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(11) | EP 2 921 096 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Disposable hand cover |
| (57) The invention relates to a disposable hand cover (washcloth) comprising overlaid
first and second layers that are sealed along an edge contour apart from an entrance
opening, wherein the layers are further sealed along internal contours that extend
within the edge contour and can be disrupted by the force of a hand inserted in the
cover. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the disposable
hand cover (washcloth). The disposable hand cover covers the hand substantially completely,
provides a good fit to any size of hand with a reduced risk of slipping off the hand
during use, and minimizes waste during production of the hand cover.
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BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention relates to a disposable hand cover (washcloth) and to a method for manufacturing the disposable hand cover. The disposable hand cover may be used in general for cleaning an unsanitary surface in domestic, medical, health care, and sanitation applications.
Description of Related Art
[0002] A user needing to clean unsanitary surfaces or other unclean items may wear a disposable glove or hold a flat disposable napkin or the like to remove and absorb surface contaminants. An example of a conventional disposable glove or napkin includes a biodegradable moist wipe that may kill germs, absorb dirt and also moisturizes.
[0003] As used herein, "disposable" refers to items and/or materials preferably intended for a single use, i.e. to be worn once and then disposed of. In contrast, "non-disposable" items and/or materials may be used or worn multiple times, and in some cases may be washed between uses or wears.
[0004] The known disposable napkin fits any hand size since it is picked up by the hand but may leave certain hand parts uncovered. Such parts risk to come into contact with surface contaminants which is generally undesirable. The known disposable glove on the other hand typically covers the hand substantially completely but does not fit any hand closely, or only partly so. An unfitting glove is either not used, may involve the risk of slipping off the hand during use, and/or is uncomfortable or unhandy.
[0005] It is an aim of the present invention therefore to provide a disposable hand cover (washcloth) and a method for manufacturing the disposable hand cover that does not have the above mentioned disadvantages of the known disposable hand cover.
SUMMARY
[0006] This is achieved in accordance with the invention by providing a disposable hand cover (washcloth) comprising overlaid first and second layers that are sealed along an edge contour apart from an entrance opening, wherein the layers are further sealed along internal contours that extend within the edge contour and can be disrupted by the force of a hand inserted in the cover. The internal sealed contours provide an additional functionality to the hand cover, such as a tighter fit for small hands. Since the internal sealed contours are such that they can be broken by the force of a hand inserted in the cover, a larger hand is also able to wear the hand cover.
[0007] The hand cover in accordance with the invention provides a good fit for varying hand sizes without creating any additional waste during production of the hand cover. A hand cover in accordance with the invention fits well and does not shift therefore relative to a hand inserted in the hand cover. Another advantage of the hand cover in accordance with the invention is that it is easily established whether the hand cover has been used or not, since a hand cover with disrupted internal sealed contours has indeed been used and should be disposed of. Yet another advantage is that the internal sealed contours form an additional barrier in case the edge contour of the hand cover is inadvertently disrupted or shows unintended openings.
[0008] The strength of the internal sealed contours is such that they can be broken by the force of a hand inserted in the cover. A hand that is larger than the space provided by the internal sealed contours will, when inserted in the hand cover, disrupt the internal sealed contours because of its oversize. It also possible that some finger movement is needed to disrupt the internal sealed contours. In an embodiment of the invention, the strength of the internal sealed contours is smaller than the strength of the edge contours.
[0009] In one embodiment, the disposable hand cover is characterized in that the tensile strength of the sealed internal contours is lower than the tensile strength of the sealed edge contour.
[0010] A typical tensile strength of an edge contour of a dry disposable hand cover ranges from 25-45 N, although tensile strengths may be lower or higher than the indicated range. The tensile strength of an edge contour of a moist disposable hand cover typically ranges from 20-40 N, although moist tensile strengths may be lower or higher than the indicated range.
[0011] It has been established that sealed internal contours of a disposable hand cover having a (dry or moist) tensile strength of less than 80%, more preferably less than 70% and most preferably less than 60% of the (dry or moist) tensile strength of the sealed edge contour are well adapted to be broken by hand force.
[0012] Another useful embodiment of the invention relates to a disposable hand cover wherein the dry tensile strength of the sealed internal contours ranges from 10-30 N, more preferably from 12-28 N, and most preferably from 15-25 N.
[0013] The tensile strength of a sealed contour is conveniently measured by providing a strip comprising two layers sealed along a contour. The strip is attached to the clamps of a tensile testing machine and the layers are pulled apart. The tensile force needed to break the sealed contour is recorded, and the maximum value recorded as the tensile strength of the seal. The dry tensile strength refers to the strength measured on a substantially dry strip, whereas the moist tensile strength refers to the strength measured on a strip provided with a lotion.
[0014] The hand cover in accordance with the invention may comprise a washing mitt, a washing glove, a wash cloth, a cleaning glove, and the like. Although primarily used as a hand cover, the hand cover according to the invention may also be used as a cover for another body part, such as a foot or an elbow, whenever applicable.
[0015] The entrance opening of the hand cover is adapted to accommodate insertion of a user's hand into a cavity formed by the first and second layers. The first layer has a first perimeter edge contour, the second layer has a second perimeter edge contour, and the first and second perimeter edge contours are joined at a sealed perimeter contour and sealed, but are not joined and sealed at the opening. The sealed perimeter contour and the opening together preferably form a total perimeter contour of the disposable hand cover.
[0016] The sealed edge contour of the hand cover preferably comprises a contour that extends along side edges of the hand cover and along a top edge that connects both side edges. An entrance opening is then preferably provided along an edge opposite the top edge.
[0017] An embodiment of the invention provides a disposable hand cover, wherein the hand cover has a width between side edges and internal contours extend along side edges to narrow the width. This embodiment offers the possibility of having a plurality of hand cover sizes and widths to adapt to different hand sizes. The internal sealed contours may be positioned at any height position between the top edge of the hand cover and the entrance opening. They may be positioned close to the top edge, in a region in between the top edge and the entrance opening, and/or at wrist height close to the entrance opening.
[0018] Another embodiment in accordance with the invention provides a disposable hand cover wherein the hand cover has a width between side edges and internal contours extend perpendicular to the width direction to define fingers. Typically, four internal contours are provided between the side edges of the hand cover to define five internal spaces in which a finger each can be inserted. This embodiment may offer an improved grip and may be used in combination with other embodiments to offer hand size flexibility.
[0019] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a disposable hand cover is provided wherein the hand cover has a width between side edges and one or more internal contours extend in the width direction to decrease a length dimension of the hand cover. Typically one internal sealed contour is provided at an end of the hand cover that is opposite to the end of the entrance opening through which a hand may be inserted. This embodiment ensures that the hand cover does not extend too much along the wrist and forearm of a wearer with relatively small hands. This embodiment may also be used in combination with other embodiments to offer hand size flexibility.
[0020] Useful embodiments comprise a disposable hand cover in which the internal contours are linear and/or curved. Curved and in particular slightly curved contours offer a smooth entrance for the hand.
[0021] The disposable hand cover may also be provided on a front or back surface thereof with signs, such as logo's, maintenance or use instructions, or combinations thereof. The signs may be printed, but may also be provided by the internal sealed contours.
[0022] The internal contours may be sealed by any method known in the art. It is for instance possible to seal the contours by textile means, such as by stitching, by mechanical means, such as by stapling, or by chemical means, such as by adhesive bonding. Combinations of these means are also possible. In a preferred embodiment, the internal contours of the disposable hand cover are sealed by ultrasonic welding. In ultrasonic welding, high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations are locally applied along the contours to be sealed to the overlaid first and second layers to create a solid-state weld at the contours.
