided
a layer of PE (polyethylene) film, heat sealed onto the rayon layer. This layer will
act as a liquid resistant layer preventing liquid, especially colorant/dye from
penetrating through the material.
One such absorbent article which may be coated in this way is a dye resistant
shoulder cape, as illustrated in Figure 3. The cape is draped over the shoulders of
a person or individual. The absorbent material of the cape is provided on one side
with a layer of PE film, forming a liquid resistant layer. The shoulder cape is
designed and shaped to fit neatly and comfortably around the neck, and drape
naturally over the shoulders, providing the best level of protection from liquid,
such as dripping colorant, as illustrated in Figure 3.
In the preferred embodiment of the shoulder cape, the neck cut out of the cape is
set back into the body of the cape with the ability to pull the front sides of the
cape tighter to the neck, in order to create a good seal. A double sided pull off
sticking device is attached to one side of the cape neck seal (not shown). The
sticking device can be moved in or out, in order to provide an adjustable means of
fitting the cape comfortably to an individual neck.
The production of the cape from the absorbent article of the present invention
results in a highly effective means of trapping liquid as it drips from hair when
compared to prior art techniques. The cape made from the absorbent material of
the present invention will absorb the liquid into the spun lace layer, thus
preventing it from soaking through onto the clothes or body of the person, while
the plastic coating prevents the liquid from penetrating right through the article.
Another application which is suitable for incorporating the absorbent material of
the present invention is a dye resistant placement mat. As is the case with the
shoulder cape, it comprises two layers of material. One side will consist of 100%
spun lace rayon. This side will be highly absorbent, soft to the touch, and strong
when wet. The other side will consist of a layer of PE (polyethylene) film heat
sealed onto the rayon layer. This layer will act as a liquid resistant layer
preventing liquid, especially colorant/dye from penetrating through.
The mat can be of any size or shape depending on the end usage. The absorbent
side is adapted to be placed face up, while the resistant side is adapted to be
placed face down onto the surface. This allows colorant bottles, gloves, combs
and any other implement contaminated with colorant or other liquid to be placed
onto the mat. This mat incorporating the absorbent material of the present
invention has numerous benefits when compared to prior art products. The mat is
illustrated in Figure 3 with the bottle placed on top.
The mat prevents liquid from seeping through onto the work surface thereby
avoiding any damage or discoloration to work surfaces of a particular area.
Furthermore, the mat can simply be disposed of when it is no longer required,
leaving the work surface/area clean and damage free.
Another product incorporating the material of the present invention is an apron
(not shown). As was the case with the shoulder cape and the dye resistant mat, the
apron is made of two layers of material, with one side consisting of spun lace
rayon providing a highly absorbent, soft to the touch and strong when wet
material, and with the other side consisting of a layer of PE film, heat sealed onto
the rayon layer, which acts as a liquid resistant layer.
The apron is designed with a neck strap for hanging around the head and straps for
fastening around the waist of a user. The dye / liquid absorbing layer will be on
the outside, in order to catch the liquids, while the resistant layer will be on the
inside to protect the clothes of the person.
The apron incorporating the absorbent material of the present invention is highly
absorbent, strong, soft to the touch, comfortable to wear, disposable and
biodegradable. Consequently, it is highly effective at trapping colorant/dye/liquid
as it drips from hair, absorbing the liquid into the spun lace layer, while
preventing it from soaking through onto the clothes or body of the stylist. The
apron can be disposed of at the end of a working day or after a single use.
Another application incorporating the material of the present invention is a mitt or
glove. As in the case of a number of the previously described applications, the
mitt using the absorbent material of the present invention is made up of two layers
of material. One side will consist of spun lace rayon, to provide a side which is
highly absorbent, soft to the touch, and strong when wet. The other side will
consist of a layer of PE film heat sealed onto the rayon layer. This layer will act as
a liquid resistant layer preventing liquid, especially colorant/dye from penetrating
through.
The mitt of the present invention is provided with the resistant layer on the inside
to protect the hands of the person applying the process. The outer layer of the mitt
is absorbent. This absorbent layer will soak up the item being applied, for example
tanning cream, sometimes called ‘fake’ tan. In addition, it also allows the applier
to distribute the substance evenly and cleanly to the surface without getting their
hands covered in the substance.
Alternatively, the mitt can be inverted for different applications so that the soft
side is touching the hand and the resistant side is placed on the outside, blocking
seepage through to the hand but also not absorbing the material being applied.
This would be appropriate when applying an expensive lotion where it is not
desired to waste by absorbing it into the material.
The mitt of the absorbent material of the present invention provides a number of
advantages when compared to prior art mitts. Typically, ordinary latex, plastic, or
vinyl gloves would be used to apply the dye or tanning lotions. The feel and touch
of plastic/latex gloves on the skin is not very pleasant and the lotion can be wasted
by getting trapped in between the fingers. In contrast, the resistant mitt ensures
less wastage of lotion, nicer touch on skin and no more dyed or tanned palms of
the person applying the lotions.
