Patent Application
20240076834
The present disclosure relates generally to sanitary tissue product sheets and more specifically to packaged refills comprising a plurality of sanitary tissue product sheets.
The discussion of shortcomings and needs existing in the field prior to the present disclosure is in no way an admission that such shortcomings and needs were recognized by those skilled in the art prior to the present disclosure.
A 7-fold increase in hand washing and drying has been reported since 2013, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most consumers use cloth towels to dry their hands after washing. Cloth towels are dampened when people continually use the same towel to dry their hands, leading to the growth of fungi and bacteria as well as the spreading of germs between users, unless consumers wash their towel frequently, which is an inconvenience.
Single-use paper towels are much more sanitary than using cloth towels. Nevertheless, paper towel use in the bathroom is low. Many consumers reject current paper towel rolls for use in the bathroom. Some consumers state that a roll of paper towels doesn't aesthetically fit with the décor of a bathroom. Other consumers indicate that paper towel rolls do not physical fit in the bathroom, because a roll holder is needed, and many bathrooms do either do not have room or a convenient place to place or to install a roller. A whole roll of paper towels may become wet when sitting next to the bathroom sink, which can result in waste and dissatisfaction. A certain amount of wetting and contamination may be inevitable because a user must touch the roll or the dispenser to help dispense the product thereby contaminating the roll and/or the dispenser. Overconsumption is also a problem, because it is too easy for people, especially children, to use an excessive amount of paper towels, which may exceed the amount needed to dry their hands. Finally, some types of paper towels may be intended to handle more difficult clean-up tasks and may, therefore, be over-designed for the task of simply drying hands or cleaning around the bathroom sink.
A long-felt need exists for a new option beyond a cloth hand towel. Consumers desire a way to use paper towels in the bathroom but need a way to position the towels on a bathroom counter surface, within easy reach, and in a dispenser that protects the towels from water damage. Disposable paper towels would result in improved convenience that would enables children to wash and dry their hands more reliably. Some children also have a tendency not to rehang a cloth towel after use, opting to leave the towel on the counter or the floor. Failure to rehang a cloth towel may hinder drying of the towel and encourage additional fungal and bacterial growth. Even if cloth towels are rehung, it takes time for the towel to dry. Large families may, therefore, rarely enjoy a clean, fresh towel. Cloth towels hung in high-traffic bathrooms may be constantly wet, and dirty, with dirt, toothpaste, or food residue. Such towels need to be laundered mor frequently and may need to be replaced more frequently. Such towels are also highly undesirable for presentation to quests. A further need exists to improves hygiene for guests that would elevates bathroom experience for them. A party or gathering in which multiple people use the bathroom to wash their hands inevitably leads to wet, dirty towels that may spread germs from guest to guest.
Consumers like the hygienic benefits of disposable hand towels, but a further hinderance to widespread adoption of disposable hand towels exists because consumers want to minimize the amount of paper they waste and only want to use the exact amount of paper needed. Finally, consumers consistently report limited counter space and desire a practical solution that fits their limited space.
A need, therefore, exists for sanitary tissue product sheets packaged, configured, and packaged to be conveniently added to a suitable dispenser.
Various embodiments solve the above-mentioned problems and provide methods and devices useful for providing packages or arrays comprising a plurality of sanitary tissue product sheets. One or more subsets of the plurality of sanitary tissue product sheets may be surrounded by a band. Each subset may be sized to provide a suitable refill for a dispenser.
Various embodiments relate to a package of sanitary tissue product sheets comprising a plurality of sanitary tissue product sheets and a band surrounding from about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about 5 inches (12.7 cm) of the sanitary tissue product sheets. The sanitary tissue product sheets may be folded and interleaved. The sanitary tissue product sheets may be from about 5 inches (12.7 cm) to about 11 inches (27.94 cm) wide and from about 9 inches (22.86 cm) to about 15 inches (38.1 cm) long.
Various embodiments relate to a package of sanitary tissue product sheets comprising a plurality of sanitary tissue product sheets divided into multiple subsets. A first band may surround from about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about 5 inches (12.7 cm) of the sanitary tissue product sheets to form a first subset of sanitary tissue product sheets. A second band may surround from about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about 5 inches (12.7 cm) of the sanitary tissue product sheets to form a second subset of sanitary tissue product sheets. The package may further comprise an outer container containing the first subset of sanitary tissue product sheets and second subset of sanitary tissue product sheets.
