U.S. patent application number 11/897767 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-05 for array of paper towel products.
Invention is credited to James Roy Denbow, Dean Larry DuVal, Kevin Mitchell Wiwi.
Application Number | 20090056891 11/897767 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40405583 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090056891 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wiwi; Kevin Mitchell ; et
al. |
March 5, 2009 |
Array of paper towel products
Abstract
Paper towel products, for example paper towel products, and
arrays thereof associated with non-textual indicia, such as
patterns, that are psychologically matched to intensive properties
of the paper towel products; processes for making such an array of
paper towel products, and marketing articles associated with
displaying or advertising an array of paper towel products are
provided.
Inventors: |
Wiwi; Kevin Mitchell; (West
Chester, OH) ; Denbow; James Roy; (Cincinnati,
OH) ; DuVal; Dean Larry; (Lebanon, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
40405583 |
Appl. No.: |
11/897767 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
162/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D21H 27/002 20130101;
D21H 27/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
162/100 |
International
Class: |
D21H 23/00 20060101
D21H023/00 |
Claims
1. An array of paper towel products comprising a first paper towel
product comprising a first pattern that is psychologically matched
to softness and a second paper towel product comprising a second
pattern that is psychologically matched to an intensive property of
paper towel products other than softness, wherein the first and
second paper towel products are marketed by the same company.
2. The array of paper towel products according to claim 1 wherein
the intensive property of paper towel products other than softness
is strength.
3. The array of paper towel products according to claim 1 wherein
the paper towel products are housed within paper towel product
packages such that the first and second patterns are visible to a
consumer.
4. The array of paper towel products according to claim 3 wherein
at least one of the paper towel product packages comprises a
non-textual indicia selected from the group consisting of: colors,
textures, scents, character representations, character
representations exhibiting an active pose, pattern, image of a
pattern, emboss pattern image and mixtures thereof.
5. The array of paper towel products according to claim 4 wherein
the non-textual indicia is psychologically matched to softness.
6. The array of paper towel products according to claim 3 wherein
at least one of the paper towel product packages comprises textual
indicia.
7. The array of paper towel products according to claim 6 wherein
the textual indicia denotes softness.
8. The array of paper towel products according to claim 3 wherein
the paper towel product packages comprise a common brand name.
9. The array of paper towel products according to claim 1 wherein
the first paper towel product exhibits a total dry tensile strength
of greater than 550 g/in.
10. The array of paper towel products according to claim 9 wherein
the first paper towel product exhibits a total dry tensile strength
of from about 800 g/in to about 3000 g/in.
11. The array of paper towel products according to claim 1 wherein
a difference of at least 50 g/cm in total dry tensile strength
exists between the first and second paper towel products.
12. The array of paper towel products according to claim 1 wherein
the first paper towel product exhibits a first value of softness
and the second paper towel product exhibits a second value of
softness which is less than the first value.
13. The array of paper towel products according to claim 12 wherein
the first value of softness of the first paper towel product is
greater than about 0.3 psu than the second value of softness of the
second paper towel product.
14. The array of paper towel products according to claim 1 wherein
the array further comprises a third paper towel product different
from the first and second paper towel products.
15. The array of paper towel products according to claim 1 wherein
the third paper towel product comprises a pattern comprising
geometric shapes.
16. A process for making an array of paper towel products, the
process comprising the steps of: a. producing a first paper towel
product comprising a first pattern that is psychologically matched
to softness; b. producing a second paper towel product comprising a
second pattern that is psychologically matched to an intensive
property of paper towel products other than softness; and c.
packaging the first and second paper towel products in paper towel
product packages comprising a common brand name.
17. A marketing article associated with an array of paper towel
products, the marketing article comprising a first pattern for a
paper towel product wherein the first pattern is psychologically
matched to softness and a second pattern for a paper towel product
wherein the second pattern is psychologically matched to an
intensive property of paper towel products other than softness.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to paper towel products,
packages housing such paper towel products and arrays thereof
wherein the paper towel products and/or packages are associated
with non-textual indicia that are psychologically matched to
intensive properties of the paper towel products; processes for
making such paper towel products, and marketing articles associated
with displaying or advertising such paper towel products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the past, consumers of paper towel products, have had the
opportunity to purchase paper towel products that exhibit similar
common intensive property values but have differed in physical form
and/or additives contained within such paper towel products. For
example, paper towel products are currently offered in physical
forms that vary by number of plies, most often one-ply or two-ply.
For example, Bounty.RTM. brand paper towel products currently are
marketed in two-ply and one-ply physical forms. The two-ply
physical form is marketed under the name Bounty.RTM.. The
Bounty.RTM. paper towel product is housed within a package
comprising the color green. The one-ply physical form is marketed
under the name Bounty.RTM. Basic. The Bounty.RTM. Basic paper towel
product is housed within a package comprising the color orange.
[0003] It is believed that different consumers, especially
consumers of paper towel products, desire different common
intensive property values in the paper towel products that they may
select from for purchase and subsequent use. However, conventional
product and marketing strategies utilized by producers of these
products fail to satisfy the consumers' desires.
[0004] Furthermore, it is believed that the longer it takes for a
consumer to identify a product on the store shelf, the less likely
they will be to select and evaluate their intended product for
subsequent purchase while in the store. This delay time in
identifying the appropriate product on the store shelf can affect
both initial purchase or repurchase intent of a particular product,
even if the consumer has used and liked the performance of the
product in the past.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an array of paper towel
products associated with non-textual indicia that are
psychologically matched to intensive properties of the paper towel
products, which may simplify and/or expedite a paper towel product
consumer's identification and/or selection process of paper towel
products on a store shelf and thus, reduce consumer confusion,
shopping and/or overall dissatisfaction with the shopping process,
processes for making such an array, and marketing articles
associated with displaying or advertising such an array.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention fulfills the need described above by
providing paper towel products that are, directly or indirectly via
packaging housing the paper towel products, associated with
non-textual indicia that are psychologically matched to intensive
properties of the paper towel products; and processes for making
such paper towel products, and marketing articles associated with
displaying or advertising such paper towel products.
[0007] In one example of the present invention, an array of paper
towel products comprising a first paper towel product comprising a
first pattern that is psychologically matched to softness and a
second paper towel product comprising a second pattern that is
psychologically matched to an intensive property of paper towel
products other than softness, is provided.
[0008] In another example of the present invention, a process for
making an array of paper towel products, the process comprising the
steps of: [0009] a. producing a first paper towel product
comprising a first pattern that is psychologically matched to
softness; [0010] b. producing a second paper towel product
comprising a second pattern that is psychologically matched to an
intensive property of paper towel products other than softness; and
[0011] c. packaging the first and second paper towel products in
paper towel product packages comprising a common brand name, is
provided.
[0012] In yet another example of the present invention, a marketing
article associated with an array of paper towel products, the
marketing article comprising a first pattern for a paper towel
product wherein the first pattern is psychologically matched to
softness and a second pattern for a paper towel product wherein the
second pattern is psychologically matched to an intensive property
of paper towel products other than softness, is provided.
[0013] Accordingly, the present invention provides an array of
paper towel products and processes for making such arrays of paper
towel products.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a paper towel product
according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of another paper towel
product according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another paper towel
product according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an array of paper
towel products according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions
[0018] "Fiber" as used herein means an elongate particulate having
an apparent length greatly exceeding its apparent diameter, i.e. a
length to diameter ratio of at least about 10. Fibers having a
non-circular cross-section are common; the "diameter" in this case
may be considered to be the diameter of a circle having
cross-sectional area equal to the cross-sectional area of the
fiber. More specifically, as used herein, "fiber" refers to fibrous
structure-making fibers. The present invention contemplates the use
of a variety of fibrous structure-making fibers, such as, for
example, natural fibers, including wood fibers, or synthetic fibers
made from natural polymers and/or synthetic fibers, or any other
suitable fibers, and any combination thereof.
