WO1993007965A1 - An absorbent laminate - Google Patents

An absorbent laminate Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1993007965A1
WO1993007965A1 PCT/GB1992/001874 GB9201874W WO9307965A1 WO 1993007965 A1 WO1993007965 A1 WO 1993007965A1 GB 9201874 W GB9201874 W GB 9201874W WO 9307965 A1 WO9307965 A1 WO 9307965A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layer
outer layer
adhesive
intermediate layer
absorbent
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1992/001874
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Harley Farmer
Original Assignee
Ichor Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB919122039A external-priority patent/GB9122039D0/en
Priority claimed from GB929213890A external-priority patent/GB9213890D0/en
Application filed by Ichor Limited filed Critical Ichor Limited
Priority to EP92921231A priority Critical patent/EP0608292A1/en
Publication of WO1993007965A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993007965A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B29/00Layered products comprising a layer of paper or cardboard
    • B32B29/002Layered products comprising a layer of paper or cardboard as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B29/005Layered products comprising a layer of paper or cardboard as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material next to another layer of paper or cardboard layer
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/015Floor coverings, e.g. bedding-down sheets ; Stable floors
    • A01K1/0152Litter
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/015Floor coverings, e.g. bedding-down sheets ; Stable floors
    • A01K1/0152Litter
    • A01K1/0155Litter comprising organic material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B29/00Layered products comprising a layer of paper or cardboard
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B37/00Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
    • B32B37/12Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2305/00Condition, form or state of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2305/10Fibres of continuous length
    • B32B2305/20Fibres of continuous length in the form of a non-woven mat
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70Other properties
    • B32B2307/704Crystalline
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70Other properties
    • B32B2307/726Permeability to liquids, absorption
    • B32B2307/7265Non-permeable
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2317/00Animal or vegetable based
    • B32B2317/12Paper, e.g. cardboard
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2333/00Polymers of unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
    • B32B2333/04Polymers of esters
    • B32B2333/08Polymers of acrylic acid esters, e.g. PMA, i.e. polymethylacrylate

