MXPA98008439A - Improved open cell mesh and improved wash utensil made of - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved open-cell polymer mesh and a washing utensil made therefrom, which exhibits superior softness, while retaining good elasticity, is disclosed to achieve improved smoothness and elasticity of the improved wash utensil, a mesh is provided of improved open cell that is softer and sufficiently elastic as a result of the controlled parameters of its cell structure. In preferred embodiments, the controlled physical parameters of the open cell mesh include base weight, cell count, node count, node length, node bulk, node width, and cell geometry.

Description

IMPROVED OPEN CELL MESH AND WASH UTENSIL MANUFACTURED FROM THE SAME TECHNICAL FIELD In general terms, this invention relates to an improved open cell extruded mesh and to a bath, rub and similar utensil made therefrom. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved mesh and washing utensil exhibiting superior softness while retaining an acceptable elasticity. The optimization of the softness and elasticity of the washing utensil is achieved by controlling a variety of physical characteristics of the improved open cell extruded mesh.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The production of open cell extruded mesh "is known in the art and has been adapted for use as a rubbing tool" bath or the like "due to the characteristics of inherent durability and inherent roughness or rubbing ability of the mesh. Also, open cell meshes improve the foaming of soaps in general, and more particularly, liquid soap foaming is significantly improved when used with a utensil made of an open cell mesh. The roughness of the mesh is caused in general by the rigidity of the multiple filaments and nodes of the open cell mesh "and cause a scratch effect or feeling in many cases. To make a rubbing or bathing utensil, the open cell extruded mesh is shaped and bonded in a variety of configurations, eg, a "ball" tube. pad or other form that can be ergonomically adapted to the user of the washing utensil. Previous open cell meshes were acceptable for rubbing due to the relative stiffness of the fibers and the relatively rough texture of the nodes that bind the fibers together. However, that same stiffness and roughness of the prior art meshes was relatively unacceptable to the general consumer when used as a personal skin care product. The anterior open cell mesh used to make washing utensils, has typically been fabricated into tubes by using counter-rotating extrusion dies that produce diamond-shaped cells. The extruded mesh tube is typically then stretched to form hexagonal shaped cells. Therefore »until now» there is a continuing need for an improved washing utensil comprising an open cell extruded mesh which can be soft, durable »relatively inexpensive to manufacture and relatively elastic» without being too stiff or scratchy. More specifically »there is a need to provide an improved open cell mesh» that presents physical characteristics that can be properly identified and characterized »in such a way that washing utensils can be reliably made from the mesh» exhibiting all the physical properties desired above mentioned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the specification concludes with rei indications pointing particularly and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that it will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings "in which: Figure 1 illustrates an example of a hand-operated hourglass washing utensil of the prior art. Figure 2 illustrates an example of a hand-held ball-type washing utensil of the prior art. Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary mesh section after extrusion. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary extruded mesh section after stretching. Figure 4A illustrates an elongated exemplary view of a node after the iramiento. Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of test procedures for measuring: the strength of an open cell mesh against an applied weight, useful in the characterization of the open cell mesh made in accordance with the present invention. Figure S illustrates a mesh section used to count cells in an open cell mesh. Figure 6A is a schematic view of the mesh section of Figure 6. Figure 7 illustrates a combined node in the open cell mesh. Figure 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the node of Figure 7. Figure 8 illustrates a node superimposed on the open cell mesh. Figure 8A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the node of Figure 8; and Figure 9 shows the geometry of a single diamond-shaped cell of the open Celtic mesh.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the improved washing utensil comprising an open cell mesh. Examples of washing utensils that can be improved by using the improved open cell mesh of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is an example of a manual laundry utensil 10 manufactured in a form of hourglass »in accordance with a method described in the US patent No. 4 »4S2» 135 »issued for Sanford. incorporated herein by reference. Figure 2 shows an alternative ball-type configuration of a washing utensil 20 made of the mesh 18 and manufactured by a method described in the U.S. patent. No. 5,144,744, issued to Campagnoli on September B, 1992, incorporated herein by reference. These configurations for washing utensils are only exemplary and it is well known to the person skilled in the art that there are other methods of producing washing utensils of various configurations. The modalities discussed above are described in terms of a "washing utensil" and more particularly a manual washing utensil or "sponge". The term "manual" is to be broadly considered to include in general open cell mesh made in an implement that a person can hold in his hand during use. Likewise »the term" washing utensil "is to be broadly considered to include various applications of this bath utensil» skin exfoliation »rubbing of coppers» dishes and the like, as well as other uses. The diamond cell and hexagonal cell mesh manufacturing process for use in washing utensils and the like »includes the selection of an appropriate resin material which may include polyolefins» polyamides, polyesters and other appropriate materials that produce a durable mesh and functional. CLDPE low density polyethylene is preferred. a polyolefin), polyvinyl ethylacetate, »high density polyethylene or mixtures thereof» to produce the mesh described herein, although it can be substituted with other resin materials as long as the resulting mesh conforms to the physical parameters defined below . Additionally »auxiliary materials are added to the extruded mesh. Mixtures of pigments, dyes, polishes, heavy waxes and the like are common additives for the extruded mesh and are suitable for addition to the mesh described herein. To produce an improved open cell mesh, the selected resin is fed to an extruder by any appropriate means. Extruders and worm feeding equipment for the production of open cell synthetic bands and