CN1249283C - Wiping device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wiping device which comprises thermoplastic sheets respectively connected with an optional absorbing core and an optional back sheet without liquid seepage, wherein a plurality of cavities are formed in the thermoplastic sheets. Each cavity comprises a capillary which extends outwards; one or multiple liquids are contained in the absorbing core and released according to the requirement, and thus, the liquids are helpful to and enhance the cleanness supplied by the wiping device. When the cavities of the thermoplastic pieces are in contact with the cleaned surface and are used for wiping the surface, needless articles, such as dirt, feces or blood are collected and cleaned by the cavities. The single or multiple liquids are selectively released on the cleaned surface so as to be help to clean and/or provide fragrance and/or medicine, etc. to the cleaned surface.

Description

wiping device

technical field

The present invention relates to a liquid storage and application device. Specifically, the device is an improved cleaning wipe or pad. The improved wiper of the present invention can provide any amount of various liquids to clean or restore and remove feces from the surface being cleaned. The wipe is also capable of dispensing alcohol, water, local anesthetics, biologics, liquid medications, detergents, lotions, and more if desired.

Background technique

Cleaning wipes of the prior art use nonwoven materials which are immersed in a cleaning liquid in a container associated therewith. A piece of cleaning wipe is drawn through an aperture and is torn off from the batch of wipes in the container, for example, by a perforation line. The sheet is then used to wipe and clean a surface, such as human skin. These sheets are usually thin, porous and solution soaked. Faeces and debris dislodged by the sheet from the relevant surfaces are readily transported through the sheet into contact with the user. Thus, the actual removal action is through the user's dimpled hand and then through the sheet. When the last piece is removed from the container, some amount of wasted liquid will remain at the bottom. These wasted liquids represent a higher cost to the manufacturer and end user, and when the container is eventually discarded, result in the remaining unwanted chemicals becoming litter.

Other prior art wipes consist of liquid-containing absorbent material folded into towelettes. A packaging material for this prior art is, for example, aluminum foil with a thermoplastic liner. Such packaging materials are ideally hermetic to the liquid contained therein and to the vapor or gas formed from the liquid. This material is also ideally sealed against air and other materials that may contaminate the liquid and absorbent material contained in the package. However, once the package is opened or otherwise damaged, the same problems outlined above arise with this prior art.

For example, the Chinese invention patent application publication number CN1248937A published on March 29, 2000 discloses a traditional wiper, which has the above-mentioned problems.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved wiper that is capable of delivering liquid on demand to ideally remove unwanted material from the surface being cleaned without the disadvantages described above.

Contents of the invention

The present invention includes a liquid storage and application device comprising a perforated thermoplastic film. The sheet preferably has two sides. The first side of the sheet includes perforations. Preferably, these perforations are tapered capillaries that narrow peripherally as they extend outwardly away from the sheet. The second side of the sheet (opposite the outwardly extending tapered capillaries) is capable of containing a viscous liquid which is then released on demand. Light pressure on the second side of the pad forces the contained liquid through the tapered capillaries of the pad, releasing the liquid from the pad and delivering it to the surface being cleaned. The capillary also serves a secondary purpose in that it also forms cavities that capture any unwanted matter (eg, feces) that is removed from the surface being cleaned.

Preferably, the wiper of the present invention comprises an absorbent core containing a viscous liquid, a liquid impermeable sheet on one side of said core and a perforated plastic film on a second side of said core, The second side is opposite the side associated with the liquid impermeable sheet. The perforations in the plastic film form many small pockets which extend away from the absorbent core. The unique void space created between the cups on the convex sides of the plastic film acts as a non-abrasive wiping/collecting mechanism. The funnel-shaped aperture between the raised cups of the plastic film contains and releases one or more liquids for various functions as desired. The liquid or liquids are stored in the absorbent core and are released through the funnel-shaped apertures by the pressure associated with the wiping action. The top layer, preferably formed of a solid film, prevents any liquid and/or unwanted transfer to the user.

Brief description of the drawings

A more complete understanding of the improved wiping device of the present invention can be obtained from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is the partial cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of wiping device of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view, partially cut away, of a second embodiment of the wiping device of the present invention, showing the absorbent core material;

Figure 3 is a side view, partially cut away, of a third embodiment of the wiping device of the present invention, showing the use of a liquid-impermeable backsheet;

Figure 4 is a side view, partially in section, of a fourth embodiment of the wiping device of the present invention showing the use of thermoplastic sheets on both sides of the wiping device;

Figure 5 is a side view, partially in section, of a fifth embodiment of the wiping device of the present invention, showing the use of thermoplastic sheets on both sides of the wiping device and the absence of the absorbent core; and

Figure 6 shows the wiping device of the present invention in use.

Detailed ways

A preferred construction of the improved wiping device of the present invention comprises a sheet with an absorbent core (eg fibrous wadding) disposed thereon and a solid or raised liquid impermeable sheet disposed above the absorbent core.

The absorbent core contains one or more fluids that are released on demand by user-applied force for better cleaning (e.g., degreasing agents), providing fragrance (e.g., fragrance), and medicating (e.g., , antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, etc.) cleaned surfaces. Although one or more fluids have been described here to aid in cleansing, providing fragrance and applying medicaments, it should be understood that the one or more fluids can be used for any other suitable purpose related to the improved wiping device 10, such as providing An identifier (eg, colored pigment) is given to the surface being cleaned.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention is shown. The wiping device 10 includes a sheet 12 of thermoplastic film. Sheet 12 includes a plurality of tapered capillaries 14 extending away from sheet 12 . The tapered capillaries 14 form a number of cavities 16 at the first side of the sheet 12 . The cavities 16 provide a non-abrasive wiping feature to remove unwanted material from the surface being cleaned. The type of membrane used as sheet 12 and the stiffness of capillary 14 can vary depending on the use of the wiping device. For example, a wiping device 10 intended to be used to clean a baby's skin needs to be extra soft and gently wiped. However, if the wiping device 10 is to be used as an adult hand washing device, the membrane sheet 12 and capillary 14 can be designed to provide a more vigorous (eg, rough) scrubbing action. Examples of films suitable for sheet 12 are those described in US Patent Nos. 4,351,784 and 4,535,020, the entire contents and teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The film used as sheet 12 preferably has a thickness of from about 0.0003" to about 0.280", and has from about 5 to about 75,000 capillaries per square inch of the film. In a preferred construction, the film will have a thickness of from about 0.0008" to about 0.010", and from about 50 to about 15,000 capillaries per square inch. Capillary 14 preferably has a diameter of from about 0.001" to about 0.185". Capillary 14 preferably extends from sheet 12 a distance of from about 0.003" to about 0.280". In one preferred construction, capillary 14 will have a diameter of from about 0.010" to about 0.075", and capillary 14 will extend from sheet 12 a distance of from about 0.005" to about 0.125".

Sheet 12 is preferably constructed of a thermoplastic film having minute perforations 18 . The perforations 18 are preferably arranged in a regular pattern over substantially the entire surface of the membrane and allow the passage of air and liquid therethrough. Although a regular pattern of perforations 18 is mentioned herein, it should be understood that films comprising random or other patterns of perforations 18 are also suitable for use with the wiping device 10 of the present invention. The membrane preferably has a liquid flow rate associated with the perforations 18. Thermoplastic films of varying strengths, properties, colors and sizes are suitable for use with the wiping device 10 of the present invention.

Any thermoplastic material that can be formed into a flexible film or sheet can be used to make the wiping device of the present invention. Exemplary thermoplastic materials include cellulose esters (e.g., cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose ester); cellulose mixed esters; cellulose esters (e.g., ethyl cellulose); nylon and polymeric materials, Such as polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride vinyl acetate copolymer, polystyrene, methyl methacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene and other polyolefins, which can be formed into flexible films or sheets. The perforated film preferably consists of polyethylene and polypropylene. The film may be low density polyethylene (LDPE). Sheets or films formed from these materials can be plasticized with suitable plasticizers. Other additives known in the art may also be added in order to obtain various desired physical properties.

Surface treatments of films of sheet 12 to make the film surface more receptive to adhesives, paints, inks, lacquers, or other surfaces during lamination are widely used throughout the plastic film industry and are contemplated by the present invention. Various types of such processing (such as corona discharge treatment, chemical treatment, flame treatment, cladding, electron treatment, plasma etching, ion coating and irradiation) can be carried out, if necessary.

Depending on the desired application, possible chemical treatments of the film include antistatic agents, additives to change the polarity of the surface, adhesion promoters and other surface modifiers. A wide variety of additives for plasticization, coloring, impact mitigation, slip, anti-fog and stabilization can be added to the film forming resin prior to film formation. This compound can be added in batches to a powder mixer, or to a feed mixer such as a Banbury mixer or blend. The manufacture of thermoplastic films is fully described in US Patent No. 4,535,020.

One or more liquids 22 can be stored in the cavities 16 and released through the capillaries 14 and pores 18 onto the surface being cleaned. As will be discussed in detail below, the one or more liquids 22 may be cleaning agents (e.g., degreasers), medications (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals), fragrances (e.g., fragrances), identifiers (e.g., For example, colored pigments) and the like, or a combination thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention is shown. Disposed on top of the sheet 12 is an absorbent core 20 in this embodiment. Materials for the absorbent core 20 include known materials such as creped cellulose batting, air-permeable nonwoven felts, wood pulp derivatives, and the like, and combinations of one or more of such materials.

The absorbent core 20 is preferably disposed adjacent the side of the sheet 12 opposite the side containing the capillaries 14 . The absorbent core 20 contains one or more liquids 22 as described in more detail below. The liquid or liquids are stored in the absorbent core 20 by capillary action. When it is desired to apply one or more liquids 22, the one or more liquids 22 are expressed from the absorbent core 20 through the capillaries 14, Applied on the surface through the small hole 18.

The one or more liquids 22 contained in the absorbent core 20 are preferably viscous over a wide range of temperatures sufficient to prevent premature or otherwise improper removal of the one or more liquids 22 from the absorbent core 20. The release of hope. Such unwanted release may occur, for example, in response to stress levels associated with the normal vibration and shock of shipping and handling. A predetermined amount of one or more liquids 22 is contained through the wick 20, wherein the waste of such liquids 22 associated with the prior art devices discussed in detail above is eliminated.

As discussed above, one or more liquids facilitate and enhance cleaning action, including detergents (e.g., degreasers), drugs (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals), fragrances (e.g., aroma agents), moisturizers (eg, emollients), identifiers (eg, colored pigments), etc., or combinations thereof.

In Fig. 3, a third embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the invention is shown. In this embodiment of the wiping device 10, the structure of the wiping device 10 is basically the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, but with the addition of a liquid impervious sheet 24. The liquid impermeable sheet 24 is preferably located on the absorbent core 20 on the side of the absorbent material opposite the sheet 12 . In effect, the absorbent core 20 carrying the liquid or liquids 22 is sandwiched between the sheet 12 and the liquid impermeable sheet 24 . The liquid impermeable backsheet 24 can be formed from a number of materials known in the art, such as polyethylene film.

The liquid impermeable backsheet 24 is used to protect the user's hands/fingers from unwanted material being washed from the surface, and a material held in the absorbent core 20 that is released on the surface to be washed as desired. or contact between multiple liquids 22 . The liquid impermeable backsheet 24 is also used to protect the one or more liquids 22 contained in the absorbent core 20 from contamination, evaporation, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention is shown. The wiper device 10 shown is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, but with the addition of a second sheet 12 of thermoplastic material in place of the liquid impermeable backsheet 24. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, one or more liquids 22 contained in the absorbent core 20 can be squeezed out of the pores 18 and into the capillaries 14 from either side of the absorbent core 20 . This embodiment allows either side of the wiping device 10 to be utilized since there are many cavities 16 on each side of the wiping device 10 . This embodiment is particularly useful in situations where the user wants to fold the wiping device 10 and use the other side for further cleaning.

Fig. 5 shows yet another embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention. The wiping device 10 of this embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in Figure 4, but with the absorbent core 20 removed. In this embodiment, if desired, one or more liquids 22 may be located within capillary 14, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and described above. Alternatively, this embodiment may be used without the liquid(s) 22 . Capillary 14 may also be non-porous if one or more liquids are not used.

Referring now to Figure 6, an embodiment of the wiping device 10 of the present invention (Figure 4) is shown in use. In use, the user grasps the wiping device 10 and wipes the surface 26 to be cleaned (eg, a baby's soiled bottom) with it. The liquid or liquids 22 contained in the absorbent core 20 are retained therein by capillary action until the pressure of the user's hand squeezes the wiping device 10 during use. As a result of the applied pressure, one or more liquids 22 (eg, cleansers, ointments, or combinations thereof) are delivered through capillary 14 , perforations 18 to surface 26 being cleaned. The appropriate amount of one or more liquids 22 is predetermined to prevent any liquid from being wasted in the container or during use.

A plurality of cavities 16 formed by the capillaries 14 are in contact with the surface 26 being cleaned. Cavity 16 collects unwanted matter (eg, feces, blood). If an embodiment with a liquid impermeable backsheet 24 is used (FIG. 3), contact between the user's hands/fingers and unwanted items collected by the wiping device 10 can be avoided.

If the wiping device is sufficiently squeezed by the user during use, the absorbent core 20 will release the liquid or liquids 22 contained therein, allowing the liquid or liquids 22 to be transported through the capillaries 14 and perforations of the sheet 12. 18, is applied on the surface 26 to be cleaned. Depending on the nature of the liquid or liquids 22 contained in the core and released as needed, the surface 26 being cleaned will be sanitized and/or scented and/or better cleaned.

For frequent and repeated uses of the wipe device 10 of the present invention (eg, baby scrubbing), a plastic container with a closeable lid can be used for storing the wipe device. If desired, the individual wiping devices may be stored in separate or detachably interconnected containers in a manner known in the art. For rare single use, the wiping device 10 of the present invention can be packaged in a moisture-proof packaging box that is easy to tear open.

The advantages of the wiping device 10 of the present invention compared with prior art devices are: prevention of user's hands/fingers from contacting unwanted objects; controlled amount and release of one or more liquids used Aids in cleaning the surface being cleaned; and superior, non-abrasive wiping action from the voids of the sheet of the wiping device.

Although preferred embodiments of the wiping device of the present invention have been described in the accompanying drawings and in the above detailed description, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and does not exceed the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Many rearrangements, improvements and substitutions are also possible without the inventive concept.

Claims (16)

1. A wiping device for wiping a surface, comprising: a thermoplastic sheet; the thermoplastic sheet includes a plurality of perforations; The thermoplastic sheet also includes a plurality of capillaries extending outwardly away from the thermoplastic sheet; The capillaries form a plurality of cavities that receive and remove unwanted matter from the surface; It is characterized in that the wiping device also includes: an absorbent core associated with a thermoplastic sheet, said absorbent core containing one or more liquids which are subsequently released on said surface in response to pressure exerted on said absorbent core; a backsheet associated with the absorbent core whereby the absorbent core is sandwiched between the thermoplastic sheet and the backsheet, said backsheet preventing contamination and evaporation of the liquid or liquids in the absorbent core; and Wherein, the one or more liquids are selected from the group consisting of cleansers, medicines, moisturizers, identifiers, fragrances, and combinations thereof. 2. The wiping device of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic sheet comprises a film selected from the group consisting of cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, nylon, and polyolefins. 3. The wiping device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent core is comprised of one of the group consisting of creped cellulose batting, air-permeable nonwoven felt, wood pulp derivatives, and combinations thereof or multiple materials. 4. The wiping device of claim 1, wherein said at least one liquid contained in said absorbent core is selected from the group consisting of antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and disinfectants drug. 5. The wiping device of claim 1, wherein said at least one liquid contained in said absorbent core is a fragrance in the form of a fragrance. 6. The wiping device of claim 1, wherein said at least one liquid contained within said form core is a moisturizing agent in the form of an emollient. 7. The wiping device of claim 1, wherein the backsheet is liquid impermeable. 8. The wiping device of claim 1, wherein the backsheet is formed of polyolefin. 9. The wiping device of claim 1, wherein contained within said absorbent core is said at least one liquid that is a cleaning agent in the form of a degreaser. 10. A wiping device for wiping a surface comprising: a first thermoplastic sheet; the first thermoplastic sheet includes a plurality of perforations; The first thermoplastic sheet also includes a plurality of capillaries extending outwardly away from the first thermoplastic sheet; The capillaries form a plurality of cavities that are able to receive and remove unwanted matter from the surface; It is characterized in that the wiping device also includes: a second thermoplastic sheet associated with the first thermoplastic sheet, said second thermoplastic sheet comprising a plurality of perforations; said second thermoplastic sheet also includes a plurality of capillaries extending in a direction opposite to the capillaries of the first thermoplastic sheet; the capillaries of the second thermoplastic sheet form a plurality of cavities capable of receiving and removing unwanted matter from the surface; and Also comprising an absorbent core associated with the first and second thermoplastic sheets, and the absorbent core is sandwiched between the first thermoplastic sheet and the second thermoplastic sheet, said absorbent core containing one or more liquids, the liquids are subsequently released on said surface in response to pressure exerted on the absorbent core; Wherein, the one or more liquids are selected from the group consisting of cleansers, medicines, moisturizers, identifiers, fragrances, and combinations thereof. 11. The wiping device of claim 10, further comprising a container capable of containing a plurality of wiping devices for dispensing respectively. 12. The wiping device of claim 10, wherein the wiping action provides sufficient pressure to release the one or more liquids contained in the absorbent core. 13. The wiping device of claim 10, wherein contained in said absorbent core is said at least one liquid is a cleaning agent in the form of a degreaser. 14. The wiping device of claim 10, wherein said at least one liquid contained in said absorbent core is selected from the group consisting of antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and disinfectants drug. 15. The wiping device of claim 10, wherein said at least one liquid contained within said form core is a moisturizing agent in the form of an emollient. 16. The wiping device of claim 10, wherein said at least one liquid contained in said absorbent core is a fragrance in the form of a fragrance.

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