Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to stacks of wet wipes which are provided with an improved
interfolding and interleaving configuration, such that each wipe can be readily separated
from the wet wipe stack by the consumer.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Wet wipes are typically premoistened, disposable towelettes which may be utilised
in a variety of applications both domestic and industrial and perform a variety of
functions. Wet wipes are typically used to wipe surfaces both animate and inanimate,
and may provide numerous benefits such as cleaning, cleansing, disinfecting, and skin
care benefits.
[0003] One particular application is the use of wet wipes for wiping parts of the human
body particularly when wash water is not available, for example when traveling. Wipes
are commonly used for human cleansing and wiping such as anal, perineal cleansing
and genital cleansing and face and hand cleansing for example as intimate hygiene
wipes such as feminine wet wipes. Wet wipes may also be used for application of substances
to the body including removing and applying of make-up, skin conditioners and medications.
Another application of wipes is during diaper changes and also for the treatment of
adult and baby dermatitis partly caused by the use of diapers and incontinence devices.
In addition wet wipes are also applicable for wiping and or cleaning other surfaces
or for the application of compositions to surfaces, for example kitchen and bathroom
surfaces, eyeglasses, shoes and surfaces which require cleaning in industry for example
surfaces of machinery or automobiles. Wet wipes also include articles used for the
cleaning or grooming of pets.
[0004] Wet wipes are commonly constructed of combinations of synthetic and natural fibres,
such as polyolefin fibres, viscose fibres and cotton fibres, which are generally moistened
with an aqueous composition which contains amongst others surfactants, preservatives,
oils and scents. The wet wipes are then typically provided in a folded stacked configuration
within a covered container such as a tub-like container having a lid. Alternatively,
the wipes may be provided in tub containers having a dispensing aperture. In both
cases this allows easy transportation and storage of the wipes.
[0005] However, a problem with the current stacking of folded wet wipes is the lack of easy,
single wipe dispensation from the wet wipe stack. This problem is particularly acute
in circumstances of use such as when a consumer is holding a baby during a diaper
change. Under such conditions the consumer needs to be able to pick up and separate
the wipe from the stack using only one hand. This is not achieved satisfactorily with
current products.
[0006] The problem of the lack of satisfactory wet wipe dispensation from the stack and
container is due to a number of reasons. Firstly, wet wipes are typically folded and
either placed one on top of the other or interleaved with an adjacent wipe. However,
the exact location of the leading edge of the upper most wipe of the current stack
is not easily identifiable, either visually or tacitly. This is because the substrate
material of the wipe is typically homogeneous and thus the leading edge of the wipe,
particularly when folded, cannot be distinguished from the wipe substrate material
on which it rests. In addition, the leading edge portion of the wipe also has a tendency
to adhere to the underlying wipe substrate material on which it rests. Hence even
tactile identification of the edge by running or dragging of the fingers across the
wipe surface does not immediately result in the identification of the location of
the edge.
[0007] Secondly, once the leading edge has been located, it is difficult for the consumer
to grasp hold of sufficient substrate material and maintain grasp thereof, in order
to separate a single wipe from the stack upon which it rests. The consumer often is
only able to grasp a small portion of the leading edge such that a tight grip thereof
is not established and hence the wipe easily slips from the fingers of the consumer.
[0008] These problems associated with wet wipe dispensation have been recognised in the
art. For example US 5 540 332 addresses dispensability of wet wipes and a method of
producing these wipes. The improved dispensability is achieved by providing at least
a portion of one of the end edges of the wipe with a repeating non-linear pattern
such as a sine wave configuration. However, the problem of single wet wipe dispensation
is neither addressed or overcome by the use of a non linear leading edge.
[0009] Another proposed solution to the dispensing problem is described in US 4 778 048,
which discloses a product comprising a stack of wet wipes tilted on edge within a
container for improved access, dispensing and equal liquid distribution. In a preferred
embodiment, the edge of each wipe has a Gurley Stiffness greater than the stiffness
of the main body of the wipe. However, the provision of such a stiff edge is in itself
undesirable characteristics of a wet wipe. Wet wipes, particularly those intended
for use on sensitive areas of the skin such as baby wipes require a certain degree
of softness. The edge of the wipe which is stiffened is no longer suitable for use
as is indeed recognised in the patent itself, and hence the wipes have a reduced substrate
surface suitable for use. Also care needs to be taken to reduce or avoid contact of
this edge portion with the skin as it may cause irritation. Moreover, the stiffness
of the edge again does not solve the problem of single wipe dispensation. In addition,
the provision of such a non linear edge on a nonwoven substrate using current manufacturing
techniques would also result in the fraying of the edges of the substrate which is
also highly undesirable.
[0010] Alternatively, it has also been proposed to provide specifically designed dispensing
containers having dispensing orifices in order to aid in the identification of the
leading edge by the consumer. These containers are designed such that during the removal
action of the upper most wipe from the container, the adjacent wipe is elevated from
the stack such that it partially protrudes through the orifice once the upper most
wipe has been removed. In this manner the uppermost wipe is positioned for easy grasp
by the consumer. However, a disadvantage with such devices is that too much substrate
material of the adjacent wipe is exposed through the orifice. Accordingly, the wipe
becomes dry and unsuitable for use and has to be discarded. EP 747 313 proposes a
means to address this problem and discloses a multiple folded paper, such as wetted
tissue paper, for continuous disposal through a container orifice. In this manner
a maximum of a quarter of the length of the adjacent wipe is exposed through the dispensing
orifice. However, such paper tissue products cannot be utilised for all wet wipe applications,
such as baby wipes as the wetted tissue paper is not satisfactory in terms of softness
or strength. In particular, such wetted tissues suffer from a tendency to tear during
use and hence are not suitable for use as wet wipes.
[0011] Another key contributory factor to the problem of single wet wipe dispensation from
the wet wipe stack which is not addressed by any of the foregoing prior art, is the
tendency of the wipe substrate material to adhere to itself. In particular, this is
due to the compression of the wipe stacks during manufacture and storage, the actual
weight of the stack of wipes themselves, and the existence of attractive forces in-between
the substrate material and the lotion of the wipes. As a result, when the wipes are
folded to form a stack, the substrate material tends to adhere to itself and the substrate
material of adjacent wipes. Consequently, once the consumer has raised the wipe from
the stack, the wipe tends to maintain its folded configuration. Moreover, the wipe
typically remains at least partially adhered to the adjacent wipe on which it was
resting. Hence, in addition during the action of wipe removal from the stack, the
adjacent wipe is also at least partially separated from the stack. As a result the
consumer is required not only to unfold the wipe before commencing with the desired
application of the wipe but also, to separated it from the adjacent wipe in the stack
and returned this wipe to the stack in the container. This is obviously particularly
inconvenient to consumers utilising baby wipes during diaper changes.
[0012] The problem of substrate wipe adhesion has been recognised in the prior art. Attempts
at resolving this problem have typically resided in the provision of interleaved wipes
as for example described in JP 08 089 439 . Indeed interleaving is also known in the
prior art related to dry tissue products such as disclosed in US 2 772 021 and US
3 330 553. However due to complex interactions that exist between substrate material
and lotion in the wet wipe product, it is known that the folding configurations generally
utilized in such dry tissue products cannot be reapplied to wet wipes.
[0013] Furthermore, many of the proposed interleaving configurations have associated problems
therewith. In particular, when as a result of interleaving the degree of overlap of
substrate material between adjacent wipes is large, then the problem of substrate
adhesion is merely exacerbated such that the wipes are effectively always released
in pairs, or although the wipe is dispensed singly, a large proportion of an adjacent
wipe may still be exposed through the dispensing orifice after the removal of the
upper wipe, such that the wipe becomes dry. On the other hand, if the overlap between
adjacent wipes is minimised such that single wipe dispensation is guaranteed, there
is no recognisable separation of the adjacent wipe from the stack and the problem
of leading edge identification reappears.
[0014] Furthermore, in addition to the unsatisfactory dispensation of the wipes, other problems
related to the proposed prior art interleaving configurations may also arise. For
example, as a result of the interleaving configurations the substrate material may
be unevenly distributed in the container, which leads to a number of undesirable effects
such as uneven lotion distribution throughout the stack of wipes and within the individual
wipes themselves resulting in concentration of the lotion at specific areas within
the stack. Moreover, many of the interleaving configurations also result in the formation
of ridges and grooves in the substrate material, which both tends to reduce the strength
and softness of the wipe in addition to being aesthetically undesirable .
[0015] It is therefore desirable to provide a wet wipe substrate which is suitable for multiple
applications such as baby wipes, which are strong, soft and absorbent. It is further
desirable to provide a stacking configuration for such wet wipes which faciliates
easy, single wipe dispensation from the wipe stack,
[0016] The present invention addresses these problems by providing a stack of wet wipes
which have an improved folding and interleaving configuration.
Summary of the Invention
[0017] The present invention hence relates to a wet wipe for wiping parts of the human body
such as baby wipes and other surfaces. In particular, the present invention relates
to a stacking configuration for wet wipes so as to facilitate ease of dispensation
and separation of a single wipe from the stack of wet wipes, especially for applications
utilising a container and dispensing orifice.
[0018] Accordingly, the wet wipe stacking configuration comprises a first assembly of wipes
and a second assembly of wipes, each of the wipes comprising a substrate and a liquid
composition. Each of said wipes extends lengthwise from a first leading end edge to
a second trailing end edge and has at least two folds thereby providing, a leading
edge panel, a central panel and a trailing edge panel.
