权利要求：
1. A disposable wet nonwoven implement, said implement comprising:
(a) a first and second nonwoven sheet members, said first and second nonwoven members being secured to each other along at least a portion of a periphery of said nonwoven sheet members to form an interior volume between said nonwoven sheet members and an opening to receive a user's hand.
2. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 1, wherein said first and second nonwoven sheet members comprise fibers.
3. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 2, wherein said fibers are selected from the group consisting of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and combinations thereof.
4. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 3, wherein said fibers are selected from the group consisting of monocomponent fibers, multicomponent fibers, multiconstituent fibers, capillary channel fibers, -hollow fibers, shaped or lobed fibers, and combinations thereof.
5. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 1, wherein said nonwoven sheet members are prepared by meltblowing, spunbonding, air-entanglement, hydroentanglement, thermal bonding, selective mechanical deformation and combination thereof.
6. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 1, wherein said implement is selected from the group consisting of a mitt, a mitten, a glove, and combinations thereof.
7. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 6, wherein said glove comprises at least one sleeve for insertably receiving at least one finger.
8. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 6, wherein said glove comprises at least one sleeve for insertably receiving a thumb.
9. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 1, wherein said implement further comprises a wrist portion.
10. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 9, wherein said wrist portion comprises a closure means.
11. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of said first nonwoven sheet member and an exterior surface of said second nonwoven sheet member have different textures.
12. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 1, wherein at least one of the nonwoven sheet members comprise a raised element.
13. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 1, wherein at least one of said exterior surfaces of said first and second nonwoven sheet members comprises a material for collecting animal hair.
14. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 13, wherein said material is a bristle.
15. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 1, wherein said implement further comprises a composition that is associated with at least one of said nonwoven sheet members; and wherein said composition comprises shampoos, treatment agents, conditioning agents, cleansing agents, or mixtures thereof.
16. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 15, wherein said implement comprises less than about 20% by weight of the implement of a fluid.
17. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 15, wherein said implement comprise from about 20% to about 40% by weight of the implement of a fluid.
18. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 15, wherein said implement comprises from about 40% to about 95% by weight of the implement of a fluid.
19. A disposable wet nonwoven implement, said implement comprising:
(a) a first and second nonwoven sheet members, said first and second nonwoven members being secured to each other along at least a portion of a periphery of said nonwoven sheet members to form an interior volume between said nonwoven sheet members and an opening to receive a user's hand;
wherein said implement is a glove; and wherein said user's hand is completely contained within said glove.
20. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 19, wherein said first and second nonwoven sheet members comprise fibers.
21. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 19, wherein said fibers are selected from the group consisting of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and combinations thereof.
22. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 21, wherein said fibers are selected from the group consisting of monocomponent fibers, multicomponent fibers, multiconstituent fibers, capillary channel fibers, hollow fibers, shaped or lobed fibers, and combinations thereof.
23. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 19, wherein said nonwoven sheet members are prepared by meltblowing, spunbonding, air-entanglement, hydroentanglement, thermal bonding, selective mechanical deformation and combination thereof.
24. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 19, wherein said glove comprises at least one sleeve for insertably receiving at least one finger.
25. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 19, wherein said glove comprises at least one sleeve for insertably receiving a thumb.
26. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 19, wherein said glove further comprises a wrist portion.
27. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 26, wherein said wrist portion comprises a closure means.
28. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 19, wherein an exterior surface of said first nonwoven sheet member and an exterior surface of said second nonwoven sheet member have different textures.
29. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 19, wherein at least one of the nonwoven sheet members comprise a raised element.
30. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 29, wherein at least one of said exterior surfaces of said first and second nonwoven sheet members comprises a material for collecting animal hair.
31. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 30, wherein said material is a bristle.
32. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 19, wherein said implement further comprises a composition that is associated with at least one of said nonwoven sheet members; and wherein said composition comprises shampoos, treatment agents, conditioning agents, cleansing agents, or mixtures thereof.
33. A disposable wet nonwoven implement, said implement comprising:
a first and second nonwoven sheet members; wherein at least one of said members is a multi-layer nonwoven sheet member; wherein said first and second nonwoven members are secured to each other along at least a portion of a periphery of said nonwoven sheet members to form an interior volume between said nonwoven sheet members and an opening to receive said user's hand; and wherein said user's hand is completely contained within said implement.
34. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 33, wherein said multi-layered nonwoven sheet member comprises at least one batting layer.
35. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 34, wherein said batting layer is selected from the group consisting of fibrous nonwovens, sponges, foams, reticulated foams, polymeric nets, scrims, vacuum-formed laminates, formed films, formed film composite material, and combinations thereof.
36. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 33, wherein said first and second nonwoven sheet members comprises fibers selected from the group consisting of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and combinations thereof.
37. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 33, wherein said implement is selected from the group consisting of a mitt, a mitten, a glove, and combinations thereof.
38. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 37, wherein said glove comprises at least one sleeve for insertably receiving at least one finger.
39. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 37, wherein said glove further comprises a wrist portion.
40. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 39, wherein said wrist portion comprises a closure means.
41. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 33, wherein an exterior surface of said first nonwoven sheet member and an exterior surface of said second nonwoven sheet member have different textures.
42. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 33, wherein at least one of the nonwoven sheet members comprise a raised element.
43. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 33, wherein at least one of said exterior surfaces of said first and second nonwoven sheet members comprises a material for collecting animal hair.
44. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 43, wherein said material is a bristle.
45. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 33, wherein said implement further comprises a composition that is associated with at least one of said nonwoven sheet members; and wherein said composition comprises shampoos, treatment agents, conditioning agents, cleansing agents, or mixtures thereof.
46. A disposable wet nonwoven implement, said implement comprising:
(a) a first and second nonwoven sheet members, said first and second nonwoven members being secured to each other along at least a portion of a periphery of said nonwoven sheet members to form an interior volume between said nonwoven sheet members and an opening to receive a user's hand; and
wherein said implement further comprises a third nonwoven sheet member.
47. The disposable wet implement of claim 46, wherein at least one of the nonwoven sheet members comprise a raised element.
48. The disposable wet implement of claim 47, wherein said raised element is located on the exterior surface of said first nonwoven sheet member.
49. The disposable wet implement of claim 47, wherein said raised element is located between said first nonwoven sheet member and said third nonwoven sheet member.
50. The disposable wet implement of claim 46, further comprising a fourth nonwoven sheet member.
51. The disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 46, wherein said implement further comprises a composition that is associated with at least one of said nonwoven sheet members; and wherein said composition comprises shampoos, treatment agents, conditioning agents, cleansing agents, or mixtures thereof.
52. A kit for a companion animal implement comprising:
(a) a composition; and
(b) a disposable wet nonwoven implement according to claim 1.
53. A kit for a companion animal implement comprising:
(a) a composition; and
(b) a disposable wet nonwoven implement according to claim 46.
54. A method of cleansing, conditioning or therapeutically treating skin, hair and other keratinous surfaces of a companion animal comprising the steps of:
a. associating the composition with the disposable wet nonwoven implement according to claim 1; and
b. contacting said skin, hair and other keratinous surfaces with a disposable wet nonwoven implement;
c. optionally drying said skin, hair and other keratinous surfaces of said companion animal; and
d. optionally rinsing said skin, hair and other keratinous surfaces of said companion animal with water.
55. A method of cleansing, conditioning or therapeutically treating the skin, hair and other keratinous surfaces of a companion animal comprising the steps of:
(a) contacting said skin, hair and other keratinous surfaces with the disposable wet nonwoven implement of claim 22;
(b) optionally drying said skin, hair and other keratinous surfaces of said companion animal; and
(c) optionally rinsing said skin, hair and other keratin-containing surfaces of said companion animal with water.
具体实施方式：
[0044] The instant disposable wet nonwoven implement, and methods of the present invention, are suitable for use by a user, in cleansing, treating, and conditioning a companion animal. Due to the ease and simple method of use a user is able to clean, treat, or condition their companion animal, with the instant invention.
[0045] As used herein, the term “companion animal” means an animal including (for example) dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, ferret, zoo mammals and the like. Dogs, rabbits, horses and cats are particularly preferred.
[0046] By “composition associated with nonwoven sheet member(s)”, as used herein, means compositions that are applied to or inside of the individual fibers prior to forming the implement, permeated into the implement, coated onto, within or adjacent to the exposed surfaces of the implement, within or adjacent to the interior surfaces of the implement. The composition can be releasably associated with the implement.
