U.S. patent application number 15/058191 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-08 for fibrous elements, fibrous structures and products comprising a deterrent agent and methods for making same.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Mark William Hamersky, Mark Robert Sivik, Paul Dennis Trokhan, Paul Thomas Weisman.
Application Number | 20160258083 15/058191 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55586407 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160258083 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weisman; Paul Thomas ; et
al. |
September 8, 2016 |
Fibrous Elements, Fibrous Structures and Products Comprising a
Deterrent Agent and Methods for Making Same
Abstract
A fibrous element and/or fibrous structure comprising such
fibrous elements and/or product comprising same containing a
deterrent agent and methods for making same are provided.
Inventors: |
Weisman; Paul Thomas;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Sivik; Mark Robert; (Mason,
OH) ; Hamersky; Mark William; (Hamilton, OH) ;
Trokhan; Paul Dennis; (Hamilton, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
55586407 |
Appl. No.: |
15/058191 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62128175 |
Mar 4, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06M 13/463 20130101;
D01F 1/10 20130101; D02G 3/40 20130101; D01F 11/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D02G 3/40 20060101
D02G003/40; D01F 11/00 20060101 D01F011/00; D01F 1/10 20060101
D01F001/10 |
Claims
1. A fibrous element comprising one or more filament-forming
materials, one or more active agents, and one or more deterrent
agents.
2. The fibrous element according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
the active agents is releasable from the fibrous element when the
fibrous element is exposed to conditions of intended use.
3. The fibrous element according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
the active agents is present within the fibrous element.
4. The fibrous element according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
the deterrent agents is present within the fibrous element.
5. The fibrous element according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
the deterrent agents is present on a surface of the fibrous
element.
6. The fibrous element according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
the active agents comprises a surfactant.
7. The fibrous element according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
the active agents is selected from the group consisting of: skin
benefit agents, medicinal agents, lotions, fabric care agents,
dishwashing agents, carpet care agents, surface care agents, hair
care agents, air care agents, and mixtures thereof.
8. The fibrous element according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
the deterrent agents comprises a bittering agent.
9. The fibrous element according to claim 8 wherein the bittering
agent is selected from the group consisting of: denatonium
chloride, denatonium citrate, denatonium saccharide, denatonium
carbonate, denatonium acetate, denatonium benzoate, and mixtures
thereof.
10. The fibrous element according to claim 1 wherein at least one
of the deterrent agents comprises a pungent agent.
11. The fibrous element according to claim 10 wherein the pungent
agent is selected from the group consisting of: capsicinoids
(including capsaicin); vanillyl ethyl ether; vanillyl propyl ether;
vanillyl butyl ether; vanillin propylene; glycol acetal;
ethylvanillin propylene glycol acetal; capsaicin; gingerol;
4-(1-menthoxymethyl)-2-(3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxy-phenyl)-1,
3-dioxolane; pepper oil; pepper oleoresin; ginger oleoresin;
nonylic acid vanillylamide; jamboo oleoresin; Zanthoxylum piperitum
peel extract; sanshool; sanshoamide; black pepper extract;
chavicine; piperine; spilanthol; and mixtures thereof.
12. The fibrous element according to claim 1 wherein at least one
of the deterrent agents comprises an emetic agent.
13. The fibrous element according to claim 12 wherein the emetic
agent comprises ipecac.
14. The fibrous element according to claim 1 wherein the fibrous
element exhibits a water content of from 0% to about 20% as
measured according to the Water Content Test Method described
herein.
15. A fibrous structure comprising a plurality of fibrous elements
according to claim 1.
16. A fibrous structure comprising a plurality of fibrous elements,
wherein the fibrous structure comprises a deterrent agent.
17. The fibrous structure according to claim 16 wherein at least
one of the deterrent agent comprises a particle present within an
interstice of the fibrous structure.
18. The fibrous structure according to claim 16 wherein the fibrous
structure comprises at least one active agent that is releasable
from the fibrous structure when the fibrous structure is exposed to
conditions of intended use.
19. The fibrous structure according to claim 18 wherein the active
agent comprises a surfactant.
20. The fibrous structure according to claim 18 wherein the active
agent is selected from the group consisting of: skin benefit
agents, medicinal agents, lotions, fabric care agents, dishwashing
agents, carpet care agents, surface care agents, hair care agents,
air care agents, and mixtures thereof.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to fibrous elements, for
example filaments and/or fibers, fibrous structures comprising such
fibrous elements, and products comprising such fibrous elements
and/or fibrous structures, and more particularly to fibrous
elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products comprising one
or more deterrent agents and methods for making same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known in the art to use bittering agents with films.
For example, it is known to coat bittering agents onto a film for
example by spraying, printing, and/or powdering the bittering
agents onto a surface of the film.
[0003] In the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure technology
area, there are fibrous elements, for example fibrous elements
comprising active agents, and/or fibrous structures comprising such
fibrous elements and products comprising the same that are designed
for ingestion by humans and/or animals, however, there are also
some fibrous elements, even fibrous elements that comprise active
agents, and/or fibrous structures comprising such fibrous elements
and/or products comprising the same that are not designed for
ingestion by human and/or animals. Hence there exists a problem
with mitigating the risk of accidental ingestion by humans and/or
animals of such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or
products comprising such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures
that are not designed for ingestion. Such fibrous elements and/or
fibrous structures and/or products to date have not incorporated
deterrent agents, such as bittering agents and/or pungent agents
and/or emetic agents, to deter ingestion by humans and/or
animals.
[0004] Accordingly, one problem faced by formulators of fibrous
elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products comprising such
fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures, such as those of the
present invention that are not designed for ingestion by humans
and/or animals is how to prevent and/or mitigate the risk of
ingestion, for example accidental ingestion, by humans and/or
animals of such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or
products comprising such fibrous elements and/or fibrous
structures.
[0005] In light of the foregoing, it is clear that there is a need
for preventing and/or mitigating the risk of ingestion, for example
accidental ingestion, of fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures
and/or products comprising such fibrous elements and/or fibrous
structures, for example fibrous elements that comprise one or more
active agents, that are not designed for ingestion by humans and/or
animals by including one or more deterrent agents, such as a
bittering agent and/or a pungent agent and/or an emetic agent,
within and/or on the fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures
and/or products comprising such fibrous elements and/or fibrous
structures and methods for making same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention fulfills the need described above by
providing fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures comprising
such fibrous elements and/or products comprising such fibrous
elements and/or fibrous structures that are not designed to be
ingested by humans and/or animals, for example fibrous elements
and/or fibrous structures and/or product that comprise one or more
active agents not designed to be ingested by humans and/or animals,
to comprise a deterrent agent within and/or on the fibrous elements
and/or fibrous structures and/or products.
[0007] One solution to the problem identified above is to add one
or more deterrent agents to the fibrous elements and/or fibrous
structures and/or products, for example fibrous elements and/or
fibrous structures and/or products comprising one or more active
agents, to deter humans and/or animals from ingesting or attempting
to ingest such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or
products of the present invention.
[0008] In one example of the present invention, a fibrous element,
for example a filament and/or fiber, that is not designed and/or
suitable for ingestion by humans and/or animals, wherein the
fibrous element comprises one or more fibrous element-forming
materials and one or more deterrent agents, for example wherein the
one or more deterrent agents are present within the fibrous
element, such as a mixture of the fibrous element-forming materials
and the deterrent agents, and/or on a surface of the fibrous
element such as in the form of a coating composition and/or printed
on the surface, is provided.
[0009] In another example of the present invention, a fibrous
element, for example a filament and/or fiber, that is not designed
and/or suitable for ingestion by humans and/or animals, wherein the
fibrous element comprises one or more fibrous element-forming
materials and one or more active agents, for example present within
the fibrous element, such as within a mixture comprising the
fibrous element-forming materials, the active agents, and the
deterrent agents, and/or on a surface of the fibrous element such
as in the form of a coating composition and/or printed on the
surface, such as a mixture of the fibrous element-forming materials
and the active agents, for example that are releasable from the
fibrous elements when exposed to conditions of intended use, and
one or more deterrent agents, for example present within the
fibrous element, such as within a mixture comprising the fibrous
element-forming materials, the active agents, and the deterrent
agents, and/or on a surface of the fibrous element such as in the
form of a coating composition and/or printed on the surface, is
provided.
[0010] In another example of the present invention, a fibrous
element-forming composition, for example a filament-forming
composition, suitable for producing fibrous elements of the present
invention, for example by a spinning process, comprises one or more
fibrous element-forming materials, one or more deterrent agents,
and optionally, one or more polar solvents (such as water) is
provided.
[0011] In another example of the present invention, a fibrous
element-forming composition, for example a filament-forming
composition, suitable for producing fibrous elements of the present
invention, for example by a spinning process, comprises one or more
fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active agents, one
or more deterrent agents, and optionally, one or more polar
solvents (such as water) is provided.
[0012] In even still another example of the present invention, a
fibrous element, for example a filament and/or fiber, that is not
designed and/or suitable for ingestion by humans and/or animals,
wherein the fibrous element comprises one or more fibrous
element-forming materials, one or more active agents, for example a
mixture of the fibrous element-forming materials and the active
agents, and one or more deterrent agents, for example wherein the
one or more deterrent agents are present within the fibrous
element, such as within a mixture comprising the fibrous
element-forming materials, the active agents, and the deterrent
agents, and/or on a surface of the fibrous element such as in the
form of a coating composition and/or printed on the surface,
wherein the active agents comprise one or more surfactants, for
example a surfactant selected from the group consisting of: anionic
surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants,
zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof, one or more
enzymes, one or more suds suppressors, and/or one or more perfumes,
is provided.
[0013] In even still yet another example of the present invention,
a fibrous structure comprising one or more fibrous elements, for
example filaments and/or fibers, wherein the fibrous structure
comprises one or more active agents, for example within one or more
fibrous elements, such as in a mixture comprising the fibrous
element-forming materials and the active agents, and/or on a
surface of one or more fibrous elements and/or within the fibrous
structure such as between fibrous elements, for example within the
interstices of the fibrous structure (such as a coformed fibrous
structure comprising one or more particles comprising one or more
active agents) and/or between two or more fibrous structures that
are attached directly or indirectly to one another and/or between
two or more layers of fibrous elements that form the fibrous
structure and/or on a surface of the fibrous structure and/or on
surface of one or more of the fibrous elements, and one or more
deterrent agents, for example within one or more fibrous elements,
such as within a mixture comprising the fibrous element-forming
materials, the active agents, and the deterrent agents, and/or on a
surface of one or more fibrous elements and/or within the fibrous
structure such as between fibrous elements, for example within the
interstices of the fibrous structure (such as a coformed fibrous
structure comprising one or more particles comprising one or more
deterrent agents) and/or between two or more fibrous structures
that are attached directly or indirectly to one another and/or
between two or more layers of fibrous elements that form the
fibrous structure and/or on a surface of the fibrous structure
and/or on surface of one or more of the fibrous elements, is
provided.
[0014] In yet another example of the present invention, a method
for making a fibrous element, for example a filament and/or fiber,
the method comprising the steps of:
[0015] a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition
comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or
more active agents, and one or more deterrent agents, and
optionally, one or more polar solvents (such as water); and
[0016] b. spinning the fibrous element-forming composition into one
or more fibrous elements, for example filaments and/or fibers,
comprising the one or more fibrous element-forming materials, the
one or more active agents, for example that are releasable and/or
released from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions of
intended use of the fibrous element, and the one or more deterrent
agents is provided. In one example, the total level of the fibrous
element-forming materials present in the fibrous element is 80% or
less and/or 70% or less and/or 60% or less and/or 50% or less
and/or 40% or less and/or 30% or less and/or 20% or less by weight
on a dry fibrous element basis and the total level of the active
agents present in the fibrous element is 20% or greater and/or 30%
or greater and/or 40% or greater 50% or greater and/or 60% or
greater and/or 70% or greater and/or 80% or greater by weight on a
dry fibrous element basis.
[0017] In yet another example of the present invention, a method
for making a fibrous element, for example a filament and/or fiber,
the method comprising the steps of:
[0018] a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition
comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or
more active agents, and optionally, one or more polar solvents
(such as water);
[0019] b. spinning the fibrous element-forming composition into one
or more fibrous elements, for example filaments and/or fibers,
comprising the one or more fibrous element-forming materials, the
one or more active agents, for example that are releasable and/or
released from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions of
intended use of the fibrous element; and
[0020] c. applying one or more deterrent agents (for example in
liquid form and/or in solid form, such as a particle comprising the
deterrent agent) to a surface of one or more of the fibrous
elements, is provided. In one example, the total level of the
fibrous element-forming materials present in the fibrous element is
80% or less and/or 70% or less and/or 60% or less and/or 50% or
less and/or 40% or less and/or 30% or less and/or 20% or less by
weight on a dry fibrous element basis and the total level of the
active agents present in the fibrous element is 20% or greater
and/or 30% or greater and/or 40% or greater 50% or greater and/or
60% or greater and/or 70% or greater and/or 80% or greater by
weight on a dry fibrous element basis.
[0021] In yet another example of the present invention, a method
for making a fibrous structure, the method comprising the steps
of:
[0022] a. providing a fibrous structure, for example a fibrous
structure comprising one or more fibrous elements of the present
invention, and
[0023] b. applying one or more deterrent agents (for example in
liquid form and/or in solid form, such as a particle comprising the
deterrent agent) to a surface of the fibrous structure, is
provided.
[0024] In yet another example of the present invention, a method
for making a fibrous structure, the method comprising the steps
of:
[0025] a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition
comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or
more active agents, one or more deterrent agents, and optionally,
one or more polar solvents (such as water);
[0026] b. spinning the fibrous element-forming composition into one
or more fibrous elements, for example filaments and/or fibers,
comprising the one or more fibrous element-forming materials, the
one or more active agents, for example that are releasable and/or
released from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions of
intended use of the fibrous element, and the one or more deterrent
agents; and
[0027] c. collecting a plurality of the fibrous elements on a
collection device, such as a belt or fabric, such that the fibrous
elements are inter-entangled to form a fibrous structure; and
[0028] d. optionally, applying one or more deterrent agents (for
example in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as a particle
comprising the deterrent agent) to a surface of one or more of the
fibrous elements and/or fibrous structure, is provided.
[0029] In yet another example of the present invention, a method
for making a fibrous structure, the method comprising the steps
of:
[0030] a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition
comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or
more active agents, and optionally, one or more polar solvents
(such as water);
[0031] b. spinning the fibrous element-forming composition into one
or more fibrous elements, for example filaments and/or fibers,
comprising the one or more fibrous element-forming materials and
the one or more active agents, for example that are releasable
and/or released from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions
of intended use of the fibrous element;
[0032] c. applying one or more deterrent agents (for example in
liquid form and/or in solid form, such as a particle comprising the
deterrent agent) to a surface of one or more of the fibrous
elements; and
[0033] d. collecting a plurality of the fibrous elements on a
collection device, such as a belt or fabric, such that the fibrous
elements are inter-entangled to form a fibrous structure; and
[0034] e. optionally, applying one or more deterrent agents (for
example in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as a particle
comprising the deterrent agent) to a surface of the fibrous
structure, is provided.
[0035] In yet another example of the present invention, a method
for making a fibrous structure, the method comprising the steps
of:
[0036] a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition
comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or
more active agents, and optionally, one or more polar solvents
(such as water);
[0037] b. spinning the fibrous element-forming composition into one
or more fibrous elements, for example filaments and/or fibers,
comprising the one or more fibrous element-forming materials and
the one or more active agents, for example that are releasable
and/or released from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions
of intended use of the fibrous element;
[0038] c. collecting a plurality of the fibrous elements on a
collection device, such as a belt or fabric, such that the fibrous
elements are inter-entangled to form a fibrous structure; and
[0039] d. applying one or more deterrent agents (for example in
liquid form and/or in solid form, such as a particle comprising the
deterrent agent) to a surface of one or more of the fibrous
elements and/or to a surface of the fibrous structure, is
provided.
[0040] In even yet another example of the present invention, a
method for making a fibrous structure, the method comprises the
steps of:
[0041] a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition
comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or
more active agents, one or more deterrent agents, and optionally,
one or more polar solvents (such as water);
[0042] b. spinning the fibrous element-forming composition into one
or more fibrous elements, for example filaments and/or fibers,
comprising the one or more fibrous element-forming materials, the
one or more active agents, for example that are releasable and/or
released from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions of
intended use of the fibrous element, and the one or more deterrent
agents;
[0043] c. collecting a plurality of the fibrous elements on a
collection device, such as a belt or fabric, such that the fibrous
elements are inter-entangled to form a fibrous structure; and
[0044] d. applying one or more deterrent agents (for example in
liquid form and/or in solid form, such as a particle comprising the
deterrent agent) to a surface of one or more of the fibrous
elements and/or to a surface of the fibrous structure, is
provided.
[0045] In yet another example of the present invention, a method
for making a fibrous structure, the method comprising the steps
of:
[0046] a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition
comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or
more active agents, and optionally, one or more polar solvents
(such as water);
[0047] b. spinning the fibrous element-forming composition into a
plurality of fibrous elements, for example filaments and/or fibers,
comprising the one or more fibrous element-forming materials and
the one or more active agents, for example that are releasable
and/or released from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions
of intended use of the fibrous element;
[0048] c. combining a plurality of particles comprising one or more
deterrent agents with a plurality of the fibrous elements to form a
mixture; and
[0049] d. collecting the mixture on a collection device, such as a
belt or fabric, such that the fibrous elements are inter-entangled
with the particles to form a fibrous structure; and
[0050] e. optionally, applying one or more deterrent agents (for
example in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as a particle
comprising the deterrent agent) to a surface of one or more of the
fibrous elements and/or to a surface of the fibrous structure, is
provided.
[0051] In yet another example of the present invention, a method
for making a fibrous structure, the method comprising the steps
of:
[0052] a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition
comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or
more active agents, one or more deterrent agents, and optionally,
one or more polar solvents (such as water);
[0053] b. spinning the fibrous element-forming composition into a
plurality of fibrous elements, for example filaments and/or fibers,
comprising the one or more fibrous element-forming materials, the
one or more active agents, for example that are releasable and/or
released from the fibrous element when exposed to conditions of
intended use of the fibrous element, and the one or more deterrent
agents;
[0054] c. combining a plurality of particles comprising one or more
deterrent agents with a plurality of the fibrous elements to form a
mixture; and
[0055] d. collecting the mixture on a collection device, such as a
belt or fabric, such that the fibrous elements are inter-entangled
with the particles to form a fibrous structure; and
[0056] e. optionally, applying one or more deterrent agents (for
example in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as a particle
comprising the deterrent agent) to a surface of one or more of the
fibrous elements and/or to a surface of the fibrous structure, is
provided.
[0057] In yet another example of the present invention, a method
for making a fibrous structure, the method comprising the steps
of:
[0058] a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition
comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials and
optionally, one or more active agents, one or more deterrent
agents, and/or one or more polar solvents (such as water);
[0059] b. spinning the fibrous element-forming composition into a
plurality of fibrous elements, for example filaments and/or fibers,
comprising the one or more fibrous element-forming materials and
optionally, the one or more active agents, for example that are
releasable and/or released from the fibrous element when exposed to
conditions of intended use of the fibrous element and/or the one or
more deterrent agents;
[0060] c. combining a plurality of particles comprising one or more
active agents and/or one or more deterrent agents with a plurality
of the fibrous elements to form a mixture; and
[0061] d. collecting the mixture on a collection device, such as a
belt or fabric, such that the fibrous elements are inter-entangled
with the particles to form a fibrous structure; and
[0062] e. optionally, applying one or more deterrent agents (for
example in liquid form and/or in solid form, such as a particle
comprising the deterrent agent) to a surface of one or more of the
fibrous elements and/or to a surface of the fibrous structure, is
provided. In one example, one or more of the particles may comprise
a coating composition comprising one or more deterrent agents that
coat or partially coat the particles.
[0063] In even still yet another example of the present invention,
a product, for example a laundry detergent product and/or a
dishwashing detergent product and/or a hard surface cleaning
product and/or a hair care product comprising one or more fibrous
elements and/or one or more fibrous structures of the present
invention and one or more deterrent agents is provided. In one
example, in addition to the fibrous elements and/or fibrous
structures, the product may comprise a film. In one example, the
film may comprise one or more deterrent agents present within the
film and/or on a surface of the film.
[0064] Even though the examples provided herein refer to fibrous
elements, for example filaments and/or fibers made from the
filaments of the present invention, such as by cutting a filament
into fibers, the fibrous structures of the present invention may
comprise a mixture of fibrous elements, such as a mixture of both
filaments and fibers.