meshes. After introducing the resin into the extruder. it melts in such a way that it flows through the extrusion channels and towards the counter-rotation side. as will be discussed in more detail later. The melting temperatures of the resin vary depending on the selected resin. The melt index of the material is a standard parameter to correlate the temperatures of the extrusion die with the viscosity of the extruded plastic as it flows through the die. The melt index is defined as the viscosity of a thermoplastic polymer at a specified temperature and pressure; it's a function of molecular weight. Specifically, the melt index is the number of grams of said polymer that can be forced through a 0.21 centimeter hole in 10 minutes at 190 ° C by means of a pressure of 2 »160 grams. A melt index of from about 1.0 to about 10.0 for LDPE is preferred for the manufacture of the mesh described herein for use in washing utensils, and is preferred. especially a melt index of approximately 2.0 to approximately 7.0. However, if alternative resin materials are used and / or other end uses are desired for the mesh, the melt index may be adjusted as appropriate. The operating temperature scale of the extruder can vary significantly between the melting point of the resin and the temperature at which the resin degrades. The liquefied resin can then be extruded through two counterrotating dies which are common in the industry. The Patent of E.U.A. No. 3 »957,656 for Livingston» and others »for example» describes a procedure for extruding a tubular plastic net using counterrotating dies, this description is incorporated herein by reference. A counter-rotation die has an inside die and a die "and both have channels that cut longitudinally around their outer and inner ccirferences" respectively "in such a way that when the resin flows through the channels" the fibers are extruded. The individual fibers »for example» F as seen in figure 3 »are extruded from each channel of the inner die as well as each channel of the outer die. As the two dice rotate in opposite directions in relation to one another, the channels of the outer die align with the channels of the inner die at predetermined intervals. With that. the suitable resin is mixed as the two channels are aligned and the two fibers that are extruded, for example F as seen in figure 3. are bonded until the extrusion channels of the outer and inner die are misaligned due to continuous rotation . As the inner die and the outer die rotate counter-directionally, the process of successive alignment and misalignment of the channels of each die occurs repeatedly. The point at which the channels are aligned and two fibers are linked together is commonly known as a "node" (eg, N of Figure 3). The "diameter of the die" is measured as the internal diameter of the external die or the external diameter of the internal die. These two diameters must be essentially the same to prevent the deviated resin from falling between the two dice. The diameter of the die affects the final diameter of the mesh tube that is produced, although the diameter of the die is only a parameter that controls the final diameter of the mesh tube. Although it is believed that a variety of die diameters are suitable, for example between about 5 cm and about 15 cm, for the manufacture of the meshes described herein, the especially preferred die diameters are on the scale of approximately 6.35 and 8.89 cm Also, the extrusion channels may vary among a variety of geometric configurations known in the art. The square shapes »rectangular» the "quarter moon" shape »semicircular» key hole and triangular channels, are all known in the art, and can be adapted to produce the mesh described herein. Quarter moon channels are preferred for the mesh of the present invention, although other channels also provide acéptal results. After the mesh tube is extruded from the counter rotating dice. it can be characterized as having diamond-shaped cells, for example as shown in Figure 3 »where each of the four corners of the diamond is an individual node N and the four sides of the diamond are four filament segments F formed separately . Then the tube is pulled on a cylindrical mandrel where the longitudinal axis of the mandrel is essentially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the counter-rotating dice, ie the machine direction (MD as shown in Figures 3 and 4) . The mandrel serves to stretch the band circumferentially resulting in the stretching of the nodes and the expansion of the cells. Typically, the mandrel is immersed in a tank of water, oil or other extinguishing solution that is typically at 25 ° C or less, which serves to cool and solidify the extruded mesh. The mandrel can be of a variety of diameters, although it will be chosen to correspond appropriately with the diameter of the extrusion die. The mandrel "preferably has a diameter larger than the diameter of the die to achieve a convenient stretching effect" but the mandrel must also be of sufficiently small diameter to avoid damage to the integrity of the mesh by overstressing. The mandrels used in conjunction with the preferred die diameters of 6.25-8.75 cm mentioned above »could be between approximately 7.62 and 15.24 cm. It has been found that the diameter of the mandrel has a pronounced effect on the elasticity and smoothness of the produced mesh, which is characterized by the initial stretch value described below in greater detail. As the nodes of the diamond cell mesh are stretched »they are transformed from small objects into a ball shape, for example »N of FIG. 3» to longer and thinner filament type nodes, for example N in FIGS. 4 and 4A. With this, the cells are also transformed from a diamond-like shape to a hexagonal shape in which the nodes form two sides of the hexagon, and the four individual filament segments F form the other four sides of the hexagon. The geometrical configuration of the mesh cells can also vary significantly depending on how the mesh tube is observed. Thus, geometric cell descriptions are not limiting but are included for illustrative purposes only. After passing over the mandrel »the tube is then stretched longitudinally on a rotating cylinder whose longitudinal axis is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube, ie the longitudinal axis of the rotating cylinder is perpendicular to the machine direction, MD , of the mesh. Then the mesh tube is pulled through a series of additional rotary cylinders whose longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, or machine direction (MD) »of the extruded mesh. Preferably »the mesh is collected faster than it is produced» which provides the desired longitudinal or directional stretching force of the MD machine. Typically, a withdrawal reel is used to accumulate the finished mesh product. As may be evident »there are a variety of parameters of the procedure (for example, the feed rate of the resin» the diameter of the die, the design of the channel, the rotation speed of the die and the like) that affect the parameters of the mesh such as node count, base weight and cell count.