[0047] The term “disposable” is used herein in its ordinary sense to mean an article that is disposed or discarded after a limited number of usage events, preferably less than 5, more preferably less than about 3, and even more preferably less than about 2 entire usage events.
[0048] The term “fluid” is used herein to mean “fluids” selected from the group consisting of water, mono- and polyhydric alcohols (glycerin, propylene glycol, ethanol, isopropanol, etc.), hydrocarbon oils such as mineral oil, silicone fluids, also triglyceride oils, also fluid resins such as silicone MQ resins, esters and ethers of hydrocarbons, alcohols, perfume, fragrance oils, natural oils such as terpenes, various tree and plant oils, as well as mixtures of the above and can contain other components dissolved or dispersed within them, or in addition to them.
[0049] The phrase “substantially free of as used herein, means that the composition comprises less than about 3%, preferably less than about 1%, more preferably less than about 0.5%, even more preferably less than about 0.25%, and still more preferably less than about 0.1%, even still more preferably less than 0.01% by weight of the composition, of the stated ingredient.
[0050] The term “activated,” as used herein, means that articles produce a benefit or are “activated” by producing them with a fluid and then further subjecting the article to mechanical forces, such as rubbing.
[0051] The term “moist” means that that prior to use the implement can feel wet to the touch and contain high fluid content. The weight percent of fluid in the “moist” implement is based on the total weight of the composition. The weight is expressed as a by weight of fluid. Thus, the “moist” implements of the present invention will generally comprise from about greater than 40% by weight of the dry implement of fluid, preferably from 40% to about 95% by weight of the dry implement of fluid, and more preferably from about 50% to about 80% by weight of the dry implement of fluid.
[0052] The term “substantially dry,” as used herein, means that prior to use the implement is substantially free of fluid and generally feels dry to the touch. As used herein, “substantially dry” means that the implement of the present invention exhibit a Moisture Retention of less than about 0.95 gms, preferably less than about 0.75 gms, preferably less than about 0.5 gms, preferably less than about 0.25 gms, preferably less than about 0.15 gms, and preferably less than about 0.1 gms. The determination of the Moisture Retention is hereafter. Thus, the “substantially dry” implement of the present invention will generally comprise less than about 20% by weight of the dry implement of fluid, preferably from 4% to about 20% by weight of the dry implement of fluid, and more preferably from about 4% to about 16% by weight of the dry implement of fluid.
[0053] The term “semi-moist,” as used herein, means that prior to use the implement can feel relatively dry to the touch and still contain high fluid content. Thus, the “moist” implements of the present invention will generally comprise from about 20% to about 40% by weight of the dry implement of fluid.
[0054] The term “wet” means that the implement can be substantially dry, moist or semi-moist.
[0055] Disposable wet Nonwoven Implement
[0056] The disposable wet nonwoven implement can be used by individuals primarily for cleansing, conditioning, and, or treatment of skin, hair or other similar keratin-containing surfaces including skin, hair, paws, ears and nails of a companion animal. The implement is selected from the group consisting of a mitt, a mitten, a glove, and combinations thereof. The implement can be substantially dry, semi-moist or moist.
[0057] The disposable wet nonwoven implement of the present invention comprise nonwoven sheet members. The implement comprises at least two nonwoven sheet members. The nonwoven sheet members are secured to each other along at least a portion of the periphery of the nonwoven sheet members. The securing of the nonwoven sheet members form an interior volume between the sheet members so that there is an opening to receive the user's hand. Additionally, the implement comprises at least one sleeve, preferably at least two sleeves, preferably at least three sleeves, preferably at least four sleeves, preferably at least five sleeves, preferably at least 6 sleeves for insertably receiving at least one finger of the user's hand, at least two fingers, at least three fingers, at least four fingers, at least four fingers and one thumb of the user's hand.
[0058] In one preferred embodiment of the disposable wet nonwoven implement, the implement further comprises a wrist portion. The wrist portion can optionally comprise a closure means. The closure means includes velcro, buckle, tape, button, elastic, ties, snaps and combinations thereof. Additionally the wrist portion can comprise a tab which can assist the user in placing the implement on the hand of the user.
[0059] In another preferred embodiment, at least one of the nonwoven sheet members of the disposable wet nonwoven implement can be a multi-layer nonwoven sheet member. The multi-layer nonwoven sheet members can comprise a batting layer.
