KR20080111171A - Flexible orifice for wet wipes dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible orifice for pop-up style dispensing with a wet wipes dispenser. The orifice includes a flexible, rubber-like sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface. A continuous slit extends across the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet and enables a wet wipe to pass from the bottom surface to the top surface or from the top surface to the bottom surface. The continuous slit has at least one curved portion connected with at least one non-curved portion. Alternately, the continuous slit has at least one zigzag portion connected with a pair of end leg portions. ® KIPO & WIPO 2009

Description

Flexible Orifice for Wet Wipe Dispenser {FLEXIBLE ORIFICE FOR WET WIPES DISPENSER}

Wipes can be made from a variety of materials that are dry or wettable when used. Wet wipes may be moistened with a variety of suitable wiping solutions. Typically, the wet wipe is laminated to the container in a folded or unfolded structure. For example, a dispenser or container for wet wipes may be folded, such as a configuration in which each of the wet wipes laminated in the container is folded into c-folds, z-folds or quarters as known to those skilled in the art. It can be arranged and used in a configuration. In addition, sometimes the folded wet wipes are mutually folded with the wet wipes just above and below in the stack of wet wipes. In another configuration, the wet wipe is positioned in the container in the form of a continuous web of material that includes perforations and can be rolled up into rolls to separate the individual wet wipes. Such wet wipes are used in baby wipes, hand wipes, family clean wipes, industrial wipes, and the like.

As mentioned above, conventional packages comprising wipes are typically designed to be positioned on flat surfaces such as kitchen countertops, changing tables, and the like. Such conventional packages are usually provided with plastic containers, bins or packages that provide a sealing environment to ensure that the wet wipe does not become very dry. In addition, some conventional packages are configured to provide one when dispensing each of the wet wipes using one hand after the package has been opened. It is particularly desirable because the other hand of the caregiver or user, who dispenses one by one using this one hand, often referred to as "pop-up" dispensing, is usually required to be used simultaneously for different functions. For example, when replacing a baby diaper, the guardian typically uses one hand to hold and hold the baby in the desired position while the other hand attempts to dispense the baby wipe to wipe the baby.

However, dispensing wipes from such conventional wipe containers is not completely satisfactory. For example, there are at least some reasons for the orifice in which the wipe in the container is dispensed. In particular, for example, this may include the construction of an orifice for dispensing a stack of wipes that are removably coupled to each of the adjacent wipes in the stack to provide a pop-up distribution once the initial wipe in the stack is dispensed through the orifice and Related to the characteristics. As another example, this may relate to the relationship of groups of wipes in the stack to other wipes in the stack, provided that the wipe group constitutes a stack of wipes. As another example, these relationships between wipes relate to the container and the characteristics with which the wipe is dispensed with respect to the wipe. The present invention is based on the teaching set forth in US Serial No. 09 / 538,711, filed March 30, 2000, entitled “Wet Wipe with Flexible Orifice,” and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, Is incorporated herein by reference.