Thus the use of hydroentangled webs for producing absorbent articles results in a
product which is extremely compact and light weight, yet highly absorbent, and
which has significant strength and pliability.
In addition, if such products are to be used for producing, for example, capes and
aprons, the fabric may be impregnated with a dye retainer or the like. The
properties of this spun lace material enable a thin film of plastic type material to
be coated on one surface of the spun lace fibre material, so as to form a liquid
proof membrane on one side, while maintaining absorbency on the other.
Once an article formed from such hydroentangled fabric has been used once, it
can simply be discarded, thereby avoiding the need for the cost and time
consuming process of laundering the products, for re-use. As a result of the fibres
used to form the hydro entangled webs, the articles may be recycled, thereby
avoiding the production of waste. Finally, the articles can be reproduced relatively
cheaply.
As described above, the absorbent material of the present invention can be used to
provide a number of articles. It will be appreciated that a number of these articles
could be provided together in a convenience pack suitable for use in a particular
application.
For example, one pack could comprise a disposable kit used in the process of
colouring hair in a non-professional setting. This pack is not a means of actually
colouring the hair, but rather a means of controlling the environment in which the
process is done and, upon completion, allowing for the items to be disposed of
safely and hygienically.
The contents of the kit or pack may comprise a towel, dye resistant shoulder cape.
dye resistant mat and a head wrap, all made from the absorbent material. The
towel or a number of towels would be suitable for use both after the initial wash,
and after washing the excess colorant from the hair. The dye resistant cape
protects the person and their clothes from the dye. The placement mat allows all
the components of the process to be placed onto an area, thereby capturing any
excess dye. The head wrap allows the coloured hair to be tied up safely while
allowing the person to move around freely until the colorant sets into the hair. The
pack or kit makes the process of home colouring of hair easier and more
accessible.
Another disposable pack could consist of a disposable pack or kit used when
colouring hair in a professional situation like a hair salon. This pack is not a
means of actually colouring the hair but rather a means of controlling the
environment in which the process is done and upon completion allowing for the
items to be disposed of safely and hygienically. This type of pack may contain
towels, a dye resistant shoulder cape, a dye resistant placement mat, a cap and an
apron.
The purpose of the pack is to allow a hair stylist to have a single kit available
when colouring hair. This single pack gives a complete set of disposable,
protective and absorbent items minimising the mess and follow up cleaning
associated with colouring hair. These items used together will effectively protect
both the customer and the stylist from the colorant and will contain the colorant
within the area of the process. These items can then be simply disposed of.
The set of items in the pack allows a normally messy process to be managed in an
easy, hygienic and convenient manner, protecting both parties involved and
containing effectively any possible spread of the colorant beyond the specific area
of operation.
Another pack of the present invention is suitable for treating hair/head lice. This
pack is not a means of treating the actual condition but again provides a means of
controlling the environment in which the treatment is conducted. These items are
completely disposable thereby allowing all the items used in the treatment to be
disposed of safely and hygienically. This also ensures that there is no chance of
cross or continued infection carrying on from the first infestation.
This pack may contain towels, shoulder cape, cap and placement mat. The towels
are used instead of normal household towels, thus keeping the infestation away
from the normal laundry. The shoulder cape acts as a barrier protecting the users
clothes and the area around them. After the treatment has been shampooed into
the hair, it must be allowed time to work. During this time the elasticated cap is
placed on the head to prevent dripping and to absorb any of the insecticide liquid.
The placement mat allows an area for the items used in the process to be safely
placed upon.
This pack allows the head lice treatment process to be controlled and contained
within a set area using a designed set of tools to make this possible. The complete
application can now be carried out safely and hygienically. When complete, the
whole pack or kit can be disposed of preventing any further concerns about cross
contamination.
Another kit could comprise disposable towel items used when applying self
tanning lotion or tanning cream to the body. It will be appreciated that the above
described articles and kits serve as examples only for articles and kits, which
could be made of the absorbent material of the present invention.
The words “comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including" when used
herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of
stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence
or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups
thereof.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, which
may be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
Claims (5)
1. A disposable absorbent article comprising a spun lace non-woven web and wherein the absorbent article is substantially moisture free and a liquid proof membrane layer is provided on one surface of the web.
2. A disposable absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 wherein the liquid proof membrane layer comprises a plastic film layer or a layer of polyethylene film and the web is impregnated with a dye retainer.
3. A disposable absorbent article as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the absorbent article is one of the following: a towel, a turban, a glove, a mitt, a mat, a cap, a cape 01‘ an flpf()l’l.
4. A kit comprising a pack having one or more of the absorbent articles as claimed in any ofclaims l to 3.
5. A disposable absorbent article as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying description and/or drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IEIRELAND16/04/20042004/0267 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
IE20050227U1 IE20050227U1 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
IES84253Y1 true IES84253Y1 (en) | 2006-06-28 |
Family
ID=
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