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an absorbent laminate. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an absorbent laminate which may be used for example to line a litter tray arranged under the perforated floor of an animal cage for the absorption of urine and the like. Other possible uses include the absorption of chemicals.
  • an absorbent laminate as a lining for a litter tray below an animal cage formed with a perforated floor for the absorption of urine and the like and which consists of a layer of a highly absorbent material, e.g. cellulose, which may be of the kind known for use in human incontinence pads, and which may be impregnated with a super-absorbent material to enhance the liquid-carrying capacity of the layer.
  • a highly absorbent material e.g. cellulose
  • a super-absorbent material to enhance the liquid-carrying capacity of the layer.
  • back the absorbent layer with a liquid impervious layer of, for example, a plastics material which has the function both of keeping the liquid material from contacting the surface of the supporting tray and of providing mechanical strength to the laminate whereby it can be removed as a single sheet from the tray after the laminate has become loaded with liquid.
  • Disclosure of Invention It is an object of the invention to mitigate against the disadvantage of the known absorbent laminate.
  • an absorbent laminate has a first outer layer comprising an absorbent material, an intermediate layer one face of which is in contact with and attached to one face of the first absorbent layer, the intermediate layer being effective to prevent or moderate liquid transmission therethrough and a second outer layer comprising an absorbent material and in contact with and attached to the other face of the intermediate layer.
  • the intermediate layer comprises an adhesive which also serves the purpose of securing the first and second outer layers together.
  • the first outer layer will comprise super absorbent crystals e.g.sodium polyacrylate
  • the intermediate layer will be a cross-linked polyvinyl acetate adhesive
  • the second outer layer will be used as the bottom layer and will be of an absorbent material such as blotting paper.
  • a layer of non-woven cellulose tissue paper is preferably disposed on top of the super absorbent crystals forming part of the first outer layer and facilitating transmission of liquid thereto.
  • the intermediate layer may be applied directly as a liquid on the second outer layer after which the crystals of super-absorbent are scattered on the wet adhesive so that they are retained by the adhesive layer and so that they project from the adhesive layer. A layer of tissue paper is then applied so that it becomes bonded to the adhesive.
  • a soft roller is used to apply light pressure to the laminate to ensure intimate contact between the layers.
  • the adhesive layer is not entirely covered by the crystals, as this would make it more difficult for the adhesive to bond to the layer of tissue especially bearing in mind that the adhesive layer must be thin so that the crystals are not entirely immersed in and coated with adhesive. If the crystals do cover 100% of the surface of the adhesive layer a patterned, e.g. knobbly, roller may be used to transmit localised pressure to some of the crystals forcing the adhesive in these local areas to the surface of the crystals so that the adhesive then bonds to the tissue layer.
  • This manufacturing process has the virtue that no heat is required to produce the laminate, but if desired other adhesives, such as hot melt adhesives, could be used to form the intermediate layer.
  • an absorbent laminate 1 particularly intended for use in lining a droppings tray disposed beneath the perforated floor of an animal cage and consisting of a first outer layer 2 of a liquid absorbent material, an intermediate layer 3 forming a liquid barrier, and a second outer layer 4 of liquid absorbent material disposed below the intermediate layer.
  • the first outer layer 2 is super absorbent crystals, e.g. sodium polyacrylate, and the second outer layer 4 is of blotting paper.
  • the intermediate layer 3 is of cross- linking polyvinyl acetate adhesive.
  • a layer of tissue 5 e.g. toilet tissue, is disposed on top of the super absorbent crystals forming part of the first outer layer.
  • the layer of super absorbent crystals 2 is a single layer and is arranged to cover 100% of the surface of the intermediate layer.
  • the intermediate layer is thin so that the crystals project from the layer or at least so that they are not entirely immersed in and coated by the adhesive.
  • a knobbly roller is then used to apply localised pressure to some of the crystals forcing adhesive to the surface in these local areas, to which adhesive the tissue layer then becomes bonded.
  • tissue paper may be replaced by a more absorbent material e.g. blotting paper or the intermediate layer may be of a material such as polyethylene or water retardant paper.
  • Industrial Applicability The embodiment of the invention particularly described with reference to the drawings thus provides a simple laminate which will provide improved performance compared to the known laminates.
  • the laminate can be sterilised in an autoclave prior to use and can be disposed of after use by burning or composting.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Abstract

An absorbent laminate (1) has a first outer layer (2) comprising an absorbent material, an intermediate layer (3) one face of which is in contact with and attached to one face of the first outer layer (2), the intermediate layer (3) being effective to prevent or moderate liquid transmission therethrough, characterised by a second outer layer (4) of an absorbent material in contact with and attached to the other face of the intermediate layer (3). Preferably the intermediate layer (3) comprises an adhesive which also serves the purpose of securing the first and second outer layers (2, 4) together. In a preferred embodiment the first outer layer (2) comprises super absorbent crystals e.g. sodium polyacrylate, the intermediate layer (3) comprises a cross-linked polyvinyl acetate adhesive, and the second outer layer (4) is used as the bottom layer and comprises an absorbent material such as blotting paper. A layer of non-woven cellulose tissue paper (5) e.g. toilet tissue is preferably disposed on top of the super absorbent crystals forming part of the first outer layer (2).