[0019] "Fibrous structure" as used herein means a structure (web)
that comprises one or more fibers. Nonlimiting examples of
processes for making fibrous structures include known wet-laid
fibrous structure making processes, air-laid fibrous structure
making processes, meltblowing fibrous structure making processes,
co-forming fibrous structure making processes, and spunbond fibrous
structure making processes. Such processes typically include steps
of preparing a fiber composition, oftentimes referred to as a fiber
slurry in wet-laid processes, either wet or dry, and then
depositing a plurality of fibers onto a forming wire or belt such
that an embryonic fibrous structure is formed, drying and/or
bonding the fibers together such that a fibrous structure is
formed, and/or further processing the fibrous structure such that a
finished fibrous structure is formed. The fibrous structure may be
a through-air-dried fibrous structure and/or conventionally dried
fibrous structure. The fibrous structure may be creped or uncreped.
The fibrous structure may exhibit differential density regions or
may be substantially uniform in density. The fibrous structure may
be pattern densified, conventionally felt-presses and/or high-bulk,
uncompacted. The fibrous structures may be homogenous or
multilayered in construction.
[0020] After and/or concurrently with the forming of the fibrous
structure, the fibrous structure may be subjected to physical
transformation operations such as embossing, calendering, selfing,
printing, folding, softening, ring-rolling, applying additives,
such as latex, lotion and softening agents, combining with one or
more other plies of fibrous structures, and the like to produce a
finished fibrous structure that forms and/or is incorporated into a
sanitary tissue product, such as a paper towel product.
[0021] "Sanitary tissue product" as used herein means a wiping
implement for post-urinary and/or post-bowel movement cleaning
(toilet tissue product), for otorhinolaryngological discharges
(facial tissue product) and/or multi-functional absorbent and
cleaning uses (absorbent towel products such as paper towel
products and/or wipe products).
[0022] The sanitary tissue products of the present invention may
comprise one or more fibrous structures and/or finished fibrous
structures.
[0023] The sanitary tissue products of the present invention may
exhibit a basis weight between about 10 g/m.sup.2 to about 120
g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 15 g/m.sup.2 to about 110 g/m.sup.2
and/or from about 20 g/m.sup.2 to about 100 g/m.sup.2 and/or from
about 30 to 90 g/m.sup.2. In addition, the sanitary tissue product
of the present invention may exhibit a basis weight between about
40 g/m.sup.2 to about 120 g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 50 g/m.sup.2
to about 110 g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 55 g/m.sup.2 to about 105
g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 60 to 100 g/m.sup.2.
[0024] The sanitary tissue products of the present invention may
exhibit a total dry tensile strength of greater than about 59 g/cm
(150 g/in) and/or from about 78 g/cm (200 g/in) to about 394 g/cm
(1000 g/in) and/or from about 98 g/cm (250 g/in) to about 335 g/cm
(850 g/in). In addition, the sanitary tissue product of the present
invention may exhibit a total dry tensile strength of greater than
about 196 g/cm (500 g/in) and/or from about 196 g/cm (500 g/in) to
about 394 g/cm (1000 g/in) and/or from about 216 g/cm (550 g/in) to
about 335 g/cm (850 g/in) and/or from about 236 g/cm (600 g/in) to
about 315 g/cm (800 g/in). In one example, the sanitary tissue
product exhibits a total dry tensile strength of less than about
394 g/cm (1000 g/in) and/or less than about 335 g/cm (850 g/in).
Two or more sanitary tissue products within an array of sanitary
tissue products according to the present invention may exhibit
different total dry tensile strengths.
[0025] In one example, one sanitary tissue product in an array of
sanitary tissue products according to the present invention
exhibits a total dry tensile strength of greater than 216 g/cm (550
g/in) and another sanitary tissue product within the array exhibits
a total dry tensile strength of less than 216 g/cm (550 g/in).
[0026] In another example, the sanitary tissue products of the
present invention may exhibit a total dry tensile strength of
greater than about 315 g/cm (800 g/in) and/or greater than about
354 g/cm (900 g/in) and/or greater than about 394 g/cm (1000 g/in)
and/or from about 315 g/cm (800 g/in) to about 1968 g/cm (5000
g/in) and/or from about 354 g/cm (900 g/in) to about 1181 g/cm
(3000 g/in) and/or from about 354 g/cm (900 g/in) to about 984 g/cm
(2500 g/in) and/or from about 394 g/cm (1000 g/in) to about 787
g/cm (2000 g/in).
[0027] The sanitary tissue products of the present invention may
exhibit a total wet tensile strength of less than about 78 g/cm
(200 g/in) and/or less than about 59 g/cm (150 g/in) and/or less
than about 39 g/cm (100 g/in) and/or less than about 29 g/cm (75
g/in).
[0028] The sanitary tissue products of the present invention may
exhibit an initial total wet tensile strength of greater than about
118 g/cm (300 g/in) and/or greater than about 157 g/cm (400 g/in)
and/or greater than about 196 g/cm (500 g/in) and/or greater than
about 236 g/cm (600 g/in) and/or greater than about 276 g/cm (700
g/in) and/or greater than about 315 g/cm (800 g/in) and/or greater
than about 354 g/cm (900 g/in) and/or greater than about 394 g/cm
(1000 g/in) and/or from about 118 g/cm (300 g/in) to about 1968
g/cm (5000 g/in) and/or from about 157 g/cm (400 g/in) to about
1181 g/cm (3000 g/in) and/or from about 196 g/cm (500 g/in) to
about 984 g/cm (2500 g/in) and/or from about 196 g/cm (500 g/in) to
about 787 g/cm (2000 g/in) and/or from about 196 g/cm (500 g/in) to
about 591 g/cm (1500 g/in).
[0029] The sanitary tissue products of the present invention may
exhibit a density of less than about 0.60 g/cm.sup.3 and/or less
than about 0.30 g/cm.sup.3 and/or less than about 0.20 g/cm.sup.3
and/or less than about 0.10 g/cm.sup.3 and/or less than about 0.07
g/cm.sup.3 and/or less than about 0.05 g/cm.sup.3 and/or from about
0.01 g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.20 g/cm.sup.3 and/or from about 0.02
g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.10 g/cm.sup.3.
[0030] The sanitary tissue products of the present invention may be
in any suitable form, such as in a roll, in individual sheets, in
connected, but perforated sheets, in a folded format or even in an
unfolded.
[0031] The sanitary tissue products of the present invention may
comprises additives such as softening agents, temporary wet
strength agents, permanent wet strength agents, bulk softening
agents, lotions, silicones, and other types of additives suitable
for inclusion in and/or on sanitary tissue products. In one
example, the sanitary tissue product, for example a paper towel
product, comprises a temporary wet strength resin. In another
example, the sanitary tissue product, for example a paper towel
product, comprises a permanent wet strength resin.
[0032] In one example, the sanitary tissue product comprises a
paper towel product.
[0033] "Array of paper towel products" as used herein means a group
of paper towel products. In one case, such a group of paper towel
products includes those paper towel products that reside on the
same shelf in a retail store and/or in the same aisle in a retail
store.
[0034] "Ply" or "plies" as used herein means an individual finished
fibrous structure optionally to be disposed in a substantially
contiguous, face-to-face relationship with other plies, forming a
multiple ply ("multi-ply") paper towel product. It is also
contemplated that a single-ply paper towel product can effectively
form two "plies" or multiple "plies", for example, by being folded
on itself.
[0035] "Machine Direction" or "MD" as used herein means the
direction parallel to the flow of the fibrous structure through the
papermaking machine and/or product manufacturing equipment. In one
example, once incorporated into a paper towel product, the MD of
the fibrous structure may be the MD of the paper towel product.
