US20230340730A1

US20230340730A1 - Facial Tissue Comprising An Interleaved Waterproofing Plastic Film.

Info

Publication number: US20230340730A1
Application number: US17/727,941
Authority: US
Inventors: Max Abecassis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-04-25
Filing date: 2022-04-25
Publication date: 2023-10-26

Abstract

A facial tissue product comprising a waterproofing plastic film; at least one set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to a one surface of the waterproofing plastic film, wherein the paper tissue plies of the one set are free of a water resistant additive; and at least another set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to an opposite surface of the waterproofing plastic film, wherein the paper tissue plies of the another set are free of a water resistant additive, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film is interleaved in between the one set of paper tissue plies and the another set of paper tissue plies, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film does not allow passage of fluid from the one set of the at least two paper tissue plies to the another set of the at least two paper tissue plies.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Inventions

This disclosure relates to tissue products and specifically a facial tissue comprising an interleaved waterproofing plastic film.

2. Description of the Related Art

Extensive research has been devoted, and continues to be devoted, to the further enhancements of tissue products including facial tissue products.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,913, issued Dec. 6, 2011 to Salaam et al., assigned to The Proctor & Gamble Company, and titled: “Soft Tissue Paper Having A Polyhydroxy Compound Applied Onto A Surface Thereof”, explains that “Achieving a high softening potential without degrading strength has long been an object of workers in the field of the present invention.” (913 2:19-21.)
The '913 Patent explains with respect to the prior art that: “All of these sanitary products share a common need, specifically to be soft to the touch. Softness is a complex tactile impression elicited by a product when it is stroked against the skin. The purpose of being soft is so that these products can be used to cleanse the skin without being irritating. Effectively cleansing the skin is a persistent personal hygiene problem for many people. Objectionable discharges of urine, menses, and fecal matter from the perineal area or otorhinolaryngogical mucus discharges do not always occur at a time convenient for one to perform a thorough cleansing, as with soap and copious amounts of water for example.” . . . “Not surprisingly, the use of these products does not approach the level of cleanliness that can be achieved by the more thorough cleansing methods, and producers of tissue and toweling products are constantly striving to make their products compete more favorably with thorough cleansing methods.” (913 1:22-41.)
The '913 Patent further explains with respect to the prior art that: “Accordingly, making soft tissue and toweling products which promote comfortable cleaning without performance impairing sacrifices has long been the goal of the engineers and scientists who are devoted to research into improving tissue paper. There have been numerous attempts to reduce the abrasive effect, i.e., improve the softness of tissue products.” (913 1:42-48.)
A significant assortment of facial tissue products are readily available to consumers that provide a variety of features that may be deemed advantageous. Additionally, the prior art is extensively developed and the field has attracted extensive research by leading worldwide consumer companies such as the Proctor & Gamble Company and the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, owner of the Kleenex facial tissue brand.
In reviewing the state of the relevant art, the following terms definitions are provided: “Water-resistant: resisting though not entirely preventing the penetration of water.” “Water-repellent: having a finish that resists but is not impervious to water.” “Waterproof: impervious to water.” (https://www.dictionary.com accessed Apr. 18 2022) Those definitions are consistent with those given by the Oxford English Dictionary and adopted by, for example, HZO. “HZO is the global leader & innovator in protective solutions” . . . “We work with some of the largest companies across industries from design through production, no matter the volume, complexity, or protection required to deliver a better, more reliable and more durable water resistant and waterproof product.” (https://www.hzo.com/accessed Apr. 18, 2022)
As will be self-evident. the following references may, arguably, disclose products having a water-resistant or water repellent capability but they fail to disclose or render obvious facial tissue comprising an interleaved waterproofing film or barrier as is the object of the herein claimed inventions.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,020 issued Apr. 25 2000 to Goul et et al., assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., titled “Soft Absorbent Tissue Products Having Delayed Moisture Penetration” recites in part “Amine-modified polysiloxanes are applied to the opposite outer surfaces of a tissue product, such as the two outer surfaces of a 3-ply facial tissue, providing improved softness to the surfaces and a degree of hydrophobicity to prevent wet through of liquids during use. However, the degree of hydrophobicity is controlled by the chemical structure of the amine-modified polysiloxane and/or by blending the amine-modified polysiloxane with a more hydrophilic modified polysiloxane such that liquid is still allowed to enter the tissue structure in a reasonably short time to be absorbed by the center ply, but the absorption in combination with the hydrophobicity of the other outer surface substantially delays the liquid from passing completely through the tissue product.” (′020 Abstract.)
The '020 Patent discloses that: “Tissue products of this invention can have two-plies, three-plies, four plies or more. Three ply products are preferred because the two outer plies can each have their outwardly-facing surface treated with the modified polysiloxane(s) in accordance with this invention. The resulting three-ply product has two soft, liquid repellent outer surfaces and an inner absorbent ply. This allows liquid to not only be absorbed by the inner ply, but also to be entrapped in the space between the plies, which further reduces the likelihood of the user experiencing wet through of the tissue during use. Particularly suitable tissue products include facial tissue, bath tissue, kitchen towels and the like. These products are suitably made using conventional papermaking fibers. Their individual plies can be layered or homogeneous, wet-pressed or throughdried.” (020 3:4-17.)
The '020 Patent discloses that in arriving at its Wet Through Time and the Wet Out Area determinations, “The tissue sample 3, which has been folded in half and placed on top of the moisture sensor, is secured with two Lexan side weights 4 and 5 pl aced on both sides of the moisture sensor. Each side weight measures ¾ inch by ¼ inch in cross-section and is 4 inches long. These weights are placed such that the folded tissue sample rests flat against the surface of the moisture sensor, but is not under tension.” (′020 5:15-22, emphasis added.) . . . “Using a micro-pipette, 0.5 milliliter of the test liquid is placed in the hole 5 of the sample cover and timing of the test is begun. When the moisture monitor alarm light is activated, the elapsed time in seconds is the Wet Through Time for that sample.” (′020 5:59-64.) The '020 Patent's testing methodologies raise questions of testing biases inconsistent with actual use conditions.
The Wikipedia website informs that a facial tissue “is designed to facilitate the expulsion of nasal mucus from the nose (nose-blowing)”. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facial tissue accessed Apr. 17 2022) The '020 Patent methodology implemented to determine Wet Through Time and the Wet Out Area are inconsistent with the expulsion of nasal mucus from the nose (nose-blowing), especially under conditions of a user suffering from a cold or allergy. Merely providing “Soft Absorbent Tissue Products Having Delayed Moisture Penetration” (′020 Title) does not adequately address the object of a waterproofing barrier that effectively prevents wet through.
Similarly deficient is U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,766 issued May 24 2005 to Sarbo et al., assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., and titled: “Paper Wiping Products Treated With A Hydrophobic Additive” which recites in part: “a water resistant additive, such as a hydrophobic additive is applied, in this embodiment, to the first side of the tissue sheet according to a first pattern and applied to the second side of the tissue sheet according to a second pattern..” (′766 1:64-2:19.) “Ultimately, paper products made according to the present invention have a fast initial fluid intake, yet a delayed fluid strike through.” (′766 42:39-41.)
Similarly deficient is U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,764 Issued Sep. 27 2011 to Bhat, et al., assigned to Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LS, titled “Multi-Ply Paper Product With Moisture Strike Through Resistance And Method Of Making The Same” recites in part “A paper product with absorbency and moisture strike through resistance is disclosed. More particularly, a multi-ply paper product with improved strike through resistance is disclosed, wherein at least one ply is a wetting resistant ply comprising at least one wetting resistant compound and at least one ply is an absorbent ply possessing greater absorbency than the wetting resistant ply.” (′764 Abstract.)
The '764 Patent describes a strike through test methodology at 15:66-16:25. The '764 Patent's described strike through test is consistent with water-resistant capability (i.e., five seconds). (′764 16:20-25.) Further, the '764 Patent's testing methodologies also raise questions of testing biases inconsistent with actual use conditions. The '764 Patent recites that “One test for WAR involves conditioning a sample of the ply or plies to be tested to about 23° C. and about 50% relative humidity.” (′764 15:42-44. WAR water absorption rate) While “One test for strike through involves first curing a sample ply for about 5 minutes at about 105° C., which is then cooled for about 5 minutes.” (′764 16:3-5.)
Also similarly deficient is U.S. Pat. No. 8,894,813 issued Nov. 25 2014 to Zwick, et al., is titled: “Absorbent Barrier Tissue” which recites in part that: “The inventors have now surprisingly discovered that the absorbent capacity of a tissue may be increased, without negatively effecting strike-through, by increasing the basis weight and reducing creping chemistry add-on. While increasing the basis weight generally has little or no effect on strike-through resistance, it has now been discovered that increasing basis weight and employing certain creping conditions may actually improve strike-through resistance and enable a reduction in the amount of creping composition added to the sheet. Reducing the amount of creping composition, in combination with the higher basis weight, yields a tissue having both improved strike-though resistance and absorbency. Moreover, these attributes are achieved without resorting to post-treating the tissue with silicones, waxes, oils or the like.” (813 1:26-40.)
See also, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,965 issued Oct. 19 2004 to Liu is titled: “Method For The Application Of Hydrophobic Chemicals To Tissue Webs”. U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,547 issued Sep. 21 2010 to Bhat et al., is titled: “Absorbent Sheet Exhibiting Resistance To Moisture Penetration”. U.S. Pat. No. 7,799,169 issued Sep. 21 2010 to Bhat et al., is titled: “Multi-Ply Paper Product With Moisture Strike Through Resistance And Method Of Making The Same”.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,382 issued Oct. 22 2002 to Andersson et al., titled: “Packaging Material With Good Gas Barrier Properties And Also Method Of Producing The Material” recites in part: “The packaging material in the embodiment of the invention shown has been given the general reference designation 1. The packaging material 1 comprises a first layer of a fibrous material 2, e.g. paper or cardboard, and another layer of a fibrous material 3, e.g. paper or cardboard, which are bound to each other with the aid of an intermediate layer of a water based polymer 4 serving as gas barrier and binding agent in direct contact with the two surrounding layers of fibrous material. The packaging material 1 comprises in addition further moisture repellent coatings of plastic 5 and 6, preferably polyethylene, which are placed against the outsides of the respective layers of fibrous material 2 and 3.” (382 3:1-10.) “The two layers of fibrous material 2 and 3 can consist of the same fibrous material, but preferably the one layer of fibrous material 2 serving as the main body consists of strong paper or cardboard while the other layer of fibrous material 3 consists of a paper of butter paper type, e.g. greaseproof paper, glassine etc.” (382 21-27.) The '382 Patent's “packaging material 1 comprises in addition further moisture repellent coatings of plastic 5 and 6, preferably polyethylene, which are placed against the outsides of the respective layers of fibrous material 2 and 3” teaches away from a facial tissue application and is inconsistent with the conventional absorption requirements of a facial tissue.
The Amazon.com website accessed on Apr. 15, 2022 offered an extensive assortment of facial tissue products including for example: (i) “Kleenex Expressions Trusted Care Facial Tissues” “2-layer strong facial tissues that help keep hands clean. Soft & strong for everyday use; designed to help keep hands clean. Thick, absorbent, and durable enough to help comfort skin and stand up against sniffles, sneezes, runny noses, and even little drips & spills”. (ii) “Kleenex Cooling Lotion Facial Tissues” “Featuring a unique lotion made with coconut oil and Vitamin E that cools on contact, dermatologist tested. Durable, 3-ply tissue that is thick & absorbent.” ((iii) “Kleenex Expressions Soothing Lotion Facial Tissues with Coconut Oil, Aloe & Vitamin E” “Soft 3-layer strong facial tissues infused with Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. Preferred 2:1 over the leading lotion-infused facial tissue. Daily moisturizers nourish and help protect skin. Soothing lotion facial tissues help protect skin by locking in moisture.” (iv)“Puffs Plus Lotion With Vicks Facial Tissues” “Infused with the scent of Vicks for maximum comfort during cold and flu season”. (v) “Noseys Super Soft Tissues” “Ultra strong, feather soft, skin friendly hypoallergenic lint-free facial tissues. Perfect for sensitive or dry skin”. (vi) “Cozyfeel Lotion Facial Tissues” “Soft 3-layer strong facial tissues infused with lotion. lotion facial tissues help protect skin by locking in moisture.” (vi) “Amazon Brand—Presto! Ultra-Soft Facial Tissues, 3-Ply Premium Thick” “Ultra-soft and strong, thick facial tissues. Durable strength premium tissues”. None of these products claim a waterproofing capability.
The exemplary product Kleenex (“2-layer strong facial tissues that help keep hands clean. Soft & strong for everyday use”) precisely because it does not effectively and directly address the specific use of a facial tissue by a user suffering from a common cold, fails under those specific conditions to prevent moisture penetration through the facial tissue onto the user's hand.
Facial tissues readily available to consumers, while suitable for most uses, do not provide the necessary qualities required by, for example, a user suffering from the kind of runny noses and nasal mucus secretions associated with a cold or the nasal discharge associated with a sinus infection. In other words the objects associated with marketing facial tissues to the broadest consumer audience for everyday use has sacrificed providing an effective limited use product to a niche market. The present inventions are drawn to effectively serving a specific and well-defined consumer audience.