[0019] According to the present invention, said first assembly of wipes is interleaved said
second assembly of wipes, such that at least a portion of said central panel and at
least a portion of said trailing edge panel of each of said first assembly of wipes
are interleaved between at least a portion of said leading edge panel and at least
a portion of said central panel of one wipe of said second assembly of wipes. Similarly,
at least a portion of said central panel and at least a portion of said trailing edge
panel of each of said second assembly of wipes are interleaved between at least a
portion of said leading edge panel and at least a portion of said central panel of
one wipe of said first assembly of wipes. In addition the wipes are interleaved such
that the length of said leading edge panel or said trailing edge panel of each of
said first assembly of wipes is no more than 50% of the length of the corresponding
central panel, and such that the length of said leading edge panel or said trailing
edge panel of each of said second assembly of wipes is no more than 50% of the length
of the corresponding central panel.
Brief Description of the Figures
[0020]
- Figure 1:
- Depicts a perspective view of a z-folded wet wipe.
- Figure 2:
- Is a cross sectional schematic illustration of a stack of folded and interleaved wet
wipes in a dispensing container.
- Figure 3a:
- Is a cross sectional illustration taken along line x-x in figure 1 showing a wipe
having a leading edge panel 2, a central panel 4 and a trailing edge panel 3 and folded
in a Z fold configuration.
- Figure 3b:
- Is a cross sectional illustration of a folded wipe having a lip 36 on the leading
edge panel.
- Figures 4a, 4b, 4c & 4d:
- Cross sectional illustration of 4 embodiments of folding and interleaving configurations
for wet wipes according to the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0021] According to the present invention the wet wipe comprises a substrate which is coated
or impregnated with a liquid composition. The substrate may be woven or nonwoven,
foam, sponge, battings, balls, puffs or films, most preferably a nonwoven and may
be composed or natural or synthetic fibres or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the fibre
compositions are a mixed of hydrophilic fibre material such as viscose, cotton, or
flax and a hydrophobic fibre material such as polyethylene tetraphthalate (PET) or
polypropylene (PP) in a ratio of 20%-80% hydrophilic and 80%-20% hydrophobic material
by weight. Two particularly preferred compositions are 50% viscose / 50%PP and 50%
viscose / 50 % PET. The substrate preferably has a basis weight of at least 20 gm
-2 and preferably less than 150gm
-2, and most preferably the base weight is in the range of 20 gm
-2 to 70 gm
-2, more preferably from 50 gm
-2 to 65 gm
-2. The substrate may have any caliper. Typically, when the substrate is made by a hydroentangling
process, the average substrate caliper is less than 0.8 mm. More preferably the average
caliper of the substrate is from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm. The substrate caliper is measured
according to standard EDANA non woven industry methodology, reference method # 30.4-89.
The bulk density of the substrate is preferably not more than 1.0 g/cm
3, preferably not more than 0.9 g/cm
3, most preferably not more than 0.7 g/cm
3.
[0022] In addition to the fibers used to make the substrates, the substrate can have other
components or materials added thereto as known in the art. The types of additives
desirable will be dependent upon the particular end use of the substrate contemplated.
For example, in wet wipe products such as moist toilet paper, paper towels, facial
tissues, baby wipes and other similar air laid products, high wet strength is a desirable
attribute. Thus, it is often desirable particularly for cellulose based substrates
to add chemical substances known in the art as wet strength resins. A general dissertation
on the types of wet strength resins utilized in the paper art can be found in TAPPI
monograph series No. 29, Wet Strength in Paper and Paperboard, Technical Association
of the Pulp and Paper Industry (New York, 1965). In addition to wet strength additives,
it can also be desirable to include certain dry strength and lint control additives
known in the art such as starch binders. Furthermore, the substrate may also comprise
agents to improve the optical characteristics of the substrate material such as opacifying
agents, for example titanium dioxide.
[0023] According to the present invention the substrate may be produced by any methods known
in the art. For example nonwoven substrates can be formed by dry forming techniques
such as air-laying or wet laying such as on a paper making machine. Other nonwoven
manufacturing techniques such as melt blown, spun bonded, needle punched and spun
laced methods may also be used. A preferred method is hydroentangling.
[0024] According to the present invention a stacking configuration for wet wipes is provided,
which results in the improved ease of dispensation and separation of a single wipe
from the wet wipe stack and easily recognition of the location of the leading edge
of each subsequent wipe.
[0025] The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures. Figure
1 provides a perspective view of a single folded wet wipe 1. Figure 2 is a cross sectional
illustration of a stack of folded interleaved wipes 23 according to the present invention
housed in a container 20. The container 20 includes a tub portion 21 and a lid 22,
pivotably joined to the tube portion, by for example a hinge mechanism and a dispensing
orifice 24. In an alternative embodiment, the wipes can also be stacked and then packaged
in a moisture impervious wrapper, such as a foil or laminated polymeric film wrapper,
to provide a refill package for use in refilling such a container.
