US20200253430A1

US20200253430A1 - Fabric cleansing articles and methods thereof

Info

Publication number: US20200253430A1
Application number: US16/783,961
Authority: US
Inventors: Laura Knoll Price; Yoichiro Tashiro
Original assignee: Kao Corp
Current assignee: Kao Corp
Priority date: 2019-02-08
Filing date: 2020-02-06
Publication date: 2020-08-13

Abstract

Fabric cleansing articles and methods for cleansing hair and/or skin can comprise a cleansing article including a body made from non-woven fabric, where the body has a first side and a second side opposite the first side and a thickness less than a length and a width thereof. A first group of first projections extends from the first side of the body, and a second group of second projections extends from the first side of the body. A largest width of the first projections of the first group is greater than a largest width of the second projections of the second group, and a height of the first projections of the first group is greater than a height of the second projections of the second group. A backside of the first projections and/or the second projections may be hollow or concave.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/803,144, filed on Feb. 8, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are directed generally to fabric cleansing articles and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND

Cleansing articles may be made of woven or non-woven materials. Some such materials may not provide a suitable combination of strength, flexibility, and softness. Further, some such materials, such as rubber or plastic, may not have a surface that can suitably remove unwanted material from a user's hair and/or body. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are directed to fabric cleansing articles and methods thereof, as noted above, and can address some or all of the foregoing problems.
Document JP 2008-119236 (JP 5000270) describes a brush with a substrate and a plurality of protrusion parts provided on one surface of the substrate. Each protrusion part may have a side surface where a weakened part having low rigidity is formed.
Document U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2018/0360288 describes a cleansing article comprising first and second members that form a first outer surface and a second outer surface of the article, respectively. The coefficient of friction and/or permeability of the members is/are different. In certain embodiments, the first member comprises a plurality of polymeric protuberances and the second member comprises a plurality of hollow projections.

SUMMARY

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a cleansing article can be provided and/or used. The cleansing article may be for cleaning hair and/or skin. The cleansing article can comprise a body made from non-woven fabric, the body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and a thickness less than a length and a width thereof. A first group of first projections and a second group of second projections can extend from the first side of the body. A largest width of the first projections of the first group can be greater than a largest width of the second projections of the second group, and a height of the first projections of the first group can be greater than a height of the second projections of the second group. The first projections of the first group and/or the second projections of the second group can be hollow and open at ends thereof at the second side of the body.
One or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can also involve a cleansing article for hair and/or skin. The cleansing article can comprise a body made from non-woven fabric, the body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and a thickness less than a length and a width thereof; a first group of first projections extending from the first side of the body; and a second group of second projections extending from the first side of the body. A largest width of the first projections of the first group can be greater than a largest width of the second projections of the second group, and a height of the first projections of the first group can be greater than a height of the second projections of the second group. A first stiffness of the first projections of the first group can be different from a second stiffness of the second projections of the second group.
One or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can involve a cleansing article comprised of a body means for receiving a portion of a user's hand; first means for cleaning extending from one side of the body means; and second means for cleaning extending from said one side of the body means.
Embodiments can also include methods of providing, making, and/or using cleansing articles according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, are illustrative of one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and, together with the description, explain various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Further, the accompanying drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale, and any values or dimensions in the accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and may or may not represent actual or preferred values or dimensions. Where applicable, some or all select features may not be illustrated to assist in the description and understanding of underlying features.

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of a cleansing article according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 1B is a side, top perspective view of the cleansing article of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a cleansing article according to another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2B is a top plan view of the cleansing article of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a bottom plan view of the cleansing article of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a left side elevational view of the cleansing article of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E is a side sectional view along line 2E from FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2F is a plan view diagrammatically representing a cleansing article according to a variation of the cleansing article of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a cleansing article according to yet another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the cleansing article of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a bottom plan view of the cleansing article of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a left side elevational view of the cleansing article of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E is a side sectional view along line 3E from FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3F is a use view of the cleansing article of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a cleansing article according to another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the cleansing article of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a bottom plan view of the cleansing article of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a left side elevational view of the cleansing article of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E is a side sectional view along line 4E from FIG. 4B.