[0036] "Cross Machine Direction" or "CD" as used herein means the
direction perpendicular to the machine direction in the same plane
of the fibrous structure. In one example, once incorporated into a
paper towel product, the CD of the fibrous structure may be the CD
of the paper towel product.
[0037] "Intensive property" as used herein means a property of a
fibrous structure and/or paper towel product, wherein the property
is selected from the group consisting of: lint, softness, basis
weight, texture, tensile strength, especially total dry tensile
strength, absorbency and mixtures thereof.
[0038] "Common intensive property" as used herein means an
intensive property that is present in two or more fibrous
structures and/or paper towel products.
[0039] "Value of a common intensive property" as used herein means
a measured value of a common intensive property present in each of
two or more fibrous structures and/or paper towel products.
[0040] "Dominant common intensive property" as used herein means
the greatest of two or more values of a common intensive property.
For example, if one paper towel product exhibits a softness of
about 1 psu and another paper towel product exhibits a softness of
about 2 psu, then the dominant common intensive property is the 2
psu and the paper towel product that exhibits a softness of about 2
psu exhibits the dominant common intensive property. . In other
words, one of the paper towel products exhibits greater softness
than the other paper towel product. In one example, in order for
softness of one paper towel product to be a dominant common
intensive property compared to softness of another paper towel
product, the difference in the psu values of the paper towel
products has to be greater than about 0.3 psu and/or greater than
about 0.4 psu and/or greater than about 0.5 psu and/or greater than
about 0.75 psu and/or greater than about 1 psu.
[0041] In another example, if one paper towel product exhibits a
softness of about 0 psu and another paper towel product exhibits a
softness of +0.5 psu then the paper towel product that exhibits a
softness of about +0.5 psu exhibits the dominant common intensive
property; namely softness. In other words, one of the paper towel
products is softer than the other paper towel product. Relative
values between paper towel products, such as one paper towel
product is softer than another paper towel product may be used to
identify the dominant common intensive property in addition to the
absolute values of common intensive properties.
[0042] "Relative value of a common intensive property" as used
herein means the value of a common intensive property of one
fibrous structure and/or paper towel product compared to the value
of the common intensive property in another fibrous structure
and/or paper towel product. For example, the value of a common
intensive property of one fibrous structure and/or paper towel
product may be greater or less than the value of the common
intensive property of another fibrous structure and/or paper towel
product.
[0043] "Communicated" as used herein means a package, for example a
paper towel product package, comprising a non-textual indicia,
and/or a paper towel product, itself, conveys information to a
consumer about a product housed within the package. In one example,
the information about the product may be conveyed intuitively to a
consumer by a non-textual indicia.
[0044] "Intuitively communicated" as used herein means a package
and/or paper towel product, itself, comprising a non-textual
indicia, conveys information by the non-textual indicia that a
consumer interprets based on the consumer's previous life
experiences and/or knowledge.
[0045] "Indicia" as used herein means an identifier and/or
indicator and/or hint and/or suggestion, of the nature of a
property of something, such as an intensive property of a paper
towel product.
[0046] "Textual indicia" as used herein means a text indicia, such
as a word and/or phrase that communicates to a consumer a property
about the paper towel product it is associated with. In one
example, a paper towel product, is housed in a package comprising a
textual indicia; namely, the word "Soft."
[0047] "Brand name" as used herein means a single source
identifier, in other words, a brand name identifies a product
and/or service as exclusively coming from a single commercial
source (i.e., company). An example of a brand name is Charmin.RTM.,
which is also a trademark. Brand names are nonlimiting examples of
textual indicia. The paper towel products of the present invention
may be marketed and/or packaged under a common brand name (i.e.,
the same brand name, such as Charmin.RTM.). In addition to the
brand name, a product descriptor may also be associated with the
paper towel products, such as "Ultra Strong" and/or "Ultra Soft"
for example).
[0048] "Non-textual indicia" as used herein means a non-text
indicia that communicates to a consumer through a consumer's
senses. In one example, a non-textual indicia may communicate, even
intuitively communicate, to a consumer through sight (visual
indicia), through touch (texture indicia), sound (audio indicia)
and/or through smell (scent indicia).
[0049] Nonlimiting examples of non-textual indicia include colors,
textures, patterns, such as emboss patterns and/or emboss pattern
images or images of patterns, character representations, for
example character representations exhibiting an active pose, and
mixture thereof.
[0050] "Pattern" as used herein means an emboss pattern and/or a
through-air-dried pattern. In one example, the pattern is a
non-random, repeating pattern.
[0051] "Psychologically matched" as used herein means that a
non-textual indicia on a package housing a paper towel product of
the present invention and/or on the paper towel product, itself,
denotes (i.e., serves as a symbol for; signifies; represents
something) an intensive property of the paper towel product. For
example, an emboss pattern comprising rounded pillow shapes may
denote softness, wherein an emboss pattern comprising diamond
shapes may denote strength (strong). Therefore, a consumer of paper
towel products can identify and/or select a package of paper towel
product that exhibits a dominant common intensive property of
softness, wherein the package and/or the paper towel product itself
comprises a non-textual indicia psychologically matched (such as
rounded pillow shapes) to communicate to the consumer that the
paper towel products exhibits softness as its dominant common
intensive property. The psychologically matched non-textual indicia
aids in mitigating any confusion that the consumer may have when
trying to identify and/or select a desired paper towel product
among an array of paper towel products. The consumer is able to
interpret the intuitive communication from the non-textual indicia
to be consistent with the actual dominant intensive property of the
paper towel product.
[0052] "Psychologically different" as used herein means that two or
more different non-textual indicia, such as rounded pillow shapes
and diamond shapes, denote different intensive properties. For
example, the rounded pillow shapes may denote softness whereas the
diamond shapes may denote strength. In one example, in order to be
psychologically different, the non-textual indicia cannot denote
the same intensive property. For example, the rounded pillow
shapes, which may denote softness, and wavy line shapes, which may
denote softness, are not psychologically different for the purposes
of the present invention.
[0053] "Basis Weight" as used herein is the weight per unit area of
a sample reported in lbs/3000 ft.sup.2 or g/m.sup.2 . The basis
weight is measured herein by the basis weight test method described
in the Test Methods section herein.
[0054] "Dry Tensile Strength" (or simply "Tensile Strength" as used
herein) of a fibrous structure of the present invention and/or a
paper towel product comprising such fibrous structure is measured
according to the Tensile Strength Test Method described herein.
[0055] "Softness" as used herein means the softness of a fibrous
structure according to the present invention and/or a paper towel
product comprising such fibrous structure, which is determined
according to a human panel evaluation wherein the softness of a
test product is measured versus the softness of a control or
standard product. The resulting number is a relative measure of
softness between the two fibrous structures and/or paper towel
products. The softness is measured herein by the softness test
method described in the Test Methods section herein.
[0056] "Absorbency" as used herein means the characteristic of a
fibrous structure according to the present invention and/or a paper
towel product comprising such fibrous structure, which allows it to
take up and retain fluids, particularly water and aqueous solutions
and suspensions. In evaluating the absorbency of paper, not only is
the absolute quantity of fluid a given amount of paper will hold
significant, but the rate at which the paper will absorb the fluid
is also. Absorbency is measured herein by the Horizontal Full Sheet
(HFS) test method described in the Test Methods section herein.
[0057] "Lint" as used herein means any material that originated
from a fibrous structure according to the present invention and/or
paper towel product comprising such fibrous structure that remains
on a surface after which the fibrous structure and/or paper towel
product has come into contact. The lint value of a fibrous
structure and/or paper towel product comprising such fibrous
structure is determined according to the Lint Test Method described
herein.
[0058] "Texture" as used herein means any pattern present in the
fibrous structure. For example, a pattern may be imparted to the
fibrous structure during the fibrous structure-making process, such
as during a through-air-drying step. A pattern may also be imparted
to the fibrous structure by embossing the finished fibrous
structure during the converting process and/or by any other
suitable process known in the art.
[0059] "Color" as used herein, means a visual effect resulting from
a human eye's ability to distinguish the different wavelengths or
frequencies of light. The apparent color of an object depends on
the wavelength of the light that it reflects. While a wide palette
of colors can be employed herein, it is preferred to use a member
selected from the group consisting of orange, purple, lavender,
indigo, red, green, blue, yellow, and violet. The method for
measuring color is described in the Color Test Method described
herein.
Paper Towel Product and Package
[0060] A paper towel product according to the present invention may
be housed within a package comprising a non-textual indicia.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, in one example, a paper towel product
package 10 for housing a paper towel product (not shown) comprises
a non-textual indicia 12; namely, a pattern, in this example it is
a diamond pattern embossed on a paper towel product, that is
psychologically matched to an intensive property, specifically
strength, exhibited by a paper towel product to be housed in the
package 10. The non-textual indicia 12 may also be printed on a
surface 14 of the package 10.
[0062] The package 10 may be made from any suitable packaging
material 16 known in the art. Nonlimiting examples include
poly-wrap, polymer films, such as polyolefin films, polyester
films, paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, metal and other suitable
packaging materials. In one example, the package 10 comprises a
polyolefin film. In another example, the package 10 comprises a
polyester film. In still another example, the package 10 comprises
cardboard. Nonlimiting examples of packages suitable for use with
the paper towel products of the present invention are commercially
available from Cello-Foil Products, Inc. and Superpac. In one
example, non-textual indicia, such as patterns, are applied to
and/or made a part of film that forms the package by any suitable
application process known in the art.
[0063] In addition to the non-textual indicia 12, the package 10
may further comprise a single source identifier, such as a brand
name, 18, such as a trademark, as represented by "BRAND" in FIG. 1.
The single source identifier 18 may be positioned entirely or
partially within the non-textual indicia 12. In another example,
the single source identifier 18 may be discrete from the
non-textual indicia 12.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, in another example, a paper towel
product package 10 for housing a paper towel product (not shown)
comprises a non-textual indicia 12; namely, a pattern, in this
example it is a rounded pillow (quilted) pattern embossed on the
surface of a paper towel product, that is psychologically matched
to an intensive property, specifically softness, exhibited by a
paper towel product to be housed in the package 10. The non-textual
indicia 12 may be on a surface 14 of the package 10.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, in another example, a package 10 for
housing a paper towel product 20 may be made such that a surface 22
of the paper towel product 20 housed within the package 10 is
visible to a consumer at the point of sale and/or in advertising.
The paper towel product 20 may comprise a non-textual indicia 12,
for example a pattern, that is psychologically matched to an
intensive property of the paper towel product 20.
Array of Paper Towel Products
[0066] An array of paper towel products according to the present
invention may comprise two or more paper towel products.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, in one example, an array of paper towel
products 24 (displayed on a store shelf 25 for example) housed
within different packages 26, 28, 30. The first paper towel product
housed within the first package 26 exhibits a value of a common
intensive property that is different from the second paper towel
product housed within the second package 28. In one example, the
first paper towel product's value of the common intensive property
is the dominant common intensive property. The relative value of
the common intensive property of the first paper towel product
compared to the second paper towel product is communicated to a
consumer of paper towel products by non-textual indicia 32, 34. The
non-textual indicia 32 may be psychologically matched to a dominant
common intensive property present in the first paper towel product.
The non-textual indicia 34 may be psychologically matched to a
dominant common intensive property present in the second paper
towel product. In one example, the non-textual indicia 32 is
psychologically different from the non-textual indicia 34.
[0068] In addition to the first and second paper towel products
within the array, the array may further comprise a third paper
towel product. The third paper towel product may exhibit a value of
a common intensive property that is the same and/or different from
the value of the common intensive property in the first paper towel
product and the second paper towel product. The third paper towel
product may be housed within a package 30 that comprises a
non-textual indicia 36. The non-textual indicia 36 may be
psychologically matched to an intensive property of the third paper
towel product. Further, the non-textual indicia 36 may be
psychologically different from one or both non-textual indicia 32,
34. Nonlimiting examples of non-textual indicia 36 that could be
used to intuitively communicate a third dominant intensive property
include geometric shapes consisting of five or more sides, such as
pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or other repeating geometric
patterns.
[0069] In addition to non-textual indicia, the packages comprising
the paper towel products may further comprise textual indicia.
Nonlimiting examples of textual indicia include text, such as brand
names, which may be the same, separate, independent product
designations that reinforce and/or support the non-textual indicia
present on the packages.
[0070] In one example, a package comprising a paper towel product
may comprise information about at least one or more, and/or two or
more different paper towel products within the array of paper towel
products.
[0071] In another example, a package comprising a paper towel
product may comprise information about various roll sizes in which
the paper towel product within the package is available to the
consumer.
[0072] In one example, an array of paper towel products in
accordance with the present invention may comprise a plurality of
single- and/or multi-ply paper towel products. The paper towel
products may be dry and/or wet. The paper towel products may come
in a variety of roll sizes and may be packaged in different
numbers, such as four, six, nine, twenty-four, and the like. The
array of paper towel products may displayed on a shelf at a point
of sale, such as within a retail store, in such as way that the
different paper towel products within the array are visible to a
consumer during the consumer's purchasing decision process.
[0073] The array of paper towel products of the present invention
may comprise two or more multi-ply paper towel products, such as
two or more two-ply paper towel products. The array may comprise at
least one single-ply paper towel product. The array may comprise a
mixture of single-ply and multi-ply paper towel products.
[0074] The array of paper towel products may comprise two or more
paper towel products each of which comprises at least one value of
a common intensive property that is different from at least one or
more of the others.
[0075] The array of paper towel products may comprise a single-ply
paper towel product that comprises at least one value of a common
intensive property that is different from at least one multi-ply
paper towel product within the array of paper towel products.
[0076] The array of paper towel products may comprise a single-ply
paper towel product that comprises at least one value of a common
intensive property that is different from the two or more multi-ply
paper towel products within the array of paper towel products.
[0077] The array of paper towel products may comprise two or more
single-ply paper towel products each of which comprises at least
one value of a common intensive property that is different from at
least one or more of the others.
[0078] Two or more paper towel products within an array of paper
towel products may differ in price, for example differ in retail
price to a consumer.
[0079] The paper towel products may be marketed by the same
company.
[0080] In addition to the paper towel product packages comprising
non-textual indicia, marketing articles such as in-store ads,
in-store flyers, print ads, periodical ads, billboards,
end-of-aisle displays, pallet wrappers, secondary packaging,
corrugated boxes, shrink-wrap packaging, floor ads, window stick-on
ads, shelf talkers, internet sites, etc. associated with the paper
towel products may also comprise non-textual indicia. The
non-textual indicia on the marketing articles may be
psychologically matched to intensive properties within the paper
towel products that the marketing articles are associated with.
Further, the non-textual indicia on the marketing articles may be
psychologically different. In one example, a marketing article,
such as a billboard, comprises two non-textual indicia that are
psychologically different and are psychologically matched to two
different common intensive properties within two different paper
towel products.
Process for Displaying an Array of Paper towel Products
[0081] The array of paper towel products in accordance with the
present invention may be displayed by any suitable process and any
suitable location, such as a retail store, for a consumer's
viewing, identification, selection and/or purchasing.
