MXPA01001513A - Wipe article having a three-dimensional wiping surface - Google Patents

Abstract

A disposable wiping article is disclosed. The disposable wiping article has a macroscopically three-dimensional surface and comprises an elastic web material and at least one nonwoven web joined to the elastic web at least two areas, the nonwoven web being gathered between the two areas. The nonwoven can be elastic. The nonwoven web is a first layer, intermittently joined to the elastic web material in a face to face relationship, which is a second layer. Portions of the first layer are gathered by contraction of the second layer relative to the first layer, thereby providing the macroscopically three-dimensional surface of the first layer. The three-dimensional surface of the first layer has relatively elevated peaks and relatively depressed valleys. The peaks of the first layer provide elongated, elevated ridges.

Description

CLEANING ARTICLE THAT HAS A THREE-DIMENSIONAL CLEANING SURFACE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable cleaning articles, and more particularly, to disposable cleaning articles having a macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Disposable cleaning articles are well known in the art. These cleaning articles typically have a substrate that includes one or more materials or layers. The substrate may be pre-moistened with a wetting agent before use, or alternatively, it may be combined with a liquid at the time the article will be used. Pre-moistened cleaning articles are also referred to as "wet wipes" and "wipes". Efforts have been made to increase the surface texture of the wet towels to provide a relatively smooth cleaning surface that can provide effective and even gentle cleaning.

-H * -: ^^ dfe - ^^ a ^ -S & ^^^^^^^ - In general, cleaning substrates comprise non-woven materials, including meltblown, twisted and carded webs. Non-woven substrates are often engraved to add a certain amount of texture to an article for cleaning, produced from these non-woven materials. However, the engraving does not add a significant volume or gauge to the nonwoven web, such that the increase in texture is negligible. Other methods for imparting texture to a nonwoven web or a composite web comprising, for example, an elastic film and a nonwoven material are known. These methods include elastic materials that are stretched to non-elastic materials to form compounds that can be stretched by methods that result in a web having a plurality of generally parallel creases, puckers or roughness. However, the non-random pattern of repetition resulting from surface texture can be perceived as rougher than a pattern without random repetition. In addition, to produce non-random repeat patterns, the known methods for imparting texture to suitable wefts for cleaning substrates such as, for example, stretch bonding, do not impart a pattern without random repetition of the surface texture having a significant increase in gauge in the Z direction (the direction through the thickness) of the material) . A significant increase could result in a macroscopically three-dimensional surface that is perceived as smooth and has a surface area significantly increased to improve the cleaning of dirt. In particular, a wet towel having a three-dimensional surface could have an improved ability to clean a baby's stool during diaper changes. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a disposable cleaning article having a macroscopically three-dimensional surface exhibiting a texture and volume for improved cleaning. Also, it would be desirable to provide a disposable cleaning article having a macroscopically three-dimensional surface exhibiting a non-repeating, random texture. Also, it would be desirable to provide a disposable wet towel, such as, for example, a ^^^ ÍÍ &S $ ^^ & disposable wet baby towel, having a macroscopically three-dimensional surface that can be stretched elastically to improve the cleaning of fecal material. In addition, it would be desirable to provide an improved pre-moistened towel that can be packaged to be used as a towel to clean stool from young children or adults with incontinence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A disposable cleaning article is exposed. The disposable cleaning article has a macroscopically three-dimensional surface and comprises an elastic weft material and at least one non-woven weft attached to the elastic weft in at least two areas, the nonwoven web is folded between the two areas. The non-woven material can be elastic. The nonwoven web is a first layer, intermittently joined to the elastic web material in a confronted relation, which is a second layer. The portions of the first layer are folded by the contraction of the second layer relative to the first layer, thereby providing the macroscopically three-dimensional surface of the first layer. The three-dimensional surface of the first layer has relatively high peaks and relatively sunken valleys. The peaks of the first layer provide elongate and raised protrusions. It is believed that the resulting soft, deformable projections provide a relatively smooth cleaning surface compared to the etched surfaces. As a result, the cleaning article of the present invention can provide an effective and even gentle cleaning. Furthermore, without being limited by theory, it is believed that the cleaning article of the present invention avoids the non-random repeat surface texture, which may be perceived as rougher than a surface of a pattern without random repetition. The macroscopically three-dimensional surface is characterized by the Average Height Differential between the peaks and the valleys, the Peak-to-Peak Average Distance and the non-dimensional Surface Topography index, which is the ratio of the Average Height Differential to the Peak-to-Peak Average Distance. . The Average Height Differential may be at least about 0.5 mm, more preferably at least about 1.0 mm and even more preferably at least about 1.5 mm. The Peak-to-Peak Average Distance can be at least about 1.0 mm, 5 most preferably at least about 1.5 mm and even more preferably at least about 2.0 mm. In one embodiment, the Peak-to-Peak Average Distance is between about 2 and 20 mm, and more particularly between approximately 4 and 12 mm. The surface topography index can be at least 0.10 and less than approximately 2.5. In one embodiment, the Surface Topography index is at least approximately 0.10, preferably from about 0.15 and more preferably at least about 0.20. Preferably, the disposable cleaning article includes a third layer, wherein the second layer is placed between the first and the second layer. third layer. The third layer may be in substantially the same way as the first layer, or alternatively, may be different from the first layer. In one embodiment, the first and third layers are virtually non-woven wefts material and construction and each of the first and Third layers are folded by contraction of the second layer to provide projections on the outward facing surfaces of one of the first and third layers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a plan view of a fashion of layers of a cleaning article of the present invention, wherein the second layer comprises a canvas material having filaments that they run parallel to the side and end edges of the article, wherein a portion of the first layer is shown in section and wherein the surface characteristics of the first layer are omitted for clarity. Figure 2 is an illustration of a cleaning article of the type shown in Figure 1, which represents an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the filaments of the second layer are slanted at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the edges Lateral and end of the article. Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a plan view showing the texture of the macroscopically three-dimensional outer surface of the first layer, and particularly the protrusions extended on the outer surface of the first layer, of the cleaning article of the type shown in FIG. Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of an article of the type shown in Figure 1, taken in parallel with one of the filaments of the second layer and showing portions of the filament extending through the middle part of the intersections filamentous, the portions of the filament are unbound to the first layer, as well as the portions of the filaments that extend through the middle part of the filamentary intersections that are unattached to the third layer. Figure 5 is a photomicrograph showing the texture of the macroscopically three-dimensional surface of the first layer of an article of the type shown in Figure 1, and in particular the elongated projections of the surface. The scale of Figure 5 is in inches. Figure 6 is an enlarged photomicrograph of the surface shown in Figure 5 in which an elongated projection is seen having branches extending in different directions. w- * gfeqaa Au »•» ». { £ »i - ^^^ a ^ ^^ 'gS fa Figure 7 is a Scanning Micrograph Electronic that provides a perspective view of the macroscopically three-dimensional surface of the first layer of an article of the type shown in Figure 1. Figure 8 is an Electronic Scanning Micrograph of a cross-section of an article of the type shown in Figure 1 in which portions of filaments extending through the middle part of filamentary intersections, whose portions of the filaments are unbound to the first layer, are observed. Figure 9 is Electronic Scanning Micrograph of an article of the type shown in Figure 1, in which the joining of the first and third layers to the second layer at filament intersections is observed. Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a plan view of a third embodiment of a cleaning article of the present invention, wherein the second layer comprises a composite formed of two canvas layers superimposed to form a canvas having generally rectangular openings of different sizes, where a portion of the first and second layers is shown in section and where the Surface characteristics of the first layer are omitted for clarity. Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a plan view of one embodiment of the third layer of a cleaning article of the present invention, wherein the second layer comprises a composite formed of two canvas layers superimposed to form a canvas having a plurality of generally triangular openings of different sizes, wherein a portion of the first and second layers are shown in section, and wherein the surface characteristics of the first layer are omitted for clarity. Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a plan view of one embodiment of the third layer of a cleaning article of the present invention, wherein the second layer comprises a film material, wherein a portion of the first layer is shown in section and wherein the surface characteristics of the first layer are omitted for clarity. Figure 13 is an illustration of a cleaning article of the type shown in Figure 10 depicting an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the film material . The second layer is a film formed with openings, Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for manufacturing the cleaning article of the type shown in Figures 12 and 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the sense in which it is used herein, the term "macroscopically three-dimensional" means a three-dimensional structure or pattern that can be easily seen with the naked eye when the perpendicular distance between the eye of the observer and the plane of the item is seen approximately 12 inches. In other words, the three-dimensional structures of the present invention are sheets for cleaning that are not flat, wherein one or both surfaces of the sheet exist in multiple planes, wherein the difference in elevation between those planes is observed with the naked eye when the Structure is observed from approximately 12 inches. By contrast, the term "flat" refers to cleaning blades having fine-scale surface defects on one or both sides, surface defects can not be easily seen with the naked eye when the perpendicular distance between the eye of the observed and the plane of the frame is approximately 12 inches or greater. In other words, on a macroscale, the observer might not observe that one or both 5 surfaces of the sheet exist in multiple planes to be three-dimensional. The term "elastic" is used in the present to understand any material that, when applying a deviating force, is stretched, that is, it is capable of elongating to a deviated, stretched length that is at least about 125 percent, which is about one and a quarter, of its undivided, relaxed length and which will recover at least 40 percent of its lengthening by releasing the stretching and stretching force. A hypothetical example that could satisfy this definition of an elastic material could be a one (1) inch sample of a material that can be lengthened to at least 1.25 inches and that, being lengthened to 1.25 inches and released, will recover a length no greater than 1.15 inches. Many elastic materials can stretch to much more than 25 percent of their relaxed length, for example, 100 percent or more, and many of these will recover practically their gHg ^^ & ^^ l ^^^^^^ ¿^ ££ ^ & ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ or original relaxed length, for example, at 105 percent of its original relaxed length, by releasing the stretched and elongated force. Many materials, in particular the 5 non-woven materials, can be elastic in one direction. For example, the material may be elastic in the direction transverse to the machine or in the machine direction, or in both directions. In each case, the material is considered elastic. 10 Many materials have variable elastic properties based on the number of elongation / release cycles they experience. For the purposes of the present invention, only one material is required to experience recovery elastic by a cycle. Many materials will have variable elastic properties based on the amount of elongated time and the amount of time after releasing the material to allow it to recover. In In a context of wet towels, the lengthening and recovery times are typically short, in the order of several seconds. Therefore, without being bound by the theory, lengthening time and recovery time are generally preferred to be within of about 10-60 seconds.