[0026] According to the present invention the stacking configuration comprises a first and
a second assembly of wipes which are interleaved with one another. Referring to figures
1-3, each folded wipe 1 in each assembly extends lengthwise from a first, leading
end edge 2, to a second, trailing end edge 3. The folded webs also have side edges
4 and 5 which extend lengthwise from the first leading end edge 2 to the second trailing
end edge 3. Each folded wipe 1 has at least two folds thereby providing three panels.
As used herein a panel is a portion of a wipe extending between two folds, or between
a fold and an edge end.
[0027] The first panel fold 6 is generally parallel to the leading edge 2, and generally
perpendicular to the side edges 4, 5. The first panel fold 6 is spaced lengthwise
from the leading edge 2 to provide a leading edge panel 9 extending between the first
panel fold 6 and the leading edge 2. The second panel fold 7 is generally parallel
to, and spaced lengthwise from, the first panel fold 6, thereby providing a central
panel 8 joined to the leading edge panel 9, at the first panel fold 6, and extending
between the first panel fold 6 and the second panel fold 7. The trailing edge panel
10 is joined to the central panel 8 at the second panel fold 7, and extends between
the second panel fold 7 and the trailing edge 3. According to the present invention
the wipes are folded at the first and second panel folds 6 and 7, to provide the corresponding
leading edge panel, central panel, and trailing edge panels 9, 8 and 10. The wipes
can thus be folded into a number of configurations prior to interleaving. This is
clearly demonstrated with reference to the respective surfaces of each of the panels
as indicated in figure 3.
[0028] In figure 3, each wipe has a first upper surface leading edge panel 30, a second
lower surface leading edge panel 31, a first upper surface trailing edge panel 32,
a second lower surface trailing edge panel 33, a first upper surface central panel
34 and a second lower surface central panel 35. The leading edge panel and the trailing
edge panel may thus be provided by the first panel fold and the second panel fold
respectively such that the panel rests on the upper facing surface of the central
panel or the lower facing surface of the central panel. As exemplified in Figure 1
and 3a, the leading edge panel 9 is adjacent to and overlies a portion of the upper
facing surface of the central panel 8 and the trailing edge panel is adjacent to and
underlies a portion of the lower facing surface of the central panel 8 thereby providing
a so called reversed Z folded wipe. Alternatively, the wipes may be folded so as to
provided a Z fold configuration. In yet another alternative both the leading edge
panel and the trailing edge panel of each wipe maybe folded such that they are both
adjacent and overlie a portion of the upper surface of the central panel. Preferably
the wipes of the first and second assemblies are folded so as to provide mirror images
of one another, for example whereby the first assembly of wipes are folded in a Z
fold and the wipes of the second assembly are folded in a reversed Z fold.
[0029] Furthermore, in addition to the leading edge panel, central panel and trailing edge
panel described herein above, each wipe may also have further additional panels. In
particular, the leading edge panel and or the trailing edge panel may also be provided
with an additional fold so as to provide a leading edge panel lip or a trailing edge
panel lip as illustrated in Figure 3b. Such a lip is formed by providing the leading
edge panel or the trailing edge panel with a panel lip fold which is adjacent to and
spaced from the leading or trailing edge of the folded substrate to provide a lip
extending between the panel lip fold and the end edge. The panel lip fold may be folded
onto the lower surface of the leading edge panel such that the leading end edge is
below the leading edge end panel. This configuration is particularly beneficial in
facilitating grasping of the edge. Alternatively, the leading edge panel may be folded
such that the leading end edge rests on the upper surface of the leading edge panel.
The lip may also be positioned on the upper or lower surface of the trailing edge
panel. The lip typically extends from the leading or trailing edge from between 4
cm to 0.1 cm, preferably from 2 cm to 0.25cm to the leading edge panel lip fold or
the trailing edge panel lip fold.
[0030] According to the present invention, the overall dimensions of the substrate material
and the panels thereof is dependent on the intended application of the wipe and can
be selected accordingly. Preferably the ratio of the lengths of the leading edge panel
to central panel to trailing edge panel is from 1:2:1 to 1:5:1 and most preferably
the ratio is 1:3:1. More preferably the ratio of the lengths of the panels of the
wipes of the first and second assembly of wipes are identical and most preferably
the leading and trailing edge panels are both approximately one quarter the total
length of the wipe. In one non limiting, illustrative example wherein the wipe may
be utilised as a baby wipe, each folded wipe 1 can have an unfolded length of from
10 cm to 30 cm as measured lengthwise from the leading end edge 2 to the trailing
end edge 3. For each folded wipe 1, the spacing between the first panel fold 6 and
the second panel fold 7 can be from 2 cm to 7 cm, while the lengths of the leading
edge panel 9 and trailing edge panel 10 can be from 2 cm to 7 cm. In a preferred embodiment
the spacing between the first panel fold 6 and the leading end edge 2 is more preferably
from 3 cm to 6 cm, and even more preferably between about 3 cm and 5 cm. The spacing
between the first panel fold 6 and the second panel fold is more preferably from 3
cm to 12 cm, and even more preferably between about 10 cm and 12 cm. The spacing between
the second panel fold 7 and the trailing edge is more preferably from 3 cm to 6 cm,
and even more preferably between about 3 cm and 5 cm.
[0031] According to the present invention and with reference to the embodiments illustrated
in figure 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d, an essential feature of the stacking configuration is
that each of the first assembly of folded wipes 40 are interleaved with each of the
second assembly of folded wipes 41.
[0032] For example wipe x of the first assembly of wipes is folded in a reversed Z fold
and interleaved between a Z folded wipe x of the second assembly of wipes. Similarly
wipe x of the second assembly of wipes is interleaved between wipe y of the first
assembly of wipes and, wipe y of the first assembly of wipes is interleaved with wipe
y of the second assembly of wipes and so on. In this manner, commencing with the first
assembly wipe x, at least a portion of said central panel 42x and at least a portion
of said trailing edge panel 43x of each of said first assembly of wipes 40 are interleaved
with wipe x of the second assembly of wipes between at least a portion of said leading
edge panel 51x and at least a portion of said central panel 52x of each of said second
assembly of wipes 50. Similarly, at least a portion of said central panel 52x and
at least a portion of said trailing edge panel 53x of each of said second assembly
of wipes 50, are interleaved between at least a portion of said leading edge panel
41y and at least a portion of said central panel 42y of each of said first assembly
of wipes 40.
[0033] According to the present invention another essential feature of the stacking configuration
is related to the relative lengths of the panels of each of the wipes of the first
and second assemblies. Accordingly, it has been found that the length of the leading
edge panel or the trailing edge panel of each wipe for example wipes x of said first
assembly of wipes, is no more than 50% of the length of the corresponding central
panel. Similarly, the length of the leading edge panel or said trailing edge panel
of each wipe of said second assembly of wipes, is no more than 50% the length of the
corresponding central panel. Hence, the leading and trailing edge panels of each of
the first and second assemblies of wipes may be of any length provided that the sum
of the length of the leading edge panel and the length of the trailing edge panel
of any wipe is not greater than the length of the corresponding central panel of the
wipe. Preferably however, the lengths of the panels of all of the wipes in each assembly
and more preferably the corresponding panels in both first and second assemblies are
of substantially identical dimensions.
[0034] Wet wipes stacked as described herein above result in superior dispensation than
wipes stacked according to the prior art. Whilst not wishing to be bound by theory
it has been found that the improved dispensing is related to the combination of the
specific interleaved folding configuration between the first and second assemblies
of wipes and the specific area of overlap between the panels of the wipes.
[0035] By the utilisation of the herein above described interleaving configuration the removal
of the uppermost wipe, for example wipe x of the first assembly, from the interleaved
stack will cause the agitation of the leading edge panel of the adjacent wipe x of
the second assembly from the stack. This thereby facilitates the identification of
the location of the leading edge of the adjacent wipe to the consumer. Furthermore,
it has been found that the area of overlap between the leading edge panel of the adjacent
wipe (i.e. wipe x of the second assembly of wipes) and the central panel or trailing
edge panel of the uppermost wipe, (i.e. wipe x of the first assembly of wipes) ensures
that the required amount of length of the substrate material of the wipe x of the
second assembly is raised and separated from the stack. The area of overlap between
the central panel of the adjacent wipe (x of the second assembly) and the trailing
edge panel or the central panel of the uppermost wipe (x of first assembly) appear
to be of lesser importance. Hence, the positioning of the first and second panel folds
and the relative lengths of the leading and trailing edge panels to the central panel
is of critical importance. However, the improved dispensation provided by the present
invention may also involve other effects and interactions in addition to or instead
of the hypothesis given, and hence no reliance should be placed thereon.
[0036] Further in addition to the dispensing improvement, the interleaving configuration
of the present invention particularly the embodiment illustrated in figure 4a, also
ensures that the majority of the substrate material of each wipe in the stack is positioned
in the horizontal plane. This reduces the tendency of the stack to produce ridges
or grooves of substrate material. Moreover, the stacking configuration also reduces
the tendency of the liquid composition to become unevenly distributed throughout the
stack.
[0037] The further details of the invention will now be described with reference in turn
to each of the embodiments 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d.
[0038] Figure 4a, depicts a most preferred stacking configuration of the present invention.
The configuration comprises a first assembly of wipes 40 folded in a Z configuration
interleaved with a second assembly of wipes folded in a reversed Z fold configuration.
Thereby, a portion of the central panel 42x (42y) of each wipe of the first assembly
40 is in contact with a portion of the leading edge panel 51x (52x) of each wipe of
the second assembly 50, such that substantially all of one of the surfaces of the
leading edge panel 51x (51y) of each of the wipes of the second assembly 50 is in
contact with a portion of the central panel 42x (42y) of each of the wipes of the
first assembly 40. In this embodiment the leading edge panel 41x (41y) and the trailing
edge panel 43x (43y) of each of said first assembly of wipes 40 are both no more than
50% the length of said corresponding central panel 42x (42y) and are substantially
equal in length. Correspondingly, the leading edge panel 51x (51y) and the trailing
edge panel 53x (53y) of each of said second assembly 50 of said wipes are both not
more than 50% the length of said corresponding central panel 52x (52y) and are substantially
equal in length. Furthermore, the lengths of the leading edge panel 41x (41y), the
trailing edge panel 43x (43y) and the central panel 42x (42y) of the each of the wipes
of the first assembly 40 are substantially equal in length to the lengths of the corresponding
leading edge panel 51x (51y), trailing edge panel 53x (53y) and central panel 52x
(52y) of the second assembly of wipes 50. In particular, in the embodiment depicted
in 4a the leading edge of each of said first assembly of wipes and each of said second
assembly of wipes is approximately a quarter of the total length of each of said wipes.
[0039] The embodiment depicted in Figure 4b, is identical to that of 4a in terms of length
of the respective panels. However in this embodiment, the wipes of both the first
and second assemblies are folded such that the leading edge panel and the trailing
edge panel of the wipes is adjacent to the upper surface of the central panel of the
corresponding wipe prior to interleaving. Hence, after interfolding according to the
present invention a portion of the central panel 42x (42y) of each wipe of the first
assembly 40 is in contact with a portion of the central panel 52x (52y) of each of
the wipes of the second assembly 50 and a portion of the trailing edge panel 53x (53y)
of the wipes of the second assembly being in contact with the leading edge panel 41y
of the wipes of the first assembly 40. Similarly, a portion of the trailing edge panel
53x of each wipe of the second assembly is in contact with a portion of the leading
edge panel 41y of each wipe of the first assembly and a portion of the central panel
52x of each wipe of the second assembly is in contact with a portion of the central
panel 42y of each wipe of the first assembly of wipes.
[0040] The embodiments according to figure 4c and 4d depict a stacking configuration wherein
the wipes of the first assembly 40, are folded in a Z configuration and are interleaved
with a second assembly of wipes 50 folded in a reversed Z fold. However in these embodiments
the lengths of the leading and trailing edge panel of the wipes of each of the respective
assemblies are not equal. In the embodiment depicted in 4c, the length of the trailing
edge panel of the wipes of both the first and second assemblies is over 50% the length
of the central panel and is in fact about 60% the length of the central panel of each
of the wipes of both the first and second assemblies. Consequently, the length of
the leading edge panel of each of the wipes of both first and second assemblies is
less than 50% the length of the central panel and is about 30%. In the embodiment
depicted in 4d, the length of the leading edge panel of each of the wipes of both
the first and second assemblies is over 50% and is about 60% of the length of the
central panel of each of the wipes of both the first and second assemblies. Correspondingly,
the length of the trailing edge panel of each of the wipes is less than 50%, and is
about 30% of the length of the central panel.
[0041] In a particularly preferred embodiment according to the present invention, as depicted
for example in figure 4a, the second panel fold 44x of each of the wipes of the first
assembly should not be in direct contact with the first panel fold 54x of each of
the adjacent wipes of the second assembly of wipes. Similarly, the second panel fold
55x of each of the wipes of the second assembly should not be contact with the first
panel fold 44y of the adjacent wipes of the first assembly. Preferably, there should
be a distance between the fold lines of at least 1 mm, preferably from between 1 mm
to 5mm, and most preferably from between 1mm and 3mm. This is because it is believed
that contact between two adjacent folds of two adjacent wipes (x of the first and
second assemblies) hinders the ability of the uppermost wipe to be separated from
the adjacent wipe and cause too much of the substrate material of the adjacent wipe
to be separated from the stack.
[0042] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention it is also preferable to
provide the leading edge or panel with a visual and or tactile indicator. Such indicators
further assist in the location of the leading edge itself by the consumer. Visual
indicators may be provided for example in the form of a thin coloured strip or band
printed on the surface of the leading edge panel in the vicinity of the edge itself.
[0043] A particularly preferred means for providing an edge indicator is by the use of a
non linear edge such as a repeating sine wave or a repeating zig-zag pattern. Such
non linear patterns may extend partially along the length of the edge in a continuous
or intermittent manner or more preferably extend substantially along the entire length
of the edge of the wipe. The provision of such an edge provides both a visual and
tactile edge location indicator. Such mechanisms further promote ease of dispensation
of the wipes.