Intuitive Communication
[0082] Nonlimiting examples of non-textual, intuitive communication
methods include: hand gestures and movements; stick figures or
other animated characters demonstrating action; traffic sign
shapes, lights, and arrows, body postures, facial expressions, eye
movement, use of patterns, lines, curves, colors, etc. The human
brain interprets these modes of non-textual, intuitive
communication based on prior experiences, instinct, emotions and/or
feelings that are generated within the human brain when it is
exposed to these forms of non-textual, intuitive communication.
Psychologists have spent many years developing an understanding of
how the human brain interprets these modes of communication and how
they support, speed-up and/or redefine interpretation of verbal
and/or written communication. In the present invention, several
modes of non-textual, intuitive communication may be used to speed
up consumers' interpretation of written communication on a package,
thereby reducing the time necessary for consumers to identify,
evaluate, and select for purchase an intended paper towel product
within an array of paper towel products.
[0083] In one example, two or more paper towel products within an
array of paper towel products according to the present invention
exhibit a difference of at least about 50 g/cm and/or at least
about 75 g/cm and/or at least about 100 g/cm and/or at least about
150 g/cm and/or at least about 200 g/cm.
Non-Textual Pattern Communication
[0084] In one example of an intuitive method of communicating
intensive properties of a paper towel product comprises associating
the paper towel product directly or indirectly (such as on a
surface of a paper towel product package suitable for housing the
paper towel product) with a pattern that consumers associate with
common objects having common and known inherent properties. In
other words, the patterns are psychologically matched to an
intensive property such as strength. This association can be used
to enhance or speed up consumers' intuitive recognition of the
intensive properties of the paper towel product based on the
inherent properties of the pattern. Nonlimiting examples of
patterns that can intuitively communicate an intensive property are
included in Table 1. Appropriate combinations thereof may also be
used.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Associated Potential Intensive Patterns
Associated Materials Product Property Properties Communicated
Diamond gem stones hard, bright strong, absorbent, basis weight
Straight Lines razors, knives hard, sharp strong, absorbent, basis
weight Sharp angles razors, knives hard, sharp strong, absorbent,
basis weight Curves pillows, towels Soft Soft, absorbent, lint
Paisleys, Flowers flowers Soft, scented Soft, absorbent, lint
Circles pillows, towels Soft Soft, absorbent, lint Dashed lines
Quilts soft, absorbent Soft, absorbent, lint Rounded pillows quilts
soft, absorbent Soft Waves, Wavy lines water Soft soft, absorbent
Geometric Shapes buildings, engineered durability, strong,
absorbent, lint structures efficiency
Test Methods
[0085] Unless otherwise indicated, all tests described herein
including those described under the Definitions section and the
following test methods are conducted on samples, fibrous structure
samples and/or paper towel product samples and/or handsheets that
have been conditioned in a conditioned room at a temperature of
73.degree. F..+-.4.degree. F. (about 23.degree. C..+-.2.2.degree.
C.) and a relative humidity of 50% .+-.10% for 2 hours prior to the
test. Further, all tests are conducted in such conditioned room.
Tested samples and felts should be subjected to 73.degree.
F..+-.4.degree. F. (about 23.degree. C..+-.2.2.degree. C.) and a
relative humidity of 50%.+-.10% for 2 hours prior to testing.
Basis Weight Method:
[0086] Basis weight is measured by preparing one or more samples of
a certain area (m.sup.2) and weighing the sample(s) of a fibrous
structure according to the present invention and/or a paper towel
product comprising such fibrous structure on a top loading balance
with a minimum resolution of 0.01 g. The balance is protected from
air drafts and other disturbances using a draft shield. Weights are
recorded when the readings on the balance become constant. The
average weight (g) is calculated and the average area of the
samples (m.sup.2). The basis weight (g/m.sup.2) is calculated by
dividing the average weight (g) by the average area of the samples
(m.sup.2).
Dry Tensile Strength Test Method:
[0087] One (1) inch by five (5) inch (2.5 cm.times.12.7 cm) strips
of fibrous structure and/or paper towel product are provided. The
strip is placed on an electronic tensile tester Model 1122
commercially available from Instron Corp., Canton, Mass. in a
conditioned room at a temperature of 73.degree. F..+-.4.degree. F.
(about 28.degree. C..+-.2.2.degree. C.) and a relative humidity of
50%.+-.10%. The crosshead speed of the tensile tester is 2.0 inches
per minute (about 5.1 cm/minute) and the gauge length is 4.0 inches
(about 10.2 cm). The Dry Tensile Strength can be measured in any
direction by this method. The "Total Dry Tensile Strength" or "TDT"
is the special case determined by the arithmetic total of MD and CD
tensile strengths of the strips.
Wet Tensile Strength Test Method:
[0088] An electronic tensile tester (Thwing-Albert EJA Materials
Tester, Thwing-Albert Instrument Co., 10960 Dutton Rd.,
Philadelphia, Pa., 19154) is used and operated at a crosshead speed
of 4.0 inch (about 10.16 cm) per minute and a gauge length of 1.0
inch (about 2.54 cm), using a strip of a fibrous structure and/or
paper towel product of 1 inch wide and a length greater than 3
inches long. The two ends of the strip are placed in the upper jaws
of the machine, and the center of the strip is placed around a
stainless steel peg (0.5 cm in diameter). After verifying that the
strip is bent evenly around the steel peg, the strip is soaked in
distilled water at about 20.degree. C. for a soak time of 5 seconds
before initiating cross-head movement. The initial result of the
test is an array of data in the form load (grams force) versus
crosshead displacement (centimeters from starting point).
[0089] The sample is tested in two orientations, referred to here
as MD (machine direction, i.e., in the same direction as the
continuously wound reel and forming fabric) and CD (cross-machine
direction, i.e., 90.degree. from MD). The MD and CD wet tensile
strengths are determined using the above equipment and the Total
Wet Tensile is determined by taking the sum of these two
values.
Softness Test Method:
[0090] Ideally, prior to softness testing, the samples to be tested
should be conditioned according to Tappi Method #T4020M-88. Here,
samples are preconditioned for 24 hours at a relative humidity
level of 10 to 35% and within a temperature range of 22.degree. C.
to 40.degree. C. After this preconditioning step, samples should be
conditioned for 24 hours at a relative humidity of 48% to 52% and
within a temperature range of 22.degree. C. to 24.degree. C.
Ideally, the softness panel testing should take place within the
confines of a constant temperature and humidity room. If this is
not feasible, all samples, including the controls, should
experience identical environmental exposure conditions.
[0091] Softness testing is performed as a paired comparison in a
form similar to that described in "Manual on Sensory Testing
Methods", ASTM Special Technical Publication 434, published by the
American Society For Testing and Materials 1968 and is incorporated
herein by reference. Softness is evaluated by subjective testing
using what is referred to as a Paired Difference Test. The method
employs a standard external to the test material itself. For
tactile perceived softness two samples are presented such that the
subject cannot see the samples, and the subject is required to
choose one of them on the basis of tactile softness. The result of
the test is reported in what is referred to as Panel Score Unit
(PSU). With respect to softness testing to obtain the softness data
reported herein in PSU, a number of softness panel tests are
performed. In each test ten practiced softness judges are asked to
rate the relative softness of three sets of paired samples. The
pairs of samples are judged one pair at a time by each judge: one
sample of each pair being designated X and the other Y. Briefly,
each X sample is graded against its paired Y sample as follows:
[0092] 1. a grade of plus one is given if X is judged to may be a
little softer than Y, and a grade of minus one is given if Y is
judged to may be a little softer than X;
[0093] 2. a grade of plus two is given if X is judged to surely be
a little softer than Y, and a grade of minus two is given if Y is
judged to surely be a little softer than X;
[0094] 3. a grade of plus three is given to X if it is judged to be
a lot softer than Y, and a grade of minus three is given if Y is
judged to be a lot softer than X; and, lastly:
[0095] 4. a grade of plus four is given to X if it is judged to be
a whole lot softer than Y, and a grade of minus 4 is given if Y is
judged to be a whole lot softer than X.
