U.S. patent application number 13/031278 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-30 for method of cleaning using an anti-microbial nonwoven wipe.
This patent application is currently assigned to POLYMER GROUP, INC.. Invention is credited to Nick Carter, Dianne Ellis, Jennifer Mayhorn, Jimmy D. West.
Application Number | 20110159063 13/031278 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32312559 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110159063 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ellis; Dianne ; et
al. |
June 30, 2011 |
Method of Cleaning Using An Anti-Microbial Nonwoven Wipe
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning a hard
surface with a nonwoven anti-microbial hard surface wipe, and more
specifically to an anti-microbial hard surface wipe that more
readily releases a disinfectant or anti-microbial agent, that
includes coating a nonwoven wipe having a fibrous nonwoven
substrate with a non-ionic and cationic binder mixture to provide a
first coated nonwoven wipe, coating the first coated nonwoven wipe
with a cationic dual quaternary ammonia anti-microbial agent to
provide a second coated nonwoven wipe, providing a water source,
and introducing the second coated nonwoven wipe to the water source
wherein the cationic dual quaternary ammonia anti-microbial agent
is readily released upon the second coated nonwoven wipe being
introduced to the water source.
Inventors: |
Ellis; Dianne; (Cary,
NC) ; West; Jimmy D.; (Coats, NC) ; Mayhorn;
Jennifer; (Huntersville, NC) ; Carter; Nick;
(Mooresville, NC) |
Assignee: |
POLYMER GROUP, INC.
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
32312559 |
Appl. No.: |
13/031278 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10699425 |
Oct 31, 2003 |
7915184 |
|
|
13031278 |
|
|
|
|
60422786 |
Oct 31, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/409 ;
424/719 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01N 25/34 20130101;
D06M 16/00 20130101; Y10T 442/159 20150401; Y10T 442/689 20150401;
Y10T 442/2525 20150401; D04H 1/587 20130101; B32B 2432/00 20130101;
A61L 2/16 20130101; D04H 1/492 20130101; B32B 9/02 20130101; B32B
5/26 20130101; B32B 5/02 20130101; A61L 2202/17 20130101; B32B
9/047 20130101; Y10T 442/2533 20150401; Y10T 442/2738 20150401;
B32B 27/12 20130101; B32B 2307/7145 20130101; B32B 5/06 20130101;
A47L 13/17 20130101; B32B 5/022 20130101; B32B 27/08 20130101; B32B
21/10 20130101; B32B 2250/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/409 ;
424/719 |
International
Class: |
A01N 25/08 20060101
A01N025/08; A01N 59/00 20060101 A01N059/00; A01P 1/00 20060101
A01P001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of cleaning a hard surface, comprising the steps of:
coating a nonwoven wipe comprising a fibrous nonwoven substrate
with a non-ionic binder and cationic binder mixture to provide a
first coated nonwoven wipe; coating the first coated nonwoven wipe
with a cationic dual quaternary ammonia anti-microbial agent to
provide a second coated nonwoven wipe; providing a water source;
and introducing said second coated nonwoven wipe to said water
source wherein said cationic dual quaternary ammonia anti-microbial
agent being readily released into said water source.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said non-ionic binder exhibits a
low affinity for said dual quaternary ammonia anti-microbial
agent.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said fibrous nonwoven substrate
comprises natural fibers.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said fibrous nonwoven substrate
comprises natural fibers selected from the group consisting of
cotton, wood pulp and viscose rayon.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said fibrous nonwoven substrate
comprises carded and cross-lapped staple length fibers.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the fibrous nonwoven substrate
comprises a three-dimensionally imaged fibrous nonwoven
substrate.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the nonwoven wipe further
comprises a scrim layer reducing the extensibility of said
three-dimensionally imaged fibrous nonwoven substrate.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein said scrim layer is selected from
a unidirectional filament scrim, a bi-directional filament scrim,
an expanded film, and a thermoplastic spunbond.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the nonwoven wipe comprises an
additional layer selected from the group consisting of a fabric
layer and a film layer.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said additional layer is a film
layer selected from the group consisting of a cast film, an
extruded film, and a reticulated film.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising cleaning a hard
surface with said wipe after said introducing of said second coated
nonwoven wipe to said water source.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Patent Application
No. 10/699,425, filed Oct. 31, 2003 (now allowed), which in turn
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/422,786, filed on Oct. 31, 2002, which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a method of
cleaning a hard surface with a nonwoven anti-microbial hard surface
wipe, and more specifically to an anti-microbial hard surface wipe
that more readily releases a disinfectant or anti-microbial
agent.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Over the years, the use of disposable substrates in cleaning
applications has been well practiced. Suitable substrates have
included sponges, woven and nonwoven fabrics, and various
combinations thereof. Further, such substrates have been
impregnated with cleaning agents such as disinfectants, solvents,
anti-microbials, detergents and other chaotropes. The resulting
cleaning products fabricated from such impregnated substrates have
found acceptance with the general public as a convenient and
practical means for the cleaning of surfaces. In particular, such
constructs have been successful in the consumer wipes markets as
hard surface wipes.
