JP2006175244A - Wiping device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wiping device, obtaining a fluid when desired and physically removing undesirable material from the surface to be purified. <P>SOLUTION: This wiping device includes: an arbitrary absorptive core and a thermoplastic sheet combined with an arbitrary liquid impermeable back sheet. The thermoplastic sheet is provided with a number of recessed parts including a capillary extended outward. In the absorptive core, one or more fluids are stored to facilitate and accelerate cleaning obtained by the wiping device to emit when necessary. When the recessed parts of the thermoplastic sheet come into contact with the surface to be purified to wipe across the surface, the recessed parts remove undesirable dust, excretion or blood. Selective emission of one or more fluid to the surface to be purified accelerates cleaning and/or gives odor and/or applies chemicals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid storage and application apparatus. In particular, the device is an advanced cleaning wiper or pad. The advanced wiper of the present invention can obtain a number of viscous fluids for cleaning or regenerating and removing soil from the surface to be cleaned. The wiper can also dispense alcohol, water, local anesthetics, biochemical agents, liquid agents, lotions, creams, and the like.

  Current technology for cleaning wipers utilizes a non-woven (NW) material saturated with a cleaning fluid contained within its associated container. The sheet of cleaning wiper is pulled through the hole and separated from the bundle of wipers in the container, for example by being cut at the perforations. The sheet is subsequently used to wipe and clean surfaces such as human skin. The sheet is typically thin, porous and allowed to drip the solution. Undesirable soil or residue to be cleaned from the target surface by the sheet is easily transmitted through the sheet to contact the user. Therefore, the action of actually removing the soil is more accomplished by the user's cupped hands than by the sheet. When the last sheet is removed from the container, about 100 grams (several ounces) of wasted liquid is left at the bottom. This wasted fluid means the introduction of additional undesired chemicals to the landfill when the container is finally processed, along with a more expensive expense to the manufacturer and end user.

  Another prior art wiper is constructed from an absorbent material wrapped in a small towel containing fluid. Such prior art packaging material is, for example, aluminum foil with a thermoplastic liner. Such packaging material is ideally impermeable to the fluid contained therein, as well as the vapors or gases formed therefrom. Such materials are also ideally impermeable to air and other materials that may otherwise contaminate fluids and absorbent materials contained within the package. However, once the package is opened or otherwise broken, the same problems outlined above exist for this prior art.

  Therefore, there is a need for an advanced wiper that can provide fluid when desired, can physically remove unwanted material from the surface to be cleaned, and is free of the above disadvantages.

  The present invention includes a liquid storage and coating apparatus comprising a sheet of porous thermoplastic film. The sheet preferably has two sides. The first side of the sheet includes a hole. Ideally, these holes are tapered capillaries that narrow at the periphery as they extend outward from the sheet. The second side of the sheet (opposite the outwardly extending tapered capillary) can be accommodated for subsequent release of viscous liquid as needed. The light pressure on the second side of the sheet pushes the contained fluid through the tapered capillary of the sheet, releases the fluid from the sheet, and supplies the fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The capillaries perform a second function in forming capillaries that also confine undesired substances (eg soil) that are removed from the surface to be cleaned.

  Preferably, the wiper according to the present invention includes an absorbent core containing a viscous liquid, a fluid-impermeable sheet disposed adjacent to one side of the core, and a porous disposed adjacent to the second side of the core. The second side is opposite to the side associated with the fluid-impermeable sheet. The holes in the plastic film form a number of small pockets extending from the absorbent core. A unique hollow volume formed between the male cup shapes of the plastic film acts as a non-friction wiping or collecting mechanism. The chimney-shaped holes between the spaces between the male cups of plastic film contain and discharge one or more fluids of various functions as required. One or more fluids are stored in the absorbent core and are released through the chimney-shaped holes via the pressure associated with the wiping action. The top layer, preferably composed of a solid film, prevents the user from transmitting any fluid and / or undesirable material.

