Flushable, pre-moistened, sanitary wiper and method of manufacturing same
Abstract
Abstract A flushable, pre-moistened wiper includes a continuous reinforcing layer of a water-dispersible thermoplastic material, and continuous webs of soft, fibrous material of high flexibility and water absorbency are adhered to opposed major surfaces of the reinforcing layer. The continuous webs are adhered to the reinforcing layer in spaced regions comprising from between about 3% and about 25% of the surface area of the reinforcing layer. The webs have a moisture content of from between about 100% and about 350% by weight based on the dry weight of the fibers in the continuous webs. A method of forming the above-described flushable, premoistened wiper includes the steps of applying moisture to each of two continuous webs of soft, fibrous material of high flexibility and water absorbency; patterning each of the moistened webs to provide a plurality of distal surfaces comprising from between about 3% and about 25% of the surface area of each of the continuous webs; positioning a continuous reinforcing layer of a water-dispersible thermoplastic material between the moistened and patterned fibrous webs and pressing the distal surfaces of the continuous webs into opposed major surfaces of the continuous reinforcing layer to thereby adhere the pre-moistened webs to the reinforcing layer.
Inventors
- 👤 John E Drach
- 👤 Jr Clifford John Roberts
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-05 | 1978-11-04 | 1979-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-05 | 1982-11-04 | 1983-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-05 | 1986-11-04 | 1987-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |