U.S. patent application number 10/897954 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for cleaning article with indicator.
Invention is credited to Carter, Nick, Ngai, Mou Chung, Rekum, Mireille van.
Application Number | 20050125926 10/897954 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34102934 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050125926 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rekum, Mireille van ; et
al. |
June 16, 2005 |
Cleaning article with indicator
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a cleaning article for
cleaning applications, and more specifically, to a cleaning article
comprising an indicator, wherein the indicator fades during use to
convey to the user that the cleaning article has met or exceeded
its useful life span and needs to be replaced. In accordance with
the present invention, the disposable cleaning article is comprised
of a binder having a finite life span that acts as an indicator.
Due to the continuous use of article the binder begins to fade and
eventually is removed, indicating that usefulness of the disposable
cleaning article has expired. The finite life span of the indicator
is beneficial in a disposable cleaning article to act as a reminder
to replace the expended cleaning article with a fresh article.
Inventors: |
Rekum, Mireille van;
(Arnhem, NL) ; Ngai, Mou Chung; (Boxmeer, NL)
; Carter, Nick; (Mooresville, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, PHILLIPS, KATZ, CLARK & MORTIMER
500 W. MADISON STREET
SUITE 3800
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
34102934 |
Appl. No.: |
10/897954 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60489787 |
Jul 24, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/208 ; 116/208;
15/104.93; 15/209.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/208 ;
015/104.93; 015/209.1; 116/208 |
International
Class: |
A47L 013/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A disposable cleaning article comprising an indicator that acts
as a reminder to the user to replace the expended cleaning article
with a fresh cleaning article, wherein said indicator comprises a
finite life span binder.
2. A disposable cleaning article comprising an indicator that acts
as a reminder to the user to replace the expended cleaning article
with a fresh cleaning article, wherein a portion of said disposable
cleaning article is permanently imprinted with a symbol or language
and covered with a finite life span binder, which fades due to use
so as to reveal the permanent print beneath the finite life span
binder, signaling the user to replace the cleaning article.
3. A disposable cleaning article as in claim 2, wherein said
disposable cleaning article is permanently imprinted with an
outline of a symbol or language; said permanent outline filled-in
with a finite life span binder, which fades due to use so as to
reveal the permanent ink, signaling the user to replace the
cleaning article.
4. A disposable cleaning article as in claim 2, wherein said a
finite life span binder is applied said cleaning article in a
gradient formation, which fades due to use so as to reveal the
permanent ink, signaling the user to replace the cleaning
article.
5. A disposable cleaning article as in claim 2, wherein said
cleaning article is comprised of one or more three-dimensional
images.
6. A disposable cleaning article as in claim 5, wherein said
permanently imprinted symbol or language and said finite life span
binder are imparted to said three-dimensional images.
Description
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a cleaning
article for cleaning applications, and more specifically, to a
cleaning article comprising an indicator, wherein the indicator
wears due to continuous use to convey to the user that the cleaning
article has met its useful lifespan and needs to be replaced.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The general use of woven and nonwoven fabrics as cleaning
and cleansing articles is well known in the art. Various end-use
articles are commercially available which utilize a combination of
topical, performance enhancing additives and/or multi-layered
laminate constructions. Enhanced versions of articles used in
cleaning applications further incorporate an optional cleaning
fluid, including but not limited to, soaps, lotions, disinfectants,
polishing solutions, and glass cleaners.
[0003] Disposable cleaning articles with indicators or sensors are
also known. Usually such cleaning articles signal the user that the
functional cleaning additive has been exhauster or that the
cleaning article has come in contact with a substance that triggers
the sensor. U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,002, to Roe, et al., discloses a
disposable surface cleaning article having a sensor which detects
bodily waste contamination on a surface and which provides a signal
indicating the presence of such contamination. U.S. Pat. No.
4,678,704, to Fellows, discloses a cleaning article comprising an
active agent along with an indicator dye that fades to indicate
exhaustion of the active component.
[0004] Often, disposable cleaning articles are still usable even
after the active component has been depleted. Dry disposable
cleaning articles may be utilized for several days as well before
actually needing to be discarded. Without an indicator present on
the cleaning article, which conveys that the cleaning article has
met or exceeded its useful life span, it's easy to lose track of
how long the disposable cleaning article has been utilized.
[0005] A need remains for a disposable cleaning article that
indicates when a disposable cleaning article has met or exceeded
its useful life span. The present invention contemplates a cleaning
article comprised of an indicator wears upon continuous use,
notifying the user that it is time to replace the disposable
cleaning article.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a cleaning article for
cleaning applications, and more specifically, to a cleaning article
comprising an indicator, wherein the indicator fades during use to
convey to the user that the cleaning article has met or exceeded
its useful life span and needs to be replaced.