SUMMARY

The facial tissue embodiments disclosed herein advantageously solve the shortcomings inherent in the prior art methods by synergistically integrating an effective waterproofing film/barrier in a facial tissue sufficient to assure a user that the principal design objective of preventing fluid penetration (e.g., wet through and moisture strike through) is not compromised and that the concerns of protecting others from infection are properly addressed. Advantageously, with the use of the disclosed facial tissue, a user's hands are conceptually less likely to become a source of transmission of germs to surfaces and eventually to others.
A facial tissue as per one exemplary embodiment of the present inventions comprises an effective waterproofing film interleaved between at least two plies of paper tissue. The waterproofing film is constructed/formulated to be specifically effective, during the forced expulsion of mucus on one of the paper plies of the tissue, to prevent fluid from penetrating through to the opposite paper ply of the tissue. A waterproofing film or material may be any physical material, chemical, coating, substance, and/or matter suitable to provide an effective waterproofing barrier and that does not undermine the effective use of such a tissue product. An alternate technically effective embodiment does not require a ply of tissue on both sides of the barrier. However, the symmetry of the interleaved configuration facilitates ease of use and advantageously addresses conventional expectations.
The interested reader may easily construct an effective demonstration of a facial tissue paper comprising an interleaved waterproofing film (herein also a “cold tissue paper”) as per the present invention, by, for example, (i) separating the plies of a 2-ply or 3-ply conventional tissue paper (e.g., “Puffs Plus Lotion with the scent of Vicks” a 2-ply facial tissue) into individual plies; (ii) laying a film of plastic food wrap (e.g., Kirkland Stretch-Tite plastic food wrap) on and substantially covering one ply of tissue paper; (iii) laying a second ply of tissue paper over the film of plastic and the underlying ply of tissue paper; and (iv) trimming any excess film of plastic, whereby the two plies of tissue paper sandwich the film of plastic. While not necessary for testing, adding an adhesive to the inside corners of the tissue paper that make contact with the plastic film, completes the sample.
Such a simple prototype “cold tissue paper” provides a completely effective waterproofing barrier even when the paper tissue ply forcefully receiving the fluid is partially disintegrated.
The use of a thin plastic film, or such other material or composition having similar waterproofing and pliable qualities, also, in addition to the waterproofing, advantageously imparts to the cold facial tissue a sense of substance and strength not matched by presently available facial tissues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is top view of a 3-ply facial tissue.

FIG. 1B is side view of a 3-ply facial tissue.

FIG. 2A is top view of a 3-ply facial tissue wherein one ply is a wetting resistant ply and at least one ply is an absorbent ply.

FIG. 2B is side view of a 3-ply facial tissue wherein one ply is a wetting resistant ply and at least one ply is an absorbent ply.

FIG. 3A is top view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing film.

FIG. 3B is side view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing film.

FIG. 3C is side view of the 2-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing film as depicted in FIG. 3A further comprising an additional coating between the absorbent tissue plies and the waterproofing film.

FIG. 4A is top view of a 4-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing film.

FIG. 4B is side view of the 4-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing film.

FIG. 5A is top view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing barrier.

FIG. 5B is side view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing barrier.

FIG. 6A is top view of a facial tissue wherein paper fibers are applied to both surfaces of a waterproofing film.

FIG. 6B is side view of a facial tissue wherein paper fibers are applied to both surfaces of a waterproofing film.

FIG. 7A is top view of a facial tissue wherein a waterproofing film, having paper fibers applied to both its surfaces, is interleaved between two plies of tissue paper.

FIG. 7B is side view of a facial tissue wherein a waterproofing film, having paper fibers applied to both its surfaces, is interleaved between two plies of tissue paper.