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a cleansing article according to an additional embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the cleansing article of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a bottom plan view of the cleansing article of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is a left side elevational view of the cleansing article of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5E is a side sectional view along line 5E from FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a cleansing article according to yet another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the cleansing article of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a bottom plan view of the cleansing article of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D is a left side elevational view of the cleansing article of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6E is a side sectional view along line 6E from FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for a method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the described subject matter and is not necessarily intended to represent the only embodiment(s). In certain instances, the description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described subject matter. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, structures and components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described subject matter. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts.
Any reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, operation, or function described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, any appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures, characteristics, operations, or functions may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, and it is intended that embodiments of the described subject matter can and do cover modifications and variations of the described embodiments.
It must also be noted that, as used in the specification, appended claims and abstract, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. That is, unless clearly specified otherwise, as used herein the words “a” and “an” and the like carry the meaning of “one or more.” Additionally, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like that may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the described subject matter to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. merely identify one of a number of portions, components, points of reference, operations and/or functions as described herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the described subject matter to any particular configuration or orientation.
Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are directed generally to fabric cleansing articles and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter involve cleansing articles and methods thereof, particularly where the cleansing articles are made of non-woven fabric. Thus, cleansing articles according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may not be made of plastic or rubber. Cleansing articles according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be used to cleanse skin and/or hair. Further, cleansing articles according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be rinsed for reuse.
Cleansing articles according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can have a relatively thin, generally flat non-woven fabric body and a plurality of different groups of projections that extend from a same side (e.g., a top side) of the non-woven fabric body. For example, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may have two, three, or four or more different groups of projections extending from the same side of the non-woven fabric body. The opposite side (e.g., a bottom side) of the non-woven fabric body may be flat or substantially flat (e.g., a relatively slight curvature) and/or free of projections. Alternatively, the opposite side may have concave portions or openings in the body that respectively correspond to the projections of the different groups.
The different groups of projections can have a same configuration per group (e.g., maximum width, height, stiffness, open face). That is, each projection of a particular group may have the same configuration as all other projections of the particular group. Further, each group of projections may have projections with a configuration that is different from a configuration of one, some, or all of the other groups of projections.
The different groups of projections may provide different cleansing functions for the cleansing article. For example, a first group of relatively small projections can be configured (e.g., maximum width, height, and/or stiffness) to clean small space areas, such as around a user's nose, and a second group of relatively large projections can be configured (e.g., maximum width, height, and/or stiffness) to wipe off product (e.g., soap or other facial cleanser product) from the user's face. Further, the flexibility of the non-woven fabric body implemented in combination with the first group of projections and in combination with the second group of projections can enable the user to manipulate the cleansing article relative to respective associated portions of the user's body. Optionally, a ratio of the height of the first projections of the first group to the height of the second projections of the second group can be from about 1.5:1 to about 3:1.
A surface area of a surface from which the different groups of projections extend can be free of projections from about 10% to about 50%, and preferably from about 25% to about 50%. That is, projections may not extend from an entire surface area of the surface from which the projections extend. Generally, the surface area amount that is free of projections can be set to make the cleansing article have a suitable flexibility.
Cleaning articles according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may provide visual evidence of removal of unwanted matter (e.g., debris, sebum, and/or product) from the hair and/or body of the user. Optionally, the projections of one group may be configured to capture a certain type of unwanted matter (e.g., debris and/or sebum), and the projections for another group of projections may be configured to capture another type of unwanted matter (e.g., product). The unwanted matter may be removed from the respective projections by rinsing the cleansing article with water, for instance. According to one or more embodiments, a total thickness of the cleansing article including the body and the projections can be from about 95% to about 105% of a thickness of the body alone (e.g., if the body did not include the projections).
Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show top plan and side, top perspective views, respectively, of a cleansing article 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. FIG. 1A also shows the cleansing article 100 positioned relative to fingers of a hand 50 of a user according to a non-limiting exemplary manner in which the cleansing article 100 may be used. Of course, FIG. 1A is non-limiting in that the cleansing article 100 may be used in manners other than as shown in FIG. 1A, for instance, in the palm of the user's hand 50 or pinched between the user's thumb and pointer finger and/or middle finger. Though not expressly shown, FIG. 1A may be representative of the user placing one or more fingers (e.g., the pointer and middle fingers) through one or more user interfaces formed from respective flaps on a bottom side of the cleansing article 100.
Cleansing article 100 can have a body 102 with a first side 103 and a second side 104 opposite the first side 103. The first side 103 of the body 102 may be referred to as a top side, and the second side 104 may be referred to as a bottom side of the cleaning article 100. As shown in FIG. 1A, the body 102 may be circular or have the shape of a circle in a plan view of the cleansing article 100. As a non-limiting example, the body 102, in the plan view of the cleansing article 100, may have dimensions of about 98 mm by about 98 mm (i.e., about 98 mm in diameter).
The body 102 may be formed of a non-woven fabric, for instance, from at least one web or at least one sheet of material. In one or more embodiments, the material of the body 102, and thus the cleansing article 100, may not be rubber or plastic. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1A, the body 102 may be continuous in that the perimeter thereof does not include any cut-out portions. The body 102 may also be considered continuous in that no openings are formed in the body 102 that extend into the first side 103, into the second side 104, or from the first side 103 to the second side 104. Such lack of openings, however, is not intended to refer to the porousness of the non-woven fabric from which the body 102 can be constructed, and is intended to refer to openings created in the non-woven fabric.
Alternatively, the body 102 may have one or more openings therein (not shown in FIG. 1A). That is, the first side 103 and/or the second side 104 may have one or more openings. Each opening may extend all the way through the body 102, or may alternatively merely be formed in the first side 103 or the second side 104 and not extend all the way through the body 102. As a non-limiting example, each opening may be a slit, which may be generally the same shape as a portion of the perimeter of the body 102 in the plan view. The slit may define a flap that can be moved between a position aligned with the rest of the body 102 to a non-aligned position, for instance, perpendicular to the body 102. Such flap, that is, the hollow portion thereof, may define a user interface through which the user can place one or more fingers (e.g., the pointer and middle fingers) to hold and use the cleansing article 100.
A first group 120 of first projections 125 and a second group 150 of second projections 155 can extend from the first side 103 of the body 102 (for clarity, all projections not labeled). As shown in FIG. 1A, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the first group 120 of first projections 125 and the second group 150 of second projections 155 can be the only groups of projections on the first side 103 of the body 102. Further, in one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the second side 104 of the body 102 may be flat or substantially flat (e.g., a relatively gradual curvature) and/or free of any projections. Alternatively, the second side 104 may have concave portions or openings in the body 102 that respectively correspond to the first projections 125 and the second projections 155. According to FIG. 1A, the ratio of first projections 125 to second projections 155 can be 8 to 36.
The first projections 125 of the first group 120 can have a same configuration. For instance, the first projections 125 of the first group 120 can all have the same maximum width, height, and/or stiffness. Likewise, the second projections 155 of the second group 150 can have a same configuration. For instance, the second projections 155 of the second group 150 can all have the same maximum width, height, and/or stiffness. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, each of the first projections 125 of the first group 120 may be in the form of a rounded mound having a circular perimeter in the plan view of the cleansing article 100. Likewise, each of the second projections 155 of the second group 150 may be in the form of a rounded mound having a circular perimeter in the plan view of the cleansing article 100. Thus, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the first projections 125 and/or the second projections 155 can taper from wide to narrow from the first side 103 in a direction away from the first side 103. Of course, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to projections that are rounded mounds or both projection groups being comprised of rounded mounds. For example, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the projections may have tips or ends that have an opening or recess.
The first projections 125 and the second projections 155 can have different configurations. For instance, the first projections 125 of the first group 120 can have differing maximum width, height, and/or stiffness as compared to those of the second projections 155 of the second group 150. In one or more embodiments, the first projections 125 of the first group 120 may have a largest width greater than a largest width of the second projections 155 of the second group 150, such as shown in FIG. 1A. That is, the bases of the first projections 125 (i.e., from where the first projections extend from the first side 103 of body 102) can have a width (i.e., diameter) greater than a width (i.e., diameter) of the bases of the second projections 155 (i.e., from where the second projections extend from the first side 103 of body 102). For example, the width of the bases of the first projections 125 can be about 15 mm, and the width of the bases of the second projections 155 can be about 10 mm. Additionally or alternatively, a height of the first projections 125 of the first group 120 may be greater than a height of the second projections 155 of the second group 150. For example, the height of the first projections 125 of the first group 120 may be from about 1 mm to about 12 mm, and the height of the second projections 155 of the second group 150 may be from about 0.5 mm to 10 mm. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the height of the first projections 125 (i.e., the height of a single first projection 125 since all of the heights can be the same) can be greater than the greatest width of the first projections 125 (i.e., the width of a single first projection 125 since all of the widths can be the same). Additionally or alternatively, the height of the second projections 155 (i.e., the height of a single second projection 155 since all of the heights can be the same) can be greater than the greatest width of the first projections 155 (i.e., the width of a single second projection 155 since all of the widths can be the same).
Additionally or alternatively, a stiffness or resistance to deformation (lbs/in²) of the first projections 125 of the first group 120 can be different from a stiffness of the second projections 155 of the second group 150. For example, the stiffness of the first projections 125 may be greater than the stiffness of the second projections 155.
Though not shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the first projections 125 and/or the second projections 155 may be hollow with open ends at the second side 104 of the body 102. Such recesses may extend from the ends of the projections to the second side 104 of the body 102. Alternatively, the recesses may not extend all the way to the second side 104 of the body 102.
As shown in FIG. 1A, according to one or more embodiments, the first group 120 of first projections 125 can be provided only on a first half of the first side 103 as defined by a first center line 115 passing through the center of the body 102 (which in this case is circular in the plan view of the cleansing article 100). A portion of the second group 150 of second projections 155 may be provided on the first half of the first side 103, and a second portion of the second group 150 of second projections 155 may be provided on a second half of the first side 103 as defined by the first center line 115. However, as shown in FIG. 1A, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, none of the first projections 125 are on the second half of the first side 103.
The first group 120 of first projections 125 and/or the second group 150 of second projections 155 may be arranged on the first side 103 of the body 102 symmetrically about a second center line 116 perpendicular to the first center line 115. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1A, for instance, the first group 120 of first projections 125 may be arranged according to a diamond pattern, and the second group 150 of second projections 155 can be arranged according to a plurality of rows, for instance, arced rows, in the plan view of the cleansing article 100. FIG. 1A shows three arced rows for the second group 150 of second projections 155, though more or less than three arced rows may be provided according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
Generally, as shown in in FIG. 1A, for instance, the first projections 125 of the first group 120 may not be intermixed with the second projections 155 of the second group 150. In one or more embodiments, the first group 120 of first projections 125 and the second group 150 of second projections 155 may be separated by a first gap or aisle 110. As shown in FIG. 1A, the first gap 110 may be uniform or substantially uniform. A second gap or aisle 112 can separate each of the rows of second projections 155. As shown in FIG. 1A, each second gap 112 can take the shape of adjacent rows of second projections 155, in this case, arced gaps. The first gap 110 can be greater than (i.e., wider than) the second gap 112 or vice versa. Alternatively, the first gap 110 may have the same width as the second gap 112. The first gap 110 and the second gap 112 can be sized to provide flexibility between the first group 120 of first projections 125 and the second group 150 of second projections 155, and between the rows of second projections 155, respectively. Optionally, none of the first projections 125 and/or none of the second projections 155 may be at the perimeter of the body 102 in the plan view of the cleansing article 100.
