Plurality of integrally interconnected wipes for use in dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wet wipe dispensers often experience malfunctions such as 'multiples' and 'fallbacks' due to ineffective connections between wipes and dispensing orifices, 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 pop-up dispensing by ensuring proper release and accessibility of subsequent wipes.
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 connected in a stack, but the connections are geometrically ineffective and cause malfunctions such as multiples and fallbacks during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple discrete tie regions (first tie region, second tie region, third tie region) distributed across the wipe stack. Each tie region provides a localized connection point between successive wipes, replacing the conventional single-line or uniform adhesive connection. This segmentation allows the connection function to be distributed, improving reliability by ensuring that failure at one tie region does not cause complete dispensing failure, while avoiding the complexity of continuous adhesive bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
Different tie regions are positioned at specific locations on the wipes (e.g., alternating sides or distributed patterns) rather than using uniform connections across the entire wipe surface. The first tie region connects wipes at one location, the second tie region at another location, and the third tie region at a third location. This local differentiation optimizes the connection geometry at each specific point, preventing the geometric ineffectiveness that causes multiples and fallbacks, without requiring complex overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the dispensing orifice is made larger to allow easier wipe removal, then single-handed dispensing becomes easier, but the succeeding wipe cannot be held in place and falls back into the package
Solution Approach 1:
The tie regions are pre-configured in specific geometric patterns on the wipe stack before dispensing begins. The first tie region, second tie region, and third tie region are positioned in advance to create optimal pull geometry. When dispensing occurs, this pre-configured geometry automatically guides the succeeding wipe to remain positioned at the dispensing orifice without falling back, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms.
3Strength
If excessive adhesive or strong connections are used between successive wipes, then wipes are securely connected, but the succeeding wipe is pulled too far or entirely out of the package in a single pull operation (multiples)
Solution Approach 1:
The connection strength is segmented and distributed across multiple tie regions rather than concentrated in a single strong connection. The first tie region, second tie region, and third tie region each provide moderate connection strength at different locations. This segmentation ensures that when force is applied during dispensing, the connection fails progressively at each tie region rather than all at once, preventing multiples while maintaining adequate connection strength for normal handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection characteristics vary locally across different tie regions. Each tie region (first, second, and third) can have different geometric properties and connection strengths optimized for its specific location and function. This local quality differentiation allows the system to provide sufficient connection strength where needed while allowing controlled release where appropriate, preventing the uniform over-strength connections that cause multiples.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
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.