[0096] The grades are averaged and the resultant value is in units
of PSU. The resulting data are considered the results of one panel
test. If more than one sample pair is evaluated then all sample
pairs are rank ordered according to their grades by paired
statistical analysis. Then, the rank is shifted up or down in value
as required to give a zero PSU value to which ever sample is chosen
to be the zero-base standard. The other samples then have plus or
minus values as determined by their relative grades with respect to
the zero base standard. The number of panel tests performed and
averaged is such that about 0.2 PSU represents a significant
difference in subjectively perceived softness.
Lint Value Test Method:
[0097] The amount of lint generated from a finished fibrous
structure is determined with a Sutherland Rub Tester. This tester
uses a motor to rub a weighted felt 5 times over the finished
fibrous structure, while the finished fibrous structure is
restrained in a stationary position. This finished fibrous
structure can be is referred to throughout this method as the
"web". The Hunter Color L value is measured before and after the
rub test. The difference between these two Hunter Color L values is
then used to calculate a lint value. This lint method is designed
to be used with white or substantially white fibrous structures
and/or paper towel products. Therefore, if testing of a non-white
paper towel, such as blue-colored or peach-colored paper towel, the
same formulation should be used to make a sample without the
colored dye, pigment, etc, using bleached kraft pulps.
i. Sample Preparation
[0098] Prior to the lint rub testing, the samples to be tested
should be conditioned according to Tappi Method #T4020M-88. Here,
samples are preconditioned for 24 hours at a relative humidity
level of 10 to 35% and within a temperature range of 22.degree. C.
to 40.degree. C. After this preconditioning step, samples should be
conditioned for 24 hours at a relative humidity of 48 to 52% and
within a temperature range of 22.degree. C. to 24.degree. C. This
rub testing should also take place within the confines of the
constant temperature and humidity room.
[0099] The Sutherland Rub Tester may be obtained from Testing
Machines, Inc. (Amityville, N.Y., 1701). The web is first prepared
by removing and discarding any product which might have been
abraded in handling, e.g. on the outside of the roll. For products
formed from multiple plies of webs, this test can be used to make a
lint measurement on the multi-ply product, or, if the plies can be
separated without damaging the specimen, a measurement can be taken
on the individual plies making up the product. If a given sample
differs from surface to surface, it is necessary to test both
surfaces and average the values in order to arrive at a composite
lint value. In some cases, products are made from multiple-plies of
webs such that the facing-out surfaces are identical, in which case
it is only necessary to test one surface. If both surfaces are to
be tested, it is necessary to obtain six specimens for testing
(Single surface testing only requires three specimens). Each
specimen should be folded in half such that the crease is running
along the cross direction (CD) of the web sample. For two-surface
testing, make up 3 samples with a first surface "out" and 3 with
the second-side surface "out". Keep track of which samples are
first surface "out" and which are second surface out.
[0100] Obtain a 30''.times.40'' piece of Crescent #300 cardboard
from Cordage Inc. (800 E. Ross Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45217).
Using a paper cutter, cut out six pieces of cardboard of dimensions
of 2.5'' 6''. Puncture two holes into each of the six cards by
forcing the cardboard onto the hold down pins of the Sutherland Rub
tester.
[0101] Center and carefully place each of the 2.5.times.6''
cardboard pieces on top of the six previously folded samples. Make
sure the 6'' dimension of the cardboard is running parallel to the
machine direction (MD) of each of the paper towel product samples.
Center and carefully place each of the cardboard pieces on top of
the three previously folded samples. Once again, make sure the 6''
dimension of the cardboard is running parallel to the machine
direction (MD) of each of the web samples.
[0102] Fold one edge of the exposed portion of the web specimen
onto the back of the cardboard. Secure this edge to the cardboard
with adhesive tape obtained from 3M Inc. (3/4'' wide Scotch Brand,
St. Paul, Minn.). Carefully grasp the other over-hanging paper
towel product edge and snugly fold it over onto the back of the
cardboard. While maintaining a snug fit of the web specimen onto
the board, tape this second edge to the back of the cardboard.
Repeat this procedure for each sample.
[0103] Turn over each sample and tape the cross direction edge of
the web specimen to the cardboard. One half of the adhesive tape
should contact the web specimen while the other half is adhering to
the cardboard. Repeat this procedure for each of the samples. If
the paper towel product sample breaks, tears, or becomes frayed at
any time during the course of this sample preparation procedure,
discard and make up a new sample with a new paper towel product
sample strip.
[0104] There will now be 3 first-side surface "out" samples on
cardboard and (optionally) 3 second-side surface "out" samples on
cardboard.
ii. Felt Preparation
[0105] Obtain a 30''.times.40'' piece of Crescent #300 cardboard
from Cordage Inc. (800 E. Ross Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45217).
Using a paper cutter, cut out six pieces of cardboard of dimensions
of 2.25''.times.7.25''. Draw two lines parallel to the short
dimension and down 1.125'' from the top and bottom most edges on
the white side of the cardboard. Carefully score the length of the
line with a razor blade using a straight edge as a guide. Score it
to a depth about half way through the thickness of the sheet. This
scoring allows the cardboard/felt combination to fit tightly around
the weight of the Sutherland Rub tester. Draw an arrow running
parallel to the long dimension of the cardboard on this scored side
of the cardboard.
[0106] Cut the six pieces of black felt (F-55 or equivalent from
New England Gasket, 550 Broad Street, Bristol, Conn. 06010) to the
dimensions of 2.25''.times.8.5''.times.0.0625''. Place the felt on
top of the unscored, green side of the cardboard such that the long
edges of both the felt and cardboard are parallel and in alignment.
Make sure the fluffy side of the felt is facing up. Also allow
about 0.5'' to overhang the top and bottom most edges of the
cardboard. Snugly fold over both overhanging felt edges onto the
backside of the cardboard with Scotch brand tape. Prepare a total
of six of these felt/cardboard combinations.
[0107] For best reproducibility, all samples should be run with the
same lot of felt. Obviously, there are occasions where a single lot
of felt becomes completely depleted. In those cases where a new lot
of felt must be obtained, a correction factor should be determined
for the new lot of felt. To determine the correction factor, obtain
a representative single web sample of interest, and enough felt to
make up 24 cardboard/felt samples for the new and old lots.
[0108] As described below and before any rubbing has taken place,
obtain Hunter L readings for each of the 24 cardboard/felt samples
of the new and old lots of felt. Calculate the averages for both
the 24 cardboard/felt samples of the old lot and the 24
cardboard/felt samples of the new lot. Next, rub test the 24
cardboard/felt boards of the new lot and the 24 cardboard/felt
boards of the old lot as described below. Make sure the same web
lot number is used for each of the 24 samples for the old and new
lots. In addition, sampling of the web in the preparation of the
cardboard/paper towel product samples must be done so the new lot
of felt and the old lot of felt are exposed to as representative as
possible of a paper towel product sample. Discard any product which
might have been damaged or abraded. Next, obtain 48 web samples for
the calibration. Place the first sample on the far left of the lab
bench and the last of the 48 samples on the far right of the bench.
Mark the sample to the far left with the number "1" in a 1 cm by 1
cm area of the corner of the sample. Continue to mark the samples
consecutively up to 48 such that the last sample to the far right
is numbered 48.