In the sense in which it is used in the present, the term "non-elastic" refers to any material that is not within the definition of "elastic" above. In the sense in which it is used herein, the term "recovery" refers to a contraction of a stretched material at the end of a bypass force after stretching the material by the application of a bypass force. For example, if the material that has a non-deflected, relaxed length of one (1) inch is lengthened by 50 percent by stretching to a length of one and a half (1.5) inches, the material could be lengthened by 50 percent and could have a stretched length that is 150 percent of your relaxed length. If this exemplary stretched material contracts, that is, recovers its length one and one tenth (1.1) inches after releasing the deflection and stretching force, the material could have recovered 80 percent (0.4) inch) of its elongation . Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a multi-layer disposable cleaning article 20 according to the present invention. Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a multi-layer disposable cleaning article 20 according to the present invention.

The cleaning article 20 includes side edges 22 and end edges 24. The side edges 22 extend generally parallel to the length of the article 20 and the end edges 24 extend generally parallel to the width of the article. Optionally, article 20 may include an edge seal 26 that extends around the perimeter of the article. This edge seal 26 can be formed by heating, by using adhesives, or by combining heating and adhesives. The cleaning article 20 includes a first layer 100 and a second layer 200. Preferably, the cleaning article also includes a third layer 300. The second layer 200 may be positioned between the first layer 100 and the first layer 300. In Figure 1 , a portion of the first layer 100 is shown in section to reveal the underlying portions of the second layer 200 and the third layer 300. The first layer 100 can be formed from woven materials, non-woven materials, paper webs, foams , wadding and the like as is known in the art. In particular, the preferred materials are nonwoven webs having fibers or filaments randomly distributed as in the The process of "laying in the air" or certain processes of "wet laying", or with a degree of orientation, as in certain processes of "wet laying" and "carded". The fibers or filaments of the first layer 100 can be natural, or of natural origin (for example, cellulosic fibers such as, for example, wool pulp fibers, cotton linters, rayon and bagasse fibers) or synthetics (for example, fine polyol, polyamides or polyesters) or mixtures thereof. Base weights may vary from about 15 gsm to about 75 gsm. In a preferred embodiment, the basis weight is between about 18 gsm and 33 gsm. In a more preferred embodiment, the basis weight is between about 20 gsm and 25 gsm. The third layer 300 may be substantially the same as the first layer 100, or alternatively, it may be of a different material and / or construction. In one embodiment, the first layer 100 and the third layer 300 may each comprise a weft of synthetic nonwoven fibers having a denier of less than about 4.0, preferably less than about 3.0 and greater. preferably less than about 2.0 grams per 9000 meters of fiber length. A first The most suitable layer (as well as a suitable third layer 300) is a hydroentanglement of a hydroentanglement. polyester fibers having a denier of about 1.5 grams per 9000 meters of fiber length or less, and the weft has a basis weight of about 30 grams per square meter. A suitable plot is available from PGI Nonwovens of Benson, N.C. with the designation PGI 9936. The second layer 200 is joined in a discontinuous manner to the first layer 100 and provides for the folding of the first layer, for example, by contraction of the second layer 200 relative to the first layer 100 when the layers are heated and then cooled. The second layer 200 may have openings therethrough. In one embodiment, the second layer 200 comprises a mesh-like filament arrangement having openings defined by adjacent filaments. Alternatively, the second layer could comprise an apertured layer having openings therethrough or an engraved layer having surface depressions instead of openings or in addition thereto. For example, the second layer 200 could be a plastic film with openings, engraved or flat (ie, impervious to fluids, unrecorded, and without openings), as described more fully below with reference to Figure 12. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-9, the second layer comprises a mesh-like 5-filament arrangement that includes a first plurality of filaments 220 and a second plurality of filaments 240. The filaments 220 extend generally parallel to each other and the filaments 220 filaments 240 extend generally parallel to each other and in general perpendicular to the filaments 220. The filaments extend between the filamentary intersections 260. The intersection, the adjacent filaments * 220 and 240, define openings 250 in the second layer 200. The filamentary intersections and the openings 250 are arranged in a grid-like repeat pattern, generally non-random. In one embodiment, the canvas layer may be in a non-uniform pattern, i.e. the grid may comprise filaments having a filament-to-filament spacing unequal. The second layer 200 may comprise a polymeric mesh (referred to herein as a "canvas material"). Suitable canvas materials are described in the United States Patent 4,636,419, incorporated herein by reference -a-j-afc ** - - arim. Afcafe -.teaiafc. reference. The canvas can be derived from a polyolefin, such as, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene, copolymers thereof, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene vinyl acetate, Nylon 6, Nylon 66 and the like. The second layer 200 may also comprise multiple layers of canvas materials to form a composite canvas 265 of grid patterns displaced. For example, the two canvas layers may be overlapped, with grid patterns offset so that the resulting composite canvas 265 comprises non-uniform apertures 255, as shown in Figure 10. In addition to the filaments 220 and 240, a second canvas material may have a plurality of generally parallel filaments 221, also being generally parallel to the filaments 220 of the first canvas material. Likewise, the filaments 241 generally parallel to the second The canvas material can be generally parallel with the filaments 240 of the first canvas material. The non-uniform openings can result in a non-repeating, more randomized pattern of the nonwoven material of the resulting cleaning article. ? & »a5t -« & "ace"-. jiAg - J5 ^ e «^^ j8« ata- > aa »fe ^ fafciifa ^ I-» aj-- a »&« «J« - ^ ». Jrf-j ^» ^ .. ^ _ alifas ?? pl »MSf" lfrJ 'While two canvas materials that have similar filament to filament spacings are shown in Figure 10, this configuration should be understood as illustrative and not limiting. You can use canvas layers that have filaments or filament-to-filament spacings that vary. Additionally, more than two canvases can be used to produce a composite canvas having many variations with respect to filament to filament spacing and aperture sizes 255. In one embodiment, two overlapping canvases are used as illustrated in Figure 10, with a Canvas that has a repeating pattern with double spacing of the other and aligned to form concentric squares. In general, it is preferred that the canvas materials are bonded together in such a way that the composite canvas produced is handled as a single canvas during processing and used as a damp towel. The union must be by means of filaments united by fusion of a canvas of filaments to another canvas in practically all the points where they are crossed. For practical purposes, an individual canvas that has the pattern of two or more overlapping canvases, could be enough to ? ~ ?? i * «, & - ^ teteSh produce most of the benefit of the multiple canvases. Without being bound by the theory, however, there may be an additional benefit to having two overlapping canvases, particularly if the bond between the canvas materials is not finished, so that the contraction is not uniform across the weft. In another embodiment, two canvas materials may be joined in a composite canvas to form non-rectangular openings. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the filaments 221 of the second weft material may be oriented at an angle C to the filaments 220 and the filaments 241 of the second weft material may be oriented at an angle similar to the filaments 240 of the first raster material. In this way, apertures 255 formed in a non-rectangular manner can be formed, such as, for example, the numerous apertures 255 with substantially triangular shape shown in Figure 11. A single canvas having filaments oriented in a tri-axial manner, in such a way that the openings are practically triangular, could serve an almost similar purpose and could eliminate the need to join the two canvas materials. ^ • as ^^ s ^^^ - ¿^^ * S3fes & The canvas material is bonded to the layers 100 and 300 through lamination by heat or chemical means such as, for example, adhesives. Preferably, the filaments of the canvas material are contracted relative to the layers 100 and 300 at the time of heating and then cooling, so that the contraction of the second layer 200 folds the layers 100 and 300 and imparts a macroscopic texture, three dimensional to the outer surfaces of layers 100 and 300 as described below in greater detail. In another embodiment, the canvas materials could be non-similar materials, for example, a "weak" material bonded to a "strong" material. That is, the filaments of one layer can have different contraction characteristics, such that the amount of contraction differs, for example, in the machine direction against the transverse direction. A particularly suitable canvas material, useful as the second layer 200 is a reinforced and heat-activated mesh material available from Conwed Plastics of Minneapolis, MN as a reinforcing mesh with the THERMANET trademark, Number R05060 having a polypropylene / EVA resin, adhesive for both * 3a *? 0tßb **? > .- *. sides and a filament count of 3 filaments per inch per 2 filaments per inch before shrinkage, such as, for example, by heating. After heating, the second layer 200 may have between about 3.5 and 4.5 filaments per inch between about 2.5 and 3.5 filaments per inch. By "double-sided adhesive" it is to be understood that the EVA adhesive (Et ilo-Vini lo Acetate adhesive) is present on both sides of the filaments. The activation temperature of the EVA is generally 85 ° C (approximately 185 ° Fahrenheit). During the lamination of the layer 200 to the polyester fibers of the layers 100 and 300, the EVA adhesive is activated to provide the bond between the filaments of the layer 200 and the fibers of the layers 100 and 300. Without being limited by the The theory is that by pressing at a relatively low pressure (for example, less than 50 psi and more preferably less than 25 psi) for a relatively short time (for example, less than about 30 seconds), the filaments of the layer 200 do not bind continuously to the non-woven materials of layers 100 and 300. This discontinuous bond, together with the shrinkage of the polypropylene filaments on heating provides improved texture of the outer surfaces of the layers 100 and 300. In Figure 3, the filaments 220 extend generally parallel to the side edges 22 and the length of the article 20. Likewise, the filaments 240 they extend generally parallel to the end edges 24 and to the width of article 20. Alternatively, the filaments 220 may be inclined at an angle of between about 20 and 70 degrees with respect to the length of the article 20 and to the side edges 22 and more preferably between about 30 degrees and 60 degrees. The filaments 240 can be inclined at an angle of between about 20 and 70 degrees with respect to the width of the article 20 and the end edges 24 and more preferably between about 30 and 60 degrees. - Figure 2 shows a modality of the present >; In which the filaments 220 are inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the side edges 22 (Angle A of Figure 2), and where the filaments 240 are inclined to u. angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the end edges 24 (Angle B of Figure 2). This arrangement provides the advantage that the angled orientation of the filaments 220 and 240 with respect to the length and width of the article 5 allows deformation of the mailary structure of the layer 200 parallel to the edges 22 and 24. This deformation provides to the article with a behavior similar to the elastic parallel to the length and width of the article. By "elastic-like behavior" parallel to a direction of the article it should be understood that the article can be stretched under tension and that the direction has an elongated dimension measured in the direction that is at least 120 percent of the original article, dimension relaxed in that direction and that at the time of releasing the tension of elongation the article recovers approximately 10 percent of its relaxed dimension. An important aspect of this The invention is that the first layer 100 is intermittently joined to the second layer 200. In particular, the. first layer 100 may be intermittently joined to second layer 200 at filamentary intersections 260, while portions of the filaments 220, the portions of the "*" * Filaments 240 or portions of both intermediate filaments 220 and 240 at filamentary intersections 260 remain unbonded to first layer 100. As a result, the surface texture of the outer surface of first layer 100 is not limited by the geometry of the openings in the filament-like array, but instead, is decoupled from the non-random repeating geometry of the openings 250. Similarly, the third layer 300 may be intermittently joined to the second layer 200 to provide a surface texture similar to the outer surface of the third layer 300. The surface texture of the first layer 100 is omitted in Figures 1 and 2 for clarity. The surface texture is shown in Figures 3-8. Figure 3 - provides a schematic illustration of the surface texture of the first layer 100 shown in the photograph of Figure 5. Figure 4 provides a cross-sectional illustration of the surface texture of the first layer 100 and the third layer 300. Figure 5 is a photomicrograph showing the texture of the macroscopically three-dimensional surface of the first layer 100. Figure 6 is a photomicrograph showing the three-dimensional surface of the first enlarged layer 100. Figure 7 is an electron scanning micrograph which provides a perspective view of the three-dimensional surface of the first layer 100. Figure 8 is an electron scanning micrograph of a cross section of the article. Referring to Figures 3-8, the 10 portions of the first layer 100 are folded by the contraction of the second layer 200 relative to the first layer 100. This folding provides the first layer 100 with a macroscopically three-dimensional surface as shown in FIG. illustrates in Figures 3 to 8. Also, third layer 300 may be folded by contraction of second layer 200 to provide third layer 300 with a macroscopically three-dimensional surface. The three-dimensional surface of the first layer 100 has relatively high peaks 105 and valleys 107 relatively sunk. The third layer has peaks 305 and valleys 307. In Figure 4, the peaks of layer 100 are -indicated with reference numerals 105A and 105B and valleys of layer 100.

^^ S ^^ g ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ l ^ are indicated with reference numerals 107A and 107B. Similarly, the peaks of layer 300 are marked 305A and 305B and the valleys are marked 307A and 307B. The peaks 105 provide elongate projections 120 on the outer surface of the first layer 100 and the peaks 305 provide elongated projections 320 on the outer surface of the third layer 300. The macroscopic t-dimensionality of the outer surface of the first layer 100 can be described in terms of the "Average Height Differential" of a peak and an adjacent valley, as well as in terms of the "Peak Peak to Average Distance" between the adjacent peaks. The height differential with respect to a peak torque 105A / valley 107A is the distance H in Figure 4. The peak-to-peak distance between an adjacent pair of peaks 105A and 105B is indicated as the distance D in Figure 4. The " Average Height Differential "and the" Peak to Average Peak Distance "for the article is measured as discussed later in the" Test Methods. " The "Surface Topography Index" of the external surface is the ratio obtained by dividing the Average Height Difference of the surface between the Peak Peak to Average Distance of the surface. - £ it8aM «« B »- * ^ Í-j ^^ A ^ ÉUSsaß ^ Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the Surface Topography index is a measure of the effectiveness of the macroscopically three-dimensional surface when receiving and containing material in the valleys of the surface. A relatively high value of Average Height Differential for a given Peak to Average Peak Distance provides depth, narrow valleys that can trap and hold materials. In particular, this arrangement is desirable to receive and contain fecal material. Accordingly, it is believed that a relatively high value of Surface Topography index indicates an effective capture of materials during cleaning. The Average Height Differential of the outer surface of the first layer 100 and the third layer 300 can be at least about 0.5 mm, more preferably at least about 1.0 mm and still more preferably at least about 1.5 mm. The Peak to Average Peak Distance can be at least about 1.0 mm, more preferably at least about 1.5 mm and even more preferably at least about 2.0 mm. In a modality, in the Average Peak to Peak Distance it is between approximately 2.0 and 20 mm, and more ^^^^^^^^^ á ^^^ j ^ ¿in particular, between approximately ^ .0 and 12 mm. The Surface Topography index can be at least 0.10, and less than approximately 2.5. In one embodiment, the Surface Topography index is 5 of at least about 0.10, and more preferably at least about 0.20. The cleaning articles of the present invention have the feature that the portions of the filaments 220, the portions of the filaments 240 or portions of both filaments 220 and 240 of the second layer 200 are not attached to the first layer 100. Referring to Figure 4, a portion of a filament 220 extending through the filament intersections 260A and 260B intermediate is not attached to the first layer 100. The portion of the filament 220 that is not attached to the first layer 100 is indicated with the reference number 220U. An opening between the filament 220 and the first layer 100 provides an empty s 180 in the middle of the first layer 100 and the filament 220. Similarly, the portions of the filament 220 that extend through the intermediate filament intersections 260 are not joined to the third layer 300, thereby providing a s < 8 > The vacuum is 380 by the middle part of the third layer 300 and the filament 220. Figures 7 and 8 also illustrate this feature of the article 20. In Figure 7, the projections 120 are visible. and 320 elongated on the outer surfaces of both the first and third layers 100, 300, respectively. In Figure 8, it is noted that a filament 220 extends between the two filamentary intersections 260. The portion of the filament extending between the two filamentary intersections is separated from the first layer and not joined thereto. In Figure 3 and Figure 5 the projections 120 are shown in a plan view. At least some of the projections 120 extend through at least one filament of the second layer 200. In Figure 4, the projection 120 corresponding to the peak 105A extends through a filament 220. Because the projections are extending through one or more filaments, the protrusions may have a length greater than the maximum distance between the adjacent filamentary intersections 260 (the distance between the adjacent filamentary intersections after the contraction of the layer 200 and the folding of the layers 100). and 300). In particular, the length of the projections 120 may be greater than the maximum dimension of the openings 250 in Figure 1 (ie, greater than the length of the diagonal extending through the rectangular openings 250). The length of a projection 120 is indicated by the letter L in Figure 3. The length L is the distance in a straight line between two ends of a projection 120, the ends of the projection 120 being those points where the projection 120 terminates in a valley 107. The value of L may be at least about 1.0 centimeter, more particularly at least about 1.5 centimeters for any of the projections 120. In one embodiment, at least one of the projections 120 has a length L of at least about 2.0 centimeters. The length L can be at least twice the distance between the adjacent filamentary intersections. For example, to determine the length of the projections 120 relative to the distance between adjacent filamentary intersections, the cleaning article 20 may be moistened (if not pre-wetted) and placed on a light table or other suitable source of back illumination. .