Although for the modalities of the present invention the production of open-cell mesh in a tube configuration is preferred by the use of counter-rotation dies as described, media are known in the art. For example »the Patent of E.U.A. No. 4 »123,491 for Larsen (the description of which is incorporated herein by reference)» shows the production of an open cell mesh sheet in which the filaments produced are essentially perpendicular to each other »forming essentially rectangular cells. The resulting mesh network is preferably stretched in two directions after its production, as was the case with the production of the tubular mesh described above. Another alternative to fabricate open cell extruded mesh is described in the U.S. Patent. No. 3,917 »889 for Gaffney. and others, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. The reference by Gaffney et al. Describes the production of a tubular extruded mesh, in which the filaments extruded in the machine direction are essentially perpendicular to the filaments or bands of plastic material which are periodically formed transversely to the direction of the machine. The extruded material transverse to the machine direction can be controlled in such a way as to form thin filaments or thick bands of material. As was the case with the mesh manufacturing processes described above »the tubular mesh made according to the Gaffney and others reference» is preferably stretched both circumferentially and longitudinally after extrusion. A key parameter when selecting a manufacturing method for the improved mesh described herein is the type of node produced. As previously described »a node is the intersection linked between filaments. The typical mesh of the prior art is made with superimposed nodes (FIGS. 8 and BA). An overlapping node can be characterized because the filaments that join together to form a node are still stinging, although they are linked at the point of the interface. In an overlapping node, the filaments at both ends of the node form a Y-junction, although the filaments are still relatively distinguishable at the node interface. Overlapping nodes create a mesh that has a scratchy feel. A combined node (Figures 7 and 7A) can be characterized by the inability "after mesh production" to visually distinguish easily the filaments that make up the node. Typically »a combined node resembles a wide filament segment. A combined node may have a "ball-like" appearance, similar to that shown by N of Figure 3 »or may stretch after training to have the appearance of node N of Figures 4 and 4A. In any case, at each end of the node there is a Y-crossing configuration, for example 2 of FIGS. 4 and 4A, at the point at which the filament segments F are separated from the node. For both superimposed and combined nodes, the length 24 of the node of FIG. 4 is defined as the distance from the center of the junction of a Y-shape to the center of the Y-shape junction at the opposite end of the node. The combination of combined nodes with specific TAG factor values (described below) results in a mesh with a scale of softness and elasticity preferred by the consumer »specifically when used in cleaning utensils. The diameter of the node is not easily measured because the nodes rarely have uniform transverse diameters. However, an "effective diameter" can be defined as the average between the smallest diameter of a node and its largest diameter measured near the midpoint between the Y crosses at each end. As it should be evident »the measurement of node length and node diameter» are compared at the conclusion of the extrusion process (ie »after the material has been in all the stretching steps). The preferred mesh nodes for use in washing utensils have an approximate length »measured from opposite intersections, from 'about 0.051 cm to about 0.251 cm. preferably from about 0.051 to about 0.200 cm. and preferably from about 0.060 to about 0.185. and the nodes have an effective diameter of about 0.030 to about 0.071 cm. The nodes can also be characterized in that they have a thickness of about 0.020 cm to about 0.038 cm "and a width of about 0.038 cm to about 0.102 cm", preferably from about 0.050 cm to about 0.102 cm. As should be evident »the node length measurements» node width and node thickness are determined at the conclusion of the manufacturing process (ie »after the material has been in all the stretching steps). As will be evident, the measurement of flexibility of a mesh is a critical characterization of the softness and adjustability of a mesh. It has been determined that a standardized mesh flexibility test can be performed as described herein and is depicted in Figure 5. The resulting measure of flexibility is defined herein as initial stretch. As schematically illustrated in Figure 5, the method for determining the initial stretch begins by hanging a 26-mesh tube from a horizontal test rest arm 28, which in turn is supported by a vertical support member 30 and that its once it is attached to a test resting base 32. The mesh tube is hung on the arm 28 in such a way that its machine direction (MD) is parallel to the arm 28. As described above, when the open cell mesh is extruded from a counterrotating die »the mesh is formed in a tube. If a sheet of mesh is produced as described in the '491 patent of Larsen, the sheet must be formed in a tube by securely bonding the edges of the sheets together before performing the initial strength measurement. The 26 mesh tube for the test should be 15.24 c in length "as indicated by the length 34. We chose 15.2 cm along with a weight of 50.0 grams as an arbitrary standard for making the measurement. As will be evident »other standard conditions may be chosen» however, in order to compare initial stretch values for different meshes, it is preferred that the standard conditions chosen as described herein be followed uniformly. As illustrated in Figure 5, a standardized weight is suspended from a weight support member 36 »having a horizontal weight support arm 38 positioned from one side to the other and hung from the mesh tube 26. It is critical that the The combined total weight of the weight support member 36 and the standardized weight is equal to 50 grams. The distance 40 illustrates the initial stretch "and is the distance that the mesh tube 26 is stretched immediately after the weight of the mesh tube 26 has been suspended. A linear scale 42 is preferably used to measure the distance 40. For the mesh of the present invention it is generally preferred to have an initial stretch value of approximately 17.8 cm to approximately 50.8 cm, preferably to have an initial stretch value of approximately 22.9 cm to approximately 45.7 cm "and preferably to have a value of Initial stretch from approximately 25.4 cm to approximately 40.6 cm. The elastic property of the open cell mesh can be measured by suspending a larger standardized weight (ie 250 grams, shown in Figure 5) of the 26 mesh sample and subtracting the distance 40 from the distance 41. It is critical that the combined total weight of the weight bearing member and the largest standardized weight is equal to 250 grams. This value is directly proportional to the level of elasticity in the material. Figure 6 illustrates a standardized method for counting cells; a staggered row of cells is counted in the machine direction of the mesh tube, as shown in Fig. 6A. A rigid frame 44 can be used to secure the mesh 46 such that the mesh segment 48 that is counted is held firmly in place. The mesh 46 is a tubular mesh length larger than 30 cm in length. The mesh 46 is pulled rigidly along its machine direction (MD). When the mesh is rigid, a segment of 30 cm, 48 is marked, for example with a felt tip marker. After marking the 48 mesh section, the mesh can be pulled in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; The idea here is to open the cells enough so that they can be counted comfortably. Figure 6A illustrates an elongated portion of the mesh, with the numbers 1 to 9 indicating indi idual cells. As can be seen in Figure 6A. a cell is counted in each row down the length of the marked portion of the tube »every other cell is vertically aligned due to the diamond or hexagonal cell configuration. This produces the cells per unit length (in figure 6, the value would be approximately 28.5 cells per 30.5 cm). For the purpose of standardization »a section of 30.48 cm mesh is counted to reach the number of cells by 30.48 cm. As will be evident »the account of a shorter or longer mesh segment is acceptable» provided that the cell count is divided between the length of the section marked »and finally becomes cells / meter» for the reasons that will be discussed in more detail below. The characterization of the improved mesh in the direction transverse to the direction of the machine, is achieved by counting a string of nodes along a line around the circumference of the mesh tube. This method is universal for tubes or flat sheets of mesh and includes simply selecting a linear row of nodes and counting them. As should be evident »any row of nodes will contain an identical number of nodes; this depends on the configuration of the extrusion die. The preferred scales for the count of mesh nodes to be used for the washing utensils are between about 90 and about 140. The especially preferred scales are between approximately 95 and approximately 115. The basis weight is another empirical measurement that can performed on any extruded open cell tube or sheet. A length of mesh is measured along the machine direction, then cut in one direction through the machine direction, and this section measured and cut is then weighed. The base weight is preferably recorded in units of grams per meter. For the purposes of standardization "a section of 30.4B cm of mesh is measured" is cut and weighed and the results are reported in grams per meter. The preferred basis weight for the mesh of the present invention that is used for the washing utensils is from about 5.60 grams / meter to about 10.50 grams / meter "with an especially preferred scale of about 6.00 grams / meter to about 8.B5 grams. /meter. The preferred meshes of the present invention can be characterized by a compilation of the aforementioned measurable parameters. As should be evident, the processing parameters described above can be varied individually or in combination to produce the desired physical properties described herein. The most useful value for characterizing the meshes present is the "TAG factor" value. All variables must be converted into metric units before calculating the "TAG factor"; that is, the initial stretch must be expressed in meters, the weight given must be expressed in grams per meter, the cell count must be expressed as cells per meter "and the node count would not have units. "TAG factor" is defined as a fraction that has the Initial Stretch multiplied by the Relative Cell Size as its numerator, and the Base Weight as its denominator. The TAG factor is used since it has been found that the flexibility of a network material is directly proportional to the relative size of the cell and inversely proportional to the base weight. The TAG factor takes into account (normalizes) these relationships, thus allowing a variety of weight combinations of network basis and cell size to compare their relative flexibility. The TAG factor is calculated using the following equation: Initial Stretch / Relative Cell Size Factor TAG = Base Weight The relative size of the cell is defined as: 1 1 Relative cell size = Cell count * Total cell count nodes In this calculation »the cell count multiplied by the node count is equivalent to the total number of cells in a fixed length sample of the network tube» for a given ci- ference tube. The relative cell size is inversely proportional to the total number of cells in a given sample of network material. This relationship is true because the larger the number of cells per fixed sample size, the smaller the size of each individual cell will be. The units of the TAG factor are meters / gram. It has been found that meshes having a TAG factor value of between about 520 meters / gram and about 1800 meters / gram. they have superior softness characteristics while retaining sufficient elasticity for their improved functionality as in washing utensils. An especially preferred TAG factor value is from about 580 meters / gram to about 1700 meters / gram »and a preferred scale is from about 700 meters / gram to about 1500 meters / gram. Through the experimentation course, the authors of the present have discovered that network materials that are highly flexible under a very low level of tension "are perceived by consumers with a much softer feeling on the skin. Further »when this highly flexible network is formed in a bath utensil» the resulting utensil significantly improves the consumer's qualifications for both the cleaning utensil and the cleaning product used therewith. The authors consider that the improved consumer ratings are directly attributable to the ability of the more flexible network materials to easily adjust to the contours of the body "and distribute more evenly the applied forces thus reducing abrasion. The result is an improved consumer perception of "softness", not being "scratchy". The flexibility at low tension is how much if each taking a sample of 15 centimeters of net and measuring the distance that deforms / stretches under a fixed load of 50 grams. This is referred to as an initial stretch of materials. The authors of the present have found that for a fixed group of network parameters (for example the base weight and the cell size), the greater the magnitude of the initial stretch, the greater the perception of softness on the part of the consumer. They have also found that a measurement of the initial stretch of the network materials is inversely related to their base weight, and directly related to the size of their cells. As a result, they have found that the initial stretch value is "normal" to take into account the corresponding relationships with the base weight and cell size. This normalized value is referred to as the TAG factor. The TAG factor allows the flexibility of a variety of materials (which have different base weights and cell sizes) to be compared by their relative level of flexibility. The present inventors have found that all currently available network materials have TAG factors below about 520. They also found that all of these materials are relatively firm (non-soft) and are generally abrasive on the skin (" rasposos "). Materials that have a TAG factor above 520 are directionally more flexible and are consistently perceived by consumers as softer. The benefits of the improved mesh of this invention, when used as a washing utensil or the like, include improved consumer acceptability and improved softness when the washing implement is rubbed against human skin. Improved foaming is also an important quality of bath utensils made of the mesh of the present invention. Foaming is improved when the soap is in the bar, in liquid form and very notably, in gel form. When the mesh is used in the production of washing utensils, an important criterion is the softness to the touch, that is to say, the sensation of the mesh as it makes contact with the human skin. However, elasticity is also an important physical criterion. It may be intuitive that the production of a softer mesh can result in a relatively clean mesh which may not retain the desired shape for the washing utensil, ie, stiffness sacrificed in favor of softness. However, it has been found that the mesh of the present invention which has a value of the TAG factor greater than about 520 meters / gram, has the unique properties of being both soft and relatively elastic, that is, the mesh is capable of retaining its shape when used as a washing utensil. It is generally not acceptable for consumers to use a washing utensil that is soft but does not conform to the skin or object being rubbed (ie, the utensil is flaccid), or that is not elastic. Therefore, the improved open cell mesh described herein provides a material that is soft to the touch and. when used to make washing utensils, it is sufficiently elastic to provide the necessary adjustability preferred by consumers.