Various embodiments relate to an array of sanitary tissue products comprising a first plurality and a second plurality of sanitary tissue sheets.
The first plurality of sanitary tissue sheets may be discrete sheets in a stack and are folded and interleaved. The second plurality of sanitary tissue sheets may be interconnected and in the form of a roll and comprise perforations between their sheets. The first plurality of sanitary tissue sheets and the second plurality of sanitary tissue sheets may have properties within 5% of each other for at least VFS, TDT and TS7. The first plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (11) and the second plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (71) may be commonly branded.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description, figures, and claims.
Many aspects of this disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following figures.
It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the examples illustrated in the figures.
As shown by way of example for the sanitary tissue product sheet (30), any of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may have a width (W1) of from about 5 inches (12.7 cm) to about 11 inches (27.94 cm), from about 6 inches (15.24 cm) to about 10 inches (25.4 cm), or from about 7 inches (17.78 cm) to about 9 inches (22.86 cm), specifically reciting all increments of 0.1 inches (0.254 cm) within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
As shown by way of example for the sanitary tissue product sheet (30), any of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may have a length (L1) of from about 9 inches (22.86 cm) to about 15 inches (38.1 cm), from about 10 inches (25.4 cm) to about 14 inches (35.56 cm), or from about 11 inches (27.94 cm) to about 13 inches (33.02 cm), specifically reciting all increments of 0.1 inches (0.254 cm) within the above-recited ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby.
At least a portion of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may comprise 1 ply or more than 1 ply. For example, at least a portion of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) comprise 2 plies, or 3 plies, or 4 plies, or 5 plies, or 6 plies. As shown in
Various Embodiments with Reference to All Figures
Having described each figure individually, a non-limiting description of various embodiments will now be provided, making reference to all figures simultaneously.
Various embodiments, relate to a package of sanitary tissue product sheets (10). The package (10) may comprise a plurality of sanitary tissue product sheets (11) and a band (20) surrounding all or a portion of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11). For example, the band (20) may surround from about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about 5 inches (12.7 cm) of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11). The sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may be folded and interleaved. For example, the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may be bi-folded and a free end (34) of a first sanitary tissue product sheet (30) of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may be nested within a bifold (42) of a second sanitary tissue product sheet (40) of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11). The package (10) may comprise and the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may be contained in an outer container (12). The outer container (12) may be a cardboard box (13) or a plastic film (15).
Various embodiments relate to a package of sanitary tissue product sheets (10) comprising a plurality of sanitary tissue product sheets (11) divided into a plurality of subsets. For example, the plurality of sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may comprise a first subset and/or a second subset. A first band (20) may surround a first portion of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) to form the first subset of sanitary tissue product sheets (14). The sanitary tissue product sheets (11) in each subset may be folded and interleaved. A second band (22) may surround a second portion of the sanitary tissue product sheets to form a second subset of sanitary tissue product sheets (16). The first portion and/or the second portion may be from about 2 inches (5.08 cm) to about 5 inches (12.7 cm) in height (H1). The package (10) may further comprise an outer container (12) containing the first subset of sanitary tissue product sheets (14) and second subset of sanitary tissue product sheets (16). The outer container (12) may comprise a cardboard box (13) and/or a plastic film (15).
Various embodiments relate to an array of sanitary tissue products (70). The array may comprise any number of groupings of sanitary tissue sheets. For example, the array may comprise a first plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (11) and a second plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (71). The first plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (11) may be discrete sheets in a stack that are folded and interleaved, as described in various embodiments. The second plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (71) may be interconnected and in the form of a roll, having perforations (74) between their sheets (76, 78). The first plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (11) and the second plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (71) may have the same property (e.g., lint) values, or different property values, such that one or more of the properties are at least 5% different, at least 10% different, or at least 15% different; when the property value(s) are different, they may be within 5%, within 10%, or within 15% of each other. The properties may be any of those described herein. For example, the first plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (11) and the second plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (71) may have properties within 5% of each other for at least one of VFS, TDT, TS7, and combinations thereof. As another example, the first plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (11) and the second plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (71) have the same fiber type, the same belt pattern, the same emboss pattern, and combinations thereof. The first plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (11) and the second plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (71) may have the same or different length and/or width dimensions. The first plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (11) and the second plurality of sanitary tissue sheets (71) may be commonly branded, for example with a brand indicator (90).