The body 102 may have a relatively thin thickness, such as shown in FIG. 1B. For example, the thickness of the body 102 may be from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm, preferably from about 0.3 mm to about 0.8 mm. Generally, the thickness may be measured by implementing the following non-limiting conditions: sample: flat area, 30 mm×30 mm; equipment : constant pressure thickness measuring instrument (e.g., TECLOCK company product type PG-14); minimum display amount: 0.01; measurement range: 12 mm; measuring element diameter: 25.2 mmφ; load: 20 gf/cm2; and the thickness is an average. Optionally, the thickness of the body 102 may be greater than or equal to the height of the first projections 125 of the first group 120 and/or the height of the second projections 155 of the second group 150. Alternatively, the thickness of the body 102 may be less than or equal to the thickness of the first projections 125 of the first group 120 and/or the thickness of the second projections 155 of the second group 150. According to one or more embodiments, a total thickness of the cleansing article 100 including the body 102 and the first projections 125 (which have a height greater than the second projections 155) can be from about 95% to about 105% of a thickness of the body 102 alone (e.g., if the body 102 did not include the projections).
FIGS. 2A-2E are various views of a cleansing article 200 according to another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
Cleansing article 200 is similar to cleansing article 100, but expressly shows an opening in the body 202 in the form of a slit 213. The slit 213 may extend from a first side 203 of the body 202 to a second side 204 of the body 202. Further, the slit 213 may define a first flap 214. The first slit 213 may be generally the same shape as a portion of the perimeter of the body 202 in the plan view. That is, the first slit 213 may be curved or in the form of an arc that coincides with the curvature of respective portions of the perimeter of the body 202. The first slit 213 may be spaced, for instance, uniformly spaced, from the perimeter of the body 202. For example, the first slit 213 may each be uniformly spaced from the perimeter of the body 202 by about 4 mm to about 5 mm. Further, the first slit 213 may be on a first half of the body 202 as defined by the first centerline 215. Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, the first slit 213 may be generally away from the first projections 225 of the first group of projections 220 and the second projections 255 of the second group of projections 250.
Generally, the first flap 214 can be moved between a position aligned with the rest of the body 202, such as shown in FIG. 2A, away from the first side 203 to a non-aligned position, for instance, perpendicular to the body 202. In the non-aligned position, the hollow portion (i.e., the opening) formed by the non-aligned first flap 214 may define a user interface through which the user can place one or more fingers (e.g., the pointer and middle fingers) to hold and use the cleansing article 200. That is, the user's fingers can be inserted into the hollow portion of the non-aligned first flap 214 so as to be adjacent to the second side 204 so the user can move the first side 203, the first projections 225, and the second projections 255 against the user's skin and/or hair.
Alternatively, as diagrammatically shown in FIG. 2F, the cleansing article 200 can include two openings on the body 202 thereof. As a non-limiting example, the openings can be in the form of the first slit 213 and a second slit 217 provided in the body 202. Each of the first slit 213 and the second slit 217 may be generally the same shape as a portion of the perimeter of the body 202 in the plan view. That is, the first slit 213 and the second slit 217 may be curved or in the form of an arc that coincides with the curvature of respective portions of the perimeter of the body 202. The first slit 213 and the second slit 217 may be spaced, for instance, uniformly spaced, from the perimeter of the body 202. For example, the first slit 213 and the second slit 217 may each be uniformly spaced from the perimeter of the body 202 by about 4 mm to about 5 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 2F, the first slit 213 may be on a first half of the body 202 as defined by the first centerline 215, and the second slit 217 may be on a second half of the body 202 as defined by the first centerline 215. FIG. 2F also shows that the first slit 213 and the second slit 217 may be mirror images of each other about the first centerline 215. Ends of the slits may be at a predetermined angle A relative to the first center line 215. For example, angle A may be about 20 degrees.
The first slit 213 can define the first flap 214, and the second slit 217 can define a second flap 218. Generally, each of the first flap 214 and the second flap 218 can be moved between a position aligned with the rest of the body 202 away from the first side 203 to a non-aligned position, for instance, perpendicular to the body 202. In the non-aligned position, the hollow portion (i.e., the opening) formed by the non-aligned first flap 214 (and/or the non-aligned second flap 218) may define a user interface through which the user can place one or more fingers (e.g., the pointer and middle fingers) to hold and use the cleansing article 200. That is, the user's fingers can be inserted into the hollow portion of each of the non-aligned first flap 214 and non-aligned second flap 218 so as to be adjacent to the second side 204 so the user can move the first side 203, the first projections 225, and the second projections 255 against the user's skin and/or hair.
The first group 220 of first projections 225 and/or the second group 250 of second projections 255 may be arranged on the first side 203 of the body 202 symmetrically about a second center line 216 perpendicular to the first center line 215. The first group 220 of first projections 225 may be arranged according to a diamond pattern, and the second group 250 of second projections 255 can be arranged according to a plurality of rows, for instance, arced rows, in the plan view of the cleansing article 200. FIG. 2B, for instance, shows three arced rows for the second group 250 of second projections 255, though more or less than three arced rows may be provided according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
Generally, as shown in in FIG. 2A, for instance, the first projections 225 of the first group 120 may not be intermixed with the second projections 255 of the second group 250. In one or more embodiments, the first group 220 of first projections 125 and the second group 250 of second projections 255 may be separated by a first gap or aisle 210. As shown in FIG. 2B, the first gap 210 may be uniform or substantially uniform. A second gap or aisle 212 can separate each of the rows of second projections 255. As shown in FIG. 2B, each second gap 212 can take the shape of adjacent rows of second projections 255, in this case, arced gaps. The first gap 210 can be greater than (i.e., wider than) the second gap 212 or vice versa. Alternatively, the first gap 210 may have the same width as the second gap 212. The first gap 210 and the second gap 212 can be sized to provide flexibility between the first group 220 of first projections 225 and the second group 250 of second projections 255, and between the rows of second projections 255, respectively. Optionally, none of the first projections 225 and/or none of the second projections 255 may be at the perimeter of the body 202 in the plan view of the cleansing article 200.
Though FIGS. 2A-2E show that the first projections 225 and the second projections 250 have solid peaks, alternatively, each of the first projections 225 of the first group 220 may be hollow with an open end distal to the first side 203 of the body 202, thereby forming a concave portion or recess, and each of the second projections 255 of the second group 250 may be hollow with an open end distal to the first side 203 of the body 202, thereby forming a concave portion or recess. Alternatively, only one of the first projections 225 or the second projections 255 may have recesses at their tips.
FIGS. 3A-3F are various views, including a use view in FIG. 3F, of a cleansing article 300 according to yet another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
Cleansing article 300 can have a body 302 having a first side 303 and a second side 304 opposite the first side 303. The first side 303 of the body 302 may be referred to as a top side, and the second side 304 may be referred to as a bottom side. The body 302 may be formed of a non-woven fabric, for instance, from a web or a sheet of material. In one or more embodiments, the material of the body 302, and thus the cleansing article 300, may not be rubber or plastic.
As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the body 302 may be oval in a plan view of the cleansing article 300, with a pair of long sides each with a first radius of curvature and a pair of short sides each with a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature. Thus, the body 302 may be continuous in that the perimeter thereof does not include any cut-out portions. As a non-limiting example, the body 302, in the plan view of the cleansing article 300, may have dimensions of about 90 mm by about 70 mm.
A first group 320 of first projections 325 and a second group 350 of second projections 355 can extend from the first side 303 of the body 302 (for clarity, all projections not labeled). As shown in FIG. 3A, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the first group 320 of first projections 325 and the second group 350 of second projections 355 can be the only groups of projections on the first side 303 of the body 302. Further, in one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the second side 304 of the body 302 may be flat or substantially flat (e.g., a relatively gradual curvature) and free of any projections. Alternatively, the second side 304 may have concave portions or openings in the body 302 that respectively correspond to the first projections 325 and the second projections 355. According to FIGS. 3A-3F, the ratio of first projections 325 to second projections 355 can be 9 to 45.
The first projections 325 of the first group 320 can have a same configuration. For instance, the first projections 325 of the first group 320 can all have the same maximum width, height, and/or stiffness. Likewise, the second projections 355 of the second group 350 can have a same configuration. For instance, the second projections 355 of the second group 350 can all have the same maximum width, height, and/or stiffness. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the first projections 325 and/or the second projections 355 can taper from wide to narrow from the first side 303 in a direction away from the first side 303. Of course, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the projections shown in FIG. 3A.
Although FIG. 3A shows the first projections 325 and the second projections 355 being circular in the plan view of the cleansing article 300, the first projections 325 and the second projections 355 can have different configurations. For instance, the first projections 325 of the first group 320 can have differing maximum width, height, and/or stiffness as compared to those of the second projections 355 of the second group 350. In one or more embodiments, the first projections 325 of the first group 320 may have a largest width greater than a largest width of the second projections 355 of the second group 350, such as shown in FIG. 3A. Notably, the first projections 325 can have a width (i.e., diameter) greater than a width (i.e., diameter) of the second projections 355. For example, the width of the first projections 325 can be about 15 mm, and the width of the second projections 355 can be about 10 mm. Additionally or alternatively, a height of the first projections 325 of the first group 320 may be greater than a height of the second projections 355 of the second group 350. For example, the height of the first projections 325 of the first group 320 may be from about 1 mm to about 12 mm, and the height of the second projections 355 of the second group 350 may be from 0.5 to about mm. Additionally or alternatively, a stiffness or resistance to deformation (lbs/in²) of the first projections 325 of the first group 300 can be different from a stiffness of the second projections 355 of the second group 350. For example, the stiffness of the first projections 325 may be greater than the stiffness of the second projections 355.
Optionally, though not shown, each of the first projections 325 of the first group 320 can be hollow with an open end distal to the first side 303 of the body 302, thereby forming a concave portion or recess in the tip thereof. Likewise, each of the second projections 355 of the second group 350 can hollow with an open end distal to the first side 303 of the body 302, thereby forming a concave portion or recess in the tip thereof. Alternatively, only one of the first projections 325 or the second projections 355 may have recesses.
As shown in FIG. 3A, for instance, according to one or more embodiments, the first group 320 of first projections 325 can be provided only on a first half of the first side 303 as defined by a first center line 315 passing through the center of the body 302. A portion of the second group 350 of second projections 355 may be provided on the first half of the first side 303, and a second portion of the second group 350 of second projections 355 may be provided on a second half of the first side 303 as defined by the first center line 315. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first group 320 of first projections 325 can be provided at a first end portion associated with a first short side of the pair of short sides of the oval cleansing article 300 in the plan view, and away from a second end portion of the oval opposite the first end portion and associated with a second short side of the pair of short sides, for instance, such that none of the first projections 325 of the first group 320 are provided past the first center line 315. Optionally, no projections may be provided at the center of the cleansing article 300 in the plan view (i.e., where the first center line 315 and the second center line 316 intersect).
The first group 320 of first projections 325 and/or the second group 350 of second projections 355 may be arranged on the first side 303 of the body 302 symmetrically about a second center line 316 perpendicular to the first center line 315. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 3B, for instance, the first group 320 of first projections 325 may be arranged according to a diamond pattern, and the second group 350 of second projections 355 can be arranged according to a plurality of rows, for instance, arced rows, in the plan view of the cleansing article 300. Optionally, the arrangement of the first projections 325 in FIG. 3B may be considered rows of the first projections 325. FIG. 3B shows three arced rows for the second group 350 of second projections 355, though more or less than three arced rows may be provided according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
As shown in in FIG. 3B, for instance, the first projections 325 of the first group 320 may not be intermixed with the second projections 355 of the second group 350. In one or more embodiments, the first group 320 of first projections 325 and the second group 350 of second projections 355 may be separated by a first gap or aisle 310. As shown in FIG. 3B, the first gap 310 can be in the form of a ‘V’ or arc in the plan view of the body 302 and, furthermore, may be uniform or substantially uniform. A second gap or aisle 312 can separate each of the rows of second projections 355. According to FIG. 3B, for instance, each second gap 312 can take the shape of adjacent rows of second projections 355, in this case, arced gaps. The first gap 310 can be greater than (i.e., wider than) the second gap 312, such as shown in FIG. 3B. The first gap 310 and the second gap 312 can be sized to provide flexibility between the first group 320 of first projections 325 and the second group 350 of second projections, and between the rows of second projections 355, respectively. Optionally, none of the first projections 325 and/or none of the second projections 355 may be at the perimeter of the body 302 in the plan view of the cleansing article 300.
Cleansing article 300 can include one opening on the body 302 thereof. Of course, alternatively, only multiple openings or no openings may be provided on the body 302. As a non-limiting example, the opening can be in the form of a first slit 313 in the body 302, such as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. Alternatively, more than one slit, such as two slits, may be provided in the body 302. Further as shown in FIG. 3C and FIG. 3E, the second side 304 may be free of projections, though the second side 304 may have concave portions or openings in the body 302 that respectively correspond to the first projections 325 and the second projections 355.
The first slit 313 may be generally the same shape as a portion of the perimeter of the body 302 in the plan view. That is, the first slit 313 may be curved or in the form of an arc that coincides with the curvature of a portion of the perimeter of the body 302. The first slit 313 may be spaced, for instance, uniformly spaced, from the perimeter of the body 302. For example, the first slit 313 may be uniformly spaced from the perimeter of the body 302 by about 4 mm to about 5 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the first slit 313 may be on a half of the body 302 as defined by the first centerline 315, where such half may be associated with the second projections 355 of the second group 350 on the first side 303 of the body 302. The first slit 313 may be at a predetermined angle relative to the first center line 315. For example, the angle may be about 20 degrees.