With respect to the difficulties and problems described above, for example, the distribution can be improved and more cost-effective and reliable (eg, reducing the likelihood of wipe retraction and / or reducing the possibility of undesirably dispensing multiple wipes). Learn new orifice configurations and features. For example, when opening the resealable wipe dispenser after initially opening the dispenser and using the first wipe in the plurality of wipes, dispensing can be improved and facilitated if the wipe is ready to dispense. That is, a portion of the wipe is positioned within the orifice of the fully protruding dispenser so that the user can easily grasp it and remove the entire individual wipe without the upper wipe being torn or dispensed prematurely. As another example, when the leading wipe in the plurality of wipes is initially completely separated from the subsequent or trailing wipes, i.e. after the leading wipe is completely separated or disengaged from the trailing wipes outside the dispenser, a sufficient portion of the subsequent wipes may be used for subsequent dispensing. Wipe retraction may occur before being positioned within the dispenser orifice to remain there for the sake of damage. In this retraction situation, the subsequent wipe needs to re-thread through the dispensing orifice when its dispensing is next required. If done intentionally, i.e., it is desirable to maintain the maximum moisture level for the wipe and not be desirable if the dispensing orifice is designed to readily accommodate the reach-in retrieval of the subsequent wipe. As another example, when the subsequent wipe is still partially retained within the dispensing orifice and the leading individual wipes in the plurality of wipes are not completely separated in time from the subsequent individual wipes, i.e., the leading wipe is actually two or more wipes. Multiple wipe dispenses may occur when subsequent wipes are fully dispensed out of the dispenser with the dispensing being done at the same time. This may be desirable when two (or more) wipes are needed, but not when only one is needed. The objects and properties of the present invention are described in the following description and are obvious from it, and will also be obtained by the test of the present invention. Further features of the present invention will be recognized and obtained from the accompanying drawings and by the products and processes particularly pointed out in the description and claims.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a flexible orifice for pop-up dispensing with a wet wipe dispenser. The orifice comprises a flexible rubber sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface. The extension slit extends across the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet and allows the wet wipe to pass from the bottom surface to the top surface or from the top surface to the bottom surface. The first portion of the sheet has a first thickness and the second portion of the sheet located between the first portion and the continuous slit has a second thickness greater or less than the first thickness.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a wet wipe dispenser having a flexible orifice for pop-up dispensing. The dispenser includes a rigid port positioned at the upper portion of the dispenser. The rigid port surrounds a flexible solid sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface. The continuous slits extend across the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet and allow the wet wipe to pass from the bottom surface to the top surface or from the top surface to the bottom surface. The first portion of the sheet has a first thickness and the second portion of the sheet located between the first portion and the continuous slit has a second thickness greater or less than the first thickness.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a flexible orifice for pop-up dispensing with a wet wipe dispenser. The orifice comprises a flexible rubber sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface. The continuous slits extend across the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet and allow the wet wipe to pass from the bottom surface to the top surface or from the top surface to the bottom surface. At least one hinge is located between the continuous slit and the first portion of the sheet, and the sides of the sheet adjacent to the continuous slit can pivot about the first portion of the sheet by the hinge.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a flexible orifice for pop-up dispensing with a wet wipe dispenser. The orifice comprises a flexible rubber sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface. The continuous slits extend across the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet and allow the wet wipe to pass from the bottom surface to the top surface or from the top surface to the bottom surface. The continuous slit has at least one curved portion connected with at least one leg portion.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a wet wipe dispenser having a flexible orifice for pop-up dispensing. The dispenser includes a rigid port positioned at the upper portion of the dispenser, the dispenser having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The rigid port surrounds a flexible rubbery sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface. The continuous slits extend across the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet and allow the wet wipe to pass from the bottom surface to the top surface or from the top surface to the bottom surface. The continuous slit has at least one curved portion connected with at least one leg portion.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a flexible orifice for pop-up dispensing with a wet wipe dispenser. The orifice comprises a flexible rubber sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface. The continuous slits extend across the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet and allow the wet wipe to pass from the bottom surface to the top surface or from the top surface to the bottom surface. The continuous slit has at least one zigzag portion that is connected with a pair of end leg portions.

In another aspect, the present invention provides various configurations for the orientation of sheets, continuous slits, continuous slits for dispensers and portions of continuous slits.

In another aspect, the present invention is provided with the use of various types of dispensers and with various ways of dispensing such as rich-in and pop-up dispensing.

As used herein, the wet wipes of the present invention are each adapted such that the withdrawal of the tip wipe through the dispenser or package opening draws at least a portion of the subsequent wipe through the opening before the tip wipe and the subsequent wipe are completely separated from each other. While the wipes of the stay in the dispenser or package, "separably joined", "removably joining" when each wipe in a stack of wipes, for example, is engaged with any adjacent wipe. (And its changes). The engagement of any of these adjacent wipes may include the following, bonding, friction, agglomeration, fusion (eg, ultrasonic welding, heat sealing), mechanical entanglement (eg, needle punching, steam sealing, embossing) between adjacent wipes. , Crimping), autogeneous bonding, and / or weakened lines (e.g., perforations, broken areas, score lines, crush cutting) It may include.

As used herein, the "vertical axis" is defined as the line with the largest number of intersections with the continuous slits. The continuous slit may be symmetrical about this longitudinal axis (eg, FIGS. 11 and 12), or this longitudinal axis may be oblique (eg, the line 18 in FIGS. 13 and 14 for the continuous slit). In any case, however, the longitudinal axis should be the line with the largest number of intersections with the continuous slits of the present invention.