Durability, absorbent / dispersive capacity, cell geometry The benefits of the improved mesh of this invention include improved consumer acceptability and improved softness when the washing implement is rubbed against human skin. Improved foaming is also important. Elasticity is also an important physical criterion. It may be intuitive that the production of a softer mesh can result in a relatively flaccid mesh which may not retain the desired shape for the washing utensil, ie, stiffness sacrificed in favor of softness. However, it has been found that the mesh of the present invention has the unique properties of being both soft and relatively elastic, ie the mesh is able to retain its shape when used as a washing utensil. The present utensil achieves softness "in part by a lower mesh base weight, while at least maintaining the durability of the utensil, in comparison with the prior art utensils. This means that the present utensil retains its shape and size over time with the continuous use of the consumer; the prior art utensils tend to expand and become fluid and unmanageable with continuous use. The authors of the present have found that this quality is due to the degree of the opening of the cell, or to the total geometry of the cell, which they have quantified in terms of a relation (see figure 8). When the net extrusion process is known, the relationship can be measured directly. When the extrusion process is unknown, a measurement of the cell angle in the mesh can be used to measure this relationship. The prior art utensils are typically made with cells that are relatively closed "or have a relatively small cell angle" 0"as shown in Figure B. During use. these small angle cells relax and open which causes growth and deterioration of the shape of the utensil. If the cells in the starting mesh are within a certain scale of openings before making a utensil with the mesh, the utensil will not have the tendency to grow and lose its shape during use and will last longer. The authors of the present invention have found that the preferred scale of 0 is from about 29 degrees to about 151 degrees, which corresponds to an X / Y ratio of about 0.25 to about 0.97. A preferred scale of X / Y is from about 0.31 to about 0.95. Referring to Figure 8, the relation X / Y is equal to the sine (0/2), where 0 is the open angle of a given cell. And it is the length of a cell, measured when the mesh is pulled rigidly in the direction of the machine. Y / 2 can be determined by the measurements made when the cell count is determined, see above; Y / 2 is equal to the length of the mesh measured for the calculation of cell density, divided by the number of cells counted. Remember that the cells are counted in a staggered manner, which represents a result of Y / 2 instead of Y. X / 2 is half the width of a cell »as shown in Figure 8. measured when the tube Mesh is in a relaxed state. X / 2 is equal to "pi times the diameter of the relaxed tube", divided by "twice the count of nodes". Pi times the diameter of the tube is equal to the circumference of the tube, and twice the count of nodes is equal to twice the number of cells around the circumference of the tube; the result is half the total width of a single cell. The cell count and the node account are easily determined for any sponge or network material as described above. The tube diameter and 0 are not easily measurable, which produces the need for the X / Y ratio. The following two examples better illustrate the determination of cell geometry: E EMPLO X THE PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING THE NETWORK IS KNOWNThe diameter of the tube is known from the method of forming the network. It is the diameter of the die, if the mandrel is not subsequently used, or the diameter of the apron if the tube is stretched on a mandrel. Since the cell count, the node count and the tube diameter are known, 0. X and Y, and therefore Y / Y, can be calculated.

EXAMPLE 2 THE PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING THE NETWORK IS NOT KNOWN Here, only the cell count and the node count can be easily determined. The relaxed cell angle protocol (described below) can be used to approximate the X / Y ratio. Based on the calculated open angle of the relaxed cell angle protocol, the X / Y ratio can be calculated geometrically. The objective of the relaxed cell angle protocol is to estimate the cell angle as it exists as the network tube leaves the manufacturing process. This method is necessary when making a tool from a network of an unknown manufacturing process, and the network comes from a 2B utensil unraveled, and therefore it is folded and irregular. The goal here is to relax the net and return it to the way it was before the deformation in a form of utensil. The measurements of the cell angles taken after using this method correlate well with the measurement of the cell angles taken from the network directly from the manufacturing process. The equipment needed to perform this method is as follows: a hot plate, a stir bar, a thermometer or pyrometer, a flat spatula and a wide container. Using a hot plate »heat water in the bowl to 79.4 ° C and shake the water with the stir bar. This temperature is below the glass transition point of the low density polyethylene, which is the typical polymer of choice for bath utensils of this type; therefore, this temperature does not alter the physical state of the network beyond that of its original state as it is manufactured. Take the net of an unclamped utensil and cut a length of 5 cm of tube through the direction of the tube machine. Cut this network circle into two semicircles, and arrange them flat to form two rectangles of 5 cm by 1/2 of the circumference of the tube in area. Immerse the network samples in the water bath for 10 seconds. Remove the samples from the water bath with the spatula. After cooling »measure the angle of the cell as shown in figure 8; A preferred method of measurement is to measure at least 5 regions of the sample and average them. Any of several angle measurement techniques can be used. When the cell angle scale specified above is combined with a mesh base weight of approximately 5.60 grams per meter to approximately 10.40 grams per meter, the relationship between softness and durability of the utensil is optimized. The ability of the present utensil to absorb and release water and cleaning foam has also been improved. Due to its lower base weight, the present utensil contains a larger mesh tube than the prior art utensils when comparing utensils of equal weight. This additional mesh length »in addition to the cell openings within the mesh» provides more open space within individual cells and more individual cells. The result is an increased capacity to drink water and foam "and then release the increased amounts of water and foam to the consumer's body. The preferred scale of basis weight for absorption and improved release is from about 5.60 grams per meter to about 8.50 grams per meter "being a preferred scale of approximately 6.00 grams per meter to approximately 8.00 grams per meter. The following protocol was developed to measure the mass of the cleaning product and the solution of water absorbed by the present cleaning utensil "the mass of the cleaning product and the water dispersed by the utensil" and the volume of foam dispersed by the utensil during use . At lower base weights, more foam is generated by the following test method. The test method demonstrates the ability of a utensil or to leach the absorbed product as foam observed by the consumer. This absorption and dispersion protocol was developed to determine if different utensils have different capacities to absorb and then disperse product and water. The test is designed to imitate consumer use as much as possible: the first step is to saturate the utensil with water and product and allow the excess to drain. The product is mixed with water to prepare a controlled surfactant solution. The use of this surfactant solution allows each utensil to retain a quantity of product directly related to its absorbent capacity, instead of using a fixed amount that influences utensils of different sizes. The surfactant solution is maintained at a controlled temperature to simulate the actual water in the shower. The dispersion section of the test measures the amount of product, water and foam that the sponge leaves during a controlled rub movement during a controlled time, very similar to what the consumer would do during the use. The necessary equipment includes a BOO ml flask. a hot plate »an agitator» an equipment for water hardness (if the test is carried out with water of 14 grains), and a standard bath mat of medium size »Rubbermaid. The protocol is as follows: 1.- Prepare the surfactant solution: add 70 grams of product to 630 ml of water (either deionized / distilled or water of 14 grains of hardness). 2.- Using a hot plate and stirrer »bring the temperature to 35 ° C and stir for 5 minutes before the test. Keep the agitator on during the entire test. 3.- Weigh the dry utensil. Immerse the utensil for 10 seconds in solution until the point of saturation. A.- Remove the utensil from the solution and suspend the utensil for 15 seconds to allow excess draining. 5.- Weigh the utensil (this is reported as absorption mass). 6.- Place the utensil on the rubber test surface (bath mat). Rub the utensil back and forth using a controlled amount of compression and stroke length (45 cm). Each backward and forward movement should take approximately one second. Repeat the movement 60 times (approximately 1 minute). 7.- Weigh the utensil (this is reported as dispersion mass). 8.- Collect the accumulated foam using the Teflon spatula and place it in an 800 ml flask. Level the foam and record the full volume in the flask (this is reported as foam volume). 9.- Rinse and hang the utensil to dry. Having shown and described the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the person skilled in the art can perform a further adaptation of the improved open cell mesh and the resulting washing utensil by appropriate modifications "without departing from the scope of the present invention. Various alternatives and modifications have been described herein and others will become apparent to the person skilled in the art. For example, specific methods of making the washing utensils from the open cell mesh have been described, but other manufacturing methods can be used to produce the desired utensil. Also, broad scales have been described for the physically measurable parameters for the open cell mesh of the invention as preferred embodiments of the present invention, still within certain limits, the physical parameters of the open cell mesh can be varied to produce other preferred improved mesh embodiments of the present invention, as required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following indications and is meant not to be limited to the details of the structures and methods shown and described in the specification and in the drawings.

Claims (6)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. - An open cell extruded mesh, the mesh comprises: a series of cells defined by a plurality of filament sections and a plurality of nodes »wherein the nodes comprise intersections of the filament sections, the mesh has a count of nodes of about 70 to about 125, preferably from about 90 to about 110; wherein the open cell mesh has a TAG factor value of about 520 meters / gram to about 1800 meters / gram.
2. 2. The mesh according to claim 1 »characterized in that the mesh is formed and linked in a suitable manual utensil to be used as a washing utensil.
3. 3. The mesh according to claim 1, characterized in that the open cell mesh has a TAG factor value of approximately 580 meters / gram at approximately 1700 meters / gram.
4. 4. The mesh according to claim 1 »characterized in that the open cell mesh has a factor value TAG of approximately 700 meters / gram to approximately 1500 meters / gram.
5. 5. The mesh according to claim 1, characterized in that the mesh comprises low density polyethylene, polyvinyl ethylacetate, high density polyethylene, ethylene ethylacetate or mixtures thereof.