[0109] Use the 24 odd numbered samples for the new felt and the 24
even numbered samples for the old felt. Order the odd number
samples from lowest to highest. Order the even numbered samples
from lowest to highest. Now, mark the lowest number for each set
with a letter "F" (for "first-side"). Mark the next highest number
with the letter "S" (for second-side). Continue marking the samples
in this alternating "F" /"S" pattern. Use the "F" samples for first
surface "out" lint analyses and the "S" samples for second-side
surface "out" lint analyses. There are now a total of 24 samples
for the new lot of felt and the old lot of felt. Of this 24, twelve
are for first-side surface "out" lint analysis and 12 are for
second-side surface "out" lint analysis.
[0110] Rub and measure the Hunter Color L values for all 24 samples
of the old felt as described below. Record the 12 first-side
surface Hunter Color L values for the old felt. Average the 12
values. Record the 12 second-side surface Hunter Color L values for
the old felt. Average the 12 values. Subtract the average initial
un-rubbed Hunter Color L felt reading from the average Hunter Color
L reading for the first-side surface rubbed samples. This is the
delta average difference for the first-side surface samples.
Subtract the average initial un-rubbed Hunter Color L felt reading
from the average Hunter Color L reading for the second-side surface
rubbed samples. This is the delta average difference for the
second-side surface samples. Calculate the sum of the delta average
difference for the first-side surface and the delta average
difference for the second-side surface and divide this sum by 2.
This is the uncorrected lint value for the old felt. If there is a
current felt correction factor for the old felt, add it to the
uncorrected lint value for the old felt. This value is the
corrected Lint Value for the old felt.
[0111] Rub and measure the Hunter Color L values for all 24 samples
of the new felt as described below. Record the 12 first-side
surface Hunter Color L values for the new felt. Average the 12
values. Record the 12 second-side surface Hunter Color L values for
the new felt. Average the 12 values. Subtract the average initial
un-rubbed Hunter Color L felt reading from the average Hunter Color
L reading for the first-side surface rubbed samples. This is the
delta average difference for the first-side surface samples.
Subtract the average initial un-rubbed Hunter Color L felt reading
from the average Hunter Color L reading for the second-side surface
rubbed samples. This is the delta average difference for the
second-side surface samples. Calculate the sum of the delta average
difference for the first side surface and the delta average
difference for the second-side surface and divide this sum by 2.
This is the uncorrected lint value for the new felt.
[0112] Take the difference between the corrected Lint Value from
the old felt and the uncorrected lint value for the new felt. This
difference is the felt correction factor for the new lot of felt.
Adding this felt correction factor to the uncorrected lint value
for the new felt should be identical to the corrected Lint Value
for the old felt. Note that the above procedure implies that the
calibration is done with a two-surfaced specimen. If it desirable
or necessary to do a felt calibration using a single-surfaced
sample, it is satisfactory; however, the total of 24 tests should
still be done for each felt.
iii. Care of 4 Pound Weight
[0113] The four pound weight has four square inches of effective
contact area providing a contact pressure of one pound per square
inch. Since the contact pressure can be changed by alteration of
the rubber pads mounted on the face of the weight, it is important
to use only the rubber pads supplied by the manufacturer (Brown
Inc., Mechanical Services Department, Kalamazoo, Mich.). These pads
must be replaced if they become hard, abraded or chipped off. When
not in use, the weight must be positioned such that the pads are
not supporting the full weight of the weight. It is best to store
the weight on its side.
iv. Rub Tester Instrument Calibration
[0114] The Sutherland Rub Tester must first be calibrated prior to
use. First, turn on the Sutherland Rub Tester by moving the tester
switch to the "cont" position. When the tester arm is in its
position closest to the user, turn the tester's switch to the
"auto" position. Set the tester to run 5 strokes by moving the
pointer arm on the large dial to the "five" position setting. One
stroke is a single and complete forward and reverse motion of the
weight. The end of the rubbing block should be in the position
closest to the operator at the beginning and at the end of each
test. Prepare a test specimen on cardboard sample as described
above. In addition, prepare a felt on cardboard sample as described
above. Both of these samples will be used for calibration of the
instrument and will not be used in the acquisition of data for the
actual samples.
[0115] Place this calibration web sample on the base plate of the
tester by slipping the holes in the board over the hold-down pins.
The hold-down pins prevent the sample from moving during the test.
Clip the calibration felt/cardboard sample onto the four pound
weight with the cardboard side contacting the pads of the weight.
Make sure the cardboard/felt combination is resting flat against
the weight. Hook this weight onto the tester arm and gently place
the paper towel product sample underneath the weight/felt
combination. The end of the weight closest to the operator must be
over the cardboard of the web sample and not the web sample itself.
The felt must rest flat on the paper towel product sample and must
be in 100% contact with the web surface. Activate the tester by
depressing the "push" button.
[0116] Keep a count of the number of strokes and observe and make a
mental note of the starting and stopping position of the felt
covered weight in relationship to the sample. If the total number
of strokes is five and if the end of the felt covered weight
closest to the operator is over the cardboard of the web sample at
the beginning and end of this test, the tester is calibrated and
ready to use. If the total number of strokes is not five or if the
end of the felt covered weight closest to the operator is over the
actual web sample either at the beginning or end of the test,
repeat this calibration procedure until 5 strokes are counted the
end of the felt covered weight closest to the operator is situated
over the cardboard at the both the start and end of the test.
During the actual testing of samples, monitor and observe the
stroke count and the starting and stopping point of the felt
covered weight. Recalibrate when necessary.
v. Hunter Color Meter Calibration
[0117] Adjust the Hunter Color Difference Meter for the black and
white standard plates according to the procedures outlined in the
operation manual of the instrument. Also run the stability check
for standardization as well as the daily color stability check if
this has not been done during the past eight hours. In addition,
the zero reflectance must be checked and readjusted if necessary.
Place the white standard plate on the sample stage under the
instrument port. Release the sample stage and allow the sample
plate to be raised beneath the sample port. Using the "L-Y", "a-X",
and "b-Z" standardizing knobs, adjust the instrument to read the
Standard White Plate Values of "L", "a", and "b" when the "L", "a",
and "b" push buttons are depressed in turn.
vi. Measurement of Samples
[0118] The first step in the measurement of lint is to measure the
Hunter color values of the black felt/cardboard samples prior to
being rubbed on the web sample. The first step in this measurement
is to lower the standard white plate from under the instrument port
of the Hunter color instrument. Center a felt covered cardboard,
with the arrow pointing to the back of the color meter, on top of
the standard plate. Release the sample stage, allowing the felt
covered cardboard to be raised under the sample port.
[0119] Since the felt width is only slightly larger than the
viewing area diameter, make sure the felt completely covers the
viewing area. After confirming complete coverage, depress the L
push button and wait for the reading to stabilize. Read and record
this L value to the nearest 0.1 unit. If a D25D2A head is in use,
lower the felt covered cardboard and plate, rotate the felt covered
cardboard 90.degree. so the arrow points to the right side of the
meter. Next, release the sample stage and check once more to make
sure the viewing area is completely covered with felt. Depress the
L push button. Read and record this value to the nearest 0.1 unit.
For the D25D2M unit, the recorded value is the Hunter Color L
value. For the D25D2A head where a rotated sample reading is also
recorded, the Hunter Color L value is the average of the two
recorded values.
[0120] Measure the Hunter Color L values for all of the felt
covered cardboards using this technique. If the Hunter Color L
values are all within 0.3 units of one another, take the average to
obtain the initial L reading. If the Hunter Color L values are not
within the 0.3 units, discard those felt/cardboard combinations
outside the limit. Prepare new samples and repeat the Hunter Color
L measurement until all samples are within 0.3 units of one
another.