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of the present disclosure, no conceptual distinction should be drawn from the use of the terms on, at, or in, and the various terms used in the art are defined as follows:
The terms “top”, upper”, “bottom”, “lower”, “middle”, and “center”, when referring to the facial tissue plies, are used merely to distinguish among plies, recognizing that, for example, a bottom ply is a top ply when the facial tissue is flipped over. In asymmetrical embodiments, the here presume that the top facial tissue ply is the tissue ply that comes in contact with a user's skin.
The terms “comprises”, “include”, and “contains” do not limit the elements to those recited. By contrast, only the term “consist” limits the elements to those listed. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more.
The term “exemplary” shall mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect or embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or embodiments described herein.
The phrase including the terms “incorporated herein” shall be understood to mean incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is exemplary of the knowledge available to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The term “herein” shall mean in the entirety of this specification including drawings, abstract, and claims. The term herein is not limited to the paragraph, section, or embodiment in which it may appear.
The term “responsive” does not limit the elements, conditions, and/or requirements that may be taken into consideration. For example, an element or structure that is responsive to a specified requirement is not limited to being responsive to only that specified requirement. An element or structure may be responsive to a specified requirement and a second non-specified requirement, specially, when the second requirement, while described as an alternative requirement, may be also deemed complementary.
The term “POSITA” shall mean a person of ordinary skill in the art.
The term “additive” shall mean an additive, coating, softener, lotion, skin-conditioning agent, sunscreen agent, anti-acne agent, anti-microbial agent, cosmetic astringent, and mixtures thereof. The term “additive” shall also mean an hydrophobic agent to increase hydrophobic properties or an hydrophilic agent to enhance hydrophilic properties.
The term “coating” shall mean a coating, covering, and/or substance, substantially, but not necessarily entirely, coating.
The term “cold tissue paper” shall mean facial tissue paper comprising a waterproofing film, material, and/or barrier.
The term “fiber” shall mean any product incorporating papermaking fiber having cellulose as a major constituent. The term “fiber” also comprises virgin pulps, recycle (secondary) cellulosic fibers, or fiber mixes including cellulosic fibers. Fibers also can include nonwood fibers, such as cotton fibers or cotton derivatives, abaca, kenaf, sabai grass, flax, esparto grass, straw, jute hemp, bagasse, milkweed floss fibers, and pineapple leaf fibers; and wood fibers such as those obtained from deciduous and coniferous trees, including softwood fibers, such as northern and southern softwood Kraft fibers; hardwood fibers, such as eucalyptus, maple, birch, aspen, or the like.
The term “fluid” shall mean otorhinolaryngological discharges, nasal mucus, bodily fluid, bodily secretions, other bodily substance from a user, and/or water.
The term “material” shall mean any material, matter, substance, element, component, film, chemical, nano coating, parylene coatings, polymeric films, that may, alone or in combination with other materials, serve to produce a waterproof barrier.
The terms “strike-through” and “strike-through resistance” refer to the ability of a tissue product or ply to prevent the passage of water or other liquid through its thickness.
The term “tissue product” refers to and includes, paper products, bath tissues, facial tissues, paper towels, industrial wipers, foodservice wipers, napkins, place mats, table coverings, medical pads, products made from base webs comprising fibers, and other similar disposable products.
The term “waterproof” shall mean impervious to fluid (i.e., not allowing passage or penetration of fluid and having a low vapor permeability). Accordingly, the term “waterproofing” is definitionally equivalent to a term “fluidproofing”. By contrast the term “water-resistant” shall mean resisting though not entirely preventing the penetration of fluid”, and the term “water-repellent” shall mean having a finish that resists but is not impervious to fluid.
The above defined terms and other terms explicitly defined hereinbelow are to be understood as defined in this document. Incorporation by reference shall not act to modify, limit, or broaden the definitions hereinabove provided or formally defined in this document. A term that is not formally defined in this document is defined herein to have its ordinary and customary meanings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. Combinations and variants of the individual embodiments discussed are both fully envisioned and intended. Although the foregoing general description and the following detailed description may generally discuss a specially adapted facial tissue, a facial tissue is not intended to be the only form of tissue product envisioned under the present description.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A facial tissue according to one exemplary embodiment comprises an effective waterproofing barrier, such a waterproofing film, that is interleaved between at least two plies of paper tissue of conventional characteristics. The waterproofing barrier is constructed/formulated to be specifically effective, during the forced expulsion of fluid on one of the paper plies of the tissue, in preventing fluid from penetrating through to the opposite paper ply of the tissue.
Tissue products such as facial tissue utilize fibrous tissues sometimes called paper webs, paper sheets, tissue layers, paper plies or paper tissue webs. A paper tissue ply may be comprised of a single or multiple layers.
The article titled “An Elastoplastic Creping Model For Tissue Manufacturing” published in the International Journal of Solids and Structure and made available online Jan. 24 2019 provides an excellent review of the manufacturing of low-density tissue paper, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Similarly, the bioresources.com “peer-reviewed review article” titled: “Understanding The Effects Of Machine Technology And Cellulosic Fibers On Tissue Properties—A Review” by de Assis et al., (2018) https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/understanding-the-effect-of-machine-technology-and-cellulosic-fibers-on-tissue-properties-a-review/is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is further exemplary of the knowledge available to a person of ordinary skill in the art. “This review presents a comprehensive and systematic discussion about the effects of the type of fiber and machine technology on tissue paper.” (de Assis lines 2-4. See the references cited in the review.)
The following references are also relied upon to provide foundational descriptions of the relevant technologies and methodologies, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
The above cited U.S. Pat. No. 8,894,813 issued Nov. 25 2014 to Zwick, et al., titled: “Absorbent Barrier Tissue”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,913, issued Dec. 6 2011 to Salaam et al., titled: “Soft Tissue Paper Having A Polyhydroxy Compound Applied Onto A Surface Thereof”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,764 Issued Sep. 27 2011 to Bhat, et al titled “Multi-Ply Paper Product With Moisture Strike Through Resistance And Method Of Making The Same”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,799,169 issued Sep. 21 2007 to Bhat et al., titled: “Multi-Ply Paper Product With Moisture Strike Through Resistance And Method Of Making The Same”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,547 issued Nov. 27 to Luu et al., titled: “Absorbent Sheet Exhibiting Resistance To Moisture Penetration”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,766 issued May 24 2005 to Sarbo et al., titled: “Paper Wiping Products Treated With A Hydrophobic Additive”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,965 issued Oct. 19 2012 to Liu titled: “Method For The Application Of Hydrophobic Chemicals To Tissue Webs”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,382 issued Oct. 22 2002 to Andersson et al., titled: “Packaging Material With Good Gas Barrier Properties And Also Method Of Producing The Material”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,020 issued Apr. 25 2000 to Goulet et al., titled “Soft Absorbent Tissue Products Having Delayed Moisture Penetration” are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Further foundational are for example, U.S. Patent 5.397.435 issued Mar. 14 1995 to Ostendorf et al titled: “Multi-Ply Facial Tissue Paper Product Comprising Chemical Softening Compositions And Binder Materials”. The '435 Patent recites in part: “This invention relates to multi-ply facial tissue paper products. More particularly, it relates to multi-ply facial tissue paper products comprising chemical softener compositions and a combination of wet strength binders, permanent and/or temporary, and dry strength binders. The treated tissue webs can be used to make soft, absorbent and lint resistant paper products such as facial tissue products..” (′435 1:7-14.) “It has long been recognized that four important physical attributes of these products are their strength, their softness, their absorbency, including their absorbency for aqueous systems; and their lint resistance, including their lint resistance when wet. Research and development efforts have been directed to the improvement of each of these attributes without seriously affecting the others as well as to the improvement of two or three attributes simultaneously.” (′435 1:19-27.)
U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,766 issued Aug. 1, 1995 to Van Phan et al., and titled: “Multi-Ply Facial Tissue Paper Product Comprising Biodegradable Chemical Softening Compositions And Binder Materials” recites in part: “The present invention provides soft, absorbent, lint resistant multi-ply facial tissue paper products comprising paper making fibers, biodegradable chemical softening compositions and a combination of wet strength binders, either permanent and/or temporary, and dry strength binders.” The '766 Patent also recites in part: “It is anticipated that wood pulp in all its varieties will normally comprise the paper making fibers used in this invention. However, other cellulose fibrous pulps, such as cotton liners, bagasse, rayon, etc., can be used and none are disclaimed. Wood pulps useful herein include chemical pulps such as Kraft, sulfite and sulfate pulps as well as mechanical pulps including for example, ground wood, thermomechanical pulps and Chemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (CTMP). Pulps derived from both deciduous and coniferous trees can be used.” (′766 7:33-42.)
More recent examples include: U.S. Pat. No. 9,951,477 issued Apr. 24 2018 to Zwick et al is titled: “High Basis Weight Tissue With Low Slough”; and U.S. Pat. No. 11,028,539 issued Jun. 8 2021 to Margo Moreno et al titled: “Soft High Basis Weight Tissue”, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
As a result of the incorporation of the cited references and the expectation of the knowledge available to a person of ordinary skill in the art, the specification is drafter to provide that level of detail required by such a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the claimed inventions and to comply with all that is required of a patent application specification, including, for example, compliance with the requirements under 35 USC § 112.
FIG. 1A is top view of a 3-ply facial tissue of conventional characteristics. The 3-ply 100 facial tissue comprises a top tissue ply 101, a middle tissue ply 102, and a bottom tissue ply 103. Such a tissue architecture is implemented in, for example, the Kleenex Anti-Viral facial tissue whose package states in part that the: “tissue has three soft layers, including a moisture activated middle layer that kills 99.9% of cold and flu viruses in the tissue within 15 minutes.” In the case of the Kleenex Anti-Viral facial tissue, the middle tissue ply 102 includes the anti-viral additive.
FIG. 1B is side view of the 3-ply facial tissue of conventional characteristics as depicted in FIG. 1A. The side view identifies the top tissue ply 101, the middle tissue ply 102, and the bottom tissue ply 103 of the 3-ply facial tissue. The exemplary Kleenex Anti-Viral facial tissue packaging does not claim wet through prevention characteristics. As is illustrated, a 3-ply facial tissue, of conventional characteristics, has no waterproofing characteristics 104 and is depicted by the fluid (water droplet shape) movement (arrow) from the top absorbent ply 101 to the bottom absorbent ply 103.
FIG. 2A is top view of a 3-ply facial tissue wherein one ply is a wetting resistant ply and at least one ply is an absorbent ply. The 3-ply 200 facial tissue comprises a top absorbent ply 201, a middle wetting resistant ply 202, and a bottom absorbent ply 203.
FIG. 2B is side view of a 3-ply facial tissue wherein one ply is a wetting resistant ply and at least one ply is an absorbent ply as depicted in FIG. 2B. The side view identifies the top absorbent ply 201, the middle wetting resistant ply 202, and the bottom absorbent ply 203 of the 3-ply facial tissue. As is illustrated, a 3-ply facial tissue, as may be suggested by the above cited U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,764 Issued Sep. 27 2011 to Bhat, et al., titled “Multi-Ply Paper Product With Moisture Strike Through Resistance And Method Of Making The Same” may comprise a “delayed fluid strike through” characteristic 204. The delayed fluid strike through characteristic 204 is depicted by the fluid (water droplets shapes) partially moving (arrow) from the top absorbent ply 201 to the bottom absorbent ply 203.
FIG. 3A is top view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing film as per one exemplary embodiment of the present inventions. The 2-ply facial tissue 300 comprises a top absorbent tissue ply 301, an interleaved waterproofing film 302, and a bottom absorbent tissue ply 303. The facial tissue of FIG. 3A may also be described as being a 3-ply tissue paper, the third ply being the waterproofing film 302.
FIG. 3B is side view of the 2-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing film as depicted in FIG. 3A. The side view identifies the top absorbent tissue ply 301, the interleaved waterproofing film 302, and the bottom absorbent tissue ply 303 of the facial tissue. The waterproofing film 302 provides the waterproofing characteristic 304. The waterproofing characteristic 304 is depicted by the fluid (water droplets shapes) not allowed passage or penetration (octagonal shaped stop sign) from the top absorbent ply 301 to the bottom absorbent ply 303.
In this exemplary embodiment, the waterproofing film is produced and/or formulated to be utilized in a facial tissue and be effective, during the forced expulsion of mucus on one of the paper plies of the tissue, to prevent fluid from penetrating through to the opposite paper ply of the tissue. The waterproofing film may be any physical material and/or matter suitable to provide an effective waterproofing barrier. The manufacturing of the exemplary film of plastic food wrap (e.g., Kirkland Stretch-Tite plastic food wrap) is well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is exemplary of the knowledge available to a POSITA. A BPA free polyvinyl chloride thin flexible plastic film and films having similar low moisture-vapor permeability are herein defined to be waterproofing films.
A waterproofing film may be made from or utilize polyethylene, PVC, low-density polyethylene (LDPE a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene), a thermoplastic, and/or polymeric. The varieties of polyethylene films include low-density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and linear low-density polyethylene. Polyethylene wrap usually contains no plasticizers. The use of additives, such as phthalates, that are mixed to render plastic smooth may be at cross purposes with the objects of certain embodiments of facial tissues, since the plies of tissue paper applied to the surfaces of the film impart the desired hand-feel softness to the facial tissue.
Bio-based materials starch, cellulose, and those derived from processes involving microbial fermentation offer innovative alternatives. For example, bioplastics synthesized via microbial fermentation of polysaccharides poly-hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) promise a low moisture-vapor permeability that is comparable to that of low-density polyethylene (LDPE),
The effectives of the various waterproofing films may be measured by tests for permeability, impact resistance, and tear strength. Unlike in a Kirkland Stretch-Tite plastic food wrap, in a facial tissue application flexibility is a desired quality while stretchability (stretch-to-seal) and transparency are less, if at all, desirable qualities. Typically, a waterproofing film will have a thickness of 35-40 gauge, which is equivalent to 0.00035-.0004 inches. Plastic films are also available in, for example, 30 gauge and seven layers 80 gauge thicknesses.
In an exemplary embodiment, a hypoallergenic (latex-free) nonwoven plastic film provides the required waterproofing. Exemplary of the knowledge available to a POSITA and incorporated herein by reference is the manufacturing of films such as are used in “3M™ Tegaderm™ Transparent Film Dressings consist of a thin film backing with a hypoallergenic, latex-free adhesive that gently, yet securely, adheres to skin. Tegaderm™ dressings are breathable, sterile, transparent and waterproof, and provide a barrier to external contaminants” . . . “In vitro testing shows that the transparent film of 3M™ Tegaderm™ CHG Dressings provides a viral barrier from viruses 27 nm in diameter or larger while the dressing remains intact without leakage.” (https://www.3 m.com/3M/en US/medical-us/tegaderm-transparent-film-dressings/accessed Apr. 20 2022)
While, not every element/feature of the 3M transparent film dressing is deemed suitable or advantageous in an exemplary embodiment of a facial tissue as per the present inventions, clearly the qualities of a medical grade transparent/opaque film providing a “bacterial and viral barrier” and that “remains intact without leakage” is a particularly advantageous waterproofing film technology suitable for a facial tissue application.
To the degree that it is not inconstant with the primary object of an effective waterproofing film, an embodiment should be directed towards biodegradability and the potential for the usual prescribed proper disposal of conventional tissue papers. However, certain embodiments of tissue paper comprising a waterproofing film may fall in that category of personal hygiene products that have more constrained disposal requirements than ordinary facial tissues. It is also appreciated that certain embodiments may represent a premium in manufacturing costs and is directed towards use in limited occasional circumstances rather than towards a general everyday use. It is also appreciated that a facial tissue embodiment as disclosed herein may advantageously require approval from the FDA (in the US) and/or such other consumer safety agency.
An adhesive, bonding and/or laminating process is utilized on at least four corners of each of the tissue plies 401 403 and the waterproofing film 402 to secure the various elements. In manufacturing a bonding agent may be broadly applied. Clearly, the adhesive and/or bonding process responsive to the bonding of two plies of tissue may, although not necessarily, be different than the adhesive and/or bonding process that is responsive to the bonding of a tissue ply to the waterproofing film. In an embodiment, any utilized adhesive or chemical process is responsive to a hypoallergenic objective and has a medical grade quality.
WO 2017/180961 Published Oct. 19, 2017 of Inventors De Calmes et al., titled: “Polyacrylic adhesive for use in tissue paper laminating” is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is exemplary of the knowledge available to a POSITA. The'961 publication “relates to a method for manufacturing a multi-ply tissue paper, wherein a first tissue is adhesively bonded to a second tissue using an aqueous, repulpable adhesive composition comprising an alkali soluble acrylic copolymer, The present invention also relates to a multi-ply tissue paper obtained by said manufacturing method.” (961 Abstract.) The '961 disclosure compares the alkali soluble acrylic copolymer to “Widely used adhesive compositions comprise polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinyl acetates, carboxymethyl cellulose or starch based adhesives. Currently PVOH dominates the market, especially for paper products having multiple plies, in particular having at least 3 plies.” (961 Background ¶20.)
U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0031578 of Tirimacco published Feb. 19, 2004 and titled: “Multi-Ply Wiping Products Made According To A Low Temperature Delamination Process” is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is further exemplary of the knowledge available to a POSITA. The '578 Patent Application Publication recites in part that: “In one embodiment, the paper web is an uncreped through-air dried web. The web can contain softwood fibers in combination with high-yield fibers. For example, the high-yield fibers can be contained in the middle layer of a stratified fiber furnish. In accordance with the present invention, a first bonding material is applied to a first side of the web and optionally a second bonding material is applied to a second side of the paper web. The bonding materials are applied according to preselected patterns. At least one side of the paper web is creped after one of the bonding materials is applied. The bonding material applied to the creped side of the web can be an adhesive selected that allows the web to be creped at relatively low temperatures” (578 Abstract.)
The incorporation of references provide opportunities for POSITA to enhance the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the above cited de Assis reference discloses that
“Typically, the Yankee side of the tissue paper is softer than the felt side. The Yankee side has small valleys that give a softer sensation, while the felt side has peaks that provides a rougher sensation. Therefore, it is recommended to put the Yankee side of the sheet on the outside of tissue products (Boudreau 2013).” (de Assis Page 4604.)
FIG. 3C is side view of the 2-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing film as depicted in FIG. 3A further comprising an additional coating between the absorbent tissue plies and the waterproofing film. The side view identifies the top absorbent tissue ply 301, the interleaved waterproofing film 302, and the bottom absorbent tissue ply 303 of the facial tissue and the a coatings or chemical barrier 311 separating undesired chemical bleed from the waterproofing film 302 to the top absorbent tissue ply 301 and a coatings or chemical barrier 3131 separating undesired chemical bleed from the waterproofing film 302 to the bottom absorbent tissue ply 303. The waterproofing film 302 provides at least equivalent waterproofing characteristic as depicted in FIG. 3B. Also in this instance, undesirable chemicals are not allowed passage or penetration to the top absorbent tissue ply 301 and fluid and undesirable chemicals are not allowed passage or penetration to the bottom absorbent tissue ply 303. The chemically isolated enhanced waterproofing characteristic 314 is depicted by the octagonal+symbol.
The facial tissue embodiment having an interleaved waterproofing film/barrier, while suitable for most uses, is specifically intended to be most useful to, for example, a user suffering from the kind of runny noses and nasal mucus secretions associated with a cold or sinus infection. In other words, the facial tissue embodiment is not directed to marketing facial tissues to the broadest consumer audience for everyday use, rather it is designed to be marketed to a specific niche market (submarket, market fragment). The present inventions are drawn to effectively serving a specific and well-defined consumer audience. See de Assis: “a) Economy and Value products (EV); Premium products (PR), and c) Ultra products (UL).” (De Assis page 4595.) “UL category accounts for more expensive and high-performance products, manufactured with a minimum amount of recycled fibers. UL products are usually manufactured combining advanced technologies, such as through-air drying (TAD), high content of virgin and high-quality fibers, multiple plies (2 or 3), and chemicals (softeners, debonders, wetting agents) (Fisher 2016; Zou 2017).” (de Assis page 4596.)
Accordingly, in a core exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, a facial tissue product comprises two fluid-absorbent paper tissue plies; and a waterproofing plastic film interleaved in-between the two fluid-absorbent plies of paper tissue. In such an embodiment, the waterproofing plastic film may have a thickness of not greater than a 50 gauge (e.g., 35-40 gauge range) and may be made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing no plasticizers, or made from a bioplastic. The two paper tissue plies may be free of a water resistant additive, an additive selected from the group consisting of a volatile rhinological effective composition, a lotion, and a cooling sensate, may be applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies, and/or a lotion additive may be applied to at least one outer surface of the facial tissue product. Further, a hypoallergenic coating is applied to the surfaces of the waterproofing plastic film to inhibit a chemical bleed from the waterproofing plastic film to a paper tissue ply.
FIG. 4A is top view of a 4-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing film further comprising an additive between the absorbent tissue plies and the waterproofing film. The 4-ply facial tissue 400 comprises two top absorbent tissue plies 401, an interleaved waterproofing film 402, and two bottom absorbent tissue plies 403. The facial tissue of FIG. 4A may also be described as being a 5-ply tissue paper, the fifth ply being the waterproofing film 402.
Conventionally, a 3-ply or 4-ply facial tissue enables differentiating the use of hardwood and softwood fibers among the various tissue plies (e.g., short hardwood fibers on the surface tissue ply to get the hand feel, and longer softwood fibers on the interior tissue ply for strength). Advantageously, the 4-ply facial tissue of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A provides the opportunity to increase the overall softness of the tissue plies, relying instead on the waterproofing film to more than satisfy the conventional strength and disintegration prevention requirements.
In this exemplary embodiment, the 4-ply facial tissue comprises an additive, chemicals, lotions, coating, and/or substances to impart to the facial tissue any number of characteristics known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such substances may be placed or incorporated at any suitable place from the outer surface of the top most tissue ply 401 to the surface of the waterproofing film 402. Such substances may be symmetrically and similarly placed or incorporated at any suitable place from the outer surface of the bottom most tissue ply 403 to the corresponding surface of the waterproofing film 402. Alternatively, responsive to manufacturing requirements and responsive to the advantageous properties of the waterproofing feature, different additive, chemicals, lotions, coating, and/or substances and combinations thereof may be applied to the region of the bottom absorbent tissue plies 403 than are applied to the region of the top absorbent tissue plies 401. Further, the top two absorbent tissue plies 401 need not be the same or substantially the same, each of the two plies may have a different fiber compositions or structures, may be differently treated, different properties may be imparted to each, and different additives applied. The foregoing applies similarly with respect to the bottom two absorbent tissue plies 403.
FIG. 4B is side view of the 4-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing film further comprising an additive between the absorbent tissue plies and the waterproofing film. The side view identifies the top two absorbent tissue plies 401, the interleaved waterproofing film 402, the bottom two absorbent tissue plies 403, the additives/coatings 411 and the additive/coating 413 of the facial tissue. Note the asymmetrical placement of the additive/coating 411 and the additive/coating 413. In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of tissue plies in combination with the waterproofing feature further enhance the prevention of transfer of fluid to the hand of the user. The enhanced waterproofing characteristic 414 is depicted by the octagonal +symbol.
In particular with respect to additives with beneficial properties which may be synergistically incorporated with the various advantageous embodiments disclosed herein, the following are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
U.S. Pat. No. 7,517,433 issued Apr. 14 2009 to Zwick et al is titled: “Soft Paper Sheet With Improved Mucus Removal”; the previously cited '766 Patent also discloses that water resistant chemical additive can include, for instance, “a softener, a lotion, a skin-conditioning agent, a sunscreen agent, an anti-acne agent, an anti-microbial agent, a cosmetic astringent, an emollient, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the hydrophobic agent can be selected from surface sizing agents known to those skilled in the art. These sizing agents are added to the tissue to primarily enhance the hydrophobic properties of the tissue sheet. In another particular embodiment, for instance, the water resistant chemical additive is a hydrophobic softener. In particular, the hydrophobic softener can be a silicone, such as a polysiloxane. Polysiloxanes are used primarily as softeners and anti-friction agents.” (766 2:56-67.)
U.S. Pat. No. 8,187,419 issued May 29. 2012 to Chan et al., titled: “Soft Tissue Paper Having A Polyhydroxy Compound And Lotion Applied Onto A Surface Thereof” recites in part “The present disclosure provides a paper product having at least two plies. Only one outer surface of the tissue paper product has a lotion and a polyhydroxy compound having a molecular weight ranging from about 150 to about 4,000 and selected from the group consisting of glycerols, polyglycerols, polyethylene glycols (PEGs), polyoxyethylenes, polyoxypropylenes, and combinations thereof applied thereto by slot extrusion. The polyhydroxy compound provides the tissue paper product with a Wet Burst greater than about 90 g, a Dynamic Coefficient of Friction less than about 0.9, and a Bending Flexibility less than about 0.042 gf cm²/cm.” (‘419 Abstract’)
U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,242 issued Feb. 18, 2003 to Minerath et al., titled: “Method For Sequestration Of Nasal Secretion Skin Irritants With Facial Tissue” recites in part: “The present invention provides a method of sequestering nasal secretion skin irritants comprising administering to the stratum corneum of an individual's skin a facial tissue comprising a tissue substrate, a nasal secretion skin irritant sequestering amount of a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nasal secretion skin irritant sequestering agents.” ('242 Abstract].)
U.S. Pat. No. 8,343,534 issued Jan. 1, 2013 to Kleinwaechter titled: “Tissue Including A Volatile Rhinological Composition” calls for in claim 1 “A fibrous tissue comprising: fibers suitable for the intended use; a volatile rhinological effective composition comprising menthyl methyl ether, said composition being effective on human skin by either providing physiological or perceived sinus relief; wherein said tissue further comprises a transferable lotion in addition to the volatile rhinological effective composition; wherein said lotion is present in substantially discrete deposits on at least one of said external surfaces and said lotion basis weight in said deposits is at least about 11 g/sqm; and wherein said tissue further comprises a cooling sensate in the amount of at least about 0.005% by weight of said tissue.” (534 claim 1.)
Accordingly, in one exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, a facial tissue product comprises a waterproofing plastic film; at least one set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to one surface of the waterproofing plastic film; and at least another set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to the opposite surface of the waterproofing plastic film, whereby the waterproofing plastic film is interleaved in between the one set of paper tissue plies and the another set of paper tissue plies, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film, having a low vapor permeability, does not allow passage of fluid from the one set of the at least two paper tissue plies to the another set of the at least two paper tissue plies.
In such one exemplary embodiment, the potential enhancements further comprise, for example, wherein the waterproofing plastic film has a thickness of not greater than a 50 gauge and is made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing no plasticizers; wherein the waterproofing plastic film is made from a bioplastic synthesized via microbial fermentation; wherein the paper tissue plies are free of a water resistant additive; wherein a hypoallergenic adhesive adheres a paper tissue ply to a surface of the waterproofing plastic film; wherein an additive selected from the group consisting of a volatile rhinological effective composition, a lotion, and a cooling sensate, is applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies; wherein an at least one outer surface of the facial tissue has a lotion additive; wherein an additive applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies in the one set of paper tissue plies is different from an additive applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies in the another set of paper tissue plies.
In an alternate exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, a facial tissue product comprises a waterproofing plastic film; at least one set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to a one surface of the waterproofing plastic film, wherein the paper tissue plies of the one set are free of a water resistant additive; and at least another set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to an opposite surface of the waterproofing plastic film, wherein the paper tissue plies of the another set are free of a water resistant additive, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film is interleaved in between the one set of paper tissue plies and the another set of paper tissue plies, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film does not allow passage of fluid from the one set of the at least two paper tissue plies to the another set of the at least two paper tissue plies.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, the waterproofing plastic film has a thickness of not greater than a 50 gauge (e.g., 35-40 gauge range) and being made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE); a hypoallergenic adhesive adheres a paper tissue ply to a surface of the waterproofing plastic film; an additive selected from the group consisting of a volatile rhinological effective composition, a lotion, and a cooling sensate, is applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies; and an additive applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies of the one set of paper tissue plies is different from an additive applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies of the another set of paper tissue plies.
In exemplary embodiments, the waterproofing plastic film may be made from or utilize polyethylene, PVC, low-density polyethylene (LDPE a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene), a thermoplastic, and/or polymeric. The varieties of polyethylene films include low-density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and linear low-density polyethylene. A waterproofing plastic film may be a hypoallergenic (latex-free) nonwoven/woven film; may be a medical grade transparent/opaque film; and may be made from bio-based materials such as starch, cellulose, and those derived from processes involving microbial such as, for example, bioplastics synthesized via microbial fermentation of polysaccharides poly-hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Further, a waterproofing plastic film herein does not require that it be a plastic film, in an exemplary embodiment the waterproofing plastic film is a waterproofing non-plastic film or waterproofing film having waterproofing qualities comparable to that of a waterproofing plastic film.
FIG. 5A is top view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing barrier as per another exemplary embodiment of the present inventions. The 2-ply facial tissue 500 comprises a top absorbent tissue ply 501, an interleaved waterproofing barrier 502, and a bottom absorbent tissue ply 503.
The waterproofing barrier may be any physical material, chemical, coating, substance, and/or matter suitable to provide an effective waterproofing barrier and that does not undermine the effective use of such a tissue product. It is emphasized that, unlike methodologies in the cited references, the waterproofing barrier must satisfy the definitional requirement i.e., not allowing passage or penetration of fluid.
FIG. 5B is side view of the 2-ply facial tissue with an interleaved waterproofing film as depicted in FIG. 5A. The side view identifies the top absorbent tissue ply 501, the interleaved waterproofing barrier 502, and the bottom absorbent tissue ply 503 of the facial tissue. The waterproofing barrier 502 provides the waterproofing characteristic 504. In this instance, fluid is not allowed passage or penetration 504 to the bottom absorbent tissue ply 503.
FIG. 6A is top view of a facial tissue wherein paper fibers are applied to both surfaces of a waterproofing film. The facial tissue 600 comprises a waterproofing film 602 upon which absorbent tissue fibers 601 have been deposited, sprayed, applied, or otherwise coated to one surface of the waterproofing film 602, and a substantially equal amount of absorbent tissue fibers 603 have been similarly deposited, sprayed, applied, or otherwise coated to the other surface of the waterproofing film 602. Both the applied absorbent tissue fibers layers 601 and 603 may have substantially the same or superior absorbent and feel characteristics as any one of the conventional paper tissue plies. The facial tissue of FIG. 6A may also be described as effectively comprising a 3-ply tissue paper.
FIG. 6B is side view of a facial tissue wherein paper fibers are applied to both surfaces of a waterproofing film as depicted in FIG. 6A. The side view identifies the top absorbent fiber layer 601, the interleaved waterproofing film 602, and the bottom absorbent fiber layer 603 of the facial tissue. The waterproofing film 602 provides the waterproofing characteristic 604. In this instance, fluid is not allowed passage or penetration to the opposing absorbent fiber layer.
FIG. 7A is top view of a facial tissue wherein a waterproofing film, having paper fibers applied to both its surfaces, is interleaved between two plies of tissue paper. The facial tissue 700 comprises a waterproofing film 702 upon which absorbent tissue fibers 701 have been deposited, sprayed, coated, or otherwise applied to one surface of the waterproofing film 702, and a substantially equal amount of absorbent tissue fibers 703 have been similarly deposited, sprayed, coated, or otherwise applied to the other surface of the waterproofing film 702. Both the applied absorbent tissue fibers layers 701 and 703 may have substantially the same or superior absorbent and feel characteristics as any one of the conventional paper tissue plies. In this embodiment, the waterproofing film 702, having absorbent fiber layers 701 703 applied to both surfaces of the waterproofing film 702, is interleaved between a top absorbent paper tissue ply 711 and bottom absorbent paper tissue ply 713. The facial tissue of FIG. 7A may also be described as effectively comprising a 5-ply tissue paper.
FIG. 7B is side view of a facial tissue wherein a waterproofing film, having paper fibers applied to both its surfaces, is interleaved between two plies of tissue paper. The side view identifies the top absorbent fiber layer 701, the interleaved waterproofing film 702, and the bottom absorbent fiber layer 703 of the facial tissue. In this exemplary embodiment, the waterproofing film 702, having absorbent fiber layers 701 703 applied to both surfaces of the waterproofing film 702, is interleaved between a top absorbent paper tissue ply 711 and bottom absorbent paper tissue ply 713. The waterproofing film 702 provides the waterproofing characteristic 704. In this instance, fluid is not allowed passage or penetration to the opposing absorbent fiber layer and tissue paper ply.
Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, a facial tissue product comprising two fluid-absorbent paper tissue plies, and a waterproofing plastic film interleaved in-between the two fluid-absorbent plies of paper tissue, further comprises absorbent tissue fibers coating one surface of the waterproofing film, and a substantially equal amount of absorbent tissue fibers coating an opposite surface of the waterproofing film, and whereby absorbent tissue fibers coatings are applied in-between a paper tissue ply and a surface of the waterproofing plastic film. In such an exemplary embodiment, the absorbent tissue fibers coatings may be applied in-between a paper tissue ply and a surface of the waterproofing plastic film, and a bonding adheres a paper tissue ply to an absorbent tissue fibers coating. A hypoallergenic coating may be applied to the surfaces of the waterproofing plastic film to inhibit a chemical bleed from the waterproofing plastic film to a tissue fibers coating and/or to a paper tissue ply.
As in other exemplary embodiments, the waterproofing plastic film has a thickness of not greater than a 50 gauge (e.g., 35-40 gauge range) and is made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing no plasticizers. Alternatively, as in other exemplary embodiments, the waterproofing plastic film may be made from or utilize polyethylene, PVC, low-density polyethylene (LDPE a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene), a thermoplastic, and/or polymeric. The varieties of polyethylene films include low-density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and linear low-density polyethylene. A waterproofing plastic film may be a hypoallergenic (latex-free) nonwoven/woven film; may be a medical grade transparent/opaque film; and may be made from bio-based materials such as starch, cellulose, and those derived from processes involving microbial such as, for example, bioplastics synthesized via microbial fermentation of polysaccharides poly-hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Further, a waterproofing plastic film herein does not require that it be a plastic film, in an exemplary embodiment the waterproofing plastic film is a waterproofing non-plastic film or waterproofing film having waterproofing qualities comparable to that of a waterproofing plastic film.
Herein a waterproofing film or a waterproofing barrier recited to provide the waterproofing characteristic shall not be deemed to necessarily exclude other elements from contributing substantially or marginally to the waterproofing characteristics. Accordingly, a waterproofing film or a waterproofing barrier recited to provide the waterproofing characteristic may provide such waterproofing characteristics as a result of a synergistic combination with such other elements.
All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to a POSITA are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”
The teachings disclosed herein, directly and indirectly by, for example, incorporation, are intended to show a variety of inventive elements and features which are combined and may be combined to suit particular embodiments. While a function of incorporation is to provide additional detail explanation, the synergies among and between the various inventive elements is a significant feature of and object of incorporation. The incorporation by reference at a specific place within the specification is not intended to limit the extent to which the reference is incorporated, or the manner in which it may be integrated to the extent that the particular teaching is non-contradictory to the primary object of providing an effective fluid barrier within the facial tissue. Where a teaching may be deemed to be at cross purposes, or otherwise incompatible, with some other teaching, it ought to be understood as a possible alternative to be utilized as a particular preferred embodiment may require.
While elements of the inventions have been detailed in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternative permutations in the combination elements and features are possible, and additional modifications and variations are possible and will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing descriptions. For example, the waterproofing film 702 of FIG. 7A may be substituted by a waterproofing barrier on which surfaces absorbent fiber layers 701 703 are applied.
Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such permutations, alternatives, modifications, variations, and combinations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the specification. The teachings that have been cited and incorporated herein are offered by way of example, and not limitation, of the underlying foundation of knowledge and skill that is available to a POSITA. Many of the features, components, and methods found in the art may be incorporated, as suggested herein, in a preferred embodiment; and since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the inventions are not limited to the embodiments set forth or suggested herein.
The various embodiments disclosed herein offer other advantages that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the various embodiments utilizing a waterproofing film/barrier provide opportunities for the use or greater use, in a facial tissue, of recycled paper fibers that are known to have poor mechanical and barrier properties.
It is to be understood that the inventions are not limited thereby. It is also to be understood that the specific details shown are merely illustrative, and that the inventions may be carried out in other ways without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the specification.