The first slit 313 can define a first flap 314. Generally, the first flap 314 can be moved between a position aligned with the rest of the body 302, such as shown in FIG. 3A, away from the first side 303 to a non-aligned position, for instance, perpendicular to the body 302. In the non-aligned position, the hollow portion (i.e., the opening) formed by the non-aligned first flap 314 may define a user interface through which the user can place one or more fingers (e.g., the pointer and middle fingers) to hold and use the cleansing article 300. That is, the user's fingers can be inserted into the hollow portion of the non-aligned first flap 314 so as to be adjacent to the second side 304 so the user can move the first side 303, the first projections 325, and the second projections 355 against the user's skin and/or hair. FIG. 3F shows an example of the user using the cleansing article 300. Notably, a portion of the user's hand 50, in this case two fingers, extend into an opening formed by displacement of the first flap 314 relative to the body 302.
The body 302 may have a relatively thin thickness, such as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E. For example, the thickness of the body 302 may be from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm, preferably from about 0.3 mm to about 0.8 mm. Generally, the thickness may be measured by implementing the following non-limiting conditions: sample: flat area, 30 mm×30 mm; equipment : constant pressure thickness measuring instrument (e.g., TECLOCK company product type PG-14); minimum display amount: 0.01; measurement range: 12 mm; measuring element diameter: 25.2 mmφ; load: 20 gf/cm2; and the thickness is an average. Optionally, the thickness of the body 302 may be greater than or equal to the height of the first projections 325 of the first group 320 and/or the height of the second projections 355 of the second group 350. Alternatively, the thickness of the body 302 may be less than or equal to the thickness of the first projections 325 of the first group 320 and/or the thickness of the second projections 355 of the second group 350. According to one or more embodiments, a total thickness of the cleansing article 300 including the body 302 and the first projections 325 (which have a height greater than the second projections 355) can be from about 95% to about 105% of a thickness of the body 302 alone (e.g., if the body 102 did not include the projections).
FIGS. 4A-4E are various views of a cleansing article 400 according to an additional embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
Cleansing article 400 can have a body 402 having a first side 403 and a second side 404 opposite the first side 403. The first side 403 of the body 402 may be referred to as a top side, and the second side 404 may be referred to as a bottom side. The body 402 may be formed of a non-woven fabric, for instance, from a web or a sheet of material. In one or more embodiments, the material of the body 402, and thus the cleansing article 400, may not be rubber or plastic.
As shown in FIG. 4, the body 402 may be oval in a plan view of the cleansing article 400, with a pair of long sides each with a first radius of curvature and a pair of short sides each with a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature. Thus, the body 402 may be continuous in that the perimeter thereof does not include any cut-out portions. As a non-limiting example, the body 402, in the plan view of the cleansing article 400, may have dimensions of about 90 mm by about 70 mm.
A first group 420 of first projections 425 and a second group 450 of second projections 455 can extend from the first side 403 of the body 402 (for clarity, all projections not labeled). As shown in FIG. 4B, according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the first group 420 of first projections 425 and the second group 450 of second projections 455 can be the only groups of projections on the first side 403 of the body 402. Further, in one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the second side of the body 402 may be flat or substantially flat (e.g., a relatively gradual curvature) and free of any projections. Alternatively, the second side 404 may have concave portions or openings in the body 402 that respectively correspond to the first projections 425 and the second projections 455. According to FIG. 4B, for instance, the ratio of first projections 425 to second projections 455 can be 6 to 9.
The first projections 425 of the first group 420 can have a same configuration. For instance, the first projections 425 of the first group 420 can all have the same maximum width, height, and/or stiffness. Likewise, the second projections 455 of the second group 450 can have a same configuration. For instance, the second projections 455 of the second group 450 can all have the same maximum width, height, and/or stiffness. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the first projections 425 and/or the second projections 455 can taper from wide to narrow from the first side 403 in a direction away from the first side 403. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show that the first projections 425 can be elongate and linear and the second projections 455 can be circular in the plan view of the cleansing article 400. Of course, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the projections shown in FIGS. 4A-4E.
The first projections 425 and the second projections 455 can have different configurations. For instance, the first projections 425 of the first group 420 can have differing geometrical shapes, maximum width, height, and/or stiffness as compared to those of the second projections 455 of the second group 450. In one or more embodiments, the first projections 425 of the first group 420 may have a largest width greater than a largest width of the second projections 455 of the second group 450. For example, the first projections 425 can have a width greater than a width (i.e., diameter) of the second projections 455. For example, the width of the first projections 425 can be from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, and the width of the second projections 455 can be from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. Additionally or alternatively, a height of the first projections 425 of the first group 420 may be greater than a height of the second projections 455 of the second group 450. For example, the height of the first projections 425 of the first group 420 may be from about 1 mm to about 12 mm, and the height of the second projections 455 of the second group 450 may be from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. Additionally or alternatively, a stiffness or resistance to deformation (lbs/in²) of the first projections 425 of the first group 420 can be different from a stiffness of the second projections 455 of the second group 450. For example, the stiffness of the first projections 425 may be greater than the stiffness of the second projections 455.
Optionally, though not expressly shown, each of the second projections 455 of the second group 450 can be hollow with an open end distal to the first side 403 of the body 402, thereby forming a concave portion or recess. Additionally or alternatively, the first projections 425 of the first group 420 can be hollow with an open end distal to the first side 403 of the body 402 thereby forming another concave portion or recess.
As shown in FIGS. 4B, according to one or more embodiments, the second group 450 of second projections 455 can be provided only on a first half of the first side 403 as defined by a first center line 415 passing through the center of the body 402. A portion of the first group 420 of first projections 425 may be provided on the first half of the first side 403, and a second portion of the first group 420 of first projections 425 may be provided on a second half of the first side 403 as defined by the first center line 415. Additionally, FIG. 4B shows that the second group 450 of second projections 455 can be provided at a first end portion associated with a first short side of the pair of short sides of the oval cleansing article 400 in the plan view, and away from a second end portion of the oval opposite the first end portion and associated with a second short side of the pair of short sides, for instance, such that none of the second projections 455 of the second group 450 are provided past the first center line 415.
The first group 420 of first projections 425 and/or the second group 450 of second projections 455 may be arranged on the first side 403 of the body 402 symmetrically about a second center line 416 perpendicular to the first center line 415. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 4B, for instance, the second group 450 of second projections 455 may be arranged according to a diamond pattern, and the first group 420 of first projections 425 can be arranged according to a plurality of rows, for instance, linear rows, in the plan view of the cleansing article 400. Optionally, the arrangement of the second projections 455 in FIG. 4B may be considered rows of the second projections 455. FIG. 4B shows three linear rows for the first group 420 of the first projections 425, though more or less than three rows may be provided according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
The first projections 425 of the first group 420 may not be intermixed with the second projections 455 of the second group 450. In one or more embodiments, the first group 420 of first projections 425 and the second group 450 of second projections 455 may be separated by a first gap or aisle 410. The first gap 410 can be in the form of a ‘V’ or arc in the plan view of the body 402, such as shown in FIG. 4B. A second gap or aisle 412 can separate each of the rows of first projections 425. According to FIG. 4B, each second gap 412 can take the shape of adjacent rows of first projections 425, in this case, linear gaps. Viewed another way, each second gap 412 can be in the form of a ‘V’ or arc in the plan view of the body 402. The first gap 410 can be greater than (i.e., wider than) each second gap 412, such as shown in FIG. 4B. The first gap 410 and the second gap 412 can be sized to provide flexibility between the first group 420 of first projections 425 and the second group 450 of second projections 455, and between the rows of second projections 455 and/or the rows of the first projections 425, respectively. Optionally, none of the first projections 425 and/or none of the second projections 455 may be at the perimeter of the body 402 in the plan view of the cleansing article 400.
The body 402 may have a relatively thin thickness. For example, the thickness of the body 402 may be from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm, preferably from about 0.3 mm to about 0.8 mm. Optionally, the thickness of the body 402 may be less than or equal to the height of the first projections 425 of the first group 420 and/or the height of the second projections 455 of the second group 350. According to one or more embodiments, a total thickness of the cleansing article 400 including the body 402 and the first projections 425 (which have a height greater than the second projections 455) can be from about 95% to about 105% of a thickness of the body 402 alone (e.g., if the body 402 did not include the projections). Generally, the thickness may be measured by implementing the following non-limiting conditions: sample: flat area, 30 mm×30 mm; equipment : constant pressure thickness measuring instrument (e.g., TECLOCK company product type PG-14); minimum display amount: 0.01; measurement range: 12 mm; measuring element diameter: 25.2 mmφ; load: 20 gf/cm2; and the thickness is an average.
Cleansing article 400 can include one opening on the body 402 thereof. Of course, alternatively, only multiple openings or no openings may be provided on the body 402. As a non-limiting example, the opening can be in the form of a first slit 413 in the body 402, such as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. Alternatively, more than one slit, such as two slits, may be provided in the body 402. Further as shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 4E, the second side 404 may be free of projections, though the second side 404 may have concave portions or openings in the body 402 that respectively correspond to the first projections 425 and the second projections 455.
The first slit 413 may be generally the same shape as a portion of the perimeter of the body 402 in the plan view. That is, the first slit 413 may be curved or in the form of an arc that coincides with the curvature of a portion of the perimeter of the body 402. The first slit 413 may be spaced, for instance, uniformly spaced, from the perimeter of the body 402. For example, the first slit 413 may be uniformly spaced from the perimeter of the body 402 by about 4 mm to about 5 mm. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first slit 413 may be on a half of the body 402 as defined by the first centerline 415, where such half may be associated with the second projections 455 of the second group 450 on the first side 403 of the body 402. The first slit 413 may be at a predetermined angle relative to the first center line 415. For example, the angle may be about 20 degrees.
The first slit 413 can define a first flap 414. Generally, the first flap 414 can be moved between a position aligned with the rest of the body 402, such as shown in FIG. 3A, away from the first side 403 to a non-aligned position, for instance, perpendicular to the body 402. In the non-aligned position, the hollow portion (i.e., the opening) formed by the non-aligned first flap 414 may define a user interface through which the user can place one or more fingers (e.g., the pointer and middle fingers) to hold and use the cleansing article 400. That is, the user's fingers can be inserted into the hollow portion of the non-aligned first flap 414 so as to be adjacent to the second side 404 so the user can move the first side 403, the first projections 425, and the second projections 455 against the user's skin and/or hair.
FIGS. 5A-5E are various views of a cleansing article 500 according to another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Cleansing article 500 is similar to cleansing article 300 and cleansing article 400 discussed above, but notably has a different configuration and arrangement of a first group 520 of first projections 525 and a second group 550 of second projections 555. Thus, cleansing article 500 can have a body 502 having a first side 503 and a second side 504 opposite the first side 503. The first side 503 of the body 502 may be referred to as a top side, and the second side 504 may be referred to as a bottom side. The body 502 may be formed of a non-woven fabric, for instance, from a web or a sheet of material. In one or more embodiments, the material of the body 502, and thus the cleansing article 500, may not be rubber or plastic. Further, the body 502 may be continuous in that the perimeter thereof does not include any cut-out portions. As a non-limiting example, the body 502, in the plan view of the cleansing article 500, may have dimensions of about 90 mm by about 70 mm.
According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the first group 520 of first projections 525 and the second group 550 of second projections 555 can be the only groups of projections on the first side 503 of the body 502. Further, in one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the second side of the body 502 may be flat or substantially flat (e.g., a relatively gradual curvature) and free of any projections. Alternatively, the second side 504 may have concave portions or openings in the body 502 that respectively correspond to the first projections 525 and the second projections 555. According to FIG. 5B, the ratio of first projections 525 to second projections 555 can be 7 to 24.
The first projections 525 of the first group 520 can have a same configuration. For instance, the first projections 525 of the first group 520 can all have the same maximum width, height, and/or stiffness. Likewise, the second projections 555 of the second group 550 can have a same configuration. For instance, the second projections 555 of the second group 550 can all have the same maximum width, height, and/or stiffness. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the first projections 525 and/or the second projections 555 can taper from wide to narrow from the first side 503 in a direction away from the first side 503. FIG. 5B shows that the first projections 525 and the second projections 555 can be circular in the plan view of the cleansing article 500. Of course, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the projections shown in FIG. 5B.
