Patent Description:
A variety of disposable and washable floor cleaning wipes are available to consumers. Examples are known from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

These cleaning wipes are typically a built up laminate of various layers. These layers are typically flat webs of material devoid of discontinuities. In use, the user applies some cleaning liquid to the floor and the layer that contacts the floor is used to scrub and mop the floor. The floor contacting layer can be hydrophilic so that the layer has the ability to acquire spent cleaning liquid from the floor. Some cleaning wipes include an absorbent core. The floor contacting layer can transport the soiled cleaning liquid to the absorbent core.

A typical household has a variety of floor surfaces. Some surfaces such has hardwood or synthetic hardwood are smooth or may have some light texture. Tile surfaces can likewise be smooth or textured and there can be relief at the locations of the grout between the tiles. Concrete and decorative concrete and similar materials can also be provided with a variety of surface textures. Cleaning wipes that are constructed from laminates of layers of fibrous materials may not provide a sufficiently topographically varying floor contacting layer of the cleaning wipe enable the cleaning wipe to clean in the valleys of the surface texture of the floor. When an inadequately conforming cleaning wipe is used to clean a floor, the results are often unsatisfactory since detritus may be left in the valleys of the surface texture of the floor.

With the above limitation in mind, there is a continuing unaddressed need for processes for providing to users cleaning wipes that are ready to clean a variety of floor surfaces having a variety of surface textures.

A process for packaging a product comprising steps of: (a) providing a cleaning wipe having a longitudinal axis extending between opposing transverse edges that cross the longitudinal axis and longitudinal edges spaced apart from the longitudinal axis and extending between the transverse edges, wherein the cleaning wipe comprises: a first nonwoven extending along the longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of first nonwoven strips extending from first nonwoven fixed ends, wherein the first nonwoven fixed ends are oriented towards the longitudinal axis; and a second nonwoven extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second nonwoven is joined to the first nonwoven along a central bonded portion and comprises a plurality of second nonwoven strips extending from second nonwoven fixed ends to second nonwoven free ends, wherein the second nonwoven fixed ends are oriented towards the longitudinal axis, wherein along the central bonded portion the second nonwoven is below the first nonwoven; (b) moving the cleaning wipe in direction aligned with the longitudinal axis; (c) moving a gas from positions on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and beyond the longitudinal edges towards the longitudinal axis thereby bending the second nonwoven strips so that the second nonwoven free ends are out of plane relative to the second nonwoven fixed ends to fluff the cleaning wipe; (d) placing the cleaning wipe that is fluffed in a container; and (e) closing the container.

A top perspective sectional view of a cleaning wipe <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The top of the cleaning wipe <NUM> is considered herein to be the side of the cleaning wipe <NUM> that contacts the floor in use. The cleaning wipe <NUM> can have a longitudinal axis L extending between opposing transverse edges <NUM> that cross the longitudinal axis L. The cleaning wipe <NUM> can have longitudinal edges <NUM> spaced apart from the longitudinal axis L and extending between the transverse edges <NUM>. The cleaning wipe <NUM> can have a transverse axis T orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L. The cleaning wipe <NUM> can be generally planar in that the cleaning wipe <NUM> can be more extensive along the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T than along the z-axis, the z-axis being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T.

The cleaning wipe <NUM> can have a length along the longitudinal axis L from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The cleaning wipe <NUM> can have a width orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In general, the cleaning wipe <NUM> is a planar object in that the lateral dimensions of length and width are substantially greater than the thickness, notwithstanding the three-dimensionality of the substrates themselves and the deformed and or overlapping strips described herein.

The longitudinal edges <NUM> can be straight, curved, wavy, jagged, stepped, or other shape that can be practically cut. The planar shape of the cleaning wipe <NUM> can be rectangular, substantially rectangular, or other generally planar shape that is practical for being used to wipe a floor.

The cleaning wipe <NUM> can be removably attached to a cleaning implement having a head and pole pivotably attached to the head. The user can attach the cleaning wipe <NUM> to the head and then push the cleaning wipe <NUM> across the floor with the pole.

The cleaning wipe <NUM> can comprise a first nonwoven <NUM> extending along the longitudinal axis L. The first nonwoven <NUM> can extend entirely or partially along the longitudinal axis L. The first nonwoven <NUM> can also extend entirely or partially across the width of the cleaning wipe <NUM>. The first nonwoven <NUM> can comprise a plurality of first nonwoven strips <NUM> extending from first nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> oriented towards the longitudinal axis L to first nonwoven free ends <NUM>. The first nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> directly opposite one another on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis L can be from about <NUM> to about <NUM> apart, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM> apart when the first nonwoven strips <NUM> are extended in plane.