6. 6. The mesh according to claim 1. characterized in that the mesh comprises low density polyethylene extruded at a melt index of between about 10 and about 10.0. 1. A washing utensil in accordance with the rei indication 1. characterized in that each of the nodes has opposite Y-shaped crossing ends "each of the nodes has an appropriate length measured between the ends of crossover in the form of And, from about 0.051 cm to about 0.241 cm. and each node has an effective diameter of about 0.030 centimeters to about 0.071 centimeters. 8. A washing utensil comprising: an open cell extruded mesh, the mesh comprises: a series of cells defined by a plurality of filament sections and a plurality of nodes, wherein the nodes comprise combined intersections of the sections of filaments, the mesh has a count of nodes of from about 70 to about 125, preferably from about 90 to about 110; wherein the open cell mesh has a TAG factor value of about 520 meters / gram to about 1800 meters / gram; and the open cell mesh is shaped and bonded in a suitable hand tool for use as a washing utensil. 9. A washing utensil in accordance with the rei indication 8, characterized in that the open cell mesh has a TAG factor value of about 580 meters / gram to about 1700 meters / gram. 10. A washing utensil according to claim 8, characterized in that the open cell mesh has a TAG factor value of about 700 meters / gram to about 1500 meters / gram. 11. A washing utensil according to claim 8, characterized in that the mesh comprises low density polyethylene, polyvinyl ethylacetate, high density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate or mixtures thereof. 12. A washing utensil according to claim 8, characterized in that the mesh comprises low density polyethylene extruded at a melt index of between about 1.0 and about 10.0. 13. A washing utensil in accordance with the indication 12, characterized in that the low density polymer is extruded at a melt index of between about 2.0 and about 7.0. 14. A washing utensil in accordance with the rei indication 8, characterized in that each of the nodes has opposite Y-shaped crossing ends, each of the nodes has an appropriate length measured between the intersecting ends in the form of Y, from about 0.051 cm to about 0.241 cm "and each node has an effective diameter of about 0.030 centimeters to about 0.071 centimeters. 15. A washing utensil comprising: an improved open cell extruded mesh »the mesh comprises: a series of cells defined by a plurality of filament sections and a plurality of nodes» wherein the nodes comprise combined intersections of the sections of filament »the mesh has a count of nodes from about 70 to about 125» preferably from about 90 to about 110; each node has a Y-shaped crossing configuration at each end, where the Y-shaped junction is formed at the intersection of at least two sections of f lament; wherein the open cell mesh has a TAG factor value of about 520 meters / gram to about 1800 meters / gram; and the open cell mesh is shaped and bonded in a suitable hand tool for use as a washing utensil. 16. A washing utensil according to claim 15 »characterized in that the open cell mesh is low density polyethylene, polyvinyl ethylacetate, high density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate or mixtures thereof, extruded. 17. A washing utensil according to claim 15, characterized in that the open cell mesh has a TAQ factor value of about 580 meters / gram to about 1700 meters / gram. 18. A washing utensil according to claim 15, characterized in that the open cell mesh has a TAG factor value of approximately 700 meters / gram to approximately 1500 meters / gram. 19. A washing utensil according to claim 15 »characterized in that the mesh comprises low density polyethylene extruded at a melt index of between about 1.0 and about 10.O. 20. A washing utensil in accordance with the rei indication 19"characterized in that the low density polyethylene is extruded at a melt index of between about 2.0 and about 7.0. 21. An open cell extruded mesh comprising: a basis weight »a plurality of nodes» and a plurality of cells, the mesh has properties that result in a combination of softness and elasticity preferred by the consumer, the properties comprise : a) a node count that varies from approximately 70 to approximately 140; b) a node length ranging from about 0.051 centimeters to about 0.200 centimeters; c) a node width ranging from about 0.038 centimeters to about 0.102 centimeters; d) a thickness of node that varies from approximately 0.020 centimeters to approximately 0.038 centimeters; e) a cell count that varies from 3B approximately 130 cells per meter to approximately 260 cells per meter; and f) a base weight ranging from approximately 5.60 grams per meter to approximately 10.50 grams per meter. 22. The mesh in accordance with the rei indication 21 »characterized in that the mesh comprises low density polyethylene, polyvinyl ethylacetate, high density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate or mixtures thereof. 23. The mesh according to claim 21, characterized in that the mesh is low density polyethylene that has a melting index between approximately 1.0 and approximately 10.0. 24. The mesh according to claim 23 »characterized in that the low density polyethylene has a melting index between about 2.0 and about 7.0. 25. An extruded open cell mesh comprising: a basis weight »a plurality of combined nodes and a plurality of cells» the mesh has properties that result in a combination of softness and elasticity preferred by the consumer, the properties comprise : a) a node count that varies from approximately 95 to approximately 115; b) a node length ranging from about 0.051 centimeters to about 0.200 centimeters; c) a node width that varies from about 0.03B centimeters to about 0.102 centimeters; d) a node thickness that varies from approximately 0.020 centimeters to approximately 0.03B centimeters; e) a cell count that varies from approximately 170 cells per meter to approximately 250 cells per meter; and f) a base weight that varies from approximately 6.00 grams per meter to approximately 8.85 grams per meter. 26.- A washing utensil in accordance with the rei indication 25 »characterized in that the mesh comprises low density polyethylene» polyvinyl ethylacetate »high density polyethylene» ethylene vinyl acetate or mixtures thereof. 27. A washing utensil according to claim 25. characterized in that the mesh is low density polyethylene having a melting index between about 1.0 and about 10.0. 28. A washing utensil according to claim 27 »characterized in that the low density polyethylene has a melting index of between about 2.0 and about 7.0. 29. A washing utensil comprising: open cell extruded mesh having a plurality of nodes and a plurality of cells. the mesh has properties that result in a combination of softness and elasticity preferred by the consumer »the properties comprise: a) a node length that varies from approximately 0.051 centimeters to approximately 0.200 centimeters» b) a node thickness that varies from approximately 0.020 centimeters to approximately 0.038 centimeters; c) a node width that varies from approximately 0.038 centimeters to approximately 0.102 centimeters; The mesh is shaped and linked in a suitable manual utensil for cleaning applications. 30. A washing utensil according to the indication 29"further characterized in that it comprises a base weight that varies from approximately 5.60 grams per meter to approximately 10.50 grams per meter. 31. A washing utensil according to claim 29. further characterized in that it comprises a node length ranging from about 0.060 centimeters to about 0.185 centimeters, and a node width ranging from approximately 0.050 centimeters to about 0.102 centimeters. . 32. A washing utensil according to claim 29 »characterized in that the mesh comprises low density polyethylene» polyvinyl ethylacetate. high density polyethylene »ethylene vinyl acetate or mixtures thereof. 33.- A washing utensil according to claim 29 »characterized in that the mesh is low density polyethylene extruded at a melt index of between approximately 1.0 and approximately 10.0. 34.- A washing utensil according to claim 33 »characterized in that the low density polyethylene is extruded at a melt index of between about 2 and about 7. - A washing utensil comprising: an extruded mesh of open cell having a plurality of combined nodes »a plurality of filaments» and a plurality of cells formed by combined intersections of the filaments »the mesh has properties that result in a combination of softness and elasticity preferred by the consumer» the properties they comprise: a) a node length that varies from approximately 0.051 centimeters to approximately 0.200 centimeters; b) a node thickness that varies from approximately 0.020 centimeters to approximately 0.038 centimeters; c) a node width ranging from about 0.038 centimeters to about 0.102 centimeters; The mesh is shaped and linked in a suitable manual utensil for cleaning applications. 36.- A washing utensil according to claim 35 »further characterized in that it comprises a base weight ranging from approximately 5.60 grams per meter to approximately 10.50 grams per meter. 37. A washing utensil according to claim 36 »further characterized in that it comprises a node length ranging from about 0.060 centimeters to about 0.185 centimeters, and a node width ranging from about 0.05O centimeters to about 0.102 centimeters. 38. - The washing utensil according to claim 37 »further characterized in that it comprises: a) a count of nodes ranging from about 90 to about 140; and b) a cell count that varies from approximately 130 cells per meter to approximately 260 cells per meter. 39.- The washing utensil according to the rei indication 38. further characterized because it comprises: a) a count of nodes ranging from about 95 to about 115; b) a cell count that varies from approximately 170 cells per meter to approximately 250 cells per meter; and e) a basis weight ranging from about 6.00 grams per meter to about 8.85 grams per meter. 40.- A washing utensil comprising: open cell extruded mesh having a plurality of combined nodes and a plurality of cells »the mesh has properties that result in a combination of softness and elasticity preferred by the consumer» the properties comprise : a) a node account that varies from approximately 90 to approximately 140; b) a node length ranging from about 0.051 centimeters to about 0.200 centimeters; c) a node thickness that varies from approximately 0.020 centimeters to approximately 0.038 centimeters; d) a node width that varies from approximately 0.038 centimeters to approximately 0.102 centimeters; e) a cell count that approximately ranges from 130 cells per meter to approximately 260 cells per meter; f) a base weight that varies from approximately 5.60 grams per meter to approximately 10.50 grams per meter; The mesh is shaped and linked in a suitable manual utensil for cleaning applications. 41. A washing utensil according to the indication 40. further characterized in that it comprises a node length ranging from approximately 0.060 centimeters to approximately 0.1B5 centimeters, and a node width ranging from approximately 0.050 centimeters to approximately 0.102 centimeters 42.- A washing utensil in accordance with re-indication 41, characterized in that the mesh comprises low density polyethylene, polyvinyl ethylacetate lo. high density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate or mixtures thereof. 43. A washing utensil according to claim 42, characterized in that the mesh is extruded low density polyethylene at a melt index of between about 1.0 and about 10.0. 44.- A washing utensil according to claim 43, characterized in that the low density polyethylene is extruded at a melt index of between about 2 and about 7. 45.- A washing utensil comprising cell extruded mesh open, the open cell mesh has a basis weight of approximately 5.60 grams per meter to approximately B.50 grams per meter, the mesh is shaped and bonded in a suitable manual tool for cleaning applications. 46.- A washing utensil comprising open cell extruded mesh »the open cell mesh has a base weight of about 5.60 grams per meter to about 10.40 grams per meter» and an X / Y ratio of about 0.25 to about 0.97 »The mesh is shaped and bonded in a suitable manual utensil for cleaning applications. 47.- A washing utensil comprising: open cell extruded mesh »having a base weight» a plurality of nodes »and a plurality of cells. the mesh further comprises: a) a count of nodes ranging from about 70 to about 140; b) a node length ranging from about 0.051 centimeters to about 0.241 centimeters; c) a node width that varies from approximately 0.038 centimeters to approximately 0.102 centimeters; d) a node thickness that varies from approximately .020 centimeters to approximately .038 centimeters; e) a cell count that varies from approximately 130 cells per meter to approximately 260 cells per meter; f) a basis weight that varies from approximately 5.60 grams per meter to approximately 10.40 grams per meter; g) an X / Y ratio of approximately 0.25 to approximately 0.97; The mesh is formed and linked in a suitable manual utensil for cleaning applications.