This back lighting, in combination with the moistening of the cleaning article, can be used to make the filament intersections of the layer 200 visible through the layer 100, such that the lengths of the protrusions 120 in relation to the distance between filamentary intersections can be measured with a ruler. The elongated projections provide softness, deformable cleansing elements for Increase the removal of the material from the surface that will be cleaned. In contrast, if the filaments of the second layer were continuously bonded to the first and second layers, then any texture characteristics of the first and second layers layers could be confined to the area associated with the openings 250 in the second layer 200. At least some of the elongated projections extend in a different direction from at least some of the other projections. Referring to Figure 3, each of the projections 120A, 120B, and 120C extend in a different direction. Consequently, the article is effective for collecting material when the article is used to clean in different directions.

Figures 3 and 6 also illustrate that at least some of the projections 120 may have branches that extend in different directions. In Figure 3, a projection 120 is shown having three branches 123A, 123B and 123C extending in different directions. Also, Figure 6 shows a projection 120 having at least three branches marked with 123A, 123B and 123C. The first layer 100 and the third layer 300 are securely attached to the second layer 200 at the filamentary intersections 260. Figure 9 illustrates the joining of the fibers of both layers 100 and 300 with the second layer at the filamentary intersection 260. Referring to Figures 4, 7 and 8, the peaks 105 of the first layer 100 are generally displaced from the peaks 305 of the third layer in the plane of the article 20. For example, in Figure 4, the peak 305A of the third layer is not directly below the peak 105A, but instead is generally aligned with the valley 107A associated with the peak 105A. Accordingly, the peaks 105 of the first layer are generally aligned with the valleys 307 of the third layer, and the peaks 305 of the third layer are generally aligned with the valleys 107 of the first layer. The present invention also includes a method for producing a multi-layer cleaning article having a second canvas layer. A first nonwoven layer is provided, a second canvas layer comprising a mesh-like filament array and a third non-woven layer. The first layer is positioned adjacent and above the surface of the second layer, in a confronting relationship with the second layer. The third layer is positioned adjacent and below the surface of the second layer in a confronting relationship with the second layer. The first layer and the third layer are intermittently joined to the spaced apart and discrete portions of the second layer such that the portions of the filaments extending between the filament intersections remain unbonded to the first layer and such so that the portions of the filaments that extend between the filament intersections remain unattached to the third layer. The second layer contracts in relation to the first layer and the third layer to provide a macroscopically three-dimensional, folded-out outer surface. the first layer and a macroscopically three-dimensional, folded outer surface of the third layer. The joining and contracting steps can be presented simultaneously or in sequence. The step of intermittently joining the second layer to the first layer and the third layer can comprise the step of hot pressing the first layer, the second layer and the third layer to a relatively low pressure for a relatively short period of time to avoid the relatively continuous joining of the second layer to the first and third layers. In one modality, all three layers may be joined using a BASIX B400 hand press manufactured by HIX Corp. of Pittsburg, Kansas. The three layers are joined by pressing them in the hand press at a temperature of about 330 ° Fahrenheit for about 13 seconds. The The manual press has an adjustment to vary the space IJ :: e, and therefore the pressure provided in the press. The adjustments can be varied as desired to provide the desired texture in layers 100 and 300.