[0060] In another embodiment the disposable wet nonwoven implement has a composition associated with the implement and/or at least one sheet member.
[0061] Nonwoven Sheet Members
[0062] The nonwoven sheet members tend to enhance cleansing, treating and conditioning. The nonwoven sheet members can have the same or differing textures such as a soft texture, exfoliating texture or combinations thereof on each side of the sheet members. Additionally, the nonwoven sheet member can aid in the fit of the glove. Preferably, nonwoven sheet members comprise raised elements that can cover the entire exterior surface of a nonwoven sheet member or specific exterior regions of the nonwoven sheet member sheet member. The exterior regions can include but not limited to the palm region of the implement, the sleeve region of the implement, the wrist region of the implement, and combinations thereof. The nonwoven sheet members may act as an efficient lathering and exfoliating implement.
[0063] Additionally, at least one of the nonwoven sheet members can comprise material for collecting companion animal hair. The material is located on at least one exterior surface of at least one nonwoven sheet member. The material can be a bristle, a single protrusion or any collection of suitable protrusions from the nonwoven that promote removal of loose companion animal hair. The material can remove loose hair, debris such as dirt and dead skin, by physical entanglement with the loose hair and debris. Adhesives applied to the material can assist collection of hair debris, as well as contain the removed hair and debris for disposal with the implement. Materials or coatings that have a high friction coefficient when interacting with hair can also be used to remove hair and debris.
[0064] For example, soft natural rubber can aid in removing animal hair and debris when used to clean companion animal hair.
[0065] By physically coming into contact with the skin or hair, the nonwoven sheet members significantly aids in cleansing and removal of dirt, dead skin, loose hair, and other debris.
[0066] Additionally, at least one of the nonwoven sheet members can comprise different colored portions on the surface of at least one nonwoven sheet member. For example, white could identify the portion of the glove intended to be used for cleaning.
[0067] The first and second nonwoven sheet members comprise fibers. The nonwoven sheet members may comprise a variety of both natural and synthetic fibers or materials.
[0068] As used herein, “natural fibers” are those derived from plants, animals, insects or byproducts of plants, animals, and insects. The conventional base starting material is preferably a fibrous web comprising any of the common synthetic or natural textile-length fibers, or combinations thereof. The fiber is selected from the group consisting of monocomponent fibers, multicomponent fibers, multiconstituent fibers, capillary channel fibers, hollow fibers, shaped or lobed fibers and combinations thereof.
[0069] Nonlimiting examples of natural materials useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, silk fibers, keratin fibers and cellulosic fibers. Nonlimiting examples of keratin fibers include those selected from the group consisting of wool fibers, camel hair fibers, and the like. Nonlimiting examples of cellulosic fibers include those selected from the group consisting of wood pulp fibers, cotton fibers, hemp fibers, jute fibers, rayon fibers, flax fibers, and combinations thereof. Cellulosic fiber materials are preferred in the present invention. Cellulosic fiber materials that can be used in the present invention include those such as paper, rayon and Tencile™. Nonlimiting examples of synthetic materials useful in the present invention include those selected from the group consisting of acetate fibers, acrylic fibers, cellulose ester fibers, modacrylic fibers, polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, rayon fibers, Tencel™ fibers, polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam, formed films, films, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable synthetic materials include acrylics such as Acrilan™, Creslan™, and the acrylonitrile-based fiber, Orlon™; cellulose ester fibers such as cellulose acetate, Arnel™, and Acele™; polyamides such as nylons (e.g., nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 610, and the like); polyesters such as Fortrel™, Kodel™, and the polyethylene terephthalate fiber, polybutylene terephthalate fiber, Dacron™; polyolefins such as polypropylene, polyethylene; polyvinyl acetate fibers; polyurethane foams and combinations thereof. These and other suitable fibers and the nonwovens prepared there from are generally described in Riedel, “Nonwoven Bonding Methods and Materials,”Nonwoven World (1987); The Encyclopedia Americana, vol. 11, pp. 147-153, and vol. 26, pp. 566-581 (1984); U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,227, to Thaman et al., issued Jan. 2, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,228. As used herein, “nonwoven” means that the layer comprises fibers which are not woven into a fabric but rather are formed into a sheet, mat, or pad layer. The fibers can either be random (i.e., randomly aligned) or they can be carded (i.e., combed to be oriented in primarily one direction). Nonwoven sheet members made from synthetic materials useful in the present invention can be obtained from a wide variety of commercial sources.
[0070] More preferred synthetic fibers for the nonwoven sheet members are solid staple polyester fibers, which comprise polyethylene terephthalate homopolymers. Suitable synthetic materials may include solid single component and multicomponent synthetic fibers, i.e., more than one type of material making up the fibers. The synthetic fibers may comprise bicomponent or dual component fibers. Such bicomponent fibers may have a core and a sheath configuration or a side-by-side configuration. In either instance, the nonwoven sheet members may comprise either a combination of fibers comprising the above-listed materials or fibers which themselves comprise a combination of the above-listed materials.
[0071] For the core-sheath fibers, preferably, the cores comprise materials selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyolefins having a Tg or melting point of at least about 10° C. higher than the sheath material, and combinations thereof. Conversely, the sheaths of the bicomponent fibers preferably comprise materials selected from the group consisting of polyolefins having a Tg or melting point of at least about 10° C. lower than the core material, polyesters polyolefins having a Tg or melting point of at least about 10° C. lower than the core material, and combinations thereof.
[0072] In any instance, side-by side configuration or core-sheath configuration, the fibers of the nonwoven sheet members may exhibit a helical or spiral configuration, particularly the bicomponent type fibers.
[0073] A preferred synthetic material for scouring nonwoven sheet members may comprise nylon fibers. A more preferred synthetic material comprises nylon fibers formed into a scrim layer having additional nylon fibers bonded thereto such that the additional fibers form arcs on the scrim layer.
[0074] Natural material nonwovens useful in the present invention may be obtained from a wide variety of commercial sources. Nonlimiting examples of suitable commercially available paper layers useful herein include Airtex®, an embossed airlaid cellulosic layer having a base weight of about 71 gsy, available from James River, Green Bay, Wis.; and Walkisoft®, an embossed airlaid cellulosic having a base weight of about 75 gsy, available from Walkisoft U.S.A., Mount Holly, N.C..
[0075] Additional suitable nonwoven sheet members include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,294, issued to Osborn on May 8, 1984; U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,176 issued to Bjorkquist on Jul. 29, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,557 issued to Bjorkquist on Jan. 1, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,736 issued to Bjorkquist on Feb. 4, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,002 issued to Bjorkquist on Aug. 8, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,007 issued to Phan et al. on Nov. 16, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,082, issued to Phan et al. on Nov. 23, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,859 issued to Trokhan on Jan. 20, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,480, issued to Trokhan on Jul. 16, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,153 issued to McNeil on Aug. 18, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,096, issued to Phan et al. on Jun. 29, 1993 and 5,679,222, issued to Rasch et al. on Oct. 21, 1997.
[0076] Additional suitable materials include, but are not limited to, formed films and composite materials, e.g., multiply materials containing formed films. Preferably, such formed films comprise plastics which tend to be soft to the skin. Suitable soft plastic formed films include, but are not limited to, polyolefins such as low density polyethylenes (LDPE). Additional formed films include microapertured 100 mesh film supplied by Tredegar, Inc., Terre Haute, Ind., USA 47808. Apertures can be formed in a film by any means such as by drawing a vacuum across the film; by forcing fluid such as water through the film while the film is supported in a fine screen such as a 100 mesh screen; by mechanical means such as punching, tearing, stretching; using energy such as heat or light. As used herein, “apertured” means that the layer includes well-defined openings. Well-defined openings are typically surrounded by well-defined land areas. Also, as used herein, “apertures” encompasses holes, perforations, cavities, and the like. The well-defined opening can be impermeable (as in a film, which would be a formed film or a perforated film, e.g.), or permeable. As used herein, “microapertured” generally refers to layers containing well-defined microscopic apertures (i.e., those not readily visible to the naked eye having 20/20 vision).
[0077] Methods of making nonwovens are well known in the art. Generally, these nonwovens can be made by air-laying, water-laying, meltblowing, coforming, spunbonding, or carding processes in which the fibers or filaments are first cut to desired lengths from long strands, passed into a water or air stream, and then deposited onto a screen through which the fiber-laden air or water is passed. The resulting layer, regardless of its method of production or composition, is then subjected to at least one of several types of bonding operations to anchor the individual fibers together to form a self-sustaining implement. In the present invention the nonwoven sheet members can be prepared by a variety of processes including, but not limited to, meltblowing, spunbonding, air-entanglement, hydroentanglement, thermal bonding, selective mechanical deformation as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/737,640 filed on Dec. 16, 2003 and combinations of these processes.
[0078] The nonwoven sheet members can also be secured, by either chemical or physical means around at least a portion of the periphery of the nonwoven sheet members.
[0079] Secured by chemical means can be accomplished by causing the periphery of the nonwoven sheet members to join when they are chemically similar, in which case adhesion may be assisted by heat, pressure, solvent, adhesives or combinations thereof.
[0080] Heat and pressure can be provided by various processing techniques which are well known. Securing by physical means can be accomplished by needle punching, ultrasonic bonding, high pressure bonding, thermal bonding, crimping, stitching, or combinations thereof. The securing by physical means involves the interpenetration of at least a portion of the periphery one nonwoven sheet member into and around at least a portion of the periphery of a second nonwoven sheet member.
[0081] Batting Layer
[0082] In an embodiment of the present invention at least one of the nonwoven sheet members can comprise a multi-layered nonwoven sheet member. The multi-layered sheet member can comprise a batting layer. The batting layer preferably comprises synthetic materials. As used herein, “synthetic” means that the materials are obtained primarily from various man-made materials or from natural materials that have been further altered. Suitable synthetic materials include, but are not limited to, acetate fibers, acrylic fibers, cellulose ester fibers, modacrylic fibers, polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers, rayon fibers, polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam, and combinations thereof. Preferred synthetic materials, particularly fibers, may be selected from the group consisting of nylon fibers, rayon fibers, Tencel™ fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyester fibers, and combinations thereof. Preferred polyolefin fibers are fibers selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polypentene, and combinations and copolymers thereof. More preferred polyolefin fibers are fibers selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations and copolymers thereof. Preferred polyester fibers are fibers selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate, and combinations and copolymers thereof. More preferred polyester fibers are fibers selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and combinations and copolymers thereof. Most preferred synthetic fibers comprise solid staple polyester fibers that comprise polyethylene terephthalate homopolymers. Suitable synthetic materials may include solid single component (i.e., chemically homogeneous) fibers, multiconstituent fibers (i.e., more than one type of material making up each fiber), and multicomponent fibers (i.e., synthetic fibers which comprise two or more distinct filament types which are somehow intertwined to produce a larger fiber), and combinations thereof. Preferred fibers include bicomponent fibers, multiconstituent fibers, and combinations thereof. Such bicomponent fibers may have a core-sheath configuration or a side-by-side configuration. In either instance, the batting layer may comprise either a combination of fibers comprising the above-listed materials or fibers which themselves comprise a combination of the above-listed materials.
[0083] The batting layer may also comprise natural fibers. Suitable natural fibers are described above in the nonwoven sheet members section.
[0084] Furthermore, the fibers of the batting layer preferably have an average thickness of from about 0.5 microns to about 150 microns. More preferably, the average thickness of the fibers are from about 5 microns to about 75 microns. In an even more preferred embodiment, the average thickness of the fibers are from about 8 microns to about 40 microns. Furthermore, the fibers of the batting layer may be of varying sizes, i.e., the fibers of the batting layer may comprise fibers having different average thicknesses. Also, the cross section of the fibers can be round, flat, oval, elliptical or otherwise shaped.
[0085] In another embodiment, the batting layer of the present invention may comprise a composite material, i.e., a material having one or more plies of the same or different suitable materials merely superimposed physically, joined together continuously (e.g., laminated, etc.) or in a discontinuous pattern, or by bonding at the external edges (or periphery) of the layer and/or at discrete loci. The term composite means that at least one layer did not exist as a distinct layer apart from the article, said layer being formed during a processing step involving mixing of two or more components or compositions to form a heterogeneous mixture. The term laminate means at least one layer existed apart from the article and is combined to form an article by a lamination process, including thermal (including ultrasonic) and adhesive bonding lamination processes. For example, the batting layer may further comprise composite materials selected from the group consisting of fibrous nonwovens, sponges, foams, reticulated foams, polymeric nets, scrims, vacuum-formed laminates, formed films and formed film composite materials. It is preferred that the batting layer comprises a formed film composite material comprising at least one formed film and at least one nonwoven wherein the layer is vacuum formed. A suitable formed film composite material includes, but is not limited to a vacuum laminated composite formed film material formed by combining a carded polypropylene nonwoven having a basis weight of 30 gsm with a formed film.
[0086] Additional Nonwoven Sheet Members
[0087] In another embodiment, the implement of the present invention may comprise one or more additional nonwoven sheet members which one having ordinary skill in the art would recognize as separate and distinct from the first and second nonwoven sheet members yet which are attached to these nonwoven sheet members at some point forming a multi-layered implement. The additional nonwoven sheet members are suitable for enhancing the overall cleansing and treatment of the surface to be cleansed and/or therapeutically treated. Also, the additional nonwoven sheet members are suitable for enhancing the conditioning, treating or cleansing of the disposable wet nonwoven implement which contacts the surface to be cleansed, conditioned and/or therapeutically treated.
[0088] Preferably, nonwoven sheet members comprise raised elements that can cover the entire exterior surface of a nonwoven sheet member, or specific exterior regions of a nonwoven sheet member. The exterior regions can include but not limited to the palm region of the implement, the sleeve region of the implement, the wrist region of the implement, and combinations thereof. The nonwoven sheet members may act as an efficient lathering and exfoliating implement.
[0089] Additionally, at least one of the nonwoven sheet members can comprise material for collecting companion animal hair. The material is located on at least one exterior surface of at least one nonwoven sheet member. The material can be a bristle, a single protrusion or any collection of suitable protrusions from the nonwoven that promote removal of loose companion animal hair. The material can remove loose hair, debris such as dirt and dead skin, by physical entanglement with the loose hair and debris. Adhesives applied to the material can assist collection of hair debris, as well as contain the removed hair and debris for disposal with the implement. Materials or coatings that have a high friction coefficient when interacting with hair can also be used to remove hair and debris. For example, soft natural rubber can aid in removing animal hair and debris when used to clean companion animal hair.
[0090] In any instance, these additional nonwoven sheet members may also be referred to as consecutively numbered nonwoven sheet members in addition to the two essential nonwoven sheet members of the present invention, e.g., third nonwoven sheet member, fourth nonwoven sheet member, etc. When additional nonwoven sheet member are present, the first and second nonwoven sheet members will always be the outer most nonwoven sheet members of the implements. Suitable additional nonwoven sheet members may comprise those materials and characteristics which are disclosed above as suitable for the first and second nonwoven sheet members and multi-layered sheet members.
Raised Elements
[0091] The implement of the present invention can comprise raised elements on at least one nonwoven sheet member and/or comprises raised elements which are located between the nonwoven sheet members of an implement comprising multi-layered nonwoven sheet members. The raised elements can be detected as being present when the user views the exterior of the implement. The raised elements may be discrete.
[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the implement comprises a first nonwoven sheet member, a second nonwoven sheet member, a third nonwoven sheet member where the raised elements are located between the first and third nonwoven sheet member. In another preferred embodiment, the implement comprises a first sheet member, a second sheet member, and a third sheet member where the raised elements are located on the exterior surface of the first sheet member. In another preferred embodiment, the implement comprises a first nonwoven sheet member, a second nonwoven sheet member, a third nonwoven sheet member, and a fourth nonwoven sheet member where the raised regions are located between the first and third nonwoven sheet member. In another preferred embodiment, the implement comprises a first nonwoven sheet member, a second nonwoven sheet member, a third nonwoven sheet member, and a fourth nonwoven sheet member where the raised regions are located between the third and fourth nonwoven sheet member.
[0093] The raised elements can be made of any suitable material for providing massaging, cleansing, and treating properties. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, nonwoven material, hot melt coatings, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, and thermoplastic elastomers. Colorants or pigments may be combined with the materials to provide regions on the implement which highlight the raised elements.