[0023] The ultrasonically provided sealed contours may comprise a plurality of welded geometries positioned along the contours according to some pattern. The geometries may be chosen in accordance with the requirements, such as strength, and may comprise a plurality of dots, rectangles, squares, triangles, trapezoids, and other useful geometries. The pattern may be a linear sequence of welded geometries, positioned in series or in parallel, a fish bone pattern, or any other useful pattern. The geometries and/or the pattern in which the geometries are arranged in the edge contour may be different from those of the internal sealed contours, and preferably are different in order to achieve sealed contours with a different strength, whereby the strength of the edge contour is preferably higher than the strength of the internal sealed contour(s).
[0024] A useful embodiment of the invention provides a disposable hand cover wherein the internal contours comprise a plurality of ultrasonically welded dots arranged along the internal contour. The plurality of ultrasonically welded dots may be produced by a roll provided on its circumferential surface with a number of ultrasonic sources.
[0025] The hand cover in accordance with the invention comprises overlaid first and second layers that are sealed along an edge contour apart from an entrance opening. It should be noted that the wording 'sealed' actually means closed in the context of the present application, and is therefore not limited to any method for closing or sealing. In a useful embodiment, an edge opposite the opening is sealed by providing one sheet of material, and folding the sheet along a line to obtain a second layer folded over and overlaying a first layer. The folding line than forms the sealed edge opposite the opening. The side edge contours may then be sealed by any means, preferably by ultrasonic welding.
[0026] In an embodiment of the invention, a disposable hand cover is provided wherein the edge contour comprises a continuous ultrasonically welded zone arranged along the edge contour. Such a contour provides edge contours that cannot easily be disrupted by the force of a hand inserted in the cover, in contrast to the sealed internal contours.
[0027] Another embodiment of the invention provides a disposable hand cover wherein at least one of the layers comprises a cleaning lotion. Cleaning lotions preferably are free of soap, are pH skin neutral, nourishing, perfuming and/or may comprise preservatives, although this is less desirable.
[0028] The first and second layers may be made from any material suitable for the purpose but preferably are made of woven of non-woven textile materials, such as polyester, viscose, nylon, polyolefin, and/or combinations of these materials. Other useful materials comprise bio-plastics, bamboo, biodegradable plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA), and cotton, without limiting the useful materials to this list. The first and second layer may be made of the same material but the first layer may also be made of a different material than the second layer. It may have advantages when at least one of the layers is embossed. An embossed surface may provide useful properties such as a better grip, a higher absorption, and the like.
[0029] The disposable hand cover according to the invention may have any shape but a suitable embodiment preferably has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded off corners at an edge opposite the opening. The length of the first and second layers in the hand cover may be equal in a length direction that is perpendicular to the width direction and that preferably extends parallel to the direction in which a hand is inserted in the hand cover.
[0030] In a useful embodiment, the length of the first layer is larger than the length of the second layer, such that the second layer does not overlap with the first layer at the height of the entrance opening. This allows for easier entrance of a hand in the hand cover.
[0031] In another aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a disposable hand cover (washcloth) in accordance with the invention is provided. The method comprises overlaying first and second layers, sealing said layers along an edge contour apart from an entrance opening, and sealing said layers along internal contours that extend within the edge contour and can be disrupted by the force of a hand inserted in the cover.
[0032] Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention comprise methods wherein the hand cover has a width between side edges and internal contours extend along side edges to narrow the width, wherein the hand cover has a width between side edges and internal contours extend perpendicular to the width direction to define fingers, wherein some or all of the internal contours are linear and/or are curved, wherein the internal contours are sealed by ultrasonic welding, wherein the internal contours comprise a plurality of ultrasonically welded dots arranged along the internal contour, wherein the edge contour is sealed by ultrasonic welding, wherein the edge contour comprises a continuous ultrasonically welded zone arranged along the edge contour, wherein the first layer is made of a different material than the second layer, and/or wherein an edge opposite the opening is sealed by folding over the second layer over the first layer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The invention will now be further elucidated on the basis of the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, without however being limited thereto. In the figures:
Fig. 1 is a schematic top view of a first embodiment of a hand cover in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of a second embodiment of a hand cover in accordance with the invention; and.
Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of yet another embodiment of a hand cover in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Referring to figure 1, two of a plurality of disposable hand covers (1a, 1b) are shown. The hand covers (1a, 1b) are detachably conjoined along a line 2 and formed from a long strip of non-woven polyester/viscose material that is folded along a line 3 to obtain a second layer (10a, 10b) folded over and overlaying a first layer (11a, 11b). The edge along folded line (3a, 3b) forms a sealed edge between the first (10a, 10b) and second layers (11a, 11b), whereby the sealed edge is produced by folding. Side edge contours (4a, 5a, 4b, 5b) of the hand covers (1a, 1b) are sealed by ultrasonic welding these parts with such an energy as to provide edge contours (4a, 5a, 4b, 5b) that are not easily disrupted by hand force. The edge opposite the sealed line (3a, 3b) is left unsealed and therefore provides an opening (6a, 6b) through which a hand may be inserted between the overlaid first (10a, 10b) and second layers (11a, 11b). The side edge contours (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b) are formed by a plurality of welded rectangles that are positioned along the contours according to a fish bone pattern. Any other pattern may also be used. The welded geometries and/or the pattern in which the geometries are arranged in the edge contours (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b) may be different from those of the internal sealed contours (7a, 8a, 17a, 27a), as shown, for instance in order to achieve sealed contours with a different strength, whereby the strength of the edge contours (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b) is preferably higher than the strength of the internal sealed contour(s) (7a, 7b, 17a, 27a).
[0035] The disposable hand covers (1a, 1b) have a substantially rectangular shape as shown in figures 1 and 2 with rounded off corners at the edge (3a, 3b) opposite the opening (6a, 6b). The amount of waste is minimal and represented by the area 9 between two adjacent covers (1a, 1b). In the embodiments shown in figures 1, 2 and 3, the length of the first layer 11a is actually larger than the length of the second layer 10a in a length direction that extends parallel to the direction of the hand cover depth 22. The second layer 10a in this embodiment does not overlap with the first layer 11a at the height of the entrance opening formed by the edges (6a, 6b). This allows for easier entrance of a hand in the hand cover (1a, 1b).
[0036] The conjoined hand covers (1a, 1b) may be separated along boundary line 2 by cutting for instance.
[0037] In accordance with the invention and as shown in the left hand cover 1a of figure 1, the overlaid first (10a) and second layers (11a) are also sealed along internal contours (7a, 8a) that extend within the edge contour (4a, 5a) and can be disrupted by the force of a hand inserted in the cover. The internal sealed contours (7a, 8a) provide an additional functionality to the hand cover 1a in that a tighter fit for small hands is provided. Since the internal sealed contours (7a, 8a) are such that they can be disrupted by the force of a hand inserted in the cover 1a, a larger hand is also able to wear the hand cover 1a. When inserted through the opening 6a, a larger hand will disrupt the internal sealed contours (7a, 8a) thereby providing a width that corresponds to that provided between the edge contours (4a, 5a).
[0038] The internal contours (7a, 8a) of the disposable hand cover 1a are preferably sealed by ultrasonic welding. As shown, the internal contours (7a, 8a) comprise a plurality of ultrasonically welded dots arranged along the contours. A weaker seal is provided when lowering the linear density of the dots, defined as the total surface of the dots per linear m along the contour. The dots can for instance be produced by a roll provided on its circumferential surface with a number of ultrasonic sources, whereby the linear density may be controlled by the number of sources. The material of the first 10a and second layer 11a melts at the location of the dots and provides a bond there between the layers (10a, 11a). As shown in figure 1, several internal contours (7a, 8a) may be provided to accommodate several hand sizes.
[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may include a disposable hand cover (1a, 1b) having, for instance, a total width (20a, 20b) of between 80 and 250 mm, more preferably between 120 and 200 mm, for instance 165 mm, an opening width (21a, 21b) of between 70 and 240 mm, more preferably between 130 and 180 mm, for instance 145 mm, a cover depth 22 of between 70 and 300 mm, more preferably between 180 and 250 mm, for instance 220 mm, and a cover thickness per layer of 0,5 to 10 mm, more preferably of 1 to 4 mm. Other dimensions are conceivable also. The opening width (21a, 21b) refers to how wide the opening (6a, 6b) is into which a user inserts a hand into a cavity formed by the first layer (10a, 11a) and the second layer (10b, 11b). The cover depth 22 refers to how deep the hand cover extends from the opening (6a, 6b) to the opposing sealed edge (3a, 3b) potentially contacting a user's fingers after insertion of the hand.
[0040] In accordance with a second embodiment and as shown in the left hand cover 1a of figure 2, the overlaid first (10a) and second layers (11a) are also sealed along internal contours 17 that extend within the edge contour (4a, 5a) about perpendicular to the width direction 30 to define fingers. Typically, four internal contours 17a are provided between the side edges (4a, 5a) of the hand cover 1a to define five internal spaces 18a in which a finger each can be inserted. This embodiment offers an improved grip and may be used in combination with the embodiment of figure 1 to offer hand size flexibility. The internal sealed contours 17a can be disrupted by the force of a hand inserted in the cover by separating fingers. Since the internal sealed contours 17a are such that they can be disrupted by the force of a hand inserted in the cover 1a, a larger hand having larger fingers is also able to wear the hand cover 1a.
[0041] In accordance with yet another embodiment and as shown in the left hand cover 1a of figure 3, the overlaid first (10a) and second layers (11a) are also sealed along an internal contour 27a that extends within the edge contour (4a, 5a) about perpendicular to a length direction (or about parallel to the width direction 30 of the hand cover) to define a hand cover with a shorter length. In the embodiment shown, internal sealed contour 27a is combined with the internal sealed contours (7a, 8a) of the first embodiment, although this is not necessary. to decrease a length dimension of the hand cover. As shown, one internal sealed contour 27a is provided at an end (3a, 3b) of the hand cover that is opposite to the end of the entrance opening (6a, 6b) through which a hand may be inserted. The present embodiment ensures that the hand cover does not extend too much along the wrist and forearm of a wearer with relatively small hands. The internal sealed contour 27a may be disrupted by the force of a larger hand that is inserted in the cover.
[0042] Each hand cover (1a, 1b) may be moistened with germicides, lotions, moisturizers and the like to offer the desired functionality. In some embodiments, the moistening agent may contain germ-killing properties as well as a soothing agent, like vitamin E for example. The material of the first (10a, 10b) and second layers (11a, 11b) may comprise a product including natural or organic fibers, synthetic materials such as films, and combinations thereof. The hand cover (1a, 1b) or a layer thereof may be wet or moist prior to use, or it may become wet or moist while being used. The hand covers (1a, 1b) may be dispersible when in prolonged contact with water, or they may be non-dispersible. An exemplary mode of use may involve pulling a single hand cover from a container, placing a hand in the cover through the opening while optionally breaking some internal sealed contours, and applying the covered or sheathed hand to clean an area or item. Embodiments of the invention protect the hand from coming into direct contact with contaminants being handled or cleaned by a user. After use, the hand cover may be disposed of in a plastic bag, or, if made of flushable materials, flushed in a toilet for instance.
[0043] In accordance with aspects of the invention, a method is provided for manufacturing a disposable hand cover. The method comprises overlaying first (10a, 11a) and second layers (10b, 11b) of a suitable material, sealing said layers along an edge contour (3a, 4a, 5a, 3b, 4b, 5b) apart from an entrance opening (6a, 6b), and sealing said layers along internal contours (7a, 8a, 17) that extend within the edge contours (4a, 5a, 4b, 5b) of the hand cover such that these internal contours can be disrupted by the force of a hand inserted in the cover through the opening (6a, 6b).