In Figure 12, another towel embodiment of the present invention is shown. In Figure 12, a portion of the first layer 100 is shown in section to reveal the portions below the second layer 200, which is likewise in section to reveal the portions below the third layer 300. In the FIG. As shown, a polymeric film 210 is used as the second layer 200 intermittently joined to the first layer 100 and the third layer 300, to form a third layer pattern. It has been found that the use of a polymeric film can impart the desired, non-repeating, random pattern of three-dimensional macroscopic texture to the outer surfaces of layers 100 and 300, while providing benefits for further processing and use. The folding and contraction of the first and third layers forms the three-dimensional macroscopic surface texture, similar to that shown in Figures 3-8. The surface texture of the first and third layers is omitted in Figure 12 for clarity. The polymeric film 200 is preferably a flat film (ie, without apertures, without etching). - The use of a flat film provides a waterproof barrier to moisture within each wet towel. A moisture impervious barrier prevents or significantly delays the migration of moisture to the bottom of the dispenser tube during various storage periods before use. Therefore, wet towels that have a predetermined amount of moisture when produced in a stack and placed in a dispensing tube tend to remain moist longer. While a flat film for the polymeric film 200 is preferred, other films with other benefits can be used. For example, a three-dimensional apertured film, formed or hydroformed under vacuum, can provide a gauge added to the finished towel. The voids formed by vacuum or hydroforming typically have tapered capillaries that provide a preferential fluid stream, which can help collect the dirt particles in the central portion of the wet towel during use. The polymer films 200 formed suitably can be produced according to the teachings of any of the United States patents assigned in a joint manner Nos. 4,342,314 issued to RadeJ et al. on August 3, 1982; 4,609,518 granted to Curro et al. on September 2, 1986, and 4,778,644 granted to Curro et al. on October 18, 1988, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The polymeric film 210 may be intermittently joined to the first layer 100 and the third layer 300 and may be shrunk by heat to form a macroscopically three-dimensional surface on the first and third layers. The intermittent bonding can be carried out by applying a suitable adhesive for the non-woven layers in one or more spiral patterns, for example, as shown in Figure 13, before joining and applying heat to contract the second layer 200. Other bonding methods may be used, including meltblown adhesive to achieve the desired randomness of the final non-woven texture. The spiral pattern shown in Figure 13 is representative of a preferred method of applying glue for spiral bonding. In Figure 13, five coils of glue have been applied to a nonwoven web (100 or 300) before joining the second layer 200-. The number and size of glue spirals 266 impacts the resulting pattern of the »^^ h * IB * tA * '^ - ** -' 'texture on the finished towel and can be varied to obtain the desired surface topography characteristics of the finished towel. It is believed that by providing some overlap between the adjacent coils 5, as shown in Figure 13, a more random repeat pattern is produced in the finished towel. In another embodiment, the glue is applied in a meltblowing method that provides a further application rate controlled. In general, an optimum application rate of glue to each non-woven material is 3 mg per square inch. The proportion of glue can be as high as 7 mg per square inch (10.85 gsm). In a preferred embodiment, a general construction of hot melt adhesive is used, such as, for example, Ato Findley 2545, available from Ato Findley of Wauwatosa, Wl, applied at a ratio of preference between approximately 3.5 mg per square inch for each non-woven material, in a pattern of meltblown hot melt adhesive fibers in a three-quarter inch pattern per nozzle. The glue can be applied by means of a system for paste by blown melt as supplied by J &M > - ** '• < & ^ t, / J Laboratories, Inc. of Dqwsonville, GA and equipped with DF2 nozzles capable of being operated to produce glue patterns of three-quarters of an inch of specific gravity per nozzle by methods known in the art. Suitable polymeric films 210 can intermittently bond to the first and third layers and can be heat shrunk in a manner similar to that described for the canvas materials described above. However, in a preferred embodiment, the polymeric layer 210 is an elastic film 211 intermittently joined to the first and third layers for a while in an elastically extended state, and therefore is allowed to contract elastically. The bonding is carried out by applying a glue pattern to the non-woven layers, as described with reference to Figure 13 above. Once they are intermittently joined to the elastic film 211, the first and third non-woven layers fold and contract upon releasing the tension of the second layer 200. In one embodiment, the elastic film 211 comprises a low polyethylene film. linear density with a thickness of 0.5 thousandths of an inch, for example, Exxon EMV685. In another embodiment, the elastic film 211 comprises a mixture of film recorded in micropattern of low density polyethylene diamonds and linear low density polyethylene with metallocene of 0.5 thickness as for example, Exxon EMB-685. Other elastomeric films such as polyolefin elastomers (e.g., INSIGHT® or ENGAGE® polymers from Dow Chemical, Midland MI.), Polyester elastomers (e.g., HYTREL® and blends thereof), and EVA films such as second layer of a towel of the present invention. The first and third (if used) layers can be elastic or non-elastic nonwoven webs that have a softness and texture suitable for use as a wet towel. In one embodiment, the nonwoven web comprises 100% nonwoven polyester twisted cords having a basis weight of 33 gsm, such as, for example, PGI # 9936 available from PGI Nonwovens of Landisville NJ. This non-woven material has elastic properties in such a way that after stretching to 125% of its original length in the direction transverse to the machine and when released, it recovers 109% of its original length. In another embodiment, the non-woven web comprises a carded blend thermally bonded by j & F ^ OstKii ?? SsaAíAr i ^ !. through air of 40% polypropylene, 40% polyethylene and 20% rayon having a basis weight of 25 gsm, obtained from PGI as PGI-98-016. This non-woven material has elastic properties in such a way that after being stretched to 125% of its original length in the cross-machine direction and being released, it recovers 103% of its original length. In another embodiment, the nonwoven web comprises a carded blend thermally bonded by calendering of 55% polypropylene, 25% polyethylene and 20% rayon, having a basis weight of 20 gsm, obtained from Fiber Visions Inc. as HER- 98-003. This non-woven material has elastic properties such that after being stretched to 125% of its original length in the direction transverse to the machine and released, it recovers 103% of its original length. The engraving patterns can be imparted by calendering processes on non-woven wefts used for the first and third layers (100 and 300, respectively), however, it is believed that a minimum engraving is desirable for maximum smoothness. In one embodiment, the non-woven web is thermally bonded