The cleaning wipe <NUM> can further comprise a second nonwoven <NUM> joined to the first nonwoven <NUM> along a central bonded portion <NUM>. The second nonwoven <NUM> can comprise a plurality of second nonwoven strips <NUM> extending from second nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> oriented towards the longitudinal axis L to second nonwoven free ends <NUM>. Along the central bonded portion <NUM>, the second nonwoven <NUM> is below the first nonwoven <NUM>. The second nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> directly opposite one another on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis L can be from about <NUM> to about <NUM> apart, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM> apart.

The first nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> and second nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> can be outboard of the central bonded portion <NUM>. Optionally, the first nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> and second nonwoven fixed ends can be spaced apart from the central bonded portion <NUM>.

The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through first nonwoven <NUM> and the second nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the thickness of the first nonwoven <NUM> and the second nonwoven <NUM>, the thickness being parallel to the z-axis Z. The central bonded portion <NUM> can be a continuous or intermittent thermal bond and or chemical bond and or pattern of thermal or chemical bonds extending in a direction generally along, along, parallel to, generally coincident with, or coincident with the longitudinal axis L, optionally along the longitudinal axis L. Thermal bonds include ultrasonic bonds. The central bonded portion <NUM> or portion thereof can be between the first nonwoven <NUM> and the second nonwoven <NUM>.

Parts of the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> can planarly extend in opposite directions away from a central bonded portion <NUM> along the longitudinal axis L. That is, the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> can flank the central bonded portion <NUM> along the longitudinal edges <NUM>. The first nonwoven strips <NUM> and second nonwoven strips <NUM> can be individually flat digits or flat fingers of the first nonwoven <NUM> and second nonwoven <NUM>, respectively, that can partially extend in direction away from the longitudinal axis L towards one of the longitudinal edges <NUM>. These flat digits or fingers, which are deformable, can be bent, twisted, or otherwise deformed to provide for greater three dimensionality to the respective nonwoven. That is, what is in all practicality a flat essentially two dimensional nonwoven web of the first nonwoven <NUM> and second nonwoven <NUM>, notwithstanding the thickness, can be transformed into a bulkier, fluffier, three dimensional structure. These digits or fingers can sweep or mop the floor and acquire detritus and or liquid when the cleaning wipe <NUM> is in use. The individual first nonwoven strips <NUM> and second nonwoven strips <NUM> can be independently movable relative to other first nonwoven strips <NUM> so as to be able to individually at least partially conform to parts of the surface of the floor having an irregular surface topography. With a multitude of strips sweeping or mopping the floor, there is a high probability that most, nearly all, or all portions of the floor will be contacted by at least one if not a plurality of strips when the cleaning wipe <NUM> is used.

Fluffier cleaning wipes <NUM> may be able to better partially conform to parts of the surface of the floor having an irregular surface topography. To provide such fluffiness, more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, by number of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> can be bent so that the second nonwoven free ends <NUM> are out of plane relative to the second nonwoven fixed ends <NUM>. Optionally, more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, by number of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> can be interlaced with the first nonwoven strips <NUM> so that portions of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> are above portions of the first nonwoven strips <NUM>. Likewise, more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, by number of the first nonwoven strips <NUM> can be bent so that the first nonwoven free ends <NUM> are out of plane relative to the first nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> to provide for fluffiness to the cleaning wipe <NUM>.

Bending the second nonwoven strips <NUM> and or interlacing the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> transforms the cleaning wipe <NUM> into a fluffier condition as compared to a cleaning wipe <NUM> in which the essentially flat two dimensional nonwoven substrates remain flat in use. Bending and or interlacing brings some portions of some of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> to the top of the cleaning wipe <NUM>, the top being the side of the cleaning wipe <NUM> that contacts the floor in use. Moreover, bending and or interlacing can position some portions of some of the first nonwoven strips <NUM> below second nonwoven strips <NUM>, i.e. more towards the interior of the cleaning wipe <NUM>. Bent and or interlaced strips can have portions that overlap and or underlap strips of the layer or layers nearby. Bending the first nonwoven strips <NUM> can similarly fluff the cleaning wipe <NUM> by transforming a flat first nonwoven <NUM> into a more three-dimensional structure.