The sanitary tissue sheets (11) may be produced by any suitable process, including the methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,238,890 and 9,011,644 and in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2015/0272402 and 2015/0272401, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
According to various embodiments the sanitary tissue product sheets may have an emboss pattern. The emboss pattern may comprise any desired pattern or combination of patterns. For example, the emboss pattern may comprise triangles and hexagons. The emboss pattern may comprise circles and ovals. The emboss pattern may comprise spirals. The emboss pattern may comprise squares, rectangles, and diamonds. Any combination of these patterns is contemplated. Additional patterns will be readily apparent and known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
Knuckles and pillows in paper towels and bath tissue can be visible to the retail consumer of such products. The knuckles and pillows can be imparted to a fibrous structure from a papermaking belt at various stages of the papermaking process (i.e., at various consistencies and at various unit operations during the drying process) and the visual pattern generated by the pattern of knuckles and pillows can be designed for functional performance enhancement as well as to be visually appealing. Such patterns of knuckles and pillows can be made according to the methods and processes described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,173, issued to Lindsay et al. on Aug. 26, 2003, or U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,345 issued to Trokhan on Apr. 30, 1985, or U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,910 issued to Burazin et al. on Jun. 4, 2002, or US Pub. No. 2013/0199741; published in the name of Stage et al. on Aug. 8, 2013.
The sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may be embossed. Any suitable emboss pattern or combination of emboss patterns may be employed. For example, at least a portion of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may be embossed with an emboss pattern (60) comprising squares, rectangles, diamonds, and combinations thereof. At least a portion of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may be embossed with an emboss pattern (60) comprising hexagons and/or triangles. At least a portion of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may be embossed with an emboss pattern (60) comprising comprises circles, ovals, and combinations thereof. At least a portion of the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may be embossed with an emboss pattern (60) comprising a spiral.
The sanitary tissue product sheets may be disposed in a dispenser that has a fragrance or a scent and/or that imparts a fragrance or a scent to the sanitary tissue product sheets. For example, a method of producing scented tissue paper by first applying fragrance to a carton may be employed as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,106,929, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Additionally or alternatively, the sanitary tissue product sheets may have an added fragrance or scent. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,460,792 describes a micro-encapsulated perfume added to consumer products including tissues; WO 2005/031067 describes a tissue product that conveys wordless information via additives including perfumes; and GB 1326080 describes use of microcapsules containing a perfume in the central portion of a fibrous material, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
The sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may have a total dry tensile of from about 850 g/in to about 4000 g/in. The sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may have a wet burst strength of from about 150 g to about 550 g. The sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may have a tensile ratio of from about 0.5 to about 2. The sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may have a TS7 of from about 10 dB V2 rms to about 40 dB V2 rms. The sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may have an SST greater than about 0.35 g/sec0.5 to about 3.0 g/sec0.5. The sanitary tissue product sheets (11) may have a VFS greater than about 3.5 g/g to about 10.5 g/g.
Fibrous structure(s), web(s) that form the fibrous structure(s), layer(s) of a fibrous structure(s), and/or sheet(s) of a fibrous structure(s), such as the sanitary tissue product sheets (11) and one or more plies thereof, as disclosed herein may have one or a combination of the following properties:
Fibrous structure(s) of the present disclosure comprising non-wood fibers may have one or a combination of the above properties (disclosed in this Properties of Fibrous Structure(s) Section).
Unless otherwise specified, all tests described herein including those described under the Definitions section and the following test methods are conducted on samples that have been conditioned in a conditioned room at a temperature of 23° C.±1.0° C. and a relative humidity of 50%±2% for a minimum of 2 hours prior to the test. The samples tested are “usable units.” “Usable units” as used herein means sheets, flats from roll stock, pre-converted flats, and/or single or multi-ply products. All tests are conducted in such conditioned room. Do not test samples that have defects such as wrinkles, tears, holes, and like. All instruments are calibrated according to manufacturer's specifications.
“Wet Burst Strength” as used herein is a measure of the ability of a fibrous structure and/or a fibrous structure product incorporating a fibrous structure to absorb energy, when wet and subjected to deformation normal to the plane of the fibrous structure and/or fibrous structure product. The Wet Burst Test is run according to ISO 12625-9:2005, except for any deviations or modifications described below.
Wet burst strength may be measured using a Thwing-Albert Burst Tester Cat. No. 177 equipped with a 2000 g load cell commercially available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, Pa, or an equivalent instrument.
