WO2013171343A2

WO2013171343A2 - Disposable wipe product for cleansing surfaces

Info

Publication number: WO2013171343A2
Application number: PCT/EP2013/060402
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan SCHOETERS; Vincent DE SMEDT
Original assignee: Edmire Bvba
Priority date: 2012-05-18
Filing date: 2013-05-21
Publication date: 2013-11-21
Also published as: WO2013171343A3; GB201208842D0

Abstract

A disposable wipe product for cleansing hard surfaces is provided, wherein the wipe product is made of at least one layer of dispersible paper and a layer of a non-woven fabric which is provided with microcapsules containing a cleansing agent.

Description

Disposable wipe product for cleansing surfaces Field of the invention The present invention relates to cleansing articles providing effective cleansing and sanitizing surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposable cleansing wipe products including a cleansing agent.

Background of the invention

Commonly used articles for disinfecting hard surfaces are disinfecting spray solutions or towelettes which are presoaked with a disinfecting solution. Disinfecting spray solutions are sprayed on the surface to be cleansed and are either left to dry or are further spread over said surface and/or wiped away with a cloth.

Presoaked towelettes are more desirable, because the towelette lends itself to removing contaminants from the surface. For example, U.S. patent 4,896,768 discloses a presaturated wipe product having a dilute glutaraldehyde saturated pad secured to a layer of packaging material. The saturated pad is sealed in the packaging in that a second layer of packaging material is heat sealed to the first packaging layer along the edges of the packaging. By peeling off the second layer of packaging material, the pad becomes exposed for use.

The cleansing and disinfecting solutions vary in their composition and reactivity, but many of them include a solvent to keep the active ingredient in liquid form. The solvent may affect the skin of a user when gaining contact to the disinfectant upon use, regardless of whether a spray solution or presoaked towelettes are used. In addition, the solvent may evaporate during storage of the spray solution and in particular from the presoaked towelettes, thereby impairing the antimicrobial effect of the product, unless the product is provided within a vapor-tight packaging. For these reasons, it is desirable to provide a cleansing wipe product which does not possess the disadvantages of the known presoaked towelettes.

There is a need for cleansing towelettes that are capable of cleansing hard surfaces and that are preferably capable of not just physically removing but destroying or repressing undesirable microorganisms being present on said hard surfaces people may get in contact with. Examples of such hard surfaces are - without limitation - toilet seats (typically their upper curved surface and/or lower flat surface), door handles, countertops, and the like, in particular in hospitals and public restrooms.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative wipe product for cleaning or disinfecting hard surfaces.

An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a wipe product wherein untimely drying of the cleansing agent or disinfectant is prevented, and wherein the user of the wipe product can avoid contacting the cleansing agent or disinfectant and/or the hard surface when using the wipe product. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a disposable wipe product for cleansing hard surfaces.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for cleansing a hard surface, wherein a disposable wipe product according to the first aspect of the present invention is used.

The wipe product of the present invention is made of at least one layer of dispersible paper and at least one layer of a non-woven fabric, preferably dispersible non-woven fabric, which is provided with microcapsules containing a cleansing agent. The non- woven fabric can for instance be impregnated with microcapsules or the microcapsules can be sprayed on the non- woven fabric. The at least one layer of dispersible paper represents the outer layer(s) of the wipe product prior to its use, i.e. in the closed state, enclosing the non-woven fabric. In an embodiment, the outer layer(s) is/are made of a single layer of dispersible paper wherein a first portion of said single layer is folded to lay on top of a second portion of said single layer of dispersible paper. The first portion and the second portion of said single layer of dispersible paper are secured to each other at least in the region of the folding line which separates the first portion from the second portion. In another embodiment, the outer layer is made of two layers of dispersible paper which are placed on top of one another and which are partially secured to one another, i.e. not over their entire faces. It is also possible to use multilayer dispersible papers for providing the outer layer(s) of the wipe product, thereby increasing the rigidity of the wipe product.

In an embodiment, the paper of the at least one layer of dispersible paper is easily dissolvable in aqueous media.

In another and/or additional embodiment, the paper of the at least one layer of dispersible paper is biodegradable, preferably biodegradable to 100 %. In another and/or additional embodiment, the paper of the at least one layer of dispersible paper is nontoxic. Due to its biodegradability and lack of toxicity, the paper is not harmful to the environment and can simply be flushed down the toilet.

In another and/or additional embodiment, the paper of the at least one layer of dispersible paper is printable. Using printable paper, the wipe product can be provided with information such as - for example - an instruction of how to use the wipe product; a manufacturing and/or expiration date, or an address of the manufacturer, or branding and advertising information.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the disposable paper comprises a coating which is adapted for allowing heat sealing of the disposable paper and the non- woven fabric. The heat sealing process whereby at least part of the non-woven fabric and the disposable paper comprising the coating are pressed against each other and locally heated, can result in the disposable paper and the non- woven fabric being at least partially attached to each other by means of a seal embodied by the coating.

In another and/or additional embodiment, the non-woven is a dispersible, latex binder- free, hydrogentangled non-woven fabric formulated form a blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. An example of said non- woven is the grade SD8401055 dispersible non-woven based on cellulose fibers as sold by Ahlstrom Corporation under the tradename HYDRASPUN®, and having the physical properties specified in table 1.

Table 1: Physical Properties of HYDRASPUN® SD8401055 Dispersible Nonwoven

The term "hydroentanglement" refers to a wetlaid process using high-pressure water jets (hydroentanglement) to entangle fibers together. In this process natural and synthetic fibers are blended together to create soft, strong and absorbent products without latex binders. The resultant products are soft and absorbent. They are biodegradable, dispersible and flushable as they will break down to the individual fibers under agitation in excess water, and can be embossed to add imaging or texture. The non-woven fabric is connected to a part of the inner faces of the layers of disposable paper which form the outer layers in the region where the layers of disposable paper are not secured to each other, thereby forming two wings. In an embodiment, the non-woven fabric being attached to parts of the inner faces of the layers of disposable paper possess a double fold in closed condition of the wipe product. Such a double fold leads to a slight spreading of the wings when the wipe product is opened, thereby improving utility of the wipe product. The non-woven fabric is provided with microcapsules containing a cleansing agent. The term "provided with" refers to a non-woven fabric that is impregnated with said microcapsules or onto which said microcapsules have been sprayed, preferably by means of dry spraying. The use of microcapsules provides numerous advantages. First, it is not necessary to provide a vapor-tight package to avoid evaporation of the cleansing agent or the solvent thereof, and to prevent the product from drying. Secondly, the microcapsules release their content, i.e. the cleansing agent, only upon use of the product such that the risk for a user of contacting the cleansing agent can be reduced. The amount of cleansing agent can be reduced, because only those faces of the wipe product getting into contact with the hard surface to be disinfected have to be provided with the microcapsules.

In an embodiment, the microcapsules have a mean particle size of between about 20 μιη to about 50 μιη.

The microcapsules comprise a wall and a filling, wherein the wall of a microcapsule fully surround the filling. In an embodiment, the wall of the microcapsules is made of gelatin. Gelatin-based microcapsules are suitable if acidic "glue" is used for connecting the microcapsules to the non-woven fabric. In another embodiment, the wall of the microcapsules is made of polyurethane. Polyurethane-based microcapsules are suitable if basic "glue" is used for connecting the microcapsules to the non-woven fabric. The wall of the microcapsules is configured to break upon the friction between the non- woven fabric and the hard surface to be disinfected when the wipe product is scrubbed over the hard surface such that the filling of the microcapsules is released when the wipe product is used. The microcapsules contain a cleansing agent as filling. In an embodiment, the cleansing agent is a disinfectant, i.e. a composition to destroy or repress microorganisms. The disinfectant may not kill all microorganisms, but can at least effectively kill bacteria. In a preferred embodiment, the disinfectant is a composition effectively killing MRS A, VRE, HIV-l, Herpes, Adenovirus, Staphylococcus, E. coli, Pseudomonas, and Salmonella. More preferably, the disinfectant is also fungicidal and tuberculocidal.

In an embodiment, the disinfectant consists of or comprises at least one natural oil or essential oil, wherein said oil possesses at least antibacterial activity.

In another embodiment, the disinfectant consists of or comprises a non-alcoholic substance that possesses at least antibacterial activity. In an embodiment, the nonalcoholic substance that possesses at least antibacterial activity is selected from the group consisting of aldehydes, such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, oxidizing agents, phenolics, quartemary ammonium compounds, biguanide, lactic acid, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium hypochlorite.

In another embodiment, the cleansing agent comprises or consists of a probiotic microorganism. Suitable probiotic micro-organisms are known to the skilled person. Some examples of probiotic micro-organisms are for instance described in EP2440647 Al, and include micro-organisms selected from the group consisting of sporous bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, non-sporous bacteria, fungi and yeasts and mixtures thereof.

Preferably it is a sporous bacterium. Preferred microorganisms are bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus. Lactobacillus bacteria are known and readily available to the public from various commercial suppliers. Other commercially-available strains are well-known and readily available. Bacteria may be of any suitable type, including but not limited to Lactobacillus acidophilus. Lactobacillus plantarum. Lactobacillus salivarius.

Lactobacillus delbrueckiil. Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Lactobacillus bulgaricus.

Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii; the Lactococcus genus including Lactococcus 1 act is (subsp. Lactis ); Streptococcus thermophilus;

Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. Shermanii: Enterococccus genus, including Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus thermophilus; the Bifidobacterium genus. including Bifidobacterium Ion gum. Bifidobacterium infant is. and Bifidobacterium bifidum: Bacillus genus, including Bacillus coagulans. Bacillus thermophilus. Bacillus laterosporus, Bacillus subtilis. Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus licheniformis. Bacillus Pasteurii, Bacillus laevolacticus. Bacillus amyloliquifaciens. Bacillus mycoides.

Bacillus pumilus. Bacillus lentus, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus circulans;

S poro I actobac i 11 u s genus; Micromonospora genus; Micrococcus genus; Rhodococcus genus; Escherichia coli.; and Pseudomonas genus, including Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microorganisms broadly include bacteria, yeast or fungi. Probiotic yeast may be of any suitable type, including but not limited to the genus Saccharomyces. such as described in US Patent 6,524,575. Probiotic fungus may be of any suitable type, including but not limited to the genus Aspergillus, such as described in U.S. Pat. No.6,368, 591. Suitable beneficial microorganisms may be selected according to one or more particular properties. A preferred property is that the microorganisms display competitive exclusion of pathogenic organisms from the surface to which they are applied.

The microcapsules have a load of active substance of from about 80% to about 90% by weight with respect to the total weight, wherein the microcapsules are present in form of a dry powder. The dry powder can be used to impregnate or to be sprayed onto the non- woven fabric.

In an embodiment, the wipe product is provided with a perforation in the disposable paper such that a strip can be torn off from one end - the bottom end - of the wipe product. Prior to its use, the wipe product is provided in a closed state, wherein the non- woven fabric is present as an inner layer within a compartment that is formed by the at least one layer of the disposable paper, with a perforation in each of the outer layers at the end of the region where they are not attached to one another, the end being close to the bottom end of the wipe product. In the region of the strip, the layers of disposable paper are secured to one another.

The strip can be torn off from the wipe product to open the compartment containing the non-woven fabric being secured to the inner faces of the paper layer(s) forming the outer layer(s) of the wipe product. When tearing off the bottom part of the wipe product, i.e. the strip, the wipe product will open slightly and the non-woven fabric is exposed.

In an embodiment, the wipe product is configured such that it will open by itself once the strip at the bottom is torn off such that the impregnated non-woven can be pushed onto the hard surface to be cleaned and disinfected. Upon swiping or scrubbing the wipe product on the hard surface, the microcapsules will break owing to the friction between the wipe product and the hard surface, and the disinfectant that is contained in the microcapsules will be spread over the hard surface and thereby disinfect the hard surface.

In an additional embodiment, the wipe product is configured to release a scent when the strip at the bottom of the wipe product is torn off. In this embodiment, the compartment formed by the outer layers contains microcapsules containing a fresh scent, preferably a strong citrus scent or another essential oil as filling. The microcapsules are configured such that they will break and release the scent when the strip is torn off.

In an embodiment, the microcapsules comprising a scent have a mean particle size of between about 20 μιη to about 50 μιη.

The microcapsules comprise a wall and a filling, wherein the filling is enclosed by the wall. In an embodiment, the wall of the microcapsules is made of gelatin. Gelatin-based microcapsules are suitable if acidic "glue" is used for connecting the microparticles or microcapsules to the non-woven fabric. In another embodiment, the wall of the microcapsules is made of polyurethane. Polyurethane based microcapsules are suitable if basic "glue" is used for connecting the microcapsules to the non- woven fabric. The wall of the microcapsules can for instance consist or comprise PVA (Polyvinylalcohol) or bio-degradable plastics. The microcapsules comprising a scent have a load of active substance of from about 80% to about 90% by weight with respect to the total weight, wherein the microcapsules are present in form of a dry powder. In preferred embodiments, a scent can be provided to the disposable wipe product in an alternative way. For instance;

the dispersible paper can comprise a scent in form of coating; and/or

- the scent can be added to the principal material of the dispersible paper during production thereof; and/or

the scent can be added to the coating used for heat sealing, provided on the dispersible paper; and/or

the non- woven fabric can comprise a scent, added in the production process thereof; and/or

the scent can be added to the principal material of the non-woven paper thread used to manufacture non- woven fabric; and/or

the scent can be sprayed on in assembly of the final disposable wipe product. In a further aspect, the present invention concerns a disposable wipe product for cleansing hard surfaces, the wipe product comprising two wipe surfaces which are connected to each other along an edge, and which are folded together in a liquid non- releasing sandwich, and being configured to open out for use to a T-shape. In yet another aspect, the present invention also concerns a disposable wipe product for cleansing hard surfaces, the wipe product comprising two wipe surfaces having a non- woven fabric layer, the two wipe surfaces being are connected to each other along an edge, and are folded together such that the wipe product opens out for use to a T-shape, wherein the fabric is tensioned in open state so that the T-shape is maintained.

In embodiments, the latter two wipe products comprise one or more features of the wipe product according to the first aspect of the invention.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure includes the use of the disposable wipe product of the present invention for disinfecting a hard surface, as for instance the surface of a toilet seat. According to preferred embodiments of the disposable wipe product, related to the use for cleaning a toilet seat, the wipe product may be shaped as such that the surface of the non-woven fabric comprising the micro capsules is shaped or curved, for instance U- shaped, such that a full lateral coverage of the width of a toilet seat is achieved. The curved or shaped surface can correspond to the curvature of the upper surface of a typical toilet seat (or of a predetermined toilet seat or type or toilet seat). This would reduce the cleaning efforts. For instance, only a single, continuous movement of the disposable wipe product along the surface of the toilet seat (for instance circular of elliptical movement) may be required to completely clean the upper surface of the toilet seat.

The wipe product of the present invention is convenient to use, because it is instantly ready for use once the strip is torn off, contact of the users fingers with the disinfectant is avoided or the risk of contacting the disinfectant is substantially reduced compared to conventional presoaked towelettes, the wipe product can be tossed into a toilet after use, without any risk of clogging the plumbing or harming the environment. Moreover, it is not necessary to provide a foil package for the wipe product for preventing the disinfectant from drying as the solvent evaporates over time. Short description of the figures.

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to the figures, but the invention is not limited thereto, but only to the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.

Figure 1 illustrates a three dimensional view of an embodiment of the wipe product in open state as placed on the hard surface to be disinfected.

Figure 2 represents a front view of an embodiment of the wipe product in closed state, i.e. before being opened. Figure 3 represents a three-dimensional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, after the strip has been torn of. Figure 4 shows a cross section of the embodiment according to Figure 3.

Detailed description of illustrative embodiments.

Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g. "a", "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated. Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under, beyond and the like in the description and in the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other orientations than described or illustrated herein. It is to be noticed that the term "comprising", used in the present description and claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the wipe product in open state. The wipe product 1 comprises an outer layer 2, 2', 2" and an inner layer 3. The outer layer is made of two sheets that are arranged congruently to one another, and that are secured to one another in a region only. Said region serves as handle 2 for the user when scrubbing the wipe product 1 over a surface (not shown). In the region where the sheets of the outer layer are not connected to each other, each sheet provides a wing 2', 2", each wing 2', 2" having an upper face and a lower face. The planes of wings 2', 2b can be arranged to be perpendicular to the plane of the handle 2 in that the wings 2', 2" are folded along a folding line 4. The non woven fabric of the inner layer 3 is connected to the lower faces of wings 2' and 2".

Figure 2 displays the front view of another embodiment of the wipe product 1 in closed state. The wipe product 1 comprises an outer layer which is subdivided into the region representing the handle 2 and a lower wing 2'. The wipe product 1 is provided with a folding line 4 and a perforation 5. Said perforation is present in the other wing (2", not shown) too, and separates the lower portion of the wipe product 1 into the wing 2' and a strip 6. The paper layers forming the outer layer are positioned congruently on top of each other, and are connected to each other in the region of the handle 2 and the strip 6, but not in the region of the wings 2', 2".

The embodiment as shown in Figure 2 is provided with a gripping aid 7 at one side of the wipe product 1. Said gripping aid 7 improves usability of the wipe product 1, because is makes tearing off the strip easier.

Claims

A disposable wipe product for cleaning hard surfaces, wherein the wipe product is made of at least one layer of dispersible paper and a layer of a non-woven fabric which is provided with microcapsules containing a cleansing agent.

The disposable wipe product according to claim 1, wherein the dispersible paper is easily dissolvable in water.

The disposable wipe product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dispersible paper is biodegradable.

The disposable wipe product according to any of the previous claims, wherein the dispersible paper is non-toxic.

The disposable wipe product according to any of the previous claims, wherein the dispersible paper is printable.

The disposable wipe product according to any of the previous claims, wherein said dispersible paper comprises a coating which is adapted for allowing heat sealing of said dispersible paper and said non-woven fabric, said dispersible paper and said non-waven fabric being at least partially attached to each other by means of a seal embodied by said coating.

The disposable wipe product according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the non-woven fabric is a dispersible, latex binder-free, hydro gentangled non- woven fabric formulated form a blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers.

The disposable wipe product according to claim 7, wherein the natural fibers are cellulose fibers.

9. The disposable wipe product according to any of the previous claims, wherein the microcapsules have a mean particle size of between about 20 μιη to about 50 μιη.

10. The disposable wipe product according to any of the previous claims, wherein the microcapsules comprise a wall, said wall being made of a material selected from the group consisting of gelatin and polyurethane.

11. The disposable wipe product according to any of the previous claims, wherein the cleansing agent is a disinfectant

12. The disposable wipe product according to claim 11, wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of essential oils and non-alcoholic antibacterial substances.

13. The disposable wipe product according to any claim 12, wherein the nonalcoholic substance is selected from the group consisting of aldehydes, such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, oxidizing agents, phenolics, quarternary ammonium compounds, biguanide, lactic acid, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium hypochlorite.

14. The disposable wipe product according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said cleansing agent comprises or consists of probiotic micro-organisms.

15. The disposable wipe product according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the product comprises at least one perforation within each layer of disposable paper in the region where said layers of dispersible paper are not attached to one another such that a strip can be torn off from the bottom end of the wipe product.

16. The disposable wipe product according to claim 3 wherein the wipe product further comprises microcapsules containing a scent, said microcapsules being configured to break when the strip is torn off.

17. A disposable wipe product for cleansing hard surfaces, the wipe product comprising two wipe surfaces which are connected to each other along an edge, and which are folded together in a liquid non-releasing sandwich, and being configured to open out for use to a T-shape.

18. A disposable wipe product for cleaning hard surfaces, the wipe product comprising two wipe surfaces having a non-woven fabric layer, the two wipe surfaces being are connected to each other along an edge, and are folded together such that the wipe product opens out for use to a T-shape, wherein the fabric is tensioned in open state so that the T-shape is maintained.

19. Use of the disposable wipe product according to any one of claims 1 to 18, for disinfecting a hard surface.

20. Use according to claim 19, for disinfecting a toilet seat.