A web-shaped absorbent material, a roll, and a dispenser

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a web-shaped absorbent material (1) for a dispenser (100), the web-shaped absorbent material (1) having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse extension along a transverse direction (W) being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the web-shaped absorbent material (1) has a first stretch capacity (MDstr) in the longitudinal direction (L) and a second stretch capacity (CDstr) in the transverse direction (W), and wherein a stretch ratio between the first stretch capacity (MDstr) and the second stretch capacity (CDstr) is in a range of 3.0-4.0. The disclosure also relates to a roll (10) and to a dispenser (100).

Description

[0001] 269951

[0002] A WEB-SHAPED ABSORBENT MATERIAL, A ROLL, AND A DISPENSER

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The disclosure relates to a web-shaped absorbent material for a dispenser. The disclosure also relates to a roll of web-shaped absorbent material and a dispenser for dispensing web-shaped absorbent material.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Dispensers for dispensing web-shaped tissue material for wiping or cleaning purposes are widely used. Web-shaped tissue material, or web-shaped absorbent material, such as paper tissue material or nonwoven material come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

[0007] Typically, the web-shaped absorbent material may be provided in the form of a folded stack or in the form of a roll.

[0008] For example, for some applications, it is desired to provide the web-shaped absorbent material in the form of a centrefeed roll, i.e. a roll where it is intended to feed the webshaped absorbent material from the centre of the roll, by pulling the web-shaped absorbent material in a direction at least partly parallel to the roll centre axis.

[0009] For example, for some applications, it is desired to provide the web-shaped absorbent material in the form of a roll where it is intended to feed the web-shaped absorbent material from an outer periphery of the roll, by pulling the web-shaped absorbent material in a tangential direction of the roll at least partly perpendicular to the roll centre axis.

[0010] The web-shaped absorbent material may for example be perforated web-shaped absorbent material, where perforation lines may be arranged transverse the length of the web to divide the web-shaped material into individual products, or sheets.

[0011] Dispensers for dispensing perforated web-shaped absorbent materials may be provided with a dispensing element, e.g. an opening, such as a nozzle, through which the webshaped absorbent material is configured to be dispensed.By way of example, for e.g. efficiency and convenience, when dispensing the web-shaped absorbent material from the dispenser through an opening, it may be desired that sheets of the web-shaped absorbent material are separated one by one.

[0012] As another example, for e.g. efficiency and convenience, when dispensing the webshaped absorbent material from the dispenser through an opening and after separation of at least one sheet from the web-shaped absorbent material, it may be desired that a sheet-tail is accessible and extends out from the dispenser opening such that a user can grab and pull out a new sheet thereafter.

[0013] In view of the above, there is a strive to develop improved technology relating to webshaped absorbent material and / or dispensers.

[0014] SUMMARY

[0015] An object of the disclosure is to provide a solution which fulfils one or more of the above-mentioned needs, and / or which at least provides a suitable alternative.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a web-shaped absorbent material according to claim 1 is provided.

[0017] Thus, a web-shaped absorbent material for a dispenser is provided, the web-shaped absorbent material having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal direction and a transverse extension along a transverse direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,

[0018] wherein the web-shaped absorbent material has a first stretch capacity in the longitudinal direction and a second stretch capacity in the transverse direction, and wherein a stretch ratio between the first stretch capacity and the second stretch capacity is in a range of 3.0-4.0.

[0019] By the provision of a web-shaped absorbent material as disclosed herein, an improved web-shaped absorbent material is achieved which is appropriately adapted for improving dispensing of the web-shaped absorbent material from the dispenser. By way of example, it has been realized that the stretch ratio of the stretch capacities in the different directions as disclosed herein results in improved separation of sheets of the web-shaped absorbent material. In particular, it has been realized that one-by-one separation of individual sheetswill occur more frequently during dispensing when the stretch ratio fulfils the range as disclosed herein. During dispensing through an opening of the dispenser, such as through a nozzle, the web-shaped absorbent material may be compressed and / or twisted when pulled through the opening. By configuring the web-shaped absorbent material according to the herein disclosed stretch ratio, separation of individual sheets has been found to occur more frequently. For example, it has been realized that when the stretch ratio is outside the herein defined range, such as below the range, a higher degree of multi-sheet dispensing will occur. More specifically, when being below the range, sheets will be separated more frequently such that a user will receive two or more connected sheets in one dispensing action. This may result in reduced unnecessary waste of the web-shaped absorbent material. A similar effect has been found when the stretch ratio is above the herein disclosed range. As another example, by configuring the web-shaped absorbent material as disclosed herein, such as with the herein disclosed stretch ratio, a length of a sheet tail extending out from the dispenser opening after dispensing has been found to be long enough for a user in order to grab the web-shaped absorbent material for performing a new dispensing action.

[0020] A stretch capacity as disclosed herein means a stretch to break capacity, i.e. , how much the web-shaped absorbent material can be stretched in a specific direction until it breaks. The stretch capacity may be expressed in percentage. For example, for a web-shaped absorbent material with a given length, as measured in a specific direction, it may be determined how much the material can be stretched in respect of the given length in the same direction until it breaks. The stretch capacity is herein defined according to the standard ISO 12625-4:2016.

[0021] Optionally, the stretch ratio between the first stretch capacity and the second stretch capacity is in the range of 3.2-4.0, such as 3.2-3.8, 3.4-3.8, 3.5-3.7, or 3.55-3.65.

[0022] Optionally, the first stretch capacity is in a range of 15.0-18.0 %, such as 15.0-17.0 %, or 15.5-16.5 %. It has further been realized that the herein disclosed range of the first stretch capacity may result in improved dispensing, e.g., resulting in more frequent one-by one separation of individual sheets and / or in an appropriately long sheet tail after dispensing.

[0023] Optionally, the second stretch capacity is in a range of 4.00-4.80 %, such as 4.00-4.50 %, or 4.20-4.50 %. It has further been realized that the herein disclosed range of the secondstretch capacity may result in improved dispensing, e.g., resulting in more frequent one-by one separation of individual sheets and / or in an appropriately long sheet tail after dispensing.

[0024] Optionally, the web-shaped absorbent material has a first tensile strength in the longitudinal direction and a second tensile strength in the transverse direction, wherein a strength ratio between the first tensile strength and the second tensile strength is in a range of 1.8-2.0. It has additionally been realized that configuring the web-shaped absorbent material with the herein disclosed strength ratio, further improved dispensing may be achieved, e.g., resulting in more frequent one-by-one separation of individual sheets and / or in an appropriately long sheet tail after dispensing. Tensile strength of the web-shaped absorbent material is herein defined according to ISO 12625-4:2016, and may be expressed in N / m.

[0025] Optionally, the strength ratio between the first tensile strength and the second tensile strength is in the range of 1.85-1.95, such as 1.90.

[0026] Optionally, the first tensile strength is in a range of 230-290 N / m, such as 250-280 N / m or 260-270 N / m. It has further been realized that the herein disclosed range of the first tensile strength may result in improved dispensing, e.g., resulting in more frequent one-by-one separation of individual sheets and / or in an appropriately long sheet tail after dispensing.

[0027] Optionally, the second tensile strength is in a range of 100-150 N / m, such as 120-150 N / m, 130-150 N / m, or 135-145 N / m. It has further been realized that the herein disclosed range of the second tensile strength may result in improved dispensing, e.g., resulting in more frequent one-by-one separation of individual sheets and / or in an appropriately long sheet tail after dispensing.

[0028] Optionally, the web-shaped absorbent material has a basis weight per ply in a range of 16.0-17.0 g / m2. The herein disclosed range of the basis weight per ply may result in improved dispensing, e.g., resulting in more frequent one-by one separation of individual sheets and / or in an appropriately long sheet tail after dispensing. Basis weight per ply is herein defined according to the standard ISO 12625-6:2016.Optionally, the web-shaped absorbent material comprises a plurality of substantially transverse tear lines distributed one after the other along the longitudinal extension of the web-shaped absorbent material, defining a plurality of connected sheets, wherein each transverse tear line is a weakened section of the web-shaped absorbent material with an extension in the transverse direction. By the herein disclosed web-shaped absorbent material, sheets will more frequently be separated one-by-one at the transverse tear lines. Still optionally, at least one of the transverse tear lines, such a plurality of the transverse tear lines, or each one of the transverse tear lines, may be configured such that a pull force in the longitudinal direction required to break the web-shaped absorbent material at the respective transverse tear line is in a range of 6.0-9.0 N, such as 7.0-8.0 N, for example 7.2-7.8 N. The pull force may be an average force as measured over a plurality of consecutive dispensing actions.

[0029] Optionally, a ratio between a transverse length, as measured in the transverse direction, and a longitudinal length, as measured in the longitudinal direction, of each sheet is in a range of 0.45-1 , such as 0.5-0.65. It has further been realized that the length ratio as disclosed herein, in combination with at least one of the other herein disclosed ratios, such as in combination with the stretch ratio, may result in improved dispensing, e.g., resulting in more frequent one-by-one separation of individual sheets and / or in an appropriately long sheet tail after dispensing.

[0030] Optionally, a transverse length of the web-shaped absorbent material, as measured in the transverse direction, is in a range of 125-180 mm. The herein disclosed range of the transverse length may result in improved dispensing, e.g., resulting in more frequent one-by-one separation of individual sheets and / or in an appropriately long sheet tail after dispensing.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a roll according to claim 13 is provided.

[0032] Thus, a roll of web-shaped absorbent material according to any example of the first aspect is provided, wherein the web-shaped absorbent material is rolled such that the longitudinal direction of the web-shaped absorbent material corresponds to a tangential direction of the roll. The roll may be adapted for feeding the web-shaped absorbent material from a centre of the roll and / or for feeding the web-shaped absorbent material from an outer periphery of the roll. Advantages and technical benefits of the secondaspect of the disclosure are analogous to the advantages and technical benefits of the first aspect of the disclosure, and vice versa.

[0033] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, a dispenser according to claim 14 is provided.

[0034] Thus, a dispenser for dispensing web-shaped absorbent material is provided, the dispenser comprising a storage compartment configured to store the web-shaped absorbent material and an opening configured to dispense the web-shaped absorbent material from the storage compartment to an outside of the dispenser, wherein the dispenser further comprises the web-shaped absorbent material according to any example of the first aspect of the disclosure or the roll according to any example of the second aspect of the disclosure, and wherein the web-shaped absorbent material or roll is provided in the storage compartment. Advantages and technical benefits of the third aspect of the disclosure are analogous to the advantages and technical benefits of the first and second aspects of the disclosure, and vice versa.

[0035] Optionally, the opening is a nozzle opening. It has been realized that dispensing of the herein disclosed web-shaped absorbent material through a nozzle may result in improved dispensing, e.g., resulting in more frequent one-by-one separation of individual sheets and / or in an appropriately long sheet tail after dispensing.

[0036] Optionally, the nozzle opening has a smallest opening diameter, as measured perpendicular to a dispensing direction, which is in the range of 5-15 mm, such as 5-10 mm or 6-9 mm. The herein disclosed web-shaped absorbent material in combination with a nozzle with a smallest diameter as disclosed herein may result in improved dispensing, e.g., resulting in more frequent one-by-one separation of individual sheets and / or in an appropriately long sheet tail after dispensing.

[0037] Optionally, when dispensing the web-shaped absorbent material during a plurality of consecutive dispensing actions, sheets are separated from the web-shaped absorbent material such that only one single sheet, i.e. , a single individual sheet, is separated during at least 85 %, at least 90 %, at least 95 %, or at least 99 %, of the dispensing actions of the plurality of consecutive dispensing actions. In some examples, the plurality of consecutive dispensing actions corresponds to at least 10 consecutive dispensingactions, such as at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 consecutive dispensing actions.

[0038] Optionally, when dispensing the web-shaped absorbent material, sheets are separated such that a sheet tail extending from the opening is generated after each separation, wherein, for at least 75 % of the times sheets are separated, the sheet tail after each separation has a length in a range of 21-50 mm, as measured along the longitudinal direction of the web-shaped absorbent material from an end of the opening to an outer end of the sheet tail. In some examples, dispensing the web-shaped absorbent material is conducted such that sheets are separated at least 10 times, 20 times, 30 times, 40 times, 50 times, 60 times, 70 times, 80 times, 90 times, or 100 times, wherein, for at least 75 % of the times sheets are separated, the sheet tail after each separation has a length in a range of 21-50 mm, as measured along the longitudinal direction of the web-shaped absorbent material from an end of the opening to an outer end of the sheet tail.

[0039] Further advantages and advantageous features of the disclosure are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure cited as examples.

[0042] In the drawings:

[0043] Fig. 1 is a web-shaped absorbent material in a schematic view according to an example of the disclosure,

[0044] FIG. 2a is a roll in a schematic view according to an example of the disclosure,

[0045] FIG 2b is a roll in a schematic view according to an example of the disclosure,

[0046] FIG. 3 is a dispenser in a perspective view according to an example of the disclosure,FIG. 4 is a dispenser opening in a perspective view according to an example of the disclosure, and

[0047] FIG. 5 is a dispenser opening in a schematic view according to an example of the disclosure.

[0048] The drawings show schematic non-limiting examples of the present disclosure and are thus not necessarily drawn to scale. It shall be understood that the examples shown and described are exemplifying and that the invention is not limited to these examples. It shall also be noted that some details in the drawings may be exaggerated in order to better describe and illustrate the disclosure. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout the description, unless expressed otherwise. Some reference characters may in some of the figures be omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0050] Examples herein relate to an improved web-shaped absorbent material which is appropriately adapted for improving dispensing of the web-shaped absorbent material from a dispenser. By way of example, when dispensing a web-shaped absorbent material from a dispenser through an opening, such as through a nozzle, it may be desired that sheets of the web-shaped absorbent material are separated one by one. As another example, when dispensing the web-shaped absorbent material from the dispenser through an opening and after separation of at least one sheet from the web-shaped absorbent material, it may be desired that a sheet-tail is accessible and extends out from the dispenser opening such that a user can grab and pull out a new sheet thereafter. At least one of the aforementioned aims may be at least partly achieved by the herein disclosed web-shaped absorbent material, roll, and / or dispenser configuration.

[0051] During dispensing through an opening of the dispenser, such as through a nozzle, the web-shaped absorbent material may be compressed and / or twisted when pulled through the opening. By configuring the web-shaped absorbent material according to examples disclosed herein, separation of individual sheets has been found to occur more frequently. For example, it has been realized that when the stretch ratio fulfils the herein defined range, a lower degree of multi-sheet dispensing will occur. More specifically, whenfulfilling the range, sheets will be separated one-by-one more frequently. This may result in reduced unnecessary waste of the web-shaped absorbent material.

[0052] Additionally, or alternatively, by configuring the web-shaped absorbent material according to examples disclosed herein, such as with the herein disclosed stretch ratio, a length of a sheet tail extending out from the dispenser opening after dispensing has been found to be long enough for a user in order to grab the web-shaped absorbent material for performing a new dispensing action.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a web-shaped absorbent material 1 in a schematic view according to an example.

[0054] The web-shaped absorbent material 1 has a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal direction L and a transverse extension along a transverse direction W. The transverse direction Wis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0055] The longitudinal direction L of the web-shaped absorbent material 1 as disclosed herein may correspond to a machine direction of the web-shaped absorbent material 1, and / or the transverse direction W of the web-shaped absorbent material 1 may be denoted as a cross direction of the web-shaped absorbent material 1. The machine direction may be defined as the direction along which the material 1 is produced in a machine, i.e. its travel direction.

[0056] For example, a dispensing direction D1 of the web-shaped absorbent material 1 , when dispensed from a dispenser 100, may in some examples correspond to the machine direction, e.g., when the web-shaped absorbent material 1 is rolled into a roll 10 and the dispensing direction corresponds to a tangential direction T of the roll 10. However, in other examples, the dispensing direction may be perpendicular to the machine direction, e.g., when the web-shaped absorbent material 1 is in the form of a centrefeed roll 10.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, the web-shaped absorbent material 1 preferably has a rectangular shape, i.e., with a longitudinal length Ltot, as measured along the longitudinal direction L, which is significantly longer than a transverse length W1, as measured along the transverse direction W.The web-shaped absorbent material 1 has a first stretch capacity MDstr in the longitudinal direction L and a second stretch capacity CDstr in the transverse direction W. In addition, a stretch ratio between the first stretch capacity MDstr and the second stretch capacity CDstr is in a range of 3.0-4.0. Accordingly, MDstr / CDstr is in a range of 3.0-4.0.

[0058] In some preferred examples, the stretch ratio between the first stretch capacity MDstr and the second stretch capacity CDstr is in the range of 3.2-4.0, such as 3.2-3.8, 3.4-3.8, 3.5-3.7, or 3.55-3.65.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, the web-shaped absorbent material 1 preferably comprises a plurality of substantially transverse tear lines TR distributed one after the other along the longitudinal extension of the web-shaped absorbent material 1, defining a plurality of connected sheets 11-14. In the shown example, only four connected sheets 11-14 are depicted. It shall however be noted that the web-shaped absorbent material 1 likely comprises more connected sheets before consumption is initiated, such as tens or hundreds of connected sheets.

[0060] In the shown example, each transverse tear line TR is a weakened section of the webshaped absorbent material 1 with an extension in the transverse direction W.

[0061] By a weakened section may herein mean a section, such as along a line, where the webshaped absorbent material 1 is weaker as compared to other sections located adjacent the weakened section. For example, the weakened section may be configured such that when a user pulls in the web-shaped absorbent material 1, the web-shaped absorbent material will break at the weakened section, such that preferably an individual product, i.e. sheet, is provided to the user. At least one of the transverse tear lines TR, such a plurality of the transverse tear lines TR, or each one of the transverse tear lines TR, may be configured such that a pull force in the longitudinal direction L required to break the webshaped absorbent material 1 at the respective transverse tear line TR is in a range of 6.0-9.0 N, such as 7.0-8.0 N, for example 7.2-7.8 N. The pull force may be an average force as measured over a plurality of consecutive dispensing actions.

[0062] At least one first transverse tear line TR, e.g., each transverse tear line TR, may be a perforated line. By way of example, the configuration of the perforations of the respective perforated tear lines TR may be identical.A perforation may be defined as a plurality of apertures or openings, e.g. point-holes or slots, provided along a line which are separated by material portions of the web-shaped absorbent material. The weakness of the perforation may e.g. be altered by altering the length of the apertures or openings and / or the length of the material portions between the apertures or openings.

[0063] Even though perforations may be used for achieving a weakened section as disclosed herein, it shall be noted that a weakened section may additionally or alternatively be achieved in other ways, such as by one or more indentations along the weakened section or by providing less material, i.e. a lower grammage, in the web-shaped absorbent material.

[0064] At least one first transverse tear line TR, e.g., each transverse tear line TR, may extend along the total width W1 of the web-shaped absorbent material 1. In other examples, at least one first transverse tear line TR, e.g., each transverse tear line TR, may extend along at least 80 % or 90 % of the total width W1 of the web-shaped absorbent material 1.

[0065] In some examples, at least one first transverse tear line TR, e.g., each transverse tear line TR, may extend with a slight inclination with respect to the transverse direction W. By way of example, a transverse tear line TR may be inclined with respect to the transverse direction W by an angle a in a range of 0.5-5 degrees. This may be a consequence of the manufacturing process. In the schematic example shown in FIG. 1, the angle a is shown for one transverse tear line TR in an exaggerated manner.

[0066] The first stretch capacity MDstr may be larger than the second stretch capacity CDstr. By way of example, the first stretch capacity MDstr may be in a range of 15.0-18.0 %, such as 15.0-17.0 %, or 15.5-16.5 %. Additionally, or alternatively, the second stretch capacity CDstr may be in a range of 4.00-4.80 %, such as 4.00-4.50 %, or 4.20-4.50 %.

[0067] The web-shaped absorbent material 1 may have a first tensile strength MDts in the longitudinal direction L and a second tensile strength CDts in the transverse direction W, wherein a strength ratio between the first tensile strength MDts and the second tensile strength CDts may be in a range of 1.8-2.0. Accordingly, MDts / CDts may be in a range of 1.8-2.0.In some examples, the strength ratio between the first tensile strength MDts and the second tensile strength CDts may be in the range of 1.85-1.95, such as 1.90.

[0068] The first tensile strength MDts may be larger than the second tensile strength CDts. By way of example, the first tensile strength MDts may be in a range of 230-290 N / m, such as 250-280 N / m or 260-270 N / m. Additionally, or alternatively, the second tensile strength CDts may be in a range of 100-150 N / m, such as 120-150 N / m, 130-150 N / m, or 135-145 N / m.

[0069] In some examples, the web-shaped absorbent material 1 may have a basis weight per ply in a range of 16.0-17.0 g / m2. Each sheet 11-14 may comprise one or more plies arranged on top of each other, such as two plies or two or more plies, e.g. 10 plies.

[0070] Accordingly, a sheet 11-14 may be defined by one or more plies of web-shaped absorbent material arranged on top of each other.

[0071] In some examples, a ratio between a transverse length W1, as measured in the transverse direction W, and a longitudinal length L1, as measured in the longitudinal direction L, of each sheet 11-14 may be in a range of 0.45-1, such as 0.5-0.65.

[0072] Accordingly, W1 / L1 may be in a range of 0.45-1, such as 0.5-0.65.

[0073] The longitudinal length L1 of each sheet 11-14, as measured in the longitudinal direction L, may be a largest longitudinal length L1, as measured in the longitudinal direction L, e.g., when the transverse tear line(s) TR is / are slightly inclined as mentioned in the above. The longitudinal length L1 of an individual sheet 11-14 may be measured between two adjacent transverse tear lines TR before and / or after the sheet has been separated from the web-shaped absorbent material 1 comprising the plurality of connected sheets 11-14.

[0074] In some examples, a transverse length W1 of the web-shaped absorbent material 1, as measured in the transverse direction W, may be in a range of 125-180 mm.

[0075] It shall be noted that the herein disclosed stretch capacities and tensile strengths relate to properties of the web-shaped absorbent material when excluding properties of the transverse tear lines TR.In some examples, a thickness of the web-shaped absorbent material 1, as measured in a thickness direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and to the transverse direction W, is in a range of 0.8-1.2 mm, such as 0.9-1 mm, for example 0.95 mm.

[0076] FIG. 2a shows a roll 10 of web-shaped absorbent material 1 in a schematic side view according to an example of the disclosure, and FIG 2b shows a roll 10 of web-shaped absorbent material 1 in a schematic side view according to an example of the disclosure. The rolls 10 in FIGS. 2a-b may be the same roll or different rolls.

[0077] The web-shaped absorbent material 1 according to any example herein may as shown in FIGS. 2a-b be rolled such that the longitudinal direction L of the web-shaped absorbent material 1 corresponds to a tangential direction T of the roll 10. Accordingly, the width direction W of the web-shaped absorbent material 1 extends along a direction which is parallel to a roll centre axis A of the roll 10.

[0078] The roll 10 as disclosed herein may comprise a core (not shown) around which the webshaped absorbent material 1 is rolled. Alternatively, the web-shaped absorbent material 1 may be wound without any core.

[0079] FIG. 2a depicts a centrefeed roll configuration where it is intended to feed, indicated by an arrow F1, the web-shaped absorbent material 1 from the centre of the roll 10, by pulling the web-shaped absorbent material 1 in a direction at least partly parallel to the roll centre axis A.

[0080] FIG. 2b depicts another roll configuration where it is intended to feed, indicated by an arrow F2, the web-shaped absorbent material 1 from an outer periphery of the roll 10, by pulling the web-shaped absorbent material 1 in the tangential direction T of the roll 10 at least partly perpendicular to the roll centre axis A.

[0081] The web-shaped absorbent material as disclosed herein may not necessarily be provided as a roll but may in some examples be packaged / folded in other ways. For example, the web-shaped absorbent material may be folded in a zig-zag pattern such that it forms a stack with portions of the web-shaped absorbent material provided one after the other on top of each other.FIG. 3 shows a dispenser 100 for dispensing web-shaped absorbent material 1 according to any example disclosed herein. The dispenser 100 comprises a storage compartment 110 configured to store the web-shaped absorbent material 1 and an opening 120 configured to dispense the web-shaped absorbent material 1 from the storage compartment 110 to an outside of the dispenser 100. The storage compartment 110 is hence enclosed by a housing 112 of the dispenser 100. The housing 112 is preferably arranged to be openable such that the web-shaped absorbent material 1 can be provided in the storage compartment 110, and such that refilling of web-shaped absorbent material 1 is made possible.

[0082] The dispenser 100 further comprises the web-shaped absorbent material 1 according to any example disclosed herein or the roll 10 according to any example disclosed herein, wherein the web-shaped absorbent material 1 or roll 10 is provided in the storage compartment 110.

[0083] In the examples when the web-shaped absorbent material 1 is provided as a roll 10 in the storage compartment 110, the roll 10 may be suspended by a center shaft (not shown) coinciding with the roll center axis A. In other examples, the roll 10 may be suspended in the storage compartment 100 on its outer circumferential peripheral surface by a support surface (not shown) of the dispenser 100, such as by a cradle.

[0084] The dispensers 100 as disclosed herein may be configured to store more than one roll 10. For example, the dispenser 100 may be configured to automatically load a new roll to be used once a previous roll in the storage compartment 110 is no longer having any webshaped absorbent material 1 left.

[0085] As depicted in FIG. 3, the opening 120 may be a nozzle opening. The nozzle opening 120 may have a circular, elliptical or oval perimeter profile, as seen in a sectional plane which is perpendicular to the dispensing direction D1 of the web-shaped absorbent material 1.

[0086] In the shown example, the dispensing direction D1 substantially corresponds to a horizontal axis. In other examples, the dispensing direction may extend along a vertical axis, e.g., such that dispensing is carried out in a substantially downward or upwarddirection. In yet other examples, the dispensing direction may extend in a direction which is inclined with respect to a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.

[0087] The dispenser 100 may be configured to be mounted to a stationary object, e.g. wall-mounted, such as configured to be mounded to a vertical wall.

[0088] By the configuration of the web-shaped absorbent material 1 and / or dispenser 100 according to examples disclosed herein, when dispensing the web-shaped absorbent material 1 during a plurality of consecutive dispensing actions, sheets may be separated from the web-shaped absorbent material 1 such that only one single sheet is separated during at least 85 %, at least 90 %, at least 95 %, or at least 99 %, of the dispensing actions of the plurality of consecutive dispensing actions.

[0089] Dispensers 100 as disclosed herein are typically suitable for products for wiping purposes, particularly for personal or object wiping. The user could be the general public and for groups of persons. The products suitable for personal or object wiping normally belongs to the product categories of toilet paper, cleaning roll, kitchen roll or paper towel roll, etc., and described herein as a web-shaped absorbent material 1. These products typically comprise cellulosic fibres and could fall within the categories of tissue (ISO 12625-1:2019) and / or nonwoven (ISO 9092:2011).

[0090] FIG. 4 shows an example of a nozzle 122 with a nozzle opening 120 in perspective view according to an example, and FIG. 5 shows an example of a nozzle 122 with a nozzle opening 120 in a schematic sectional view according to an example. The nozzle 122 and nozzle opening 120 in FIGS. 4-5 may e.g. be used in the dispenser 100 shown in FIG. 3.

[0091] As shown, the nozzle opening 120 may have a smallest opening diameter x, as measured perpendicular to a dispensing direction D1, which is in the range of 5-15 mm, such as 5-10 mm or 6-9 mm. The nozzle opening 120 may as mentioned in the above have a circular, elliptical or oval perimeter profile, as seen in a sectional plane which is perpendicular to the dispensing direction D1 of the web-shaped absorbent material 1.

[0092] The sectional view in FIG. 5 of the nozzle 122 is perpendicular to the dispensing direction D1. As shown, the nozzle 122 may have a first section 123 with a tapered profile which tapers towards a second section 124 comprising the smallest diameter x, followed by thirdsection 125 with a tapered profile which tapers away from the second section 124. Other configurations are also conceivable, such as providing the nozzle opening 120 with a substantially constant diameter along its longitudinal extension.

[0093] When dispensing the web-shaped absorbent material 1 through the nozzle 122 by pulling in the web-shaped absorbent material 1 outside of the dispenser 100, a counterforce will act on the web-shaped absorbent material 1 in the nozzle 122 until sheets 11-14 will be separated by breaking the web-shaped absorbent material 1 at the transverse tear lines TR. Accordingly, a maximum pull force can be measured at the moment when a sheet is separated.

[0094] By the configuration of the web-shaped absorbent material 1 and / or dispenser 100 according to examples disclosed herein, when dispensing the web-shaped absorbent material 1, sheets are separated such that a sheet tail S1 extending from the opening 120 is generated after each separation, wherein, for at least 75 % of the times sheets are separated, the sheet tail S1 after each separation has a length L2 in a range of 21-50 mm, as measured along the longitudinal direction L of the web-shaped absorbent material 1 from an end E1 of the opening 120 to an outer end E2 of the sheet tail S1. The end E1 of the opening 120 may be defined by a sectional plane which is perpendicular to the dispensing direction D1 and which intersects an outermost perimeter portion P1 of the nozzle 122 enclosing the nozzle opening 120.

[0095] The following table, Table 1, describes tests performed for different web-shaped absorbent materials, M1-M4, wherein the web-shaped absorbent material M1 is a webshaped absorbent material according to an example of the present disclosure, and the other materials M2-M4 are examples of prior art web-shaped absorbent materials.

[0096] Table 1:

[0097] <<

[0098]

[0099] - Gr refers to basis weight per product, in this case comprising two plies, expressed in g / m2,

[0100] - MDts refers to a first tensile strength in a longitudinal direction of the web-shaped absorbent material, expressed in N / m,

[0101] - CDts refers to a second tensile strength in a transverse direction of the web-shaped absorbent material, expressed in N / m,

[0102] - MDstr refers to a first stretch capacity in a longitudinal direction of the web-shaped absorbent material, expressed in %,

[0103] CDstr refers to a second stretch capacity in a transverse direction of the web-shaped absorbent material, expressed in %, and

[0104] - Th refers to a thickness of the product, in this case comprising two plies, in a direction of the web-shaped absorbent material which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, expressed in mm.

[0105] M Tail represents the number of times, of a total number of consecutive dispensing actions, sheets were separated during dispensing such that a sheet tail as disclosed herein was generated with a length in a range of 21-50 mm, expressed in % of the total number of consecutive dispensing actions.Multisheet represents the number of times, of a total number of consecutive dispensing actions, sheets were not separated one-by-one from the web-shaped absorbent material. In other words, Multisheet represents the number of times two or more connected sheets were separated from the web-shaped absorbent material.

[0106] As indicated in the above table 1, the web-shaped absorbent material M1 according to an example of the present disclosure resulted in that a sheet tail with a length of 21-50 mm was generated during 78 % of the dispensing actions of the total number of consecutive dispensing actions. Further, as indicated in table 1, the web-shaped absorbent material M1 according to the example resulted in that multisheet dispensing only occurred during 1 % of the dispensing actions of the total number of consecutive dispensing actions. This is in contrast to the other web-shaped absorbent materials M2-M4 where a sheet tail with a length of 21-50 mm for the respective material was generated during 68.8 %, 66.5 % and 42.2 % of the dispensing actions of the total number of consecutive dispensing actions. This is also in contrast to the other web-shaped absorbent materials M2-M4 where multisheet dispensing occurred for the respective material during 4.7 %, 5.5 % and 43 % of the dispensing actions of the total number of consecutive dispensing actions.

[0107] The material M1 as tested was of the type Standard, 2 plies embossed; The fibermix was 98% RCF (SOP), 2% Virgin pulp (70% Fibria, 30% Billerud).

[0108] The material M2 as tested was of the type NCF thick (natural colored fiber) The fiber mix was 32% NCF, 18% multigrade, 50% SOP .

[0109] The material M3 as tested was of the type NCF mid range (natural colored fiber). The fiber mix was 32% NCF, 18% multigrade, 50% SOP

[0110] The material M4 as tested was of the type NCF thin (natural colored fiber). The fiber mix was 32% NCF, 18% multigrade, 50% SOP.

[0111] The test for each web-shaped absorbent material M1-M4 was conducted on a centrefeed dispenser, and the materials M1-M4 were provided as a roll in the dispenser. For each material M1-M4, more than one roll was used for the test. The tests may be performed manually or by a robot. In the present example, the tests were performed by a robot with an arm and a gripper on the arm for gripping sheet tails and dispensing the web-shaped absorbent material.The pull force for the respective dispensing action, expressed in N, is also indicated in table 1. The pull force is an average pull force for the dispensing actions. The pull force for M1 was 7.6 N, the pull force for M2 was 7.4 N, the pull force for M3 was 7.2 N and the pull force for M4 was 4.8 N. The pull force represents the force required to break the transverse tear line, e.g. perforation, and dispense at least one sheet from the dispenser by hand or by the robot, e.g., measured with a force gauge.

[0112] During some dispensing actions, no sheet tail at all may be visible or accessible.

[0113] Accordingly, in such situations it may be necessary to open the dispenser to access the web-shaped absorbent material again.

[0114] The robot used for the tests was programmed to dispense centerfeed rolls from a dispenser. A computer program with connected camera and load cell was used to collect the data on tail length and pull force. During dispensing from the centerfeed dispenser, the numbers of single sheets and multi sheets were determined by images obtained by the camera. Also, the number of times when a sheet tail is not visible or accessible may be determined by images obtained by the camera.

[0115] For the test at least the following equipment was used:

[0116] - Universal Robots UR5,

[0117] - Compatible live camera with at least HD quality,

[0118] - Load cell,

[0119] - Compatible computer, and

[0120] - A wall to mount the dispenser.

[0121] In preparation for the tests, the materials tested M1-M4 were kept in ambient conditions for at least 24 hours prior to testing.

[0122] The dispenser for the tests was mounted on a testing wall in a robot cage with the robot. For each test of the four different tests, the respective roll with the different materials M1-M4 was inserted into the dispenser. If the roll had a core, it was removed, and thereafter an end, or tail, of the web-shaped absorbent material was inserted through the nozzle of the dispenser by hand.Thereafter, at least 5 sheets were manually separated before starting the testing with the robot. This was done to minimize any effect of the startup and make sure that all settings were satisfactory to start the robot dispensing.

[0123] The camera was also calibrated before starting with the tests. After calibration of the camera and before starting with the testing, manual measurements were compared with measurements of the camera to ensure that the tail lengths as measured from images obtained by the camera were within allowable ranges, in this case within ± 5 mm from the manual measurements.

[0124] The dispensing carried out by the robot was a horizontal dispensing, i.e. along a horizontal axis.

[0125] The term "ply" as used herein refers to distinguishable and typically separable cut-to-size webs of tissue paper as are obtained after processing ("converting") one or more base (raw) tissue paper webs. Each individual ply may comprise one or more layers e.g., one, two, three or four layers. In the case of nonwovens, the term "ply" as used herein refers to distinguishable and typically separable cut-to-size webs of nonwoven.

[0126] A "multiply tissue product", is defined as a tissue preferably comprising from 2 to 6 superposed plies, for example from 2 to 4 plies.

[0127] The term "nonwoven" is very common in the art and may be further defined in the manner described in ISO 9092:2011 , also for the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0128] "Tissue paper" is defined as the base paper produced by a paper machine and comprises natural fibers. As "tissue paper ply" we understand the one-ply based tissue as obtained from the tissue machine. The tissue paper ply is made by a process comprising the steps of: forming an aqueous suspension of pulp fibers i.e., the so-called "furnish," depositing the aqueous suspension onto a wire to form a wet web, dewatering, drying and creeping of the web.

[0129] In connection with tissue paper plies the term "layer" refers to a stratum within the web having a defined fiber composition. The one or more layers is / are formed bydepositing one or more streams of pulp furnish onto a wire with a pressurized

[0130] single or multi-layered headbox. This technique is well known to those skilled in the art. It renders possible the use of different kinds of fibers in each layer of the web.

[0131] "Pulp" is defined as a fibrous material, generally of vegetable origin, made ready for use in further manufacturing processes. "Pulp fibers" as used herein comprise pulp fibers from chemical pulp, such as kraft, sulfate or sulfite, mechanical pulp, thermomechanical pulp, chemo-mechanical pulp and / or chemo-thermo-mechanical pulp, abbreviated as CTMP. Pulps derived from both deciduous (hardwood) and coniferous (softwood) may be used. Fibers may also come from non-wood plants, e.g., cereal straws, bamboo, jute or sisal. The pulps employed may be a primary fibrous material ("virgin fibers"). Optionally, they may be a secondary fibrous material ("recycled pulps").

[0132] “RCF” is defined as Recycled fibers or secondary fibers.

[0133] “SOP” is defined as originating from Sorted Office Paper (SOP). Sorted Office Paper is defined as paper typically generated by offices, comprising primarily white and noncolored ground-wood free paper, essentially free of unbleached fiber. May include a small percentage of carbonless paper.

[0134] “NCF” is defined as paper grades wherein the color is determined by that of the pulp fiber alone without bleaching, dye or pigment.

[0135] “Multigrade” is defined as recycled fibers from a variety of sources such as newspaper, magazines, cardboard. Is defined as a mixture of various grades of recyclable paper not limited by fiber content and includes most types of clean and dry paper including glossy, white ledger and computer papers, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, phone books, cards, laser-printed white ledger, windowed envelopes, sticky notes, and often contains corrugated and brown paper.

[0136] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A web-shaped absorbent material (1) for a dispenser (100), the web-shaped absorbent material (1) having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse extension along a transverse direction (W) being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L),wherein the web-shaped absorbent material (1) has a first stretch capacity (MDstr) in the longitudinal direction (L) and a second stretch capacity (CDstr) in the transverse direction (W), and wherein a stretch ratio between the first stretch capacity (MDstr) and the second stretch capacity (CDstr) is in a range of 3.0-4.0.

2. The web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to claim 1, wherein the stretch ratio between the first stretch capacity (MDstr) and the second stretch capacity (CDstr) is in the range of 3.2-4.0, such as 3.2-3.8, 3.4-3.8, 3.5-3.7, or 3.55-3.65.

3. The web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first stretch capacity (MDstr) is in a range of 15.0-18.0 %, such as 15.0-17.0 %, or 15.5- 16.5 %.

4. The web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second stretch capacity (CDstr) is in a range of 4.00-4.80 %, such as 4.00-4.50 %, or 4.20-4.50 %.

5. The web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the web-shaped absorbent material (1) has a first tensile strength (MDts) in the longitudinal direction (L) and a second tensile strength (CDts) in the transverse direction (W), wherein a strength ratio between the first tensile strength (MDts) and the second tensile strength (CDts) is in a range of 1.8-2.0.

6. The web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to claim 5, wherein the strength ratio between the first tensile strength (MDts) and the second tensile strength (CDts) is in the range of 1.85-1.95, such as 1.90.

7. The web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first tensile strength (MDts) is in a range of 230-290 N / m, such as 250-280 N / m or 260-270 N / m.

8. The web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the second tensile strength (CDts) is in a range of 100-150 N / m, such as 120-150 N / m, 130-150 N / m, or 135-145 N / m.

9. The web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the web-shaped absorbent material (1) has a basis weight per ply in a range of 16.0-17.0 g / m2.

10. The web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the web-shaped absorbent material (1) comprises a plurality of substantially transverse tear lines (TR) distributed one after the other along the longitudinal extension of the web-shaped absorbent material (1), defining a plurality of connected sheets (11-14), wherein each transverse tear line (TR) is a weakened section of the web-shaped absorbent material (1) with an extension in the transverse direction (W).

11. The web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to claim 10, wherein a ratio between a transverse length (W1), as measured in the transverse direction (W), and a longitudinal length (L1), as measured in the longitudinal direction (L), of each sheet is in a range of 0.45-1 , such as 0.5-0.65.

12. The web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a transverse length (W1) of the web-shaped absorbent material (1), as measured in the transverse direction (W), is in a range of 125-180 mm.

13. A roll (10) of web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the web-shaped absorbent material (1) is rolled such that the longitudinal direction (L) of the web-shaped absorbent material (1) corresponds to a tangential direction (T) of the roll (10).

14. A dispenser (100) for dispensing web-shaped absorbent material (1), the dispenser (100) comprising a storage compartment (110) configured to store the webshaped absorbent material (1) and an opening (120) configured to dispense the webshaped absorbent material from the storage compartment (110) to an outside of thedispenser (100), wherein the dispenser (100) further comprises the web-shaped absorbent material (1) according to any one of claims 1-12 or the roll (10) according to claim 13, and wherein the web-shaped absorbent material (1) or roll (10) is provided in the storage compartment (110).

15. The dispenser (100) according to claim 14, wherein the opening (120) is a nozzle opening.

16. The dispenser (100) according to claim 15, wherein the nozzle opening (120) has a smallest opening diameter (x), as measured perpendicular to a dispensing direction (D1), which is in the range of 5-15 mm, such as 5-10 mm or 6-9 mm.

17. The dispenser (100) according to any one of claims 14-16, when also being dependent on any one of claims 10-11, wherein, when dispensing the web-shaped absorbent material (1) during a plurality of consecutive dispensing actions, sheets are separated from the web-shaped absorbent material (1) such that only one single sheet is separated during at least 85 %, at least 90 %, at least 95 %, or at least 99 %, of the dispensing actions of the plurality of consecutive dispensing actions.

18. The dispenser (100) according to any one of claims 14-17, when also being dependent on any one of claims 10-11, wherein, when dispensing the web-shaped absorbent material (1), sheets are separated such that a sheet tail (S1) extending from the opening (120) is generated after each separation, wherein, for at least 75 % of the times sheets are separated, the sheet tail after each separation has a length in a range of 21-50 mm, as measured along the longitudinal direction (L) of the web-shaped absorbent material (1) from an end of the opening (120) to an outer end of the sheet tail (S1).

Images