Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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WIPING DEVICE
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fluid storage and applicator device.
More specifically, the device is an improved cleansing wipe or pad. The
improved
wipe of this invention can provide any number of viscous fluids for cleansing
or
refreshing, as well as remove soil from surface being cleaned. The wipes also
is
capable of dispensing alcohol, water, topical anesthetics, biologicals, liquid
medicaments, lotions, creams and the like, if desired.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
A current art for cleansing wipes utilizes a nonwoven (NW) material
saturated in a cleansing fluid contained within a container associated
therewith.
A sheet of the cleansing wipe is pulled up through a hole and separated from
the
bulk of wipes within the container, for example by being torn off at a line of
perforations. The sheet is subsequently used to wipe and clean a surface, such
as
human skin. The sheets are typically thin, porous and dripping with solution.
The
undesired soil or residue to be cleaned from the surface of interest by the
sheet
easily transmits through the sheet to contact the user. Accordingly, the act
of
actually removing the soil is accomplished as much by the cupped hand of the
user
than by the sheet. When the last sheet is removed from the container, several
ounces of wasted fluid remain in the bottom. This wasted fluid represents
higher
costs to the' manufacturer and end user as well as an introduction of
additional
unwanted chemicals into landfills when the container is ultimately disposed.
Other prior art wipes are constructed of absorbent material folded into a
towelette containing a fluid. The packaging material for such prior art is an
aluminum foil with a thermoplastic liner, for example. Such packaging material
is ideally impervious to the fluid contained therein, as well as vapor or gas
formed
therefrom. Such material also is ideally impervious to air and other materials
that
might otherwise contaminate the fluid and absorbent material contained in the
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package. However, once the package is opened or otherwise breached, the same
problems outlined above are present with respect to this prior art.
Thus there remains a need for an improved wipe capable of providing a
fluid upon demand while able to physically remove undesired material from the
surface to be cleansed and lacking the disadvantages described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a fluid storage and application device
including a sheet of perforated thermoplastic film. The sheet preferably has
two
sides. A first side of the sheet includes perforations. Ideally, these
perforations
are tapered capillaries narrowing in circumference as they extend outwardly
away
from the sheet. A second side of the sheet (opposite the outwardly extending
tapered capillaries) is capable of containing for subsequent release on demand
a
viscous liquid. Light pressure on the second side of the sheet forces the
contained
fluid through the tapered capillaries of the sheet, releasing said fluid from
the sheet
and providing the fluid to the surface to be cleansed. The capillaries serve a
second function in that they also form cavities which trap any undesired
material
(e.g., soil) being removed from the surface to be cleansed.
Preferably, the wipe of the present invention comprises an absorbent core
including a viscous liquid, a fluid impervious sheet positioned adjacent one
side of
said core and a perforated plastic film positioned adjacent to a second side
of said
core, said second side being that which is opposite to the side associated
with the
fluid impervious sheet. The perforations in the plastic film form a plurality
of
small pockets which extend away from the absorbent core. The unique void
volume space created between the cup shapes of the male side of the plastic
film
functions as a non-abrasive wiping/collecting mechanism. Funnel-shaped pores
between the male cups of the plastic film contain and release on demand one or
more fluids of various functions. The one or more fluids are stored within the
absorbent core and released through the funnel-shaped pores via pressure
associated with a wiping action. A top layer which is preferably constructed
of a
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solid film blocks the user from the transmission of any fluids andlor
undesired
material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the improved wiping device of the
present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed
Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side view in partial cross-section of an embodiment of the
wiping device of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a side view in partial cross-section of a second embodiment
of the wiping device of the present invention, illustrating an absorbent core
material;
FIGURE 3 is a side view in partial cross-section of a third embodiment of
the wiping device of the present invention, illustrating use of a liquid
impervious
backsheet;
FIGURE 4 is a side view in partial cross-section of a fourth embodiment
of the wiping device of the present invention, illustrating use of
thermoplastic
sheets on both sides of the wiping device;
FIGURE 5 is a side view in partial cross-section of a fifth embodiment of
the wiping device of the present invention, illustrating use of thermoplastic
sheets
on both sides of the wiping device and the lack of an absorbent core; and
FIGURE 6 illustrates the wiping device of the present invention in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred construction of the improved wiping device of the present
invention comprises a sheet, on top of which is located an absorbent core
(.e.g.,
wadding), on top of which is located a solid or embossed liquid impervious
sheet.
