HK1097579A - Fibrous structure product comprising a discrete non-verbal cue - Google Patents

Description

Fibrous structure product containing discrete non-verbal cues

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of fibrous structure products, particularly single or multi-ply sanitary tissue products comprising discrete non-verbal cues, and methods of making the same.

Background

Consumers of fibrous structure products, particularly sanitary tissue products, are confused when purchasing such products, as such products are not only a wide variety but also look and/or feel very similar. These fibrous structure products, especially sanitary tissue products, are generally white in color, and may or may not have aesthetic characteristics for the fibrous structure product itself. Thus, consumers are challenged when making purchasing decisions, often not based on the inherent characteristics of the fibrous structure product, but rather on its packaging and/or price. For example, when two products look very similar, a consumer may purchase a product that is less expensive if the consumer does not know the additional characteristics that one of the products may have. Only later were the less expensive products found to have different characteristics and/or properties than another product.

Accordingly, there is a need for a fibrous structure product that includes a discrete non-verbal cue that communicates to a consumer/purchaser of the fibrous structure product a characteristic of the fibrous structure product when the fibrous structure product is in a dry state (e.g., purchased).

Summary of The Invention

The present invention meets the above-described needs by providing a fibrous structure product that includes a discrete non-verbal cue that communicates to a user a characteristic of the fibrous structure product.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a fibrous structure product comprising a discrete non-verbal cue that communicates to a consumer of the fibrous structure product a characteristic of the fibrous structure product when the fibrous structure product is in a dry state.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of making a fibrous structure product, the method comprising the steps of:

a) identifying a characteristic of the fibrous structure product that can be communicated to a user;

b) producing a fibrous structure product comprising discrete non-verbal cues capable of conveying the identifying characteristic provided in step a).

In a further aspect, the present invention provides an article comprising the fibrous structure product of the present invention and an exterior package containing the fibrous structure product, wherein the exterior package enables the discrete non-verbal cue of the fibrous structure product to communicate with a user of the fibrous structure product.

A final aspect of the present invention provides a method of making a fibrous structure product appealing to a user, the method comprising providing a fibrous structure product comprising a discrete non-verbal cue that communicates to a consumer of the fibrous structure product a characteristic of the fibrous structure product when the fibrous structure product is in a dry state.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a fibrous structure product comprising a discrete non-verbal cue that communicates to a user of the fibrous structure product a characteristic of the fibrous structure product; a method of making the fibrous structure product; an article comprising the fibrous structure product; and a method of making the fibrous structure product attractive to a user.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of a fibrous structure product of the present invention, the heart shape of which comprises a green colored layer adhesive.

Detailed Description

Definition of

"prompt" as used herein refers to a cue and/or hint and/or clue and/or suggestion, preferably a cue and/or hint, more preferably a hint to take action, such as purchasing a fibrous structure product.

"non-verbal cue" as used herein refers to a cue that is communicated to a user by some sense other than auditory. For example, by indirect senses, such as by vision (visual cues), by touch (texture cues), by smell (aroma cues).

By "discrete non-verbal cue" is meant herein a non-verbal cue that is not present in all layers of the fibrous structure product. Non-limiting examples of discrete non-verbal cues include embossments, densified regions in the densified layer, ply-coloring binders in the fibrous structure product, and fragrances.

"user" herein refers to a consumer and/or purchaser, preferably a purchaser, of the fibrous structure product.

"characteristic" herein refers to a quality or property inherent to the fibrous structure product. The aesthetics of the fibrous structure product are not characteristics defined herein. Non-limiting examples of such properties include the presence of ingredients, softness, hygroscopicity, cleaning performance and/or strength, preferably the presence and/or softness of ingredients, more preferably the presence of ingredients.

By "user identifiable characteristic" is meant herein a characteristic of the fibrous structure that is identifiable and/or desirable by a user, preferably a fibrous structure characteristic that affects a consumer's decision to purchase, such that the consumer may be reluctant to purchase a fibrous structure product that does not contain such an identifiable characteristic.

By "dry" is meant herein a fibrous structure product that has not been used by a consumer, preferably wherein the fibrous structure product has not been unsealed, particularly prior to purchase.

"fiber" herein refers to elongated particles having an apparent length greater than an apparent width, e.g., a length to diameter ratio of at least about 10. More specifically, "fiber" herein refers to fibers used in papermaking. The present invention contemplates the use of various papermaking fibers, such as natural or synthetic fibers, or any other suitable fibers, and any combination thereof. Papermaking fibers useful in the present invention include cellulose fibers commonly referred to as wood pulp fibers. Useful wood pulps include chemical pulps, such as kraft, sulfite, and sulfate pulps, as well as mechanical pulps, including ground wood pulp, thermomechanical pulp, and chemically modified thermomechanical pulp, for example. However, chemical pulp may be preferred because paper made from chemical pulp is softer to the touch. Pulps that may be used may be derived from deciduous trees (hereinafter also referred to as "hardwood") and coniferous trees (hereinafter also referred to as "softwood"). The hardwood and softwood fibers may be used in combination or individually, deposited in layers as a layered web. U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,981 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,994,771 are incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of disclosing layering of hardwood and softwood fibers. Fibers obtained from recycled paper, which may include any or all of the above types of fibers, as well as other non-fibrous structural materials such as fillers and binders that facilitate papermaking, are also suitable for use in the present invention. In addition to the fibers described above, fibers and/or filaments made of various polymers, particularly hydroxyl polymers, may also be used in the present invention. Non-limiting examples of suitable hydroxyl polymers include polyvinyl alcohol, starch derivatives, chitosan derivatives, cellulose derivatives, gum arabic, galactose, and mixtures thereof.

"fibrous structure" herein refers to a structure comprising fibers, such as a web structure.

"fibrous structure product" as used herein refers to a fibrous structure product such as post-defecation tissue (toilet tissue), facial tissue (facial tissue), and multifunctional absorbent and cleansing tissue (absorbent paper towel).

"Single layer" or "multiple layers" as used herein means that a single fibrous structure is placed together with other layers, optionally, in close face-to-face relationship, to form a multi-layered fibrous structure. The present invention also contemplates that a single fibrous structure may effectively form two or more layers, such as by being folded upon itself.

"basis weight" as used herein refers to the weight per unit area of the sample in lbs/3000ft²Or g/m²。

The unit weight is measured by a certain area (m)²) Using a top-loading balance with an accuracy of 0.01g, samples of fibrous structures and/or paper samples with fibrous structures made according to the invention were weighed. The balance is provided with a protective cover to prevent ventilation or other interference. The weight was recorded when the reading on the balance became constant. The average weight (g) and average area (m) of the sample were calculated²). Dividing the average weight of the sample (g) by the average area of the sample (m)²) To obtain a unit weight (g/m)²)。

Fibrous structure product

The fibrous structure product comprises one or more layers of fibrous structure. The fibrous structure product may be in the form of a sheet or may be in the form of a roll. If in roll form, the fibrous structure product may comprise a heart-shape about which one or more layers of fibrous structure are wound.

Fibrous structure products and/or multi-ply products that can be made into fibrous structures can be shortened in length, for example by creasing, or not shortened in length, for example without creasing; the usable cylinder drying-machine that is furnished with the stamp scraper of adding the wrinkle, the usable cylinder drying-machine that is not furnished with the stamp scraper of not adding the wrinkle, or do not pass through the cylinder drying-machine.

The fibrous structure product of the present invention is suitable for use in paper, particularly toilet tissue, including but not limited to: conventional felted paper, air-dried paper, pattern paper, and bulky paper. The paper may be homogenous, or of a multi-layer construction; the paper product according to the invention is a multilayer structure. The preferred basis weight of the paper is between about 10g/m²And 120g/m²And a density of about 0.60g/cc or less. Preferably, the basis weight is less than about 35g/m²And a density of about 0.30g/cc or less. Most preferably, the density is between about 0.04g/cc and 0.20g/cc as measured by the basis weight test method described herein.

The fibrous structure product may be produced by an apparatus for making a single layer web or by an apparatus for making a multi-layer web.

The fibrous structure product may include a binder, such as a layer binder.

In one embodiment, the adhesive may comprise a discrete non-verbal cue.

As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of a fibrous structure product 10 comprises a discrete non-verbal cue 12, represented by a heart, wherein the outline of the heart comprises a colored layer of adhesive. The fibrous structure product 10 also has an embossment that may or may not include a colored ply bond adhesive.

Discrete non-verbal cues

The fibrous structure product of the present invention comprises a discrete non-verbal cue that communicates to a user a characteristic of the fibrous structure product. The discrete non-verbal cue is preferably contrasted with a layer of the fibrous structure product.

The non-verbal cues may include visual cues, scent cues, texture cues, and combinations thereof.

The visual cues may include structures, colorants, textual elements, graphical elements, and combinations thereof.

The structural visual cue may include an embossment and/or densified and unconsolidated regions of the fibrous structure product.

The colorant may comprise a non-white colorant. The colorant may include dyes, pigments, and/or other colorants.

The text elements may include letters, symbols, and/or numbers.

The graphic elements may include graphics of objects, dwellings, humans, animals, and the like.

The scent cue may be the inclusion of a scent in the fibrous structure product. The perfume may be incorporated into or applied to one or more layers of the fibrous structure product and/or may be incorporated into or applied to a winding core of one or more layers of the fibrous structure product. By "fragrance" herein is meant a fragrance that is smellable by a human.

Texture cues refer to cues that are tactilely accessible to the consumer. Texture cues may include embossments and other objects that may impart a concave-convex feel to the plane of the fibrous structure layer.

One of ordinary skill in the art will know how to incorporate discrete non-verbal cues into a fibrous structure product.

Characteristics of fibrous structure products

The characteristic of the fibrous structure product may include certain ingredients present in the fibrous structure product.

Non-limiting examples of suitable ingredients include humectants, lotions, vitamins, fragrances, medicaments, therapeutic agents, virucidal agents, odor control agents, aromatherapy agents, emollients and mixtures thereof.

In a first embodiment, the ingredient comprises chamomile.

In a second embodiment, the ingredient comprises aloe.

In a third embodiment, the ingredient comprises vitamin E.

In a fourth embodiment, the ingredient comprises a perfume.

This component may be present in any portion of the fibrous structure product. For example, in one embodiment, the ingredient may be present in a discrete non-verbal cue of the fibrous structure product, such as in a colored ply bond adhesive. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the ingredient may be present in areas of the fibrous structure product that are free of non-verbal cues.

Other characteristics of the fibrous structure are also described herein.

Transfer of properties

In addition to communicating the characteristics of the fibrous structure product to a user of the fibrous structure product when the fibrous structure product is in a dry state, the non-verbal cue may also communicate the characteristics of the fibrous structure product to a user of the fibrous structure product when the fibrous structure product is in a wet state. By "wet" it is meant herein that the fibrous structure product has been contacted with a liquid, such as water.

Article of manufacture

The present invention may comprise an article, wherein the article comprises a fibrous structure product according to the present invention and an exterior package containing the fibrous structure product, wherein the exterior package enables discrete non-verbal cues of the fibrous structure product to be communicated to a user of the fibrous structure product.

The outer package itself may contain non-verbal cues that communicate the characteristics of the fibrous structure product contained within the outer package.

Method

The present invention also includes a method of making a fibrous structure product attractive to a user, the method comprising providing a fibrous structure product comprising a discrete non-verbal cue that communicates to the user a characteristic of the fibrous structure product when the fibrous structure product is in a dry state.

In one embodiment, the fibrous structure product is provided to the consumer at a point of sale, such as a retail store.

All documents cited in the detailed description of the invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (10)

1. A fibrous structure product comprising a discrete non-verbal cue that communicates to a user of the fibrous structure product a characteristic of the fibrous structure product when the fibrous structure product is in a dry state, wherein the characteristic of the fibrous structure product is an ingredient present in and/or on the fibrous structure product, preferably wherein the ingredient is selected from the group consisting of humectants, lotions, vitamins, fragrances, medicaments, therapeutic agents, virucidal agents, odor control agents, aromatherapy agents, softeners, and mixtures thereof, more preferably wherein the ingredient comprises chamomile and/or aloe and/or vitamin E and/or fragrance.

2. The fibrous structure product according to claim 1 wherein the non-verbal cue is selected from the group consisting of a visual cue, a scent cue, a texture cue, and combinations thereof.

3. The fibrous structure product according to claim 2 wherein the visual cue is selected from the group consisting of a structure, a colorant, a textual element, a graphical element, and combinations thereof.

4. The fibrous structure product according to claim 3 wherein the colorant is selected from the group consisting of non-white colorants.

5. The fibrous structure product according to claim 1 wherein the non-verbal cue comprises the ingredient.

6. The fibrous structure product according to any of the preceding claims wherein the characteristic of the fibrous structure product is a user identifiable property of the fibrous structure product, preferably wherein the consumer identifiable property comprises softness and/or cleaning performance and/or absorbency performance and/or strength.

7. The fibrous structure product according to any of the preceding claims wherein the fibrous structure product comprises a fibrous structure comprising a binder, preferably wherein the binder comprises the non-verbal cue.

8. The fibrous structure product according to any of the preceding claims wherein the non-verbal cue communicates to a user of the fibrous structure product a characteristic of the fibrous structure product when the fibrous structure is also in a wet state.

9. The fibrous structure product according to any of the preceding claims wherein the fibrous structure product is one or more plies of a sanitary tissue product.

10. An article comprising the fibrous structure product according to any of the preceding claims and an exterior package containing the fibrous structure product, wherein the exterior package enables the discrete non-verbal cue of the fibrous structure product to communicate with a user of the fibrous structure product.