In practice, the first nonwoven <NUM> and second nonwoven <NUM> are formed from a flat essentially two dimensional webs of nonwoven. The strips can be formed by cutting slits in the longitudinal edges <NUM> of the first nonwoven <NUM> and second nonwoven <NUM>. Since the strips have fixed ends and are in all practicality two dimensional structures, notwithstanding the thickness of the nonwovens, some degree of bending and or twisting and or folding and or crinkling and or pleating and or stretching of parts of the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and or second nonwoven strips <NUM> near their respective fixed ends can accompany fluffing of the cleaning wipe <NUM> and or interlacing of the strips.

The bending and or interlacing may be an interweaving of one or more first nonwoven strips <NUM> with one or more nearby second nonwoven strips <NUM>. The bending and or interlacing may be bending or twisting or folding of the strips of one nonwoven in directions such that intermingle with bends, twists, or folds of nearby strips of the other or another nonwoven. The strips may even be back bent so that the free ends thereof are oriented back towards the longitudinal axis L. Some of the strips may even be angularly bent so that the free ends thereof are oriented towards one of the transverse edges <NUM> of the cleaning wipe <NUM> or towards a position somewhere between being oriented towards the longitudinal axis L or away from the longitudinal axis L. Bending and or interlacing can be provided by double folds, bends, twists, and the like of the strips. The bending and or interlacing can bring parts of strips of interior layers of the cleaning wipe <NUM> out towards the top surface of the cleaning wipe <NUM> that contacts the floor in use.

The first nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> can be registered with the second nonwoven fixed ends <NUM>. This arrangement can be practical in that the strips of the individual nonwovens can be formed by a single cutting knife or laser that passes through the multiple layers of nonwovens arranged in a stack.

The first nonwoven strips <NUM> can extend further away from or be extendable further away from the longitudinal axis L or be longer than the second nonwoven strips <NUM>. This can provide for a greater propensity for first nonwoven strips <NUM> to contact the floor as compared to second nonwoven strips <NUM> yet still provide for adequate fluffing when the first nonwoven strips <NUM> are bent and or interlaced with the second nonwoven strips <NUM>.

Optionally, the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> can be coextensive or coextendable with one another with respect to the longitudinal axis L. This can increase the contribution of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> to cleaning as compared to an arrangement in which the first nonwoven strips <NUM> extend further away from the longitudinal axis L than the second nonwoven strips <NUM>.

The greater the fraction of bending and or interlacing of the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> the greater the amount of fluffing or bulking of the cleaning wipe <NUM>. From about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, optionally about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, by number of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> can be bent and or interlaced with the first nonwoven strips <NUM> so that portions of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> are above portions of the first nonwoven strips <NUM>. For example, if the second nonwoven <NUM> has <NUM> second nonwoven strips <NUM>, <NUM> of them being along one longitudinal edge <NUM> and the other <NUM> being along the other longitudinal edge <NUM>, and <NUM> of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> are bent and or interlaced with the first nonwoven strips <NUM>, then <NUM>% by number of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> are bent and or interlaced with the first nonwoven strips <NUM>.

The strips per se can be further bulked up and formed into loop structures by gate folds in one or more of the first nonwoven <NUM> and second nonwoven <NUM>. A gate fold can be thought of as a flat substrate that is provided with two parallel folds to create three panels and the two gate panels are approximately half the width of the central panel and are inwardly folded towards one another, optionally towards one another on the same side of the central panel. Without being bound by theory, gate folds may be more easily controlled in the converting process than serpentine folds, c-folds, or z-folds since for a gate fold, both longitudinal edges <NUM> are defined by a fold line of the respective nonwoven rather than a free edge. For a serpentine fold, c-fold, or z-fold, the longitudinal edges <NUM> include a free edge that may make the nonwoven web more difficult to control precisely.

Optionally, the cleaning wipe <NUM> can comprise an absorbent core <NUM> that is between a fluid acquisition layer <NUM> and a backsheet <NUM>. Optionally, the cleaning wipe <NUM> can comprise a third nonwoven <NUM>.

A cross section of a cleaning wipe <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The z-axis Z is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T and passes through the thickness of the constituent nonwovens of the cleaning wipe <NUM>. The first nonwoven <NUM> can be gate folded and comprise, or have gate folds <NUM> comprising, a first nonwoven main portion <NUM> that extends across the longitudinal axis L, a pair of first nonwoven fold lines <NUM> on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis L, and a pair of first nonwoven gate portions <NUM> each of which extend from one of the first nonwoven fold lines <NUM> towards the central bonded portion <NUM> and are bonded to the first nonwoven main portion <NUM>. The gate folds <NUM> in the first nonwoven <NUM> can provide first nonwoven strips <NUM> that are flattened, open, deformed, or irregular loops. Interlacing of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> with the first nonwoven strips <NUM> can open, partially open, or irregularly deform the loops constituting the first nonwoven strips <NUM>. This can result in more fluffing and bulking of the first nonwoven <NUM> as compared flat unlooped first nonwoven strips <NUM>. Optionally, the first nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be bonded to the first nonwoven main portion <NUM> outboard of the central bonded portion <NUM> relative to the longitudinal axis L.