As used herein, “zigzag” means a portion of the continuous slit that intersects or contacts at least three longitudinal axes. As such, as long as the segments are connected to each other and configured to intersect or contact at least three longitudinal axes, the continuous slits may be curved (eg, as shown in FIGS. 11-14), curved and And / or combinations of straight sections. For example, in Fig. 11, the zigzag shape can be represented by a combination of half periods 48 and 44 at positions a and b. Additional half periods (c, d, etc.) may be included to also define the zigzag portion of the continuous slit, but exceed the minimum requirement to engage the longitudinal axis 62 at least three times.

As used herein, when the tip wipe is completely disengaged from the subsequent wipe, when a subsequent wipe with intentionally held at least a portion through the opening of the dispenser or package is intentionally held in the opening, this is referred to as a "pop-up" format or dispensing. do. Intentionally retained within the opening means that the opening is configured to hold the wipe therein, such as by the use of a restriction orifice or opening smaller than the wipe in at least one dimension of the wipe.

As used herein, “rich in” dispensing is to fetch the wipe out of the dispenser through a limited opening smaller than the perimeter defined by the wall or through an opening substantially common with the wall of the dispenser. It is understood to mean. In either case, the upper wipe for dispensing remains on top of the residue of the stack of wipes, and the upper wipe needs to be separated from the residue of the laminate each time it is redone when dispensing is required. One example of a rich-in dispenser is the trade name HUGGIES®Supreme Care, and appears in a generally available baby wipe product sold by Kimberly Clark Corporation, Ninja, Wisconsin.

As used herein, the term "stiffness" is used to mean a level of stiffness that is typically associated with the material used to make the wet wipe tub. Numerically, these materials are at least about 500 Newtons per square millimeter (as measured in accordance with ASTM D790 “Standard Test Methods for Bending Properties of Insulating Materials and Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics”), in particular from about 1100 to Square Millimeters It usually has a bending coefficient of about 1550 Newtons.

It is understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to provide further explanation of the invention. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and incorporated into part of this specification, are intended to provide and explain a further understanding of the wipes of the present invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain various aspects of the invention.

As a result of the work, the inventors have determined that certain dispenser orifice structures and properties are superior to others in order to overcome the challenge of more successfully dispensing wet wipes one at a time. For example, there may be advantages for easier wipe recovery, reduced likelihood of wipe retraction into the dispenser, and / or reduced likelihood of multiple wipe dispenses when only a single wipe is required and the balance / interaction of these features. Can be. In other words, the inventors believe that they have discovered new ways to better accommodate the variable forces experienced during dispensing. This force is due to the variability of the base sheet constituting the wipe, the additional level for the wet wipe, and the variability of the relationship that is detachably coupled between adjacent wet wipes in the stack of wet wipes.

As representatively shown in the figures, for the following description with reference to FIGS. 1-3, various wet wipe dispensers 10 with flexible orifices 20 for pop-up dispensing of wet wipes are shown. Rigid port 12 may be positioned in upper portion 14 of dispenser 10. Rigid port 12 surrounds a flexible rubberized sheet 22 having an upper surface 24 and a lower surface 26 (FIGS. 5-10). The sheet 22 may be attached to the rigid port by any conventional means such as ultrasonic welding, heat staking, molding, attaching with adhesive, or the like, or in other conventional manners that mechanically couple the sheet to the rigid port. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the sheet may typically be the same material as the dispenser, and the rigid port may be attached to the sheet / dispenser in the same manner discussed. The continuous slit 40 is a top and bottom surface of the sheet 22 so that the wet wipe in the stack of wet wipes 16 can pass from the bottom surface 26 to the top surface 24 or from the top surface to the bottom surface. Extends between upper surface 24 and lower surface 26 across 24. As shown in Figures 4-10, the first portion 28 of the sheet may have a first thickness. The second portion 32 of the sheet located between the continuous slit 40 and the first portion 28 may have a second thickness that is greater or less than the first thickness.

