Multi-layer disposable floor wiper with abrasive stripe

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-layer disposable floor wiper with an abrasive strip, a method for producing the same, and a manual wiping device comprising the multi-layer disposable floor wiper with an abrasive strip.

[0002] It is well known that germs of all kinds thrive on surfaces such as floors, especially in warm and / or humid environments. Regular floor cleaning is therefore essential in both public and private areas to thoroughly remove dirt and germs and ensure cleanliness. This is of course particularly important in busy places such as schools, swimming pools, restaurants and cultural institutions where large numbers of people regularly gather, as well as in places such as hospitals and doctor's offices where sick people and those with weakened immune systems are found. But regular and effective floor cleaning is also necessary in private areas to effectively remove dirt and germs and prevent their spread.

[0003] To clean floors, cleaning agents are often added to a container of water, and a dry floor mop is then dipped into the resulting cleaning solution, which wets the surface of the mop and then uses it for wet floor cleaning. After cleaning, the mop is usually washed.

[0004] This requires improvement in several respects. Firstly, it's possible that the floor mop might be forgotten to wash thoroughly and instead simply rinsed under running water, leaving germs on the surface that can spread. Even if the mop isn't washed immediately, the germs on the surface of the mop can spread, for example, if it's temporarily stored in the washing machine until the next wash cycle. In this way, the floor mop, originally intended for cleaning, actually poses a risk of spreading contamination or even a source of contamination.

[0005] This problem is addressed in the state of the art by providing disposable wipes that are intended for cleaning or disinfecting surfaces and are pre-soaked, for example, with an antimicrobial impregnation agent.

[0006] It is known that such pre-soaked disposable wipes should comprise several layers of nonwoven fabric, which are usually of different compositions. This ensures sufficient stability of the wipe and, with layers of nonwoven fabrics of different compositions, can ensure, for example, that a first layer provides good liquid absorption, while a second layer provides good liquid release.

[0007] WO 02 / 36339 A2, for example, describes such a multi-layer pre-soaked wipe, whose at least two layers contain a mixture of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. The wipe comprises at least one cleaning layer and a layer that serves as a liquid reservoir.

[0008] A similar approach for a multi-layer disposable floor wipe is pursued in EP 1 212 478 A1. Antimicrobial properties are imparted to the floor wipes by adding preferably silver particles.

[0009] US 4298649 A describes a multi-layer floor wipe made of several layers of polypropylene with different appearance, wherein the floor wipe contains surfactants.

[0010] The disadvantage of this solution is that the floor wipe is not environmentally friendly as a disposable item due to its high plastic content.

[0011] A more environmentally friendly alternative is disclosed in WO 2018 / 017597 A1, which describes a disposable floor wipe with at least one layer. The composition of the individual layers is said to be fully compostable and degradable. A high PLA content ensures that the individual layers can be welded together.

[0012] The above-mentioned solution could be improved because it is not particularly suitable for removing more stubborn dirt, which would require a more abrasive surface.

[0013] One such solution for a disposable floor wipe, which can remove even stubborn floor soiling by scraping, is disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,250,700 B2. This describes a multi-layer floor wipe that can be attached to a manual mop and features an abrasive scraper strip for removing stubborn soiling. The abrasive scraper strip is made of a thermoplastic material.

[0014] Such abrasive plastic scratch strips known from the prior art are produced by pulling the plastic over rollers on whose surface relatively pointed elevations are arranged, whereby the plastic is perforated and / or curved, which in turn causes the abrasive properties of the material. Object of the invention

[0015] It is the object of the present invention to provide an alternative multi-layer disposable floor wipe which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages known from the prior art and is characterized in particular by excellent environmental compatibility and by a simplified manufacturing process.

[0016] WO 2015 / 123635 A1 discloses a multi-layer scouring cloth whose layers contain cellulose and which also contains scouring bodies with increased abrasive properties, for example made of inorganic materials such as aluminum oxide or of organic polymer materials.

[0017] US 2008 / 311363 A1 describes a multi-layer scouring pad comprising metal fibers and abrasive particles attached to a substrate.

[0018] The closest prior art is considered to be EP 3108050. This document discloses the features of the preamble of independent claims 1 and 8. General description of the invention

[0019] The invention solves this problem with the features of the claims and in particular with a multi-layer disposable floor wipe with an abrasive strip, which comprises at least one cleaning layer and a core layer, wherein both the cleaning layer and the core layer contain cellulose and consist entirely of natural fibers and / or regenerated fibers, wherein a scratch strip with increased abrasive properties compared to the remaining cleaning layer is arranged on or in the cleaning layer, and wherein the scratch strip contains hemp and also consists entirely of natural fibers and / or regenerated fibers.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the disposable floor wipe according to the invention consists of the cleaning layer, the core layer and the scraper strip arranged on or in the cleaning layer.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the disposable floor wipe according to the invention consists of the cleaning layer, the core layer, the scraper strip arranged on or in the cleaning layer, and one or more additional layers, wherein the one or more additional layers preferably also consist entirely of natural fibers and / or regenerated fibers. A further layer can in particular be a cover layer consisting entirely of natural fibers and / or regenerated fibers, which is arranged on the side of the core layer facing away from the cleaning layer.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the disposable floor wipe according to the invention comprises, in addition to the cleaning layer, the core layer, and the scraper strip arranged on or in the cleaning layer, a further layer that is impermeable to liquids and acts as a barrier layer. This further layer can be arranged, in particular, on the side of the core layer facing away from the cleaning layer and ensures that liquid is released exclusively downwards, not upwards. The further layer is preferably made of renewable and / or biodegradable raw materials, such as PLA (polylactic acid) or corn starch.

[0023] According to yet another embodiment, the disposable floor wipe according to the invention consists of the cleaning layer, the core layer, the scraper strip arranged on or in the cleaning layer, optionally one or more further layers, which preferably also consist entirely of natural fibers and / or regenerated fibers, and fastening means for fastening the disposable wipe according to the invention to a manual wiping device.

[0024] The fastening means comprise, for example, straps, buttons, hooks, a zipper and / or a hook-and-loop fastener, wherein the fastening means are preferably arranged on the optional cover layer and wherein the disposable floor wiper according to the invention can be fastened to a manual wiping device by means of these fastening means. Alternatively, the cover layer can also serve as a counter-layer for the aforementioned fastening means, which does not itself have these fastening means but can be engaged with them, for example by a hook-and-loop fastener arranged on a manual wiping device being fastened to the cover layer or by a hook or button arranged on a manual wiping device engaging in an eyelet or loop or a hole arranged on the cover layer, which are also understood as fastening means.

[0025] According to yet another embodiment, the disposable floor wipe according to the invention consists of the cleaning layer, the core layer, the scratch strip arranged on or in the cleaning layer, optionally one or more further layers, which preferably consist entirely of natural fibers and / or regenerated fibers, fastening means for fastening the disposable wipe according to the invention to a manual wiping device and an impregnating agent with which one or more of the aforementioned layers is / are pre-impregnated.

[0026] According to the invention, the cleaning layer, the core layer, the optional cover layer, the abrasive scratch strip, and other optional layers contain natural fibers and / or regenerated fibers. "Natural fibers" are understood to mean all fibers of natural origin that can be used directly without further chemical conversion reactions. "Regenerated fibers," on the other hand, are fibers that are produced from naturally occurring, renewable raw materials through chemical processes. However, like natural fibers, regenerated fibers are also made from 100% natural materials.

[0027] Preferably, the natural fibers and / or regenerated fibers contained in the cleaning layer, in the core layer, in the optional cover layer, in the abrasive scratch strip and in optional further layers of the disposable floor wipe according to the invention are independently selected from the group comprising or consisting of viscose fibers, modal fibers, lyocell fibers, cellulose fibers, cupro fibers, cotton fibers, jute fibers, hemp fibers and flax fibers and any mixtures thereof.