  A more complete understanding of the improved wiping device of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  The preferred structure of the improved wiping device of the present invention comprises a sheet, provided with an absorbent core (eg, stuffing) on the top, and a solid or embossed liquid impervious sheet placed on the top. Yes. Absorbent cores are necessary to better clean the surface to be cleaned (e.g. degrease), impart aroma (e.g. fragrance), and treat with drugs (e.g. antibiotics, bactericides, anti-virus agents, etc.) Contain one or more fluids that can be released through the application of force by the user. Although one or more liquids have been described herein to help cleanse, impart fragrance, and apply the drug, improvements such as providing an identifying agent (eg, a colored dye) on the surface to be cleaned Can act for any other suitable purpose associated with the use of the wiped device 10 that has been made.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention is illustrated. The wiping device 10 has a sheet 12 of thermoplastic film. The sheet 12 includes a number of tapered capillaries 14 extending from the sheet 12. The tapered capillary 14 defines a number of recesses 16 on the first side of the sheet 12. The recess 16 provides a non-friction wiping property that removes undesirable material from the surface to be cleaned. The type of film used for the sheet 12 and the strength of the capillary 14 can be varied depending on the application of the wiping device. For example, a wiping device 10 intended for use in connection with cleaning infant skin needs to be very soft and gentle in its wiping action. However, if the wiping device 10 was intended for use as an adult hand cleaner, the film sheet 12 and capillary 14 should be designed to produce a stronger (eg, frictional) rubbing action. Can do. Examples of suitable films for sheet 12 are those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,351,784 and 4,535,020, the entire contents and disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  The film used as the sheet 12 preferably has a thickness of about 0.0003 to about 0.280 inches, and about 25.4 mm 2 of the film. Contains 5 to about 75000 capillaries. In a preferred construction, the film has a thickness of about 0.00008 to about 0.010 inches and about 50 to about 15000 per 25.4 mm square of film. Has a single capillary. The capillary 14 preferably has a diameter of about 0.001 to about 0.185 inches. Capillary 14 preferably extends from sheet 12 by a distance of about 0.003 to about 0.280 inches. In a preferred construction, the capillary 14 has a diameter of about 0.010 to about 0.075 inches and the capillary 14 is about 0.127 to 3.175 mm (about 0.127 to 3.175 mm) from the sheet 12. 0.005 to about 0.125 inches).

  The sheet 12 is preferably made of a thermoplastic film having minute holes 18. The holes 18 are preferably arranged in a regular pattern on substantially the entire surface of the film. Although a regular pattern of holes 18 is described herein, films containing irregular or other patterns of holes 18 are suitable for use in the wiping device 10 of the present invention. The film preferably has a liquid flow rate associated with the holes 18. Thermoplastic films of different strengths, properties, colors and sizes are suitable for use in the wiping device 10 of the present invention.

  Any thermoplastic material formed on the flexible film or sheet can be used in the wiping apparatus of the present invention. Exemplary thermoplastics include cellulose esters (eg, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate) mixed esters of cellulose, cellulose ethers (eg, ethyl cellulose), nylon and polyvinyl alcohol acetals, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl It includes polymeric materials such as chloride acetate, polystyrene, methyl methacrylate, and other polyolefins that can be formed into flexible films or sheets. Particularly preferred porous films are made of polyethylene and polypropylene. The film is low density polyethylene (LDPE). Sheets or films made from such materials are plasticized with a suitable plasticizer, and other additives known in the art are also added to obtain various desired physical properties.

  In the laminating process, the surface treatment of the sheet 12 film to make the film surface more acceptable for adhesives, paints, inks, lacquers, or other surfaces is widely practiced throughout the plastic film industry. It is also anticipated by the present invention. Various types of such treatments (eg, corona discharge treatment, chemical treatment, flame treatment, casing, electronic treatment, plasma etching, ion plating, and radiation) can be performed if required.

  Possible chemical treatments of the film, depending on the desired application, include antistatic agents, additives that change the polarity of the surface, adhesion promoters and other surface modifiers. A wide range of additives for plasticizing, coloring, impact mitigation, slipping, antifogging and stabilization are added to the film-forming resin before the film is made. Such chemical compounds are added once to the powder mixer or to a mixing device such as a Banbury mixer or compounder to the feed mixer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,020 fully describes the production of such thermoplastic films.

  One or more liquids 22 can be stored in the recesses 16 and discharged through the capillaries 14 and holes 18 onto the surface to be cleaned. As will be discussed in more detail below, the one or more liquids 22 may be cleansers (eg, oil removers), drugs (eg, antibiotics, antiviral agents, bactericides), fragrances (eg, perfumes), identification materials (color dyes). And the like, and mixtures thereof.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 20 is placed on the top of the sheet 12. Materials used as absorbent core 20 include well-known materials such as creped cellulose claws, air-containing nonwoven felts, wood pulp derivatives and the like, as well as mixtures of such materials.

  The absorbent core 20 is preferably placed adjacent to the side of the sheet 12 that is opposite the side containing the capillary 14. The absorbent core 20 contains one or more fluids 22 described in more detail below. One or more fluids are retained in the absorbent core 20 through capillary action. When application of one or more fluids is desired, the one or more fluids 22 pass from the absorbent core 20 through the capillary 14 by pressure applied by the user to the wiping device 10 during the wiping action, It is extruded through the holes 18 onto the surface to be cleaned.

  The one or more fluids 22 contained within the absorbent core 20 are preferably sufficient to prevent premature or otherwise undesirable release of the one or more fluids 22 from the absorbent core 20. Viscosity over temperature range. Such undesired emissions may occur, for example, depending on pressure levels associated with normal vibrations and transportation and handling impacts. A predetermined amount of one or more fluids 22 is contained by the core 20 that prevents such fluid 22 depletion associated with the prior art discussed in more detail above.

  As discussed above, one or more fluids facilitate and enhance the purification process, and cleansers (eg, degreaser), drugs (eg, antiviral agents, antibiotics, bactericides), fragrances (eg, perfumes). ), A humidifying agent (eg emollient cream), an identifying agent (eg a coloring dye) and combinations thereof.

  FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention. In this embodiment of the wiping device 10, the structure of the wiping device 10 is essentially the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 with the addition of the impermeable sheet 24. The impermeable sheet 24 is preferably placed on the absorbent core 20 on the side of the absorbent material opposite the sheet 12. Indeed, the absorbent core 20 that supports one or more fluids is sandwiched between the sheet 12 and the sheet 24. The liquid impervious backsheet 24 includes any of a variety of materials well known in the art, such as a polyethylene film.

  The liquid impervious backsheet 24 may include one or more of the user's hand or fingers, undesirable material to be cleaned from the surface, and one or more released by the absorbent core 20 onto the surface to be cleaned as needed. Is used to prevent contact with the fluid 22. The liquid impervious backsheet 24 further serves to protect one or more fluids 22 contained in the absorbent core 20 from contamination, evaporation, and the like.

  Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention is illustrated. The illustrated wiping device 10 is essentially the same as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 with the addition of a second sheet 12 of thermoplastic material in place of the impermeable backsheet 24. In this embodiment, one or more fluids 22 contained within the absorbent core 20 are extruded from the capillaries 14 installed on both sides of the absorbent core 20. This embodiment makes it possible to use both sides of the wiping device 10 because a number of recesses are installed on both sides of the wiping device 10. This embodiment is particularly useful when the user wants to wrap the wiping device 10 and use the other side further.

  FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention. The wiping device 10 of this embodiment is essentially the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 with the absorbent core 20 removed. In this embodiment, one or more fluids 22 can be placed on the capillary 14 if desired, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and described above. Otherwise, this embodiment can be used without one or more fluids 22. If more than one fluid 22 is not used, the capillary 14 can be free of holes.

  Referring now to FIG. 6, an embodiment (FIG. 4) of the inventive wiping device 10 is shown in use. In use, the user grabs the wiping device 10 and wipes it across the surface 26 to be cleaned (eg, the infant's dirty butt). One or more fluids 22 contained within the absorbent core 20 are held there by capillary action until the wiping device 10 is squeezed by the pressure of the user's hand in use. Upon application of such pressure, one or more fluids 22 (eg, cleansers, ointments, or combinations thereof) are supplied through capillaries 14, holes 18 to surface 26 to be cleaned. The appropriate amount of 22 is predetermined to prevent waste of such fluid in the container or in use.

  A number of recesses 16 defined by the capillary 14 contact the surface to be cleaned. The recess 16 collects undesirable substances (eg, stool, blood). If the embodiment with the impermeable backsheet 24 (FIG. 3) is used, contact between the user's hand or fingers and unwanted material collected by the wiping device 10 is avoided.

  If the wiping device 10 is fully squeezed by the user during its use, the absorbent core 20 releases one or more fluids 22 contained therein, and the one or more fluids 22 are purified. Allows movement through the capillaries 14 and holes 18 of the sheet 12 to be applied to the surface to be applied. Depending on the nature of the one or more fluids 22 contained by the core and released as needed, the surface to be cleaned is sanitized and / or scented and / or further cleaned.

  Due to the frequent use of the wiping device 10 of the present invention (eg, wiping an infant), a plastic container with a lid that can be closed can be used to store the wiping device. Individual wiping devices 10 are stored by means known in the art, either separately in a container or connected to each other as desired. For a single use, the wiping device 10 of the present invention can be packaged separately in an anti-drying package that can be easily torn and opened.