[0065] Accordingly, the present invention provides fibrous
elements, for example filaments and/or fibers, and/or fibrous
structures comprising fibrous elements and/or products comprising
such fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures comprising one or
more deterrent agents and methods for making same.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0066] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a
fibrous element according to the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an example of a
soluble fibrous structure according to the present invention;
[0068] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an example of a
process for making fibrous elements of the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an example of a die
with a magnified view used in the process of FIG. 3;
[0070] FIG. 5 is a front view of an example of a setup of equipment
used in measuring dissolution according to the present
invention;
[0071] FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5; and
[0072] FIG. 7 is a partial top view of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions
[0073] "Fibrous structure" as used herein means a structure that
comprises one or more fibrous elements. In one example, a fibrous
structure according to the present invention means an association
of fibrous elements and particles that together form a structure,
such as a unitary structure, capable of performing a function.
[0074] The fibrous structures of the present invention may be
homogeneous or may be layered. If layered, the fibrous structures
may comprise at least two and/or at least three and/or at least
four and/or at least five layers, for example one or more fibrous
element layers, one or more particle layers and/or one or more
fibrous element/particle mixture layers. In one example, in a
multiple layer fibrous structure, one or more layers may be formed
and/or deposited directly upon an existing layer to form a fibrous
structure whereas in a multi-ply fibrous structure, one or more
existing fibrous structure plies may be combined, for example via
thermal bonding, gluing, embossing, rodding, rotary knife
aperturing, needlepunching, knurling, tufting, and/or other
mechanical combining process, with one or more other existing
fibrous structure plies to form the multi-ply fibrous
structure.
[0075] In one example, the fibrous structure is a multi-ply fibrous
structure that exhibits a basis weight of less than 10000 g/m.sup.2
and/or less than 7500 g/m.sup.2 and/or less than 5000 g/m.sup.2
and/or less than 3000 g/m.sup.2 and/or greater than 50 g/m.sup.2
and/or greater than 100 g/m.sup.2 and/or greater than 250 g/m.sup.2
and/or greater than 500 g/m.sup.2 as measured according to the
Basis Weight Test Method described herein.
[0076] In one example, the fibrous structure is a sheet of fibrous
elements (fibers and/or filaments, such as continuous filaments),
of any nature or origin, that have been formed into a fibrous
structure by any means, and may be bonded together by any means,
with the exception of weaving or knitting. Felts obtained by wet
milling are not soluble fibrous structures. In one example, a
fibrous structure according to the present invention means an
orderly arrangement of filaments within a structure in order to
perform a function. In another example, a fibrous structure of the
present invention is an arrangement comprising a plurality of two
or more and/or three or more fibrous elements that are
inter-entangled or otherwise associated with one another to form a
fibrous structure. In yet another example, the fibrous structure of
the present invention may comprise, in addition to the fibrous
elements of the present invention, one or more solid additives,
such as particulates and/or fibers.
[0077] In one example of the present invention, the fibrous
structure of the present invention comprises one or more fibrous
elements, for example filaments and/or fibers, wherein the fibrous
structure comprises one or more active agents, such as in the form
of a liquid and/or a solid for example a particle, within one or
more fibrous elements and/or on a surface of one or more fibrous
elements and/or within the fibrous structure such as between
fibrous elements, for example within the interstices of the fibrous
structure and/or between two or more fibrous structures that are
attached directly or indirectly to one another and/or between two
or more layers of fibrous elements that form the fibrous structure
and/or on a surface of the fibrous structure and/or on surface of
one or more of the fibrous elements, and one or more deterrent
agents, for example within one or more fibrous elements and/or on a
surface of one or more fibrous elements and/or within the fibrous
structure such as between fibrous elements, for example within the
interstices of the fibrous structure and/or between two or more
fibrous structures that are attached directly or indirectly to one
another and/or between two or more layers of fibrous elements that
form the fibrous structure and/or on a surface of the fibrous
structure and/or on surface of one or more of the fibrous
elements.
[0078] In another example, a fibrous structure of the present
invention may comprise one or more active agents that are present
within the fibrous structure when originally made, but then bloom
to a surface of the fibrous structure prior to and/or when exposed
to conditions of intended use of the fibrous structure.
[0079] In addition to or alternatively, a fibrous structure of the
present invention may comprise one or more active agents that are
present within the fibrous structure when originally made, but then
bloom to a surface of the fibrous structure prior to and/or when
exposed to conditions of intended use of the fibrous structure.
[0080] The fibrous structure and/or product comprising the fibrous
structure may be of a shape and size, for example suitable for
dosing in a washing machine and/or dishwashing machine, and
comprise a total level (by weight) of active agents such that
greater than 1 g and/or greater than 3 g and/or greater than 5 g
and/or greater than 8 g and/or greater than 10 g of active agents
are delivered during use of the fibrous structure and/or product,
such as during washing of clothes in a washing machine and/or sink
basin and/or washing of dishes in a dishwashing machine.
[0081] In one example, the fibrous structure of the present
invention is a "unitary fibrous structure."
[0082] "Unitary fibrous structure" as used herein is an arrangement
comprising a plurality of two or more and/or three or more fibrous
elements that are inter-entangled or otherwise associated with one
another to form a fibrous structure. A unitary fibrous structure of
the present invention may be one or more plies within a multi-ply
fibrous structure. In one example, a unitary fibrous structure of
the present invention may comprise three or more different fibrous
elements. In another example, a unitary fibrous structure of the
present invention may comprise two different fibrous elements, for
example a coformed fibrous structure, upon which a different
fibrous elements are deposited to form a fibrous structure
comprising three or more different fibrous elements. In one
example, a fibrous structure may comprise soluble, for example
water-soluble, fibrous elements and insoluble, for example water
insoluble fibrous elements.
[0083] "Coformed fibrous structure" as used herein means that the
fibrous structure comprises a mixture of at least two different
materials wherein at least one of the materials comprises a fibrous
element and at least one other material comprises a particle, for
example a particle comprising an active agent and/or a deterrent
agent.
[0084] "Soluble fibrous structure" as used herein means the fibrous
structure and/or components thereof, for example greater than 0.5%
and/or greater than 1% and/or greater than 5% and/or greater than
10% and/or greater than 25% and/or greater than 50% and/or greater
than 75% and/or greater than 90% and/or greater than 95% and/or
about 100% by weight of the fibrous structure is soluble, for
example polar solvent-soluble such as water-soluble. In one
example, the soluble fibrous structure comprises fibrous elements
wherein at least 50% and/or greater than 75% and/or greater than
90% and/or greater than 95% and/or about 100% by weight of the
fibrous elements within the soluble fibrous structure are
soluble.
[0085] The soluble fibrous structure comprises a plurality of
fibrous elements. In one example, the soluble fibrous structure
comprises two or more and/or three or more different fibrous
elements.
[0086] The soluble fibrous structure and/or fibrous elements
thereof, for example filaments, making up the soluble fibrous
structure may comprise one or more active agents, for example a
fabric care active agent, a dishwashing active agent, a hard
surface active agent, a hair care active agent, a floor care active
agent, a skin care active agent, an oral care active agent, a
medicinal active agent, and mixtures thereof. In one example, a
soluble fibrous structure and/or fibrous elements thereof of the
present invention comprises one or more surfactants, one or more
enzymes (such as in the form of an enzyme prill), one or more
perfumes and/or one or more suds suppressors. In another example, a
soluble fibrous structure and/or fibrous elements thereof of the
present invention comprise a builder and/or a chelating agent. In
another example, a soluble fibrous structure and/or fibrous
elements thereof of the present invention comprise a bleaching
agent (such as an encapsulated bleaching agent). In still another
example, a soluble fibrous structure and/or fibrous elements
thereof of the present invention comprise one or more surfactants
and optionally, one or more perfumes.
[0087] In one example, the soluble fibrous structure of the present
invention is a water-soluble fibrous structure.
[0088] In one example, the soluble fibrous structure of the present
invention exhibits a basis weight of less than 10000 g/m.sup.2
and/or less than 5000 g/m.sup.2 and/or less than 4000 g/m.sup.2
and/or less than 2000 g/m.sup.2 and/or less than 1000 g/m.sup.2
and/or less than 500 g/m.sup.2 and/or greater than 10 g/m.sup.2
and/or greater than 25 g/m.sup.2 and/or greater than 50 g/m.sup.2
and/or greater than 100 g/m.sup.2 and/or greater than 250 g/m.sup.2
as measured according to the Basis Weight Test Method described
herein.
[0089] "Fibrous element" as used herein means an elongate
particulate having a length greatly exceeding its average diameter,
i.e. a length to average diameter ratio of at least about 10. A
fibrous element may be a filament or a fiber. In one example, the
fibrous element is a single fibrous element or a yarn comprising a
plurality of fibrous elements. In another example, the fibrous
element is a single fibrous element.
[0090] The fibrous elements of the present invention may be spun
from a fibrous element-forming compositions also referred to as
fibrous element-forming compositions via suitable spinning process
operations, such as meltblowing, spunbonding, electro-spinning,
and/or rotary spinning.
[0091] The fibrous elements of the present invention may be
monocomponent and/or multicomponent. For example, the fibrous
elements may comprise bicomponent fibers and/or filaments. The
bicomponent fibers and/or filaments may be in any form, such as
side-by-side, core and sheath, islands-in-the-sea and the like.
[0092] In one example, the fibrous element, which may be a filament
and/or a fiber and/or a filament that has been cut to smaller
fragments (fibers) of the filament may exhibit a length of greater
than or equal to 0.254 cm (0.1 in.) and/or greater than or equal to
1.27 cm (0.5 in.) and/or greater than or equal to 2.54 cm (1.0 in.)
and/or greater than or equal to 5.08 cm (2 in.) and/or greater than
or equal to 7.62 cm (3 in.) and/or greater than or equal to 10.16
cm (4 in.) and/or greater than or equal to 15.24 cm (6 in.). In one
example, a fiber of the present invention exhibits a length of less
than 5.08 cm (2 in.).
[0093] "Filament" as used herein means an elongate particulate as
described above. In one example, a filament exhibits a length of
greater than or equal to 5.08 cm (2 in.) and/or greater than or
equal to 7.62 cm (3 in.) and/or greater than or equal to 10.16 cm
(4 in.) and/or greater than or equal to 15.24 cm (6 in.).
[0094] Filaments are typically considered continuous or
substantially continuous in nature. Filaments are relatively longer
than fibers. Filaments are relatively longer than fibers.
Non-limiting examples of filaments include meltblown and/or
spunbond filaments.
[0095] In one example, one or more fibers may be formed from a
filament of the present invention, such as when the filaments are
cut to shorter lengths. Thus, in one example, the present invention
also includes a fiber made from a filament of the present
invention, such as a fiber comprising one or more fibrous
element-forming materials and one or more additives, such as active
agents. Therefore, references to filament and/or filaments of the
present invention herein also include fibers made from such
filament and/or filaments unless otherwise noted. Fibers are
typically considered discontinuous in nature relative to filaments,
which are considered continuous in nature.
[0096] Non-limiting examples of fibrous elements include meltblown
and/or spunbond fibrous elements. Non-limiting examples of polymers
that can be spun into fibrous elements include natural polymers,
such as starch, starch derivatives, cellulose, such as rayon and/or
lyocell, and cellulose derivatives, hemicellulose, hemicellulose
derivatives, and synthetic polymers including, but not limited to
thermoplastic polymer fibrous elements, such as polyesters, nylons,
polyolefins such as polypropylene filaments, polyethylene
filaments, and biodegradable thermoplastic fibers such as
polylactic acid filaments, polyhydroxyalkanoate filaments,
polyesteramide filaments and polycaprolactone filaments. Depending
upon the polymer and/or composition from which the fibrous elements
are made, the fibrous elements may be soluble or insoluble.
[0097] "Fibrous element-forming composition" as used herein means a
composition that is suitable for making a fibrous element, for
example a filament, of the present invention such as by meltblowing
and/or spunbonding. The fibrous element-forming composition
comprises one or more fibrous element-forming materials that
exhibit properties that make them suitable for spinning into a
fibrous element, for example a filament. In one example, the
fibrous element-forming material comprises a polymer. In addition
to one or more fibrous element-forming materials, the fibrous
element-forming composition may comprise one or more additives, for
example one or more active agents. In addition, the fibrous
element-forming composition may comprise one or more polar
solvents, such as water, into which one or more, for example all,
of the fibrous element-forming materials and/or one or more, for
example all, of the active agents are dissolved and/or
dispersed.
[0098] In one example as shown in FIG. 1 a fibrous element 10, for
example a filament, of the present invention made from a fibrous
element-forming composition of the present invention is such that
one or more active agents 12, may be present in the fibrous element
10, for example filament, rather than on the fibrous element 10,
such as a coating. The total level of fibrous element-forming
materials and total level of active agents present in the fibrous
element-forming composition may be any suitable amount so long as
the fibrous elements, for example filaments, of the present
invention are produced therefrom. In addition to the active agents
12 being present within the fibrous element 10, the fibrous element
10 may comprise one or more deterrent agents (not shown) present
within and/or on a surface of the fibrous element. Further, in
addition to the active agents 12 being present within the fibrous
element 10 or alternatively, the fibrous element 10 may comprise
one or more active agents 12 on a surface of the fibrous element
10.
[0099] In another example, a fibrous element of the present
invention may comprise one or more active agents that are present
in the fibrous element when originally made, but then bloom to a
surface of the fibrous element prior to and/or when exposed to
conditions of intended use of the fibrous element.
[0100] "Fibrous element-forming material" as used herein means a
material, such as a polymer or monomers capable of producing a
polymer that exhibits properties suitable for making a fibrous
element. In one example, the fibrous element-forming material
comprises one or more substituted polymers such as an anionic,
cationic, zwitterionic, and/or nonionic polymer. In another
example, the polymer may comprise a hydroxyl polymer, such as a
polyvinyl alcohol ("PVOH") and/or a polysaccharide, such as starch
and/or a starch derivative, such as an ethoxylated starch and/or
acid-thinned starch. In another example, the polymer may comprise
polyethylenes and/or terephthalates. In yet another example, the
fibrous element-forming material is a polar solvent-soluble
material.
[0101] "Particle" as used herein means a solid additive, such as a
powder, granule, encapsulate, microcapsule, and/or prill. In one
example, the fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures of the
present invention may comprise one or more particles. The particles
may be intra-fibrous element (within the fibrous elements, like the
active agents and/or deterrent agents), on a surface of the fibrous
element, such as a coating composition, and/or inter-fibrous
element (between fibrous elements within a fibrous structure, for
example a soluble fibrous structure). Non-limiting examples of
fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures comprising particles are
described in US 2013/0172226 which is incorporated herein by
reference. In one example, the particle exhibits a median particle
size of 1600 .mu.m or less as measured according to the Median
Particle Size Test Method described herein. In another example, the
particle exhibits a median particle size of from about 1 .mu.m to
about 1600 .mu.m and/or from about 1 .mu.m to about 800 .mu.m
and/or from about 5 .mu.m to about 500 .mu.m and/or from about 10
.mu.m to about 300 .mu.m and/or from about 10 .mu.m to about 100
.mu.m and/or from about 10 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m and/or from
about 10 .mu.m to about 30 .mu.m as measured according to the
Median Particle Size Test Method described herein. The shape of the
particle can be in the form of spheres, rods, plates, tubes,
squares, rectangles, discs, stars, fibers or have regular or
irregular random forms.
[0102] "Deterrent agent-containing particle" as used herein means a
solid additive comprising one or more deterrent agents. In one
example, the deterrent agent-containing particle is a deterrent
agent in the form of a particle (in other words, the particle
comprises 100% deterrent agent(s)). The deterrent agent-containing
particle may exhibit a median particle size of 1600 .mu.m or less
as measured according to the Median Particle Size Test Method
described herein. In another example, the active agent-containing
particle exhibits a median particle size of from about 1 .mu.m to
about 1600 .mu.m and/or from about 1 .mu.m to about 800 .mu.m
and/or from about 5 .mu.m to about 500 .mu.m and/or from about 10
.mu.m to about 300 .mu.m and/or from about 10 .mu.m to about 100
.mu.m and/or from about 10 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m and/or from
about 10 .mu.m to about 30 .mu.m as measured according to the
Median Particle Size Test Method described herein. In one example,
one or more of the deterrent agents is in the form of a particle
that exhibits a median particle size of 20 .mu.m or less as
measured according to the Median Particle Size Test Method
described herein.
[0103] "Active agent-containing particle" as used herein means a
solid additive comprising one or more active agents. In one
example, the active agent-containing particle is an active agent in
the form of a particle (in other words, the particle comprises 100%
active agent(s)). The active agent-containing particle may exhibit
a median particle size of 1600 .mu.m or less as measured according
to the Median Particle Size Test Method described herein. In
another example, the active agent-containing particle exhibits a
median particle size of from about 1 .mu.m to about 1600 .mu.m
and/or from about 1 .mu.m to about 800 .mu.m and/or from about 5
.mu.m to about 500 .mu.m and/or from about 10 .mu.m to about 300
.mu.m and/or from about 10 .mu.m to about 100 .mu.m and/or from
about 10 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m and/or from about 10 .mu.m to
about 30 .mu.m as measured according to the Median Particle Size
Test Method described herein. In one example, one or more of the
active agents is in the form of a particle that exhibits a median
particle size of 20 .mu.m or less as measured according to the
Median Particle Size Test Method described herein.
[0104] In one example of the present invention, the fibrous
structure comprises a plurality of particles, for example active
agent-containing particles, and a plurality of fibrous elements in
a weight ratio of particles, for example active agent-containing
particles, to fibrous elements of 1:100 or greater and/or 1:50 or
greater and/or 1:10 or greater and/or 1:3 or greater and/or 1:2 or
greater and/or 1:1 or greater and/or from about 7:1 to about 1:100
and/or from about 7:1 to about 1:50 and/or from about 7:1 to about
1:10 and/or from about 7:1 to about 1:3 and/or from about 6:1 to
1:2 and/or from about 5:1 to about 1:1 and/or from about 4:1 to
about 1:1 and/or from about 3:1 to about 1.5:1.
[0105] In another example of the present invention, the fibrous
structure comprises a plurality of particles, for example active
agent-containing particles, and a plurality of fibrous elements in
a weight ratio of particles, for example active agent-containing
particles, to fibrous elements of from about 7:1 to about 1:1
and/or from about 7:1 to about 1.5:1 and/or from about 7:1 to about
3:1 and/or from about 6:1 to about 3:1.
[0106] In yet another example of the present invention, the fibrous
structure comprises a plurality of particles, for example active
agent-containing particles, and a plurality of fibrous elements in
a weight ratio of particles, for example active agent-containing
particles, to fibrous elements of from about 1:1 to about 1:100
and/or from about 1:2 to about 1:50 and/or from about 1:3 to about
1:50 and/or from about 1:3 to about 1:10.
[0107] In another example, the fibrous structure of the present
invention comprises a plurality of particles, for example active
agent-containing particles, at a particle basis weight of greater
than 1 g/m.sup.2 and/or greater than 10 g/m.sup.2 and/or greater
than 20 g/m.sup.2 and/or greater than 30 g/m.sup.2 and/or greater
than 40 g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 1 g/m.sup.2 to about 5000
g/m.sup.2 and/or to about 3500 g/m.sup.2 and/or to about 2000
g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 1 g/m.sup.2 to about 1000 g/m.sup.2
and/or from about 10 g/m.sup.2 to about 400 g/m.sup.2 and/or from
about 20 g/m.sup.2 to about 300 g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 30
g/m.sup.2 to about 200 g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 40 g/m.sup.2 to
about 100 g/m.sup.2 as measured by the Basis Weight Test Method
described herein.
[0108] In another example, the fibrous structure of the present
invention comprises a plurality of fibrous elements at a basis
weight of greater than 1 g/m.sup.2 and/or greater than 10 g/m.sup.2
and/or greater than 20 g/m.sup.2 and/or greater than 30 g/m.sup.2
and/or greater than 40 g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 1 g/m.sup.2 to
about 10000 g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 10 g/m.sup.2 to about 5000
g/m.sup.2 and/or to about 3000 g/m.sup.2 and/or to about 2000
g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 20 g/m.sup.2 to about 2000 g/m.sup.2
and/or from about 30 g/m.sup.2 to about 1000 g/m.sup.2 and/or from
about 30 g/m.sup.2 to about 500 g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 30
g/m.sup.2 to about 300 g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 40 g/m.sup.2 to
about 100 g/m.sup.2 and/or from about 40 g/m.sup.2 to about 80
g/m.sup.2 as measured by the Basis Weight Test Method described
herein. In one example, the fibrous structure comprises two or more
layers wherein fibrous elements are present in at least one of the
layers at a basis weight of from about 1 g/m.sup.2 to about 500
g/m.sup.2.
[0109] "Additive" as used herein means any material present in the
fibrous element of the present invention that is not a fibrous
element-forming material. In one example, an additive comprises an
active agent. In yet another example, an additive comprises a
deterrent agent. In another example, an additive comprises a
processing aid. In still another example, an additive comprises a
filler. In one example, an additive comprises any material present
in the fibrous element that its absence from the fibrous element
would not result in the fibrous element losing its fibrous element
structure, in other words, its absence does not result in the
fibrous element losing its solid form. In another example, an
additive, for example an active agent, comprises a non-polymer
material.
[0110] In another example, an additive comprises a plasticizer for
the fibrous element. Non-limiting examples of suitable plasticizers
for the present invention include polyols, copolyols,
polycarboxylic acids, polyesters and dimethicone copolyols.
Examples of useful polyols include, but are not limited to,
glycerin, diglycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, butylene
glycol, pentylene glycol, cyclohexane dimethanol, hexanediol,
2,2,4-trimethylpentane-1,3-diol, polyethylene glycol (200-600),
pentaerythritol, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, manitol, lactitol
and other mono- and polyhydric low molecular weight alcohols (e.g.,
C2-C8 alcohols); mono di- and oligo-saccharides such as fructose,
glucose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, high fructose corn syrup
solids, and dextrins, and ascorbic acid.
[0111] In one example, the plasticizer includes glycerin and/or
propylene glycol and/or glycerol derivatives such as propoxylated
glycerol. In still another example, the plasticizer is selected
from the group consisting of glycerin, ethylene glycol,
polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycidol, urea, sorbitol,
xylitol, maltitol, sugars, ethylene bisformamide, amino acids,
sorbates, and mixtures thereof
[0112] In another example, an additive comprises a crosslinking
agent suitable for crosslinking one or more of the fibrous
element-forming materials present in the fibrous elements of the
present invention. In one example, the crosslinking agent comprises
a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking hydroxyl polymers
together, for example via the hydroxyl polymers hydroxyl moieties.
Non-limiting examples of suitable crosslinking agents include
imidazolidinones, polycarboxylic acids and mixtures thereof. In one
example, the crosslinking agent comprises a urea glyoxal adduct
crosslinking agent, for example a dihydroxyimidazolidinone, such as
dihydroxyethylene urea ("DHEU"). A crosslinking agent can be
present in the fibrous element-forming composition and/or fibrous
element of the present invention to control the fibrous element's
solubility and/or dissolution in a solvent, such as a polar
solvent.
[0113] In another example, an additive comprises a rheology
modifier, such as a shear modifier and/or an extensional modifier.
Non-limiting examples of rheology modifiers include but not limited
to polyacrylamide, polyurethanes and polyacrylates that may be used
in the fibrous elements of the present invention. Non-limiting
examples of rheology modifiers are commercially available from The
Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.).
[0114] In yet another example, an additive comprises one or more
colors and/or dyes that are incorporated into the fibrous elements
of the present invention to provide a visual signal when the
fibrous elements are exposed to conditions of intended use and/or
when an active agent is released from the fibrous elements and/or
when the fibrous element's morphology changes.
[0115] In still yet another example, an additive comprises one or
more release agents and/or lubricants. Non-limiting examples of
suitable release agents and/or lubricants include fatty acids,
fatty acid salts, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, sulfonated fatty
acid esters, fatty amine acetates, fatty amide, silicones,
aminosilicones, fluoropolymers, and mixtures thereof. In one
example, the release agents and/or lubricants are applied to the
fibrous element, in other words, after the fibrous element is
formed. In one example, one or more release agents/lubricants are
applied to the fibrous element prior to collecting the fibrous
elements on a collection device to form a soluble fibrous
structure. In another example, one or more release
agents/lubricants are applied to a soluble fibrous structure formed
from the fibrous elements of the present invention prior to
contacting one or more soluble fibrous structures, such as in a
stack of soluble fibrous structures. In yet another example, one or
more release agents/lubricants are applied to the fibrous element
of the present invention and/or soluble fibrous structure
comprising the fibrous element prior to the fibrous element and/or
soluble fibrous structure contacting a surface, such as a surface
of equipment used in a processing system so as to facilitate
removal of the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure
and/or to avoid layers of fibrous elements and/or soluble fibrous
structures of the present invention sticking to one another, even
inadvertently. In one example, the release agents/lubricants
comprise particulates.
[0116] In even still yet another example, an additive comprises one
or more anti-blocking and/or detackifying agents. Non-limiting
examples of suitable anti-blocking and/or detackifying agents
include starches, starch derivatives, crosslinked
polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked cellulose, microcrystalline
cellulose, silica, metallic oxides, calcium carbonate, talc, mica,
and mixtures thereof.
[0117] "Conditions of intended use" as used herein means the
temperature, physical, chemical, and/or mechanical conditions that
a fibrous element of the present invention is exposed to when the
fibrous element is used for one or more of its designed purposes.
For example, if a fibrous element and/or a soluble fibrous
structure comprising a fibrous element are designed to be used in a
washing machine for laundry care purposes, the conditions of
intended use will include that temperature, chemical, physical
and/or mechanical conditions present in a washing machine,
including any wash water, during a laundry washing operation. In
another example, if a fibrous element and/or a soluble fibrous
structure comprising a fibrous element are designed to be used by a
human as a shampoo for hair care purposes, the conditions of
intended use will include that temperature, chemical, physical
and/or mechanical conditions present during the shampooing of the
human's hair. Likewise, if a fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous
structure comprising a fibrous element is designed to be used in a
dishwashing operation, by hand or by a dishwashing machine, the
conditions of intended use will include the temperature, chemical,
physical and/or mechanical conditions present in a dishwashing
water and/or dishwashing machine, during the dishwashing
operation.
[0118] "Active agent" as used herein means an additive that
produces an intended effect in an environment external to a fibrous
element and/or soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous
element of the present, such as when the fibrous element is exposed
to conditions of intended use of the fibrous element and/or soluble
fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element. In one example,
an active agent comprises an additive that treats a surface, such
as a hard surface (i.e., kitchen countertops, bath tubs, toilets,
toilet bowls, sinks, floors, walls, teeth, cars, windows, mirrors,
dishes) and/or a soft surface (i.e., fabric, hair, skin, carpet,
crops, plants). In another example, an active agent comprises an
additive that creates a chemical reaction (i.e., foaming, fizzing,
coloring, warming, cooling, lathering, disinfecting and/or
clarifying and/or chlorinating, such as in clarifying water and/or
disinfecting water and/or chlorinating water). In yet another
example, an active agent comprises an additive that treats an
environment (i.e., deodorizes, purifies, perfumes air). In one
example, the active agent is formed in situ, such as during the
formation of the fibrous element containing the active agent, for
example the fibrous element may comprise a water-soluble polymer
(e.g., starch) and a surfactant (e.g., anionic surfactant), which
may create a polymer complex or coacervate that functions as the
active agent used to treat fabric surfaces.
[0119] "Treats" as used herein with respect to treating a surface
means that the active agent provides a benefit to a surface or
environment. Treats includes regulating and/or immediately
improving a surface's or environment's appearance, cleanliness,
smell, purity and/or feel. In one example treating in reference to
treating a keratinous tissue (for example skin and/or hair) surface
means regulating and/or immediately improving the keratinous
tissue's cosmetic appearance and/or feel. For instance, "regulating
skin, hair, or nail (keratinous tissue) condition" includes:
thickening of skin, hair, or nails (e.g., building the epidermis
and/or dermis and/or sub-dermal [e.g., subcutaneous fat or muscle]
layers of the skin, and where applicable the keratinous layers of
the nail and hair shaft) to reduce skin, hair, or nail atrophy,
increasing the convolution of the dermal-epidermal border (also
known as the rete ridges), preventing loss of skin or hair
elasticity (loss, damage and/or inactivation of functional skin
elastin) such as elastosis, sagging, loss of skin or hair recoil
from deformation; melanin or non-melanin change in coloration to
the skin, hair, or nails such as under eye circles, blotching
(e.g., uneven red coloration due to, e.g., rosacea) (hereinafter
referred to as "red blotchiness"), sallowness (pale color),
discoloration caused by telangiectasia or spider vessels, and
graying hair.
[0120] In another example, treating means removing stains and/or
odors from fabric articles, such as clothes, towels, linens, and/or
hard surfaces, such as countertops and/or dishware including pots
and pans.
[0121] "Fabric care active agent" as used herein means an active
agent that when applied to fabric provides a benefit and/or
improvement to the fabric. Non-limiting examples of benefits and/or
improvements to fabric include cleaning (for example by
surfactants), stain removal, stain reduction, wrinkle reduction,
color restoration, static control, wrinkle resistance, permanent
press, wear reduction, wear resistance, pill removal, pill
resistance, soil removal, soil resistance (including soil release),
shape retention, shrinkage reduction, softness, fragrance,
anti-bacterial, anti-viral, odor resistance, and odor removal.
[0122] "Dishwashing active agent" as used herein means an active
agent that when applied to dishware, glassware, pots, pans,
utensils, and/or cooking sheets provides a benefit and/or
improvement to the dishware, glassware, plastic items, pots, pans
and/or cooking sheets. Non-limiting example of benefits and/or
improvements to the dishware, glassware, plastic items, pots, pans,
utensils, and/or cooking sheets include food and/or soil removal,
cleaning (for example by surfactants) stain removal, stain
reduction, grease removal, water spot removal and/or water spot
prevention, glass and metal care, sanitization, shining, and
polishing.
[0123] "Hard surface active agent" as used herein means an active
agent when applied to floors, countertops, sinks, windows, mirrors,
showers, baths, and/or toilets provides a benefit and/or
improvement to the floors, countertops, sinks, windows, mirrors,
showers, baths, and/or toilets. Non-limiting example of benefits
and/or improvements to the floors, countertops, sinks, windows,
mirrors, showers, baths, and/or toilets include food and/or soil
removal, cleaning (for example by surfactants), stain removal,
stain reduction, grease removal, water spot removal and/or water
spot prevention, limescale removal, disinfection, shining,
polishing, and freshening.
[0124] "Beauty benefit active agent," as used herein, refers to an
active agent that can deliver one or more beauty benefits.
[0125] "Skin care active agent" as used herein, means an active
agent that when applied to the skin provides a benefit or
improvement to the skin. It is to be understood that skin care
active agents are useful not only for application to skin, but also
to hair, scalp, nails and other mammalian keratinous tissue.
[0126] "Hair care active agent" as used herein, means an active
agent that when applied to mammalian hair provides a benefit and/or
improvement to the hair. Non-limiting examples of benefits and/or
improvements to hair include softness, static control, hair repair,
dandruff removal, dandruff resistance, hair coloring, shape
retention, hair retention, and hair growth.
[0127] "Weight ratio" as used herein means the dry fibrous element,
for example filament, basis and/or dry fibrous element-forming
material (g or %) on a dry weight basis in the fibrous element, for
example filament, to the weight of additive, such as active
agent(s) (g or %) on a dry weight basis in the fibrous element, for
example filament.
[0128] "Hydroxyl polymer" as used herein includes any
hydroxyl-containing polymer that can be incorporated into a fibrous
element of the present invention, for example as a fibrous
element-forming material. In one example, the hydroxyl polymer of
the present invention includes greater than 10% and/or greater than
20% and/or greater than 25% by weight hydroxyl moieties.
[0129] "Biodegradable" as used herein means, with respect to a
material, such as a fibrous element as a whole and/or a polymer
within a fibrous element, such as a fibrous element-forming
material, that the fibrous element and/or polymer is capable of
undergoing and/or does undergo physical, chemical, thermal and/or
biological degradation in a municipal solid waste composting
facility such that at least 5% and/or at least 7% and/or at least
10% of the original fibrous element and/or polymer is converted
into carbon dioxide after 30 days as measured according to the OECD
(1992) Guideline for the Testing of Chemicals 301B; Ready
Biodegradability--CO.sub.2 Evolution (Modified Sturm Test) Test
incorporated herein by reference.
[0130] "Non-biodegradable" as used herein means, with respect to a
material, such as a fibrous element as a whole and/or a polymer
within a fibrous element, such as a fibrous element-forming
material, that the fibrous element and/or polymer is not capable of
undergoing physical, chemical, thermal and/or biological
degradation in a municipal solid waste composting facility such
that at least 5% of the original fibrous element and/or polymer is
converted into carbon dioxide after 30 days as measured according
to the OECD (1992) Guideline for the Testing of Chemicals 301B;
Ready Biodegradability--CO.sub.2 Evolution (Modified Sturm Test)
Test incorporated herein by reference.
[0131] "Non-thermoplastic" as used herein means, with respect to a
material, such as a fibrous element as a whole and/or a polymer
within a fibrous element, such as a fibrous element-forming
material, that the fibrous element and/or polymer exhibits no
melting point and/or softening point, which allows it to flow under
pressure, in the absence of a plasticizer, such as water, glycerin,
sorbitol, urea and the like.
[0132] "Non-thermoplastic, biodegradable fibrous element" as used
herein means a fibrous element that exhibits the properties of
being biodegradable and non-thermoplastic as defined above.
[0133] "Non-thermoplastic, non-biodegradable fibrous element" as
used herein means a fibrous element that exhibits the properties of
being non-biodegradable and non-thermoplastic as defined above.
[0134] "Thermoplastic" as used herein means, with respect to a
material, such as a fibrous element as a whole and/or a polymer
within a fibrous element, such as a fibrous element-forming
material, that the fibrous element and/or polymer exhibits a
melting point and/or softening point at a certain temperature,
which allows it to flow under pressure, in the absence of a
plasticizer
[0135] "Thermoplastic, biodegradable fibrous element" as used
herein means a fibrous element that exhibits the properties of
being biodegradable and thermoplastic as defined above.
[0136] "Thermoplastic, non-biodegradable fibrous element" as used
herein means a fibrous element that exhibits the properties of
being non-biodegradable and thermoplastic as defined above.
[0137] "Non-cellulose-containing" as used herein means that less
than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or less than 1% and/or less than
0.1% and/or 0% by weight of cellulose polymer, cellulose derivative
polymer and/or cellulose copolymer is present in fibrous element.
In one example, "non-cellulose-containing" means that less than 5%
and/or less than 3% and/or less than 1% and/or less than 0.1%
and/or 0% by weight of cellulose polymer is present in fibrous
element.
[0138] "Polar solvent-soluble material" as used herein means a
material that is miscible in a polar solvent. In one example, a
polar solvent-soluble material is miscible in alcohol and/or water.
In other words, a polar solvent-soluble material is a material that
is capable of forming a stable (does not phase separate for greater
than 5 minutes after forming the homogeneous solution) homogeneous
solution with a polar solvent, such as alcohol and/or water at
ambient conditions.
[0139] "Alcohol-soluble material" as used herein means a material
that is miscible in alcohol. In other words, a material that is
capable of forming a stable (does not phase separate for greater
than 5 minutes after forming the homogeneous solution) homogeneous
solution with an alcohol at ambient conditions.
[0140] "Water-soluble material" as used herein means a material
that is miscible in water. In other words, a material that is
capable of forming a stable (does not separate for greater than 5
minutes after forming the homogeneous solution) homogeneous
solution with water at ambient conditions.
[0141] "Non-polar solvent-soluble material" as used herein means a
material that is miscible in a non-polar solvent. In other words, a
non-polar solvent-soluble material is a material that is capable of
forming a stable (does not phase separate for greater than 5
minutes after forming the homogeneous solution) homogeneous
solution with a non-polar solvent.
[0142] "Ambient conditions" as used herein means 73.degree.
F..+-.4.degree. F. (about 23.degree. C..+-.2.2.degree. C.) and a
relative humidity of 50%.+-.10%.
[0143] "Weight average molecular weight" as used herein means the
weight average molecular weight as determined using the Weight
Average Molecular Weight Test Method described herein.
[0144] "Length" as used herein, with respect to a fibrous element,
means the length along the longest axis of the fibrous element from
one terminus to the other terminus. If a fibrous element has a
kink, curl or curves in it, then the length is the length along the
entire path of the fibrous element.
[0145] "Diameter" as used herein, with respect to a fibrous
element, is measured according to the Diameter Test Method
described herein. In one example, a fibrous element of the present
invention exhibits a diameter of less than 100 .mu.m and/or less
than 75 .mu.m and/or less than 50 .mu.m and/or less than 25 .mu.m
and/or less than 20 .mu.m and/or less than 15 .mu.m and/or less
than 10 .mu.m and/or less than 6 .mu.m and/or greater than 1 .mu.m
and/or greater than 3 .mu.m.
[0146] "Triggering condition" as used herein in one example means
anything, as an act or event, that serves as a stimulus and
initiates or precipitates a change in the fibrous element, such as
a loss or altering of the fibrous element's physical structure
and/or a release of an additive, such as an active agent. In
another example, the triggering condition may be present in an
environment, such as water, when a fibrous element and/or soluble
fibrous structure and/or film of the present invention are added to
the water. In other words, nothing changes in the water except for
the fact that the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure
and/or film of the present invention are added to the water.
[0147] "Morphology changes" as used herein with respect to a
fibrous element's morphology changing means that the fibrous
element experiences a change in its physical structure.
Non-limiting examples of morphology changes for a fibrous element
of the present invention include dissolution, melting, swelling,
shrinking, breaking into pieces, exploding, lengthening,
shortening, and combinations thereof. The fibrous elements of the
present invention may completely or substantially lose their
fibrous element physical structure or they may have their
morphology changed or they may retain or substantially retain their
fibrous element physical structure as they are exposed to
conditions of intended use.
[0148] "By weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or dry soluble
fibrous structure basis" means that the weight of the fibrous
element and/or soluble fibrous structure measured immediately after
the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure has been
conditioned in a conditioned room at a temperature of 23.degree.
C..+-.1.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 50%.+-.2% for 2
hours. In one example, "by weight on a dry fibrous element basis
and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis" means that the fibrous
element and/or soluble fibrous structure comprises less than 20%
and/or less than 15% and/or less than 10% and/or less than 7%
and/or less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or to 0% and/or to
greater than 0% based on the weight of the fibrous element and/or
soluble fibrous structure of moisture, such as water, for example
free water, as measured according to the Water Content Test Method
described herein.
[0149] "Total level" as used herein, for example with respect to
the total level of one or more active agents present in the fibrous
element and/or soluble fibrous structure, means the sum of the
weights or weight percent of all of the subject materials, for
example active agents. In other words, a fibrous element and/or
soluble fibrous structure may comprise 25% by weight on a dry
fibrous element basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis of
an anionic surfactant, 15% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis
and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis of a nonionic
surfactant, 10% by weight of a chelant, and 5% of a perfume so that
the total level of active agents present in the fibrous element is
greater than 50%; namely 55% by weight on a dry fibrous element
basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis.
[0150] "Detergent product" as used herein means a solid form, for
example a rectangular solid, sometimes referred to as a sheet, that
comprises one or more active agents, for example a fabric care
active agent, a dishwashing active agent, a hard surface active
agent, and mixtures thereof. In one example, a detergent product of
the present invention comprises one or more surfactants, one or
more enzymes, one or more perfumes and/or one or more suds
suppressors. In another example, a detergent product of the present
invention comprises a builder and/or a chelating agent. In another
example, a detergent product of the present invention comprises a
bleaching agent.
[0151] In one example, the detergent product comprises a fibrous
structure, for example a soluble fibrous structure.
[0152] "Different from" or "different" as used herein means, with
respect to a material, such as a fibrous element as a whole and/or
a fibrous element-forming material within a fibrous element and/or
an active agent within a fibrous element, that one material, such
as a fibrous element and/or a fibrous element-forming material
and/or an active agent, is chemically, physically and/or
structurally different from another material, such as a fibrous
element and/or a fibrous element-forming material and/or an active
agent. For example, a fibrous element-forming material in the form
of a filament is different from the same fibrous element-forming
material in the form of a fiber. Likewise, starch is different from
cellulose. However, different molecular weights of the same
material, such as different molecular weights of a starch, are not
different materials from one another for purposes of the present
invention.
[0153] "Random mixture of polymers" as used herein means that two
or more different fibrous element-forming materials are randomly
combined to form a fibrous element. Accordingly, two or more
different fibrous element-forming materials that are orderly
combined to form a fibrous element, such as a core and sheath
bicomponent fibrous element, is not a random mixture of different
fibrous element-forming materials for purposes of the present
invention.
[0154] "Associate," "Associated," "Association," and/or
"Associating" as used herein with respect to fibrous elements
and/or particle means combining, either in direct contact or in
indirect contact, fibrous elements and/or particles such that a
fibrous structure is formed. In one example, the associated fibrous
elements and/or particles may be bonded together for example by
adhesives and/or thermal bonds. In another example, the fibrous
elements and/or particles may be associated with one another by
being deposited onto the same fibrous structure making belt and/or
patterned belt.
[0155] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" when used herein,
for example, "an anionic surfactant" or "a fiber" is understood to
mean one or more of the material that is claimed or described.
[0156] All percentages and ratios are calculated by weight unless
otherwise indicated. All percentages and ratios are calculated
based on the total composition unless otherwise indicated.
[0157] Unless otherwise noted, all component or composition levels
are in reference to the active level of that component or
composition, and are exclusive of impurities, for example, residual
solvents or by-products, which may be present in commercially
available sources.
Fibrous Structure
[0158] The fibrous structures, for example soluble fibrous
structures, of the present invention comprise a plurality of
fibrous elements, for example a plurality of filaments, one or more
active agents and one or more deterrent agents. In one example, the
plurality of fibrous elements is inter-entangled to form a fibrous
structure, for example a soluble fibrous structure.
[0159] In one example of the present invention, the fibrous
structure is a soluble fibrous structure.
[0160] In one example of the present invention, the soluble fibrous
structure is a water-soluble fibrous structure.
[0161] In another example of the present invention, the fibrous
structure is an apertured fibrous structure. In one example, the
fibrous structure is a water-soluble fibrous structure comprising a
plurality of apertures. The apertures may be arranged in a
non-random, repeating pattern within the fibrous structures of the
present invention.
[0162] When present in the fibrous structures, the apertures may be
of virtually any shape and size. In one example, the apertures are
generally round or oblong shaped, in a regular pattern of spaced
apart openings. The apertures can each have a diameter of from
about 0.1 to about 2 mm and/or from about 0.5 to about 1 mm. The
apertures may form an open area within an apertured, water-soluble
fibrous structure of from about 0.5% to about 25% and/or from about
1% to about 20% and/or from about 2% to about 10%. It is believed
that the benefits of the present invention can be realized with
non-repeating and/or non-regular patterns of apertures having
various shapes and sizes. Aperturing of fibrous structures, for
example water-soluble fibrous structures, can be accomplished by
any number of techniques. For example, aperturing can be
accomplished by various processes involving bonding and stretching,
such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,949,127 and 5,873,868.
In one embodiment, the apertures may be formed by forming a
plurality of spaced, melt stabilized regions, and then ring-rolling
the fibrous structure to stretch the fibrous structure and form
apertures in the melt stabilized regions, as described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,628,097 and 5,916,661, both of which are hereby incorporated
by reference herein. In another embodiment, apertures can be formed
in a multilayer, fibrous structure configuration by the method
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,830,800 and 6,863,960 which are
hereby incorporated herein by reference. Still another process for
aperturing fibrous structures is described in U.S. Pat. No.
8,241,543 entitled "Method And Apparatus For Making An Apertured
Fibrous structure", which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0163] In one example, the fibrous structure, for example soluble
fibrous structure, comprises a plurality of identical or
substantially identical from a compositional perspective of fibrous
elements according to the present invention. In another example,
the fibrous structure, for example soluble fibrous structure, may
comprise two or more different fibrous elements according to the
present invention. Non-limiting examples of differences in the
fibrous elements may be physical differences such as differences in
diameter, length, texture, shape, rigidness, elasticity, and the
like; chemical differences such as crosslinking level, solubility,
melting point, Tg, active agent, fibrous element-forming material,
color, level of active agent, basis weight, level of fibrous
element-forming material, presence of any coating on fibrous
element, biodegradable or not, hydrophobic or not, contact angle,
and the like; differences in whether the fibrous element loses its
physical structure when the fibrous element is exposed to
conditions of intended use; differences in whether the fibrous
element's morphology changes when the fibrous element is exposed to
conditions of intended use; and differences in rate at which the
fibrous element releases one or more of its active agents when the
fibrous element is exposed to conditions of intended use. In one
example, two or more fibrous elements and/or particles within the
soluble fibrous structure may comprise different active agents.
This may be the case where the different active agents may be
incompatible with one another, for example an anionic surfactant
(such as a shampoo active agent) and a cationic surfactant (such as
a hair conditioner active agent).
[0164] In another example, the fibrous structure, for example
soluble fibrous structure, may exhibit different regions, such as
different regions of basis weight, density, and/or caliper. In yet
another example, the fibrous structure, for example soluble fibrous
structure, may comprise texture on one or more of its surfaces. A
surface of the fibrous structure, for example soluble fibrous
structure, may comprise a pattern, such as a non-random, repeating
pattern. The fibrous structure, for example soluble fibrous
structure, may be embossed with an emboss pattern.
[0165] In one example, the fibrous structure may comprise discrete
regions of fibrous elements that differ from other parts of the
soluble fibrous structure. Non-limiting examples of different
regions within fibrous structures are described in U.S. Published
Patent Application Nos. 2013/0171421 and 2013/0167305 incorporated
herein by reference.
[0166] The fibrous structure of the present invention may comprise
a plurality of particles, for example particles comprising active
agents, particles comprising deterrent agents, and particles
comprising both active agents and deterrent agents. Non-limiting
examples of fibrous structures comprising particles comprising
active agents are described in U.S. Published Patent Application
No. 2013/0172226 incorporated herein by reference.
[0167] The fibrous structure of the present invention may be used
as is or may be coated with one or more active agents and/or one or
more deterrent agents.
[0168] In one example, the fibrous structure of the present
invention exhibits a thickness of greater than 0.01 mm and/or
greater than 0.05 mm and/or greater than 0.1 mm and/or to about 100
mm and/or to about 50 mm and/or to about 20 mm and/or to about 10
mm and/or to about 5 mm and/or to about 2 mm and/or to about 0.5 mm
and/or to about 0.3 mm as measured by the Thickness Test Method
described herein.
[0169] In another example, the fibrous structure of the present
invention exhibits a Geometric Mean (GM) Tensile Strength of about
200 g/cm or more, and/or about 500 g/cm or more, and/or about 1000
g/cm or more, and/or about 1500 g/cm or more, and/or about 2000
g/cm or more and/or less than 5000 g/cm and/or less than 4000 g/cm
and/or less than 3000 g/cm and/or less than 2500 g/cm as measured
according to the Tensile Test Method described herein.
[0170] In another example, the fibrous structure of the present
invention exhibits a Geometric Mean (GM) Peak Elongation of less
than 1000% and/or less than 800% and/or less than 650% and/or less
than 550% and/or less than 500% and/or less than 250% and/or less
than 100% as measured according to the Tensile Test Method
described herein.
[0171] In another example, the fibrous structure of the present
invention exhibits a Geometric Mean (GM) Tangent Modulus of less
than 5000 g/cm and/or less than 3000 g/cm and/or greater than 100
g/cm and/or greater than 500 g/cm and/or greater than 1000 g/cm
and/or greater than 1500 g/cm as measured according to the Tensile
Test Method described herein.
[0172] In another example, the fibrous structure of the present
invention exhibits a Geometric Mean (GM) Secant Modulus of less
than less than 5000 g/cm and/or less than 3000 g/cm and/or less
than 2500 g/cm and/or less than 2000 g/cm and/or less than 1500
g/cm and/or greater than 100 g/cm and/or greater than 300 g/cm
and/or greater than 500 g/cm as measured according to the Tensile
Test Method described herein.
[0173] One or more, and/or a plurality of fibrous elements of the
present invention may form a fibrous structure by any suitable
process known in the art. The fibrous structure may be used to
deliver active agents from the fibrous elements of the present
invention when the fibrous structure is exposed to conditions of
intended use of the fibrous elements and/or fibrous structure.
[0174] The fibrous structures of the present invention may comprise
a plurality of identical or substantially identical from a
compositional perspective fibrous elements according to the present
invention. In another example, the fibrous structure may comprise
two or more different fibrous elements according to the present
invention. Non-limiting examples of differences in the fibrous
elements may be physical differences such as differences in
diameter, length, texture, shape, rigidness, elasticity, and the
like; chemical differences such as crosslinking level, solubility,
melting point, Tg, active agent, fibrous element-forming material,
color, level of active agent, level of fibrous element-forming
material, presence of any coating on fibrous element, biodegradable
or not, hydrophobic or not, contact angle, and the like;
differences in whether the fibrous element loses its physical
structure when the fibrous element is exposed to conditions of
intended use; differences in whether the fibrous element's
morphology changes when the fibrous element is exposed to
conditions of intended use; and differences in rate at which the
fibrous element releases one or more of its active agents when the
fibrous element is exposed to conditions of intended use. In one
example, two or more fibrous elements within the soluble fibrous
structure may comprise the same fibrous element-forming material,
but have different active agents. This may be the case where the
different active agents may be incompatible with one another, for
example an anionic surfactant (such as a shampoo active agent) and
a cationic surfactant (such as a hair conditioner active
agent).
[0175] As shown in FIG. 2, a fibrous structure 14 of the present
invention may comprise two or more different layers 16, 18 (in the
z-direction of the soluble fibrous structure 14) of fibrous
elements 10, for example filaments, of the present invention that
form the fibrous structure 14. The fibrous elements 10 in layer 16
may be the same as or different from the fibrous elements 10 of
layer 18. Each layer 16, 18 may comprise a plurality of identical
or substantially identical or different fibrous elements 10. For
example, fibrous elements 10 that may release their active agents
at a faster rate than others within the fibrous structure 14 may be
positioned to an external surface of the fibrous structure 14. In
addition to the fibrous elements 10, one or more of the layers may
comprise one or more particles (not shown), for example active
agent-containing particles and/or deterrent agent-containing
particles dispersed throughout the layers 16, 18 and/or throughout
the fibrous structure 14. In addition and/or alternatively, one or
more surfaces of the fibrous structure may comprise one or more
active agents and/or one or more deterrent agents.
[0176] Non-limiting examples of use of the fibrous structure of the
present invention include, but are not limited to a laundry dryer
substrate, washing machine substrate, washcloth, hard surface
cleaning and/or polishing substrate, floor cleaning and/or
polishing substrate, as a component in a battery, baby wipe, adult
wipe, feminine hygiene wipe, bath tissue wipe, window cleaning
substrate, oil containment and/or scavenging substrate, insect
repellant substrate, swimming pool chemical substrate, food, breath
freshener, deodorant, waste disposal bag, packaging film and/or
wrap, wound dressing, medicine delivery, building insulation, crops
and/or plant cover and/or bedding, glue substrate, skin care
substrate, hair care substrate, air care substrate, water treatment
substrate and/or filter, toilet bowl cleaning substrate, candy
substrate, pet food, livestock bedding, teeth whitening substrates,
carpet cleaning substrates, and other suitable uses of the active
agents of the present invention.
[0177] The soluble fibrous structures of the present invention may
exhibit an average disintegration time of about 60 seconds (s) or
less, and/or about 30 s or less, and/or about 10 s or less, and/or
about 5 s or less, and/or about 2.0 s or less and/or about 1.5 s or
less as measured according to the Dissolution Test Method described
herein.
[0178] The soluble fibrous structures of the present invention may
exhibit an average dissolution time of about 600 seconds (s) or
less, and/or about 400 s or less, and/or about 300 s or less,
and/or about 200 s or less, and/or about 175 s or less and/or about
100 or less and/or about 50 or less and/or greater than 1 as
measured according to the Dissolution Test Method described
herein.
[0179] The soluble fibrous structures of the present invention may
exhibit an average disintegration time per gsm of sample of about
1.0 second/gsm (s/gsm) or less, and/or about 0.5 s/gsm or less,
and/or about 0.2 s/gsm or less, and/or about 0.1 s/gsm or less,
and/or about 0.05 s/gsm or less, and/or about 0.03 s/gsm or less as
measured according to the Dissolution Test Method described
herein.
[0180] The soluble fibrous structures of the present invention
having such fibrous elements may exhibit an average dissolution
time per gsm of sample of about 10 seconds/gsm (s/gsm) or less,
and/or about 5.0 s/gsm or less, and/or about 3.0 s/gsm or less,
and/or about 2.0 s/gsm or less, and/or about 1.8 s/gsm or less,
and/or about 1.5 s/gsm or less as measured according to the
Dissolution Test Method described herein.
[0181] In one example, the soluble fibrous structure of the present
invention exhibits a thickness of greater than 0.01 mm and/or
greater than 0.05 mm and/or greater than 0.1 mm and/or to about 20
mm and/or to about 10 mm and/or to about 5 mm and/or to about 2 mm
and/or to about 0.5 mm and/or to about 0.3 mm as measured by the
Thickness Test Method described herein.
[0182] In certain embodiments, suitable fibrous structures can have
a water content (% moisture) from 0% to about 20%; in certain
embodiments, fibrous structures can have a water content from about
1% to about 15%; and in certain embodiments, fibrous structures can
have a water content from about 5% to about 10% as measured
according to the Water Content Test Method described herein.
Fibrous Elements
[0183] The fibrous element, such as a filament and/or fiber, of the
present invention comprises one or more fibrous element-forming
materials. In addition to the fibrous element-forming materials,
the fibrous element may further comprise one or more active agents
present within the fibrous element that are releasable from the
fibrous element, for example a filament, such as when the fibrous
element and/or soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous
element is exposed to conditions of intended use. In one example,
the total level of the one or more fibrous element-forming
materials present in the fibrous element is less than 80% by weight
on a dry fibrous element basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure
basis and the total level of the one or more active agents present
in the fibrous element is greater than 20% by weight on a dry
fibrous element basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure
basis.
[0184] In one example, the fibrous element of the present invention
comprises about 100% and/or greater than 95% and/or greater than
90% and/or greater than 85% and/or greater than 75% and/or greater
than 50% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or dry
soluble fibrous structure basis of one or more fibrous
element-forming materials. For example, the fibrous element-forming
material may comprise polyvinyl alcohol, starch, modified starches
such as propoxylated starch and/or ethoxylated starch, modified
celulluoses such as carboxymethylcellulose and/or
hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, and other suitable polymers,
especially hydroxyl polymers.
[0185] In another example, the fibrous element of the present
invention comprises one or more fibrous element-forming materials
and one or more active agents wherein the total level of fibrous
element-forming materials present in the fibrous element is from
about 5% to less than 80% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis
and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis and the total level of
active agents present in the fibrous element is greater than 20% to
about 95% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or dry
soluble fibrous structure basis.
[0186] In one example, the fibrous element of the present invention
comprises at least 10% and/or at least 15% and/or at least 20%
and/or less than less than 80% and/or less than 75% and/or less
than 65% and/or less than 60% and/or less than 55% and/or less than
50% and/or less than 45% and/or less than 40% by weight on a dry
fibrous element basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis of
the fibrous element-forming materials and greater than 20% and/or
at least 35% and/or at least 40% and/or at least 45% and/or at
least 50% and/or at least 60% and/or less than 95% and/or less than
90% and/or less than 85% and/or less than 80% and/or less than 75%
by weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or dry soluble fibrous
structure basis of active agents.
[0187] In one example, the fibrous element of the present invention
comprises at least 5% and/or at least 10% and/or at least 15%
and/or at least 20% and/or less than 50% and/or less than 45%
and/or less than 40% and/or less than 35% and/or less than 30%
and/or less than 25% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis
and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis of the fibrous
element-forming materials and greater than 50% and/or at least 55%
and/or at least 60% and/or at least 65% and/or at least 70% and/or
less than 95% and/or less than 90% and/or less than 85% and/or less
than 80% and/or less than 75% by weight on a dry fibrous element
basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis of active agents.
In one example, the fibrous element of the present invention
comprises greater than 80% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis
and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis of active agents.
[0188] In another example, the one or more fibrous element-forming
materials and active agents are present in the fibrous element at a
weight ratio of total level of fibrous element-forming materials to
active agents of 4.0 or less and/or 3.5 or less and/or 3.0 or less
and/or 2.5 or less and/or 2.0 or less and/or 1.85 or less and/or
less than 1.7 and/or less than 1.6 and/or less than 1.5 and/or less
than 1.3 and/or less than 1.2 and/or less than 1 and/or less than
0.7 and/or less than 0.5 and/or less than 0.4 and/or less than 0.3
and/or greater than 0.1 and/or greater than 0.15 and/or greater
than 0.2.
[0189] In still another example, the fibrous element of the present
invention comprises from about 10% and/or from about 15% to less
than 80% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or dry
soluble fibrous structure basis of a fibrous element-forming
material, such as polyvinyl alcohol polymer, starch polymer, and/or
carboxymethylcellulose polymer, and greater than 20% to about 90%
and/or to about 85% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or
dry soluble fibrous structure basis of an active agent. The fibrous
element may further comprise a plasticizer, such as glycerin and/or
pH adjusting agents, such as citric acid.
[0190] In yet another example, the fibrous element of the present
invention comprises from about 10% and/or from about 15% to less
than 80% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or dry
soluble fibrous structure basis of a fibrous element-forming
material, such as polyvinyl alcohol polymer, starch polymer, and/or
carboxymethylcellulose polymer, and greater than 20% to about 90%
and/or to about 85% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or
dry soluble fibrous structure basis of an active agent, wherein the
weight ratio of fibrous element-forming material to active agent is
4.0 or less. The fibrous element may further comprise a
plasticizer, such as glycerin and/or pH adjusting agents, such as
citric acid.
[0191] In even another example of the present invention, a fibrous
element comprises one or more fibrous element-forming materials and
one or more active agents selected from the group consisting of:
enzymes, bleaching agents, builder, chelants, sensates,
dispersants, and mixtures thereof that are releasable and/or
released when the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure
comprising the fibrous element is exposed to conditions of intended
use. In one example, the fibrous element comprises a total level of
fibrous element-forming materials of less than 95% and/or less than
90% and/or less than 80% and/or less than 50% and/or less than 35%
and/or to about 5% and/or to about 10% and/or to about 20% by
weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or dry soluble fibrous
structure basis and a total level of active agents selected from
the group consisting of: enzymes, bleaching agents, builder,
chelants, perfumes, antimicrobials, antibacterials, antifungals,
and mixtures thereof of greater than 5% and/or greater than 10%
and/or greater than 20% and/or greater than 35% and/or greater than
50% and/or greater than 65% and/or to about 95% and/or to about 90%
and/or to about 80% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or
dry soluble fibrous structure basis. In one example, the active
agent comprises one or more enzymes. In another example, the active
agent comprises one or more bleaching agents. In yet another
example, the active agent comprises one or more builders. In still
another example, the active agent comprises one or more chelants.
In still another example, the active agent comprises one or more
perfumes. In even still another example, the active agent comprises
one or more antimicrobials, antibacterials, and/or antifungals.
[0192] In yet another example of the present invention, the fibrous
elements of the present invention may comprise active agents that
may create health and/or safety concerns if they become airborne.
For example, the fibrous element may be used to inhibit enzymes
within the fibrous element from becoming airborne.
[0193] In one example, the fibrous elements of the present
invention may be meltblown fibrous elements. In another example,
the fibrous elements of the present invention may be spunbond
fibrous elements. In another example, the fibrous elements may be
hollow fibrous elements prior to and/or after release of one or
more of its active agents.
[0194] The fibrous elements of the present invention may be
hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The fibrous elements may be surface
treated and/or internally treated to change the inherent
hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties of the fibrous element.
[0195] In one example, the fibrous element exhibits a diameter of
less than 100 .mu.m and/or less than 75 .mu.m and/or less than 50
.mu.m and/or less than 25 .mu.m and/or less than 10 .mu.m and/or
less than 5 .mu.m and/or less than 1 .mu.m as measured according to
the Diameter Test Method described herein. In another example, the
fibrous element of the present invention exhibits a diameter of
greater than 1 .mu.m as measured according to the Diameter Test
Method described herein. The diameter of a fibrous element of the
present invention may be used to control the rate of release of one
or more active agents present in the fibrous element and/or the
rate of loss and/or altering of the fibrous element's physical
structure.
[0196] The fibrous element may comprise two or more different
active agents. In one example, the fibrous element comprises two or
more different active agents, wherein the two or more different
active agents are compatible with one another. In another example,
the fibrous element comprises two or more different active agents,
wherein the two or more different active agents are incompatible
with one another.
[0197] In one example, the fibrous element may comprise an active
agent within the fibrous element and an active agent on an external
surface of the fibrous element, such as an active agent coating on
the fibrous element. The active agent on the external surface of
the fibrous element may be the same or different from the active
agent present in the fibrous element. If different, the active
agents may be compatible or incompatible with one another.
[0198] In one example, one or more active agents may be uniformly
distributed or substantially uniformly distributed throughout the
fibrous element. In another example, one or more active agents may
be distributed as discrete regions within the fibrous element. In
still another example, at least one active agent is distributed
uniformly or substantially uniformly throughout the fibrous element
and at least one other active agent is distributed as one or more
discrete regions within the fibrous element. In still yet another
example, at least one active agent is distributed as one or more
discrete regions within the fibrous element and at least one other
active agent is distributed as one or more discrete regions
different from the first discrete regions within the fibrous
element.
[0199] The fibrous structures and/or products of the present
invention may also comprise a graphic or indicia which conveys
and/or communicates to a user or observer of the fibrous structure
and/or product that the fibrous structure and/or product comprises
one or more deterrent agents. While it is important for the fibrous
structure and/or product simply to comprise one or more deterrent
agents, a visual signal which communicates the presence of and/or
is previously associated with the one or more deterrent agents may
assist in further achievement of the goal of mitigating the risk of
accidental ingestion by humans. Alternatively, the graphic or
indicia itself might comprise both the visual signal graphic and
the one or more deterrent agents. Further non-limiting examples of
fibrous structures and/or products that include graphics and/or
indicia is found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/558,829
filed Dec. 3, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0200] The term "graphic" or "indicia" refers to images or designs
that may be constituted by a figure (e.g., a line(s)), a symbol or
character, a single color symbol or character, a color difference
or transition of at least two colors, a multiple color symbol or
character, or the like. A graphic may include an aesthetic image or
design that can provide certain benefit(s) when viewed. A graphic
may be in the form of a photographic image. A graphic may also be
in the form of a 1-dimensional (1-D) or 2-dimensional (2-D) bar
code or a quick response (QR) bar code. A graphic design is
determined by, for example, the color(s) used in the graphic
(individual pure ink or spot colors as well as built process
colors), the sizes of the entire graphic (or components of the
graphic), the positions of the graphic (or components of the
graphic), the movements of the graphic (or components of the
graphic), the geometrical shapes of the graphic (or components of
the graphics), the number of colors in the graphic, the variations
of the color combinations in the graphic, the number of graphics
printed, the disappearance of color(s) in the graphic, and the
contents of text messages in the graphic.