[0028] In contrast to the floor wiper according to the invention, prior art floor wipers with an abrasive scratch strip always contain a synthetic fiber component, such as PLA, which allows for thermal bonding of the individual layers of the floor wiper. The bonding of the individual layers of a floor wiper according to the invention, on the other hand, is achieved, for example, by so-called "micro-entangling" using ultrasonic motion. The natural and / or regenerated fibers contained in the individual layers are set in motion in such a way that they interlock and felt. Alternatively, the bonding of the individual layers of a floor wiper according to the invention can also be achieved by treatment with electric shocks, hydroentanglement, or needlepunching.

[0029] It has been found that the disposable floor wipe according to the invention can achieve a 20-50% increased range compared to comparable products with plastic fleece.

[0030] The cleaning layer of a disposable floor wipe according to the invention preferably comprises or consists of a mesh material comprising or consisting of pulp (cellulose pulp) and lyocell fibers. In the mesh material, which preferably has a basis weight of 50-60 g / m², the fibers are arranged in a grid-like manner, which imparts a certain rigidity and abrasiveness to the cleaning layer. In an alternative embodiment, however, the cleaning layer can also contain or consist of viscose fibers in combination with hemp fibers and / or flax fibers. Hemp and flax fibers naturally already have a fairly high degree of rigidity, so in this case, a mesh arrangement is not necessary.

[0031] The core layer of a disposable floor wipe according to the invention preferably contains at least 50% by weight, at least 60% by weight, at least 70% by weight, at least 80% by weight, at least 90% by weight, at least 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of cellulose. The cellulose contained in the core layer is preferably DRC (double re-crepe) cellulose, in particular with a basis weight of 115 g / m².

[0032] Cellulose fibers are characterized by their excellent storage capacity for impregnating agents. Therefore, the core layer of a disposable floor wipe according to the invention—if impregnated with an impregnating agent—serves as a liquid reservoir for the impregnating agent.

[0033] DRC cellulose in particular is characterized not only by its excellent liquid storage capacity but also by its extraordinary stability when wet.

[0034] The particular advantage of DRC cellulose over airlaid cellulose is that, at only about 1 / 4 the thickness of airlaid cellulose, DRC cellulose is significantly more resilient, particularly by a factor of 2-3. To achieve the same wiping performance (range), wipes made of DRC cellulose can therefore be significantly thinner than wipes made of airlaid cellulose.

[0035] Alternatively, the core layer can also be made of 100% viscose (spunlace material), especially with a basis weight of approximately 100 g / m². As a further alternative, the core layer can also be made of binder-free airlaid cellulose, especially with a basis weight of 135 g / m². As a further alternative, the core layer can also be made of pressed cellulose, especially with a basis weight of 160 g / m².

[0036] The impregnating agent optionally contained in the disposable floor wipe according to the invention preferably contains at least one compound with antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the impregnating agent can contain any of the ingredients found in conventional impregnating agents, in particular water, oil, preservatives, surfactants, emulsifiers, skin-care ingredients, moisturizing ingredients, and any combination thereof.

[0037] Optionally, the disposable floor wipe according to the invention also contains a sensor configured to indicate when the impregnating agent contained in the wipe is no longer sufficient for reliable cleaning. The sensor can, in particular, be a visual sensor that indicates an insufficient impregnating agent content in the floor wipe through a chemical color reaction.

[0038] To remove stubborn soils, the disposable floor wipe according to the invention contains a scratch strip that has increased abrasive properties compared to the cleaning layer. The scratch strip of a disposable floor wipe according to the invention preferably contains at least 50 wt.%, at least 60 wt.%, at least 70 wt.%, at least 80 wt.%, at least 90 wt.%, at least 95 wt.%, or 100 wt.% hemp fibers.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the scratch strip contains at least 50 wt.%, at least 60 wt.%, at least 70 wt.%, at least 80 wt.%, at least 90 wt.% or at least 95 wt.% hemp fibers and, in addition, flax fibers and / or cellulose fibers and / or a mesh material comprising or consisting of pulp and lyocell fibers.

[0040] In every embodiment, the high proportion of hemp in the scratch strip leads to increased abrasiveness compared to the cleaning layer, as the hemp fibers are highly rigid. Equipping the scratch strip with hemp fibers therefore offers two major advantages over the prior art: firstly, the scratch strip in the floor wipe according to the invention is 100% natural and thus environmentally friendly, even as a disposable item. Secondly, the required abrasiveness of the scratch strip is achieved solely through the hemp content. Additional steps, such as those required in the prior art to impart the necessary abrasiveness to a plastic scratch strip by pulling the strip over rollers with needles / bulges, are not required for the scratch strip of a floor wipe according to the invention, which is advantageous both in terms of time and money.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the multi-layer disposable floor wipe according to the invention has the following layers and compositions: Top layer: 100% viscose Cleaning layer: 70% hemp / 30% lyocell Core layer: 100% cellulose Scratch strips: 100% mesh material (pulp / lyocell)

[0042] According to a further preferred embodiment, the multi-layer disposable floor wipe according to the invention has the following layers and compositions: Top layer: 100% viscose Cleaning layer: 30% hemp / 70% viscose Core layer: 100% cellulose Scratch strips: 100% mesh material (pulp / lyocell)

[0043] According to a further preferred embodiment, the multi-layer disposable floor wipe according to the invention has the following layers and compositions: Top layer: 100% viscose Cleaning layer: 70% hemp / 30% viscose Core layer: 100% cellulose Scratch strips: 100% mesh material (pulp / lyocell)

[0044] According to a further preferred embodiment, the multi-layer disposable floor wipe according to the invention has the following layers and compositions: Top layer: 100% viscose Cleaning layer: 100% mesh material (pulp / lyocell) Core layer: 100% cellulose Scratch strips: 70% hemp / 30% lyocell

[0045] According to a further preferred embodiment, the multi-layer disposable floor wipe according to the invention has the following layers and compositions: Top layer: 100% viscose Cleaning layer: 50% hemp / 50% lyocell Core layer: 100% cellulose Scratch strips: 100% mesh material (pulp / lyocell)

[0046] According to a further preferred embodiment, the multi-layer disposable floor wipe according to the invention has the following layers and compositions: Top layer: 100% viscose Cleaning layer: 70% hemp / 30% lyocell Core layer: 100% cellulose Scratch strips: 100% mesh material (pulp / lyocell)

[0047] The invention also relates to a method for producing a multi-layer disposable floor wipe, comprising the steps Providing a cleaning layer and a core layer, wherein both the cleaning layer and the core layer contain cellulose and consist entirely of natural fibers and / or regenerated fibers, wherein a scratch strip with increased abrasive properties compared to the remaining cleaning layer is arranged on or in the cleaning layer, and wherein the scratch strip contains hemp and also consists entirely of natural fibers and / or regenerated fibers; connecting the cleaning layer to the core layer.

[0048] The disposable floor wipe produced by the process according to the invention has the properties disclosed above with reference to the disposable floor wipe according to the invention as such, which is why the preceding description can also be used to further characterize the process. This means, in particular, that the cleaning layer provided in the method according to the invention as well as the core layer and the scratch strip can have the same preferred composition as the cleaning layer, core layer or scratch strip contained in the disposable floor wipe according to the invention; and / or in addition to the core layer and the cleaning layer, an optional cover layer is also provided in the method according to the invention, wherein the cover layer also consists entirely of natural fibers and / or regenerated fibers and is arranged on the side of the core layer facing away from the cleaning layer; and / or in addition to the core layer and the cleaning layer, an optional liquid-impermeable barrier layer is also provided in the method according to the invention, which barrier layer preferably consists of renewable and / or biodegradable raw materials and is arranged on the side of the core layer facing away from the cleaning layer.

[0049] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, the bonding of the cleaning layer and the core layer and optionally the scratch strip as well as optional further layers, in particular the aforementioned cover layer and / or the barrier layer, is carried out by means of micro-entangling by movement generated by means of ultrasound, by treatment by means of electric shocks, by hydroentanglement and / or by needle punching.

[0050] Preferably, the core layer and optionally also other layers of the disposable floor wipe are impregnated with an impregnating agent in the manufacturing process according to the invention.

[0051] The invention also relates to a manual wiping device, comprising a head part movably arranged on a handle, to which the multi-layer disposable floor wipe according to the invention is attached, such that the cleaning layer is in contact with the floor when wiping the floor and the scraper strip is not in contact with the floor when wiping the floor. Since the scraper strip is more abrasive than the cleaning layer, there would be a risk of the floor being scratched during cleaning if the scraper strip were in contact with the floor when wiping. By arranging the scraper strip so that it is not in contact with the floor when wiping, this risk is eliminated. The scraper strip can therefore be used selectively to remove stubborn dirt when necessary by means of a targeted rotating and / or tilting movement of the manual wiping device.

[0052] The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, in the examples and in the claims may be essential both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

Claims

1. Disposable, multi-layer floor sweeping cloth having an abrasive strip, which comprises at least one cleaning layer and one core layer, wherein both the cleaning layer and the core layer contain cellulose and consist entirely of natural fibres and / or regenerated fibres, wherein on top of or in the cleaning layer, a scraping strip having increased abrasive properties in comparison to the rest of the cleaning layer is arranged, characterized in that the scraping strip contains hemp and also consists entirely of natural and / or regenerated fibres.

2. Disposable, multi-layer floor sweeping cloth according to claim 1, characterized by a top layer which also consists entirely of natural fibres and / or regenerated fibres and is arranged on the side of the core layer facing away from the cleaning layer.

3. Disposable, multi-layer floor sweeping cloth according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the natural fibres and / or regenerated fibres contained in the cleaning layer, in the core layer, in the scraping strip and in the optional top layer are selected independently of one another from the group comprising or consisting of viscose fibres, modal fibres, lyocell fibres, cellulose fibres, cupro fibres, cotton fibres, jute fibres, hemp fibres and flax fibres, as well as any mixtures thereof.

4. Disposable, multi-layer floor sweeping cloth according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning layer consists of a mesh material comprising or consisting of pulp and lyocell fibres or comprising or consisting of viscose fibres in combination with hemp fibres and / or flax fibres.

5. Disposable, multi-layer floor sweeping cloth according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the core layer is made from 100% cellulose.

6. Disposable, multi-layer floor sweeping cloth according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scraping strip consists of 100% hemp fibres or, in addition to hemp fibres, contains flax fibres and / or cellulose fibres and / or a mesh material which comprises or consists of pulp and lyocell fibres.

7. Disposable, multi-layer floor sweeping cloth according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning and core layers and the optional top layer are bonded to one another by a treatment using current surges, by hydroentanglement, by needle punching and / or by micro-entangling via movements generated by ultrasound of the fibres contained in the respective layers.

8. Process for production of a disposable, multi-layer floor sweeping cloth according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the steps of - providing a cleaning layer and a core layer, wherein both the cleaning layer and the core layer contain cellulose and consist entirely of natural fibres and / or regenerated fibres, wherein a scraping strip having increased abrasive properties in comparison to the rest of the cleaning layer is arranged on top of or in the cleaning layer, and wherein the scraping strip contains hemp and also consists entirely of natural fibres and / or regenerated fibres; - joining the cleaning layer to the core layer.

9. Process according to claim 8, characterized in that the cleaning layer and the core layer are bonded to one another by a treatment using current surges, by hydroentanglement, by needle punching and / or by micro-entanglement via movements generated by ultrasound of the fibres contained in the respective layers.

10. Manual wiping device comprising a head part movably arranged on a shaft, to which head part the disposable multi-layer floor sweeping cloth according to one of claims 1 to 7 is attached so that the cleaning layer is in contact with the floor and the scraping strip is out of contact with the floor when sweeping the floor.