U.S. patent application number 17/398593 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-02 for plurality of integrally interconnected wipes for use in dispenser.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sarah Elizabeth Knight, Kristina Marie Price, Finbarr Charles Ronald Williamson.
Application Number | 20210371189 17/398593 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005767875 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210371189 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Price; Kristina Marie ; et
al. |
December 2, 2021 |
PLURALITY OF INTEGRALLY INTERCONNECTED WIPES FOR USE IN
DISPENSER
Abstract
A plurality of integrally interconnected wipes collectively
define a web. The plurality of wipes includes a first wipe, a
second wipe, and a third wipe. A first transverse intermittent cut
line defines a right side major tie that connects the first wipe to
the second wipe, and the right side major tie has a width. A second
transverse intermittent cut line defines a left side major tie that
connects the second wipe to the third wipe. In particular
embodiments, the first wipe and the second wipe are connected to
each other only within the right side of the web, and the second
wipe and the third wipe are connected to each other only within the
left side of the web. In certain embodiment, the wipes are also
connected to each via minor ties that are transversely narrower
than the major ties.
Inventors: |
Price; Kristina Marie;
(Neenah, WI) ; Knight; Sarah Elizabeth;
(Cambridge, GB) ; Williamson; Finbarr Charles Ronald;
(London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. |
Neenah |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005767875 |
Appl. No.: |
17/398593 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15565927 |
Oct 12, 2017 |
11117733 |
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PCT/US15/57173 |
Oct 23, 2015 |
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17398593 |
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62154961 |
Apr 30, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 2010/428 20130101;
A47K 10/421 20130101; A47K 2010/3266 20130101; B65D 83/0894
20130101; A47K 10/16 20130101; B65D 83/0805 20130101; B65D 83/0835
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/08 20060101
B65D083/08; A47K 10/42 20060101 A47K010/42; A47K 10/16 20060101
A47K010/16 |
Claims
1. A plurality of integrally interconnected wipes that collectively
define a web, the web having a right edge, a left edge, a
longitudinal direction extending parallel to the right and left
edges, a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction, and a longitudinal centerline extending in the
longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the right and
left edges, the web defining a right side transversely between the
centerline and the right edge and defining a left side transversely
between the centerline and the left edge, the plurality of wipes
comprising a first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe, wherein a
first transverse intermittent cut line defines a first right side
major tie disposed on the right side of the web, wherein the first
right side major tie connects the first wipe to the second wipe,
wherein the first right side major tie has a width extending in the
transverse direction, and wherein a second transverse intermittent
cut line defines a second right side major tie disposed on the
right side of the web, wherein the second right side major tie
connects the second wipe to the third wipe, wherein the second
right side major tie has a width extending in the transverse
direction, wherein the first wipe is connected to the second wipe
only on the right side of the web, and wherein the second wipe is
connected to the third wipe only on the right side of the web.
2. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 1,
wherein each of the first right side major tie and the second right
side major tie are between about 2 and 10 millimeters wide.
3. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 1,
wherein the first right side major tie and the second right side
major tie abut the right edge.
4. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 1,
wherein each of the first right side major tie and the second right
side major tie are spaced from the right edge by at least 2
millimeters.
5. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 1,
wherein the first right side major tie and the second right side
major tie overlap in the transverse direction.
6. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 5,
wherein the first right side major tie and the second right side
major tie fully overlap in the longitudinal direction.
7. A plurality of integrally interconnected wipes that collectively
define a web, the web having a right edge, a left edge, a
longitudinal direction extending parallel to the right and left
edges, a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction, and a longitudinal centerline extending in the
longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the right and
left edges, the web defining a right side transversely between the
centerline and the right edge and defining a left side transversely
between the centerline and the left edge, the plurality of wipes
comprising a first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe, wherein a
first transverse intermittent cut line defines a first right side
major tie disposed on the right side of the web and a first left
side minor tie disposed on the left side of the web, wherein the
first right side major tie and the first left side minor tie
connect the first wipe to the second wipe, the first right side
major tie and the first left side minor tie each having a width
extending in the transverse direction where the first right side
major tie width being greater than the first left side minor tie
width, and wherein a second transverse intermittent cut line
defines a second right side major tie disposed on the right side of
the web and a second left side minor tie disposed on the left side
of the web, wherein the second right side major tie and the second
left side minor tie connect the second wipe to the third wipe, the
second right side major tie and the second left side minor tie each
having a width extending in the transverse direction where the
second right side major tie width being greater than the second
left side minor tie width, wherein the first wipe is unconnected to
the second wipe between the first right side major tie and the
first left side minor tie, and wherein the second wipe is
unconnected to the third wipe between the second right side major
tie and the second left side minor tie.
8. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 7,
wherein the first wipe is connected to the second wipe only by the
first right side major tie and the first left side minor tie, and
wherein the second wipe is connected to the third wipe only by the
second right side major tie and the second left side minor tie.
9. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 7,
wherein each major tie is between about 2 and 10 millimeters
wide.
10. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 7,
wherein minor tie is between about 0.5 and 3 millimeters wide.
11. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 7,
wherein plurality of integrally interconnected wipes.
12. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 7,
wherein each major tie abuts a web edge.
13. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 7,
wherein the first right side major tie and the second right side
major tie overlap in the transverse direction.
14. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 13,
wherein the first right side major tie and the second right side
major tie fully overlap in the transverse direction.
15. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 13,
wherein the first right side minor tie and the second right side
minor tie overlap in the transverse direction.