The first nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be between the first nonwoven main portion <NUM> and the second nonwoven <NUM>. This may be a structurally more robust design since the ends of the gate portions may be protected from detaching from the central bonded portion <NUM> when the cleaning wipe <NUM> is used on a rough floor surface.

Open or openable loops can be provided as the first nonwoven strips <NUM> by providing that a portion of the first nonwoven gate portion <NUM> adjacent the first nonwoven fold line <NUM> and the first nonwoven main portion <NUM> are unbonded to one another. Such a structure can be an openable or an open loop.

The first nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can extend from the first nonwoven fold line <NUM> to a first nonwoven gate portion end <NUM>. The first nonwoven gate portion ends <NUM> can be bonded to the first nonwoven main portion <NUM>.

The second nonwoven <NUM> can be structured similarly to the first nonwoven <NUM>. The second nonwoven <NUM> can be gate folded and comprise, or have gate folds <NUM> comprising, a second nonwoven main portion <NUM> that extends across the longitudinal axis L, a pair of second nonwoven fold lines <NUM> on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, and a pair of second nonwoven gate portions <NUM> each of which extend from one of the second nonwoven fold lines <NUM> towards the central bonded portion <NUM> and are bonded to the second nonwoven main portion <NUM>. The gate folds <NUM> in the second nonwoven <NUM> can provide second nonwoven strips <NUM> that are flattened, open, deformed, or irregular loops. Bending and or interlacing of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> with the first nonwoven strips <NUM> can open, partially open, or irregularly deform the loops constituting the second nonwoven strips <NUM>. This can result in more fluffing and bulking of the second nonwoven <NUM> as compared flat unlooped second nonwoven strips <NUM>. Optionally, the second nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be bonded to the second nonwoven main portion <NUM> outboard of the central bonded portion <NUM> relative to the longitudinal axis L.

The second nonwoven main portion <NUM> can be between the second nonwoven gate portion <NUM> and the first nonwoven <NUM>. The second nonwoven main portion <NUM> can be between the second nonwoven gate portion <NUM> and the first nonwoven main portion <NUM>. Providing the second nonwoven gate portions <NUM> folded away from the first nonwoven <NUM> may reduce the amount of positional control of the various nonwovens needed during manufacture to assemble the cleaning wipe <NUM>. Optionally, the second nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be between the second nonwoven main portion <NUM> and the first nonwoven main portion <NUM>.

Open or openable loops can be provided as the second nonwoven strips <NUM> by providing that a portion of the second nonwoven gate portion <NUM> adjacent the second nonwoven fold line <NUM> and the second nonwoven main portion <NUM> are unbonded to one another. Such a structure can be an openable or open loop.

The second nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can extend from the second nonwoven fold line <NUM> to a second nonwoven gate portion end <NUM>. The second nonwoven gate portion ends <NUM> can be bonded to the second nonwoven main portion <NUM>.

The first nonwoven strips <NUM> and second nonwoven strips <NUM> can have the same shape as one another. Optionally, the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> can be straight, curved, or a combination thereof.

A bulkier cleaning wipe <NUM> is possible by adding additional layers to the cleaning wipe <NUM>. For example, the cleaning wipe <NUM> can further comprise an intermediate nonwoven <NUM> joined to the second nonwoven <NUM> along the central bonded portion <NUM>. The intermediate nonwoven <NUM> can comprise a plurality of intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> extending from intermediate nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> oriented towards the longitudinal axis L to intermediate nonwoven free ends <NUM>. Along the central bonded portion <NUM>, the second nonwoven <NUM> can be between the first nonwoven <NUM> and the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>. Along the central bonded portion <NUM>, the intermediate nonwoven <NUM> can be below the second nonwoven <NUM>. The intermediate nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> directly opposite one another on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis L can be from about <NUM> to about <NUM> apart, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM> apart.

The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the second nonwoven <NUM> and the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the first nonwoven <NUM>, second nonwoven <NUM>, and the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the thickness of the second nonwoven <NUM> and the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the thickness of the first nonwoven <NUM>, second nonwoven <NUM>, the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, the thickness being parallel to the z-axis Z. The central bonded portion <NUM> can be between the second nonwoven <NUM> and the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> or portion thereof can be between the first nonwoven <NUM> and the second nonwoven <NUM> and between the second nonwoven <NUM> and the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>.

The intermediate nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> can be outboard of the central bonded portion <NUM>. Optionally, the intermediate nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> can be spaced apart from the central bonded portion <NUM>.

To provide for a fluffy or bulky cleaning wipe <NUM>, more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, by number of the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> can be bent and or interlaced with the second nonwoven strips <NUM> so that portions of the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> are above portions of the second nonwoven strips <NUM>. Optionally, more than about <NUM>%, or even more than about <NUM>%, or even more than about <NUM>%, by number of the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> can be bent and or interlaced with the second nonwoven strips <NUM> so that portions of the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> are above portions of the second nonwoven strips <NUM>. The greater the fraction of bent intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> and or interlacing of the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> the greater the amount of fluffing or bulking of the cleaning wipe <NUM>. From about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, optionally about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, optionally about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, optionally about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, by number of the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> can be bent and or interlaced with the second nonwoven strips <NUM> so that portions of the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> are above portions of the second nonwoven strips <NUM>.

Each intermediate nonwoven strip <NUM> can have an intermediate nonwoven fixed end <NUM> oriented towards the central bonded portion <NUM> and extend to an intermediate nonwoven free end <NUM>. Some of the intermediate nonwoven free ends <NUM> can be oriented towards the longitudinal edges <NUM>. To provide for fluffiness, more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, by number of the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> can be bent so that the intermediate nonwoven free ends <NUM> are out of plane relative to the intermediate nonwoven fixed ends <NUM>.

The intermediate nonwoven <NUM> can be gate folded and comprise, or have gate folds <NUM> comprising, an intermediate nonwoven main portion <NUM> that extends across the longitudinal axis L, a pair of intermediate nonwoven fold lines <NUM> on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, and a pair of intermediate nonwoven gate portions <NUM> each of which extend from one of the intermediate nonwoven fold lines <NUM> towards the central bonded portion <NUM> and are bonded to the intermediate nonwoven main portion <NUM>. The gate folds <NUM> in the intermediate nonwoven <NUM> can provide the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> that are flattened, open, deformed, or irregular loops. Bending and or interlacing of the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> with the second nonwoven strips <NUM> can open, partially open, or irregularly deform the loops constituting the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM>. This can result in more fluffing and bulking of the intermediate nonwoven <NUM> as compared flat unlooped intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM>. Optionally, the intermediate nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be bonded to the intermediate nonwoven main portion <NUM> outboard of the central bonded portion <NUM> relative to the longitudinal axis L.

The intermediate nonwoven main portion <NUM> can be between the intermediate nonwoven gate portion <NUM> and the second nonwoven <NUM>. The intermediate nonwoven main portion <NUM> can be between the intermediate nonwoven gate portion <NUM> and the second nonwoven main portion <NUM>. Without being bound by theory, providing the intermediate nonwoven gate portions <NUM> folded away from the second nonwoven <NUM> might reduce the amount of positional control of the various nonwovens needed during manufacture to assemble the cleaning wipe <NUM>. Optionally, the intermediate nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be between the intermediate nonwoven main portion <NUM> and the second nonwoven main portion <NUM>.

Open or openable loops can be provided as the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> by providing that a portion of the intermediate nonwoven gate portion <NUM> adjacent the intermediate nonwoven fold line <NUM> and the intermediate nonwoven main portion <NUM> are unbonded to one another. Such a structure can be an openable or open loop.

The intermediate nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can extend from the intermediate nonwoven fold line <NUM> to an intermediate nonwoven gate portion end <NUM>. The intermediate nonwoven gate portion ends <NUM> can be bonded to the intermediate nonwoven main portion <NUM>.

The second nonwoven strips <NUM> and the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> can have the same shape as one another. Optionally, the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and second nonwoven strips <NUM>, and intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> can have the same shape as one another. Optionally, one or more of the first nonwoven strips <NUM>, the second nonwoven strips <NUM>, and the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> can be straight, curved, or a combination thereof.

The cleaning wipe <NUM> can further comprise a third nonwoven <NUM> joined directly or indirectly to the second nonwoven <NUM> along the central bonded portion <NUM>. The third nonwoven <NUM> can comprise a plurality of third nonwoven strips <NUM> extending from third nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> oriented towards the longitudinal axis L to third nonwoven free ends <NUM>. Along the central bonded portion <NUM>, the second nonwoven <NUM> can be between the first nonwoven <NUM> and the third nonwoven <NUM>. Optionally, along the central bonded portion <NUM>, the intermediate nonwoven <NUM> can be between the second nonwoven <NUM> and the third nonwoven <NUM>, if an intermediate nonwoven <NUM> is provided. Along the central bonded portion <NUM>, the third nonwoven <NUM> can be below the second nonwoven <NUM> or optional intermediate nonwoven <NUM>.