Wet burst strength is measured by preparing four (4) multi-ply fibrous structure product samples for testing. First, condition the samples for two (2) hours at a temperature of 73° F.±2° F. (23° C.±1° C.) and a relative humidity of 50% (±2%). Take one sample and horizontally dip the center of the sample into a pan filled with about 25 mm of room temperature distilled water. Leave the sample in the water four (4) (±0.5) seconds. Remove and drain for three (3) (±0.5) seconds holding the sample vertically so the water runs off in the cross-machine direction. Proceed with the test immediately after the drain step.
Place the wet sample on the lower ring of the sample holding device of the Burst Tester with the outer surface of the sample facing up so that the wet part of the sample completely covers the open surface of the sample holding ring. If wrinkles are present, discard the samples and repeat with a new sample. After the sample is properly in place on the lower sample holding ring, turn the switch that lowers the upper ring on the Burst Tester. The sample to be tested is now securely gripped in the sample holding unit. Start the burst test immediately at this point by pressing the start button on the Burst Tester. A plunger will begin to rise (or lower) toward the wet surface of the sample. At the point when the sample tears or ruptures, report the maximum reading. The plunger will automatically reverse and return to its original starting position. Repeat this procedure on three (3) more samples for a total of four (4) tests, i.e., four (4) replicates. Report the results as an average of the four (4) replicates, to the nearest gram.
Dry Elongation. Tensile Strength. TEA and Modulus Test Methods
Remove five (5) strips of four (4) usable units (also referred to as sheets) of fibrous structures and stack one on top of the other to form a long stack with the perforations between the sheets coincident. Identify sheets 1 and 3 for machine direction tensile measurements and sheets 2 and 4 for cross direction tensile measurements. Next, cut through the perforation line using a paper cutter (JDC-1-10 or JDC-1-12 with safety shield from Thwing-Albert Instrument Co. of Philadelphia, Pa.) to make 4 separate stacks. Make sure stacks 1 and 3 are still identified for machine direction testing and stacks 2 and 4 are identified for cross direction testing.
Cut two 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide strips in the machine direction from stacks 1 and 3. Cut two 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide strips in the cross direction from stacks 2 and 4. There are now four 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide strips for machine direction tensile testing and four 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide strips for cross direction tensile testing. For these finished product samples, all eight 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide strips are five usable units (sheets) thick.
For the actual measurement of the elongation, tensile strength, TEA and modulus, use a Thwing-Albert Intelect II Standard Tensile Tester (Thwing-Albert Instrument Co. of Philadelphia, Pa.). Insert the flat face clamps into the unit and calibrate the tester according to the instructions given in the operation manual of the Thwing-Albert Intelect II. Set the instrument crosshead speed to 4.00 in/min (10.16 cm/min) and the 1st and 2nd gauge lengths to 2.00 inches (5.08 cm). The break sensitivity is set to 20.0 grams and the sample width is set to 1.00 inch (2.54 cm) and the sample thickness is set to 0.3937 inch (1 cm). The energy units are set to TEA and the tangent modulus (Modulus) trap setting is set to 38.1 g.
Take one of the fibrous structure sample strips and place one end of it in one clamp of the tensile tester. Place the other end of the fibrous structure sample strip in the other clamp. Make sure the long dimension of the fibrous structure sample strip is running parallel to the sides of the tensile tester. Also make sure the fibrous structure sample strips are not overhanging to the either side of the two clamps. In addition, the pressure of each of the clamps must be in full contact with the fibrous structure sample strip.
After inserting the fibrous structure sample strip into the two clamps, the instrument tension can be monitored. If it shows a value of 5 grams or more, the fibrous structure sample strip is too taut. Conversely, if a period of 2-3 seconds passes after starting the test before any value is recorded, the fibrous structure sample strip is too slack.