[0044] According to the present invention, the substrate material is typically impregnated
or coated with a liquid composition. An advantage of the present invention is that
the stacking configuration allows a variety of composition to be used with the substrate
material without significant impact on the dispensing mechanism. This is not only
useful in allowing the nature of the composition to be varied, but also allows the
loading of the composition throughout the stack to be varied in order to combat the
composition settling at the base of the stack. According to the present invention
the term liquid composition refers to any composition which is in a liquid form when
the wipe is in contact with the surface. Typically, the composition may be aqueous,
alcohol based or an emulsion, either a water-in-oil or an oil-in-water or a multiple
emulsion, preferably the emulsion is a oil-in-water emulsion. The emulsion may also
comprise a lipid phase which can be broken by the application of minimal pressure
for example by wiping the skin. Typically, the composition will comprise from 2% to
50% by weight of said composition of actives and from 50% to 98% water, preferably
de-ionised or distilled. Of the active component, preferably 2% to 20% are present
in the oil phase and the remainder are present in the aqueous phase.
[0045] According to the present invention the wet wipes are provided with an emulsion composition
comprising a oil phase in the range of 1% to 20%, preferably 2% to 10%, by weight
of the composition. Advantageously, the oil based phase is derived from natural resources
such as from vegetable or animal oils or may be synthetic or any mixtures thereof.
Suitable vegetable and animal oils for use herein include waxes such as beeswax, lanolin,
candelilla, and oils such as glycerine esters and glycerine ethers, fatty acid alcohols,
fatty acid esters and fatty acid ethers such as caprylic and capric triglycerides
and octylpalmitate. Suitable mineral oils include petroleum based oils such as paraffin
and petroleum jelly. Synthetic oils for use herein include ethylenic polymers for
example polyethylene wax or silicone based oils. Suitable silicon oils include polydimethylsiloxanes,
volatile cyclomethicones, dimethiconols, siloxysilicates and amino- and phenyl derivatives
of siloxanes and mixtures thereof. Examples include dimethicone (Dow Corning 200 Fluids),
cyclomethicone and dimethiconol (Dow Corning 1401 Fluid), cetyl dimethicone (Dow Corning
2502 Fluid), dimethicone and trimethylsiloxysilicate (Dow Corning 593 Fluid), cyclomethicone
(Dow Corning 244, 245, 344 or 345 Fluid), phenyl trimethicone (Dow Corning 556 Fluid),
or combinations thereof.
[0046] The oil-in-water emulsions typically require emulsifying agents. The emulsifying
agents which may be used in the present invention are preferably capable of primary
emulsification of oil-in-water emulsions. The emulsifying agent is present in the
range of 0.02% to 5.0%, preferably 0.02% to 3.0%, by weight of the composition.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment the emulsifying agent is a polymeric type of emulsifying
agent such as a copolymer of C10-C30 alkyl acrylates and one or more monomers of acrylic
acid, methylacrylic acid or one of their simple esters cross linked with an allyl
ether of sucrose or an allyl ether of pentaerythritol. The emulsifying agents which
are thus useful in the present invention include Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20 or Pemulen
TR1 and TR2 which are available from B.F. Goodrich company of the USA. However, other
known emulsifying agents such as ethoxylated fatty alcohols, glycerine esters of fatty
acids, soaps, sugar derived agents are also suitable for use herein. Other useful
emulsifying agents include those disclosed in detail in EP-A-328 355.
[0048] According to the present invention the composition may comprise a stability agent
or preservative. Stability agents suitable for use herein include phenoxyethanol preferably
present in the range of from 0.1 to 1.0%, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, methylparaben,
propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, benzalkonium
chloride, and disodium salt ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (hereinafter referred
to as EDTA) or other EDTA salts (sequestrenes). Sequestrene is a series of complexing
agents and metal complexes general of ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid and salts.
The total quantity of stability agents should be in the range of 0.1% to 4.0% by weight
of the composition.
[0049] The composition of the present invention may further comprise from 0.02% to 5.0%
by weight of said composition of an emollient or moisturiser. Preferably the emollient
is water soluble and includes polyhydric alcohols, such as propylene glycol, glycerin,
and also water soluble lanolin derivatives.
[0050] Further optional ingredients which may be used in the present invention include,
anti fungal agents, antibacterial agents, skin protectants, oil soluble cleansing
agents, water soluble surfactants or detergents, preferably nonionic or amphoteric,
pH adjusters, perfumes, fragrances and the like.
[0051] In order for the emulsion to provide the wet wipe with good cleaning performance
the delivered viscosity should be less than 500 mPas, preferably in the range of 300
to more than 100 mPas and most preferably in the range of 180 to 120 mPas.
[0052] In preparing wet wipe products according to the present invention, the composition
is applied to at least one surface of the substrate material. The composition can
be applied at any time during the manufacture of the wet wipe. Preferably the composition
can be applied to the substrate after the substrate has been dried. Any variety of
application methods that evenly distribute lubricious materials having a molten or
liquid consistency can be used. Suitable methods include spraying, printing, (e. g.
flexographic printing), coating (e. g. gravure coating or flood coating) extrusion
whereby the composition is forced through tubes in contact with the substrate whilst
the substrate passes across the tube or combinations of these application techniques.
For example spraying the composition on a rotating surface such as calender roll that
then transfers the composition to the surface of the substrate. The composition can
be applied either to one surface of the substrate or both surfaces, preferably both
surfaces. The preferred application method is extrusion coating.
[0053] The composition can also be applied non uniformly to the surfaces of the substrate.
By non uniform it is meant that for example the amount, pattern of distribution of
the composition can vary over the surface of the substrate. For example some of the
surface of the substrate can have greater or lesser amounts of composition, including
portions of the surface that do not have any composition on it. The composition is
typically applied in an amount of from about 0.5 g to 10 g per gram of substrate,
preferably from 1.0 g to 5 g per gram of substrate, most preferably from 2 g to 4
g per gram of dry substrate.
[0054] Preferably, the composition can be applied to the substrate at any point after it
has been dried. For example the composition can be applied to the substrate prior
to calendering or after calendering and prior to being wound up onto a parent roll.
Typically, the application will be carried out on a substrate unwound from a roll
having a width equal to a substantial number of wipes it is intended to produce. The
substrate with the composition applied thereto is then subsequently severed to produce
individual wipes.
1. A stacking configuration for wet wipes, said configuration comprising a first assembly
of wipes and a second assembly of wipes,
each of said wipes comprising a substrate and a liquid composition and, each of said
wipes extending lengthwise from a first leading end edge to a second trailing end
edge, and each of said wipes having two folds thereby providing, a leading edge panel,
a central panel and a trailing edge panel, and
wherein said first assembly of wipes are interleaved with said second assembly of
wipes, such that
at least a portion of said central panel and at least a portion of said trailing edge
panel of each of said first assembly of wipes are interleaved between at least a portion
of said leading edge panel and at least a portion of said central panel of one wipe
of said second assembly of wipes and
at least a portion of said central panel and at least a portion of said trailing edge
panel of each of said second assembly of wipes are interleaved between at least a
portion of said leading edge panel and at least a portion of said central panel of
one wipe of said first assembly of wipes, whereby
the length of said leading edge panel or said trailing edge panel of each of said
first assembly of wipes is no more than 50% of the length of the corresponding central
panel and
the length of said leading edge panel or said trailing edge panel of each of said
second assembly of wipes is no more than 50% of the length of the corresponding central
panel.
2. A stacking configuration for wet wipes according to claim 1, wherein the lengths of
said leading edge panel and said trailing edge panel of each of said first assembly
of wipes are both no more than 50% of the length of said corresponding central panel
and wherein said leading edge panel and said trailing edge panel of each of said second
assembly of said wipes are both not more than 50% the length of said corresponding
central panel.
3. A stacking configuration for wet wipes according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lengths
of said leading edge panel and said trailing edge panel of each of said first assembly
of wipes are substantially equal in length and wherein said the lengths of the leading
edge panel and said trailing edge panel of each of said second assembly of wipes are
substantially equal in length.
4. A stacking configuration for wet wipes according to claim 3, wherein said leading
edge panel of each of said first assembly of wipes is substantially equal in length
with said leading edge panel of each of said second assembly of wipes.
5. A stacking configuration for wet wipes according to claim 4, wherein the ratio of
the lengths of said leading edge panel of each of said first assembly of wipes and
each of said second assembly of wipes to the length of said trailing edge of each
of said first assembly of wipes and each of said second assembly of wipes is the ratio
from 1:2:1 to 1:5:1.
6. A stacking configuration for wet wipes according to claim 4, wherein said leading
edge panel of each of said first assembly of wipes and each of said second assembly
of wipes is approximately one quarter of the total length of each of said wipes.
7. A stacking configuration for wet wipes to claim 6, wherein said each wipe of said
first assembly of wipes is folded in a reversed Z fold configuration and each wipe
of said second assembly of wipes is folded in a Z configuration.
8. A stacking configuration according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said
each wipe of said first assembly of wipes and each wipe of said second assembly of
wipes have a first panel fold and a second panel fold and wherein the distance between
the first panel fold of each wipe of the first assembly and the second panel fold
of one wipe of the second assembly of wipes is between 1mm and 5mm and,
wherein the distance between the second panel fold of each wipe of said first assembly
of wipes and the first panel fold of one wipe of the second assembly of wipes is between
1mm and 5mm.
9. A stacking configuration for wet wipes according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein said wipes are housed in a container, said container having a dispensing orifice.
10. Wet wipes according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substrate is
a nonwoven.
11. Wet wipes according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substrate comprises
hydrophobic fibres selected from polyethylene terephthlate, polypropylene or mixtures
thereof.
12. Wet wipes according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substrate comprises
hydrophilic fibres selected from cotton, viscose, flax or mixtures thereof.
13. Wet wipes according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said liquid composition
is a oil-in-water emulsion and said wet wipe comprises from 0.5 g to 10 g of said
emulsion per gram of said dry weight substrate.