EXAMPLES
[0044] A disposable hand cover having a substantially rectangular shape with rounded off corners at an edge opposite the opening was made by folding over a second layer over a first layer and sealing both layers onto each other along an edge contour by ultrasonic welding. An average dry strength of the edge contour of 36.6 N was achieved by providing a continuous ultrasonically welded zone arranged along the edge contour 4a (see figure 2). The average moist strength was 30.8 N. The two layers were also ultrasonically welded along a number of internal contours 17a, extending linearly parallel to the edge contours 4a over a length of about 25 cm. The internal welds were achieved by a plurality of ultrasonically welded dots arranged along the internal contours 17a. The distance between the dots (or the linear density of the dots) has an influence on the tensile strength of the weld. Increasing the linear density may increase strength, whereas decreasing the linear density may produce a weaker weld.
[0045] Strips of 30 cm long and 5 cm wide were then taken from the produced hand cover such that each strip comprises a centrally located linear internal contour 17a extending along the strip's length over about 25 cm.
[0046] The strips were then attached to the clamps of a tensile testing machine and the two layers of the strip were pulled apart. The tensile force needed to disrupt the weld along the internal contours was recorded and the maximum value taken as the tensile strength of the strip. A number of 10 measurements was performed on dry strips and on moist strips, the latter being taken from a disposable hand cover provided with a lotion.
[0047] Table 1 provides the results.
Table 1: tensile strengths of internal welds
| Example | Dry tensile strength (N) | Moist tensile strength (N) | Percentage of dry edge contour strength (%) | Percentage of moist edge contour strength (%) |
| 1 | 18.2 | 15.6 | 49.7 | 50.6 |
| 2 | 22.1 | 14.9 | 60.4 | 48.4 |
| 3 | 23.3 | 11.5 | 63.7 | 37.3 |
| 4 | 18.4 | 12.9 | 50.3 | 41.9 |
| 5 | 14.9 | 13.1 | 40.7 | 42.5 |
| 6 | 19.4 | 11.3 | 53.0 | 36.7 |
| 7 | 27.4 | 10.1 | 74.9 | 32.8 |
| 8 | 17.4 | 16.6 | 47.5 | 53.9 |
| 9 | 20.9 | 12.9 | 57.1 | 41.9 |
| 10 | 19.0 | 16.0 | 51.9 | 51.9 |
| Average | 20.1 | 13.5 | 54.9 | 43.8 |
1. A disposable hand cover comprising overlaid first and second layers that are sealed
along an edge contour apart from an entrance opening, wherein the layers are further
sealed along internal contours that extend within the edge contour and can be disrupted
by the force of a hand inserted in the cover.
2. Disposable hand cover according to claim 1, wherein the tensile strength of the sealed
internal contours is lower than the tensile strength of the sealed edge contour.
3. Disposable hand cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tensile strength of the
sealed internal contours is less than 60% of the tensile strength of the sealed edge
contour.
4. Disposable hand cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dry
tensile strength of the sealed internal contours ranges from 10 to 30 N.
5. Disposable hand cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand
cover has a width between side edges and internal contours extend along side edges
to narrow the width.
6. Disposable hand cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand
cover has a width between side edges and internal contours extend perpendicular to
the width direction to define fingers.
7. Disposable hand cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal
contours and/or the edge contour are sealed by ultrasonic welding.
8. Disposable hand cover according to claim 7, wherein the internal contours comprise
a plurality of ultrasonically welded dots arranged along the internal contour.
9. Disposable hand cover according to claim 8, wherein the edge contour comprises a continuous
ultrasonically welded zone arranged along the edge contour.
10. Disposable hand cover according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one of
the layers comprising a cleaning lotion.
11. Disposable hand cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first
layer is made of a different material than the second layer.
12. Disposable hand cover according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one of
the layers being embossed.
13. Method for manufacturing a disposable hand cover (washcloth) in accordance with any
one of the preceding claims, the method comprising overlaying first and second layers,
sealing said layers along an edge contour apart from an entrance opening, and along
internal contours that extend within the edge contour and can be disrupted by the
force of a hand inserted in the cover.
14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the internal contours and/or the edge contour
are sealed by ultrasonic welding.
15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the internal contours comprise a plurality of
ultrasonically welded dots arranged along the internal contour.