The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the third nonwoven <NUM> and the optional intermediate nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the second nonwoven <NUM> and the third nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the second nonwoven <NUM>, the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, and the third nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the first nonwoven <NUM>, the second nonwoven <NUM>, the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, and the third nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the thickness of the second nonwoven <NUM> and the third nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the thickness of the second nonwoven <NUM>, the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, and the third nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the thickness of the first nonwoven <NUM>, the second nonwoven <NUM>, the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, and the third nonwoven <NUM>, the thickness being parallel to the z-axis Z. The central bonded portion <NUM> can be between the third nonwoven <NUM> and the optional intermediate nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> or portion thereof can be between the second nonwoven <NUM> and the third nonwoven <NUM>.

Each third nonwoven strip <NUM> can have a third nonwoven fixed end <NUM> oriented towards the central bonded portion <NUM> and extend to a third nonwoven free end <NUM>. Some of the third nonwoven free ends <NUM> can be oriented towards the longitudinal edges <NUM>. Optionally, more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, of the third nonwoven strips <NUM> can be bent so that the third nonwoven free ends <NUM> are out of plane relative to the third nonwoven fixed ends <NUM>.

The third nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> can be outboard of the central bonded portion <NUM>. Optionally, the third nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> can be spaced apart from the central bonded portion <NUM>.

The third nonwoven <NUM> can be gate folded and comprise, or have gate folds <NUM> comprising, a third nonwoven main portion <NUM> that extends across the longitudinal axis L, a pair of third nonwoven fold lines <NUM> on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, and a pair of third nonwoven gate portions <NUM> each of which extend from one of the third nonwoven fold lines <NUM> towards the central bonded portion <NUM> and are bonded to the third nonwoven main portion <NUM>. The third nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be bonded to the third nonwoven main portion <NUM> at positions, optionally spaced apart positions, on opposite sides of and away from the longitudinal axis L. The gate folds <NUM> in the third nonwoven <NUM> can provide for third nonwoven strips <NUM> that are flattened, open, deformed, or irregular loops. Optionally, the third nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be bonded to the third nonwoven main portion <NUM> outboard of the central bonded portion <NUM> relative to the longitudinal axis L.

The third nonwoven main portion <NUM> can be between the third nonwoven gate portions <NUM> and the second nonwoven <NUM>. The third nonwoven main portion <NUM> can be between the third nonwoven gate portion <NUM> and the optional intermediate nonwoven <NUM>.

Without being bound by theory, providing the third nonwoven gate portions <NUM> folded away from the second nonwoven <NUM> and or optional intermediate nonwoven <NUM> might reduce the amount of positional control of the various nonwovens needed during manufacture to assemble the cleaning wipe <NUM>. Optionally, the third nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be between the third nonwoven main portion <NUM> and the second nonwoven main portion <NUM> or optional intermediate nonwoven main portion <NUM>.

Open or openable loops can be provided as the third nonwoven strips <NUM> by providing that a portion of the third nonwoven gate portion <NUM> adjacent the third nonwoven fold line <NUM> and the third nonwoven main portion <NUM> are unbonded to one another. Such a structure can be an openable or open loop.

The third nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can extend from the third nonwoven fold line <NUM> to a third nonwoven gate portion end <NUM>. The third nonwoven gate portion ends <NUM> can be bonded to the third nonwoven main portion <NUM>.

The second nonwoven strips <NUM> and or intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> and the third nonwoven strips <NUM> can have the same shape or can partially have the same shape as one another. Optionally, the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and second nonwoven strips <NUM>, intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM>, and third nonwoven strips <NUM> can have the same shape or partially the same shape as one another. Optionally, one or more of the first nonwoven strips <NUM>, the second nonwoven strips <NUM>, the optional intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM>, and the optional third nonwoven strips <NUM> can be straight, curved, or a combination thereof.

The third nonwoven strips <NUM> can extend or be extendable further away from the longitudinal axis L than the second nonwoven strips <NUM>. Optionally, the third nonwoven strips <NUM> can extend or be extendable further away from the longitudinal axis L than the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and or the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM>.