4 to 10, the second portion 32 may be positioned adjacent to the continuous slit 40. The second portion may be located on one side of the slit 40 or on opposite sides of the continuous slit. The second portion 32 may extend along only a portion of the continuous slit or along its entire length. The continuous slit may have one or more bends, such as the first bend 44 and the second bend 48. The first curved portion may have a first orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis 62 of the continuous slit. The second curved portion may have a second orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis 62 of the continuous slit. The first orientation may be different from the second orientation, and in particular, the first orientation may be the inverse of the second orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis 62 of the slit. The continuous slit 40 may have an orientation pattern along the length of A-B-A such as the convex-concave-convex shown in FIG. 4 with respect to the longitudinal axis 62. In particular, the continuous slit 40 may have an orientation pattern similar to a sine wave. The continuous slits may form two sides 52 that are substantially evenly spaced apart from each other along the continuous slits. In particular, the two sides 52 may be spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 0.508 mm (20 mil) or less.

7-10, in one aspect of the invention, the flexible orifice has at least one hinge 56 positioned between the first portion 28 of the sheet 20 and the continuous slit 40. . In this way, the side 52 of the sheet adjacent to the continuous slit can pivotally rotate relative to the first portion of the sheet by a hinge. The hinge 56 is a recess or any recess that creates a stress relief zone for bending of a portion of the sheet 22, for example the side or the side 52, at the hinge or hinges 56 relative to the adjacent portion of the sheet. It is formed by structural deformation. Hinge 56 may be located adjacent to the continuous slit on opposite sides 52 of the continuous slit. The hinge can also extend along the entire slit 40 or along only a portion of the continuous slit.

11-14, another aspect of the present invention is disclosed. For example, the continuous slit may have at least one leg portion 60 connected with at least one curved portion, such as curved portions 44 and 48. Curves 44 and 48 in these figures may be the same as or similar to the curves of FIG. In particular, the curved portions 44, 48 of Figs. 11-13 may be semicircles having reverse orientation with respect to each other. In another aspect, the bends 44, 48 can have a first diameter for the bend adjacent the leg portion 60 and a second diameter for the bend that is different from the first diameter and adjacent the bend having the first diameter. . In FIG. 11, this may be a curved portion a, h having a diameter different from or greater than the diameter of the portions b, c, d, e, f, g. Curves 44 and 48 may have two leg portions 60 connected adjacent to opposite ends of each curved portion 44 and 48. The leg portions 60 extend in a direction away from each other with respect to the longitudinal axis 62 of the curved portion of the slit 40 connecting the two leg portions 60. Leg portion 60 may be slightly arc-shaped, in particular straight. Similar to the slit 40 shown in FIG. 4, the slits 40 of FIGS. 11-13 may be formed of two sides 52 that are substantially evenly spaced apart from each other along the continuous slit, in particular, about It may be formed of two sides 52 spaced apart from each other by a distance of 0.508 mm (20 mil) or smaller.

11-14, another aspect of the present invention is disclosed. For example, the continuous slit may have at least one zigzag portion that is connected with a pair of end leg portions. The zigzag portion may be composed of curved portions such as curved portions 44 and 48 shown in FIG. In addition, the zigzag portion may be configured in any geometry that is connected to one another in accordance with the definition of "zigzag" and to form a continuous slit 40. For example, the leg portion 60 at FIG. 11 may be curved or straight, and may also be a combination of curved and straight lines. In particular, for example, leg portion 60 is defined as the shortest portion of slit 40 that is directly adjacent to the zigzag portion.

In a related aspect, the inventor unexpectedly found that the ratio of the length of the continuous slit 40 to the stack of wipes 16 in the wet wipe may be advantageous in certain aspects of the better distribution provided in the present invention (FIG. 1 to 3). In particular, this ratio may be about 0.2 to about 0.8. In particular, the inventors have determined that these ratios are in the order of dominance, from about 0.3 to about 0.7 or from about 0.4 to about 0.6. The length of the continuous slit 40 was determined by showing the minimum four side box with four right angles that are able to surround the entire continuous length. The length of the slit is then equal to the sum of the length of the longest side of the box and the length of the shortest side of the box. The length of the stack of wipes in the wet wipe dispenser is defined as the longest dimension of the stack parallel to the outer surface of the stack and perpendicular to the direction of dispensing the wipe out of the dispenser. For example, in Figures 1-3, this length coincides with the longitudinal axis. As an example of the ratio of the present invention, the slit shown in FIG. 11 may be surrounded by a box measuring 5.08 cm (2 inches) wide by 5.08 cm (2 inches) wide so that the slit length is 10.16 cm (4 inches). The wet wipe stack included in the dispenser may have a length of about 19.5 cm (7.5 inches). Thus, the ratio of the length of the continuous slit to the length of the wipe stack is 0.53.

11-14, another aspect of the present invention is disclosed. For example, the inventors believe that the orientation of the longitudinal axis 62 of the bend with respect to the longitudinal axis 18 of the dispenser (which defines the longitudinal axis of the stack of wipes 16 in the dispenser) may have a dispensing force that the flexible orifice 20 may have. I found it surprisingly affecting. In this regard, for example, the longitudinal axis 62 of the bend may be oriented not parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 of the dispenser. In Fig. 11, the longitudinal axes 18, 62 are parallel and represent the same axis. In Figs. 12 to 14, this is not the case, and thus divided into two different axes. As shown in Figs. 12-14, in particular, the inventors may be -90 degrees to 90 degrees, -45 degrees to 45 degrees, or -20 degrees to 20 degrees in the order in which the orientation between the axes 62, 18 is dominant. Found that there is.

4 and 11, various specific properties can be applied to achieve the desired dispensing force on the flexible orifice. Often, this is the configuration of the continuous slit, the configuration of the flexible rubber sheet, and also the material properties of the flexible rubber sheet and the material properties of the wet wipe dispensed (e.g., fiber composition, forming process, volume, density, thickness, weight). , CD tension, MD tension, and type of separable bond relationship between adjacent wipes in the wipe stack. Some embodiments are discussed to assist in the guided testing of the present invention without limitation to the described characteristics. For example, the rigid port may have a longitudinal axis (eg, the major axis of the ellipse) having a length of about 10% to 95% of the width of the wet wipe, in particular about 60% to 90% of the width of the wet wipe. In a similar sense, the rigid port may have a lateral axis (eg, a short axis of ellipse) having a length of about 10 to 90% of the longitudinal axis, in particular about 30 to 60% of the length of the longitudinal axis.

In particular, with reference to FIG. 4, another embodiment is discussed. The continuous slit may have a sine wave orientation pattern in half, one, three, two, two or more cycles, depending on the desired total length 54 of the slit. The amplitude of the bend may be from about 2.54 mm (0.1 inch) to about 25.4 mm (1 inch), in particular 38.1 mm (1.5 inch). The length 54 of the continuous slit may be from 20% to 90% of the width of the wipe, in particular from about 40% to about 70% of the wipe width. The width of the second portion 32 of each side 52 of the slit is about 1.59 mm to about 12.7 mm (about 1/16 inch to about 1/2 inch), in particular about 3.18 mm to about 6.35 mm (about 1 / 8 inches to about 1/4 inch). The length of the second portion 32 may be from about 10% to about 95% of the length 54 of the orifice, in particular from about 60% to about 80% of the length 54. The thickness of the first portion 28 may be about 0.508 mm to about 2.79 mm (about 20 mil to about 110 mil), in particular about 0.89 mm to about 1.52 mm (about 35 mil to about 60 mil), for example It may be 1.27 mm (50 mil). The thickness of the second portion 32 may be from about 20% to about 90% of the thickness of the first portion 28, for example 1.02 mm (40 mil). The thickness at the end of the continuous slit 40 in the zone 34 (eg, shown in FIG. 5) may be from about 100% to about 300% of the thickness of the first portion 28.

With particular reference to Fig. 11, another embodiment is discussed. The width 64 of the continuous slit may be from about 15% to about 70% of the width of the wipe, in particular from about 25% to 45% of the width of the wipe. The radius of the bend, for example half period (a to h), is about 3.18 mm to about 12.7 mm (about 1/8 to about 1/2 inch), in particular about 6.35 mm to about 7.94 mm (about 1/4 to about 5). / 16 inch). The radius may vary from one bend to another bend having an outer radius, for example a and h, each about 25% larger than the other bend. Like the slit in Figure 4, there may be any number of bends, such as one, two, three or more, such as half periods a to g, and need not be sinusoidal or symmetrical bends as shown. The length of leg portion 60 may be from about 12.7 mm to about 38.1 mm (about 1/2 to about 1.5 inches), in particular about 20.3 mm to about 30.5 mm (about 0.8 inches to about 1.2 inches). The flexible rubber sheet 22 has a thickness of about 0.25 mm to about 2.79 mm (about 10 mil to about 110 mil), particularly about 0.89 mm to about 1.52 mm (about 35 mil to 60 mil) across. It may be uniform. In addition, the thickness of the sheet 22 of FIG. 11 may be changed to the same thickness as the sheet 22 of FIG.

As a result of the work, the inventors unexpectedly determined that the specific dimensional relationship between the diameter of the bend and the length of the leg could be better than others to overcome some of the challenges of successfully dispensing wipes one by one more successfully. For example, the inventors have found that the length of the leg portion 60 is at least 50% greater than the diameter of each adjacent curved portion, for example half periods a and h. For example, if the diameter of the half cycle is 12.7 mm (1/2 inch), the length of the leg portion 60 is at least 19.05 mm (3/4 inch). In particular, the inventors have determined that the length of the leg portion 60 is at least 60% or at least 70% greater than the diameter of the adjacent curved portions, for example half cycles a and h, respectively, in dominant order. The diameter of the bend is defined as the distance along the longitudinal axis when the bend has a maximum diameter from one side of the bend to the other, preferably when the slits are symmetrically aligned with respect to the axis. For example, in Fig. 11, this is the length of a, b, etc. for each half period 48, 44, 48 and the like. The length of the leg portion 60 is longitudinal if the longitudinal axis is preferably at least reversely projected from where it intersects the shortest bend adjacent the leg portion 60 when the slits are aligned symmetrically with respect to the axis. Is limited to the distance from where it extends farther until it first protrudes back toward the longitudinal axis. For example, in Fig. 11, this leg portion length corresponds to leg portion 60. Figs.

In an effort to quantify the properties of flexible rubbery sheet 22, the relevant material properties can be described by hardness, stiffness, thickness, elasticity, specific gravity, compression set, and combinations thereof. In particular, the Shore A hardness (as measured by ASTM D2240) of the flexible rubber-like sheet or material may be about 100 or less, in particular about 20 to about 90, in particular about 40 to about 80, in particular about 60 to 70 days. have. The Gurley stiffness of the flexible rubber-like sheet or material (as measured by "standard test methods for bending resistance of cardboard and paper") is up to about 10,000 mgf (milligram of force), in particular about 100 to 8000 mgf, especially about 200 to 6500 mgf, especially about 300 to 1500 mgf. The thickness of the flexible rubber sheet is at least about 0.25 mm (10 mils), in particular from about 0.25 mm to about 2.79 mm (about 10 mils to about 110 mils), in particular from about 0.89 mm to about 1.52 mm (about 35 to about 60). mil). The elasticity of a flexible rubber-like sheet or material, as characterized by tensile stress at 100% elongation and measured according to ASTM D412 “Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers”, is at most about 10 megapascals (MPa), in particular About 0.1 to about 7 MPa, in particular about 0.5 to 2.5 MPa. The flexible rubber sheet may have a specific gravity (per ASTM 395B) that is about 0.80 to 1.21, in particular about 0.88 to about 1.10, in particular about 0.90 to about 1.0. The flexible rubbery sheet can have a compression set (per ASTM 395B) which is about 8/30 to 40/120, especially about 15/45 to 28/100 (at room temperature of 70 ° C.).

One example of some such flexible rubbery materials includes thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) materials that can be used to provide acceptable distribution. Materials that may be used include styrene-based TPEs (ie, styrene block copolymer compounds), styrene-based TPEs, including the trade name Kraton ^™ , the brand Santopren ^™ , or other rubber modifiers, and the brand name Kra tone and TM Santo printer and an ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer and the specific copolymer, such as (for example, Eastman Chemical Company of EMAC ^TM), thermoplastic rubber, polyurethane and the alloy and, amides, engineering TPE, olefinic type, olefinic vulcanization, polyester type, and polyurethane type, and one of (but not limited to). Such a material for a flexible rubbery sheet may be one manufactured by GLS Corporation, McHenry, Illinois, USA, and known as resin # G2701. G2701 is one of the resins of the TPE family of products. G2701 is a styrene-based material and is a styrene block copolymer compound. Some specific properties of G2701 are 0.090 g / cc (per ASTM D792), hardness of 68 (ASTM D2240) (Shore A durometer), 96% at 70 ° C. (per ASTM 395B) and 24 at room temperature. May be a compression set of%. Another similar material is known as G2755 and is also sold by JLS Corporation. In addition, lubricants (eg waxes) can be added to lower the coefficient of friction of the continuous slits, which can be beneficial for the physical handling of injection moulding, dispensing wet wipes and flexible orifices. G2701 TPE resins with 1/4% wax adduct sold by Juel Corporation and known as # LC217-189 can be used.

Wipes, such as wet wipes, for use in the present invention can be arranged in a dispenser or package in any manner that provides convenience and reliability, one at a time, in dispensing and assists the wet wipes from becoming very dry. For example, the wet wipe may be arranged in a dispenser or package, such as a plurality of individual wipes arranged in a laminated structure to provide a stack of wet wipes that may or may not be folded individually. Wet wipes may be individual wet wipes that are folded into c-fold configurations, z-fold configurations, connected to adjacent wipes by weak lines or other mutually unfolded configurations, as known to those skilled in the art. In addition, the individual wet wipes can be folded together such that the leading and trailing end edges of the continuous wipe, which is a laminated structure, overlap. In each of these mutually unfolded and mutually folded configurations, the leading end edge of the subsequent wet wipe is loosened from the lamination by the trailing end edge of the leading wet wipe as the leading wet wipe is removed by the user from the dispenser or package. For example, a representative wet wipe for use in the invention is the inventor of Yung H. Huang et al., Assigned to the same assignee at the same time and each filed at the same time and known as agent event number 15,991, and the name of the invention is " US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 870,815, which is a process for joining wet wipes together and the products produced thereby, and also the inventor, assigned to the same assignee and known under agent case no. 16214A, Gerald K. K. Sosalla), entitled "Laminates of Fan Folded Materials and Combinations thereof," all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The flexible orifice of the present invention can be used in a variety of dispensers. Some embodiments of such dispensers are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 show a wet wipe dispenser with a rigid plastic container. Figure 3 shows a wet wipe with a flexible container (e.g., a foam, peel seal type of film container) to which a rigid port member is attached. Each dispenser includes a top that is hingedly attached adjacent the end portion of the dispenser. 1 and 2, the dispenser has a removable cover that includes a rigid port 12 that surrounds the flexible rubber sheet 22. As shown in FIG. The cover can be fixedly or removably fixed to the side wall of the base. In each dispenser of FIGS. 1-3, the top is fixed in the closed position by a suitable latching mechanism. The shape of the rigid port in the dispenser shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is elliptical and the shape of the rigid port in the dispenser shown in FIG. 3 is rectangular, but such a port (ie, a flexible orifice included in port 12). ] May be of any shape and dimension large enough to allow some clearance between the end of the rigid port and the continuous slit so as not to interfere with the dispensing function of the flexible orifice.

In use, the top of the dispenser is opened, so that access to the flexible orifice is obtained. The user then passes a hand or the like through the continuous slit 40 to grasp the first wipe in the stack of wipes 16. If the orifice has a fragile seal, it must be broken before the user passes the hand through the orifice. Once the user grabs the wipe, it can then pass through the orifice and out of the dispenser as the user pulls the wipe up. If the user does not need a wipe immediately, it may remain partially distributed in the orifice where it can be held in place by a continuous slit until later required. The partially dispensed wipe is left in place in the orifice, with some inside the dispenser, and some in the space between the upper and flexible orifices, making it convenient to prepare for later dispensing in the form of a popup. If the user wants to use the wipe immediately, he can pass the whole wipe out of the dispenser through a continuous slit. For pop-up dispensing, after fully dispensing the first wipe and while a portion of the second wipe remains in the flexible orifice 20, the wipe is detachably joined to a boundary (eg, a weak line, adhesive joint). Or other mechanism) from the subsequent adjacent second wipe. Subsequent wipes for dispensing may be partially dispensed for later use (ie in a pop-up dispensing format) and automatically maintained within the orifice. In addition, subsequent wipes may need to be brought outside of the inside of the dispenser, similar to the first wipe, at a later time required if the user pushes the subsequent wipe back into the reservoir after popping dispensing the tip wipe. This is commonly referred to as so-called rich distribution. As mentioned above, in any case, after the desired number of wipes is obtained, the top is closed with or without the partially dispensed wipe in the flexible orifice. At a later time when another wipe is required, the preceding step may generally be followed again.

Publications, patents, and patent documents cited in the specification are all incorporated herein by reference. In case of any discrepancy, the present disclosure, which includes any limitations herein, will prevail. While the present invention has been described in detail with respect to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art should, when attaining an understanding thereof, substitute for those embodiments that are within the spirit and scope of the invention that should be evaluated in accordance with the appended claims. Yes, it can be seen that modifications and equivalents can be easily understood.

The invention will be more fully understood and the features will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Like parts shown in the figures are denoted by the same reference numerals.

1 representatively illustrates a flexible orifice for pop-up dispensing with a wet wipe dispenser, in accordance with the present invention.

2 representatively illustrates another flexible orifice for pop-up dispensing with an alternative wet wipe dispenser, in accordance with the present invention.

3 representatively illustrates a flexible orifice for pop-up dispensing with an alternative wet wipe dispenser, similar to FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention.

4 representatively illustrates an enlarged view of the flexible orifice of FIG. 1 in combination with a rigid collar for attaching to a dispenser.

5 representatively shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the seat portion of the flexible orifice, taken along lines 5-5.

6 representatively shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the seat portion of the flexible orifice, taken along lines 6-6.

7 representatively shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the seat portion of the flexible orifice, taken along lines 7-7.

8 representatively shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of another sheet portion of a flexible orifice, similar to the figure of FIG. 7 taken along lines 7-7.

9 representatively shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of another sheet portion of a flexible orifice, similar to the figure of FIG. 7 taken along lines 7-7.

10 representatively shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of another sheet portion of a flexible orifice, similar to the figure of FIG. 7 taken along lines 7-7.

FIG. 11 representatively shows an enlarged view of the flexible orifice of FIG.

12 representatively shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the flexible orifice of FIG. 12, oriented at a 90 degree angle with respect to the orifice of FIG.

FIG. 13 representatively shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the flexible orifice of FIG. 12, oriented at a negative angle with respect to the orifice of FIG. 11.

14 representatively shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the flexible orifice of FIG. 12, oriented at a positive angle with respect to the orifice of FIG.

Claims (10)

Flexible orifice for pop-up dispensing with a wet wipe dispenser, A flexible rubber sheet 22 having an upper surface 24 and a lower surface 26, A continuous slit 40 extending across the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet, the wet wipe being capable of passing from the bottom surface to the top surface or from the top surface to the bottom surface, The continuous slit 40 has at least one zigzag portion that is connected with a pair of end leg portions, The zigzag portion consists of curved portions 44 and 48, each end leg portion is straight, and the length of each straight end leg portion is at least 50% larger than the diameter of the curved portion of the zigzag portion connected thereto, The first portion of the flexible rubber sheet has a first thickness and the second portion of the sheet located between the continuous slit and the first portion has a second thickness that is greater than or less than the first thickness. The flexible orifice of claim 1, wherein the end leg portions (60) extend in a direction away from each other with respect to the longitudinal axis (62) of the curved zigzag portion connecting the end leg portions (60). The flexible orifice according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion is positioned adjacent to the continuous slit (40). 4. The flexible orifice of claim 3, wherein the second portion is positioned adjacent the continuous slit on opposite sides of the continuous slit (40). The flexible orifice according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion extends along only a portion of the continuous slit (40). 3. The flexible orifice of claim 1, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness. 4. Flexible orifice for pop-up dispensing with a wet wipe dispenser, A flexible rubber sheet 22 having an upper surface 24 and a lower surface 26, A continuous slit 40 extending across the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet, the wet wipe being capable of passing from the bottom surface to the top surface or from the top surface to the bottom surface, The continuous slit 40 has at least one zigzag portion that is connected with a pair of end leg portions, The zigzag portion consists of curved portions 44 and 48, each end leg portion is straight, and the length of each straight end leg portion is at least 50% larger than the diameter of the curved portion of the zigzag portion connected thereto, And at least one hinge 56 positioned between the continuous slit 40 and the first portion of the sheet, the side of the sheet 22 adjacent the continuous slit to pivot about the first portion of the sheet by the hinge. Flexible orifice. 8. The flexible orifice of claim 7, wherein the end leg portions (60) extend in a direction away from each other with respect to the longitudinal axis (62) of the curved zigzag portion connecting the end leg portions (60). The flexible orifice according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one hinge (56) comprises two hinges positioned adjacent to the continuous slit on opposite sides of the continuous slit. The flexible orifice according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the hinge (56) extends along only a portion of the continuous slit.

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