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, the disposable
cleaning article is comprised of a binder having a finite life span
that acts as an indicator. Due to the continuous use of article the
binder begins to fade and eventually is removed, indicating that
usefulness of the disposable cleaning article has expired. The
finite life span of the indicator is beneficial in a disposable
cleaning article to act as a reminder to replace the expended
cleaning article with a fresh article.
[0008] In a first embodiment, a portion of the disposable cleaning
article is permanently imprinted with a symbol, language, or other
indicator that notifies the user to dispose of the cleaning
article. The permanent print is covered or otherwise obscured by a
finite life span binder, which will fade due to continuous use over
a pre-determined length of time so as to reveal the permanent print
beneath the finite life span binder, signaling the user to replace
the cleaning article.
[0009] In a second embodiment, a portion of the disposable cleaning
article is permanently imprinted with an outline of a symbol or
unspecified language that notifies the user to dispose of the
cleaning article. As the finite life span binder begins to expire,
the binder will eventually be removed due to use leaving behind the
outline of the symbol or language, signaling the user to replace
the cleaning article.
[0010] In a third embodiment, the finite life span binder is
applied to the cleaning article in a gradient or scale-like
formation, whereby the finite life span binder slowly fades due to
use along the scale. Optionally, the scale may be broken down into
separate colors indicating when the cleaning article is fresh,
slightly used, and needs replacing.
[0011] The disposable cleaning article may be one or more layers of
woven and/or nonwoven fabric, as well as film, and not meant to be
a limiting factor of the present invention. Further, the disposable
cleaning article may be coated and/or impregnated with an aqueous
or non-aqueous cleaning composition; however the indicator of the
disposable cleaning article functions independently from the amount
of cleaning composition present in the disposable cleaning
article.
[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become readily apparent from the following detailed description,
the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described a presently preferred embodiment of the invention,
with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be
considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not
intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment
illustrated.
[0014] The disposable cleaning article of the present invention may
be one or more layers, wherein the layers may be selected from the
group consisting of wovens, nonwovens, such as spunlace, spunbond,
meltblown, air laid, wet laid, and films or a combination thereof.
Manufacture of the cleaning article embodying the principles of the
present invention may include providing the fibrous matrix, which
can include the use of staple length fibers, continuous filaments,
and the blends of fibers and/or filaments having the same or
different composition. Fibers and/or filaments are selected from
natural or synthetic composition, of homogeneous or mixed fiber
length. Suitable natural fibers include, but are not limited to,
cotton, wood pulp and viscose rayon. Synthetic fibers, which may be
blended in whole or part, include thermoplastic and thermoset
polymers. Thermoplastic polymers suitable for blending with
dispersant thermoplastic resins include polyolefins, polyamides and
polyesters. The thermoplastic polymers may be further selected from
homopolymers; copolymers, conjugates and other derivatives
including those thermoplastic polymers having incorporated melt
additives or surface-active agents. Staple lengths are selected in
the range of 0.25 inch to 10 inches, the range of 1 to 3 inches
being preferred and the fiber denier selected in the range of 1 to
22, the range of 2.0 to 8 denier being preferred for general
applications. The profile of the fiber and/or filament is not a
limitation to the applicability of the present invention.
[0015] Spunlace fabrics, otherwise known as hydroentangled fabrics,
are known in the art and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,706, to
Evans, hereby incorporated by reference. The hydroentanglement of
fibers or filaments of the fabric acts to provide the fabric with a
useful level of integrity. Subsequent to entanglement, fabric
integrity can be further enhanced by the application of binder
compositions and/or by thermal stabilization of the entangled
fibers or filaments.
[0016] Spunlace fabrics may be made in accordance with the
apparatus shown in FIG. 1, whereby the apparatus includes a
foraminous forming surface in the form of belt 12 upon which the
precursor web P is positioned for entangling or pre-entangling by
manifold 14.
[0017] The entangling apparatus of FIG. 1 may optionally include an
imaging and patterning drum 18 comprising a three-dimensional image
transfer device for effecting imaging and patterning of the lightly
entangled precursor web. The image transfer device includes a
moveable imaging surface which moves relative to a plurality of
entangling manifolds 22 which act in cooperation with
three-dimensional elements defined by the imaging surface of the
image transfer device to effect imaging and patterning of the
fabric being formed.