[0121] For the measurement of the actual web sample/cardboard
combinations, place the web sample/cardboard combination on the
base plate of the tester by slipping the holes in the board over
the hold-down pins. The hold-down pins prevent the sample from
moving during the test. Clip the calibration felt/cardboard sample
onto the four pound weight with the cardboard side contacting the
pads of the weight. Make sure the cardboard/felt combination is
resting flat against the weight Hook this weight onto the tester
arm and gently place the web sample underneath the weight/felt
combination. The end of the weight closest to the operator must be
over the cardboard of the web sample and not the web sample itself.
The felt must rest flat on the web sample and must be in 100%
contact with the web surface.
[0122] Next, activate the tester by depressing the "push" button.
At the end of the five strokes the tester will automatically stop.
Note the stopping position of the felt covered weight in relation
to the sample. If the end of the felt covered weight toward the
operator is over cardboard, the tester is operating properly. If
the end of the felt covered weight toward the operator is over
sample, disregard this measurement and recalibrate as directed
above in the Sutherland Rub Tester Calibration section.
[0123] Remove the weight with the felt covered cardboard. Inspect
the web sample. If torn, discard the felt and web sample and start
over. If the web sample is intact, remove the felt covered
cardboard from the weight. Determine the Hunter Color L value on
the felt covered cardboard as described above for the blank felts.
Record the Hunter Color L readings for the felt after rubbing. Rub,
measure, and record the Hunter Color L values for all remaining
samples. After all web specimens have been measured, remove and
discard all felt. Felts strips are not used again. Cardboards are
used until they are bent, torn, limp, or no longer have a smooth
surface.
vii. Calculations
[0124] Determine the delta L values by subtracting the average
initial L reading found for the unused felts from each of the
measured values for the first-side surface and second-side surface
sides of the sample as follows.
[0125] For samples measured on both surfaces, subtract the average
initial L reading found for the unused felts from each of the three
first-side surface L readings and each of the three second-side
surface L readings. Calculate the average delta for the three
first-side surface values. Calculate the average delta for the
three second-side surface values. Subtract the felt factor from
each of these averages. The final results are termed a lint for the
first-side surface and a lint for the second-side surface of the
web.
[0126] By taking the average of the lint value on the first-side
surface and the second-side surface, the lint is obtained which is
applicable to that particular web or product. In other words, to
calculate lint value, Formula 4 below is used:
Lint Value = Lint Value , first - side + Lint Value , second - side
2 Formula 4 ##EQU00001##
For samples measured only for one surface, subtract the average
initial L reading found for the unused felts from each of the three
L readings. Calculate the average delta for the three surface
values. Subtract the felt factor from this average. The final
result is the lint value for that particular web or product.
Color Test Method:
[0127] Color-containing surfaces are tested in a dry state and at
an ambient humidity of approximately 500%..+-.0.2%. Reflectance
color is measured using the Hunter Lab LabScan XE reflectance
spectrophotometer obtained from Hunter Associates Laboratory of
Reston, Va. The spectrophotometer is set to the CIELab color scale
and with a D50 illumination. The Observer is set at 10.degree. and
the Mode is set at 45/0.degree.. Area View is set to 0.125'' and
Port Size is set to 0.20'' for films; Area View is set to 1.00''
and Port Size is set to 1.20'' other materials. The
spectrophotometer is calibrated prior to sample analysis utilizing
the black and white reference tiles supplied from the vendor with
the instrument. Calibration is done according to the manufacturer's
instructions as set forth in LabScan XE User's Manual, Manual
Version 1.1, August 2001, A60-1010-862.
[0128] If cleaning is required of the reference tiles or samples,
only sanitary tissue products that do not contain embossing,
lotion, or brighteners should be used (e.g., Puffs.RTM. tissue).
Any sample point on the externally visible surface of the element
containing the imparted color to be analyzed should be selected.
Sample points are selected so as to be close in perceived color. A
single ply of the element is placed over the spectrophotometer's
sample port. A single ply, as used within the test method, means
that the externally visible surface of the element is not folded.
Thus, a single ply of an externally visible surface may include the
sampling of a laminate, which itself is comprised of more than one
lamina. The sample point comprising the color to be analyzed must
be larger than the sample port to ensure accurate measurements. A
white tile, as supplied by the manufacturer, is placed behind the
externally visible surface. The L*, a*, and b* values are read and
recorded. The externally visible surface is removed and
repositioned so that a minimum of six readings are obtained for the
externally visible surface. If possible (e.g., the size of the
imparted color on the element in question does not limit the
ability to have six discretely different, non-overlapping sample
points), each of the readings is to be performed at a substantially
different region on the externally visible surface so that no two
sample points overlap. If the size of the imparted color region
requires overlapping of sample points, only six samples should be
taken with the sample points selected to minimize overlap between
any two sample points. The readings are averaged to yield the
reported L*, a*, and b* values for a specified color on an
externally visible surface of an element.
[0129] In calculating the color space volume, V, maximum and
minimum L*, a*, and b* values are determined for a particular set
of elements to be color matched. The maximum and minimum L*, a*,
and b* values are used to calculate V according to Formula 2
presented above.
Absorbency Test Method (Horizontal Full Sheet (HFS)):
[0130] The Horizontal Full Sheet (HFS) test method determines the
amount of distilled water absorbed and retained by a paper towel
product of the present invention. This method is performed by first
weighing a sample of the paper towel product to be tested (referred
to herein as the "Dry Weight of the paper"), then thoroughly
wetting the paper towel product, draining the wetted paper towel
product in a horizontal position and then reweighing (referred to
herein as "Wet Weight of the paper"). The absorptive capacity of
the paper towel product is then computed as the amount of water
retained in units of grams of water absorbed by the paper towel
product. When evaluating different paper towel product samples, the
same size of paper towel product is used for all samples
tested.
[0131] The apparatus for determining the HFS capacity of paper
towel product comprises the following: an electronic balance with a
sensitivity of at least .+-.0.01 grams and a minimum capacity of
1200 grams. The balance should be positioned on a balance table and
slab to minimize the vibration effects of floor/benchtop weighing.
The balance should also have a special balance pan to be able to
handle the size of the paper towel product tested (i.e.; a paper
sample of about 11 in. (27.9 cm) by 11 in. (27.9 cm)). The balance
pan can be made out of a variety of materials. Plexiglass is a
common material used.
[0132] A sample support rack and sample support cover is also
required. Both the rack and cover are comprised of a lightweight
metal frame, strung with 0.012 in. (0.305 cm) diameter monofilament
so as to form a grid of 0.5 inch squares (1.27 cm.sup.2). The size
of the support rack and cover is such that the sample size can be
conveniently placed between the two.
[0133] The HFS test is performed in an environment maintained at
23.+-.1.degree. C. and 50.+-.2% relative humidity. A water
reservoir or tub is filled with distilled water at 23.+-.1.degree.
C. to a depth of 3 inches (7.6 cm).
[0134] The paper towel product to be tested is carefully weighed on
the balance to the nearest 0.01 grams. The dry weight of the sample
is reported to the nearest 0.01 grams. The empty sample support
rack is placed on the balance with the special balance pan
described above. The balance is then zeroed (tared). The sample is
carefully placed on the sample support rack. The support rack cover
is placed on top of the support rack. The sample (now sandwiched
between the rack and cover) is submerged in the water reservoir.
After the sample has been submerged for 60 seconds, the sample
support rack and cover are gently raised out of the reservoir.
[0135] The sample, support rack and cover are allowed to drain
horizontally for 120.+-.5 seconds, taking care not to excessively
shake or vibrate the sample. Next, the rack cover is carefully
removed and the wet sample and the support rack are weighed on the
previously tared balance. The weight is recorded to the nearest
0.01 g. This is the wet weight of the sample.
[0136] The gram per paper towel product sample absorptive capacity
of the sample is defined as (Wet Weight of the paper--Dry Weight of
the paper).
[0137] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
[0138] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written
document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
[0139] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *