Systems and methods for applying a composition to a base sheet via a flexible member

Abstract

A system for producing a base sheet is provided. The system includes a surface about which the base sheet is conveyed. The system also includes a composition dispenser positioned adjacent to the surface configured to dispense a sheet enhancing composition. The system also includes a flexible member cantilevered with the composition dispenser and placed in contact with the base sheet such that the sheet enhancing composition is applied to a surface of the flexible member and applied to the base sheet via the flexible member.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR APPLYING A COMPOSITION TO A BASE SHEET VIA A FLEXIBLE MEMBERFIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods applying a coating to a sheet using a flexible member, and more particularly, applying a coating to a base sheet.BACKGROUND

[0002] Many hygiene products, such as tissues, paper towels, bath tissues, or wiper products, can be enhanced with coatings applied to the surface of the hygiene product. For example, such coatings can provide an improved hand feel, resistance to degradation, or a scent that is appealing to a user of the hygiene product. However, conventional means of applying coatings has posed challenges to the industry'.

[0003] For example, conventional coating solutions available commercially, such as die coating, slot coating, notch bar coating, come at an inflated cost and take up a significant footprint in a factory' setting which could otherwise be used for other facilities. This is because there are multiple systems and cost adders within this equipment base that are necessary for the implementation of these types of conventional coating solutions.

[0004] Moreover, conventional coating solutions have limited capabilities in managing the control of dust contamination. In addition, conventional coating solutions may also produce excessive dust which further strains the control of the dust contamination. As a result of the dust buildup, coating applications have been limited in the industry. Attempts to solve these issues with conventional coating solutions have had limited success or required the additional cost and expense of employing additional systems to control the contamination of dust. For example, chemical fume hoods and frequently scheduled cleanings have been needed to address the contamination of dust. In addition, further attempts to apply coatings to surfaces and then transfer the coating to the hygiene products have been challenging due to the consistency of the coating.

[0005] Thus, a need exists to address the aforementioned concerns. In particular, a need exists to provide a means of applying a consistent or continuous coating to a hygiene product that reduces the impact of dust contamination.SUMMARY

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, which may be obvious from the description or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0007] In accordance with one aspect, a system for producing a base sheet is provided. The system includes a surface about which the base sheet is conveyed. The system also includes a composition dispenser positioned adjacent to the surface configured to dispense a sheet enhancing composition. The system also includes a flexible member cantilevered with the composition dispenser and placed in contact with the base sheet such that the sheet enhancing composition is applied to a surface of the flexible member and applied to the base sheet via the flexible member.

[0008] In one embodiment of the system, the base sheet includes a tissue product.

[0009] In another embodiment of the system, the flexible member includes a curvature due to being cantilevered with the composition dispenser and placed in contact with the base sheet.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the system, the flexible member includes a thickness ranging from about 0.025 mm to about 0. 15 mm.

[0011] In an additional embodiment of the system, the flexible member includes a polymer film.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the system, the surface defines a perimeter where the base sheet is deflected off a pathway that is tangential with the perimeter of the surface due to being contacted by the flexible member.

[0013] In still another embodiment the system further includes a laminator and a rewinder where the composition dispenser and the flexible member are positioned downstream of the laminator and upstream of the rewinder.

[0014] In yet a further embodiment of the system, the surface includes a roller.

[0015] In still a further embodiment the system further includes a collection device positioned to catch the sheet enhancing composition dispensed from the composition dispenser that is not applied to the base sheet where the collection device includes a drag conveyor and a collection bin downstream of the drag conveyor.

[0016] In another embodiment, the flexible member includes a leading edge and a trailing edge where the leading edge extends from the composition dispenser, and the flexible member contacts the sheet between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect, a method for producing a base sheet is provided. The method includes conveying the base sheet about a surface that is adjacent to acomposition dispenser having a flexible member cantilevered from the composition dispenser. The method also includes placing the flexible member in contact with the base sheet. The method also includes dispensing a sheet enhancing composition from the composition dispenser onto a surface of the flexible member such that the sheet enhancing composition is applied to the base sheet via the flexible member.

[0018] In one embodiment of the method, the sheet enhancing composition includes a silicone.

[0019] In another embodiment of the method, the base sheet includes raised portions where the sheet enhancing composition is applied to raised portions of the base sheet.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the method, the contact between the flexible member and the base sheet defines a length where the length ranges from about 1 cm to about 8 cm.

[0021] In an additional embodiment of the method, after the sheet enhancing composition is applied to the base sheet, the basis weight of the base sheet increases by a basis weight less than about 10 gsm.

[0022] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 provides a diagram of a system for producing a base sheet;

[0025] FIG. 2 provides a magnified view' of a composition dispenser for dispensing a sheet enhancing composition onto a base sheet;

[0026] FIG. 3 provides a top plan view of the sheet enhancing composition dispensed onto a base sheet; and

[0027] FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram of a method for producing a base sheet.

[0028] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] It is to be understood by one of ordinary' skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,’" “the,"’ and “said’' are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a ten percent (10%) margin.

[0031] Generally speaking, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for producing a base sheet. Specifically, the systems and methods may produce a base sheet of a hygiene product coated with a sheet enhancing composition that may, among other things, enhance the feel of the resultant hygiene product. As described, the system for producing an hygiene product include a surface about which the base sheet is conveyed. The system also includes a composition dispenser positioned adjacent to the surface configured to dispense a sheet enhancing composition. The system also includes a flexible member cantilevered with the composition dispenser and placed in contact with the base sheet. By placing the flexible member in contact with the base sheet the sheet enhancing composition is applied to a surface of the flexible member and applied to the base sheet via the flexible member. Consequently, a base sheet is provided having a sheet enhancing composition dispensed on its surface.

[0032] Thus, multiple benefits may be provided by the presently disclosed systems and methods. For example, by placing the flexible member in contact with the base sheet, a controlled amount of a composition may be applied to the base sheet. Specifically, a reduced amount of a composition may be applied that otherwise may not have been feasible with conventional means. As a result, hygiene products may be provided that have a unique feel due to providing controlled amounts of composition coatings on the hygiene product. Further, because the amount of composition can be better controlled, dust waste may be reduced.

[0033] In addition, by utilizing a flexible member, dust created during the application of a sheet enhancing composition to the base sheet is reduced or eliminated. Moreover,because the flexible member is utilized, any dust waste found within the system may be more easily captured and removed than previously was possible. Thus, a base sheet may be provided that has a controlled amount of composition applied to its surface with reduced dust contamination.

[0034] The present disclosure may be understood with greater detail with reference to the figures. In particular, referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1-2 provide a system for producing a base sheet according to the present disclosure. As shown, the system 100 includes a surface 102 about which the sheet 104 of the hygiene product is conveyed, a composition dispenser 106 positioned adjacent to the surface 102, and a flexible member 108 cantilevered with the composition dispenser 106 and placed in contact with the sheet 104.

[0035] As described, the sheet 104 may be a sheet of a hygiene product. In an exemplary embodiment, the sheet 104 may be a tissue product, such as a bath tissue or hand tissue. The sheet 104 may also be a paper tow el or a wiper product. The sheet 104 may have one layer or multiple layers. In addition, the sheet 104 may be formed by any process capable of forming a sheet. For example, the sheet 104 can be produced via creping, wet creping, double creping, embossing, wet pressing, air pressing, through-air drying, creped through-air drying, uncreped through-air drying, hydroentangling, air laying, as well as other processes known in the art.

[0036] If the sheet 104 is a sheet of a tissue product, the sheet 104 may be formed from a fiber furnish containing pulp fibers in an amount of at least about 50% by weight, such as at least about 60% by weight, such as at least about 70% by weight, such as at least about 80% by weight, such as at least about 90% by w eight, such as 100% by weight. In addition, the tissue product can also be formed without a substantial amount of inner fiber-to-fiber bond strength. In this regard, the fiber furnish used to form the tissue product can be treated with a chemical debonding agent. The debonding agent can be added to the fiber slurry during the pulping process or can be added directly to the headbox. Suitable debonding agents that may be used in the present disclosure include cationic debonding agents such as fatty dialkyl quaternary amine salts, mono fatty’ alkyl tertiary’ amine salts, primary amine salts, imidazoline quaternary salts, silicone quaternary salt and unsaturated fatty alky l amine salts. Other suitable debonding agents are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,665 to Kaun which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, Kaun discloses the use of cationic silicone compositions as debonding agents.

[0037] Fibers suitable for making tissue products comprise any natural or synthetic cellulosic fibers including, but not limited to nonwoody fibers, such as cotton, abaca, kenaf, sabai grass, flax, esparto grass, straw, jute hemp, bagasse, milkweed floss fibers, and pineapple leaf fibers; and woody or pulp fibers such as those obtained from deciduous and coniferous trees, including softwood fibers, such as northern and southern softwood kraft fibers; hardwood fibers, such as eucalyptus, maple, birch, and aspen. Pulp fibers can be prepared in high-yield or low-yield forms and can be pulped in any known method, including kraft, sulfite, high-yield pulping methods and other known pulping methods. Fibers prepared from organosolv pulping methods can also be used, including the fibers and methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,898, issued Dec. 27, 1988, to Laamanen et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,594,130, issued Jun. 10, 1986, to Chang et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,585,104. Useful fibers can also be produced by anthraquinone pulping, exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,628 issued Jan. 21, 1997, to Gordon et al.

[0038] A portion of the fibers, such as up to 50% or less by dry' weight, or from about 5% to about 30% by dry weight, can be synthetic fibers such as rayon, polyolefin fibers, polyester fibers, bicomponent sheath-core fibers, multi-component binder fibers, and the like. An exemplary' polyethylene fiber is Pulpex®, available from Hercules, Inc. (Wilmington, Del.). Any knowm bleaching method can be used. Synthetic cellulose fiber ty pes include rayon in all its varieties and other fibers derived from viscose or chemically modified cellulose.

[0039] Chemically treated natural cellulosic fibers can be used such as mercerized pulps, chemically7stiffened or crosslinked fibers, or sulfonated fibers. For good mechanical properties in using papermaking fibers, it can be desirable that the fibers be relatively undamaged and largely unrefined or only lightly refined. While recycled fibers can be used, virgin fibers are generally useful for their mechanical properties and lack of contaminants. Mercerized fibers, regenerated cellulosic fibers, cellulose produced by microbes, rayon, and other cellulosic material or cellulosic derivatives can be used. Suitable papermaking fibers can also include recycled fibers, virgin fibers, or mixes thereof. In certain embodiments capable of high bulk and good compressive properties, the fibers can have a Canadian Standard Freeness of at least 200, more specifically at least 300, more specifically still at least 400, and most specifically at least 500.

[0040] Other papermaking fibers that can be used in the present disclosure include paper broke or recycled fibers and high yield fibers. High yield pulp fibers are those papermaking fibers produced by pulping processes providing a yield of about 65% or greater, morespecifically about 75% or greater, and still more specifically about 75% to about 95%. Yield is the resulting amount of processed fibers expressed as a percentage of the initial wood mass. Such pulping processes include bleached chemithermomechanical pulp (BCTMP), chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP), pressure / pressure thermomechanical pulp (PTMP), thermomechanical pulp (TMP), thermomechanical chemical pulp (TMCP), high yield sulfite pulps, and high yield Kraft pulps, all of which leave the resulting fibers with high levels of lignin. High yield fibers are well known for their stiffness in both dry and wet states relative to typical chemically pulped fibers.

[0041] In an embodiment, the surface 102 may be a roller, such as a driven roller or an idler roller, around which the sheet 104 may be conveyed. By requiring that the surface 102 is a roller, the flexible member 108 may be able to apply pressure to the sheet 104 with a lesser possibility of tearing or fracturing the sheet 104 (See FIG. 2). In addition, the reduced pressure may also reduce the amount of dust that is created when applying a composition to the sheet 104.

[0042] The composition dispenser 106 may be a rigid extrusion device which acts a rigid structure from which the flexible member 108 can protrude. The composition dispenser 106 may be configured to extrude or dispense a sheet enhancing composition 107 such as a friction reducing composition such as a silicone. For example, the composition dispenser 106 may have one or more opening(s) 110 from which a sheet enhancing composition 107 is extruded or dispensed. As described, the term "silicone" includes a wide range of products having chains of silicon atoms as their core structure such as poly siloxanes, polydimethylsiloxanes, or polydiorganosiloxanes. Polysiloxanes may include Suitable amine, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, poly ether, polyethylene oxide, and polypropylene oxide derivatized silicones, such as aminopolydialkylsiloxanes. In addition, the silicones may be hydrophobic and can be obtained as neat fluids, organic solvent solutions, or as water emulsions. These emulsions can have a positive, neutral, or negative charge. Application of any of the sheet enhancing compositions 107 to the sheet 104 may provide the sheet 104 with a reduced friction, an enhanced hand feel, and / or provide skin health benefits to a consumer of the resultant hygiene product. In addition to the friction reducing composition, the composition dispenser may also be configured to dispense a lotion or a skin health enhancing composition. Components within any of the compositions may include a silicone, vitamin e, an aloe vera extract, a polyolefin, a lavender extract, a witch hazel extract, a blended wax, an alcohol, or a mineral oil.

[0043] As aforementioned, the flexible member 108 is cantilevered with the composition dispenser 106. For example, the flexible member 108 may be placed between two edges 112, 114 of the composition dispenser 106. The length LI between the two edges 112, 114 may be adjustable such that the flexible member 108 may be locked into the composition dispenser 106 and removed from the composition dispenser 106 by adjusting the distance between the two edges 112, 114. Thus, by cantilevering the flexible member 108 with the composition dispenser 106 in such a manner, the opening(s) 110 may be positioned directly adjacent to the flexible member 108. By keeping the opening(s) 110 and the flexible member 108 in such close proximity, transfer of the sheet enhancing composition 107 may be better facilitated.

[0044] The flexible member 108 may define a leading edge 109 and a trailing edge 111. The leading edge 109 may extend from the composition dispenser 106 to the trailing edge 111 that is in contact with the sheet 104. For example, the trailing edge 111 may be in contact with the sheet 104 and extend beyond an initial point of contact with the sheet 104. Thus, the initial point of contact or entire point of contact between the sheet 104 and the flexible member 108 may be in between the leading edge 109 and the trailing edge 111. By configuring the trailing edge 111 to extend beyond an initial point of contact with the sheet 104, consistent contact may be maintained between the flexible member 108 and the sheet 104. In addition, such contact may enable consistent application of the sheet enhancing composition 107 to the sheet 104. Specifically, by having the initial point of contact or the entire point of contact with the sheet 104 be between the leading edge 109 and the trailing edge 111, the sheet enhancing composition 107 may be applied between the leading edge 109 and the trailing edge 111 such that the sheet enhancing composition 107 is consistently applied to the sheet 104.

[0045] The flexible member 108 may define a curvature 116 due to being cantilevered with the composition dispenser 106 and placed in contact with the sheet 104. For example, the curvature 116 may define an arc having an angle. The angle may range from about 90° to about 170°, such as about 100° to about 160°, such as 110° to about 150°. By requiring that the flexible member 108 define such a curvature 116, a sufficient amount of pressure may be applied to the sheet 104 to facilitate the application of the sheet enhancing composition 107 to the sheet 104. Moreover, by requiring that the flexible member 108 be flexible and define a curvature, the pressure applied by the flexible member 108 may be low enough such that dust is reduced or not created by the contact of the flexible member 108 with the sheet 104.

[0046] In addition, the contact between the flexible member 108 and the sheet 104 may define a length L2. For example, the length may range from about 0.5 cm to about 10 cm, such as about 0.75 cm to about 9 cm, such as about 1 cm to about 8 cm. By requiring a specific length of contact between the flexible member 108 and the sheet 104, the flexible member 108 may provide a sufficient surface area of transfer for the sheet enhancing composition 107 to the sheet 104.

[0047] Specifically, due to the pressure applied from the flexible member 108 to the sheet 104, the sheet 104 may be deflected. More specifically, the surface 102, (e.g., the roller) may define a perimeter 118, and the sheet 104 may be deflected off a pathway 120 that is tangential with the perimeter 118 of the surface 102 due to being contacted by the flexible member 108. For example, the deflection off the pathway 120 may define a length L3. The length L3 may range from about 1 cm to about 10 cm. such as about 2 cm to about 9 cm, such as about 3 cm to about 7 cm. Such deflection may indicate that a sufficient amount of pressure is being applied to the sheet 104 by the flexible member 108 to optimize the application of the sheet enhancing composition 107 to the sheet 104. The deflection may also indicate that the pressure is not large enough to where dust is created or dust creation is reduced due to the flexible member 108 contacting the sheet 104.

[0048] In addition, due to the pressure, the flexible member 108 may consistently or always maintain contact with the sheet 104. As a result, the composition 106 dispensed by the composition dispenser may be consistently applied to the sheet 104 thereby reducing or eliminating any waste of the composition 106.

[0049] In addition, the flexible member 108 may define a certain thickness T. The thickness may range from about 0.01 mm to about 0.2 mm, such as about 0.0175 mm to about 0. 175 mm. such as about 0.025 mm to about 0. 15 mm. By having the flexible member 108 have the thickness T, the flexible member 108 may be better able to facilitate the application of the sheet enhancing composition 107 to the sheet 104. For example, the thickness T may enable the flexible member 108 to define the arc angle or deflect the sheet 104 as described herein.

[0050] The flexible member 108 may also be formed from a polymer film. In an embodiment, the polymer film may be a polyester film. In a further embodiment, the polyester film may be biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (i.e., Mylar®). By requiring that the flexible member 108 be a polymer film as described, the flexible member 108 may provide also be able to enhance the transfer of the sheet enhancing composition 107 to the sheet 104. For example, in addition to enabling arc angles and deflections asdescribed herein, the polymer film may be less likely to retain the sheet enhancing composition 107 on its surface, and instead, transfer the sheet enhancing composition 107 to the sheet 104.

[0051] In an embodiment, the composition dispenser 106 and the flexible member 108 may be located dow nstream of a laminator 122 and upstream a rewinder 124 (See FIG. 1). As described, the term “laminator” refers to an apparatus that either places a laminated layer around the sheet 104 or an apparatus which binds multiple layers together to form the sheet 104. If a laminated layer is applied, the laminated layer may include a polyolefin layer such as a polyethylene layer. In addition, as described, the term “rewinder” refers to an apparatus that winds the sheet 104 into a roll 126. The rewinder 124 may w ind the sheet 104 into the roll 126 after the sheet 104 has been previously unwound or the rewinder 124 may be the first instance in which the sheet 104 is wound into a roll 126.

[0052] By requiring that the composition dispenser 106 and the flexible member 108 be located downstream of a laminator 122 and upstream a rewinder 124, the sheet enhancing coating may be applied to one side or multiple sides of the sheet 104. For example, one composition dispenser 106 may be provided to apply a sheet enhancing composition 107 to one side of the sheet 104. Further, multiple composition dispensers 106 may be provided to apply the sheet enhancing composition 107 to multiple sides of the sheet 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a composition dispenser 106 may be positioned to apply a sheet enhancing composition 107 to one side of the sheet 104, and another composition dispenser 106 may be positioned to apply sheet enhancing composition 107 to the opposite side of the sheet 104. Accordingly, multiple composition dispensers 106 may be positioned betw een the laminator 122 and the rewinder 124 to coat either one side of the sheet 104 or both sides of the sheet 104.

[0053] In the event debris is created as a result of applying the sheet enhancing composition 107 to the sheet, a collection device 128 or multiple collection devices 128 may be provided to collect the debris. In an embodiment, the collection device 128 may be a drag conveyor and a collection bin positioned downstream of the drag conveyor. The drag conveyor may capture any loose debris and transfer said debris to the collection bin.

[0054] As described, the term “debris” may include sheet enhancing composition 107 that is not applied to the sheet 104 or dust that enters and exits from the system 100. To catch the debris, the collection device 128 may be positioned to catch the debris, such as the sheet enhancing composition 107 dispensed from the composition dispenser that is not applied to the base sheet. For example, the collection device 128 may be positioned beneaththe point at which the flexible member 108 contacts the sheet 104 as it travels about the surface 102.

[0055] As described, the collection device 128 may also capture any dispensed sheet enhancing composition 107 that is not applied to the sheet 104. For example, if a process fault occurs, such as the sheet 104 rupturing during processing, the collection device 128 may capture any dispensed sheet enhancing composition 107 that otherwise would have been applied to the surface 102.

[0056] The collection device 128 may also include systems which interact with the surface 102 to prevent any further waste of dispensed sheet enhancing composition 107, such as when the sheet 104 ruptures. For example, the collection device 128 may include brakes that stall the surface 102 (i.e., a roller) to prevent the slinging of sheet enhancing composition 107 that would have otherwise occurred if the sheet enhancing composition 107 was applied to a moving surface 102.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 3, a top plan view of the sheet enhancing composition dispensed onto a base sheet is provided according to the present disclosure. As shown, the sheet 104 includes raised portions 130 that extend from the sheet 104. In addition, as shown, the sheet enhancing composition 107 is applied to the raised portions 130 of the sheet 104. In an embodiment, the sheet enhancing composition 107 is applied to the raised portions 130, while other portions of the sheet 104 are not coated with the sheet enhancing composition 107. Coating the raised portions 130 with the sheet enhancing composition 107, may provide the sheet 104 with a unique hand feel. In addition, by utilizing the composition dispenser 106 and the flexible member 108 as described, it is possible to coat the raised portions 130 as shown. Further, in an embodiment, the composition dispenser 106 and the flexible member 108 enable only the raised portions 130 to be coated.

[0058] Coating the sheet 104 with the sheet enhancing composition 107 may also change the basis weight product provided may change. For example, the basis weight of the resultant hygiene product may increase by a basis weight an amount greater than about 1 gsm, such as greater than about 1.5 gsm, such as greater than about 2 gsm. The basis weight of the resultant hygiene product may also increase by less than about 10 gsm, such as less than about 9 gsm, such as less than about 8 gsm. This reduced change in basis weight is achievable through the use of the composition dispenser 106 and the flexible member 108.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 4, a flow diagram of a method for producing a base sheet is presented according to the present disclosure. The method 200 may be performed through the use of any of the components described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. Though FIG. 4depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that various steps of method 200 or any of the methods disclosed herein, may be adapted, modified, rearranged, performed simultaneously, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] As illustrated at step 202, the method 200 includes conveying the base sheet about a surface that is adjacent to a composition dispenser having a flexible member cantilevered from the composition dispenser. As illustrated at step 204, the method 200 includes placing the flexible member in contact with the base sheet. As illustrated at step 206, the method 200 includes dispensing a sheet enhancing composition from the composition dispenser onto a surface of the flexible member such that the sheet enhancing composition is applied to the base sheet via the flexible member. Thus, as shown, through implementing the method 200, a sheet, such as sheet 104, may be provided that has improved abrasion resistance, a unique hand feel, and / or skin enhancing benefits due to the application of the sheet enhancing composition.

[0061] These and other modifications and variations to the present disclosure may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in w hole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary’ skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the disclosure so further described in such appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A system for producing a base sheet, the system comprising: a surface about which the base sheet is conveyed; a composition dispenser positioned adjacent to the surface configured to dispense a sheet enhancing composition; and a flexible member cantilevered with the composition dispenser and placed in contact with the base sheet such that the sheet enhancing composition is applied to a surface of the flexible member and applied to the base sheet via the flexible member.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the base sheet comprises a tissue product.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible member comprises a curvature due to being cantilevered with the composition dispenser and placed in contact with the base sheet.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible member comprises a thickness ranging from about 0.025 mm to about 0. 15 mm.

5. The system of claim 1. wherein the flexible member comprises a polymer film.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the surface defines a perimeter, wherein the base sheet is deflected off a pathway that is tangential with the perimeter of the surface due to being contacted by the flexible member.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a laminator; and a rewinder, wherein the composition dispenser and the flexible member are positioned downstream of the laminator and upstream of the rewinder.

8. The system of claim 1. wherein the surface comprises a roller.

9. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a collection device positioned to catch the sheet enhancing composition dispensed from the composition dispenser that is not applied to the base sheet, wherein the collection device comprises a drag conveyor and a collection bin downstream of the drag conveyor.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible member comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein the leading edge extends from the composition dispenser, wherein the flexible member contacts the sheet between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

11. A method for producing a base sheet, the method comprising:conveying the base sheet about a surface that is adjacent to a composition dispenser having a flexible member cantilevered from the composition dispenser; placing the flexible member in contact with the base sheet; dispensing a sheet enhancing composition from the composition dispenser onto a surface of the flexible member such that the sheet enhancing composition is applied to the base sheet via the flexible member.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the base sheet comprises a tissue product.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the flexible member comprises a curvature due to being cantilevered with the composition dispenser and placed in contact with the base sheet.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the flexible member comprises a thickness ranging from about 0.025 mm to about 0. 15 mm.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the flexible member comprises a polymer film.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the surface defines a perimeter, wherein the base sheet is deflected off a pathway that is tangential with the perimeter of the surface due to being contacted by the flexible member.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the sheet enhancing composition comprises a silicone.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the base sheet comprises raised portions, wherein the sheet enhancing composition is applied to raised portions of the base sheet.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the contact between the flexible member and the base sheet defines a length, wherein the length ranges from about 1 cm to about 8 cm.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein after the sheet enhancing composition is applied to the base sheet, the basis weight of the base sheet increases by a basis weight less than about 10 gsm.

21. The method of claim 11 further comprising: positioning a collection device with the base sheet and the composition dispenser; and catching the sheet enhancing composition dispensed from the composition dispenser that is not applied to the base sheet, wherein the collection device comprises a drag conveyor and a collection bin downstream of the drag conveyor.

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