16. The plurality of integrally interconnected wipes of claim 15,
wherein the first right side minor tie and the second right side
minor tie fully overlap in the transverse direction.
17. A dispenser containing a plurality of integrally connected
wipes, the plurality of integrally interconnected wipes
collectively defining a web having a right edge, a left edge, a
longitudinal direction extending parallel to the right and left
edges, a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction, and a longitudinal centerline extending in the
longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the right and
left edges, the web defining a right side transversely between the
centerline and the right edge and defining a left side transversely
between the centerline and the left edge, the plurality of
integrally connected wipes further comprising: a first wipe
connected to a second wipe by a first transverse intermittent cut
line; and a third wipe connected to the second wipe by a second
transverse intermittent cut line, wherein the first transverse
intermittent cut line defines a first connection having a first
width extending in the transverse direction of between 2 mm and 10
mm, the first connection being disposed entirely on the right side
or the left side of the web connecting the first wipe to the second
wipe, and wherein the second transverse intermittent cut line
defines a second connection having a second width extending in the
transverse direction of between 2 mm and 10 mm, the second
connection being disposed entirely on the right side or the left
side of the web connecting the second wipe to the third wipe,
wherein the first wipe is connected to the second wipe only by the
first connection, and wherein the second wipe is connected to the
third wipe only by the second connection, and wherein the first
wipe, the second wipe, and the third wipe are in a stacked
configuration.
18. The dispenser containing the plurality of integrally connected
wipes of claim 17, wherein the first connection and the second
connection each comprise a plurality of bridging strips.
19. The dispenser containing the plurality of integrally connected
wipes of claim 17, wherein the first connection and the second
connection are disposed on a same right side or left side of the
web.
20. The dispenser containing the plurality of integrally connected
wipes of claim 17, wherein the first connection and the second
connection are disposed on opposite sides of the web.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation application and
claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/565,927,
filed on Oct. 12, 2017, which is a national-phase entry, under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 371, of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US15/57173,
filed on Oct. 23, 2015, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/154,961, filed on Apr. 30, 2015, all of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There is a variety of storing and dispensing containers in
the market for wipes. Wipes have been made from a variety of
materials which can be dry or wet when used. Wet wipes can be
moistened with a variety of suitable wiping solutions. Typically,
wet wipes have been stacked in a container in either a folded or
unfolded configuration. For example, containers of wet wipes have
been available wherein each of the wet wipes stacked in the
container has been arranged in a folded configuration such as a
c-folded, z-folded or quarter-folded configuration as are well
known to those skilled in the art. Sometimes each folded wet wipe
is interfolded with the wet wipes immediately above and below it in
the stack of wipes. In an alternative configuration, the wet wipes
have been placed in a container in the form of a continuous web of
material that includes perforations adapted to allow for separation
of individual wet wipes from the web upon the application of a
pulling force. Such wet wipes have been used for baby wipes, hand
wipes, personal care wipes, household cleaning wipes, industrial
wipes and the like.
[0003] Conventional packages of wipes have typically been designed
to be positioned on a flat surface such as a countertop, table or
the like. Such conventional packages have often included a plastic
container, tub or package which provides a sealed environment for
the wet wipes to ensure that they do not become dirty or overly
dry. Some of the conventional packages have also been configured to
provide "one-at-a-time" dispensing of each wet wipe which can be
accomplished using a single hand after the package has been opened.
Such single-handed, one-at-a-time dispensing is particularly
desirable because the other hand of the user or care giver is
typically required to be simultaneously used for other functions.
For example, when changing a diaper product on an infant, the care
giver typically uses one hand to hold and maintain the infant in a
desired position while the other hand is used to dispense a baby
wipe to clean the infant.
[0004] "Pop-up" configurations of wet wipe dispensers can
advantageously help provide the aforementioned single-handed,
"one-at-a-time" dispensing. In "pop-up" configurations, when a wipe
is removed from the dispenser, the wipe pulls along the leading end
of the succeeding wipe in the package, by virtue of the succeeding
wipe being in operative contact with the leading wipe such as via
interfolding, via adhesive bonding, or via an integral connection
along a line of weakness. Preferably, as the leading wipe is pulled
out of and away from the package, the trailing end of the leading
wipe breaks free from the leading end of the succeeding wipe, and
the leading end of the succeeding wipe is left protruding from the
package. In this way, the leading end of the succeeding wipe is
immediately and automatically positioned for grasping and
subsequent withdrawal from the package, and what was previously the
succeeding wipe now becomes the leading wipe.
[0005] Historically, two malfunctions can occur during the
operation just described. In one scenario, as the leading wipe is
withdrawn, the leading wipe may not properly release from the
succeeding wipe, with the result that the succeeding wipe is pulled
too far or even entirely out of the package. A situation in which
one or more succeeding wipes are in a single pull operation
withdrawn from the package by virtue of being in operative contact
with the leading wipe is referred to herein as "multiples."
Multiples can result from excessively strong or geometrically
ineffective connections between successive wipes (e.g., too much
adhesive or insufficient web perforations), or can result from a
dispensing orifice that does not sufficiently hold in place the
succeeding wipe to allow the leading wipe to break free (e.g., too
large of a dispensing orifice).
[0006] In another scenario, as the leading wipe is withdrawn, the
succeeding wipe, after breaking free from the leading wipe, may not
be readily accessible for subsequent dispensing. For example,
although the leading end of the succeeding wipe may momentarily
protrude from the package as it follows the leading wipe during
withdrawal of the leading wipe, the leading end of the succeeding
wipe often subsequently falls back through the dispensing orifice
into the dispensing container--herein referred to as a "fallback."
