MX2008007529A - Tissue product having a transferable additive composition - Google Patents

Abstract

A tissue product is disclosed containing an additive composition. The additive composition may be, for instance, a composition designed to provide benefits to a user's skin. In accordance with the present disclosure, the additive composition is located in a target delivery zone on a base web. The base web is modified in the target delivery zone so that the additive composition more efficiently transfers to an opposing surface during use.

Description

PRODUCT OF TISU HAVING A TRANSFERABLE ADDITIVE COMPOSITION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent tissue products such as facial tissues, bathroom tissues, paper towels and other have been used to absorb fluid on the skin and leave the skin dry. Frequent use of these products may, however, tend to irritate the skin over time. To reduce skin irritation, the tissue products have included additives applied to the tissue surfaces to reduce or eliminate irritated skin during heavy periods of use. The additives can improve the perceptions of sheet smoothness by reducing the stiffness of the sheet, making it more flexible or by providing lubricity, helping the sheet to slip through the surface of the skin.

In some embodiments, the additives may be applied to the tissue product that is intended to be transferred to the user. For example, vitamins, plant extracts, medicaments, antimicrobial compounds, and the like can be applied to a tissue sheet so that they are transferred to a consumer with use. Applying these compositions to a tissue or cleaning cloth product provides a certain level of convenience for the consumer.

For a benefit to be realized, however, a certain minimum amount of the composition must be transferred to a specific surface for the composition to be effective. When the compositions are applied to the tissue products, however, only a minimal amount of the total composition applied to the tissue sheet is currently transferred to the target surface. Thus, tissue products containing a topical composition typically have a significantly poorer efficiency than when the composition is delivered in a bottled lotion that is applied to the skin separately from the tissue product. The efficiency here can be defined as the ratio of the amount of the substances transferred to the target surface to the amount of composition applied to the applicator. In the case of a tissue treated with an additive, the treated tissue becomes the applicator. In the case of a bottled product the applicator is the object used to transfer the target surface and may be a finger, a hand, etc.

In addition, manufacturing systems for topically applying the beneficial compositions are typically designed to apply the composition on the entire sheet, even though only a small area of the sheet is used to clean the surface. Therefore much of the functional composition wasted when the product is placed. In addition, the application of the composition across the entire surface of the cleaning cloth product may compromise other attributes of the tissue product such as its ability to easily absorb and remove fluids, dirt etc.

In view of the foregoing, there is presently a need for a tissue product that is capable of delivering effective amounts of a beneficial composition to an adjacent surface, such as the wearer's skin. There is also a need for a tissue product containing a beneficial composition in which the composition does not compromise the inherent properties of the product, such as the transmission and the absorption characteristics of the product.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure is generally directed to tissue products that include an additive composition designed to provide, for example, clinical benefits to the user. More particularly, the additive composition is designed to be transferred to a user in a more efficient manner than many prior art products.

The delivery of the additive composition from a tissue product to a user is improved by incorporating a target delivery area within the product. The target delivery zone may contain the additive composition in relatively large amounts. The transfer of Additive composition is further improved by modifying the substrate within the target delivery zone in order to reduce the affinity of the substrate for the additive composition. By using a localized target delivery zone, the absorbency and fluid transmission characteristics of the remainder of the tissue product are not adversely affected by the presence of the additive composition. Therefore, the tissue product can be used not only to transfer the additive composition to a user, but can also be used as a cleaning product.

In one embodiment, for example, the present disclosure is directed to a tissue product that includes a base fabric containing cellulosic fibers. The base fabric may have a dry bulk density of at least about 3 cubic cm per gram and may contain, for example, softwood fibers, hardwood fibers, or mixtures thereof. In other embodiments, the base fabric may have a bulk density of at least about 4 cubic cm per gram such as about 5 cubic cm per gram about 14 cubic cm per gram.

A target delivery area is located on a first side of the base fabric. The target delivery zone may comprise a part of the total surface area of the first side. An additive composition is applied to the target delivery zone on the base fabric. The composition additive is attempted to be transferred to an adjacent surface when the tissue product is used. For example, the additive composition may comprise a lotion that is intended to provide clinical benefits to a user's skin.

According to the present disclosure, in one embodiment, the first side of the base fabric is modified at least in the target delivery zone in a manner that causes larger amounts of the additive composition to be transferred to an opposite surface when the product of tissue is cleaned against the opposite surface. The base fabric can be modified using various methods and techniques. For example, if the additive composition is hydrophilic in nature, the first side of the base fabric can be modified to be to the hydrophobic target delivery zone before adding the additive composition to the base fabric. In another embodiment the first and second sides of the base fabric are modified in the target delivery zone in a manner that causes larger amounts of the additive composition to be transferred to an opposite surface when the tissue product is wiped against the surface. opposite surface. In this embodiment the target delivery zone comprises less than 70% of the total surface area of either side of the sheet if it preferably comprises less than 30% of the total surface area of either side of the sheet. In this way, the untreated absorbent properties of the sheet are maintained.

In one embodiment, for example, the first side of the base fabric can be modified by adhering a polymeric film or non-woven fabric containing synthetic fibers to the base fabric at least in the target delivery area. The polymeric film or the nonwoven fabric can be made of a synthetic polymer, such as a polyolefin. Examples of suitable polyolefins include, but are not limited to polyethylene and polypropylene. In another embodiment, the film is composed of a biodegradable film material obtained from renewable and non-renewable resources (petroleum). Examples of natural resins (or biopolymers) suitable for the films include, but are not limited to films made of starch and cellulose as well as materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polylactic (PLA) formed by the polymerization of lactic acid. Examples of biodegradable materials made from non-renewable resources include polycaprolactone and modified polyethylenes and propylene films. When a nonwoven fabric is used, the non-woven fabric can be a yarn-bonded fabric, a meltblown fabric or the like. The nonwoven fabric or the film can be applied to the same side of the base fabric as the additive composition. Alternatively, the nonwoven film or fabric can be adhered to the opposite side of the non-woven fabric. In one embodiment, the base fabric can be perforated between the additive composition and the nonwoven film or fabric.

In an alternate embodiment, the first side of the base fabric can be modified by applying a sizing material, a wax or resin to the base fabric.

In general, the target delivery zone only comprises a part of the total surface area of the sides of the base fabric to which the target delivery area is present. For example, the target delivery zone may comprise less than about 70% of the area of the first side of the base fabric, such as from about 10% about 40% of the surface area of the base fabric side on which the Target delivery area is present. The target delivery area can be visually differentiated from the remainder of the first side of the base fabric if desired. Depending on the additive composition, the target delivery zone may also be surrounded by a barrier to prevent migration of the additive composition in the x-y direction of the sheet.

The additive composition may comprise any suitable composition wherein it is desired to transfer the composition onto the adjacent surface. For example, in several embodiments, the additive composition may comprise a skin lotion. The additive composition, for example, may contain a silicone. In one embodiment, the additive composition may comprise a mixed wax, an oil and an alcohol. The additive composition may be present in the target delivery zone in an amount from about 2 grams per square meter around 150 grams per square meter or more. For example, the additive composition may be present in the target delivery zone in an amount from about 5 grams per square meter to about 250 grams per square meter such as from about 10 grams per square meter to about 200 grams per meter. square. In other embodiments, the additive composition is present in the target delivery zone in an amount of at least 25 grams per square meter. The tissue product may comprise, for example, a bath tissue, a facial tissue, a towel, a paper napkin or the like. The tissue product may comprise a single stratum product or a multi stratum product. In one embodiment, the tissue product may include 4 with quadrant letters. The target delivery zone may be present in one or two of the quadrants.

In an alternate embodiment, the tissue product may include at least one fold line along which the base fabric is folded. The target delivery zone can be located along the fold line so that the additive composition is folded over itself when the base fabric is folded. In another alternate embodiment, the target delivery zone is offset from a portion of the tissue, so as not to interfere with the ability of the tissue to clean or absorb. In general, the center of the sheet will be used for cleaning and absorption so that the areas of Target delivery are off center, located along the periphery of the sheet.

Other features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A complete and enabling description of the present invention, including the best mode thereof for an expert in the art, is more particularly set forth in the remainder of the description, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1A is a perspective view of an incorporation of a tissue product made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure IB is a cross-sectional view of the tissue product shown in Figure 1A; Figure 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tissue product made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a tissue product made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view with cut away portions of another embodiment of a tissue product made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a tissue product made in accordance with the present invention.

Figures 6A and 6B are perspective views of another embodiment of a tissue product made in accordance with the present invention in which the tissue product includes two, fold lines; Y Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views of another embodiment of a tissue product made in accordance with the present invention in which the tissue product is divided into quadrants and an additive composition is applied to two of the quadrants.

The repeated use of reference characters in the present description and in the drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It will be understood with ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of embodiments incorporations only, and that it is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to tissue products containing an additive composition that is intended to be transferred to an adjacent surface during the use of the product. The additive composition is located within a target delivery zone or target delivery zones creating treated areas and untreated areas on the product. The untreated areas are essentially free of the additive composition. In this manner, the additive composition does not adversely interfere with the ability of the untreated areas to absorb liquids and perform other basic functions of the tissue product.

According to the present disclosure, the base sheet wherein the target delivery zone is located is also modified before applying the additive composition in order to improve the ability of the product to transfer the additive composition onto an adjacent surface. The base sheet in the target delivery area, for example, can be modified by providing the surface with a porosity or different surface energy. In an embodiment, for example, the base sheet in the target delivery zone can be made hydrophobic, especially when the additive composition is hydrophilic. In particular, the present inventors have found that hydrophilic compositions transfer more effectively from a hydrophobic surface than from a hydrophilic surface.

In several embodiments, more detail will be described below, for example the base sheet in the target delivery zone can be modified by adhering a non-woven fabric, a film, a sizing agent, a wax, a resin and the like to the base sheet.

By only applying the additive composition to the target delivery zone, if desired, relatively high concentrations of the additive composition can be applied to the target area. Again, this allows a maximum transfer of the additive composition to an adjacent surface.

If desired, the target delivery zone containing the additive composition can be clearly differentiated from the untreated areas of the base sheet. This differentiation can be achieved, for example, through a sensory device that makes the target delivery area immediately detectable by a visual inspection or through of touch. For example, in one embodiment, a dye may be incorporated into the additive composition or otherwise within the target delivery zone so that the target delivery zone is visible from the inspection of the tissue product.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and IB, there is shown an incorporation of a tissue product generally made in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, the tissue product 10 includes, in this embodiment, a first stratum 12 and a second stratum 14. It should be understood, however, that the teachings of the present invention can also be used in conjunction with the stratum tissue products. single or tissue products that contain more than two strata.

As particularly shown in Figure 1A, the first layer 12 of the tissue product 10 defines a target delivery area 16. The target delivery zone contains an additive composition and is configured to efficiently transfer the additive composition onto an adjacent surface. when the tissue product is brought into contact with the surface. As shown, the target delivery area 16 only occupies a part of the total surface area of the base fabric 12. For example, the target delivery zone 16 may comprise less than about 70% of the surface area of the target side. the sheet where the target delivery zone is located, such as less than about 50% of the area of surface of the sheet. In other embodiments, the target delivery area 16 may comprise less than about 30% in total surface area of the sheet, such as less than about 20% of the sheet's surface area. In addition, the tissue product 10 may include only a single-target delivery area 16 as shown in Figure 1A or may include multiple target delivery zones. The multiple target delivery zones may appear on the same side of the tissue product or on opposite sides. In another embodiment, where the multiple target delivery zones on the sheet are present, said target delivery zones may contain different additives that provide separate benefits to the user. In this way, it is possible to deliver additives from a single sheet that may be incompatible with each other.

Because the target delivery zone covers a part of the entire surface area of the tissue product, several advantages and benefits are realized. For example, by occupying only a part of the total surface area of the base sheet, the areas of the base sheet not treated with the additive composition may remain capable of absorbing liquids not adversely affected by the additive composition. Therefore, the tissue product can not only effectively absorb the fluids but can also apply the additive composition to an adjacent surface with a high level of efficiency.

In accordance with the present disclosure, in order to improve the ability of the tissue product 10 to transfer an additive composition to an adjacent surface, the base sheet 12 as shown in Figures 1A and IB is modified at least in the area of goal delivery. Specifically, the base fabric is modified in a manner that causes larger amounts of the additive composition to be transferred to an opposite surface. The base sheet 12 can be modified over the entire surface area of the base sheet or can be modified only where the target delivery area 16 is located.

Modification of the base sheet in a manner that causes larger amounts of the additive composition to transfer to the opposite surface may in some embodiments adversely interfere with the ability of the base sheet to absorb the liquids. Therefore, in an embodiment, when essentially the entire surface area of the base fabric 12 is modified, it may be beneficial to include additional tissue layers as shown in Figure 1A. In this way, the second layer 14 is available for fluid absorption and retention. In other embodiments, a third layer may be contained within the first layer 12 and the second layer 14. The third layer or middle layer may not only increase the characteristics of water absorption of the product but also serve as a barrier layer.

The manner in which the base sheet 12 is modified depends on several factors and on the particular application. For example, the modification may depend on the construction of the base sheet itself or on the components contained in the additive composition. In one embodiment, the base sheet 12 is modified within the target delivery area 16 in such a way that the additive composition has little or no decision to the base sheet in the target delivery area.

In a particular embodiment, for example, a coating may be applied to the base sheet in order to modify the base sheet in the target delivery zone. For example, a sizing person, a wax or a resin can be applied to the base sheet 12 in at least within the target delivery area 16. Suitable agents for creating the hydrophobic areas on the sheet can be selected of agents known to impart hydrophobicity to the sheets including sizing agents such as rosin acid, alkenyl chitin dimers, succinic alkenyl anhydride, alkyl ketone dimers and keto-alkenol dimers and are preferably applied externally to the leaf to allow the creation of treated and untreated areas. Examples of other suitable sizing agents are described in the work "Papermaking and Cardboard Manufacturing Paper, "second edition, volume III, edited by RG MacDonalds and JN Franklin, incorporated herein by reference.After the base sheet 12 is coated with one of the above materials, an appropriate additive composition can be applied to the sheet of paper. base using any suitable technique, for example, the additive composition can be printed on the base sheet, covered with slots on the base sheet, sprayed on the base sheet or the like.

In general, any suitable additive composition can be applied to a tissue product according to the present disclosure. The specific formulation is not overly critical and can comprise any formulation known in the art. A non-exhaustive list of different additives that may be present in the additive composition include, for example, active against acne, antimicrobial active, anti fungal active, antiseptic active, antioxidant, cosmetic astringent, drug astringent, deodorant, emollients, external analgesics, film formers, fragrances, humectants, natural moisturizing agents and other skin wetting ingredients known in the art such as lanolin, skin conditioning agents, skin exfoliating agents, skin protectors and filters solar Particular examples of the additives include, for example, strata of vitamin E and Aloe Vera. Additional additives include polysiloxanes such as dimethicone, cyclodimethicones, amidodimethicones, silicone glycols and the like.

In addition to the above additives, various other ingredients may be present in the additive composition. For example, the additive composition may contain preservatives, defoamers and surfactants.

In one embodiment, the base sheet may also contain one or more softeners. The softener may be, for example, a polysiloxane that makes a tissue product feel softer to a user's skin. Suitable polysiloxanes that can be used in the present invention include amine, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, hydroxyl, polyether, polyethylene oxide, and silicones derived from propylene oxide such as aminopolydialkylsiloxanes when an aminopolydialkylsiloxane is used, the two substituent radicals can be methyl groups, linden groups, and / or a straight cyclic or branched carbon chain containing from about 3 about 8 carbon atoms. Some commercially available examples of the polysiloxanes include WETSOFT CTW, AF-21, AF-23 and EXP-2025G from Kelmar Industries, Y-14128, Y-14344, Y-14461 and FTS-226 from Crompton Corporation, and Dow Corning 8620, Dow Corning 2-8182, Dow Corning HMW2220 and Dow Corning 2-8194 from Dow Corning Corporation. In some embodiments, the base sheet may comprise ingredients found in the additive composition for the purpose of modifying the Physical and tactile properties of the base sheet but are intended to be delivered to the surface that is being cleaned by the article.

Merely for purposes of example, the following are examples of an additive composition that can be used in accordance with the present disclosure. The following additive composition is very suitable to heal irritated skin or to prevent skin irritation. The following formulation, for example, is very suitable for use on facial tissue to protect a person's nose.

The amount of the additive composition applied to the tissue layer 12 as shown in Figure 1A can also vary depending on the particular application. In general, the amount of additive composition applied to the tissue layer 12 may be sufficient such that a desired effective amount of the composition is transferred to an adjacent surface. Of particular advantage, since only a part of the surface area of the base sheet 12 is treated with the additive composition, the relatively higher amounts on a per-area basis can be applied to the base sheet. In this manner, the larger amounts of the additive composition will be transferred during the use of the product.

In general, the additive composition may be contained in the target delivery zone in an amount from about 2 grams per square meter to about 150 grams per square meter or more. For example, the additive composition may be present on the base sheet in an amount from about 5 grams per square meter to about 50 grams per square meter. In a particular embodiment, the additive composition may be present on the base sheet in an amount of at least 25 grams per square meter.

In the past, it was common to apply the lotion compositions to the tissue products in amounts of about 10% by weight. The compositions of lotion, however, were applied over the entire surface area of the tissue product. The following is an example to show that by simply applying the additive composition to a target delivery zone, the additive composition is used in a more efficient manner. For example, Table 1 below compares a conventional 2 or 3 layer facial tissue containing an additive composition as compared to a similarly constructed facial tissue containing the additive composition in a target delivery zone. In both examples in the table, the tissue sheets have a standard size of 8.5"by 8.5" and have the additive composition applied to the tissue sheet so that the total additive composition in the sheet is 8% by weight. In the example made according to the present description, the target delivery zone has the dimensions of 2.75"by 2.75".

TABLE 1 As shown above, the amount of the additive composition in the target delivery zone is significantly greater than when the additive composition is applied over the entire surface area. Since the additive composition is concentrated in a certain area, more of the additive composition is transferred to an adjacent surface when the tissue product is used.

In general, any suitable tissue product can be treated according to the present invention. In general, tissue products typically have relatively high volume characteristics. For example, the tissue products may have a dry volume in addition to about 2 cubic cm per gram, such as more than about 4 cubic cm per gram, such as in addition to about 6 cubic cm per gram. In still other embodiments, the tissue tissue volume may be greater than about 7 cubic cm per gram, such as more about 9 cubic cm per gram.

For the tissue sheets of the present invention, both creped and non-creped fabrics can be used. The production of non-creped tissue is described in the patent of the United States of America no. 5,772,845, granted on June 30, 1998 to Farrington Jr. and others, whose description is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that it is not contradictory with it. The production of creped tissue is described in the patents of the United States of America. 5,637,194, granted on June 10, 1997 to Ampulski et al., 4,529,480, granted on July 16, 1985 to Trokhan; 6,103,063, granted on August 15, 2000 to Oriaran and others, 4,440,597, granted on April 3, 1984 to Wells and others, whose descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that these are not contradictory with the same . Also suitable for the application of the aforementioned chemical additives are tissue sheets that are pattern densified or patterned, such as the fabrics described in any of the following patents of the United States of America: 4,514,345 issued on April 30 from 1985 to Johnson et al., 4,528,239, granted on July 9, 1985 to Trokhan; 5,098,522, issued March 24, 1992; 5,260,171 issued on November 9, 1993 to Smurkoski and others; 5,275,700, granted on January 4, 1994 to Trokhan; 5,328,565, granted on July 12, 1994 to Rasch et al .; 5,334,289, issued on August 2, 1994 to Trokhan and others; 5,431,786, issued July 11, 1995 to Rasch et al .; 5,496,624, granted on March 5, 1996 to Steltjes, Jr. and others; 5,500,277, granted on March 19, 1996 to Trokhan and others; 5,514,523, issued May 7, 1996 to Trokhan et al .; 5,554,467, issued September 10, 1996 to Trokhan et al .; 5,566,724, granted on October 22, 1996 to Trokhan and others; 5,624,790, granted on April 29, 1997 to Trokhan and others; and 5,628,876, granted on May 13, 1997 to Ayers et al., The descriptions of all are incorporated herein by reference in the extent to which they are not contradictory thereto. Such printed tissue tissues may have a network of densified regions that have been printed against a drum dryer by a printing fabric, and regions that are relatively less densified (eg, "domes" on a tissue sheet) that correspond to the deflection conduits in the printing fabric, wherein the sheet of tissue superimposed on the deflection conduits is deflected by an air pressure differential through the deflection conduit to form a region or dome of pillow-like type. lowest density in the tissue sheet.

Various drying operations may be useful in the manufacture of the tissue products in the present invention. Examples of such drying methods include, but are not limited to, drum drying, continuous drying, steam drying, such as superheated steam drying, displacement drain, Yankee dryer, infrared drying, drying with microwave, drying with radiofrequency in general, and impulse drying as described in the patents of the United States of America. 5,353,521, granted on October 11, 1994 to Orloff and 5,598,642, granted on February 4, 1997 to Orloff and others, whose descriptions of both are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they are not contradictory to the same Other drying technologies may be used, such as methods employing differential gas pressure that includes the use of air presses as described in United States of America 6,096,169, issued August 1, 2000 to Hermans and others and in the patent of the United States of America 6,143,135, granted on November 07, 2000 to Hada and others, whose descriptions are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they are not contradictory with the present. Also relevant are the paper machines described in the patent of the United States of America no. 5,230,776, granted on July 27, 1993 to I.A. Andersson and others.

The tissue product may contain a variety of both natural and synthetic fiber types. In one embodiment, the tissue product comprises hardwood and softwood fibers. The overall ratio of hardwood pulp fibers to softwood pulp fibers within the tissue product, including the individual tissue sheets make the product vary widely. The ratio of wood pulp fibers to soft wood pulp fibers can range from about 9: 1 around 1: 9, more specifically from about 9: 1 around 1: 4 and more specifically from around 9: 1 around 1: 1. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fibers of hardwood pulp and softwood pulp fibers can be mixed before forming the tissue tissue thus producing a homogeneous distribution of the hardwood pulp fibers and the softwood pulp fibers the z-direction of the tissue tissue. In another embodiment of the present invention, the fibers of hardwood pulp and softwood pulp fibers can be layered (stratified fiber supply) to give a heterogeneous distribution of the fibers of hardwood pulp and of the fibers of the pulp. fibers of soft wood pulp in the direction -z of the tissue of tissue. In another embodiment, the hardwood pulp fibers may be located in at least one of the outer layers of the tissue product and / or tissue tissues wherein at least one of the inner layers may comprise pulp fibers. of soft wood. In yet another embodiment, the tissue product contains secondary or optionally recycled fibers containing synthetic or virgin fibers.

In addition, synthetic fibers can also be used in the present invention. The discussion here in relation to pulp fibers is understood to include synthetic fibers. Some suitable polymers that can be used to form the synthetic fibers include, but are not limited to polyolefins, such as polyethylene, propylene, polybutylene, and the like; polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalates, poly (glycolic acid) (PGA), poly (lactic acid) (PLA), poly (β-malic acid) (PMLA), poly (e-caprolactone) (PCL), poly (p) -dioxanone) (PDS), poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), and the polyamides, such as nylon and the like. Synthetic or natural cellulose polymers, including but not limited to cellulosic esters; cellulose esters, cellulose nitrates, cellulose acetates, cellulose butyrates, linden cellulose, regenerated cellulose, such as viscose, rayon and the like; cotton; Flax, hemp and mixture thereof can be used in the present invention. The synthetic fibers may be located in one or all of the layers and sheets comprising the tissue product.

The basis weight of the tissue products treated in accordance with the present invention may also vary depending on the final use of the product. In general, the basis weight can vary from around 6 grams per square meter to 200 grams per square meter and higher. For example, in one embodiment, the tissue product may have a basis weight of about 6 grams per square meter about 80 grams per square meter.

Since the at least one target delivery zone contained in the tissue product is located only over a part of the surface area of the product, the tissue product retains most of its fluid handling capabilities. For example, the tissue product may have a specific liquid absorbent capacity of more than about 4 g / g such as from about 5 g / g around of 15 g / g. As used herein, the specific liquid absorbent capacity of a product refers to the absorbent capacity of the entire sheet including the treated region.

Referring to Figure 2, an alternate incorporation of a tissue product made in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. As illustrated, the tissue product 20 includes a first base fabric or stratum 22 and a second layer 24. Located on the first layer 22 is a target delivery zone 26 to which an additive composition is applied. In this embodiment, in order to increase the amount of additive composition that is transferred to an opposite surface when the tissue product is rubbed against the surface, the tissue product 20 includes a film 28 which is adhered to the base fabric 22 in the target delivery area 26. The film 28 is positioned between the base fabric 22 and the additive composition.

In general, any suitable film can be used which can be attached to the base fabric 22 and which causes larger amounts of the additive composition to be transferred to an opposite surface. The film, for example, can be made of a thermoplastic polymer. For example, the film can be made of a polyolefin such as polyethylene or propylene, a polyester, a polyamide, a polyvinyl chloride, combinations thereof, copolymers thereof and the like. In others incorporations, the film may comprise a biodegradable polymer from a renewable or non-renewable resource.

In order to fasten the film 28 to the base fabric 22, any adhesive material or suitable method can be used. For example, the adhesive material may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. By placing a low film of the additive composition, the film serves as a barrier and prevents the additive composition from being absorbed by the base fabric 22. In other methods, the film can be mechanically or thermally bonded to the sheet by processes such as engraving, a print with heat and the like. In general, any method known in the art for creating film laminates can be used. The additive can be applied to the film area before or after fastening to the base sheet.

Referring to Figure 3, another embodiment of a tissue product generally made in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. The tissue product 30 as shown in Fig. 13 similar to the tissue product 20 shown in Fig. 2. The tissue product 30 includes a target delivery zone 36 that contains an additive composition placed on a base fabric 32. In this embodiment, a non-woven fabric 38 is placed between the additive composition and the base fabric 32.

The nonwoven fabric 38 can comprise any material that does not absorb appreciable amounts of additive composition and allows the composition to be transferred from the surface of the fabric. For example, in several embodiments the non-woven fabric 38 may comprise a carded and bonded fabric, a fabric placed by air or a fabric bonded with spinning. In a particular embodiment, the non-woven fabric 38 comprises a meltblown fabric.

The nonwoven fabric 38 can be made of various polymeric materials. For example, the nonwoven fabric 38 can be made of a polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene, a polyamide, a polyester, combinations thereof, copolymers thereof and the like.

Similar to the film layer 28 as shown in Figure 2, the nonwoven fabric 38 can be adhered to the base fabric 32 using a suitable adhesive material. Alternatively, the non-woven fabric 32 can be attached to the base fabric 32 using a continuous thermal bond or mechanical fastening.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the film 28 and the non-woven fabric 38 are placed on the same side of the base fabric as the additive composition. In an alternate embodiment, as shown in 4, a film or non-woven fabric can be placed on the opposite side of the base fabric.

Referring to Figure 4, a generally coherent tissue product is shown which includes a base fabric 42 which defines a target delivery area 46. An additive composition is applied on the base fabric in the target delivery area 46. In this incorporation, a woven film or fabric 48 is placed on the opposite side of the base fabric 42 in the formation of the target delivery area 46.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the non-woven film or fabric 48 prevents the additive composition from bleeding again from the base fabric 42. If desired, the base fabric 42 can be perforated in the target delivery area, to minimize amount of additive composition that is absorbed by the base fabric.

Referring to Figure 5, yet another incorporation of tissue product is generally found to be made in accordance with the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the tissue product 50 includes a base fabric 52 that defines a target delivery area 56. An additive composition is applied to the target delivery zone. In order to ensure that the additive composition is efficiently transferred to an opposing surface during use, the additive composition is located on a part modified 58 of the base fabric 52. The modified part 58 may comprise, for example, any of the embodiments described above such as a polymer film, a non-woven fabric, or a topical treatment such as a sizing agent, resin or wax.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the modified part 58 is larger and surrounds the target delivery area 56 that forms a boundary 59. The boundary 59 separates the additive composition from the remainder of the base fabric 52. The boundary 59, for example, it can be non-absorbent and therefore it can prevent the additive composition from being transmitted in another way and distributing in the XY direction. In other words, the limit 59 prevents the additive composition from migrating over the untreated portions of the base fabric 52. The use of a limit 59 can be particularly beneficial when the additive composition comprises a liquid at room temperature.

As described above, the target delivery zone can be placed in any suitable location on the tissue product. At times it is desirable to have the target delivery area located out of the area of the sheet used for absorption or cleaning. Typically the part of the sheet used to absorb clean will be in the center of the sheet and therefore it may be preferable to locate target delivery on the periphery of the sheet out from the center. For example, in a incorporation, the additive composition may be located along a fold line so that the additive composition is bent upon itself during packing. For example, referring to Figures 6A and 6B, a tissue product generally 60 is shown including a base fabric 62 containing a first fold line 72 and a second fold line 74. As illustrated, the target delivery area 66 is positioned along the fold line 74 so that when the base fabric 62 is folded to pack the additive composition it bends itself. In this manner the additive composition remains, within the target delivery zone during packaging and is not absorbed by the untreated portions of the base fabric.

In another embodiment, the tissue product may comprise a multiple stratum tissue sheet. One of the outer layers of the tissue product has been selectively modified in order to reduce the affinity of the substrate for the additive composition. The additive composition is applied to the entire modified stratum or to a portion of the modified stratum so as to create a product having an improved transfer of the additive composition. A barrier layer may or may not be present between the two outer layers as to prevent migration of the additive in the z-direction over the unmodified layer.

As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the tissue product 60 includes a single-target delivery area 66. In an alternate embodiment, however, a first target delivery area may be placed along the fold line. 74 while a second target delivery area may be positioned along the fold line 72.

Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, yet another embodiment of a tissue product generally made in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. In this embodiment, the tissue product 80 includes a base fabric 82 that is bent in the quadrants, 90, 92, 94 and 96. The tissue product 80 includes a first target delivery area 86A located on the quadrant 90 and a second target delivery area 86B located on quadrant 94. In certain embodiments, there may be some advantages and benefits to placing the target delivery areas on the quadrants as shown in Figures 7A and 7B. For example, especially when the tissue product 80 is a facial tissue, consumers are known to fold the tissue in half to contain the nasal discharge inside the tissue and then perform a final dry cleaning exercise. with the outer surface. In this case, they feasibly fold the tissue into more quadrants. As shown in Figure 7B, this procedure causes the Target delivery areas 86B and 86A make contact with the nose during this final cleaning step.

In other embodiments, the target delivery zones may be placed in quadrants or other suitable locations so that 2 target delivery zones are bent over one another when the product is folded and packed.

These and other modifications and variations of the present invention may be practiced by those with a skill ordinarily skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of scope of the present invention which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various incorporations can be exchanged in whole or in part. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing descriptions by way of example only are not intended to limit the invention heretofore described in all appended claims.

Claims (20)

R E I V I N D I C A I O N E S

1. A tissue product comprising: a base fabric containing cellulosic fibers, the base fabric having a dry bulk density of at least about 2 cc / g, the base fabric having a first side and a second side; a target delivery area located on at least the first side of the base fabric, the target delivery zone comprising a part of the total surface area of the first side; an additive composition applied to the target delivery zone on the base fabric; Y wherein at least the first side of the base fabric has been modified in at least the target delivery area in a manner that causes larger amounts of the additive composition to be transferred to an opposite surface when the tissue product is rubbed against the opposite surface.

2. A tissue product as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the first side of the base fabric has been modified by adhering a film polymer or a non-woven fabric containing synthetic fibers on one side of the base fabric.

3. A tissue product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the polymeric film or the non-woven fabric comprises a polyolefin.

4. A tissue product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the polymeric film or the non-woven fabric comprises a biodegradable polymer.

5. A tissue product as claimed in clause 2 characterized in that the first side of the base fabric has been modified by adhering a non-woven fabric to one side of the base fabric, the non-woven fabric comprises a fabric bonded to the side or a blown fabric with fusion.

6. A tissue product as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the first side of the base fabric has been modified by applying a sizing agent, a wax or a resin to one side of the base fabric.

7. A tissue product as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that the first side of the base fabric has been modified to make the first hydrophobic side, the additive composition comprises a hydrophilic composition.

8. A tissue product as claimed in clause 7, characterized in that the base fabric is a multi-stratified product and the first side is an outer stratum of the multi-stratified product.

9. A tissue product as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the target delivery area is visually differentiated from the rest of the first side of the base fabric.

10. A tissue product as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that the target delivery zone comprises from about 10% of about 60% of the surface area of the first side of the base fabric.

11. A tissue product as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that the target delivery zone is surrounded by a barrier to prevent migration of the additive composition.

12. A tissue product as claimed in clause 11 characterized in that the barrier comprises a polymer film or a non-woven fabric.

13. A tissue product as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses characterized because the tissue product has an absorbent capacity of at least 5 grams of water per gram of fiber.

14. A tissue product as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that the additive composition is present in the target delivery zone in an amount of at least 25 grams per square meter.

15. A tissue product as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that it has two or more target delivery areas and wherein the target delivery areas comprise different additive compositions.

16. A tissue product as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that two or more target delivery zones are visually different from one another.

17. A tissue product as claimed in clauses 1 to 13 or 14, characterized in that the target delivery area is off center from the center of the tissue product.

18. A tissue product as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that the base fabric includes 4 quadrants, the Target delivery area being present in one or two of the quadrants.

19. A tissue product as claimed in clauses 1 to 13 or 14 characterized in that the base fabric includes a fold line, the target delivery zone being located along the fold line so that the composition additive is folded on itself when the base fabric is folded.

20. A tissue product as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses characterized in that the additive composition comprises a skin lotion, a silicone, a sunscreen or an insect repellent. SUMMARY A tissue product containing an additive composition is described. The additive composition may, for example, be a composition designed to provide benefits to the user's skin. According to the present description, the additive composition is located in a target delivery area on a base fabric. The base fabric is modified in the target delivery zone so that the additive composition is transferred more efficiently to an opposite surface during use.