The first projections 525 and the second projections 555 can have different configurations. For instance, the first projections 525 of the first group 520 can have differing geometrical shapes, maximum width, height, and/or stiffness as compared to those of the second projections 555 of the second group 550. In one or more embodiments, the first projections 525 of the first group 520 may have a largest width greater than a largest width of the second projections 555 of the second group 550. For example, the first projections 525 can have a width greater than a width (i.e., diameter) of the second projections 555. For example, the width of the first projections 525 can be about 15 mm, and the width of the second projections 555 can be about 10 mm. Additionally or alternatively, a height of the first projections 525 of the first group 520 may be greater than a height of the second projections 555 of the second group 550. For example, the height of the first projections 525 of the first group 520 may be from about 1 mm to about 12 mm, and the height of the second projections 555 of the second group 550 may be from about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. Additionally or alternatively, a stiffness or resistance to deformation (lbs/in^t) of the first projections 525 of the first group 520 can be different from a stiffness of the second projections 555 of the second group 550. For example, the stiffness of the first projections 525 may be greater than the stiffness of the second projections 555.
Optionally, though not expressly shown, each of the first projections 525 of the second group 520 may be hollow with an open end distal to the first side 503 of the body 502, thereby forming an opening or recess. Additionally or alternatively, the second projections 555 of the second group 550 can be hollow with an open end distal to the first side 503 of the body 502, thereby forming another opening or recess.
As shown in FIG. 5B, according to one or more embodiments, the first group 520 of first projections 525 can be provided only on a first half of the first side 503 as defined by a first center line 515 passing through the center of the body 502. A portion of the second group 550 of second projections 555 may be provided on the first half of the first side 503, and a second portion of the second group 550 of second projections 555 may be provided on a second half of the first side 503 as defined by the first center line 515. FIG. 5B also shows that the first group 520 of first projections 525 can be provided at a first end portion associated with a first short side of the pair of short sides of the oval cleansing article 500 in the plan view, and away from a second end portion of the oval opposite the first end portion and associated with a second short side of the pair of short sides, for instance, such that none of the first projections 525 of the first group 520 are provided past the first center line 515.
The first group 520 of first projections 525 and/or the second group 550 of second projections 555 may be arranged on the first side 503 of the body 502 symmetrically about a second center line 516 perpendicular to the first center line 515. Optionally, the second group 550 of second projections 555 may be arranged according to a plurality of rows, for instance, curved rows, in the plan view of the cleansing article 500. FIG. 5B shows three linear rows for the second group 550 of the second projections 525, though more or less than three rows may be provided according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. According to FIG. 5B, the rows of the second projections 525 may be different in terms of curvature (or not) and spacing between the second projections 525.
The first projections 525 of the first group 520 may not be intermixed with the second projections 555 of the second group 550. In one or more embodiments, the first group 520 of first projections 525 and the second group 550 of second projections 555 may be separated by a first gap or aisle 510. A second gap or aisle 512 can separate each of the rows of second projections 555. The first gap 510 can be greater than (i.e., wider than) one or more of the second gap 512. The first gap 510 and the second gap 512 can be sized to provide flexibility between the first group 520 of first projections 525 and the second group 550 of second projections 555, and between the rows of second projections 555, respectively. Optionally, none of the first projections 525 and/or none of the second projections 555 may be at the perimeter of the body 502 in the plan view of the cleansing article 500.
The body 502 may have a relatively thin thickness. For example, the thickness of the body 502 may be from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm, preferably from about 0.3 mm to about 0.8 mm. The thickness of the body 502 may be less than or equal to the height of the first projections 525 of the first group 520 and/or the height of the second projections 555 of the second group 550. According to one or more embodiments, a total thickness of the cleansing article 500 including the body 502 and the first projections 525 (which have a height greater than the second projections 555) can be from about 95% to about 105% of a thickness of the body 502 alone (e.g., if the body 502 did not include the projections). Generally, the thickness may be measured by implementing the following non-limiting conditions: sample: flat area, 30 mm×30 mm; equipment: constant pressure thickness measuring instrument (e.g., TECLOCK company product type PG-14); minimum display amount: 0.01; measurement range: 12 mm; measuring element diameter: 25.2 mmφ; load: 20 gf/cm2; and the thickness is an average.
Cleansing article 500 can include one opening on the body 502 thereof. Of course, alternatively, only multiple openings or no openings may be provided on the body 502. As a non-limiting example, the opening can be in the form of a slit 513 in the body 502, such as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. Alternatively, more than one slit, such as two slits, may be provided in the body 502. Further as shown in FIG. 5C and FIG. 5E, the second side 504 may be free of projections, though the second side 504 may have concave portions or openings in the body 502 that respectively correspond to the first projections 525 and the second projections 555.
The slit 513 may be generally the same shape as a portion of the perimeter of the body 502 in the plan view. That is, the slit 513 may be curved or in the form of an arc that coincides with the curvature of a portion of the perimeter of the body 502. The slit 513 may be spaced, for instance, uniformly spaced, from the perimeter of the body 502. For example, the slit 513 may be uniformly spaced from the perimeter of the body 502 by about 4 mm to about 5 mm. Further, the slit 513 may be on a half of the body 502 as defined by the first centerline 515, where such half may be associated with the second projections 555 of the second group 550 on the first side 503 of the body 502.
The slit 513 may be at a predetermined angle relative to the first center line 515. For example, the angle may be about 20 degrees.
The slit 513 can define a flap 514. Generally, the flap 514 can be moved between a position aligned with the rest of the body 502, such as shown in FIG. 5A, away from the first side 503 to a non-aligned position, for instance, perpendicular to the body 502. In the non-aligned position, the hollow portion (i.e., the opening) formed by the non-aligned flap 514 may define a user interface through which the user can place one or more fingers (e.g., the pointer and middle fingers) to hold and use the cleansing article 500. That is, the user's fingers can be inserted into the hollow portion of the non-aligned first flap 514 so as to be adjacent to the second side 504 so the user can move the first side 503, the first projections 525, and the second projections 555 against the user's skin and/or hair.
FIGS. 6A-E are various views of a cleansing article 600 according to yet another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.
Cleansing article 600 is similar to cleansing article 500 discussed above, but has a different configuration and arrangement of a first group 620 of first projections 625 and a second group 650 of second projections 655. For example, FIG. 6B shows a ratio of first projections 625 to second projections 655 can be 15 to 18. FIG. 6B also shows that the second group 650 of second projections 655 can be provided only on a first half of the first side 603 as defined by a first center line 615 passing through the center of the body 602. A portion of the first group 620 of first projections 625 may be provided on the first half of the first side 603, and a second portion of the first group 620 of first projections 625 may be provided on a second half of the first side 603 as defined by the first center line 615. FIG. 6B also shows that the second group 650 of second projections 655 can be provided at a first end portion associated with a first short side of the pair of short sides of the oval cleansing article 600 in the plan view, and away from a second end portion of the oval opposite the first end portion and associated with a second short side of the pair of short sides, for instance, such that none of the second projections 655 of the second group 650 are provided past the first center line 615.
Cleansing article 600 can include one opening on the body 602 thereof. As a non-limiting example, the opening can be in the form of a slit 613 in the body 602, such as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. Further as shown in FIG. 6C and FIG. 6E, the second side 604 may be free of projections, though the second side 604 may have concave portions or openings in the body 602 that respectively correspond to the first projections 625 and the second projections 655.
The slit 613 may be generally the same shape as a portion of the perimeter of the body 602 in the plan view. That is, the slit 613 may be curved or in the form of an arc that coincides with the curvature of a portion of the perimeter of the body 602. The slit 613 may be spaced, for instance, uniformly spaced, from the perimeter of the body 602. For example, the slit 613 may be uniformly spaced from the perimeter of the body 602 by about 4 mm to about 5 mm. Further, the slit 613 may be on a half of the body 602 as defined by the first centerline 615. The slit 613 may be at a predetermined angle relative to the first center line 615.
The slit 613 can define a flap 614. Generally, the flap 614 can be moved between a position aligned with the rest of the body 602, such as shown in FIG. 6A, away from the first side 603 to a non-aligned position. In the non-aligned position, the hollow portion (i.e., the opening) formed by the non-aligned flap 614 may define a user interface through which the user can place one or more fingers (e.g., the pointer and middle fingers) to hold and use the cleansing article 600.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart for a method 700 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Generally, method 700 can represent a method of making, providing, and/or using cleansing articles according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such as those described herein. Each of the described making, providing, and using operations can be distinct and separate methods according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
Method 700 can include a step or an operation 702 of making a cleansing article according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
Operation 702 can include providing material or materials (e.g., at least two materials) to make the cleansing article. In the case of two materials, the first material may have a first water absorption property, and the second material may have a second water absorption property less than the first absorption property. For example, the materials can include nonwoven fabric with water-absorbing properties and fiber with hardly water-absorbing polymer. As non-limiting examples of nonwoven fabric with water-absorbing properties can be rayon, pulp, water absorbent polyester, water absorbent acrylic, hollow fiber. Non-limiting examples of hardly water-absorbing polymer include hardly water-absorbing fiber: polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate; polyethylene. Generally, since different types of fibers may not fuse, there can be a strongly bonded portion and a weakly bonded portion in the non-woven fabric. Such arrangement can provided for a relatively soft feel while also providing suitable strength. Preferably, the fiber can have thickness 0.01 dtex˜10 dtex, more preferably 0.1˜8 dtex, even more preferably 1˜5 dtex.
The provided material(s) may be in the form of a web or a non-woven sheet, a pair of non-woven sheets, or paper, for instance. In the case of a non-woven sheet, such non-woven sheet(s) may be comprised of a spunbond, needle punch, air thorough (thermal bond), spun lace, or air laid non-woven fabric. Generally, non-woven fabric may mean sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally, or chemically. The material(s) may have a material composition of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, cellulose, rayon, polypropylene, or mixtures thereof. In one or more embodiments, air-through, non-woven fabric can be made into two layers and subjected to hot-press processing. The pre-heated non-woven fabric can be pressed according to two-layer stamping, for instance, using a mold to create a first group of first projections and a second group of second projections and thus a 3-dimensional cleansing article comprised of a body and the first and second projections. Preferably, the sheet can include water absorbent fiber, such as cellulose rayon, and 10˜40%.
The resultant cleaning article can have a compression strength from about 0.5N to about 6N, preferably about 1N to about 6N, and an average compression ratio of about 25% to about 50%. Further, a compressive strength of the cleansing article in a dry state can be greater than a compressive strength of the cleansing article in a wet state. In one or more embodiments, a ratio of the compressive strength of the cleansing article in a wet state to a compressive strength of the cleansing article in a dry state is from about 0.2 to about 0.8, preferably from 0.4 to 0.75. For example, the compressive strength in the wet state can be 1.9N and the compressive strength in the dry state can be 3.1N for a ratio of 0.61. As another example, the compressive strength in the wet state can be 1.6N and the compressive strength in the dry state can be 2.8N for a ratio of 0.57. A saturated water content of the cleansing article can be from about 50% to about 450% of the weight of the cleansing article, preferably from 150% to 400% of the weight of the cleaning article. As a non-limiting example, compressive strength may be measured according to the following measurement conditions: sample : size of 17 mm x52 mm and has 3 projections with a height of 8 mm; the distance between the centers of the projections is 18 mm; equipment: compression tester type AG-IS (e.g., Shimazu company); Load cell: 100N; and compression speed: 1 mm/min. Additionally, compression strength may involve measured value and linear regression.
Operation 704 can involve providing a cleansing article according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Such providing may be for use of the cleansing article to clean a user's hair and/or skin.
Operation 706 can involve using the provided cleansing article. Using the cleansing article can include, from an initial dry state of the cleansing article or an initial wet state of the cleansing article (e.g., from wetting with water or from a previous swipe), passing the cleansing article over the user's hair or skin to remove material, such as product or other unwanted material. Such using may involve selective use of the first projections to remove a particular unwanted material and a separate use of the second projections to remove a different particular unwanted material.
Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may also be as set forth according to the parentheticals in the following paragraphs.
(1) A cleansing article for hair or skin comprising: a body made from non-woven fabric, the body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and a thickness less than a length and a width thereof; a first group of first projections extending from the first side of the body; and a second group of second projections extending from the first side of the body, wherein a largest width of the first projections of the first group is greater than a largest width of the second projections of the second group, wherein a height of the first projections of the first group is greater than a height of the second projections of the second group, and wherein the first projections of the first group and/or the second projections of the second group are hollow and open at ends thereof at the second side of the body.
(2) The cleansing article according to (1), wherein the first projections of the first group and the second projections of the second group are open at ends thereof distal to the first side of the body.
(3) The cleansing article according to (1) or (2), wherein only one of the first projections of the first group or the second projections of the second group are open at ends thereof distal to the first side of the body.
(4) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first group of first projections are not intermixed with the second group of second projections.
(5) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first group of first projections and/or the second group of second projections is/are the only groups of projections on the first side of the body.
(6) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein a uniform or substantially uniform gap separates the first group of first projections from the second group of second projections.
(7) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the second side of the body is flat or substantially flat and/or free of any of the first projections and the second projections.
(8) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the body is solid from the first side to the second side.