Fibrous Element-Forming Material
[0201] The fibrous element-forming material is any suitable
material, such as a polymer or monomers capable of producing a
polymer that exhibits properties suitable for making a fibrous
element, such as by a spinning process.
[0202] In one example, the fibrous element-forming material may
comprise a polar solvent-soluble material, such as an
alcohol-soluble material and/or a water-soluble material.
[0203] In another example, the fibrous element-forming material may
comprise a non-polar solvent-soluble material.
[0204] In still another example, the filament forming material may
comprise a polar solvent-soluble material and be free (less than 5%
and/or less than 3% and/or less than 1% and/or 0% by weight on a
dry fibrous element basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure
basis) of non-polar solvent-soluble materials.
[0205] In yet another example, the fibrous element-forming material
may be a film-forming material. In still yet another example, the
fibrous element-forming material may be synthetic or of natural
origin and it may be chemically, enzymatically, and/or physically
modified.
[0206] In even another example of the present invention, the
fibrous element-forming material may comprise a polymer selected
from the group consisting of: polymers derived from acrylic
monomers such as the ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic monomers
and ethylenically unsaturated monomers, polyvinyl alcohol,
polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, copolymers of acrylic acid and
methyl acrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyalkylene oxides, starch
and starch derivatives, pullulan, gelatin,
hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses, methycelluloses, and
carboxymethycelluloses.
[0207] In still another example, the fibrous element-forming
material may comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting
of: polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol derivatives, starch,
starch derivatives, cellulose derivatives, hemicellulose,
hemicellulose derivatives, proteins, sodium alginate, hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, polyethylene
glycol, tetramethylene ether glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,
hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and mixtures
thereof.
[0208] In another example, the fibrous element-forming material
comprises a polymer is selected from the group consisting of:
pullulan, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carboxymethyl
cellulose, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum,
acacia gum, Arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate
copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, dextrin, pectin, chitin, levan,
elsinan, collagen, gelatin, zein, gluten, soy protein, casein,
polyvinyl alcohol, starch, starch derivatives, hemicellulose,
hemicellulose derivatives, proteins, chitosan, chitosan
derivatives, polyethylene glycol, tetramethylene ether glycol,
hydroxymethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof.
Polar Solvent-Soluble Materials
[0209] Non-limiting examples of polar solvent-soluble materials
include polar solvent-soluble polymers. The polar solvent-soluble
polymers may be synthetic or natural original and may be chemically
and/or physically modified. In one example, the polar
solvent-soluble polymers exhibit a weight average molecular weight
of at least 10,000 g/mol and/or at least 20,000 g/mol and/or at
least 40,000 g/mol and/or at least 80,000 g/mol and/or at least
100,000 g/mol and/or at least 1,000,000 g/mol and/or at least
3,000,000 g/mol and/or at least 10,000,000 g/mol and/or at least
20,000,000 g/mol and/or to about 40,000,000 g/mol and/or to about
30,000,000 g/mol.
[0210] In one example, the polar solvent-soluble polymers are
selected from the group consisting of: alcohol-soluble polymers,
water-soluble polymers and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples
of water-soluble polymers include water-soluble hydroxyl polymers,
water-soluble thermoplastic polymers, water-soluble biodegradable
polymers, water-soluble non-biodegradable polymers and mixtures
thereof. In one example, the water-soluble polymer comprises
polyvinyl alcohol. In another example, the water-soluble polymer
comprises starch. In yet another example, the water-soluble polymer
comprises polyvinyl alcohol and starch.
[0211] a. Water-Soluble Hydroxyl Polymers--
[0212] Non-limiting examples of water-soluble hydroxyl polymers in
accordance with the present invention include polyols, such as
polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol
copolymers, starch, starch derivatives, starch copolymers,
chitosan, chitosan derivatives, chitosan copolymers, cellulose
derivatives such as cellulose ether and ester derivatives,
cellulose copolymers, hemicellulose, hemicellulose derivatives,
hemicellulose copolymers, gums, arabinans, galactans, proteins and
various other polysaccharides and mixtures thereof.
[0213] In one example, a water-soluble hydroxyl polymer of the
present invention comprises a polysaccharide.
[0214] "Polysaccharides" as used herein means natural
polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives and/or modified
polysaccharides. Suitable water-soluble polysaccharides include,
but are not limited to, starches, starch derivatives, chitosan,
chitosan derivatives, cellulose derivatives, hemicellulose,
hemicellulose derivatives, gums, arabinans, galactans and mixtures
thereof. The water-soluble polysaccharide may exhibit a weight
average molecular weight of from about 10,000 to about 40,000,000
g/mol and/or greater than 100,000 g/mol and/or greater than
1,000,000 g/mol and/or greater than 3,000,000 g/mol and/or greater
than 3,000,000 to about 40,000,000 g/mol.
[0215] The water-soluble polysaccharides may comprise non-cellulose
and/or non-cellulose derivative and/or non-cellulose copolymer
water-soluble polysaccharides. Such non-cellulose water-soluble
polysaccharides may be selected from the group consisting of:
starches, starch derivatives, chitosan, chitosan derivatives,
hemicellulose, hemicellulose derivatives, gums, arabinans,
galactans and mixtures thereof.
[0216] In another example, a water-soluble hydroxyl polymer of the
present invention comprises a non-thermoplastic polymer.
[0217] The water-soluble hydroxyl polymer may have a weight average
molecular weight of from about 10,000 g/mol to about 40,000,000
g/mol and/or greater than 100,000 g/mol and/or greater than
1,000,000 g/mol and/or greater than 3,000,000 g/mol and/or greater
than 3,000,000 g/mol to about 40,000,000 g/mol. Higher and lower
molecular weight water-soluble hydroxyl polymers may be used in
combination with hydroxyl polymers having a certain desired weight
average molecular weight.
[0218] Well known modifications of water-soluble hydroxyl polymers,
such as natural starches, include chemical modifications and/or
enzymatic modifications. For example, natural starch can be
acid-thinned, hydroxy-ethylated, hydroxy-propylated, and/or
oxidized. In addition, the water-soluble hydroxyl polymer may
comprise dent corn starch.
[0219] Naturally occurring starch is generally a mixture of linear
amylose and branched amylopectin polymer of D-glucose units. The
amylose is a substantially linear polymer of D-glucose units joined
by (1,4)-.alpha.-D links. The amylopectin is a highly branched
polymer of D-glucose units joined by (1,4)-.alpha.-D links and
(1,6)-.alpha.-D links at the branch points. Naturally occurring
starch typically contains relatively high levels of amylopectin,
for example, corn starch (64-80% amylopectin), waxy maize (93-100%
amylopectin), rice (83-84% amylopectin), potato (about 78%
amylopectin), and wheat (73-83% amylopectin). Though all starches
are potentially useful herein, the present invention is most
commonly practiced with high amylopectin natural starches derived
from agricultural sources, which offer the advantages of being
abundant in supply, easily replenishable and inexpensive.
[0220] As used herein, "starch" includes any naturally occurring
unmodified starches, modified starches, synthetic starches and
mixtures thereof, as well as mixtures of the amylose or amylopectin
fractions; the starch may be modified by physical, chemical, or
biological processes, or combinations thereof. The choice of
unmodified or modified starch for the present invention may depend
on the end product desired. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the starch or starch mixture useful in the present
invention has an amylopectin content from about 20% to about 100%,
more typically from about 40% to about 90%, even more typically
from about 60% to about 85% by weight of the starch or mixtures
thereof.
[0221] Suitable naturally occurring starches can include, but are
not limited to, corn starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch,
wheat starch, sago palm starch, tapioca starch, rice starch,
soybean starch, arrow root starch, amioca starch, bracken starch,
lotus starch, waxy maize starch, and high amylose corn starch.
Naturally occurring starches particularly, corn starch and wheat
starch, are the preferred starch polymers due to their economy and
availability.
[0222] Polyvinyl alcohols herein can be grafted with other monomers
to modify its properties. A wide range of monomers has been
successfully grafted to polyvinyl alcohol. Non-limiting examples of
such monomers include vinyl acetate, styrene, acrylamide, acrylic
acid, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, 1,3-butadiene,
methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid,
sodium vinylsulfonate, sodium allylsulfonate, sodium methylallyl
sulfonate, sodium phenylallylether sulfonate, sodium
phenylmethallylether sulfonate, 2-acrylamido-methyl propane
sulfonic acid (AMPs), vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride, vinyl
amine and a variety of acrylate esters.
[0223] In one example, the water-soluble hydroxyl polymer is
selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl alcohols,
hydroxymethylcelluloses, hydroxyethylcelluloses,
hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses and mixtures thereof. A non-limiting
example of a suitable polyvinyl alcohol includes those commercially
available from Sekisui Specialty Chemicals America, LLC (Dallas,
Tex.) under the CELVOL.RTM. trade name. A non-limiting example of a
suitable hydroxypropylmethylcellulose includes those commercially
available from the Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.) under the
METHOCEL.RTM. trade name including combinations with above
mentioned hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses.
[0224] b. Water-Soluble Thermoplastic Polymers--
[0225] Non-limiting examples of suitable water-soluble
thermoplastic polymers include thermoplastic starch and/or starch
derivatives, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoate,
polycaprolactone, polyesteramides and certain polyesters, and
mixtures thereof.
[0226] The water-soluble thermoplastic polymers of the present
invention may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The water-soluble
thermoplastic polymers may be surface treated and/or internally
treated to change the inherent hydrophilic or hydrophobic
properties of the thermoplastic polymer.
[0227] The water-soluble thermoplastic polymers may comprise
biodegradable polymers.
[0228] Any suitable weight average molecular weight for the
thermoplastic polymers may be used. For example, the weight average
molecular weight for a thermoplastic polymer in accordance with the
present invention is greater than about 10,000 g/mol and/or greater
than about 40,000 g/mol and/or greater than about 50,000 g/mol
and/or less than about 500,000 g/mol and/or less than about 400,000
g/mol and/or less than about 200,000 g/mol.
Non-Polar Solvent-Soluble Materials
[0229] Non-limiting examples of non-polar solvent-soluble materials
include non-polar solvent-soluble polymers. Non-limiting examples
of suitable non-polar solvent-soluble materials include cellulose,
chitin, chitin derivatives, polyolefins, polyesters, copolymers
thereof, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of polyolefins
include polypropylene, polyethylene and mixtures thereof. A
non-limiting example of a polyester includes polyethylene
terephthalate.
[0230] The non-polar solvent-soluble materials may comprise a
non-biodegradable polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene and
certain polyesters.
[0231] Any suitable weight average molecular weight for the
thermoplastic polymers may be used. For example, the weight average
molecular weight for a thermoplastic polymer in accordance with the
present invention is greater than about 10,000 g/mol and/or greater
than about 40,000 g/mol and/or greater than about 50,000 g/mol
and/or less than about 500,000 g/mol and/or less than about 400,000
g/mol and/or less than about 200,000 g/mol.
Active Agents
[0232] Active agents are a class of additives that are designed and
intended to provide a benefit to something other than the fibrous
element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure itself,
such as providing a benefit to an environment external to the
fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure.
Active agents may be any suitable additive that produces an
intended effect under intended use conditions of the fibrous
element. For example, the active agent may be selected from the
group consisting of: personal cleansing and/or conditioning agents
such as hair care agents such as shampoo agents and/or hair
colorant agents, hair conditioning agents, skin care agents,
sunscreen agents, and skin conditioning agents; laundry care and/or
conditioning agents such as fabric care agents, fabric conditioning
agents, fabric softening agents, fabric anti-wrinkling agents,
fabric care anti-static agents, fabric care stain removal agents,
soil release agents, dispersing agents, suds suppressing agents,
suds boosting agents, anti-foam agents, and fabric refreshing
agents; liquid and/or powder dishwashing agents (for hand
dishwashing and/or automatic dishwashing machine applications),
hard surface care agents, and/or conditioning agents and/or
polishing agents; other cleaning and/or conditioning agents such as
antimicrobial agents, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents,
fabric hueing agents, perfume, bleaching agents (such as oxygen
bleaching agents, hydrogen peroxide, percarbonate bleaching agents,
perborate bleaching agents, chlorine bleaching agents), bleach
activating agents, chelating agents, builders, lotions, brightening
agents, air care agents, carpet care agents, dye
transfer-inhibiting agents, clay soil removing agents,
anti-redeposition agents, polymeric soil release agents, polymeric
dispersing agents, alkoxylated polyamine polymers, alkoxylated
polycarboxylate polymers, amphilic graft copolymers, dissolution
aids, buffering systems, water-softening agents, water-hardening
agents, pH adjusting agents, enzymes, flocculating agents,
effervescent agents, preservatives, cosmetic agents, make-up
removal agents, lathering agents, deposition aid agents,
coacervate-forming agents, clays, thickening agents, latexes,
silicas, drying agents, odor control agents, antiperspirant agents,
cooling agents, warming agents, absorbent gel agents,
anti-inflammatory agents, dyes, pigments, acids, and bases; liquid
treatment active agents; agricultural active agents; industrial
active agents; ingestible active agents such as medicinal agents,
teeth whitening agents, tooth care agents, mouthwash agents,
periodontal gum care agents, edible agents, dietary agents,
vitamins, minerals; water-treatment agents such as water clarifying
and/or water disinfecting agents, and mixtures thereof.
[0233] Non-limiting examples of suitable cosmetic agents, skin care
agents, skin conditioning agents, hair care agents, and hair
conditioning agents are described in CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient
Handbook, Second Edition, The Cosmetic, Toiletries, and Fragrance
Association, Inc. 1988, 1992.
[0234] One or more classes of chemicals may be useful for one or
more of the active agents listed above. For example, surfactants
may be used for any number of the active agents described above.
Likewise, bleaching agents may be used for fabric care, hard
surface cleaning, dishwashing and even teeth whitening. Therefore,
one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the active
agents will be selected based upon the desired intended use of the
fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure
made therefrom.
[0235] For example, if the fibrous element and/or particle and/or
soluble fibrous structure made therefrom is to be used for hair
care and/or conditioning then one or more suitable surfactants,
such as a lathering surfactant could be selected to provide the
desired benefit to a consumer when exposed to conditions of
intended use of the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble
fibrous structure incorporating the fibrous element and/or
particle.
[0236] In one example, if the fibrous element and/or particle
and/or soluble fibrous structure made therefrom is designed or
intended to be used for laundering clothes in a laundry operation,
then one or more suitable surfactants and/or enzymes and/or
builders and/or perfumes and/or suds suppressors and/or bleaching
agents could be selected to provide the desired benefit to a
consumer when exposed to conditions of intended use of the fibrous
element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure
incorporating the fibrous element and/or particle. In another
example, if the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble
fibrous structure made therefrom is designed to be used for
laundering clothes in a laundry operation and/or cleaning dishes in
a dishwashing operation, then the fibrous element and/or particle
and/or soluble fibrous structure may comprise a laundry detergent
composition or dishwashing detergent composition or active agents
used in such compositions. In still another example, if the fibrous
element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous structure made
therefrom is designed to be used for cleaning and/or sanitizing a
toilet bowl, then the fibrous element and/or particle and/or
soluble fibrous structure made therefrom may comprise a toilet bowl
cleaning composition and/or effervescent composition and/or active
agents used in such compositions.
[0237] In one example, the active agent is selected from the group
consisting of: surfactants, bleaching agents, enzymes, suds
suppressors, suds boosting agents, fabric softening agents, denture
cleaning agents, hair cleaning agents, hair care agents, personal
health care agents, hueing agents, and mixtures thereof.
[0238] In one example, at least one of the active agents is
selected from the group consisting of: skin benefit agents,
medicinal agents, lotions, fabric care agents, dishwashing agents,
carpet care agents, surface care agents, hair care agents, air care
agents, and mixtures thereof.
Release of Active Agent
[0239] One or more active agents may be released from the fibrous
element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure when the fibrous
element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure are exposed to a
triggering condition. In one example, one or more active agents may
be released from the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous
structure or a part thereof when the fibrous element and/or
particle and/or fibrous structure or the part thereof loses its
identity, in other words, loses its physical structure. For
example, a fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure
loses its physical structure when the fibrous element-forming
material dissolves, melts or undergoes some other transformative
step such that its structure is lost. In one example, the one or
more active agents are released from the fibrous element and/or
particle and/or fibrous structure when the fibrous element's and/or
particle's and/or fibrous structure's morphology changes.
[0240] In another example, one or more active agents may be
released from the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous
structure or a part thereof when the fibrous element and/or
particle and/or fibrous structure or the part thereof alters its
identity, in other words, alters its physical structure rather than
loses its physical structure. For example, a fibrous element and/or
particle and/or fibrous structure alters its physical structure
when the fibrous element-forming material swells, shrinks,
lengthens, and/or shortens, but retains its fibrous element-forming
properties.
[0241] In another example, one or more active agents may be
released from the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous
structure with its morphology not changing (not losing or altering
its physical structure).
[0242] In one example, the fibrous element and/or particle and/or
fibrous structure may release an active agent upon the fibrous
element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure being exposed to a
triggering condition that results in the release of the active
agent, such as by causing the fibrous element and/or particle
and/or fibrous structure to lose or alter its identity as discussed
above. Non-limiting examples of triggering conditions include
exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous
structure to solvent, a polar solvent, such as alcohol and/or
water, and/or a non-polar solvent, which may be sequential,
depending upon whether the fibrous element-forming material
comprises a polar solvent-soluble material and/or a non-polar
solvent-soluble material; exposing the fibrous element and/or
particle and/or soluble fibrous structure to heat, such as to a
temperature of greater than 75.degree. F. and/or greater than
100.degree. F. and/or greater than 150.degree. F. and/or greater
than 200.degree. F. and/or greater than 212.degree. F.; exposing
the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous
structure to cold, such as to a temperature of less than 40.degree.
F. and/or less than 32.degree. F. and/or less than 0.degree. F.;
exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or soluble fibrous
structure to a force, such as a stretching force applied by a
consumer using the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous
structure; and/or exposing the fibrous element and/or particle
and/or fibrous structure to a chemical reaction; exposing the
fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to a
condition that results in a phase change; exposing the fibrous
element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to a pH change
and/or a pressure change and/or temperature change; exposing the
fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to one or
more chemicals that result in the fibrous element and/or particle
and/or fibrous structure releasing one or more of its active
agents; exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous
structure to ultrasonics; exposing the fibrous element and/or
particle and/or fibrous structure to light and/or certain
wavelengths; exposing the fibrous element and/or particle and/or
fibrous structure to a different ionic strength; and/or exposing
the fibrous element and/or particle and/or fibrous structure to an
active agent released from another fibrous element and/or particle
and/or fibrous structure.
[0243] In one example, one or more active agents may be released
from the fibrous elements and/or particles of the present invention
when a fibrous structure comprising the fibrous elements and/or
particles is subjected to a triggering step selected from the group
consisting of: pre-treating stains on a fabric article with the
fibrous structure; forming a wash liquor by contacting the fibrous
structure with water; tumbling the soluble fibrous structure in a
dryer; heating the fibrous structure in a dryer; and combinations
thereof.
Fibrous Element-Forming Composition
[0244] The fibrous elements of the present invention are made from
a fibrous element-forming composition. The fibrous element-forming
composition is a polar-solvent-based composition. In one example,
the fibrous element-forming composition is an aqueous composition
comprising one or more fibrous element-forming materials and one or
more active agents.
[0245] Even though the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure of
the present invention are in solid form, the fibrous
element-forming composition used to make the fibrous elements of
the present invention may be in the form of a liquid.
[0246] The fibrous element-forming composition may be processed at
a temperature of from about 20.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C.
and/or from about 30.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C. and/or from
about 35.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C. and/or from about
40.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C. when making fibrous elements
from the fibrous element-forming composition.
[0247] In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition may
comprise at least 20% and/or at least 30% and/or at least 40%
and/or at least 45% and/or at least 50% to about 90% and/or to
about 85% and/or to about 80% and/or to about 75% by weight of one
or more fibrous element-forming materials, one or more active
agents, and mixtures thereof. The fibrous element-forming
composition may comprise from about 10% to about 80% by weight of a
polar solvent, such as water.
[0248] In one example, non-volatile components of the fibrous
element-forming composition may comprise from about 20% and/or 30%
and/or 40% and/or 45% and/or 50% to about 75% and/or 80% and/or 85%
and/or 90% by weight based on the total weight of the fibrous
element-forming composition. The non-volatile components may be
composed of fibrous element-forming materials, such as backbone
polymers, active agents and combinations thereof. Volatile
components of the fibrous element-forming composition will comprise
the remaining percentage and range from 10% to 80% by weight based
on the total weight of the fibrous element-forming composition.
[0249] In a fibrous element spinning process, the fibrous elements
need to have initial stability as they leave the spinning die.
Capillary Number is used to characterize this initial stability
criterion. At the conditions of the die, the Capillary Number may
be at least 1 and/or at least 3 and/or at least 4 and/or at least
5.
[0250] In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition
exhibits a Capillary Number of from at least about 1 to about 50
and/or at least about 3 to about 50 and/or at least about 5 to
about 30 such that the fibrous element-forming composition can be
effectively polymer processed into a fibrous element.
[0251] "Polymer processing" as used herein means any spinning
operation and/or spinning process by which a fibrous element
comprising a processed fibrous element-forming material is formed
from a fibrous element-forming composition. The spinning operation
and/or process may include spun bonding, melt blowing,
electro-spinning, rotary spinning, continuous filament producing
and/or tow fiber producing operations/processes. A "processed
fibrous element-forming material" as used herein means any fibrous
element-forming material that has undergone a melt processing
operation and a subsequent polymer processing operation resulting
in a fibrous element.
[0252] The Capillary Number is a dimensionless number used to
characterize the likelihood of this droplet breakup. A larger
Capillary Number indicates greater fluid stability upon exiting the
die. The Capillary Number is defined as follows:
Ca = V * .eta. .sigma. ##EQU00001##
V is the fluid velocity at the die exit (units of Length per Time),
.eta. is the fluid viscosity at the conditions of the die (units of
Mass per Length*Time), .sigma. is the surface tension of the fluid
(units of mass per Time.sup.2). When velocity, viscosity, and
surface tension are expressed in a set of consistent units, the
resulting Capillary Number will have no units of its own; the
individual units will cancel out.
[0253] The Capillary Number is defined for the conditions at the
exit of the die. The fluid velocity is the average velocity of the
fluid passing through the die opening. The average velocity is
defined as follows:
V = Vol ' Area ##EQU00002##
Vol'=volumetric flowrate (units of Length.sup.3 per Time),
Area=cross-sectional area of the die exit (units of
Length.sup.2).
[0254] When the die opening is a circular hole, then the fluid
velocity can be defined as
V = Vol ' .pi. * R 2 ##EQU00003##
R is the radius of the circular hole (units of length).
[0255] The fluid viscosity will depend on the temperature and may
depend of the shear rate. The definition of a shear thinning fluid
includes a dependence on the shear rate. The surface tension will
depend on the makeup of the fluid and the temperature of the
fluid.
[0256] In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition may
comprise one or more release agents and/or lubricants. Non-limiting
examples of suitable release agents and/or lubricants include fatty
acids, fatty acid salts, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, sulfonated
fatty acid esters, fatty amine acetates and fatty amides,
silicones, aminosilicones, fluoropolymers and mixtures thereof.
[0257] In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition may
comprise one or more antiblocking and/or detackifying agents.
Non-limiting examples of suitable antiblocking and/or detackifying
agents include starches, modified starches, crosslinked
polyvinylpyrrolidone, crosslinked cellulose, microcrystalline
cellulose, silica, metallic oxides, calcium carbonate, talc and
mica.
[0258] Active agents of the present invention may be added to the
fibrous element-forming composition prior to and/or during fibrous
element formation and/or may be added to the fibrous element after
fibrous element formation. For example, a perfume active agent may
be applied to the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure
comprising the fibrous element after the fibrous element and/or
soluble fibrous structure according to the present invention are
formed. In another example, an enzyme active agent may be applied
to the fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure comprising
the fibrous element after the fibrous element and/or soluble
fibrous structure according to the present invention are formed. In
still another example, one or more particles, which may not be
suitable for passing through the spinning process for making the
fibrous element, may be applied to the fibrous element and/or
soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous element after the
fibrous element and/or soluble fibrous structure according to the
present invention are formed.
[0259] In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition of
the present invention exhibits a Viscosity Value of less than about
100 Pas and/or less than about 80 Pas and/or less than about 60 Pas
and/or less than about 40 Pas and/or less than about 20 Pas and/or
less than about 10 Pas and/or less than about 5 Pas and/or less
than about 2 Pas and/or less than about 1 Pas and/or greater than 0
Pas as measured according to the Viscosity Value Test Method
described herein.
Extensional Aids
[0260] In one example, the fibrous element comprises an extensional
aid. Non-limiting examples of extensional aids can include
polymers, other extensional aids, and combinations thereof.
[0261] In one example, the extensional aids have a weight-average
molecular weight of at least about 50,000 Da. In another example,
the weight average molecular weight of the extensional aid is from
about 50,000 to about 25,000,000 and/or from about 100,000 to about
25,000,000 and/or from about 250,000 to about 25,000,000 and/or
from about 500,000 to about 25,000,000, in another example from
about 800,000 to about 22,000,000, in yet another example from
about 1,000,000 to about 20,000,000, and in another example from
about 2,000,000 to about 15,000,000. The high molecular weight
extensional aids are especially suitable in some examples of the
invention due to the ability to increase extensional melt viscosity
and reducing melt fracture.
[0262] The extensional aid, when used in a meltblowing process, is
added to the composition of the present invention in an amount
effective to visibly reduce the melt fracture and capillary
breakage of fibers during the spinning process such that
substantially continuous fibers having relatively consistent
diameter can be melt spun. Regardless of the process employed to
produce fibrous elements and/or particles, the extensional aids,
when used, can be present from about 0.001% to about 10%, by weight
on a dry fibrous element basis and/or dry particle basis and/or dry
soluble fibrous structure basis, in one example, and in another
example from about 0.005 to about 5%, by weight on a dry fibrous
element basis and/or dry particle basis and/or dry soluble fibrous
structure basis, in yet another example from about 0.01 to about
1%, by weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or dry particle
basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis, and in another
example from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, by weight on a dry fibrous
element basis and/or dry particle basis and/or dry soluble fibrous
structure basis.
[0263] Non-limiting examples of polymers that can be used as
extensional aids can include alginates, carrageenans, pectin,
chitin, guar gum, xanthum gum, agar, gum arabic, karaya gum,
tragacanth gum, locust bean gum, alkylcellulose,
hydroxyalkylcellulose, carboxyalkylcellulose, and mixtures
thereof.
[0264] Non-limiting examples of other extensional aids can include
modified and unmodified polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid,
polymethacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate,
polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene vinyl acetate,
polyethyleneimine, polyamides, polyalkylene oxides including
polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polyethylenepropylene
oxide, and mixtures thereof.
Dissolution Aids
[0265] The fibrous elements of the present invention may
incorporate dissolution aids to accelerate dissolution when the
fibrous element contains more than 40% surfactant to mitigate
formation of insoluble or poorly soluble surfactant aggregates that
can sometimes form or when the surfactant compositions are used in
cold water. Non-limiting examples of dissolution aids include
sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium
sulfate, magnesium chloride, and magnesium sulfate.
Buffer System
[0266] The fibrous elements of the present invention may be
formulated such that, during use in an aqueous cleaning operation,
for example washing clothes or dishes and/or washing hair, the wash
water will have a pH of between about 5.0 and about 12 and/or
between about 7.0 and 10.5. In the case of a dishwashing operation,
the pH of the wash water typically is between about 6.8 and about
9.0. In the case of washing clothes, the pH of the was water
typically is between 7 and 11. Techniques for controlling pH at
recommended usage levels include the use of buffers, alkalis,
acids, etc., and are well known to those skilled in the art. These
include the use of sodium carbonate, citric acid or sodium citrate,
monoethanol amine or other amines, boric acid or borates, and other
pH-adjusting compounds well known in the art.
[0267] Fibrous elements and/or soluble fibrous structures useful as
"low pH" detergent compositions are included in the present
invention and are especially suitable for the surfactant systems of
the present invention and may provide in-use pH values of less than
8.5 and/or less than 8.0 and/or less than 7.0 and/or less than 7.0
and/or less than 5.5 and/or to about 5.0.
[0268] Dynamic in-wash pH profile fibrous elements are included in
the present invention. Such fibrous elements may use wax-covered
citric acid particles in conjunction with other pH control agents
such that (i) 3 minutes after contact with water, the pH of the
wash liquor is greater than 10; (ii) 10 mins after contact with
water, the pH of the wash liquor is less than 9.5; (iii) 20 mins
after contact with water, the pH of the wash liquor is less than
9.0; and (iv) optionally, wherein, the equilibrium pH of the wash
liquor is in the range of from above 7.0 to 8.5.
Deterrent Agent
[0269] One or more fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures of
the present invention further comprises one or more deterrent
agents; namely, an agent that is intended to discourage ingestion
and/or consuming, for example via bitter taste and/or pungent taste
and/or pungent smell, of the fibrous elements and/or fibrous
structures and/or products comprising the same of the present
invention and/or that cause humans and/or animals to vomit, for
example via emetic agents. Non-limiting examples of suitable
deterrent agents for use in and/or on and/or within one or more of
the fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures and/or products made
therefrom, such as pads, of the present invention include bittering
agents, pungent agents, emetic agents, and mixtures thereof.
[0270] In one example the total level of deterrent agents
associated with, for example present in and/or on, the fibrous
elements, fibrous structures and/or products of the present
invention may be at least a level that causes the desired deterrent
effect and may depend on the characteristics of the specific
deterrent agents, for example bitter value, but not a level that
can cause undesired transfer of the deterrent agents to a human
and/or animal, such as transfer to hands, eyes, skin, or other
parts of a human and/or animal. In another example, an effective
amount of a deterrent agent within and/or on a fibrous element
and/or fibrous structure and/or product may be based on the
particular deterrent agent's potency such that greater than 50% of
humans experience a deterrent effect when exposed to the deterrent
agent.
[0271] a. Bittering Agents
[0272] Non-limiting examples of suitable bittering agents include
denatonium salts and derivatives thereof. In one example, the
bittering agent is a denatonium salt selected from the group
consisting of denatonium chloride, denatonium citrate, denatonium
saccharide, denatonium carbonate, denatonium acetate, denatonium
benzoate, and mixtures thereof. The bittering agent may be present
in and/or on one or more fibrous elements and/or fibrous structures
of the present invention.
[0273] In one example, the bittering agent is denatonium benzoate,
also known as
phenylmethyl-[2-[(2,6-dimethylphenyeamino]-2-oxoethyl]-diethylam-
monium benzoate, CAS no. 3734-33-6. Denatonium benzoate is
commercially sold as BITREX.RTM., available from Macfarlan Smith,
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
[0274] The bittering agent may be a natural bitter substance. The
bittering agent, for example a natural bitter substance, may
exhibit a bitter value of greater than 1,000 and/or greater than
5,000 and/or greater than 10,000 and/or greater than 20,000 and/or
less than 200,000 and/or less than 150,000 and/or less than 100,000
and/or from about 1,000 to about 200,000 and/or from about 5,000 to
about 200,000 and/or from about 10,000 to about 200,000. The
natural bitter substance may be selected from the group consisting
of glycosides, isoprenoids, alkaloids, amino acids, and mixtures
thereof. For example, suitable bittering agents also include
Quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone); Naringin
(4',5,7-Trihydroxyflavanone-7-rhamnoglucoside); Aucubin;
Amarogentin; Dihydrofoliamentin; Gentiopicroside; Gentiopicrin;
Swertiamarin; Swerosid; Gentioflavosid; Centaurosid; Methiafolin;
Harpagoside; Centapikrin; Sailicin; Kondurangin; Absinthin;
Artabsin; Cnicin; Lactucin; Lactucopicrin; Salonitenolid;
.alpha.-thujone; .beta.-thujone; Desoxy Limonene; Limonin;
Ichangin; iso-Obacunoic Acid; Obacunone; Obacunoic Acid; Nomilin;
Ichangin; Nomilinoic acid; Marrubin; Pramarrubin; Carnosol;
Carnosic acid; Quassin; Brucine; Quinine hydrochloride; Quinine
sulfate; Quinine dihydrochloride; Columbine; Caffeine; Threonine;
Methionine; Phenylalanine; Tryptophan; Arginine; Histidine; Valine;
Aspartic acid; Sucrose octaacetate; and mixtures thereof. Other
suitable bittering agents include quinine bisulfate and hop extract
(e.g., humulone).
[0275] The fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product
comprising the same may comprise a sufficient amount of the
bittering agent to provide a bitter taste, for example from about
0.00001% to about 1% and/or from about 0.0001% to about 0.5% and/or
from about 0.001% to about 0.25% and/or from about 0.01% to about
0.1% by weight of the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure
and/or product, respectively, of the bittering agent.
[0276] The bittering agent or parts thereof associated with a
fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising
the same may be present on a surface of the fibrous element and/or
fibrous structure and/or product comprising the same. The bittering
agent may migrate from within a fibrous element and/or fibrous
structure and/or product comprising the same to an exterior surface
thereof such that a human or animal experiences a bitter taste from
the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product upon
contact with their mouth. In addition to and/or alternatively, the
bittering agent may be applied to a surface of the fibrous element
and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising the same after
the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product have
been formed, such as in the way of a coating composition comprising
the bittering agent, for example by spraying and/or printing and/or
atomizing and/or dusting and/or powdering and/or coating and/or
painting and/or otherwise depositing the bittering agent and/or
composition comprising the bitter agent directly onto a surface of
the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product. In one
example, the bittering agent is present in and/or on the surface of
the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product
comprising the same at a level of at least 10 ppb and/or at least
50 ppb and/or from about 10 ppb to about 10,000 ppm and/or from
about 50 ppb to about 5,000 ppm and/or from about 50 ppb to about
1,000 ppm and/or from about 100 ppb to about 500 ppm and/or from
about 10 ppm to about 250 ppm as determined after storage of the
fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product for one
month 25.degree. C. and 60% relative humidity.
[0277] When the bittering agent and/or composition comprising the
bittering agent is sprayed and/or printed and/or atomized and/or
otherwise deposited onto a surface of the fibrous element and/or
fibrous structure and/or product, the bittering agent and/or
composition comprising the bittering agent may be non-aqueous,
meaning that it comprises less than 20% and/or less than 15% and/or
less than 10% and/or less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or less
than 1% and/or about 0% and/or 0% by weight water. The composition
comprising the bittering agent may comprise 100% and/or 80% and/or
60% and/or 40% and/or 35% and/or 30% and/or greater than 0% to
about 100% and/or from about 0.001% to about 80% and/or from about
0.001% to about 60% and/or from about 0.001% to about 40% and/or
from about 0.1% to about 35% and/or from about 5% to about 30% by
weight of the bittering agent.
[0278] Non-limiting examples of suitable bittering agents for use
in the present invention are described at BitterDB
(http://bitterdb.agri.huji.ac.il/dbbitter.php), which is a free
searchable database of bittering agents that holds over 680
bittering agents obtained from literature and the Merck Index and
their associated 25 human bitter taste receptors (hT2Rs), and in
the corresponding paper Ayana Wiener; Marina Shudler; Anat Levit;
Masha Y. Niv. BitterDB: a database of bitter compounds. Nucleic
Acids Res 2012, 40(Database issue):D413-419.
[0279] In addition to the above, one or more bittering agents may
be present in and/or on a surface of the fibrous elements and/or
fibrous structures and/or products of the present invention at a
level of from about 0.01 ppm to about 10% and/or from about 0.01
ppm to about 8% and/or from about 0.01 ppm to about 5% and/or 0.01
ppm to about 4% by weight of the fibrous element and/or fibrous
structure and/or product.
[0280] b. Pungent Agents
[0281] Non-limiting examples of suitable pungent agents are
selected from the group consisting of: capsicinoids (including
capsaicin); vanillyl ethyl ether; vanillyl propyl ether; vanillyl
butyl ether; vanillin propylene; glycol acetal; ethylvanillin
propylene glycol acetal; capsaicin; gingerol;
4-(1-menthoxymethyl)-2-(3'-methoxy-4'-hydroxy-phenyl)-1,
3-dioxolane; pepper oil; pepper oleoresin; ginger oleoresin;
nonylic acid vanillylamide; jamboo oleoresin; Zanthoxylum piperitum
peel extract; sanshool; sanshoamide; black pepper extract;
chavicine; piperine; spilanthol; and mixtures thereof. Other
suitable pungent agents include polygodial, Tasmannia lanceolata
extract, Capsicum extracts, or mixtures thereof. In one example,
the pungent agent comprises a capsaicinoid, for example capsaicin,
dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin,
homocapsaicin, and/or nonivamide. In one example, the pungent agent
comprises capsaicin.
[0282] Commercially available suitable pungent agents include
OPTAHEAT (Symise Flavors), HOTACT (Lipo Chemicals), and HEATENOL
(Sensient Flavors).
[0283] The fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product
comprising same may comprise a sufficient amount of the pungent
agent to deliver a pungent taste and/or pungent smell, for example
a controlled level of pungency to a user (enough to deter ingestion
but not so much as to make a human and/or animal physically ill or
to accidentally transfer significant amounts to a user's hands. In
one example, the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or
product comprising the same may comprise greater than 0.0001%
and/or greater than 0.001% and/or greater than 0.01% and/or greater
than 0.1% and/or less than 20% and/or less than 15% and/or less
than 10% and/or less than 5% and/or less than 2% and/or less than
1% and/or less than 0.5% and/or from about 0.0001% to about 10%, or
from about 0.001% to about 2%, or from about 0.01% to about 1%, or
from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, by weight of the pungent agent.
[0284] The pungent agent or parts thereof associated with a fibrous
element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising the same
may be present on a surface of the fibrous element and/or fibrous
structure and/or product comprising the same. The pungent agent may
migrate from within a fibrous element and/or fibrous structure
and/or product comprising the same to an exterior surface thereof
such that a human or animal experiences a pungent taste and/or
pungent smell from the fibrous element and/or fibrous structure
and/or product upon near contact or actual contact with their
mouth. In addition to and/or alternatively, the pungent agent may
be applied to a surface of the fibrous element and/or fibrous
structure and/or product comprising the same after the fibrous
element and/or fibrous structure and/or product have been formed,
such as in the way of a coating composition comprising the pungent
agent, for example by spraying and/or printing and/or atomizing
and/or dusting and/or powdering and/or coating and/or painting
and/or otherwise depositing the pungent agent and/or composition
comprising the pungent agent directly onto a surface of the fibrous
element and/or fibrous structure and/or product. In one example,
the pungent agent is present on the surface of the fibrous element
and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising the same at a
level of at least 10 ppb and/or at least 50 ppb and/or from about
10 ppb to about 10,000 ppm and/or from about 50 ppb to about 5,000
ppm and/or from about 50 ppb to about 1,000 ppm and/or from about
100 ppb to about 500 ppm and/or from about 10 ppm to about 250 ppm
as determined after storage of the fibrous element and/or fibrous
structure and/or product for one month 25.degree. C. and 60%
relative humidity.
[0285] When the pungent agent and/or composition comprising the
pungent agent is sprayed and/or printed and/or atomized and/or
dusted and/or powdered and/or coated and/or painted and/or
otherwise deposited onto a surface of the fibrous element and/or
fibrous structure and/or product, the pungent agent and/or
composition comprising the pungent agent may be non-aqueous,
meaning that it comprises less than 20% and/or less than 15% and/or
less than 10% and/or less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or less
than 1% and/or about 0% and/or 0% by weight water. The composition
comprising the pungent agent may comprise 100% and/or 80% and/or
60% and/or 40% and/or 35% and/or 30% and/or greater than 0% to
about 100% and/or from about 0.001% to about 80% and/or from about
0.001% to about 60% and/or from about 0.001% to about 40% and/or
from about 0.1% to about 35% and/or from about 5% to about 30% by
weight of the pungent agent.
[0286] The pungency of a pungent agent may be determined according
to the well-known Scoville Scale and may be reported in Scoville
heat units (SHU). The pungent agent may be selected from pungent
agents having a pungency level of at least about 1,000,000 SHU
and/or at least about 5,000,000 SHU and/or at least about
10,000,000 SHU and/or at least about 15,000,000 SHU. For
comparison, the pungency level of capsaicin is about 16,000,000
SHU. Pungency may also be measured by high performance liquid
chromatography and determined in American Spice Trade Association
(ASTA) pungency units. A measurement of one part capsaicin per
million corresponds to about 15 Scoville units and ASTA pungency
units can be multiplied by 15 and reported as Scoville units.
[0287] Because it is desirable that the pungent agent be detectable
in order to be an effective deterrent agent, it is generally
desirable that the pungency not be masked by other agents, such as
cooling agents like menthol and the like. In one example, the
fibrous element and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising
the same are free of, for example less than 5% and/or less than 3%
and/or less than 1% and/or less than 0.1% and/or less than 0.01%
and/or less than 0.001% and/or about 0% and/or 0% by weight,
cooling agents, for example menthol and/or eucalyptus.
[0288] For similar reasons, it is generally desirable that the
pungent agent is readily available to a user of the fibrous element
and/or fibrous structure and/or product comprising the same.