Description

TITLE: AN ABSORBENT LAMINATE DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
The invention relates to an absorbent laminate. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an absorbent laminate which may be used for example to line a litter tray arranged under the perforated floor of an animal cage for the absorption of urine and the like. Other possible uses include the absorption of chemicals.
Background Art
It is known to provide an absorbent laminate as a lining for a litter tray below an animal cage formed with a perforated floor for the absorption of urine and the like and which consists of a layer of a highly absorbent material, e.g. cellulose, which may be of the kind known for use in human incontinence pads, and which may be impregnated with a super-absorbent material to enhance the liquid-carrying capacity of the layer. It is also known to back the absorbent layer with a liquid impervious layer of, for example, a plastics material which has the function both of keeping the liquid material from contacting the surface of the supporting tray and of providing mechanical strength to the laminate whereby it can be removed as a single sheet from the tray after the laminate has become loaded with liquid.
It is a disadvantage of the known absorbent laminates that liquid can sometimes find its way round the edge of the laminate and can thus end up between the impervious layer of the laminate and the surface of the tray. This can be undesirable since, in some circumstances such as when it has dried to powder form, animal urine can constitute a significant health hazard.
Disclosure of Invention It is an object of the invention to mitigate against the disadvantage of the known absorbent laminate.
According to the invention an absorbent laminate has a first outer layer comprising an absorbent material, an intermediate layer one face of which is in contact with and attached to one face of the first absorbent layer, the intermediate layer being effective to prevent or moderate liquid transmission therethrough and a second outer layer comprising an absorbent material and in contact with and attached to the other face of the intermediate layer. Preferably the intermediate layer comprises an adhesive which also serves the purpose of securing the first and second outer layers together.
In a preferred embodiment the first outer layer will comprise super absorbent crystals e.g.sodium polyacrylate, the intermediate layer will be a cross-linked polyvinyl acetate adhesive, and the second outer layer will be used as the bottom layer and will be of an absorbent material such as blotting paper. In this arrangement, a layer of non-woven cellulose tissue paper is preferably disposed on top of the super absorbent crystals forming part of the first outer layer and facilitating transmission of liquid thereto. The intermediate layer may be applied directly as a liquid on the second outer layer after which the crystals of super-absorbent are scattered on the wet adhesive so that they are retained by the adhesive layer and so that they project from the adhesive layer. A layer of tissue paper is then applied so that it becomes bonded to the adhesive. Preferably a soft roller is used to apply light pressure to the laminate to ensure intimate contact between the layers. Preferably the adhesive layer is not entirely covered by the crystals, as this would make it more difficult for the adhesive to bond to the layer of tissue especially bearing in mind that the adhesive layer must be thin so that the crystals are not entirely immersed in and coated with adhesive. If the crystals do cover 100% of the surface of the adhesive layer a patterned, e.g. knobbly, roller may be used to transmit localised pressure to some of the crystals forcing the adhesive in these local areas to the surface of the crystals so that the adhesive then bonds to the tissue layer.
This manufacturing process has the virtue that no heat is required to produce the laminate, but if desired other adhesives, such as hot melt adhesives, could be used to form the intermediate layer.
Brief Description of Drawings
The invention is diagrammatically illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawing, which is a cross- sectional view through a typical laminate made in accordance with the invention, with a detail shown enlarged.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention In the drawing there is shown an absorbent laminate 1 particularly intended for use in lining a droppings tray disposed beneath the perforated floor of an animal cage and consisting of a first outer layer 2 of a liquid absorbent material, an intermediate layer 3 forming a liquid barrier, and a second outer layer 4 of liquid absorbent material disposed below the intermediate layer.
The first outer layer 2 is super absorbent crystals, e.g. sodium polyacrylate, and the second outer layer 4 is of blotting paper. The intermediate layer 3 is of cross- linking polyvinyl acetate adhesive. A layer of tissue 5 , e.g. toilet tissue, is disposed on top of the super absorbent crystals forming part of the first outer layer. The layer of super absorbent crystals 2 is a single layer and is arranged to cover 100% of the surface of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is thin so that the crystals project from the layer or at least so that they are not entirely immersed in and coated by the adhesive. A knobbly roller is then used to apply localised pressure to some of the crystals forcing adhesive to the surface in these local areas, to which adhesive the tissue layer then becomes bonded.
As an alternative the tissue paper may be replaced by a more absorbent material e.g. blotting paper or the intermediate layer may be of a material such as polyethylene or water retardant paper. Industrial Applicability The embodiment of the invention particularly described with reference to the drawings thus provides a simple laminate which will provide improved performance compared to the known laminates. In particular the laminate can be sterilised in an autoclave prior to use and can be disposed of after use by burning or composting.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A liquid absorbent laminate (1) comprising a first outer layer (2) of a liquid absorbent material, an intermediate layer (3) one face of which is in contact with and attached to one face of the first outer layer (2) , the intermediate layer (3) being effective to prevent or moderate liquid transmission therethrough, characterised by a second outer layer (4) of a liquid absorbent material in contact with and attached to the other face of the intermediate layer (3) .
2. A liquid absorbent laminate according to claim 1, characterised in that the first outer layer (2) comprises super absorbent crystals.
3. A liquid absorbent laminate according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the intermediate layer (3) comprises an adhesive which also serves the purpose of securing the first and second outer layers (2) , (4) together.
4. A liquid absorbent laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the second outer layer (4) is of blotting paper.
5. A liquid absorbent laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a layer of non-woven cellulose tissue paper (5) is disposed on top of the first outer layer (2) forming part of the first outer layer (2) .
6. A method of making a liquid absorbent laminate (1) as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the intermediate layer (3) is applied directly as a liquid on the second outer layer (4) after which crystals of super- absorbent material are scattered on the wet adhesive so that they are retained by the adhesive layer and so that they project from the adhesive layer.
7. A method according to claim 6, characterised in that a layer of tissue paper (5) is applied over the layer of super absorbent crystals so that it becomes bonded to the adhesive.
8. A method according to claim 7, characterised in that a soft roller is used to apply light pressure to the laminate (1) to ensure intimate contact between the layers.
PCT/GB1992/001874 1991-10-17 1992-10-13 An absorbent laminate WO1993007965A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP92921231A EP0608292A1 (en) 1991-10-17 1992-10-13 An absorbent laminate

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB919122039A GB9122039D0 (en) 1991-10-17 1991-10-17 An absorbent laminate
GB9122039.2 1991-10-17
GB929213890A GB9213890D0 (en) 1992-06-30 1992-06-30 An absorbent laminate
GB9213890.8 1992-06-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993007965A1 true WO1993007965A1 (en) 1993-04-29

Family

ID=26299705

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1992/001874 WO1993007965A1 (en) 1991-10-17 1992-10-13 An absorbent laminate

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0608292A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2752192A (en)
WO (1) WO1993007965A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0699385A1 (en) * 1994-08-23 1996-03-06 Uni-Charm Corporation Granular absorbent material for pet animal
US5964187A (en) * 1994-06-16 1999-10-12 Willis; Gregory Lynn Animal bedding material
WO2010070352A1 (en) * 2008-12-20 2010-06-24 Pet Products Limited Pet sanitary apparatus

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0304952A2 (en) * 1987-08-28 1989-03-01 McNEIL-PPC, INC. Hydrophilic polymers for incorporating deodorants into absorbent structures
US4844965A (en) * 1988-01-25 1989-07-04 Medtex Products, Inc. Absorptive device for incontinent patients
WO1990004456A1 (en) * 1988-10-19 1990-05-03 John Kenneth Bethune Superabsorbant package
EP0420248A1 (en) * 1989-09-27 1991-04-03 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Absorbent structures

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0304952A2 (en) * 1987-08-28 1989-03-01 McNEIL-PPC, INC. Hydrophilic polymers for incorporating deodorants into absorbent structures
US4844965A (en) * 1988-01-25 1989-07-04 Medtex Products, Inc. Absorptive device for incontinent patients
WO1990004456A1 (en) * 1988-10-19 1990-05-03 John Kenneth Bethune Superabsorbant package
EP0420248A1 (en) * 1989-09-27 1991-04-03 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Absorbent structures

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5964187A (en) * 1994-06-16 1999-10-12 Willis; Gregory Lynn Animal bedding material
EP0699385A1 (en) * 1994-08-23 1996-03-06 Uni-Charm Corporation Granular absorbent material for pet animal
WO2010070352A1 (en) * 2008-12-20 2010-06-24 Pet Products Limited Pet sanitary apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2752192A (en) 1993-05-21
EP0608292A1 (en) 1994-08-03

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