(9) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the body is free of any openings from the first side to the second side.
(10) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the body is continuous around a perimeter thereof in a plan view of the cleansing article.
(11) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein, in a plan view of the cleansing article the body is oval or circular.
(12) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the body is circular in the plan view of the cleansing article.
(13) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the first projections of the first group are arranged symmetrically relative to a second center line passing through the circular body that is perpendicular to a first center line passing through the circular body, and wherein the second projections of the second group are arranged symmetrically relative to the second center line passing through the circular body.
(14) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the second projections of the second group of projections are arranged according to a plurality of arced rows, adjacent arced rows being separated by an arced aisle.
(15) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the first group of projections is provided only on a first half of the circular body as defined by a first center line passing through the circular body, and wherein a first portion of the second group of projections is provided on the first half of the circular body and a second portion of the second group of projections is provided on a second half of the circular body as defined by the first center line passing through the circular body.
(16) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the first projections of the first group are arranged symmetrically relative to a second center line passing through the circular body that is perpendicular to the first center line, and wherein the second projections of the second group are arranged symmetrically relative to the second center line passing through the circular body.
(17) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein the body is oval in the plan view of the cleansing article, with a pair of long sides each with a first radius of curvature and a pair of short sides each with a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature.
(18) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein the first projections of the first group are arranged symmetrically relative to a second center line passing through the pair of short sides of the oval body that is perpendicular to a first center line passing through the pair of long sides of the oval body, and wherein the second projections of the second group are arranged symmetrically relative to the second center line.
(19) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (18), wherein one of the first projections of the first group of projections and the second projections of the second group of projections are arranged according to a plurality of rows.
(20) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (19), wherein the first projections of the first group of projections are arranged according to a plurality of rows.
(21) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (20), wherein the plurality of rows are arced rows, adjacent arced rows being separated by arced aisles.
(22) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (21), wherein adjacent rows are separated by a linear aisle.
(23) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (22), wherein the first group of first projections is separated from the second group of second projections by a second aisle.
(24) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (23), wherein the first projections of the first group of projections are arranged according to a plurality of rows, adjacent rows being separated by a plurality of first aisles, and wherein the first group of first projections is separated from the second group of second projections by a second aisle, a width of the second aisle being greater than each width of the first aisles.
(25) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (24), wherein the first group of first projections is arranged at a first end portion of the oval associated with a first short side of the pair of short sides and away from a second end portion of the oval opposite the first end portion and associated with a second short side of the pair of short sides, wherein the first group of projections is provided only on a first half of the oval body as defined by a first center line of the oval passing through the pair of long sides, wherein none of the first projections of the first group are provided past the first center line of the oval passing through the pair of long sides of the oval body, and wherein a first portion of the second group of projections is provided on the first half of the oval body and a second portion of the second group of projections is provided on a second half of the oval body as defined by the first center line passing through the oval body.
(26) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (25), wherein the first projections of the first group are arranged symmetrically relative to a second center line passing through the pair of short sides of the oval body that is perpendicular to the first center line, and wherein the second projections of the second group are arranged symmetrically relative to the second center line.
(27) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (26), wherein the second projections of the second group of projections are arranged according to a plurality of arced rows, adjacent rows being separated by an arced aisle.
(28) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (27), wherein the first projections of the first group and the second projections of the second group are circular in the plan view of the cleansing article.
(29) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (28), wherein the second group of second projections is arranged at a first end portion of the oval associated with a first short side of the pair of short sides and away from a second end portion of the oval opposite the first end portion and associated with a second short side of the pair of short sides, wherein the second group of projections is provided only on a first half of the oval body as defined by a first center line of the oval passing through the pair of long sides, wherein none of the second projections of the second group are provided past the first center line of the oval passing through the pair of long sides of the oval body, and wherein a first portion of the first group of projections is provided on the first half of the oval body and a second portion of the first group of projections is provided on a second half of the oval body as defined by the first center line passing through the oval body.
(30) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (29), wherein the first projections of the first group are elongate and linear in the plan view of the cleansing article.
(31) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (30), wherein a surface area of the first side of the body is free of projections over about 25% to about 50% thereof
(32) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (31), wherein the thickness of the body is greater than the height of the first projections of the first group and/or the height of the second projections of the second group.
(33) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (32), wherein the largest width of each of the first projections of the first group is at a first interface with the first side of the body and/or the largest width of each of the second projections of the second group is at a second interface with the first side of the body.
(34) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (33), wherein each of the first projections of the first group and/or each of the second projections of the second group taper from the largest width thereof to a smaller width thereof.
(35) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (34), wherein, in a plan view of the cleansing article, one of the first group of first projections and the second group of second projections is arranged according to a diamond pattern.
(36) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (35), wherein a ratio of the height of the first projections of the first group to the height of the second projections of the second group is from about 1.5:1 to about 3:1.
(37) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (36), wherein the height of the first projections of the first group is from about 1.0 mm to about 12.0 mm.
(38) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (37), wherein the height of the second projections of the second group is from 0.5 mm to about 10.0 mm.
(39) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (38), wherein a first stiffness of the first projections of the first group is different from a second stiffness of the second projections of the second group.
(40) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (39), wherein the non-woven fabric of the body is at least one non-woven sheet, at least one the non-woven sheet having a material composition of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, cellulose, rayon, polypropylene or mixtures thereof.
(41) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (40), wherein the non-woven fabric is one of a web, a single non-woven sheet, a pair of non-woven sheets, or paper.
(42) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (41), wherein the non-woven fabric is a non-woven sheet, the non-woven sheet being comprised of a spunbond non-woven fabric.
(43) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (42), wherein the non-woven fabric forming the body is comprised of at least two materials.
(44) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (43), wherein a first material of said at least two materials has water absorbing properties, and a second material of said at least two materials has water absorption less that of the first material.
(45) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (44), wherein the body has a compression strength from about 0.5N to about 6N.
(46) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (45), wherein a compressive strength of the body in a dry state is greater than a compressive strength of the body in a wet state.
(47) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (46), wherein a ratio of the compressive strength of the body in a wet state to a compressive strength of the body in a dry state is from about 0.2 to about 0.8.
(48) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (47), wherein a saturated water content of the body is from about 50% to about 450% of the weight of the body.
(49) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (48), wherein a thickness of the body is from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm.
(50) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (49), wherein the thickness of the body is from about 0.3 mm to about 0.8 mm.
(51) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (50), wherein the height of a singular projection of first group of projections is greater than the width of a singular projection of the first group of projections.
(52) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (51), wherein the height of a singular projection of second group of projections is greater than the width of a singular projection of the second group of projections.
(53) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (52), wherein a thickness of the cleansing article comprising the body and the first projections and the second projections is from about 95% to about 105% of a thickness of the body that does not comprise any projections.
(54) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (53), wherein the body has one or more openings.
(55) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (54), wherein the body has at least two openings.
(56) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (55), wherein the body includes at least a first opening in the form of a first slit that defines a first flap.
(57) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (57), wherein the first side and/or the second side includes at least the first slit that defines the first flap and a second slit that defines a second flap.
(58) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (57), wherein the first slit is on a first half of the body as defined by a first centerline through a center of the body, wherein the second slit is on a second half of the body as defined by the first centerline, and wherein the first slit and the second slit are mirror images of each other about the first centerline.
(59) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (58), wherein the first slit and the second slit are uniformly spaced from a perimeter of the body in a plan view of the cleansing article.
(60) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (59), wherein the first slit and the second slit are uniformly spaced from the perimeter of the body by about 4 mm to about 5 mm.
(61) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (60), wherein the first slit is uniformly spaced from a perimeter of the body in a plan view of the cleansing article.
(62) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (61), wherein the first slit and the second slit are uniformly spaced from the perimeter of the body by about 4 mm to about 5 mm.
(63) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (62), wherein the first flap is movable so as to define a first user interface configured to receive a portion of a user's hand.
(64) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (63), wherein the body is oval in the plan view of the cleansing article, with a pair of long sides each with a first radius of curvature and a pair of short sides each with a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature, and wherein the first slit is on a first half of the body as defined by a first centerline through a center of the body.
(65) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (64), wherein the first slit is in the second side of the body, and wherein the first half of the body does not include the first projections.
(66) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (65), wherein the first slit is in the second side of the body, and wherein the first half of the body does not include the second projections.
(67) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (66), wherein the first slit is uniformly spaced from a perimeter of the body in the plan view of the cleansing article.
(68) The cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (67), wherein the first slit is uniformly spaced from the perimeter of the body by about 4 mm to about 5 mm.
(69) A cleansing article for hair and/or skin comprising: a body made from non-woven fabric, the body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and a thickness less than a length and a width thereof; a first group of first projections extending from the first side of the body; and a second group of second projections extending from the first side of the body, wherein a largest width of the first projections of the first group is greater than a largest width of the second projections of the second group, wherein a height of the first projections of the first group is greater than a height of the second projections of the second group, and wherein a first stiffness of the first projections of the first group is different from a second stiffness of the second projections of the second group.
(70) The cleansing article according to (69), wherein the first projections of the first group and the second projections of the second group are hollow and open at ends thereof at the second side of the body.
(71) A cleansing article comprising: body means for receiving a portion of a user's hand; first means for cleaning extending from one side of the body means; and second means for cleaning extending from said one side of the body means.
(72) A method comprising making the cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (71), said making including providing a material for the cleansing article, and forming the first group of first projections and the second group of second projections.
(73) The method according to (72), wherein said forming the first group of first projections and the second group of second projections involves pressing the provided material using a mold.
(74) The method according to (72) or (73), wherein said forming the cleansing article includes heat press molding.
(75) A method comprising providing the cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (71).
(76) The method according to (75), further comprising using the provided cleansing article.
(77) A method comprising using the cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (71), wherein said using includes adding liquid to the cleansing article prior to application to the skin or hair.
(78) A method of providing, making, and/or using the cleansing article according to any one of (1) to (71).
Having now described embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Thus, although particular configurations have been discussed and illustrated herein, other configurations can be and are also employed. Further, numerous modifications and other embodiments (e.g., combinations, rearrangements, etc.) are enabled by the present disclosure and are contemplated as falling within the scope of the disclosed subject matter and any equivalents thereto. Features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of described subject matter to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, Applicant intends to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