by bonding by air passage without any etching. Nonwoven materials joined by Air passage in general are of low density, which results in an increase in caliber and softness in the finished towel. The three-layer towel shown in Figure 5 12 having an elastic polymeric layer 211 can be produced by the method and apparatus shown schematically in Figure 14. The elastic web 211 can be non-woven from a supply roll 201 of the elastic weft material. The The web 211 then travels in the direction indicated by the arrows associated with it and passes through the contact point 216 formed by the stacked rollers 217 and 218. While the stacked rollers are shown, it is evident that can employ any form of contact point rollers sufficient to apply tension to the elastic web 211 with equivalent results. From the stacked rollers, the web passes through the press contact point 219 formed by an array of , 270 for joining, which serves to effect the pressure bonding of the layers as described in greater detail below. A first nonwoven web 100 is unwound from a supply roll 101 and a second nonwoven web 300 is unwound from ^^? ^ a ^ fetfe ^^ aag "^ - ^ a supply roller 301. The non-woven webs 100 and 300 travel in the direction indicated by the arrows associated therewith respectively as the supply rollers 101 and 301 5 rotate in the directions indicated by the respective arrows associated therewith Each nonwoven web may have adhesive applied by glue applicators 265. Glue applicators 265 may apply glue in spiral patterns, meltblowing patterns or other patterns that provide intermittent bonding of the non-woven layers to the second layer 200. After application of the glue, the non-woven webs 100 and 300 are directed to pass to through the pressure contact point 219 of the roller array 270 for joining on the two opposite sides of the elastic web 200. By virtue of the fact that the peripheral linear speed of the rollers 217 and 218 of the stacked roller array is controlled to be less than the peripheral linear speed of the rolls of the bonding roll arrangement 270, the elastic web 200 is stretched at a selected elongation percentage and held in that stretched condition during bonding of the nonwoven webs 100 and 300 to the web a ^^ = Ée ^ ¡g ^^ - jg- ^ elastic 200 during its passage through the coupling arrangement 270 for joining. The union is effected by the pressure of the component layers. The necessary pressure needs to be just enough to make the intermittent connection. The pressure level can vary to produce the desired level of bonding, and therefore, the desired surface topology of the finished frame. In one embodiment, the peripheral speed of The rollers of the roll-up arrangement 270 for joining is between about 20% and 40% faster, and preferably between about 25% and 30% faster, than the supply rolls 101 and 301. A preferred three-dimensional texture of the surface of the finished towel can be finished by maintaining a certain stretch percentage that depends on the combined basis weight of the nonwoven webs. Unbound by theory, it is believed that a ratio of stretch percentage to combined base weights of the folds n gsm fabrics should be less than 0.8, preferably less than 0.6 and more preferably less than 0.5 (with all proportion units% / gsm). In a preferred embodiment, the first - and third layers., .00 and 300, respectively) comprise elastic non-woven wefts. Elastic non-woven webs provide the benefits of increased cleaning efficiency, increased entrapment of dirt particles such as fecal matter and increased softness. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that as the towel is used against the skin, the three-dimensional surface is elastically deformed, allowing an increased surface area to be in contact with the skin. Once the cleaning action is completed, the elastically exposed surface area recovers back to a configuration of the previous towel, trapping dirt within the folds and folds of the three-dimensional surface of the towel. The cleaning article 20 can be impregnated with a liquid composition to provide a pre-moistened towel or "wet towel". The liquid composition may be based on water (at least 50 weight percent water), and may include several ingredients in addition to water, including, but not limited to, preservatives, surfactants, emollients, humectants (including, but not limited to, humectants and conditioning agents). skin), fragrances and solubili zant is ^ ^ ^ ^, Cltoaifl ^ fragrances, as well as other ingredients. Preferably the liquid composition is at least 85 weight percent water. The dry substrate comprising the three layers 100, 200, 300 can be saturated with about 1.5 grams to 4.5 grams of the liquid composition per gram of dry substrate and in one embodiment, between about 2.0 and 3.0 grams of liquid composition per gram of dry substrate. Preferably, the cleaning article 200 is pre-wetted with a liquid composition comprising at least 85 weight percent water and an effective amount of a surfactant, an effective amount of an emollient, an effective amount of a preservative, an The effective amount of a humectant, an effective amount of a fragrance and an effective amount of a fragrance solubilizer. The described embodiment of the cleaning article of the present invention provides the advantages of that even when moistened with a liquid composition to provide a pre-moistened towel, the cleaning article can maintain a macroscopically three-dimensional surface having the desired Average Height Differential, the Distance Peak to Average Peak, and the index of. Surface topography. In one embodiment, the liquid composition includes at least about 95 weight percent water. The liquid composition may also include about 0.5-5.0 weight percent of Propylene glycol, which may serve as an emollient and humectant, about 0.1-3.0 weight percent of PEG-75 Lanolin, which may serve as an emollient; about 0.1-3 weight percent of Cocoamphodiacetate, which can serve as a surfactant to clean the skin; about 0.1-3 weight percent Polysorbate 20, which can serve as a surfactant to cleanse the skin and as an emulsifier to solubilize the fragrance components; about 0.01-0.3 weight percent of Methylparaben, which can serve as a preservative; about 0.005-0.10 weight percent of Propylparaben, which can serve as a preservative; about 0.005-0.1 weight percent of 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropan-1, 3-Diol, which may serve as a preservative; and about 0.02-1.0 weight percent of a fragrance component. In another embodiment, the liquid composition may include at least about 95 weight percent water, about 0.01-1 weight percent Tetrasodium EDTA, about 0.05-0.8 weight percent Potassium Sorbate, about 0.1-5.0. percent by weight of Propylene Glycol, about 0.1-3.0 weight percent of PEG 75 Lanolin, about 0.1-3 weight percent of C12-13 Pareth-7, about 0.1-2.0 weight percent of Polysorbate 20; about 0.01-1.0 weight percent of Disodium Phosphate, about 0.10-1.0 weight percent of Phenoxyethanol, about 0.01-0.5 weight percent of Benzalkonium Chloride; about 0.01-1.0 weight percent of Citric Acid and about 0.02-1.0 weight percent of a fragrance component. Other liquid compositions with which the substrate can be pre-wetted are described in the following patent documents which are incorporated herein by reference: US Pat. No. 4,941,995 issued July 17, 1990 to Richards et al .; United States Patent 4,904,524 issued on February 27, 1990 to Yoh, United States Patent 4,772,501 issued on September 20, 1988 to Joh n s o n e L. a l.

According to the present invention, the disposable cleaning article can be pre-moistened with a plurality of pre-moistened towels which are packaged in a suitable container. A suitable container may include a tube-type container such as, for example, the one described in U.S. Patent 5,065,887 issued November 19, 1991 to Schuh et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference. The tube container can be generally covered in a moisture impervious envelope, such as, for example, a heat shrinkable polymeric film. The package may include instructions related to the use of the pre-moistened cleaning article for cleaning the body parts, including the removal of fecal material from the skin. The instructions may include a description of the cleaning with the cleaning article, including cleaning in different directions in order to take advantage of the different orientation of the projections, as well as an initial stretch of the cleaning article followed by the contraction of the article to trap the material in the valleys of the surfaces of the cleaning article. g¡3B ^ ^ * ^ s ^ * É g | g¡j¡ ^^^^^^^^^^^ j gg2g ^^^^ < i £ Áyd'É > g ^ TEST METHODS: To measure the Peak Peak to Average Peak Distance and the Average Height Differential, the following procedure is used. The method can be used to measure samples that are dry, samples that are pre-wet (wet) and / or samples that have dried (for example, pre-moistened samples that have dried). Before obtaining the measurements, a straight guideline is drawn on the surface of interest (eg, the outer surface of the layer 100) using an extra-fine permanent marker, such as, for example, a permanent marker for extra fine point of the Sharpie brand. The guideline is drawn taking care not to distort the surface that will be measured. The guideline can serve as a focus aid for measurements. As an additional aid, "outgoing lines" can also be drawn along the outgoing peaks; the "outgoing lines" intersect the guide line to facilitate the measurement of peak spacing.

J Distance Peak to Peak Average: Simple light microscopy is used to measure the distance between adjacent peaks located along the guideline. A clear plastic ruler with the appropriate markings (for example, marks in millimeters) can be used to assist in measuring peak-to-peak distance. As an alternative, a stereoscope equipped with measurement capability (for example, Optimus version 4.2) can be used. The peak-to-peak distance is the distance between each pair of adjacent peaks located along the guideline. If the protrusions are perpendicular to the guideline, then the peak-to-peak distance is measured along the guideline. If the projections are not perpendicular to the guideline, the peak-to-peak distance is measured along the direction in which the guideline intersects halfway between the two adjacent peaks and which provides the shortest distance between the two peaks. adjacent. At least 10 measurements are taken. Peak-to-Peak Distance is the average of these measurements.

Average Height Differential: EJ Average Height Differential is determined using a light microscope (eg, Zeiss Axioplan, Zeiss Company Germany) 5 equipped with a depth measuring device (eg, Microcode II, sold by Boeckeler Instruments) that provides a reading that is related to the change in height for a given change in the focus of the microscope. 10 Height differential measurements are taken along with the same portion of the guideline from which Peak-to-Peak measurements are taken. The microscope is focused on a peak along the guide line and the device to measure the15 depth is put in zeros. The microscope is then moved to an adjacent valley along the guideline and the microscope is refocused on the valley surface along the guideline. The device indicator to measure the The depth indicates the difference in relative height between the ar peak / valley (the distance H in Figure 4). In general, the two measurements of the height will be obtained for each measurement of peak to peak distance, corresponding to the decrease of a peak to a valley and the ascent from the valley to the adjacent peak.

-Ufe », v *. , fr This measurement is repeated for the peak / valley pairs found along the guideline. The Average Height Differential is the average of these measurements. The Peak Peak to Average Distance and the Average Height Differential can be calculated based on measurements made along any convenient guideline with the proviso that at least 10 consecutive peak pairs can be made? nor LICARD without finding edge effects or other abnormalities.

Surface Topography Index: The Surface Topography index is the ratio of the Peak to Average Peak Distance and the Peak to Peak Average Height Differential. In a preferred embodiment, the Surface Topography index is at least about 0.15 and most preferably about 0.20. & Example 1: A cleaning article 20 according to the present invention includes a first layer 100, a second layer 200 and a third layer 300. The first c > pa 100 and the third layer 300 each comprise ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The second layer comprises the reinforcing mesh of the brand THERMANET® Number R05060 which has a polypropylene / EVA resin, 2 adhesives on the sides and a filament count of 3 filaments per inch per 2 filaments per inch before the contraction of the Second layer. The second layer 200 is placed between the first layer 100 and the third layer 300 in the BASIX B400 hand press described above. The three layers are joined by pressing on the hand press at a set temperature of about 330 ° Fahrenheit for about 13 seconds. The wiping article has the measured values of peak to peak distance and height differential listed in Table I. Table I also lists the Average Peak to Peak Distance, the Average Height Differential, and the Surface Topography Index for the sample. In this particular example, the sample was first measured in its dry state. Then the sample was moistened with at least 1.5 grams of a liquid composition comprising at least 95 weight percent water per gram of dry sample. The Peak to Peak Distance * ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ - ^ g ^^^ Mtfa »^ 8ia¿ife, ^ > ^ Ii ^ g ^ tj ^ Í * &. GJ, and Average Height Differential Measurements were then repeated Average guide along the same line to obtain values for the wet sample. Finally, the sample was allowed to air dry for at least 10 hours at a temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity not greater than 70 percent, such that the weight of the dry sample was within 5 hours. percent of the weight of the initial dry sample. The Average peak to peak distance and average height differential measurements were then repeated along the same guideline to obtain the values for the dry sample. fifteen - £ ^^^^ ^ ^^^ £ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ i6¡í¿ J ^ & to "ai» ^ .j faith '' ft * '' & BK »iiÉaM» ». Example 2: A wiping article 20 according to the present invention includes a first layer 100, a second layer 200 and a third layer 300. the first layer 5 and the third layer 100 each comprise a 300 nonwoven web twisted elastic polyester fibers having a basis weight of about 33 grams per square meter and having the properties of that after having been stretched to 125% of its original length, it returns to 109% d after the withdrawal of the stretching forces. The second layer comprises the mixture of film engraved with micropattern in the shape of linear low density polyethylene with metallocene and low density polyethylene with a thickness of 0.5 thousandths of an inch EXXON, Exxon Number EMB-685. The second layer 200 is placed between the first layer 100 and the third layer 300 and is joined in a stretchable manner as described above. The cleaning article has the measured values of peak to peak distance and differential of , -Uura 1 Lstados in Table II. Table II also lists the id Peak to Peak Distance, the Average Altitude Differential and the Surface Topography Index of the sample. In this particular example, the sample was measured in its wet state. 25 »% L jg ,, ~, < ^? ^ tÁ ^ m ^^ l ^^ ih ^^ sk.