[0004] Nonwoven fabrics are used in a wide variety of wipe
applications where the engineered qualities of the fabrics can be
advantageously employed. The use of selected thermoplastic polymers
in the construction of the fibrous fabric component, selected
treatment of the fibrous component (either while in fibrous form or
in an integrated structure), and selected use of various mechanisms
by which the fibrous component is integrated into a useful fabric,
are typical variables by which to adjust and alter the performance
of the resultant nonwoven fabric.
[0005] For the purpose of fabricating a hard surface wipe for the
food service or hospitality industry, it is advantageous to utilize
a limited or single use nonwoven wipe to prevent the build up of
bacteria that tends to accumulate within a standing damp sponge or
terry cloth towel. Upon repeated use of a standing damp sponge, it
is more likely that bacteria will be introduced into an area where
food is prepared. Often, for the sake of convenience, the nonwoven
wipe is impregnated or coated with an anti-microbial agent or
disinfectant so as to prevent the growth of bacteria and disinfect
food preparation areas. It has been found, however that nonwoven
hard surface wipes that are impregnated or coated with an
anti-microbial do not readily release the anti-microbial agent due
to the affinity of the disinfectant for the nonwoven substrate
itself, the binders utilized within the substrate, or the affinity
for any other additives that may be present in the substrate.
[0006] The use of homogenous cationic binder in sanitation wipes
has a deleterious affect on the sanitation process. Cationic
binders are attracted or have a high affinity for an anionic
charged disinfectant and results in a hard surface wipe that
retains the disinfectant. The disinfectant solution is more rapidly
absorbed into the wipe, which prematurely depletes the disinfectant
solution of the anti-microbial attributes. Further, a wipe
comprising a cationic binder may not properly absorb a cationic
disinfectant due to the lack of affinity of the binder for the
disinfectant. A nonwoven wipe that fails to absorb the disinfectant
solution may not effectively sanitize a given surface.
[0007] Non-ionic binders do not have an associated positive or
negative charge and are therefore compatible with various
disinfecting or anti-microbial sanitizing systems. A hard surface
wipe comprised of a non-ionic binder has a low affinity for an
ionic disinfecting solution, which is beneficial to the sanitizing
process. The wipe forms weak bonds with the disinfectant, thereby
increasing the life of the sanitizing solution. There remains an
unmet need for a hard surface wipe that is compatible with various
ionic disinfecting solutions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning a
hard surface with a nonwoven anti-microbial hard surface wipe, and
more specifically to an anti-microbial hard surface wipe that more
readily releases a disinfectant or anti-microbial agent.
[0009] The anti-microbial wipe of the invention is a nonwoven
substrate. Suitable substrates include, but are not limited to
hydroentangled, airlaid, spunbond, and coform substrates. Further,
the nonwoven substrate could be a laminate or composite structure.
The nonwoven wipe may be hydroentangled on a three-dimensional
image transfer device in order to impart an aesthetically appealing
pattern or image into the wipe, wherein the pattern or image may or
may not include apertures. Further, the wipe may include a
three-dimensional image of a restaurant or hospitality industry
company logo.
[0010] In a first embodiment, the nonwoven substrate used in the
method of the present invention is comprised of a non-ionic binder,
as well as a cationic disinfectant. The wipe is introduced into a
water source and the disinfectant is readily released from the wipe
so as to form a disinfectant solution.
[0011] In a second embodiment, the nonwoven substrate used in the
method of the present invention is comprised of a non-ionic binder
and used along with a separate commercially available disinfecting
or sanitizing solution. The disinfecting solution is preferably a
cationic disinfecting solution, such as a cationic dual quaternary
sanitizing system.