Claims

1. A facial tissue product comprising:

a waterproofing plastic film being made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE);

at least one set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to a one surface of the waterproofing plastic film, wherein the paper tissue plies of the one set are fluid absorbent and free of a water resistant additive; and

at least another set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to an opposite surface of the waterproofing plastic film, wherein the paper tissue plies of the another set are fluid absorbent and free of a water resistant additive, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film is interleaved in between the one set of paper tissue plies and the another set of paper tissue plies, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film does not allow passage of fluid from the one set of the at least two paper tissue plies to the another set of the at least two paper tissue plies.

2. The facial tissue product of claim 1, wherein a hypoallergenic adhesive adheres a paper tissue ply to a surface of the waterproofing plastic film.

3. The facial tissue product of claim 1, wherein an hypoallergenic coating is applied to the surfaces of the waterproofing plastic film to inhibit a chemical bleed from the waterproofing plastic film to a paper tissue ply.

4. The facial tissue product of claim 1, wherein an additive applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies of the one set of paper tissue plies is different from an additive applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies of the another set of paper tissue plies.

5. A facial tissue product comprising:

a waterproofing plastic film;

at least one set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to one surface of the waterproofing plastic film; and

at least another set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to the opposite surface of the waterproofing plastic film, whereby the waterproofing plastic film is interleaved in between the one set of paper tissue plies and the another set of paper tissue plies, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film, having a low vapor permeability, does not allow passage of fluid from the one set of the at least two paper tissue plies to the another set of the at least two paper tissue plies.

6. The facial tissue product of claim 5, wherein an hypoallergenic coating is applied to the surfaces of the waterproofing plastic film to inhibit a chemical bleed from the waterproofing plastic film to a paper tissue ply.

7. The facial tissue product of claim 5, wherein the waterproofing plastic film is made from a bioplastic synthesized via microbial fermentation.

8. The facial tissue product of claim 5, wherein the paper tissue plies are free of a water resistant additive; and wherein the waterproofing plastic film is a waterproofing non-plastic film having waterproofing qualities comparable to that of a waterproofing plastic film.

9. The facial tissue product of claim 5, wherein a hypoallergenic adhesive adheres a paper tissue ply to a surface of the waterproofing plastic film.

10. The facial tissue product of claim 5, wherein an additive selected from the group consisting of a volatile rhinological effective composition, a lotion, and a cooling sensate, is applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies.

11. The facial tissue product of claim 5, wherein an at least one outer surface of the facial tissue has a lotion additive.

12. The facial tissue product of claim 5, wherein an additive applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies in the one set of paper tissue plies is different from an additive applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies in the another set of paper tissue plies.

13. A facial tissue product comprising:

two fluid-absorbent paper tissue plies; and

a waterproofing plastic film interleaved in-between the two fluid-absorbent plies of paper tissue.

14. The facial tissue product of claim 13, further comprising absorbent tissue fibers coating a one surface of the waterproofing film, and a substantially equal amount of absorbent tissue fibers coating an opposite surface of the waterproofing film, and whereby absorbent tissue fibers coatings are applied in-between a paper tissue ply and a surface of the waterproofing plastic film.

15. The facial tissue product of claim 13, further comprising absorbent tissue fibers coating a one surface of the waterproofing film, and a substantially equal amount of absorbent tissue fibers coating an opposite surface of the waterproofing film, and whereby absorbent tissue fibers coatings are applied in-between a paper tissue ply and a surface of the waterproofing plastic film, wherein a bonding adheres a paper tissue ply to an absorbent tissue fibers coating, wherein the waterproofing plastic film has a thickness of not greater than a 50 gauge and is made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing no plasticizers.

16. The facial tissue product of claim 13, wherein the waterproofing plastic film has a thickness of not greater than a 50 gauge and is made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing no plasticizers; and an hypoallergenic coating is applied to the surfaces of the waterproofing plastic film to inhibit a chemical bleed from the waterproofing plastic film to a paper tissue ply.

17. The facial tissue product of claim 13, wherein the waterproofing plastic film is made from a bioplastic synthesized via microbial fermentation, and wherein the waterproofing plastic film is biodegradable.

18. The facial tissue product of claim 13, wherein the two paper tissue plies are free of a water resistant additive; and wherein the waterproofing plastic film is a waterproofing non-plastic film having waterproofing qualities comparable to that of a waterproofing plastic film.

19. The facial tissue product of claim 13, wherein an additive selected from the group consisting of a volatile rhinological effective composition, a lotion, and a cooling sensate, is applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies.

20. The facial tissue product of claim 13, wherein an at least one outer surface of the facial tissue has a lotion additive.