[0289] c. Emetic Agents
[0290] There are two main types of emetic agents: 1) those that
work directly on the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals,
and 2) those that work indirectly by stimulating the areas of the
brain that control vomiting. Non-limiting examples of suitable
emetic agents that work directly on the gastrointestinal tracts are
selected from the group consisting of: ipecac (ipecac syrup and/or
ipecac powder) obtained from Cephaelis ipecacuanha, lobelia
obtained from Lobelia inflata, mustard seed obtained from Brassica
juncea, vomitoxin obtained from Fusarium graminearum, copper
sulfate, and mixtures thereof. An example of an emetic that works
indirectly by stimulating the areas of the brain that control
vomiting is apomorphine (apomorphine hydrochloride).
Non-Limiting Example of Method for Making Fibrous Elements
[0291] The fibrous elements, for example filaments, of the present
invention comprising one or more deterrent agents present within
the fibrous elements and/or on the fibrous elements may be made as
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a method 20 for
making a fibrous element 10, for example filament, according to the
present invention comprises the steps of:
[0292] a. providing a fibrous element-forming composition 22, such
as from a tank 24, comprising one or more fibrous element-forming
materials and one or more deterrent agents, and optionally, one or
more active agents and/or one or more polar solvents (such as
water); and
[0293] b. spinning the fibrous element-forming composition 22, such
as via a spinning die 26, into one or more fibrous elements 10,
such as filaments, comprising the one or more fibrous
element-forming materials and optionally, the one or more active
agents and the one or more deterrent agents. In one example, one or
more deterrent agents may be applied to a surface of the one or
more fibrous elements and/or to a fibrous structure comprising the
fibrous elements. In another example, the fibrous element may be
void or substantially void of deterrent agents, in which case, one
or more deterrent agents would need to be applied to a surface of
the fibrous element during and/or after spinning of the fibrous
element.
[0294] The fibrous element-forming composition may be transported
via suitable piping 28, with or without a pump 30, between the tank
24 and the spinning die 26. In one example, a pressurized tank 24,
suitable for batch operation is filled with a suitable fibrous
element-forming composition 22 for spinning. A pump 30, such as a
Zenith.RTM., type PEP II, having a capacity of 5.0 cubic
centimeters per revolution (cc/rev), manufactured by Colfax
Corporation, Zenith Pumps Division, of Monroe, N.C., USA may be
used to facilitate transport of the fibrous element-forming
composition 22 to a spinning die 26. The flow of the fibrous
element-forming composition 22 from the pressurized tank 24 to the
spinning die 26 may be controlled by adjusting the number of
revolutions per minute (rpm) of the pump 30. Pipes 28 are used to
connect the pressurized tank 24, the pump 30, and the spinning die
26 in order to transport (as represented by the arrows) the fibrous
element-forming composition 22 from the tank 24 to the pump 30 and
into the die 26.
[0295] The total level of the one or more fibrous element-forming
materials present in the fibrous element 10, when active agents are
present therein, may be less than 80% and/or less than 70% and/or
less than 65% and/or 50% or less by weight on a dry fibrous element
basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis and the total
level of the one or more active agents, when present in the fibrous
element may be greater than 20% and/or greater than 35% and/or 50%
or greater 65% or greater and/or 80% or greater by weight on a dry
fibrous element basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure
basis.
[0296] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the spinning die 26 may comprise
a plurality of fibrous element-forming holes 32 that include a melt
capillary 34 encircled by a concentric attenuation fluid hole 36
through which a fluid, such as air, passes to facilitate
attenuation of the fibrous element-forming composition 22 into a
fibrous element 10 as it exits the fibrous element-forming hole
32.
[0297] In one example, the spinning die 26 shown in FIG. 4 has two
or more rows of circular extrusion nozzles (fibrous element-forming
holes 32) spaced from one another at a pitch P of about 1.524
millimeters (about 0.060 inches). The nozzles have individual inner
diameters of about 0.305 millimeters (about 0.012 inches) and
individual outside diameters of about 0.813 millimeters (about
0.032 inches). Each individual nozzle comprises a melt capillary 34
encircled by an annular and divergently flared orifice (concentric
attenuation fluid hole 36) to supply attenuation air to each
individual melt capillary 34. The fibrous element-forming
composition 22 extruded through the nozzles is surrounded and
attenuated by generally cylindrical, humidified air streams
supplied through the orifices to produce fibrous elements 10.
[0298] Attenuation air can be provided by heating compressed air
from a source by an electrical-resistance heater, for example, a
heater manufactured by Chromalox, Division of Emerson Electric, of
Pittsburgh, Pa., USA. An appropriate quantity of steam was added to
saturate or nearly saturate the heated air at the conditions in the
electrically heated, thermostatically controlled delivery pipe.
Condensate was removed in an electrically heated, thermostatically
controlled, separator.
[0299] The embryonic fibrous elements are dried by a drying air
stream having a temperature from about 149.degree. C. (about
300.degree. F.) to about 315.degree. C. (about 600.degree. F.) by
an electrical resistance heater (not shown) supplied through drying
nozzles and discharged at an angle of about 90.degree. relative to
the general orientation of the embryonic fibrous elements being
spun. The dried fibrous elements may be collected on a collection
device, such as a belt or fabric, in one example a belt or fabric
capable of imparting a pattern, for example a non-random repeating
pattern to a soluble fibrous structure formed as a result of
collecting the fibrous elements on the belt or fabric. The addition
of a vacuum source directly under the formation zone may be used to
aid collection of the fibrous elements on the collection device.
The spinning and collection of the fibrous elements produce a
soluble fibrous structure comprising inter-entangled fibrous
elements, for example filaments.
[0300] In one example, during the spinning step, any volatile
solvent, such as water, present in the fibrous element-forming
composition 22 is removed, such as by drying, as the fibrous
element 10 is formed. In one example, greater than 30% and/or
greater than 40% and/or greater than 50% of the weight of the
fibrous element-forming composition's volatile solvent, such as
water, is removed during the spinning step, such as by drying the
fibrous element 10 being produced.
[0301] The fibrous element-forming composition may comprise any
suitable total level of fibrous element-forming materials and any
suitable level of active agents so long as the fibrous element
produced from the fibrous element-forming composition comprises a
total level of fibrous element-forming materials in the fibrous
element of from about 5% to 50% or less by weight on a dry fibrous
element basis and/or dry particle basis and/or dry soluble fibrous
structure basis and a total level of active agents in the fibrous
element of from 50% to about 95% by weight on a dry fibrous element
basis and/or dry particle basis and/or dry soluble fibrous
structure basis.
[0302] In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition may
comprise any suitable total level of fibrous element-forming
materials and any suitable level of active agents so long as the
fibrous element produced from the fibrous element-forming
composition comprises a total level of fibrous element-forming
materials in the fibrous element and/or particle of from about 5%
to 50% or less by weight on a dry fibrous element basis and/or dry
particle basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure basis and a
total level of active agents in the fibrous element and/or particle
of from 50% to about 95% by weight on a dry fibrous element basis
and/or dry particle basis and/or dry soluble fibrous structure
basis, wherein the weight ratio of fibrous element-forming material
to total level of active agents is 1 or less.
[0303] In one example, the fibrous element-forming composition
comprises from about 1% and/or from about 5% and/or from about 10%
to about 50% and/or to about 40% and/or to about 30% and/or to
about 20% by weight of the fibrous element-forming composition of
fibrous element-forming materials; from about 1% and/or from about
5% and/or from about 10% to about 50% and/or to about 40% and/or to
about 30% and/or to about 20% by weight of the fibrous
element-forming composition of active agents; and from about 20%
and/or from about 25% and/or from about 30% and/or from about 40%
and/or to about 80% and/or to about 70% and/or to about 60% and/or
to about 50% by weight of the fibrous element-forming composition
of a volatile solvent, such as water. The fibrous element-forming
composition may comprise minor amounts of other active agents, such
as less than 10% and/or less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or
less than 1% by weight of the fibrous element-forming composition
of plasticizers, pH adjusting agents, and other active agents.
[0304] The fibrous element-forming composition is spun into one or
more fibrous elements and/or particles by any suitable spinning
process, such as meltblowing, spunbonding, electro-spinning, and/or
rotary spinning. In one example, the fibrous element-forming
composition is spun into a plurality of fibrous elements and/or
particles by meltblowing. For example, the fibrous element-forming
composition may be pumped from a tank to a meltblown spinnerette.
Upon exiting one or more of the fibrous element-forming holes in
the spinnerette, the fibrous element-forming composition is
attenuated with air to create one or more fibrous elements and/or
particles. The fibrous elements and/or particles may then be dried
to remove any remaining solvent used for spinning, such as the
water.
[0305] The fibrous elements and/or particles of the present
invention may be collected on a belt (not shown), such as a
patterned belt, for example in an inter-entangled manner such that
a soluble fibrous structure comprising the fibrous elements and/or
particles is formed.
Methods of Use
[0306] In one example, the soluble fibrous structures comprising
one or more fabric care active agents according the present
invention may be utilized in a method for treating a fabric
article. The method of treating a fabric article may comprise one
or more steps selected from the group consisting of: (a)
pre-treating the fabric article before washing the fabric article;
(b) contacting the fabric article with a wash liquor formed by
contacting the soluble fibrous structure with water; (c) contacting
the fabric article with the soluble fibrous structure in a dryer;
(d) drying the fabric article in the presence of the soluble
fibrous structure in a dryer; and (e) combinations thereof.
[0307] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the
step of pre-moistening the soluble fibrous structure prior to
contacting it to the fabric article to be pre-treated. For example,
the soluble fibrous structure can be pre-moistened with water and
then adhered to a portion of the fabric comprising a stain that is
to be pre-treated. Alternatively, the fabric may be moistened and
the fibrous structure placed on or adhered thereto. In some
embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of selecting
of only a portion of the soluble fibrous structure for use in
treating a fabric article. For example, if only one fabric care
article is to be treated, a portion of the soluble fibrous
structure may be cut and/or torn away and either placed on or
adhered to the fabric or placed into water to form a relatively
small amount of wash liquor which is then used to pre-treat the
fabric. In this way, the user may customize the fabric treatment
method according to the task at hand. In some embodiments, at least
a portion of a soluble fibrous structure may be applied to the
fabric to be treated using a device. Exemplary devices include, but
are not limited to, brushes and sponges. Any one or more of the
aforementioned steps may be repeated to achieve the desired fabric
treatment benefit.
[0308] In another example, the soluble fibrous structures
comprising one or more hair care active agents according the
present invention may be utilized in a method for treating hair.
The method of treating hair may comprise one or more steps selected
from the group consisting of: (a) pre-treating the hair before
washing the hair; (b) contacting the hair with a wash liquor formed
by contacting the soluble fibrous structure with water; (c)
post-treating the hair after washing the hair; (d) contacting the
hair with a conditioning fluid formed by contacting the soluble
fibrous structure with water; and (e) combinations thereof.
NON-LIMITING EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0309] A fibrous element, for example a filament, comprising a
deterrent agent is made as follows. A fibrous element-forming
composition is prepared by adding with stirring at 100-150 rpm into
an appropriately sized and cleaned vessel 54% by weight distilled
water. Low hydrolysis vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin
powders: 10% by weight of low hydrolysis vinyl acetate-vinyl
alcohol copolymer resin powder (fibrous element-forming material)
(Poval.RTM. PVA 505 commercially available from Kuraray Co. Ltd. of
Houston, Tex.) and 5% by weight of low hydrolysis vinyl
acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin powder (fibrous
element-forming material) (Poval.RTM. PVA 420H commercially
available from Kuraray Co. Ltd. of Houston, Tex.) are weighed into
a suitable container and slowly added to the water in small
increments using a spatula while continuing to stir while avoiding
the formation of visible lumps. The mixing speed is adjusted to
minimize foam formation. Then the mixture is slowly heated to
75.degree. C. for 2 hours after which 20% by weight of a linear
alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (active agent--anionic
surfactant) and 10% by weight of an alkyl ethoxy sulfate surfactant
(active agent--anionic surfactant) are added and 1% by weight of a
deterrent agent described herein is then added to the mixture. The
mixture is then heated to 75.degree. C. while continuing to stir
for 45 minutes and then allowed to cool to 23.degree. C. to form a
premix. This premix is then ready for spinning into fibrous
elements as described herein. In one example, a plurality of the
spun fibrous elements may be inter-entangled and collected on a
collection device to form a fibrous structure comprising the
fibrous elements.
Example 2
[0310] A fibrous element, for example a filament, comprising a
deterrent agent is made as follows. A fibrous element-forming
composition is prepared by adding with stirring at 100-150 rpm into
an appropriately sized and cleaned vessel 54% by weight distilled
water. 14% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (fibrous
element-forming material) and 1% by weight of an extensional aid
(polyacrylamide) are weighed into a suitable container and slowly
added to the water in small increments using a spatula while
continuing to stir while avoiding the formation of visible lumps.
The mixing speed is adjusted to minimize foam formation. Then the
mixture is slowly heated to 75.degree. C. for 2 hours after which
20% by weight of a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (active
agent--anionic surfactant) and 10% by weight of an alkyl ethoxy
sulfate surfactant (active agent--anionic surfactant) are added and
1% by weight of a deterrent agent described herein is then added to
the mixture. The mixture is then heated to 75.degree. C. while
continuing to stir for 45 minutes and then allowed to cool to
23.degree. C. to form a premix. This premix is then ready for
spinning into fibrous elements as described herein. In one example,
a plurality of the spun fibrous elements may be inter-entangled and
collected on a collection device to form a fibrous structure
comprising the fibrous elements.
Example 3
[0311] A fibrous element, for example a filament, comprising a
deterrent agent is made as follows. A fibrous element-forming
composition is prepared by adding with stirring at 100-150 rpm into
an appropriately sized and cleaned vessel 54% by weight distilled
water. Low hydrolysis vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin
powders: 11% by weight of low hydrolysis vinyl acetate-vinyl
alcohol copolymer resin powder (fibrous element-forming material)
(Poval.RTM. PVA 505 commercially available from Kuraray Co. Ltd. of
Houston, Tex.) and 5% by weight of low hydrolysis vinyl
acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin powder (fibrous
element-forming material) (Poval.RTM. PVA 420H commercially
available from Kuraray Co. Ltd. of Houston, Tex.) are weighed into
a suitable container and slowly added to the water in small
increments using a spatula while continuing to stir while avoiding
the formation of visible lumps. The mixing speed is adjusted to
minimize foam formation. Then the mixture is slowly heated to
75.degree. C. for 2 hours after which 20% by weight of a linear
alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (active agent--anionic
surfactant) and 10% by weight of an alkyl ethoxy sulfate surfactant
(active agent--anionic surfactant) are added to the mixture. The
mixture is then heated to 75.degree. C. while continuing to stir
for 45 minutes and then allowed to cool to 23.degree. C. to form a
premix. This premix is then ready for spinning into fibrous
elements as described herein. The fibrous element is then contacted
with denatonium benzoate (deterrent agent), for example as a
solution and/or powder, to coat the fibrous element. In one
example, a plurality of the spun fibrous elements (coated and/or
not coated with a deterrent agent) may be inter-entangled and
collected on a collection device to form a fibrous structure
comprising the fibrous elements and then at least one surface of
the fibrous structure may be contacted with denatonium benzoate
(deterrent agent), for example as a solution and/or powder, to coat
the surface of the fibrous structure.
Example 4
[0312] A fibrous element, for example a filament, comprising a
deterrent agent is made as follows. A fibrous element-forming
composition is prepared by adding with stirring at 100-150 rpm into
an appropriately sized and cleaned vessel 54% by weight distilled
water. 15% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose (fibrous
element-forming material) and 1% by weight of an extensional aid
(polyacrylamide) are weighed into a suitable container and slowly
added to the water in small increments using a spatula while
continuing to stir while avoiding the formation of visible lumps.
The mixing speed is adjusted to minimize foam formation. Then the
mixture is slowly heated to 75.degree. C. for 2 hours after which
20% by weight of a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate surfactant (active
agent--anionic surfactant) and 10% by weight of an alkyl ethoxy
sulfate surfactant (active agent--anionic surfactant) are added to
the mixture. The mixture is then heated to 75.degree. C. while
continuing to stir for 45 minutes and then allowed to cool to
23.degree. C. to form a premix. This premix is then ready for
spinning into fibrous elements as described herein. The fibrous
element is then contacted with denatonium benzoate (deterrent
agent), for example in a solution, to coat the fibrous element. In
one example, a plurality of the spun fibrous elements (coated
and/or not coated with a deterrent agent) may be inter-entangled
and collected on a collection device to form a fibrous structure
comprising the fibrous elements.
[0313] The fibrous element is then contacted with denatonium
benzoate (deterrent agent), for example as a solution and/or
powder, to coat the fibrous element.
[0314] In one example, a plurality of the spun fibrous elements may
be inter-entangled and collected on a collection device to form a
fibrous structure comprising the fibrous elements and then at least
one surface of the fibrous structure may be contacted with
denatonium benzoate (deterrent agent), for example as a solution
and/or powder, to coat the surface of the fibrous structure.
Test Methods
[0315] Unless otherwise indicated, all tests described herein
including those described under the Definitions section and the
following test methods are conducted on samples that have been
conditioned in a conditioned room at a temperature of 23.degree.
C..+-.1.degree. C. and a relative humidity of 50%.+-.2% for 2 hours
prior to the test unless otherwise indicated. Samples conditioned
as described herein are considered dry samples (such as "dry
fibrous elements") for purposes of this invention. Further, all
tests are conducted in such conditioned room.
Water Content Test Method
[0316] The water (moisture) content present in a filament and/or
fiber and/or soluble fibrous structure is measured using the
following Water Content Test Method.
[0317] A filament and/or soluble fibrous structure or portion
thereof ("sample") is placed in a conditioned room at a temperature
of 23.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C. and a relative humidity of
50%.+-.2% for at least 24 hours prior to testing. The weight of the
sample is recorded when no further weight change is detected for at
least a 5 minute period. Record this weight as the "equilibrium
weight" of the sample. Next, place the sample in a drying oven for
24 hours at 70.degree. C. with a relative humidity of about 4% to
dry the sample. After the 24 hours of drying, immediately weigh the
sample. Record this weight as the "dry weight" of the sample. The
water (moisture) content of the sample is calculated as
follows:
% Water ( moisture ) in sample = 100 % .times. ( Equilibrium weight
of sample - Dry weight of sample ) Dry weight of sample
##EQU00004##
The % Water (moisture) in sample for 3 replicates is averaged to
give the reported % Water (moisture) in sample.
Dissolution Test Method
Apparatus and Materials (FIGS. 5 Through 7):
[0318] 600 mL Beaker 38
[0319] Magnetic Stirrer 40 (Labline Model No. 1250 or
equivalent)
[0320] Magnetic Stirring Rod 42 (5 cm)
[0321] Thermometer (1 to 100.degree. C.+/-1.degree. C.)
[0322] Cutting Die--Stainless Steel cutting die with dimensions 3.8
cm.times.3.2 cm
[0323] Timer (0-3,600 seconds or 1 hour), accurate to the nearest
second. Timer used should have sufficient total time measurement
range if sample exhibits dissolution time greater than 3,600
seconds. However, timer needs to be accurate to the nearest
second.
[0324] Polaroid 35 mm Slide Mount 44 (commercially available from
Polaroid Corporation or equivalent)
[0325] 35 mm Slide Mount Holder 46 (or equivalent)
City of Cincinnati Water or equivalent having the following
properties: Total Hardness=155 mg/L as CaCO.sub.3; Calcium
content=33.2 mg/L; Magnesium content=17.5 mg/L; Phosphate
content=0.0462.
Test Protocol
[0326] Equilibrate samples in constant temperature and humidity
environment of 23.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C. and 50% RH.+-.2% for
at least 2 hours.
[0327] Measure the basis weight of the sample materials using Basis
Weight Method defined herein.
[0328] Cut three dissolution test specimens from soluble fibrous
structure sample using cutting die (3.8 cm.times.3.2 cm), so it
fits within the 35 mm slide mount 44 which has an open area
dimensions 24.times.36 mm.
[0329] Lock each specimen in a separate 35 mm slide mount 44.
[0330] Place magnetic stirring rod 42 into the 600 mL beaker
38.
[0331] Turn on the city water tap flow (or equivalent) and measure
water temperature with thermometer and, if necessary, adjust the
hot or cold water to maintain it at the testing temperature.
Testing temperature is 15.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C. water. Once at
testing temperature, fill beaker 240 with 500 mL.+-.5 mL of the
15.degree. C..+-.1.degree. C. city water.
[0332] Place full beaker 38 on magnetic stirrer 40, turn on stirrer
40, and adjust stir speed until a vortex develops and the bottom of
the vortex is at the 400 mL mark on the beaker 38.
[0333] Secure the 35 mm slide mount 44 in the alligator clamp 48 of
the 35 mm slide mount holder 46 such that the long end 50 of the
slide mount 44 is parallel to the water surface. The alligator
clamp 48 should be positioned in the middle of the long end 50 of
the slide mount 44. The depth adjuster 52 of the holder 46 should
be set so that the distance between the bottom of the depth
adjuster 52 and the bottom of the alligator clamp 48 is 11.+-.0.125
inches. This set up will position the sample surface perpendicular
to the flow of the water. A slightly modified example of an
arrangement of a 35 mm slide mount and slide mount holder are shown
in FIGS. 1-3 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,787,512.
[0334] In one motion, drop the secured slide and clamp into the
water and start the timer. The sample is dropped so that the sample
is centered in the beaker. Disintegration occurs when the soluble
fibrous structure breaks apart. Record this as the disintegration
time. When all of the visible soluble fibrous structure is released
from the slide mount, raise the slide out of the water while
continuing the monitor the solution for undissolved soluble fibrous
structure fragments. Dissolution occurs when all soluble fibrous
structure fragments are no longer visible. Record this as the
dissolution time.
[0335] Three replicates of each sample are run and the average
disintegration and dissolution times are recorded. Average
disintegration and dissolution times are in units of seconds.
[0336] The average disintegration and dissolution times are
normalized for basis weight by dividing each by the sample basis
weight as determined by the Basis Weight Method defined herein.
Basis weight normalized disintegration and dissolution times are in
units of seconds/gsm of sample (s/(g/m.sup.2)).
Diameter Test Method
[0337] The diameter of a discrete fibrous element or a fibrous
element within a soluble fibrous structure or film is determined by
using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) or an Optical Microscope
and an image analysis software. A magnification of 200 to 10,000
times is chosen such that the fibrous elements are suitably
enlarged for measurement. When using the SEM, the samples are
sputtered with gold or a palladium compound to avoid electric
charging and vibrations of the fibrous element in the electron
beam. A manual procedure for determining the fibrous element
diameters is used from the image (on monitor screen) taken with the
SEM or the optical microscope. Using a mouse and a cursor tool, the
edge of a randomly selected fibrous element is sought and then
measured across its width (i.e., perpendicular to fibrous element
direction at that point) to the other edge of the fibrous element.
A scaled and calibrated image analysis tool provides the scaling to
get actual reading in .mu.m. For fibrous elements within a soluble
fibrous structure or film, several fibrous element are randomly
selected across the sample of the soluble fibrous structure or film
using the SEM or the optical microscope. At least two portions the
soluble fibrous structure or film (or fibrous structure inside a
product) are cut and tested in this manner Altogether at least 100
such measurements are made and then all data are recorded for
statistical analysis. The recorded data are used to calculate
average (mean) of the fibrous element diameters, standard deviation
of the fibrous element diameters, and median of the fibrous element
diameters.
[0338] Another useful statistic is the calculation of the amount of
the population of fibrous elements that is below a certain upper
limit. To determine this statistic, the software is programmed to
count how many results of the fibrous element diameters are below
an upper limit and that count (divided by total number of data and
multiplied by 100%) is reported in percent as percent below the
upper limit, such as percent below 1 micrometer diameter or
%-submicron, for example. We denote the measured diameter (in
.mu.m) of an individual circular fibrous element as di.
[0339] In case the fibrous elements have non-circular
cross-sections, the measurement of the fibrous element diameter is
determined as and set equal to the hydraulic diameter which is four
times the cross-sectional area of the fibrous element divided by
the perimeter of the cross-section of the fibrous element (outer
perimeter in case of hollow fibrous elements). The number-average
diameter, alternatively average diameter is calculated as:
d num = i = 1 n d i n ##EQU00005##
Thickness Method
[0340] Thickness of a soluble fibrous structure or film is measured
by cutting 5 samples of a soluble fibrous structure or film sample
such that each cut sample is larger in size than a load foot
loading surface of a VIR Electronic Thickness Tester Model II
available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, Pa.
Typically, the load foot loading surface has a circular surface
area of about 3.14 in.sup.2. The sample is confined between a
horizontal flat surface and the load foot loading surface. The load
foot loading surface applies a confining pressure to the sample of
15.5 g/cm.sup.2. The caliper of each sample is the resulting gap
between the flat surface and the load foot loading surface. The
caliper is calculated as the average caliper of the five samples.
The result is reported in millimeters (mm).
Basis Weight Test Method
[0341] Basis weight of a fibrous structure sample is measured by
selecting twelve (12) individual fibrous structure samples and
making two stacks of six individual samples each. If the individual
samples are connected to one another vie perforation lines, the
perforation lines must be aligned on the same side when stacking
the individual samples. A precision cutter is used to cut each
stack into exactly 3.5 in..times.3.5 in. squares. The two stacks of
cut squares are combined to make a basis weight pad of twelve
squares thick. The basis weight pad is then weighed on a top
loading balance with a minimum resolution of 0.01 g. The top
loading balance must be protected from air drafts and other
disturbances using a draft shield. Weights are recorded when the
readings on the top loading balance become constant. The Basis
Weight is calculated as follows:
Basis Weight ( lbs / 3000 ft 2 ) = Weight of basis weight pad ( g )
.times. 3000 ft 2 453.6 g / lbs .times. 12 samples .times. [ 12.25
in 2 ( Area of basis weight pad ) / 144 in 2 ] ##EQU00006## Basis
Weight ( g / m 2 ) = Weight of basis weight pad ( g ) .times. 10 ,
000 cm 2 / m 2 79.0321 cm 2 ( Area of basis weight pad ) .times. 12
samples ##EQU00006.2##
[0342] If fibrous structure sample is smaller than 3.5
in..times.3.5 in., then smaller sampling areas can be used for
basis weight determination with associated changes to the
calculations.
Weight Average Molecular Weight Test Method
[0343] The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of a material, such
as a polymer, is determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)
using a mixed bed column. A high performance liquid chromatograph
(HPLC) having the following components: Millenium.RTM., Model 600E
pump, system controller and controller software Version 3.2, Model
717 Plus autosampler and CHM-009246 column heater, all manufactured
by Waters Corporation of Milford, Mass., USA, is utilized. The
column is a PL gel 20 .mu.m Mixed A column (gel molecular weight
ranges from 1,000 g/mol to 40,000,000 g/mol) having a length of 600
mm and an internal diameter of 7.5 mm and the guard column is a PL
gel 20 .mu.m, 50 mm length, 7.5 mm ID. The column temperature is
55.degree. C. and the injection volume is 200 .mu.L. The detector
is a DAWN.RTM. Enhanced Optical System (EOS) including Astra.RTM.
software, Version 4.73.04 detector software, manufactured by Wyatt
Technology of Santa Barbara, Calif., USA, laser-light scattering
detector with K5 cell and 690 nm laser. Gain on odd numbered
detectors set at 101. Gain on even numbered detectors set to 20.9.
Wyatt Technology's Optilab.RTM. differential refractometer set at
50.degree. C. Gain set at 10. The mobile phase is HPLC grade
dimethylsulfoxide with 0.1% w/v LiBr and the mobile phase flow rate
is 1 mL/min, isocratic. The run time is 30 minutes.
[0344] A sample is prepared by dissolving the material in the
mobile phase at nominally 3 mg of material/1 mL of mobile phase.
The sample is capped and then stirred for about 5 minutes using a
magnetic stirrer. The sample is then placed in an 85.degree. C.
convection oven for 60 minutes. The sample is then allowed to cool
undisturbed to room temperature. The sample is then filtered
through a 5 .mu.m Nylon membrane, type Spartan-25, manufactured by
Schleicher & Schuell, of Keene, N.H., USA, into a 5 milliliter
(mL) autosampler vial using a 5 mL syringe.
[0345] For each series of samples measured (3 or more samples of a
material), a blank sample of solvent is injected onto the column.
Then a check sample is prepared in a manner similar to that related
to the samples described above. The check sample comprises 2 mg/mL
of pullulan (Polymer Laboratories) having a weight average
molecular weight of 47,300 g/mol. The check sample is analyzed
prior to analyzing each set of samples. Tests on the blank sample,
check sample, and material test samples are run in duplicate. The
final run is a run of the blank sample. The light scattering
detector and differential refractometer is run in accordance with
the "Dawn EOS Light Scattering Instrument Hardware Manual" and
"Optilab.RTM. DSP Interferometric Refractometer Hardware Manual,"
both manufactured by Wyatt Technology Corp., of Santa Barbara,
Calif., USA, and both incorporated herein by reference.
[0346] The weight average molecular weight of the sample is
calculated using the detector software. A dn/dc (differential
change of refractive index with concentration) value of 0.066 is
used. The baselines for laser light detectors and the refractive
index detector are corrected to remove the contributions from the
detector dark current and solvent scattering. If a laser light
detector signal is saturated or shows excessive noise, it is not
used in the calculation of the molecular mass. The regions for the
molecular weight characterization are selected such that both the
signals for the 90.degree. detector for the laser-light scattering
and refractive index are greater than 3 times their respective
baseline noise levels. Typically the high molecular weight side of
the chromatogram is limited by the refractive index signal and the
low molecular weight side is limited by the laser light signal.
[0347] The weight average molecular weight can be calculated using
a "first order Zimm plot" as defined in the detector software. If
the weight average molecular weight of the sample is greater than
1,000,000 g/mol, both the first and second order Zimm plots are
calculated, and the result with the least error from a regression
fit is used to calculate the molecular mass. The reported weight
average molecular weight is the average of the two runs of the
material test sample.
Tensile Test Method: Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA and
Modulus
[0348] Elongation, Tensile Strength, TEA, Secant Modulus and
Tangent Modulus are measured on a constant rate of extension
tensile tester with computer interface (a suitable instrument is
the MTS Insight using Testworks 4.0 Software, as available from MTS
Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minn.) using a load cell for which the
forces measured are within 10% to 90% of the limit of the cell.
Both the movable (upper) and stationary (lower) pneumatic jaws are
fitted with rubber faced grips, 25.4 mm in height and wider than
the width of the test specimen. An air pressure of about 80 psi is
supplied to the jaws. All testing is performed in a conditioned
room maintained at about 23.degree. C..+-.1 C..degree. and about
50.+-.2% relative humidity. Samples are conditioned under the same
conditions for 2 hours before testing.
[0349] Eight specimens of soluble fibrous structure and/or
dissolving fibrous structure are divided into two stacks of four
specimens each. The specimens in each stack are consistently
oriented with respect to machine direction (MD) and cross direction
(CD). One of the stacks is designated for testing in the MD and the
other for CD. Using a one inch precision cutter (Thwing Albert
JDC-1-10, or similar) cut four MD strips from one stack, and four
CD strips from the other, with dimensions of 2.54 cm.+-.0.02 cm
wide by at least 50 mm long.
[0350] Program the tensile tester to perform an extension test,
collecting force and extension data at an acquisition rate of 100
Hz. Initially lower the crosshead 6 mm at a rate of 5.08 cm/min to
introduce slack in the specimen, then raise the crosshead at a rate
of 5.08 cm/min until the specimen breaks. The break sensitivity is
set to 80%, i.e., the test is terminated when the measured force
drops to 20% of the maximum peak force, after which the crosshead
is returned to its original position.
[0351] Set the gage length to 2.54 cm. Zero the crosshead. Insert a
specimen into the upper grip, aligning it vertically within the
upper and lower jaws and close the upper grips. With the sample
hanging from the top grips, zero the load cell. Insert the specimen
into the lower grips and close. With the grips closed the specimen
should be under enough tension to eliminate any slack but exhibits
a force less than 3.0 g on the load cell. Start the tensile tester
and data collection. Repeat testing in like fashion for all four CD
and four MD specimens.
[0352] Program the software to calculate the following from the
constructed force (g) verses extension (cm) curve:
[0353] Tensile Strength is the maximum peak force (g) divided by
the specimen width (cm) and reported as g/cm to the nearest 1.0
g/cm.
[0354] Adjusted Gage Length is calculated as the extension measured
at 3.0 g of force (cm) added to the original gage length (cm).
[0355] Elongation is calculated as the extension at maximum peak
force (cm) divided by the Adjusted Gage Length (cm) multiplied by
100 and reported as % to the nearest 0.1%
[0356] Total Energy (TEA) is calculated as the area under the force
curve integrated from zero extension to the extension at the
maximum peak force (g*cm), divided by the product of the adjusted
Gage Length (cm) and specimen width (cm) and is reported out to the
nearest 1 g*cm/cm.sup.2.
[0357] Replot the force (g) verses extension (cm) curve as a force
(g) verses strain (%) curve. Strain is herein defined as the
extension (cm) divided by the Adjusted Gage Length (cm).times.100.
Program the software to calculate the following from the
constructed force (g) verses strain (%) curve:
[0358] The Secant Modulus is calculated from a least squares linear
fit of the steepest slope of the force vs strain curve using a cord
that has a rise of at least 20% of the peak force. This slope is
then divided by the specimen width (2.54 cm) and reported to the
nearest 1.0 g/cm.
[0359] Tangent Modulus is calculated as the slope the line drawn
between the two data points on the force (g) versus strain (%)
curve. The first data point used is the point recorded at 28 g
force, and the second data point used is the point recorded at 48 g
force. This slope is then divided by the specimen width (2.54 cm)
and reported to the nearest 1.0 g/cm.
[0360] The Tensile Strength (g/cm), Elongation (%), Total Energy
(g*cm/cm.sup.2), Secant Modulus (g/cm) and Tangent Modulus (g/cm)
are calculated for the four CD specimens and the four MD specimens.
Calculate an average for each parameter separately for the CD and
MD specimens.
Calculations:
[0361] Total Dry Tensile Strength (TDT)=MD Tensile Strength
(g/cm)+CD Tensile Strength (g/cm)
Geometric Mean Tensile=Square Root of [MD Tensile Strength
(g/cm).times.CD Tensile Strength (g/cm)]
Tensile Ratio=MD Tensile Strength (g/cm)/CD Tensile
Strength(g/cm)
Geometric Mean Peak Elongation=Square Root of [MD Elongation
(%).times.CD Elongation (%)]
Total TEA=MD TEA (g*cm/cm.sup.2)+CD TEA (g*cm/cm.sup.2)
Geometric Mean TEA=Square Root of [MD TEA (g*cm/cm.sup.2).times.CD
TEA (g*cm/cm.sup.2)]
Geometric Mean Tangent Modulus=Square Root of [MD Tangent Modulus
(g/cm).times.CD Tangent Modulus (g/cm)]
Total Tangent Modulus=MD Tangent Modulus (g/cm)+CD Tangent Modulus
(g/cm)
Geometric Mean Secant Modulus=Square Root of [MD Secant Modulus
(g/cm).times.CD Secant Modulus (g/cm)]
Total Secant Modulus=MD Secant Modulus (g/cm)+CD Secant Modulus
(g/cm)
Plate Stiffness Test Method
[0362] As used herein, the "Plate Stiffness" test is a measure of
stiffness of a flat sample as it is deformed downward into a hole
beneath the sample. For the test, the sample is modeled as an
infinite plate with thickness "t" that resides on a flat surface
where it is centered over a hole with radius "R". A central force
"F" applied to the tissue directly over the center of the hole
deflects the tissue down into the hole by a distance "w". For a
linear elastic material the deflection can be predicted by:
w = 3 F 4 .pi. Et 3 ( 1 - v ) ( 3 + v ) R 2 ##EQU00007##
where "E" is the effective linear elastic modulus, "v" is the
Poisson's ratio, "R" is the radius of the hole, and "t" is the
thickness of the tissue, taken as the caliper in millimeters
measured on a stack of 5 tissues under a load of about 0.29 psi.
Taking Poisson's ratio as 0.1 (the solution is not highly sensitive
to this parameter, so the inaccuracy due to the assumed value is
likely to be minor), the previous equation can be rewritten for "w"
to estimate the effective modulus as a function of the flexibility
test results:
E .apprxeq. 3 R 2 4 t 3 F w ##EQU00008##
[0363] The test results are carried out using an MTS Alliance RT/1
testing machine (MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minn.) with a
100N load cell. As a stack of five tissue sheets at least
2.5-inches square sits centered over a hole of radius 15.75 mm on a
support plate, a blunt probe of 3.15 mm radius descends at a speed
of 20 mm/min. When the probe tip descends to 1 mm below the plane
of the support plate, the test is terminated. The maximum slope in
grams of force/mm over any 0.5 mm span during the test is recorded
(this maximum slope generally occurs at the end of the stroke). The
load cell monitors the applied force and the position of the probe
tip relative to the plane of the support plate is also monitored.
The peak load is recorded, and "E" is estimated using the above
equation.
[0364] The Plate Stiffness "S" per unit width can then be
calculated as:
S = Et 3 12 ##EQU00009##
and is expressed in units of Newtons-millimeters. The Testworks
program uses the following formula to calculate stiffness:
S=(F/w)[(3+v)R.sup.2/16.pi.]
wherein "F/w" is max slope (force divided by deflection), "v" is
Poisson's ratio taken as 0.1, and "R" is the ring radius.
Fibrous Element Composition Test Method
[0365] In order to prepare fibrous elements for fibrous element
composition measurement, the fibrous elements must be conditioned
by removing any coating compositions and/or materials present on
the external surfaces of the fibrous elements that are removable. A
chemical analysis of the conditioned fibrous elements is then
completed to determine the compositional make-up of the fibrous
elements with respect to the fibrous element-forming materials and
the active agents and the level of the fibrous element-forming
materials and active agents present in the fibrous elements.
[0366] The compositional make-up of the fibrous elements with
respect to the fibrous element-forming material and the active
agents can also be determined by completing a cross-section
analysis using TOF-SIMs or SEM. Still another method for
determining compositional make-up of the fibrous elements uses a
fluorescent dye as a marker. In addition, as always, a manufacturer
of fibrous elements should know the compositions of their fibrous
elements.
Median Particle Size Test Method
[0367] This test method must be used to determine median particle
size.
[0368] The median particle size test is conducted to determine the
median particle size of the seed material using ASTM D 502-89,
"Standard Test Method for Particle Size of Soaps and Other
Detergents", approved May 26, 1989, with a further specification
for sieve sizes used in the analysis. Following section 7,
"Procedure using machine-sieving method," a nest of clean dry
sieves containing U.S. Standard (ASTM E 11) sieves #8 (2360 um),
#12 (1700 um), #16 (1180 um), #20 (850 um), #30 (600 um), #40 (425
um), #50 (300 um), #70 (212 um), #100 (150 um) is required. The
prescribed Machine-Sieving Method is used with the above sieve
nest. The seed material is used as the sample. A suitable
sieve-shaking machine can be obtained from W.S. Tyler Company of
Mentor, Ohio, U.S.A.
[0369] The data are plotted on a semi-log plot with the micron size
opening of each sieve plotted against the logarithmic abscissa and
the cumulative mass percent (Q.sub.3) plotted against the linear
ordinate. An example of the above data representation is given in
ISO 9276-1:1998, "Representation of results of particle size
analysis--Part 1: Graphical Representation", Figure A.4. The seed
material median particle size (D.sub.50), for the purpose of this
invention, is defined as the abscissa value at the point where the
cumulative mass percent is equal to 50 percent, and is calculated
by a straight line interpolation between the data points directly
above (a50) and below (b50) the 50% value using the following
equation:
D.sub.50=10
[Log(D.sub.a50)-(Log(D.sub.a50)-Log(D.sub.b50))*(Q.sub.a50-50%)/(Q.sub.a5-
0-Q.sub.b50)]
where Q.sub.a50 and Q.sub.b50 are the cumulative mass percentile
values of the data immediately above and below the 50.sup.th
percentile, respectively; and D.sub.a50 and D.sub.b50 are the
micron sieve size values corresponding to these data.
[0370] In the event that the 50.sup.th percentile value falls below
the finest sieve size (150 um) or above the coarsest sieve size
(2360 um), then additional sieves must be added to the nest
following a geometric progression of not greater than 1.5, until
the median falls between two measured sieve sizes.
[0371] The Distribution Span of the Seed Material is a measure of
the breadth of the seed size distribution about the median. It is
calculated according to the following:
Span=(D.sub.84/D.sub.50+D.sub.50/D.sub.16)/2 [0372] Where D.sub.50
is the median particle size and D.sub.84 and D.sub.16 are the
particle sizes at the sixteenth and eighty-fourth percentiles on
the cumulative mass percent retained plot, respectively.
[0373] In the event that the D.sub.16 value falls below the finest
sieve size (150 um), then the span is calculated according to the
following:
Span=(D.sub.84/D.sub.50).
[0374] In the event that the D.sub.84 value falls above the
coarsest sieve size (2360 um), then the span is calculated
according to the following:
Span=(D.sub.50/D.sub.16).
[0375] In the event that the D.sub.16 value falls below the finest
sieve size (150 um) and the D.sub.84 value falls above the coarsest
sieve size (2360 um), then the distribution span is taken to be a
maximum value of 5.7.
[0376] 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."
[0377] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application and any patent application or
patent to which this application claims priority or benefit
thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any
document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to
any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in
any combination with any other reference or references, teaches,
suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent
that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts
with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document
incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to
that term in this document shall govern.
[0378] 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.
* * * * *
References