TABLE II HUMID s * ^^^ * - ^^ * ^^^^ - ^^ Comparative Example: As an example, a commercial baby towel product, baby towels "HUGGIES® Supreme Care" was characterized using the methods of tests described in the above. This cleaning article is sold in a package marked with United States Patent No. 4,741,944. The two samples were measured for the peak-to-peak distance and the height differential, with the data listed in the following Table III. Table III also lists the Average Peak to Peak Distance, the Average Height Differential, and the Surface Topography index for the two samples tested. In this particular example, the two HUGGIES® Supreme Care towel samples were measured in their wet state as purchased. .- i ßtÍ »? iM &siit if? k ^ aá TABLE III Sample 1 Sample 2 A cleaning article having the indicated values of Surface Topography, Peak Peak to Average Peak and / or Average Height Differential, as claimed, and as calculated from the measurements made in a dry, wet or dried state throughout of any selected guideline is considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (25)

1. CLAIMS 1. A multi-layer disposable cleaning article comprising: a first layer; and a second layer, the second layer comprising a 1 lance composed of at least two arrays of mesh-like filaments superimposed, the filaments extending between the filamentous intersections; 10 in d < * of the first layer is attached to the second layer in a confronted relation, and wherein the first layer has a macroscopically three-dimensional outward surface comprising a random, non-repeating array of peaks and valleys.
2. 2. The disposable towel according to claim 1, wherein the first layer is intermittently joined to the second layer and wherein the portions of the filaments in the middle part of the filamentary intersections are joined to the first layer.
3. 3. Disposable cleaning article according to 25 > - ^ i vindica < 'on 1, where the peaks and valleys of ^^^^^^^^ - ^^^^^^^^^^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ The first layer provides high and elongate smooth projections, and wherein at least some of the projections extend through at least one filament of the second layer.
4. 4. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 3, wherein at least some of the projections have a length greater than the maximum distance between the adjacent filamentary intersections.
5. 5. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 3, wherein at least some of the projections extend in a different direction from at least some of the other projections.
6. 6, The disposable cleaning article according to claim 3, wherein at least some of the projections comprise branches that extend in different directions.
7. 7. The cleaning article according to claim 1, wherein the macroscopically three-dimensional surface has an index of JFv - m? Wtttí > Surface topography of at least approximately 0.15.
8. 8. The cleaning article according to claim 7, wherein the macroscopically three-dimensional surface has an Average Height Differential of at least about 0.5 mm.
9. 9. The cleaning article according to claim 8, wherein the macroscopically three-dimensional surface has an Average Peak to Peak Distance of at least about 2.0 mm.
10. 10. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 1, further comprising a third layer, wherein the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, wherein the third layer is attached to the second layer and wherein the first layer has a macroscopically three-dimensional surface comprising an array of peaks and valleys without repetition, random. - ¿g * * ¿ta * ®d & & amp; 3? S!? G * £ $ e - * ^^^ - ^: a # - '. - * é & = 3; .gj
11. 11. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning article has a length and a width, and wherein a first plurality of filaments of the second layer 5 is substantially parallel to the length and wherein a second plurality of the filaments is substantially parallel to the width.
12. 12. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning article has a length and a width, wherein a first plurality of the filaments of one of the array of filaments similar to mesh of the canvas composed of the second layer are inclined to an angle between approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees with respect to the length of the article.
13. 13. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 10, wherein the cleaning article 20 disposable c < 'turn on a pre-moistened cleaning item.
14. 14. A disposable cleaning article, the disposable cleaning article comprises: (a) an elastic weave material; Y (b) at least one elastic nonwoven web attached to the elastic web in at least two areas, the elastic non-woven web is folded between the two areas.
15. 15. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 14, wherein the elastic web material comprises a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyolefin elastomers, polyesters, polyester elastomers, polybutylene terephthalate, terephthalate of polyethylene, acetate and nylon or nylon or mixtures and copolymers thereof.
16. 16. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 14, wherein the nonwoven material comprises a nonwoven material bonded by air passage.
17. 17. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 14, wherein the non-woven elastic material ... [sic]
18. 18. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 14, wherein the non-woven elastic material further comprises a macroscopically three-dimensional outward surface that it has an arrangement of peaks and valleys without repetition, random, where the macroscopically three-dimensional surface has a surface topographic index of at least about 0.15.
19. 19. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 18, wherein the macroscopically three-dimensional surface has a Surface Topography index of at least about 0.20.
20. 20. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 18, wherein the macroscopically three-dimensional surface has an Average Height Differential of at least about 0.5 mm.
21. 21. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 18, wherein the macroscopically three-dimensional surface has an Average Peak to Peak Distance of at least about 2.0 mm.
22. 22. A disposable cleaning article, the disposable cleaning article comprises: (a) an elastic weft material; (b) at least one nonwoven web attached to the elastic web in at least two areas, the non-woven web is folded between the two areas; and (c) wherein the non-woven web further comprises a macroscopically three-dimensional outward surface having an array of non-repeating, random, peaks and valleys, wherein the macroscopically three-dimensional surface has a surface topographic index of at least about 0.15.
23. 23. The disposable cleaning article according to Claim 22, wherein the macroscopically three-dimensional surface has an index of Surface topography of at least approximately 0. twenty.
24. 24. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 22, wherein the macroscopically three-dimensional surface has an Average Height Differential of at least about 0.5 mm
25. 25. The disposable cleaning article according to claim 22, wherein the macroscopically three-dimensional surface has an Average Peak to Peak Distance of at least about 2.0 mm.