[0094] Suitable hot melt coatings for generating raised elements include HL-7471 W from H. B. Fuller Co., St. Paul, Minn., and REXTAC amorphous polyolefins, available through Huntsman Chemical. For example, hot melt coatings containing from about 15% to about 100% olefin polymer or a block copolymer, from about 0% to about 60% tackifying resin, and from about 0% to about 50% wax may be useful. Suitable olefin polymers include polymers: a) wherein the olefin polymer is a homopolymer of ethylene, propylene, n-butene, butylene or isobutylene, with a melt flow index from 0.5 to 2500, such as Ateva™, polymers from AT plastics; Escorene®, and Vistanex®, polymers from Exxon Chemical, Duraflex®, polymers from Shell Chemical, Epolene®, polymers from Eastman Chemical, and Vestoplast®, polymers from Creanova; b) wherein the olefin polymer is a copolymer of ethylene and a co-monomer, such as vinyl acetate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate vinyl silane or maleic anhydride, such as Ateva™, polymers from AT plastics, Elvax®, polymers from DuPont, Escorene®, and Optema®, polymers from Exxon Chemical, and Primacor®, polymers from Dow Chemical; and c) wherein the olefin polymer is a terpolymer of ethylene and co-monomers, such as vinyl acetate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate vinyl silane or maleic anhydride, such as Ateva®, polymers from AT plastics, Nucrel®, polymers from DuPont, and Escor®, polymers from Exxon Chemical.
[0095] Suitable block copolymers include block copolymers having a linear or a radial structure such that the structure (A-B).sub.x where A is consists essentially of a polyvinylarene block, and B consists essentially of poly(monoalkenyl) block, and x denotes the number of polymeric arms, where x is greater than or equal to one are also useful. Block B may be selected from conjugated diene elastomers such as polybutadiene or polyisoprene and hydrogenated elastomers such as ethylene-butylene or ethylene-propylene. Suitable examples of these types of polymers include Kraton® elastomers from Shell Chemical Company, Vector® elastomers from Dexco, Solprene® elastomers from Enichem Elastomers and Stereon® from elastomers Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. When the hot melt coatings contain block copolymers, it is preferable for the coating to contain from about 15% to about 50% block copolymer.
[0096] Suitable tackifying resins include any compatible resin or mixture thereof selected from the group consisting of a) natural and modified rosins; b) glycerol and pentaerythritol esters of natural and modified rosins; c) polyterpene resins; d) copolymers and terpolymers of natural terpenes; e) phenolic modified terpene resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof, f) aliphatic petroleum resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof; g) aromatic petroleum resin and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof; and h) aliphatic/aromatic petroleum resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof, such as Foral® resin, Staybelite® resin, Poly-pale®, resin, Permalyn® resin, Pentalyn® resin, Adtac.® resin, Piccopale® resin, Piccotac® resin, Hercotac® resin, Regalrez® resin, and Piccolyte® resin from Hercules, Escorez® resin from Exxon Chemical, Wingtack® resin from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Arkon® resin from Arakawa Chemicals, Zonatac® resin, Zonarez® resin and Zonester® resin from Arizona Chemical and Nevtac® resin from Neville Chemical Company.
[0097] Suitable waxes include, but are not limited to, paraffins, Fischer-tropsh, and microcrystalline waxes, and combinations thereof. Suitable microcrystalline waxes include, but are not limited to, BE SQUARE 175 microwax, available from Bareco Division, Petrolite Corporation, and M-5165 from Moore & Munger, Shelton, Conn.
[0098] Suitable polyethylene waxes include, but are not limited to, H-101 from Exxon Chemical, Houston, Tex. Suitable Fischer-Tropsch waxes include, but are not limited to, Paraflint Wax from Schumann Sasol, Hamburg, and Germany.
[0099] Additionally, the raised regions may be formed by using a printed pattern using a liquid paint/ink that expands and hardens during curing to result in raised regions. Examples include Aqua-Puff Ink made by Polytex.
[0100] The raised elements may be applied onto the nonwoven sheet member by any means known in the art, such as control coating, control fiberization, pattern coating, gravure coating, rotary screen printing, and spray coating or placement of discrete pre-fabricated solid or hollow elements onto the nonwoven sheet member. Equipment for coating the nonwoven sheet member is commercially available. One example is the DYNAFIBER, available through Nordson Company. Another example is the ITW, available through Omega Company. When applying raised elements through a melt process, the time it takes to cool the applied coating affects the height of the raised elements. If the co