[0018] A spunbond process involves supplying a molten polymer,
which is then extruded under pressure through a large number of
orifices in a plate known as a spinneret or die. The resulting
continuous filaments are quenched and drawn by any of a number of
methods, such as slot draw systems, attenuator guns, or Godet
rolls. The continuous filaments are collected as a loose web upon a
moving foraminous surface, such as a wire mesh conveyor belt. When
more than one spinneret is used in line for the purpose of forming
a multi-layered fabric, the subsequent webs is collected upon the
uppermost surface of the previously formed web. The web is then at
least temporarily consolidated, usually by means involving heat and
pressure, such as by thermal point bonding. Using this means, the
web or layers of webs are passed between two hot metal rolls, one
of which has an embossed pattern to impart and achieve the desired
degree of point bonding, usually on the order of 10 to 40 percent
of the overall surface area being so bonded.
[0019] A related means to the spunbond process for forming a layer
of a nonwoven fabric is the melt blown process. Again, a molten
polymer is extruded under pressure through orifices in a spinneret
or die. High velocity air impinges upon and entrains the filaments
as they exit the die. The energy of this step is such that the
formed filaments are greatly reduced in diameter and are fractured
so that microfibers of finite length are produced. This differs
from the spunbond process whereby the continuity of the filaments
is preserved. The process to form either a single layer or a
multiple-layer fabric is continuous, that is, the process steps are
uninterrupted from extrusion of the filaments to form the first
layer until the bonded web is wound into a roll.
[0020] The present invention also contemplates the use of
sub-denier, as well as nano-denier filaments within the cleaning
article. Nano-denier continuous filaments preferably have a denier
of less than or equal to 1000 nanometers, and preferably have a
denier less than or equal to about 500 nanometers.
[0021] Suitable nano-denier continuous filament layers can be
formed by either direct spinning of nano-denier filaments or by
formation of a multi-component filament that is divided into
sub-denier filaments prior to deposition on a substrate layer. U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,678,379 and No. 6,114,017, incorporated herein by
reference, exemplify direct spinning processes practicable in
support of the present invention. Multi-component filament spinning
with integrated division into sub-denier filaments can be practiced
in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,225,018 and
No. 5,783,503, incorporated herein by reference.
[0022] One or more layers of woven or nonwoven fabric may be used
in combination with a film layer in formation of the cleaning
article. Various film layers may include, cast films, extruded
films, and reticulated films. Extruded films utilizing the
composition of the present invention can be formed in accordance
with the following representative direct extrusion film process.
Blending and dosing storage comprising at least one hopper loader
for thermoplastic polymer chip and, optionally, one for pelletized
additive in thermoplastic carrier resin, feed into variable speed
augers. The variable speed augers transfer predetermined amounts of
polymer chip and additive pellet into a mixing hopper. The mixing
hopper contains a mixing propeller to further the homogeneity of
the mixture. Basic volumetric systems such as that described are a
minimum requirement for accurately blending the additive into the
thermoplastic polymer. The polymer chip and additive pellet blend
feeds into a multi-zone extruder. Upon mixing and extrusion from
the multi-zone extruder, the polymer compound is conveyed via
heated polymer piping through a screen changer, wherein breaker
plates having different screen meshes are employed to retain solid
or semi-molten polymer chips and other macroscopic debris. The
mixed polymer is then fed into a melt pump, and then to a combining
block. The combining block allows for multiple film layers to be
extruded, the film layers being of either the same composition or
fed from different systems as described above. The combining block
is connected to an extrusion die, which is positioned in an
overhead orientation such that molten film extrusion is deposited
at a nip between a nip roll and a cast roll.
[0023] In addition, breathable films, such as monolithic and
microporous films, or reticulated films, can also be used within
the cleaning article. Monolithic films, as taught in U.S. Pat. No.
6,191,211, and microporous films, as taught in U.S. Pat. No.
6,264,864, both patents herein incorporated by reference, represent
the mechanisms of forming such breathable barrier films.
Reticulated films, such as those of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,381,326 and
No. 4,329,309, are representative of macroporous films.
[0024] In accordance with the present invention, the disposable
cleaning article is comprised of a binder having a finite life span
that acts as an indicator. Due to the continuous use of article the
binder begins to fade and eventually is removed, indicating that
usefulness of the disposable cleaning article has expired. The
finite life span of the indicator is beneficial in a disposable
cleaning article to act as a reminder to replace the expended
cleaning article with a fresh article. One example of a binder with
a finite lifespan is a cross-linked starch-latex co-polymer.
[0025] In a first embodiment, a portion of the disposable cleaning
article is permanently imprinted with a symbol, language, or other
indicator that notifies the user to dispose of the cleaning
article. The permanent print is covered or otherwise obscured by a
finite life span binder, which will fade due to continuous use over
a pre-determined length of time so as to reveal the permanent print
beneath the finite life span binder, signaling the user to replace
the cleaning article.
[0026] In a second embodiment, a portion of the disposable cleaning
article is permanently imprinted with an outline of a symbol or
unspecified language that notifies the user to dispose of the
cleaning article. As the finite life span binder begins to expire,
the binder will eventually be removed due to use leaving behind the
outline of the symbol or language, signaling the user to replace
the cleaning article.
[0027] In a third embodiment, the finite life span binder is
applied to the cleaning article in a gradient or scale-like
formation, whereby the finite life span binder slowly fades due to
use along the scale. Optionally, the scale may be broken down into
separate colors indicating when the cleaning article is fresh,
slightly used, and needs replacing.
[0028] The cleaning article embodying the principles of the present
invention is especially suitable for home care cleaning or
cleansing articles. The nonwoven article may be used in various
home care applications, wherein the end use article may be a dry or
wet hand held sheet, such as a wipe, a mitt formation, or a
cleaning implement capable of retaining the article. The various
end uses are suitable for cleaning household surfaces such as,
kitchen and bathroom countertops, sinks, bathtubs, showers,
appliances, and fixtures.
[0029] It is within the purview of the present invention that the
cleaning article may be utilized in a wet or dry state. An aqueous
or non-aqueous cleaning composition may be topically applied or
impregnated into the cleaning article. Cleansing compositions
suitable for such end use applications include those that are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,103,683 to Romano, et al., No.
6,340,663 to Deleo, et al., No. 5,108,642 to Aszman, et al., and
No. 6,534,472 Arvanitidou, et al., all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference. Selected cleaning compositions may also
include surfactants, such as alkylpolysaccharides, alkyl
ethoxylates, alkyl sulfonates, and mixtures thereof; organic
solvent, mono- or polycarboxylic acids, odor control agents, such
as cyclodextrin, peroxides, such as benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen
peroxide, and mixtures thereof, thickening polymers, aqueous
solvent systems, suds suppressors, perfumes or fragrances, and
detergent adjuvants, such as detergency builder, buffer,
preservative, antibacterial agent, colorant, bleaching agents,
chelants, enzymes, hydrotropes, and mixtures thereof. The
aforementioned compositions preferably comprise from about 50% to
about 500%, preferably from about 200% to about 400% by weight of
the nonwoven cleaning article.
[0030] The cleaning article embodying the principles of the present
invention is also suitable for personal cleaning or cleansing
articles. Nonlimiting examples of such applications include dry or
wet facial wipes or sponges, body wipes or sponges, and baby wipes.
Suitable methods for the application of various aqueous and
non-aqueous compositions comprise aqueous/alcoholic impregnates,
including flood coating, spray coating or metered dosing. Further,
more specialized techniques, such as Meyer Rod, floating knife or
doctor blade, which are typically used to impregnate cleansing
solutions into absorbent sheets, may also be used.
[0031] Cleansing compositions suitable for such personal end use
applications include, but are not limited to exfollients, anti-acne
agents, anticaking agents, antioxidants, binders, chemical
additives, natural additives, colorants, cosmetic astringents,
cosmetic biocides, drug astringents, emulsifiers, humectants, skin
bleaching agents, skin-conditioning agents (emollient, humectants,
miscellaneous, and occlusive), skin protectants, solvents, foam
boosters, hydrotropes, solubilizing agents, suspending agents
(nonsurfactant), sunscreen agents, ultraviolet light absorbers, and
viscosity increasing agents (aqueous and nonaqueous).
[0032] In addition to home care and personal care end uses, the
nonwoven cleaning article may be used in industrial applications.
For instance, the article may be useful in cleaning outdoor
surfaces, such as lawn furniture, grills, and outdoor equipment.
Aqueous or non-aqueous functional industrial solvents include,
oils, such as plant oils, animal oils, terpenoids, silicon oils,
mineral oils, white mineral oils, paraffinic solvents,
polybutylenes, polyisobutylenes, polyalphaolefins, and mixtures
thereof, toluenes, sequestering agents, corrosion inhibitors,
abrasives, petroleum distillates, and the combinations thereof.
[0033] From the foregoing, numerous modifications and variations
can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of
the novel concept of the present invention. It is to be understood
that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiment
disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure
is intended to cover, by the appended claims, all such
modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *