KR100468080B1 - Wiping device - Google Patents

Abstract

The wiping device of the present invention comprises a thermoplastic sheet combined with an optional absorbent core and an optional liquid impermeable backsheet. The thermoplastic sheet forms a plurality of holes including capillaries that extend outwardly. One or more fluids are contained in the absorbent core to facilitate the cleansing action and increase the cleaning power provided by the wiping device for release on demand. As the holes of the thermoplastic sheet come into contact with and wipe across the surface to be cleansed, unwanted holes, such as dirt, dirt or blood, are collected in these holes and they are removed. If one or more fluids are selectively released onto the surface to be cleansed, the cleaning action is further facilitated and / or the fragrance and / or medicament is provided on the surface to be cleansed.

Description

Wiping device {WIPING DEVICE}

In the current art, nonwoven (NW) materials are used that are saturated with cleansing fluid contained in an associated container to cleanse the wipe. The wipe sheet for cleansing is pulled through the hole and separated from the bulky wipe in the container, for example by tearing off at the perforation line at the container inlet. Subsequently, this sheet is used to clean and clean surfaces such as human skin. This sheet is generally thin, porous and dripping into solution. Undesired dirt or residues to be cleansed from the treatment surface by the sheet are easily transferred through the sheet and in contact with the user. Thus, in practice, the removal of dirt is much more done by the user's hand than by the sheet. When the last sheet is removed from the container, quite a few ounces of waste fluid will remain at the bottom. This waste fluid not only imposes a higher cost on the manufacturer and the end user, but also means that when the container is finally processed, the unwanted additional chemicals are landfilled.

Other prior art wipes consist of an absorbent material folded into a towel containing fluid. This prior art packing material is, for example, aluminum foil with a thermoplastic liner. This packing material has an ideal impermeability to the fluid contained therein as well as the vapors or gases formed therefrom. In addition, the packing material is ideally impermeable to air and other materials that may contaminate the fluid and absorbent material contained in the package. However, once the package is opened or ruptured, the same problem as described above occurs in this prior art.

Thus, there is still a need for an improved wipe that can physically remove unwanted material from the surface to be cleansed, while at the same time providing a fluid if necessary, and that the disadvantage may not occur.

The present invention relates to a fluid storage and application device. More specifically, the device is an improved cleansing wipe or pad. The improved wipes of the present invention can provide any number of viscous fluids for cleansing or refreshing, as well as removing dirt from the surface to be cleansed. The wipe may disperse alcohol, water, local anesthetics, biologics, liquid medicines, lotions, creams and the like as necessary.

With reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it is possible to more fully understand the improved wiping device of the present invention.

1 is a side view of a partial cross section of an embodiment for a wiping device of the present invention.

2 is a side view, partially in cross section, of a second embodiment of the wiping device of the present invention, showing an absorbent core material.

3 is a side view of a partial cross section of a third embodiment of the wiping device of the present invention, showing the use of a liquid impermeable backsheet.

4 is a side view of a partial cross section of a fourth embodiment of the wiping device of the present invention, showing the use of a thermoplastic sheet on both sides of the wiping device.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a partial cross section of a fifth embodiment of the wiping device of the present invention, showing the use of a thermoplastic sheet without an absorbent core on both sides of the wiping device. FIG.

6 shows the wiping device of the present invention in use.

The present invention includes a fluid storage and application apparatus, including a perforated thermoplastic membrane sheet. Preferably, this sheet has two sides. Perforations are formed on the first side of the sheet. Ideally, these perforations are capillary shaped tapered as the circumference narrows as they extend outward from the sheet. The second side of the sheet (located opposite the capillary of the outwardly elongated end) may be contained for subsequent release if a viscous liquid is desired. When a slight pressure is applied on the second side of the sheet, the contained fluid is released from the sheet through a capillary shaped tapered end of the sheet, which is provided to the surface to be cleansed. These capillaries serve a second function in that they form holes that trap any unwanted material (eg, dirt) that is removed from the surface to be cleansed.

Preferably, the wipe of the present invention comprises an absorbent core comprising a viscous liquid, a fluid impermeable sheet positioned adjacent one side of the core and a second face positioned opposite the surface in contact with the fluid impermeable sheet. And a perforated plastic membrane positioned adjacent to. Perforations in the plastic film form a number of small pockets extending outward from the absorbent core. The unique void volume space formed between the cup-like male side of the plastic membrane serves as the non-abrasive wiping / collecting mechanism. The funnel-shaped openings between the male cups of the plastic membrane contain one or more fluids that serve a variety of functions, which are released when necessary. The one or more fluids are stored in the absorbent core and are released through the funnel-shaped holes under pressure by a wiping action. Preferably, the top layer of solid membrane blocks any fluid and / or unwanted material from being delivered to the user.