Start the tensile tester as described in the tensile tester instrument manual. The test is complete after the crosshead automatically returns to its initial starting position. When the test is complete, read and record the following with units of measure:
Geometric Mean (GM) Dry Elongation=Square Root of [MD Elongation (%)×CD Elongation (%)]
Total Dry Tensile (TDT)=Peak Load MD Tensile (g/in)+Peak Load CD Tensile (g/in)
Dry Tensile Ratio=Peak Load MD Tensile (g/in)/Peak Load CD Tensile (g/in)
Geometric Mean (GM) Dry Tensile=[Square Root of (Peak Load MD Tensile (g/in)×Peak Load CD Tensile (g/in))]
Dry TEA=MD TEA (in-g/in2)+CD TEA (in-g/in2)
Geometric Mean (GM) Dry TEA=Square Root of [MD TEA (in-g/in2)×CD TEA (in-g/in2)]
Dry Modulus=MD Modulus (at 15 g/cm)+CD Modulus (at 15 g/cm)
Geometric Mean (GM) Dry Modulus=Square Root of [MD Modulus (at 15 g/cm)×CD Modulus (at 15 g/cm)]
TS7 and TS750 values are measured using an EMTEC Tissue Softness Analyzer (“Emtec TSA”) (Emtec Electronic GmbH, Leipzig, Germany) interfaced with a computer running Emtec TSA software (version 3.19 or equivalent). According to Emtec, the TS7 value correlates with the real material softness, while the TS750 value correlates with the felt smoothness/roughness of the material. The Emtec TSA comprises a rotor with vertical blades which rotate on the test sample at a defined and calibrated rotational speed (set by manufacturer) and contact force of 100 mN. Contact between the vertical blades and the test piece creates vibrations, which create sound that is recorded by a microphone within the instrument. The recorded sound file is then analyzed by the Emtec TSA software. The sample preparation, instrument operation and testing procedures are performed according the instrument manufacture's specifications.
Test samples are prepared by cutting square or circular samples from a finished product. Test samples are cut to a length and width (or diameter if circular) of no less than about 90 mm, and no greater than about 120 mm, in any of these dimensions, to ensure the sample can be clamped into the TSA instrument properly. Test samples are selected to avoid perforations, creases or folds within the testing region. Prepare 8 substantially similar replicate samples for testing. Equilibrate all samples at TAPPI standard temperature and relative humidity conditions (23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2%) for at least 1 hour prior to conducting the TSA testing, which is also conducted under TAPPI conditions.
Calibrate the instrument according to the manufacturer's instructions using the 1-point calibration method with Emtec reference standards (“ref.2 samples”). If these reference samples are no longer available, use the appropriate reference samples provided by the manufacturer. Calibrate the instrument according to the manufacturer's recommendation and instruction, so that the results will be comparable to those obtained when using the 1-point calibration method with Emtec reference standards (“ref.2 samples”).
Mount the test sample into the instrument and perform the test according to the manufacturer's instructions. When complete, the software displays values for TS7 and TS750. Record each of these values to the nearest 0.01 dB V2 rms. The test piece is then removed from the instrument and discarded. This testing is performed individually on the top surface (outer facing surface of a rolled product) of four of the replicate samples, and on the bottom surface (inner facing surface of a rolled product) of the other four replicate samples.
The four test result values for TS7 and TS750 from the top surface are averaged (using a simple numerical average); the same is done for the four test result values for TS7 and TS750 from the bottom surface. Report the individual average values of TS7 and TS750 for both the top and bottom surfaces on a particular test sample to the nearest 0.01 dB V2 rms. Additionally, average together all eight test value results for TS7 and TS750, and report the overall average values for TS7 and TS750 on a particular test sample to the nearest 0.01 dB V2 rms. Unless otherwise specified, the reported values for TS7 and TS750 will be the overall average of the eight test values from the top and bottom surfaces.
This test incorporates the Slope of the Square Root of Time (SST) Test Method. The SST method measures rate over a wide spectrum of time to capture a view of the product pick-up rate over the useful lifetime. In particular, the method measures the absorbency rate via the slope of the mass versus the square root of time from 2-15 seconds.
The absorption (wicking) of water by a fibrous sample is measured over time. A sample is placed horizontally in the instrument and is supported with minimal contact during testing (without allowing the sample to droop) by an open weave net structure that rests on a balance. The test is initiated when a tube connected to a water reservoir is raised and the meniscus makes contact with the center of the sample from beneath, at a small negative pressure. Absorption is controlled by the ability of the sample to pull the water from the instrument for approximately 20 seconds. Rate is determined as the slope of the regression line of the outputted weight vs sqrt(time) from 2 to 15 seconds.
Conditioned Room—Temperature is controlled from 73° F.±2° F. (23° C.±1° C.). Relative Humidity is controlled from 50%±2%
Sample Preparation—Product samples are cut using hydraulic/pneumatic precision cutter into 3.375 inch diameter circles.