  The advantages of the present wiping device 10 over prior art devices are the protection of the user's hand or finger from unwanted materials, one or more fluids used to help clean the surface to be cleaned. Controllable amount and release, and excellent non-friction wiping action from recesses in the sheet of the wiping device.

  While the preferred embodiment of the wiping apparatus of the present invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, and numerous relocations and modifications are possible. It will be understood that substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

The partial cross section side view of the Example of the wiping apparatus by this invention. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a wiping device according to the present invention showing an absorbent core material. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of a wiping device according to the present invention showing the use of a liquid-impermeable backsheet. The partial cross section side view of 4th Example of the wiping apparatus by this invention which shows use of the thermoplastic sheet in both sides of the wiping apparatus. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a fifth embodiment of a wiping device according to the present invention showing the use of a thermoplastic sheet on both sides of the wiping device and the absence of an absorbent core. The figure which shows the wiping apparatus by this invention in use.

Claims (16)

In a wiping device for wiping the surface, the device comprises:
A thermoplastic sheet, wherein the thermoplastic sheet includes a number of holes, the thermoplastic sheet further includes a number of capillaries, the capillaries extend outwardly from the thermoplastic sheet, and the capillaries define a number of cavities. A thermoplastic sheet capable of accepting and removing undesired material from the surface in the cavity;
An absorbent core associated with a thermoplastic sheet, wherein the absorbent core contains one or more liquids that are continuously released on the surface in response to pressure applied to the absorbent core. ,
A backsheet, wherein the absorbent core is associated with the absorbent core being sandwiched between the thermoplastic sheet and the backsheet to prevent contamination and evaporation of one or more fluids of the absorbent core A backsheet, and the one or more fluids are selected from the group consisting of cleansers, drugs, moisturizers, identification materials, fragrances and combinations thereof Wiping for wiping a surface apparatus.   The wiping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic sheet is made of a film selected from the group consisting of cellulose ester, cellulose ether, nylon and polyolefin.   2. A wiping device according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent core comprises one or more materials of the group consisting of creped cellulose stuffing, air-containing nonwoven felt, wood pulp derivatives, and combinations of the materials.   The wiping device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a medicine selected from the group consisting of antibiotics, antiviral agents, bactericides, and disinfectants.   The wiping device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a fragrance in the form of a fragrance.   2. A wiping device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a moisturizer in the form of an emollient cream.   The wiping device according to claim 1, wherein the back sheet is liquid-impermeable.   The wiping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the back sheet is made of polyolefin.   The wiping device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a cleanser in the form of oil removal. In a wiping device for wiping the surface, the device comprises:
A first thermoplastic sheet, wherein the first thermoplastic sheet includes a plurality of holes, the first thermoplastic sheet further includes a plurality of capillaries, and the capillaries extend outward from the first thermoplastic sheet; A first thermoplastic sheet, wherein the capillary defines a number of cavities, wherein the cavities can receive and remove undesirable material from the surface from the surface;
A second thermoplastic sheet associated with the first thermoplastic sheet, wherein the second thermoplastic sheet includes a plurality of holes, and the second thermoplastic sheet extends in a direction opposite to the capillaries of the first thermoplastic sheet. A thermoplastic sheet, wherein the capillary of the second thermoplastic sheet defines a number of cavities, the cavities being capable of receiving and removing undesirable material from the surface;
An absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core is associated with the first thermoplastic sheet and the second thermoplastic sheet and the absorbent core being sandwiched between the first thermoplastic sheet and the second thermoplastic sheet. An absorbent core further comprising one or more fluids that are continuously released on the surface in response to pressure applied to the absorbent core;
Further comprising
The one or more fluids are selected from the group consisting of cleansers, drugs, moisturizers, identification materials, fragrances and combinations thereof. A wiping device for wiping a surface.   11. The wiping device according to claim 10, further comprising a container that can accommodate a number of wiping devices for separate processing.   11. A wiping device according to claim 10, wherein use of the device provides a sufficient amount of pressure to release one or more fluids contained within the absorbent core.   The wiping device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a cleanser in the form of oil removal.   11. A wiping device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a drug selected from the group consisting of antibiotics, antiviral agents, bactericides and disinfectants.   2. A wiping device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a moisturizer in the form of an emollient cream.   The wiping device according to claim 1, wherein at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a fragrance in the form of a fragrance.

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