A preferred configuration of the improved wiping device of the present invention includes a sheet, on top of which an absorbent core (for example, wadding) is located, on top of which the solid or embossed liquid fire is placed. Permeable membrane is located. The absorbent core is released by the force exerted by the user when necessary to increase cleaning power (e.g., degreasing agent), provide fragrance (e.g., perfume), and provide a pharmaceutical (e.g. antibiotic) , Antifungal, antiviral, etc.). Although one or more fluids are described herein to impart such cleansing power and directivity and to aid in medical treatment, providing an identifier (eg, a dye) on the surface to which the one or more fluids will be cleansed; It is noted that it may interact with each other for any other suitable purpose related to the use of the same improved wiping device 10.

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention is shown. This wiping device 10 comprises a sheet 12 of thermoplastic film. The sheet 12 includes a plurality of capillaries 14 having tapered ends extending from the sheet 12. This tapered capillary 14 forms a plurality of cavities 16 on the first side of the sheet 12. This hole 16 provides a non-abrasive wiping property that removes unwanted material from the surface to be cleansed. The type of membrane used in the sheet 12 and the stiffness of the capillary 14 may vary depending on the use of the wiping device. For example, a wiping device 10 made for use in connection with cleansing infant skin would have to be very smooth and meticulous in its operation. However, when the wiping device 10 is made for an adult hand cleanser, the sheet 12 and capillary 14 of the membrane are designed to provide a more effective (eg abrasive) scrubbing action. Can be. Examples of suitable membranes for the sheet 12 are described in US Pat. Nos. 4,351,784 and 4,535,020, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Preferably, the thickness of the membrane for use as sheet 12 is from about 0.0003 "to about 0.280", and from about 5 to about 75,000 capillaries per inch square of the membrane will be included in the membrane. In a preferred structure, the thickness of the membrane will be from about 0.0008 "to about 0.010" and includes from about 50 to about 15,000 capillaries per square inch of membrane. Preferably, the diameter of this capillary 14 is about 0.001 "to about 0.185". Preferably, this capillary 14 extends from the sheet 12 to a distance of about 0.003 "to about 0.280". In a preferred configuration, the diameter of the capillary 14 will be about 0.010 "to about 0.075", which will extend from the sheet 12 to a distance of about 0.005 "to about 0.125".

Preferably, the sheet 12 is made of a thermoplastic membrane with fine perforations 18 formed therein. Preferably, the perforations 18 are arranged in a regular pattern over virtually the entire surface of the membrane, allowing air and liquid to pass through them. Although perforations 18 arranged in a regular pattern are described herein, the fact that a film comprising perforations arranged in an irregular pattern or other pattern is suitable for use with the wiping device 10 of the present invention. It is noted. Preferably, the liquid flow rate of the membrane is associated with the perforation 18. Thermoplastic membranes of different strengths, properties, colors and dimensions are suitable for use with the wiping device 10 of the present invention.

Any thermoplastic material that can be molded into a flexible film or sheet can be used to make the wiping device of the present invention. Examples of thermoplastics include cellulose esters (eg cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate); Mixed esters of cellulose; Nylon and cellulose ethers (eg ethyl cellulose); And polymerizable materials such as polyvinyl alcohol acetal, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride acetate, polystyral, methyl methacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene and other polyolefins that can be molded into sheets or flexible membranes. Particularly preferred perforated membranes consist of polyethylene and polypropylene. This membrane may be low density polyethylene (LDPE). Sheets or membranes made of this material can be plasticized with a suitable plasticizer. Other additives known in the art can be added to achieve various desired physical properties.

Surface treatment of the sheet 12 film to better accommodate adhesives, paints, inks, and lacquers on the surface of the film or other surfaces of the laminating process is widely practiced in the plastic film industry, which is contemplated by the present invention and There is also. If desired, various types of such surface treatment processes (eg, corona discharge treatment, chemical treatment, flame treatment, casing, electrical treatment, plasma etching, ion plating and irradiation) can be employed.

Chemicals that can be treated in the membrane according to the intended use include antistatic agents, additives to alter the polarity of the surface, adhesion promoters and other surface modifiers. Before preparing the membrane, various additives for the purpose of plasticizing, dyeing, impact reduction, slipping, anti-fogging and stabilization may be added to the film forming resin. Such chemical compounds may be added batchwise to the powder mixer, or the mixture supplied may be added to a compound such as a Banbury mixer or compound. U.S. Patent No. 4,535,020 all describes the preparation of such thermoplastic membranes.

One or more fluids 22 may be contained in the apertures 16 and then released on the surface to be cleansed through the capillary 14 and the perforation 18. As discussed in more detail below, one or more fluids 22 may be used in cleansers (eg, degreasing agents), medicines (eg, antibiotics, antiviral agents, antifungal agents), fragrances (eg, perfumes), identification agents. (Eg, dyes), and combinations thereof.

2, a second embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, located on top of the sheet 12 is the absorbent core 20. Materials for use as the absorbent core 20 include known materials such as pleated cellulose wading, air-laid felt nonwovens, wood pulp derivatives, and the like, as well as combinations of one or more of these materials.

Preferably, the absorbent core 20 is located adjacent to the sheet 12 face located opposite the face containing the capillary 14. The absorbent core 20 contains one or more fluids 22 to be described in more detail. One or more fluids are contained in the absorbent core 20 through capillary action. If one or more fluids 22 are to be applied, the user applies pressure to the wiping device 10 during the wiping operation, so that the one or more fluids 22 are in order from the absorbent core 20 to the capillary tube 14. Through) and through the opening 18 and onto the surface to be cleansed.

Preferably, the one or more fluids 22 contained in the absorbent core 20 are of various ranges sufficient to prevent undesired release of one or more fluids 22 from the premature or absorbent core 20. Viscosity is shown over the temperature of. For example, such undesirable releases can occur for pressures caused by everyday vibrations and impacts applied to and transported and handled. Except for the waste of one or more fluids 22 which have been a problem in the prior art devices discussed in more detail above, a predetermined amount of one or more fluids 22 is contained in the core 20.

As discussed above, the one or more fluids enhance and enhance the cleansing process and include the following elements: a cleanser (eg, a degreasing agent); Medicine (eg, antiviral agents, antibiotics, antifungal agents); Fragrances (eg perfume); Humectants (eg emollient creams); Identification agents (eg dyes); Or combinations thereof.

3, a third embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment of the wiping device 10, the structure of the wiping device 10 is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 except for the addition of an impermeable sheet 24. Preferably, the impermeable backsheet 24 is located above the absorbent core 20 on the side of the absorbent material opposite the sheet 12. Effectively, an absorbent core 20 containing one or more fluids 22 is sandwiched between the sheet 12 and the impermeable backsheet 24. This liquid impermeable backsheet 24 may comprise any of a variety of materials known in the art, such as polyethylene membranes.

The liquid impermeable backsheet 24 is contained in the absorbent core 20 as well as the user's hand / finger and unwanted material to cleanse from the surface and released onto the surface to be cleansed if necessary. It is used to exclude contact between them. The liquid impermeable backsheet 24 is further responsible for protecting one or more fluids 22 contained in the absorbent core 20 from contamination, evaporation, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention is shown. The shown wiping device 10 is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 except for adding a second sheet 12 of thermoplastic material in place of the impermeable backsheet 24. In this embodiment, one or more liquids 22 contained in the absorbent core 20 come out from the perforations 18 in the capillary 14 located on either side of the absorbent core 20. In this embodiment, since there are a plurality of holes 16 on either side of the wiping device 10, these holes can be used. This embodiment is particularly useful when the user wants to fold the wiping device 10 and use the other side for further cleansing.

5 shows another embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention. The wiping device 10 of this embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 except that the absorbent core 20 has been removed. In this embodiment, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one or more liquids may be located within the capillary 14 as needed. In contrast to this, the present embodiments may be used without one or more fluids 22. If more than one fluid is not used, the capillary 14 may also not be opened.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown an embodiment (of FIG. 4) for the wiping device 10 of the present invention in use. In use, the user grabs the wiping device 10 and wipes across the surface 26 (eg, the buttock of the infant with dirt) to cleanse it. In use, one or more fluids 22 contained in the absorbent core 20 are held in the absorbent core by capillary action until the wiping device 10 is pressed by the pressure of the hand of the user. When pressure is applied, the one or more fluids 22 (eg, cleansers, ointments or combinations thereof) are delivered via capillary 14, perforation 18 to the surface 26 to be cleansed. An appropriate amount of the one or more fluids 22 is predetermined to prevent any such fluid from remaining and waste in either the container or in use.