50 hand
100 cleansing article
102 body
103 first side
104 second side
110 first gap/aisle
112 second gap/aisle
115 first centerline
116 second centerline
120 first group of first projections
125 first projection
150 second group of second projections
155 second projection
200 cleansing article
202 body
203 first side
204 second side
210 first gap/aisle
212 second gap/aisle
213 first slit
214 first flap
215 first centerline
216 second centerline
217 second slit
218 second flap
220 first group of first projections
225 first projection
250 second group of second projections
255 second projection
A angle
300 cleansing article
302 body
303 first side
304 second side
310 first gap/aisle
312 second gap/aisle
313 slit
314 flap
315 first centerline
316 second centerline
320 first group of first projections
325 first projection
350 second group of second projections
355 second projection
400 cleansing article
402 body
403 first side
404 second side
410 first gap/aisle
412 second gap/aisle
413 slit
414 flap
415 first centerline
416 second centerline
420 first group of first projections
425 first projection
450 second group of second projections
455 second projection
500 cleansing article
502 body
503 first side
504 second side
510 first gap/aisle
512 second gap/aisle
513 slit
514 flap
515 first centerline
516 second centerline
520 first group of first projections
525 first projection
550 second group of second projections
555 second projection
600 cleansing article
602 body
603 first side
604 second side
613 slit
614 flap
615 first centerline
616 second centerline
620 first group of first projections
625 first projection
650 second group of second projections
655 second projection
700 method
702 step/operation
704 step/operation
706 step/operation