Fallbacks can result from insufficiently strong or geometrically
ineffective connections between successive wipes (e.g., not enough
adhesive or an excessively weak line of weakness), or can result
from a dispensing orifice that does not sufficiently hold the
leading edge of the succeeding wipe in an outwardly protruding
manner (e.g., too large of a dispensing orifice). Occasionally, the
succeeding wipe may entirely fail to exit the package as the
leading wipe is withdrawn, such as when the connection between the
leading wipe and the succeeding breaks prematurely (i.e.; before
the leading wipe is fully withdrawn).
[0007] As a result, what is lacking in the art is a stack of wipes
connected to one another in a manner that provides improved
"pop-up" dispensing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In a first embodiment, the invention provides a plurality of
integrally interconnected wipes that collectively define a web. The
web has a right edge, a left edge, a longitudinal direction
extending parallel to the right and left edges, a transverse
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a
longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and
positioned midway between the right and left edges. The web defines
a right side transversely between the centerline and the right edge
and defines a left side transversely between the centerline and the
left edge. The plurality of wipes includes at least a first wipe, a
second wipe, and a third wipe. A first transverse intermittent cut
line defines a right side major tie and a left side minor tie. The
right side major tie and the left side minor tie together connect
the first wipe to the second wipe. The right side major tie and the
left side minor tie each have a width extending in the transverse
direction, and the width of the right side major tie is greater
than the width of the left side minor tie. A second transverse
intermittent cut line defines a left side major tie and a right
side minor tie. The left side major tie and the right side minor
tie together connect the second wipe to the third wipe. The left
side major tie and the right side minor tie each have a width
extending in the transverse direction. The width of the left side
major tie is greater than the width of the right side minor
tie.
[0009] In a second embodiment, the invention provides a plurality
of integrally interconnected wipes that collectively define a web.
The web has a right edge, a left edge, a longitudinal direction
extending parallel to the right and left edges, a transverse
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a
longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and
positioned midway between the right and left edges. The web defines
a right side transversely between the centerline and the right edge
and defines a left side transversely between the centerline and the
left edge. The web includes a plurality of transverse intermittent
cut lines. The cut lines are spaced apart from each other in the
longitudinal direction to define individual wipes. Each cut line
defines a major tie and a minor tie, and the major tie and the
minor tie are on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline. The
major tie and the minor tie each have a width extending in the
transverse direction, and the width of the major tie is greater
than the width of the minor tie. The major ties in longitudinally
successive cut lines are on alternating right and left sides of the
longitudinal centerline, such that a plurality of major ties are
arranged on the web in a zig-zag pattern in the longitudinal
direction.
[0010] In a third embodiment, the invention provides the plurality
of wipes of the first or second embodiment wherein each major tie
is between about 2 and 10 millimeters wide.
[0011] In a fourth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality
of wipes of the first or second embodiment wherein each major tie
is between about 0.5 and 3 millimeters wide.
[0012] In a fifth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality
of wipes of any one of the first through fourth embodiments wherein
each major tie is at least three times as wide as each minor
tie.
[0013] In a sixth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality
of wipes of any one of the first through fifth embodiments wherein
each major tie abuts a web edge.
[0014] In a seventh embodiment, the invention provides the
plurality of wipes of any of the first through fifth embodiments
wherein no major tie abuts a web edge.
[0015] In an eighth embodiment, the invention provides the
plurality of wipes of any of the first embodiment or third through
seventh embodiments wherein the right side major tie is spaced from
the right edge by at least 2 millimeters, and wherein the left side
major tie is spaced from the left edge by at least 2
millimeters.
[0016] In a ninth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality
of wipes of any of the first embodiment or third through eighth
embodiments wherein the first transverse intermittent cut line
defines at least two left side minor ties, and wherein the second
transverse intermittent cut line defines at least two right side
minor ties.
[0017] In a tenth embodiment, the invention provides the plurality
of wipes of the ninth embodiment wherein the first transverse
intermittent cut line defines at least three left side minor ties,
and wherein the second transverse intermittent cut line defines at
least three right side minor ties.
[0018] In an eleventh embodiment, the invention provides the
plurality of wipes of any of the first embodiment or third through
tenth embodiments wherein the first transverse intermittent cut
line defines a right side minor tie, and wherein the second
transverse intermittent cut line defines a left side minor tie.
[0019] In a twelfth embodiment, the invention provides a dispenser
containing the plurality of wipes of any of the first through
eleventh embodiments, the dispenser and plurality of wipes together
adapted to provide pop-up dispensing of wipes.
[0020] In a thirteenth embodiment, the invention provides a
plurality of integrally interconnected wipes that collectively
define a web. The web has a right edge, a left edge, a longitudinal
direction extending parallel to the right and left edges, a
transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
and a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal
direction and positioned midway between the right and left edges.
The web defines a right side transversely between the centerline
and the right edge and defines a left side transversely between the
centerline and the left edge. The plurality of wipes includes a
first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe. A first transverse
intermittent cut line defines a right side major tie that connects
the first wipe to the second wipe, and the right side major tie has
a width extending in the transverse direction. A second transverse
intermittent cut line defines a left side major tie that connects
the second wipe to the third wipe, and the left side major tie has
a width extending in the transverse direction.
[0021] In a fourteenth embodiment, the invention provides the
plurality of wipes of the thirteenth embodiment wherein the first
wipe and the second wipe are connected to each other only within
the right side of the web, and wherein the second wipe and the
third wipe are connected to each other only within the left side of
the web.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The present invention will be more fully understood and
further features will become apparent when reference is made to the
following detailed description of the invention and the
accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely representative and
are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Like parts of
the items depicted in the drawings are referred to by the same
reference numerals.
[0023] FIG. 1 representatively shows a portion of a plurality of
integrally interconnected wipes according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 2A representatively shows a close-up view of a portion
of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 2B representatively shows an alternative embodiment of
the portion shown in FIG. 2A.
[0026] FIG. 3 representatively shows a perspective view of a stack
of folded, integrally interconnected wipes, similar to those shown
in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 4 representatively shows a cross-sectional view of the
stack of wipes illustrated in FIG. 3, taken along the line 4-4.
[0028] FIG. 5 representatively shows the plurality of integrally
interconnected wipes shown in FIG. 2B, elongated and with the minor
ties torn.
[0029] FIG. 6 representatively shows a perspective view of an
example of a dispenser for wipes suitable for use in conjunction
with particular embodiments of the present invention
[0030] FIG. 7 representatively shows a plurality of integrally
interconnected wipes according to an alternative embodiment of the
invention.
[0031] FIG. 8 representatively shows a plurality of integrally
interconnected wipes according to yet another embodiment of the
invention.
[0032] FIG. 9 representatively shows a plurality of non-integrally
interconnected wipes according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0033] FIG. 10A representatively shows a front view of a stack of
folded, interconnected wipes, such as those shown any of FIGS. 1-3
and 7-9.
[0034] FIG. 10B representatively shows a top view of a stack of
folded, interconnected wipes, such as those shown in any of FIGS.
1-3 and 7-9.
[0035] FIG. 10C representatively shows a cross-sectional view of
one embodiment of a stack of wipes as seen along line X-X in FIG.
10B, in which wipe-to-wipe connections are on alternating sides of
the stack.
[0036] FIG. 10D representatively shows a cross-sectional view of an
alternative embodiment of a stack of wipes as seen along line X-X
in FIG. 10B, in which wipe-to-wipe connections are all on the same
side of the stack.
[0037] FIG. 11 representatively shows a top view of a dispenser
suitable for use in conjunction with particular embodiments of the
present invention, with a portion cut away to show the stack of
wipes housed therein.
[0038] FIGS. 12A-12C representatively show three stages in one
embodiment of the method aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] The present invention will be more fully understood and
further features will become apparent when reference is made to the
following detailed description of the invention and the
accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely representative and
are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Like parts of
the packages depicted in the drawings are referred to by the same
reference numerals.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a plurality 10 of integrally
interconnected wipes collectively define a web 12. The web has a
right edge 14, a left edge 16, a longitudinal direction 20
extending parallel to the right edge 14 and the left edges 16, a
transverse direction 22 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction
20, and a longitudinal centerline 21 extending in the longitudinal
direction 20 and positioned midway between the right edge 14 and
the left edge 16. The web defines a right side 15 transversely
between the centerline 21 and the right edge 14, and the web
defines a left side 17 transversely between the centerline 21 and
the left edge 16. As shown in the Figures, the plurality 10 of
wipes includes at least a first wipe 30, a second wipe 32, and a
third wipe 34.
[0041] In particular embodiments, as representatively illustrated
in FIGS. 1-3, a first transverse intermittent cut line 40 extends
across the web 12. The first transverse intermittent cut line 40
partitions the web 12 into two longitudinally adjacent
wipes--namely, the first wipe 30 and the second wipe 32. The first
transverse intermittent cut line 40 defines a right side major tie
42, and in particular embodiments a left side minor tie 44a. The
right side major tie 42 and the left side minor tie 44a together
connect the first wipe 30 to the second wipe 32. The right side
major tie 42 has a width 43, and the left side minor tie 44a has a
width 45. Both widths 43, 45 extend in the transverse direction 22.
The width 43 of the right side major tie 42 is greater than the
width 45 of the left side minor tie 44a.
[0042] In particular embodiments, a second transverse intermittent
cut line 50 extends across the web 12. The second transverse
intermittent cut line 50 partitions the web 12 into two
longitudinally adjacent wipes--namely, the second wipe 32 and the
third wipe 34. The second transverse intermittent cut line 50
defines a left side major tie 52, and in particular embodiments a
right side minor tie 54a. The left side major tie 52 and the right
side minor tie 54a together connect the second wipe 32 to the third
wipe 34. The left side major tie 52 has a width 53, and the right
side minor tie 54a has width 55. Both widths 53, 55 extend in the
transverse direction 22. The width 53 of the left side major tie 52
is greater than the width 55 of the right side minor tie 54a. Note
that the cut lines 40, 50 may be straight, wavy, zig-zag, or
otherwise non-straight. Also, the cut lines 40, 50 may travel a
path that is parallel to the transverse direction 22, or that is
not parallel to the transverse direction 22, such as tilted
relative to the transverse direction 22.
[0043] In particular embodiments, such as that representatively
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the right side major tie 42 is
spaced from the right edge 14 by at least 1 millimeter, more
particularly at least 3 millimeters, still more particularly at
least 5 millimeters, and still more particularly at least 10
millimeters, and the left side major tie 52 is spaced from the left
edge 16 by at least 1 millimeter, more particularly at least 3
millimeters, still more particularly at least 5 millimeters, and
still more particularly at least 10 millimeters. In other
embodiments, such as that representatively illustrated in FIG. 2B,
the right side major tie 42 abuts the right edge 14, and the left
side major tie 52 abuts the left edge 16.
[0044] In particular embodiments (FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B), the first
transverse intermittent cut line 40 defines at least two left side
minor ties 44a, 44b, and the second transverse intermittent cut
line 50 defines at least two right side minor ties 54a, 54b. In
particular embodiments (FIG. 2B), the first transverse intermittent
cut line 40 defines at least three left side minor ties 44a, 44b,
44c, and the second transverse intermittent cut line 50 defines at
least three right side minor ties 54a, 54b, 54c. In particular
embodiments, the first transverse intermittent cut line 40 defines
at least one right side minor tie 44d, and the second transverse
intermittent cut line 50 defines at least one left side minor tie
54d.
[0045] In particular embodiments, the width 43/53 of each major tie
42/52 is between about 2 and 15 millimeters wide, and more
particularly between about 2 and 10 millimeters wide. In particular
embodiments, the major tie is more than 3 millimeters wide, more
particularly more than 4 millimeters wide, still more particularly
more than 5 millimeters wide, and still more particularly more than
8 millimeters wide. Additionally or alternatively, in particular
embodiments, the width 45/55 of each minor tie 44/54 is between
about 0.5 and 3 millimeters wide. In particular embodiments, the
minor tie is less than 3 millimeters wide, more particularly less
than 2 millimeters wide, and still more particularly less than 1
millimeter wide. In particular embodiments, the width 45/55 of each
major tie 42/52 is at least three times greater that the width
45/55 as each minor tie 43/53.
[0046] In another aspect of the invention, a dispenser 11 contains
the plurality 10 of integrally interconnected wipes described
above. The dispenser 11 and plurality 10 of wipes are together
adapted to provide pop-up dispensing of wipes. Examples of
dispensers suitable for use in conjunction with particular
embodiments of the present invention include those described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,690 B1; U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2014/0174974 A1;
U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2014/0001072 A1; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub.
2014/0374432 A1, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference
to the extent not inconsistent herewith.
[0047] The dispenser 11 can include any suitable number of
individual wipes depending upon the dispenser size and intended end
use. For example, the dispenser can be configured to include a
stack of wipes which can include at least about 5 wipes and
desirably from about 8 to about 320 individually wipes, and more
desirably from about 16 to about 64 wipes. The size and shape of
the stack of wipes is dependent upon the size and shape of the
dispenser and vice versa.
[0048] In particular embodiments, the plurality 10 of integrally
interconnected wipes are arranged in a stack 13, as
representatively illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The example shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 employs an accordion-like stack 13. The individual
wipes can be connected together at transverse intermittent cut
lines 40, 50 as described above. The transverse intermittent cut
lines can be provided by means known to those skilled in the art,
such as perforations, indentations, or cuts in the web of material.
For example, the cut lines can be provided in the web of material
by passing the web of material between a die cutter roll and an
anvil roll. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse
intermittent cut lines are position in the middle of the stack of
fold wipes, which is advantageous when dispensing from dispensers
with centrally located dispensing orifices. In alternative
embodiments (not shown), the intermittent cut lines can be
positioned "off center," or at the edge of the stack.
[0049] The purpose, in particular embodiments, of the major ties
described above is to deliver enhanced pop-up dispensing. The
purpose of the minor ties is to facilitate commercial manufacture
of the wipes. Specifically, it is common for wipe products to be
formed as very long, continuous webs or sheets. Examples of
suitable materials are described below. After the continuous sheet
is formed, the sheet typically travels through additional
processing steps, including, for example, drying, calendaring,
embossing, wrinkle removing, slitting, perforating, and winding.
During such additional processing steps, the continuous sheet
generally is under both longitudinal and lateral tension. If
adjacent wipes were integrally interconnected only by the major
ties described herein, consistent, reliable handling of the
continuous sheet would be compromised, because the major ties alone
would not provide sufficient strength and integrity to the
continuous sheets for commercial, high-speed, tensioned processing.
Introduction of the minor ties as described herein allows for more
robust handling of the continuous sheets during the manufacturing.
In this way, the major and minor ties together allow for the
practical commercial manufacture of an optimized pop-up dispensing
experience.
[0050] Another way to articulate key features of particular
embodiments of the invention is as follows. The web 12 includes a
plurality of transverse intermittent cut lines (e.g., 40, 50). The
cut lines are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal
direction 20 to define individual wipes (e.g., 30/32/34). Each cut
line (e.g., 40/50) defines a major tie (e.g., 42/52) and a minor
tie (e.g., 44/54), and the major tie and the minor tie are on
opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline 21. The width 43 of
the major tie 42 is greater than the width 53 of the minor tie. The
major ties (e.g., 42/52) in longitudinally successive pluralities
of cut lines (e.g., 40, 50) are on alternating right and left sides
(15, 17) of the longitudinal centerline 21. In this way, a
plurality of major ties are arranged on the web 12 in a "zig-zag"
pattern in the longitudinal direction, as representatively
illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0051] The plurality 10 of wipes integrally interconnected as
heretofore described can in particular embodiments deliver an
improved dispensing experience. As the leading corner 62 of a wipe
at the top of a stack 13, such as, referring to FIGS. 3-4, wipe 34,
is pulled by the user, a chain of events begins. First, the one or
more minor ties 52 are torn as the wipe 34 is pulled upward from
the stack. As the one or more minor ties 52 are torn, the wipe 34
begins to tilt to the side, or even assume a diamond shape, as
representatively illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. As the succeeding
wipe 32 begins to lift from the stack, in particular embodiments
the stack 13 and/or dispenser 11 are configured to promote a
tearing of the major tie 42, thus fully releasing wipe 34 from the
web 12.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10D, the present invention includes
in particular embodiments a plurality of stacked, interconnected
wipes 10 that collectively define a stack 13. The stack 13 has a
right end 114, a left end 116, a transverse direction 122 extending
between the right end 114 and the left end 116, a longitudinal
direction 120 perpendicular to the transverse direction 122, and a
longitudinal centerline 121 extending in the longitudinal direction
120 and positioned midway between the right end 114 and left end
116. The stack 13 defines a right side 115 transversely between the
longitudinal centerline 121 and the right end 114 and defines a
left side 117 transversely between the longitudinal centerline 121
and the left end 116. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS.
10A-10D, each of the wipes is folded in half in the longitudinal
direction 120. FIG. 10B shows a top view of the stack of folded
wipes of FIG. 10A. The leading edge 29 of the wipe on the top of
the stack 13 can be seen in FIG. 10B.
[0053] As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, 10C, and 10D,
in particular embodiments, each wipe is connected to at least one
other wipe on only one of the right side 115 and the left side 117
of the stack 13 via a connection. In particular embodiments, such
as those depicted in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10C, immediately successive
connections in a stacked direction 119 are on alternating right and
left sides 115, 117 of the stack 13. In other embodiments, such as
those depicted in FIGS. 8 and 10D, immediately successive
connections in a stacked direction 119 are on the same side of the
stack (e.g., the right side 115 as shown in FIG. 10D). FIG. 7
depicts several interconnected wipes from the stack shown in FIG.
10C, and FIG. 8 depicts several interconnected wipes from the stack
shown in FIG. 10D, with the interconnected plurality in each case
unfolded and fully extended to show various features.
[0054] For example, referring to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10C, in particular
embodiments, a plurality of wipes 10 includes a first wipe 130, a
second wipe 132, and a third wipe 134. A right-side connection 142
connects the first wipe 130 to the second wipe 132 in the right
side 115 of the stack 13. The first wipe 130 is connected to the
second wipe 132 only on the right side 115 of the stack 13. Also, a
left-side connection 152 connects the second wipe 132 to the third
wipe 134 in the left side 117 of the stack 13. The second wipe 132
being connected to the third wipe 134 only on the left side 117 of
the stack 13.
[0055] In another example, referring to FIGS. 8 and 10D, in
particular embodiments, a plurality of wipes 10 includes a first
wipe 130, a second wipe 132, and a third wipe 134. A first
right-side connection 142a connects the first wipe 130 to the
second wipe 132 in the right side 115 of the stack 13. The first
wipe 130 is connected to the second wipe 132 only on the right side
115 of the stack 13. Also, a second right-side connection 142b
connects the second wipe 132 to the third wipe 134 in the right
side 115 of the stack 13. The second wipe 132 is connected to the
third wipe 134 only on the right side 115 of the stack 13. FIG. 8
depicts several interconnected wipes from a stack somewhat similar
to the one shown in FIG. 10D, with the interconnected plurality
unfolded and fully extended to show various features.
[0056] In particular embodiments, such as those representatively
illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, 10C, and 10D, a majority of wipe-to-wipe
connections in the stack 13 of wipes are integrally formed with a
wipe. For example, the connections 142 and 152 can each include
three bridging strips 192. The bridging strips 192a, 192b, and 192c
collectively define the right-side connection 142, and the bridging
strips 192d, 192e, and 192f collectively define the left-side
connection 152. The number of bridging strips can be varied
depending on the dispensing mechanics necessitated by the specific
configuration and construction of the wipes--and in particular
embodiments, the dispenser--involved. In particular embodiments,
each connection 142, 152 includes from 2 to 10 and more
particularly from 3 to 8 bridging strips. Preferably, in particular
embodiments, each bridging strip is from 1 to 5 millimeters in
transverse with, and more preferably each bridging strip is from
1.5 to 3 millimeters in transverse width. In other embodiments, no
wipe-to-wipe connection in the stack is integrally formed with a
wipe. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the connections 142 and 152
are accomplished via energy bonding. Example of suitable energy
bonding included ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding, or pressure
bonding. The bonding could also be accomplished via a bonding
material, such as adhesive.
[0057] The stack has a width 113 measured in the transverse
direction 122. The right-side connection 142 has an effective width
143 extending in the transverse direction 122, and the left-side
connection 152 has an effective width 153 extending in the
transverse direction 122. The "effective width" is the distance in
the transverse direction between the two furthest-apart points of
connectivity that connect immediately successive wipes in a stack
within a single side 115, 117 of the stack 13. Thus, in no case can
the effective width of a connection be greater than half of the
stack transverse width 113. Preferably, the effective width of a
connection is considerably less than half of the stack transverse
width. For example, in particular embodiments, referring to FIGS. 7
and 9, the right-side connection effective width 143 and the
left-side connection effective width 153 are each at most 10
percent of a stack transverse width 113. In another example,
referring to FIG. 8, the first right-side connection effective
width 143a and the second right-side connection effective width
143b are each at most 10 percent of a stack transverse width
113.
[0058] In particular embodiments, an entirety of each right-side
connection 142 in the stack 13 is closer to the stack right end 114
than to the longitudinal centerline 121 of the stack 13, and an
entirety of each left-side connection 152 in the stack 13 is closer
to the stack left end 116 than to the longitudinal centerline 121
of the stack 13, as representatively illustrates in FIGS. 7, 9, and
10C. In other embodiments, an entirety of each connection in the
stack 13 is closer to a single stack end--such as, for example, the
stack right end 114--than to the longitudinal centerline 121 of the
stack, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10D.
[0059] In particular embodiments, a dispenser 11 contains the
plurality of interconnected wipes 10. The dispenser 11 and
plurality of wipes 10 are together adapted to provide pop-up
dispensing of the wipes. The dispenser 11 defines a dispensing
orifice 111, through which wipes can be extracted from the
dispenser 11. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice 111
is centered in the transverse direction, as in the examples of
FIGS. 6 and 12. In other examples, the dispensing orifice 111 is
transversely offset from the longitudinal centerline 121 of the
stack of wipes 13 contained therein by at least 25 percent of the
stack transverse width 113, as representatively illustrated in the
example of FIG. 11 in which the orifice 111 is offset toward the
left end 116 of the stack 13. Of course, the orifice 111 could
alternatively be offset toward the right end 114 of the stack 13
(which could in particular embodiments be advantageous for use in
conjunction with a stack of wipes in which all wipe-to-wipe
connections were on the right side 115 of the stack, such as the
stack 13 representatively illustrated in FIG. 10D).
[0060] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of
dispensing wipes. The method includes providing a stack of wipes
13, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10D. The stack 13
has a first end (such as a right end 114), a second end (such as a
left end 116), a transverse direction extending between the first
end 114 and the second end 116, a longitudinal direction 120
perpendicular to the transverse direction 122, and a longitudinal
centerline 121 extending in the longitudinal direction 120 and
positioned midway between the first end 114 and second end 116. The
stack defines a first side (such as right side 115) transversely
between the longitudinal centerline 121 and the first end 114 and
defines a second side (such as left side 117) transversely between
the longitudinal centerline 121 and the second end 116.
[0061] Each wipe in the stack 13 is generally rectangular in shape,
and each wipe defines four corners. For example, referring to FIG.
7, wipe 134 defines corners 70a/70b/70c/70d, and wipe 132 defines
corners 72a/72b/72c/72d. In another example, referring to FIG. 8,
wipe 134 defines corners 80a/80b/80c870d, and wipe 132 defines
corners 82a/82b/82c/82d. The method in particular embodiments
further includes providing a dispenser 11. The dispenser 11 has a
dispensing orifice 101 through which wipes can be extracted from
the dispenser 11.
[0062] Referring to the exemplary embodiment outlined in FIGS.
12A-12C, the method can further include grasping a presented corner
90 of a leading wipe 234, and pulling the presented corner 90 of
the leading wipe 234 to withdraw the leading wipe 234 out of the
dispenser 11. As the leading wipe 234 is withdrawn, the leading
wipe 234 releases from a succeeding wipe 232 such that a presented
corner 92 of the succeeding wipe 232 protrudes from the dispensing
orifice 101. No wipe corner other than the presented corner
protrudes from the dispensing orifice 101. "Presented corner" as
used herein means the corner of the wipe that protrudes away from
the stack and through the dispensing orifice of the dispenser, so
that user may readily grasp it.
[0063] In particular embodiments, the presented corner 90 of the
leading wipe 234 and the presented corner 92 of the succeeding wipe
232 originate from opposite sides 115/117 of the stack 13.
Preferably in such embodiments, each wipe in the stack 13 is
connected to at least one other wipe on only one of the right side
115 and the left side 117 of the stack via a connection. In other
words, each wipe in the stack is connected to at least one other
wipe on either the right side 115 of the stack 13 or the left side
117 of the stack 13, but not on both sides. Immediately successive
connections 142, 152 in a stacked direction 119 alternate from the
right side 115 to the left side 117, as suggested by the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10C. Preferably, each
right-side connection 142 in the stack 13 is closer to the stack
right end 114 than to the longitudinal centerline 121 of the stack
13, and each left-side connection 152 in the stack 13 is closer to
the stack left end 116 than to the longitudinal centerline 121 of
the stack 13.
[0064] For example, referring to FIGS. 12A-12C and FIG. 7, in
particular embodiments of the method, the presented corner 90 of
the leading wipe 234 corresponds to the corner 70a of the third
wipe 134 in FIG. 7, and the presented corner 92 of the succeeding
wipe 232 corresponds to the corner 72b of the second wipe 132 in
FIG. 7. In such an embodiment, as the presented corner 90 (corner
70a) of the leading wipe 234 (wipe 134) is pulled and withdraw out
of the dispenser 11, the leading wipe 234 (wipe 134) releases from
the succeeding wipe 232 (wipe 132) such that a presented corner 92
(corner 72b) of the succeeding wipe 232 (wipe 132) protrudes from
the dispensing orifice 101. The presented corner 90 (corner 70a) of
the leading wipe 234 (wipe 134) and the presented corner 92 (corner
72b) of the succeeding wipe 232 (corner 132) originate from
opposite sides 115/117 of the stack 13. Specifically, the corner
70a originates from the right side 115 of the stack, and the corner
72b originates from the left side 117 of the stack. Note that when
corner 70a is the presented corner, the three remaining corners
(70b, 70c, 70d) of wipe 134 remain inside the dispenser, such that
corner 70a, and only corner 70a, is presented. Similarly, when
corner 72b is the presented corner, the three remaining corners
(72a, 72c, 72d) of wipe 132 remain inside the dispenser, such that
corner 72b, and only corner 72b, is presented outside of the
dispenser.
[0065] In other embodiments, the presented corner 90 of the leading
wipe 232 and the presented corner 92 of the succeeding wipe 232
each originate from the same side of the stack (such as from the
right side 115, or from the left side 117). Preferably in such
embodiments, each wipe in the stack 13 is connected to at least one
other wipe on only the first side 115 of the stack via a
connection. Immediately successive connections 143a, 143b in a
stacked direction 119 are all on the first side 115 of the stack,
as suggested by the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 10D.
Preferably, each connection 143 in the stack is closer to the stack
first end 114 than to the longitudinal centerline 121 of the stack
13.
[0066] For example, referring to FIGS. 12A-12C and FIG. 8, in
particular embodiments of the method, the presented corner 90 of
the leading wipe 234 corresponds to the corner 80a of the third
wipe 134 in FIG. 8, and the presented corner 92 of the succeeding
wipe 232 corresponds to the corner 82a of the second wipe 132 in
FIG. 8. In such an embodiment, as the presented corner 90 (corner
80a) of the leading wipe 234 (wipe 134) is pulled and withdraw out
of the dispenser 11, the leading wipe 234 (wipe 134) releases from
the succeeding wipe 232 (wipe 132) such that a presented corner 92
(corner 82a) of the succeeding wipe 232 (wipe 132) protrudes from
the dispensing orifice 101. The presented corner 90 (corner 80a) of
the leading wipe 234 (wipe 134) and the presented corner 92 (corner
82a) of the succeeding wipe 232 (corner 132) originate from the
same side of the stack 13. Specifically, the corner 80a originates
from the right side 115 of the stack, and the corner 82a originates
from the right side 115 of the stack. Note that when corner 80a is
the presented corner, the three remaining corners (80b, 80c, 80d)
of wipe 134 remain inside the dispenser, such that corner 80a, and
only corner 80a, is presented. Similarly, when corner 82a is the
presented corner, the three remaining corners (82b, 82c, 82d) of
wipe 132 remain inside the dispenser, such that corner 82a, and
only corner 82a, is presented outside of the dispenser.
[0067] The structures and methods described above can in particular
embodiments deliver a number of useful features. First, the
mechanism of dispensing just described can present a corner of the
next wipe in the stack to the user, which offers certain
accessibility benefits in certain applications. Second, due to the
way the wipe tips to the side, or "deforms" into a general
"diamond-like" shape, the variability in dispensing force can be
better controlled, making dispensing more reliable and predictable
(such as by reducing the undesirable "fall backs" or "multiples"
described earlier). Third, the force required to dispense a wipe is
in particular embodiments of the present invention lower than in
many conventional configurations, which desirably allows more wipes
to be dispensed from a dispenser before the dispenser (often made
of relatively light polymers) begins to lift off the surface on
which it rests. Finally, the pop-up dispensing configuration
described herein reduces tearing of the wipes, due to the fact, it
is believed, that vector forces are oriented "diagonally" from
corner to corner, as opposed to purely in a machine direction or
cross-machine direction (one or both of which may be weaker than
the "diagonal" direction).
[0068] Without wishing to limit the scope of the invention as
claim, it is theorized that, in particular embodiments of the
invention, rotation of the succeeding wipe of about 45 degrees
(sheet 32 in FIGS. 5 and 6; sheet 232 in FIG. 12) causes the
succeeding wipe 32/232 to bunch, and to have a non-uniform profile
in the direction of dispensing as it passes through the dispensing
orifice. For the 45-degree rotated wipe 32/232, its thickest
section (bunched in the diagonal direction of a roughly square
sheet) encounters the dispensing orifice when the sheet 32 is about
half-dispensed, such that the resistance of the wipe to dispensing
is greatest at this "half dispensed" point in time. This varying
force of resistance to dispensing helps retain the succeeding wipe
32 near mid-dispense, thus helping to reduce fallbacks or
multiples.
[0069] Materials suitable for the wipes of the present invention
are well known to those skilled in the art. Wipes, such as
pre-moistened wipes, can be made from, for example, meltblown,
coform, air-laid, bonded-carded, or hydroentangled materials, high
wet-strength tissue, or combinations thereof, such as layered
combinations thereof. The wipes can comprise synthetic or natural
fibers or combinations thereof. Wipes suitable for use in
conjunction with the present invention can contain a liquid which
can be any solution that can be absorbed into the wipes, thus
making them "wet wipes." The liquid contained within the wet wipes
can include any suitable components which provide the desired
wiping properties. For example, the components can include water,
emollients, surfactants, preservatives, chelating agents, pH
buffers, fragrances, or combinations thereof. The liquid can also
contain lotions, ointments, and/or medicaments. The amount of
liquid contained within each wet wipe can vary depending upon the
type of material being used to provide the wet wipe, the type of
liquid being used, the type of container being used to store the
stack of wet wipes, and the desired end use of the wet wipe.
Generally, each wet wipe can contain from about 150 to about 600
weight percent and desirably from about 200 to about 400 weight
percent liquid based on the dry weight of the wipe for improved
wiping. Examples of wipe substrates suitable for use in conjunction
with the present invention include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,508,102 A,
7,585,797 B2, and 8,257,553 B2.
[0070] While the invention has been described in detail with
respect to the specific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated
that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of
the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations
of, and equivalents to these aspects. Accordingly, the scope of the
present invention should be assessed as that of the appended
claims.
* * * * *