A plurality of holes 16 formed by the capillary 14 are in contact with the surface 26 to cleanse. Unwanted substances (eg, feces, blood) are recovered in the holes 16. When the above embodiment with the impervious backsheet 24 (shown in FIG. 3) is adopted, contact between the user's hand / finger and the unwanted material collected by the wiping device 10 is prevented. do.

In use, if the wiping device is sufficiently compressed by the user, one or more fluids 22 may flow through the capillary tube 4 and the perforations 18 of the sheet 12 may be applied to the surface 26 to cleanse. In addition, the absorbent core 20 will release one or more fluids 22 contained therein. Depending on the nature of the one or more fluids 22 contained in the core and released as needed, the surface 26 to be cleansed will be sterilized, directed and / or better cleaned.

In the wiping device 10 (eg, a baby wipe) of the present invention which is frequently used several times repeatedly, a closed plastic container can be used to store the wiping device. Individual wiping devices may be stored in the container individually or separately, if necessary, by means known in the art. For disposable applications that are used less frequently, the wiping device 10 of the present invention can be individually packaged in an easy-to-tear-open manner, which is a waterproof package.

Advantages of the wiping device 10 of the present invention over prior art devices are as follows: preventing the user's hand / finger from contacting unwanted materials; Controlling the amount of one or more fluids used to cleanse the surface to be cleansed, and releasing it; And excellent non-abrasive wiping action by the sheet holes of the wiping device.

Although preferred embodiments of the wiping device of the present invention have been described in the above detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, as described so far and as defined by the following claims. However, many rearrangements, modifications and substitutions may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (16)

Thermoplastic sheet; A thermoplastic sheet comprising a plurality of perforations; A thermoplastic sheet further comprising a plurality of capillaries extending outwardly from the thermoplastic sheet; Capillaries forming a plurality of apertures capable of receiving and removing undesired material from the surface; An absorbent core associated with the thermoplastic sheet, the absorbent core containing one or more fluids subsequently released onto the surface in response to a pressure applied to the absorbent core; And A wipe for wiping the surface, the backsheet comprising a backsheet in contact with the absorbent core such that the absorbent core is sandwiched between the thermoplastic sheet and the backsheet and preventing one or more fluids contained in the absorbent core from being contaminated and evaporated. As a ping device, At least one fluid is selected from the group consisting of cleansers, medicines, moisturizers, identifiers, fragrances and combinations thereof. The wiping device according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic sheet comprises a membrane selected from the group consisting of cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, nylons and polyolefins. The method of claim 1 wherein the absorbent core is comprised of at least one material selected from the group consisting of corrugated cellulose wadding, air-laid felt nonwovens, wood pulp derivatives and combinations of these materials. Wiping device. 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, antifungal agents and disinfectants. The wiping device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a perfume in perfume form. The 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 backsheet is liquid impermeable. The wiping device according to claim 1, wherein the backsheet 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 a degreaser. A first thermoplastic sheet; A first thermoplastic sheet comprising a plurality of perforations; A first thermoplastic sheet further comprising a plurality of capillaries extending outwardly from the first thermoplastic sheet; A capillary tube of the first thermoplastic sheet forming a plurality of holes capable of receiving and removing unwanted material from the surface; A second thermoplastic sheet in contact with the first thermoplastic sheet, the second thermoplastic sheet comprising a plurality of perforations; A second thermoplastic sheet further comprising a plurality of capillaries extending in a direction opposite to the capillaries of the first thermoplastic sheet; A capillary of the second thermoplastic sheet forming a plurality of holes capable of receiving and removing unwanted material from the surface; And, in addition, An absorbent core in contact with the first thermoplastic sheet and the second thermoplastic sheet to be sandwiched between the first thermoplastic sheet and the second thermoplastic sheet, the absorbent core containing one or more fluids that are subsequently released onto the surface in response to the pressure applied to the absorbent core; A wiping device for wiping a surface, comprising: A wiping device, characterized in that the at least one fluid is selected from the group consisting of cleansers, medications, moisturizers, identifiers, fragrances and combinations thereof. 11. The wiping device according to claim 10, further comprising a container that can be contained for dispensing the plurality of wiping devices individually. 11. The wiping device of claim 10, wherein the wiping operation provides a sufficient amount of pressure to release one or more fluids contained in the absorbent core. 11. The wiping device of claim 10, wherein the at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a cleanser in the form of a degreaser. 11. The wiping device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a medicine selected from the group consisting of antibiotics, antiviral agents, antifungal agents and disinfectants. 11. The wiping device of claim 10, wherein the at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a moisturizer in the form of an emollient cream. 11. The wiping device according to claim 10, wherein at least one fluid contained in the absorbent core is a perfume in perfume form.