Claims

1. A cleansing article for hair or skin comprising:

a body made from non-woven fabric, the body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and a thickness less than a length and a width thereof;

a first group of first projections extending from the first side of the body; and

a second group of second projections extending from the first side of the body,

wherein a largest width of the first projections of the first group is greater than a largest width of the second projections of the second group,

wherein a height of the first projections of the first group is greater than a height of the second projections of the second group, and

wherein the first projections of the first group and/or the second projections of the second group are hollow and open at ends thereof at the second side of the body.

2. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein the first projections of the first group and the second projections of the second group are hollow and open at ends thereof distal to the first side of the continuous body.

3. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein a first stiffness of the first projections of the first group is different from a second stiffness of the second projections of the second group.

4. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein a uniform or substantially uniform gap separates the first group of first projections from the second group of second projections.

5. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein, in a plan view of the cleansing article the body is oval or circular.

6. The cleansing article according to claim 1,

wherein the first projections of the first group are arranged symmetrically relative to a second center line passing through the body that is perpendicular to a first center line passing through the body, and

wherein the second projections of the second group are arranged symmetrically relative to the second center line passing through the body.

7. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein the second projections of the second group of projections are arranged according to a plurality of arced rows, adjacent arced rows being separated by an arced aisle.

8. The cleansing article according to claim 1,

wherein the body is circular in a plan view of the cleaning article, and

wherein the second projections of the second group of projections are arranged according to a plurality of arced rows, adjacent rows being separated by an arced aisle.

9. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein the first projections of the first group are elongate and linear in a plan view of the cleansing article.

10. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein a surface area of the first side of the body is free of projections over about 25% to about 50% thereof.

11. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the height of the first projections of the first group to the height of the second projections of the second group is from about 1.5:1 to about 3:1.

12. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein the non-woven fabric of the body is at least one non-woven sheet, at least one of which having a material composition of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, cellulose, rayon, polypropylene or mixtures thereof

13. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein the body has a compression strength from about 0.5N to about 6N.

14. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of compressive strength of the body in a wet state to compressive strength of the body in a dry state is from about 0.2 to about 0.8.

15. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the body is from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm.

16. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein the body has one or more openings.

17. The cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein the body includes at least a first opening in the form of a first slit that defines a first flap.

18. A cleansing article for hair and/or skin comprising:

a second group of second projections extending from the first side of the body,

wherein a first stiffness of the first projections of the first group is different from a second stiffness of the second projections of the second group.

19. The cleansing article according to claim 18, wherein the first projections of the first group and the second projections of the second group are hollow and open at ends thereof on the second side of the body.

20. A method comprising using the cleansing article according to claim 1, wherein said using includes adding liquid to the cleansing article prior to application to the skin or hair.