The absorbent core contains one or more fluids which can be released upon
demand through the application of force by the user to better cleanse (e.g., a
degreaser), provide fragrance (e.g., a perfume) and medicate (e.g.,
antibiotics,
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antifungals, antivirals, etc.) the surface to be cleansed. Although one or
more
fluids to assist in cleansing, providing fragrance and applying medications is
described herein, it is noted that the one or more fluids can function for any
other
suitable purpose associated with use of the improved wiping device 10, such as
providing an identifier (e.g., colored dye) to the surface to be cleansed.
Now referring to FIGURE 1, there is shown an embodiment of the wiping
device 10 of the present invention. The wiping device 10 comprises a sheet 12
of
thermoplastic film. The sheet 12 includes a plurality of tapered capillaries
14 that
extend away from the sheet 12. The tapered capillaries 14 define a plurality
of
cavities 16 on a first side of the sheet 12. The cavities 16 provide a non-
abrasive
wiping feature that removes undesired material from the surface to be
cleansed.
The type of film used for the sheet 12 and the rigidity of the capillaries 14
can be
varied depending on the application of the wiping device. For example, a
wiping
device 10 intended for use in connection with the cleansing of the skin of an
infant
would need to be extremely soft and gentle in its wiping action. However, if
the
wiping device 10 was intended for use as a hand cleaner for adults, the sheet
12
of film and the capillaries 14 could be designed to provide a more aggressive
(e. g. ,
abrasive) scrubbing action. Examples of films that are suitable for the sheet
12 are
those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,351,784 and 4,535,020, the entire
contents
and disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
A film for use as a sheet 12 preferably exhibits a thickness from about
0.0003" to about 0.280" and would include from about 5 to about 75,000
capillaries per square inch of the film. In a preferred structure, the hlm
will have
a thickness from about 0.0008" to about 0.010" and from about 50 to about
15,000
capillaries per square inch of the film. The capillaries 14 preferably have a
diameter from about 0.001" to about 0.185". The capillaries 14 preferably
extend
away from the sheet 12 by a distance of from about 0.003" to about 0.280". In
a
preferred structure, the capillaries 14 will have a diameter from about 0.01
0" to
about 0.075 " and the capillaries 14 will extend from the sheet 12, a distance
from
about 0.005" to about 0.1 25".
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The sheet 12 is preferably constructed of a thermoplastic film having
minute perforations 18 therein. The perforations 18 are preferably arranged in
a
regular pattern over substantially the entire surface of the film and allow
the
passage of air and liquids therethrough. Although a regular pattern of
perforations
18 is described herein, it is noted that films including irregular or other
patterns
of perforations 18 are suitable for use with the wiping device 10 of the
present
invention. The film preferably has a liquid flow rate associated with the
perforations 18. Thermoplastic films of different strengths, characteristics,
colors,
and dimensions are suitable for use with the wiping device 10 of the present
invention.
Any thermoplastic material which may be formed into flexible film or sheet
may be used in the production of the wiping device of the present invention.
Exemplary thermoplastic materials include cellulose esters (e.g. , cellulose
acetate,
cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate); mixed esters of cellulose;
cellulose ethers
(e.g.; ethyl cellulose); nylons and polymeric materials, such as polyvinyl
alcohol
acetals, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride acetate, polystyral, methyl
methacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and other polyolefins which may be
formed into flexible film or sheet. Particularly preferred perforated films
are
comprised of polyethylene and polypropylene. The film may be a low density
polyethylene (LDPE). Sheets or films made from such materials may be
plasticized with suitable plasticizers. Other additives known in the art also
may be
added to achieve various desired physical characteristics.