[0012] The hard surface wipe comprised of a non-ionic binder has a
low affinity for a cationic disinfecting solution and the weak
bonds formed are easily broken. The resulting wipe more readily
releases the disinfectant into a water source and will not attract
and retain a charged disinfectant that could possibly prematurely
deplete the effectiveness of a sanitizing solution.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawing, and will hereinafter
be described, a presently preferred embodiment, 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 present invention is directed to a method of cleaning a
surface with an anti-microbial nonwoven wipe with a more readily
releasable disinfecting or anti-microbial agent. The nonwoven wipe
is comprised of a matrix of fibers or filaments that is
consolidated into a nonwoven web. In a preferred embodiment, the
nonwoven wipe is a hydroentangled substrate. With reference to FIG.
1, therein is illustrated an apparatus for practicing the present
invention by forming a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric. The fabric
is formed from a fibrous matrix, which typically comprises staple
length fibers, but may comprise substantially continuous filaments.
The fibrous matrix is preferably carded and cross-lapped to form a
fibrous batt. In a current embodiment, the fibrous batt comprises
100% cross-lap fibers, that is, all of the fibers of the web have
been formed by cross-lapping a carded web so that the fibers are
oriented at an angle relative to the machine direction of the
resultant web. U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,903, hereby incorporated by
reference, illustrates a web drafting apparatus.
[0015] Alternately, the fabric of the present invention may
comprise an optional support layer or scrim, wherein the fibrous
web can be placed face-to-face with the support layer and
hydroentangled to form precursor web P. It is within the purview of
the present invention that a scrim can be interposed in the
formation of the precursor nonwoven web. The purpose of the scrim
is to reduce the extensibility of the resultant three-dimensional
imaged nonwoven fabric, thus reducing the possibility of
three-dimensional image distortion and further enhancing fabric
durability. Suitable scrims include unidirectional monofilament,
bi-directional monofilament, expanded films, and thermoplastic
spunbond.
[0016] Further, the composite construct may optionally be
subsequently subjected to a three-dimensional image transfer device
so as to impart a three-dimensional image, which may or may not
include apertures.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a hydroentangling apparatus for forming
nonwoven fabrics in accordance with the present invention. The
apparatus includes a foraminous-forming surface in the form of belt
10 upon which the fibrous web P is positioned for entangling by
entangling manifold 12. Further entanglement of the web is effected
on the foraminous forming surface of a drum 18 by entanglement
manifold 20, with the web subsequently passed over successive
foraminous drums 20, for successive entangling treatment by
entangling manifolds 24, 24'.
[0018] The entangling apparatus of FIG. 1 further includes a
three-dimensional imaging drum 24, which can be optionally
utilized, comprising a three-dimensional image transfer device for
effecting imaging of the now-entangled precursor web. The image
transfer device includes a moveable imaging surface which moves
relative to a plurality of entangling manifolds 26 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.
[0019] Manufacture of a nonwoven wipe embodying the principles of
the present invention is initiated by 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 1.2 to 6 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.
[0020] It is also within the purview of the present invention that
the hard surface wipe comprise additional fabric layers so as to
form a laminate construct. The additional layers may include, but
are not limited to fabrics comprised of natural, synthetic fibers,
or a combination thereof. 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. 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. Additionally,
film layers may be added to form a laminate construct. Various film
layers may include, cast films, extruded films, and reticulated
films.
[0021] In one embodiment, subsequent to the nonwoven web formation,
the web is treated with a binder, as well as an anti-microbial or
disinfecting agent. The binder of the invention is a non-ionic
binder or a mixture of a non-ionic and a cationic binder. The
binder, as well as the anti-microbial cleaning agent may be applied
utilizing various techniques known in the art, including, but not
limited to impregnating, padding, spray coating, or kiss
coating.
[0022] In another embodiment, the hard surface wipe is comprised of
a non-ionic binder to be utilized with a separate commercially
available disinfecting or anti-microbial solution. The wipe of the
invention is more compatible with such solutions and will not
retain the anti-microbial solution within the wipe, which could
result in prematurely depleting the effectiveness of the
disinfection solution.
[0023] Optionally, the anti-microbial nonwoven wipe may further
include an additive or combination of additives, such as pigments,
color stabilizers, softeners, fragrances, lotions, and other
performance or aesthetic enhancers.
[0024] 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 embodiments
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.
* * * * *