Capacity Rate Tester (CRT)—The CRT is an absorbency tester capable of measuring capacity and rate. The CRT consists of a balance (0.001 g), on which rests on a woven grid (using nylon monofilament line having a 0.014″ diameter) placed over a small reservoir with a delivery tube in the center. This reservoir is filled by the action of solenoid valves, which help to connect the sample supply reservoir to an intermediate reservoir, the water level of which is monitored by an optical sensor. The CRT is run with a −2 mm water column, controlled by adjusting the height of water in the supply reservoir.
A diagram of the testing apparatus set up is shown in
Software—LabView based custom software specific to CRT Version 4.2 or later.
Water—Distilled water with conductivity<10 μS/cm (target<5 μS/cm) @ 25° C.
For this method, a usable unit is described as one finished product unit regardless of the number of plies. Condition all samples with packaging materials removed for a minimum of 2 hours prior to testing. Discard at least the first ten usable units from the roll. Remove two usable units and cut one 3.375-inch circular sample from the center of each usable unit for a total of 2 replicates for each test result. Do not test samples with defects such as wrinkles, tears, holes, etc. Replace with another usable unit which is free of such defects
Take the raw data file that includes time and weight data.
First, create a new time column that subtracts 0.4 seconds from the raw time data to adjust the raw time data to correspond to when initiation actually occurs (about 0.4 seconds after data collection begins).
Second, create a column of data that converts the adjusted time data to square root of time data (e.g., using a formula such as SQRT( ) within Excel).
Third, calculate the slope of the weight data vs the square root of time data (e.g., using the SLOPE( ) function within Excel, using the weight data as the y-data and the sqrt(time) data as the x-data, etc.). The slope should be calculated for the data points from 2 to 15 seconds, inclusive (or 1.41 to 3.87 in the sqrt(time) data column).
The start time of water contact with the sample is estimated to be 0.4 seconds after the start of hydraulic connection is established between the supply tube and the sample (CRT Time). This is because data acquisition begins while the tube is still moving towards the sample and incorporates the small delay in scale response. Thus, “time zero” is actually at 0.4 seconds in CRT Time as recorded in the *.txt file.
The slope of the square root of time (SST) from 2-15 seconds is calculated from the slope of a linear regression line from the square root of time between (and including) 2 to 15 seconds (x-axis) versus the cumulative grams of water absorbed. The units are g/sec0.5.
Report the average slope to the nearest 0.01 g/s0.5.
The Vertical Full Sheet (VFS) test method is similar to the HFS method described previously, and determines the amount of distilled water absorbed and retained by a fibrous structure when held at an angle of 75°.
After setting up the apparatus, preparing the sample, taking the initial weights, and submerging the sample, according to the HFS method, the support rack (
At the end of this time frame (60±5 seconds), carefully bring the sample and support rack (
The VFS gram per grain fibrous structure sample absorptive capacity is defined as the wet weight of the sample after vertical drainage minus the dry weight of the sample divided by the dry weight of the sample, and has a unit of gram/gram (g/g).
The VFS gram per sheet fibrous structure sample absorptive capacity is defined as the wet weight of the sample after vertical drainage minus the dry weight of the sample, and has a unit of gram/sheet.
The calculated VFS is the average of the absorptive capacities of the two samples of the fibrous structure.
Basis weight of a fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product (TAPPI conditioned as follows: Temperature is controlled from 23° C.±1° C. and Relative Humidity is controlled from 50%±2%) is measured on stacks of twelve usable units using a top loading analytical balance with a resolution of ±0.001 g. The balance is protected from air drafts and other disturbances using a draft shield. A precision cutting die, measuring 3.500 in ±0.0035 in by 3.500 in ±0.0035 in is used to prepare all samples.
With a precision cutting die, cut the samples into squares. Combine the cut squares to form a stack twelve samples thick. Measure the mass of the sample stack and record the result to the nearest 0.001 g.
The Basis Weight is calculated in lbs/3000 ft2 or g/m2 as follows:
Basis Weight=(Mass of stack)/[(Area of 1 square in stack)×(No. of squares in stack)]
For example:
Basis Weight (lbs/3000 ft2)=[[Mass of stack (g)/453.6 (g/lbs)]/[12.25 (in2)/144 (in2/ft2)×12]]×3000
or,
Basis Weight (g/m2)=Mass of stack (g)/1[79.032 (cm2)/10,000 (cm2/m2)×12].
Report the numerical result to the nearest 0.1 lbs/3000 ft2 or 0.1 g/m2 or “gsm.” Sample dimensions can be changed or varied using a similar precision cutter as mentioned above, so as at least 100 square inches of sample area in stack.
The density of a fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product is calculated as the quotient of the Basis Weight of a fibrous structure or sanitary tissue product expressed in lbs/3000 ft2 divided by the Caliper (at 95 g/in2) of the fibrous structure or sanitary tissue product expressed in mils. The final Density value is calculated in lbs/ft{circumflex over ( )}3 and/or g/cm3, by using the appropriate converting factors. The bulk of a fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product is the reciprocal of the density method (i.e., Bulk=1/Density).
Samples are conditioned at 23+/−1° C. and 50%+/−2% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing.
Dry Caliper of a sample of fibrous structure product is determined by cutting a sample of the fibrous structure product such that it is larger in size than a load foot loading surface where the load foot loading surface has a circular surface area of about 3.14 in 2. The sample is confined between a horizontal flat surface and the load foot loading surface. The load foot loading surface applies a confining pressure to the sample of 14.7 g/cm2 (about 0.21 psi). The caliper is the resulting gap between the flat surface and the load foot loading surface. Such measurements can be obtained on a VIR Electronic Thickness Tester Model II available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, Pa. The caliper measurement is repeated and recorded at least five (5) times so that an average caliper can be calculated. The result is reported in mils.
Samples are conditioned at 23+/−1° C. and 50% relative humidity for two hours prior to testing.
Wet Caliper of a sample of fibrous structure product is determined by cutting a sample of the fibrous structure product such that it is larger in size than a load foot loading surface where the load foot loading surface has a circular surface area of about 3.14 in2. Each sample is wetted by submerging the sample in a distilled water bath for 30 seconds. The caliper of the wet sample is measured within 30 seconds of removing the sample from the bath. The sample is then confined between a horizontal flat surface and the load foot loading surface. The load foot loading surface applies a confining pressure to the sample of 14.7 g/cm2 (about 0.21 psi). The caliper is the resulting gap between the flat surface and the load foot loading surface. Such measurements can be obtained on a VIR Electronic Thickness Tester Model II available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, Pa. The caliper measurement is repeated and recorded at least five (5) times so that an average caliper can be calculated. The result is reported in mils.
This disclosure is written to describe the invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art, who will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the specific examples or embodiments described. The examples and embodiments are single instances of the invention which will make a much larger scope apparent to the person having ordinary skill in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by the person having ordinary skill in the art. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing examples and embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.
All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to the person having ordinary skill in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application. Many variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. For example, unless otherwise indicated, the present disclosure is not limited to particular materials, reagents, reaction materials, manufacturing processes, or the like, as such can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It is also possible in the present disclosure that steps can be executed in different sequence where this is logically possible.
All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (for example, having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.
In everyday usage, indefinite articles (like “a” or “an”) precede countable nouns and noncountable nouns almost never take indefinite articles. It must be noted, therefore, that, as used in this specification and in the claims that follow, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a support” includes a plurality of supports. Particularly when a single countable noun is listed as an element in a claim, this specification will generally use a phrase such as “a single.” For example, “a single support.”
Unless otherwise specified, all percentages indicating the amount of a component in a composition represent a percent by weight of the component based on the total weight of the composition. The term “mol percent” or “mole percent” generally refers to the percentage that the moles of a particular component are of the total moles that are in a mixture. The sum of the mole fractions for each component in a solution is equal to 1.
Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit (unless the context clearly dictates otherwise), between the upper and lower limit of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.
In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings unless a contrary intention is apparent.
“Align” or “aligned” or “aligning” means to place or to arrange in a straight line. Aligning edges of substrates, therefore, means arranging the substrates so that the edges in question extend along approximately the same line. It is to be appreciated that aligning edges of substrates can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including placing the substrates one on top of the other or side by side.
“Facing relationship” refers to a relative positioning of materials, such as substrates, in which a surface of one material is oriented toward a surface of another material. For example, when two substrates are stacked on top of each other, they are in a facing relationship. The term does not require or exclude the presence of intervening objects, materials, or layers.
“Fibrous structure” as used herein means a structure that comprises a plurality of fibers. In one example, a fibrous structure according to the present disclosure means an orderly arrangement of fibers within a structure in order to perform a function. A bag of loose fibers is not a fibrous structure in accordance with the present disclosure. The terms “web,” “fibrous web,” “embryonic web,” and “embryonic fibrous web” are used to describe the web that is in the process of becoming the fibrous structure. Further, fibrous structures may be rolled, interleaved, perforated, and/or packaged to form final product(s), such as a sanitary tissue product.
Fibrous structures of the present disclosure may be used to make sanitary tissue products, including paper towels. The fibrous structures can be single-ply or multi-ply and may comprise cellulosic pulp fibers.
Fibrous structures of the present disclosure may be selected from the group consisting of: through-air-dried fibrous structures, differential density fibrous structures, differential basis weight fibrous structures, wet laid fibrous structures, air laid fibrous structures, conventional dried fibrous structures, creped or uncreped fibrous structures, patterned-densified or non-patterned-densified fibrous structures, compacted or uncompacted, especially high bulk uncompacted, fibrous structures, other nonwoven fibrous structures comprising synthetic or multicomponent fibers, homogeneous or multilayered fibrous structures, double re-creped fibrous structures, uncreped fibrous structures, co-form fibrous structures and combinations thereof.
“Non-woven fibrous structure” as used herein means a fibrous structure wherein fibers forming the fibrous structure are not orderly arranged by weaving and/or knitting the fibers together. In other words, non-woven fibrous structures do not include textiles, garments, and/or apparel. The non-woven fibrous structures of the present disclosure are disposable (i.e., typically thrown away after one or two uses-unlike clothes, rags, cloths, etc.).
“Dry fibrous structure” as used herein means that the fibrous structure exhibits a moisture (water) content of less than 20% and/or less than 15% and/or less than 10% and/or less than 7% and/or less than 5% and/or less than 3% and/or less than 1% to 0% and or to greater than 0% by weight of the dry fibrous structure as measured according to the Water Content Test Method described herein. Dry fibrous structures of the present disclosure may exhibit a moisture (water) content of from about 0.0001% to about 20% and/or from about 0.001% to about 15% and/or from about 0.001% to about 12% and/or from about 0.001% to about 10% and/or from about 0.001% to about 7% and/or from about 0.001% to about 5%, by weight of the dry fibrous structure.
“Stacked product(s)” as used herein include fibrous structures, paper, and sanitary tissue products that are in the form of a web and cut into distinct separate sheets, where the sheets are folded (e.g., z-folded or c-folded) and may be interleaved with each other, such that a trailing edge of one is connected with a leading edge of another. Common examples of stacks of folded and/or interleaved sheets include facial tissues and napkins.
“Densified,” as used herein means a portion of a fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product that is characterized by regions of relatively high fiber density (knuckle regions).
“Non-densified,” as used herein, means a portion of a fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product that exhibits a lesser density (one or more regions of relatively lower fiber density) (pillow regions) than another portion (for example a knuckle region) of the fibrous structure and/or sanitary tissue product.
“Ply” or “Plies” as used herein means an individual fibrous structure optionally to be disposed in a substantially contiguous, face-to-face relationship with other plies, forming a multiple ply fibrous structure. It is also contemplated that a single fibrous structure can effectively form two “plies” or multiple “plies”, for example, by being folded on itself. A ply may comprise multiple layers. Multiple plies may, for example be formed as follows: fibrous structure of the present disclosure may be combined with one or more additional fibrous structures, which is the same or different from the fibrous structures of the present disclosure to form a multi-ply sanitary tissue product; said additional fibrous structure may be combined with the fibrous structure of the present disclosure by any suitable means.
“Sanitary tissue product” as used herein means a soft, low density fibrous structure useful for multi-functional absorbent and cleaning uses (such as absorbent towels).
“Percent (%) difference,” “X % difference,” or “X % different” is calculated by: subtracting the lower value (e.g., common intensive property value) from the higher value (e.g., common intensive property value) and then dividing that value by the average of the lower and higher values, and then multiplying the result by 100.
“Within X %” or “within X percent” is calculated by the following non-limiting example: If first and second sanitary tissue products have a common intensive property (e.g., lint), and if a second lint value of the second sanitary tissue product is 10, then “within 25%” of the second lint value is calculated as follows for this example: multiplying 10 (the second lint value) by 25%, which equals 2.5, and then adding 2.5 to 10 (the second lint value) and subtracting 2.5 from 10 (the second lint value) to get a range, so that “within 25%” of the second lint value for this example means a lint value of or between 12.5 and 7.5). The absolute value of “X % change” can be used to determine if “within X %” is satisfied; for example can also be determined by using the absolute For example, if “X % change” is −25%, then a “within 25%” is satisfied, but if “X % change” is −25%, a “within 20%” is not satisfied.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/404,319, filed Sep. 7, 2022, the substance of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63404319 | Sep 2022 | US |
