Plurality of integrally interconnected wipes for use in dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wet wipe dispensers often experience issues with 'multiples' and 'fallbacks' due to ineffective connections between wipes, leading to inconsistent and unreliable single-handed dispensing.
Innovation Solution
The use of integrally interconnected wipes with transverse intermittent cut lines forming major and minor ties, arranged in a zig-zag pattern, to enhance the pop-up dispensing mechanism, ensuring proper release and accessibility of each wipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connections between wipes are used (adhesive bonding, interfolding, or integral connection along line of weakness), then wipes can be dispensed from the package, but the connections are geometrically ineffective leading to multiples or fallbacks during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple discrete tie points (first tie point, second tie point, third tie point, fourth tie point) distributed across the wipe edges rather than using a continuous connection. This segmentation allows controlled separation at individual tie points during dispensing, preventing the geometrically ineffective single-connection problems of conventional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection extends across multiple dimensions by connecting corresponding edges (front and rear edges, left and right edges) of adjacent wipes at multiple spatial locations. This multi-dimensional distribution of tie points creates a more robust connection system that maintains reliability during the complex motion of wipe removal and separation.
2Strength
If excessive adhesive or strong connections are used between successive wipes, then wipes are securely connected, but multiples occur when one or more succeeding wipes are pulled out in a single operation
Solution Approach 1:
The strong continuous connection is segmented into multiple discrete, weaker tie points. Each tie point can fail independently at controlled locations, allowing the connection to break in a progressive manner during dispensing rather than maintaining excessive strength that causes multiples.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the wipe edges have different connection characteristics through the distributed tie points. The local connection strength at each tie point is optimized to allow controlled separation, while the overall connection system maintains sufficient strength for secure storage and handling.
3Ease of operation
If a large dispensing orifice is used, then wipes can be easily accessed, but the succeeding wipe cannot be held in place and falls back through the orifice
Solution Approach 1:
The tie points are pre-positioned and pre-configured in specific locations on the wipe edges before dispensing occurs. This preliminary arrangement ensures that during the pop-up action, the wipes will separate and position themselves correctly relative to the dispensing orifice, preventing fallback without requiring precise real-time adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie points act as intermediaries that mediate between the stored wipes and the dispensing action. They provide controlled separation points that allow the wipes to transition from the stacked configuration to the dispensed position, ensuring proper positioning relative to the orifice while maintaining ease of access.
4Reliability
If the connection between leading wipe and succeeding wipe breaks prematurely, then the succeeding wipe remains in the package, but the leading wipe cannot be fully withdrawn
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into multiple tie points that provide progressive failure modes. Rather than a single premature break point, the segmented structure allows controlled separation through multiple locations, ensuring the leading wipe can be fully withdrawn while the succeeding wipe remains properly positioned in the package.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of integrally interconnected wipes collectively define a web. The plurality of wipes includes a first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe. A first transverse intermittent cut line defines a right side major tie that connects the first wipe to the second wipe, and the right side major tie has a width. A second transverse intermittent cut line defines a left side major tie that connects the second wipe to the third wipe. In particular embodiments, the first wipe and the second wipe are connected to each other only within the right side of the web, and the second wipe and the third wipe are connected to each other only within the left side of the web. In certain embodiment, the wipes are also connected to each via minor ties that are transversely narrower than the major ties.