Surface treatment of the film of the sheet 12 for rendering the surfaces of
the film more receptive to adhesives, paints, inks, lacquers, or to other
surfaces
in laminating processes is widely practiced throughout the plastic film
industry and
is also contemplated by this invention. Various types of such processes (e.g.,
corona discharge treatment, chemical treatment, flame treating, casing,
electronic
treating, plasma etching, ion plating and irradiation) can be employed, if
desired.
Possible chemical treatments of the film, depending upon desired use,
include anti-static agents, additives which alter the polarity of the surface,
adhesion
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promoters and other surface modifiers. A wide variety of additives for
plasticizing, coloring, impact modification, slip, anti-fogging and
stabilization may
be added to the film forming resin prior to the film being made. Such chemical
compounds may be added batchwise in powder mixers or to the feeding mix to
compounders such as Banbury mixers or compounders. U.S. Patent No.
4,535,020 fully describes the manufacture of such thermoplastic films.
One or more liquids 22 can be stored in the cavities 16 and released
through capillaries 14 and apertures 18 onto the surface to be cleansed. As
discussed in more detail below, the one or more fluids 22 may be cleansers
(e.g.,
degreaser), medications (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals),
fragrances (e.g.,
perfumes), identifiers (e. g. , colored dyes), or the like, and combinations
thereof.
Now referring to FIGURE 2, a second embodiment of the wiping device
10 of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, resting atop
the
sheet 12 is an absorbent core 20. Materials for use as the absorbent core 20
include well-known materials such as creped cellulose wadding, air-laid felt
nonwoven, wood pulp derivatives, etc., as well as combinations of one or more
such materials.
The absorbent core 20 is preferably positioned adjacent the side of the sheet
12 that is opposite the side including the capillaries 14. The absorbent core
20
contains one or more fluids 22 described in more detail below. The one or more
liquids is held in the absorbent core 20 through capillary action. When
application
of the one or more fluids 22 is desired, the one or more fluids 22 is squeezed
out
of the absorbent core 20, through the capillaries 14, through the apertures 18
and
onto the surface to be cleansed by pressure exerted on the wiping device 10 by
the
user during a wiping action.
The one or more fluids 22 contained within the absorbent core 20
preferably exhibit a viscosity across a wide range of temperatures sufficient
to
prevent premature or otherwise undesired release of the one or more fluids 22
from the absorbent core 20, Such an undesired release might occur, for
example,
in response to pressure levels associated with routine vibration and impacts
of
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shipping and handling. A predetermined amount of the one or more fluids 22 is
contained by the core 20, precluding the waste of such fluids 22 associated
with
prior art devices discussed in further detail above.
As discussed above, the one or more fluids facilitate and enhance the
cleansing process and comprise: a cleanser (e.g., degreaser); a medicament
(e.g.,
antivirals, antibiotics, antifungals); a fragrance (e.g., perfume); a
moisturizer
(e. g. , emollient creme); an identifier (e. g. , colored dye); or
combinations thereof.
In FIGURE 3, a third embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present
invention is illustrated. In this embodiment of the wiping device 10, the
structure
of the wiping device 10 is essentially the same as the embodiment shown in
FIGURE 2 with the addition of an impervious sheet 24. The impervious sheet 24
is preferably positioned over the absorbent core 20 on the side of the
absorbent
material that is opposite to the sheet 12. In effect, the absorbent core 20
carrying
the one or more fluids 22 is sandwiched between sheet 12 and impervious sheet
24.
The liquid impermeable backsheet 24 can comprise any of various materials well
known in the art, such as polyethylene film.
The liquid impervious backsheet 24 is used to preclude contact between the
hand/fingers of the user and the undesired material to be cleaned from the
surface
as well as the one or more fluids 22 held by the absorbent core 20 and
released
upon demand onto the surface to be cleansed. The liquid impervious backsheet
24
further serves to protect the bne or more fluids 22 contained with the
absorbent
core 20 from contamination, evaporation, and the like.
Now turning to FIGURE 4, there is shown another embodiment of the
wiping device 10 of the present invention. The wiping device 10 shown is
essentially the same as the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3 with the
addition
of a second sheet 12 of thermoplastic material instead of the impervious
backsheet
24'. In this embodiment, the one or more liquids 22 contained with in the
absorbent core 20 may be squeezed out of the apertures 18 in the capillaries
14
positioned on either side of the absorbent core 20. This embodiment allows
either
side of the wiping device 10 to be used, as there are a plurality of cavities
16 on
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each side of the wiping device 10. This embodiment is particularly useful in
situations where the user wants to fold over the wiping device 10 and use the
other
side for further cleansing.
FIGURE 5 shows yet another embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the
present invention. The wiping device 10 of this embodiment is essentially the
same as the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 4 with the absorbent core 20
removed. In this embodiment, one or more liquids 22, if desired, can be
positioned in the capillaries 14 as shown in the embodiment illustrated in
FIGURE
1 and described above. Alternatively, this embodiment can be utilized without
the
one or more fluids 22. If the one or more liquids is not utilized, the
capillaries 14
could also be non-apertured.
Now referring to FIGURE 6, an embodiment (FIGURE 4) of the wiping
device 10 of the present invention is illustrated in use. In use, the user
grips
wiping device 10 and wipes it across the surface to be cleansed 26 (e.g., the
soiled
buttocks of an infant). The one or more fluids 22 contained within the
absorbent
core 20 is held there by capillary action until the wiping device 10 is
squeezed by
the pressure of the hand of the user during use. Upon the application of such
pressure, the one or more fluids 22 (e. g. , cleanser, ointments, or
combinations
thereof) are delivered through the capillaries 14, the perforations 18 to the
surface
to be cleansed 26. The proper amount of the one or more fluids 22 is
predetermined to prevent the waste of any such fluids either in the container
or
during use.
The plurality of cavities 16 defined by the capillaries 14 contacts the
surface
to be cleansed 26. The cavities 16 collect undesired material (e. g. , feces,
blood).
If the embodiment having the impervious backsheet 24 (FIGURE 3) is employed,
contact between the hand/fingers of the user and the undesired material
collected
by the wiping device 10 is avoided.
If the wiping device is also sufficiently squeezed by the user during its use,
the absorbent core 20 will release the one or more fluids 22 contained
therein,
allowing the one or more fluids 22 to travel through the capillaries 14 and
the
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perforations 18 of the sheet 12 to be applied to the surface to be cleansed
26.
Depending upon the nature of the one or more fluids 22 contained and released
upon demand by the core, the surface to be cleansed 26 will be disinfected
and/or
fragranced andlor better cleansed.
For frequent, multiple uses of the wiping device 10 of the present invention
(e.g., baby wipes), a plastic container with a closable lid can be used to
store the
wiping devices. The individual wiping devices may be stored within the
container
separately or removably connected to each other, as desired, and through means
known in the art. For more infrequent single use applications, the wiping
device
10 of the present invention could be packaged individually in easy-to-tear-
open,
moisture barrier packages.
Advantages of the wiping device 10 of the present invention over prior art
device are: protection of the handlfingers of the user from contact with
undesired
materials; controlled amount and release of the one or more fluids used to
assist
cleaning the surface to be cleansed; and superior, non-abrasive wiping action
from
the cavities of the sheet of the wiping device.
Although preferred embodiments of the wiping device of the present
invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in
the
foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is
not
limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous
rearrangements,
modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the
invention
as set forth and defined by the following claims.
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