The cleaning wipe <NUM> can further comprise a fourth nonwoven <NUM> joined directly or indirectly to the third nonwoven <NUM> along the central bonded portion <NUM>. The fourth nonwoven <NUM> can comprise a plurality of fourth nonwoven strips <NUM> extending from fourth nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> oriented towards the longitudinal axis L to fourth nonwoven free ends <NUM>. Along the central bonded portion <NUM>, the third nonwoven <NUM> can be between the second nonwoven <NUM> and the fourth nonwoven <NUM>. Optionally, along the central bonded portion <NUM>, the third nonwoven <NUM> can be between the intermediate nonwoven <NUM> and the fourth nonwoven <NUM>, if an intermediate nonwoven <NUM> is provided. Along the central bonded portion <NUM>, the fourth nonwoven <NUM> can be below the third nonwoven <NUM> or optional intermediate nonwoven <NUM>.

The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the fourth nonwoven <NUM> and the third nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can extend through the third nonwoven <NUM> and the fourth nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion can extend through the first nonwoven <NUM>, the second nonwoven <NUM>, optionally through the optional intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, the third nonwoven <NUM>, and the fourth nonwoven <NUM>. The central bonded portion can extend through the thickness of the first nonwoven <NUM>, the second nonwoven <NUM>, optionally the optional intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, the third nonwoven <NUM>, and the fourth nonwoven <NUM>, the thickness being parallel to the z-axis Z. The central bonded portion <NUM> or a portion thereof can be between the fourth nonwoven <NUM> and the third nonwoven <NUM>.

Each fourth nonwoven strip <NUM> can have a fourth nonwoven fixed end <NUM> oriented towards the central bonded portion <NUM> and extend to a fourth nonwoven free end <NUM>. Some of the fourth nonwoven free ends <NUM> can be oriented towards the longitudinal edges <NUM>. Optionally, more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, of the fourth nonwoven strips <NUM> can be bent so that the fourth nonwoven free ends <NUM> are out of plane relative to the fourth nonwoven fixed ends <NUM>. The fourth nonwoven <NUM> can be gate folded and comprise, or have gate folds <NUM> comprising, a fourth nonwoven main portion <NUM> that extends across the longitudinal axis L, a pair of fourth nonwoven fold lines <NUM> on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis L, and a pair of fourth nonwoven gate portions <NUM> each of which extend from one of the fourth nonwoven fold lines <NUM> towards the central bonded portion <NUM> and are bonded to the fourth nonwoven main portion <NUM>. The fourth nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be bonded to the fourth nonwoven main portion <NUM> at positions, optionally spaced apart positions, on opposite sides of and away from the longitudinal axis L. The gate folds <NUM> in the fourth nonwoven <NUM> can provide for fourth nonwoven strips <NUM> that are flattened, open, deformed, or irregular loops. Optionally, the fourth nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be bonded to the fourth nonwoven main portion <NUM> outboard of the central bonded portion <NUM> relative to the longitudinal axis L. Optionally, the fourth nonwoven <NUM> can be bonded to the third nonwoven <NUM> out board of the central bonded portion <NUM> by a pair of outboard bonds <NUM>. The outboard bonds <NUM> can be longitudinally outboard of the central bonded portion <NUM>. The outboard bonds <NUM> can be laterally separated from the central bonded portion <NUM>. The outboard bonds <NUM> can extend between the transverse edges <NUM>, on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis L, and be nearer to the longitudinal edges <NUM> than the central bonded portion <NUM>. The outboard bonds <NUM> can be spaced apart from one another by from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Each of the outboard bonds <NUM> can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis L. The outboard bonds <NUM> can be outboard of the optional absorbent core <NUM>. The outboard bonds <NUM> can be a continuous or intermittent thermal bond and or chemical bond and or pattern of thermal or chemical bonds extending in a direction on or along or optionally generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

The fourth nonwoven main portion <NUM> can be between the fourth nonwoven gate portions <NUM> and the third nonwoven <NUM>.

Providing the fourth nonwoven gate portions <NUM> folded away from the third nonwoven <NUM> can reduce the amount of positional control of the various nonwovens needed during manufacture to assemble the cleaning wipe <NUM>. Optionally, the fourth nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can be between the fourth nonwoven main portion <NUM> and the third nonwoven <NUM>.

Open or openable loops can be provided as the fourth nonwoven strips <NUM> by providing that a portion of the fourth nonwoven gate portion <NUM> adjacent the fourth nonwoven fold line <NUM> and the fourth nonwoven main portion <NUM> are unbonded to one another. Such a structure can be an openable or open loop.

The fourth nonwoven gate portions <NUM> can extend from the fourth nonwoven fold line <NUM> to a fourth nonwoven gate portion end <NUM>. The fourth nonwoven gate portion ends <NUM> can be bonded to the fourth nonwoven main portion <NUM>.

The first nonwoven strips <NUM> and or the second nonwoven strips <NUM> and or intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> and or third nonwoven strips <NUM> and or fourth nonwoven strips <NUM> can have the same shape or can partially have the same shape as one another. Optionally, one or more of the first nonwoven strips <NUM>, the second nonwoven strips <NUM>, the optional intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM>, the optional third nonwoven strips <NUM>, and the optional fourth nonwoven strips <NUM> can be straight, curved, or a combination thereof.

The fourth nonwoven strips <NUM> can extend or be extendable further away from the longitudinal axis L than the third nonwoven strips <NUM>. Optionally, the fourth nonwoven strips <NUM> can extend or be extendable further away from the longitudinal axis L than the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and or the second nonwoven strips <NUM> and or the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> and or the third nonwoven strips <NUM>.

The third nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> can be registered with the fourth nonwoven fixed ends <NUM>.

The first nonwoven strips <NUM> can have a first nonwoven strip length orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline L and a first nonwoven strip width parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The first nonwoven strip length can be at least two times, optionally three times, optionally four times, greater than the first nonwoven strip width. Likewise, second nonwoven strips <NUM> can have a second nonwoven strip length orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline L and a second nonwoven strip width parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The second nonwoven strip length can be at least two times, optionally three times, optionally four times, greater than the second nonwoven strip width. Likewise, intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> can have an intermediate nonwoven strip length orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline L and an intermediate nonwoven strip width parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The intermediate nonwoven strip length can be at least two times, optionally three times, optionally four times, greater than the intermediate nonwoven strip width. Likewise, third nonwoven strips <NUM> can have a third nonwoven strip length orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline L and a third nonwoven strip width parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The third nonwoven strip length can be at least two times, optionally three times, optionally four times, greater than the third nonwoven strip width. Likewise, fourth nonwoven strips <NUM> can have a fourth nonwoven strip length orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline L and a fourth nonwoven strip width parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The fourth nonwoven strip length can be at least two times, optionally three times, optionally four times, greater than the fourth nonwoven strip width.

The first nonwoven strip length, second nonwoven strip length, and intermediate nonwoven strip length can be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The first nonwoven strip width, second nonwoven strip width, and intermediate nonwoven strip width can be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The nonwovens described herein can be spun bonded, carded, hydroentangled spun bonded, wet laid, or air laid nonwovens. The nonwovens can be microfiber nonwovens. The fibers constituting the nonwovens can be selected from the group of cellulose, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and combinations thereof. The fibers constituting the nonwovens can be natural fibers or synthetic fibers. The nonwovens can be hydrophilic nonwovens so that liquid can be acquired from the floor being cleaned. One or more of the nonwovens can comprise bicomponent fibers having a sheath of polyethylene and a core of polyester. The nonwovens described herein can be bicomponent thermoplastic synthetic fibers of an outer sheath of polyester and polyethylene core. The basis weight of each nonwoven can be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM>. The nonwovens described herein can be mixture of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers, for example a mixture of cellulose fibers and polyethylene or polypropylene fibers. The nonwovens described herein, including those that include hydrophilic fibers as a fraction of the fiber makeup, can be homogeneously mixed and be made by carded thermal bonding, thru-air bonding, spun lacing, or wet laid. The nonwovens described herein can be laminates of synthetic fibers and natural fibers, for example a cellulosic tissue sandwiched between layers of synthetic fibers. The fibers of the nonwovens described herein may be coated with wax or oil to increase the ability of such coated fibers to retain solids gathered by the fibers. The nonwovens described herein can comprise microfibers.

Suitable nonwovens for one or more of the first nonwoven <NUM>, second nonwoven <NUM>, intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, third nonwoven <NUM>, and fourth nonwoven <NUM> can include a nonwoven material having a basis weight from about <NUM>/m<NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM>, optionally from about <NUM>/m<NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM>. The nonwoven materials can comprise a combination of pulp/tissue and spunbond polypropylene hydroentangled to the pulp in a wet laid process. Optionally, one or more of the nonwovens can comprise from about <NUM>/m<NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM> pulp/tissue and from about <NUM>/m<NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM> spunbond polypropylene hydroentangled to the pulp. The thickness of each of the nonwoven materials can be from about <NUM> to about <NUM> microns. Optionally, one or more of the nonwovens can comprise about <NUM>/m<NUM> of pulp/tissue and about <NUM>/m<NUM> spunbond polypropylene hydroentangled to the pulp in a wet laid process. Suitable nonwovens include <NUM>/m<NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>, optionally <NUM>/m<NUM>, GENESIS nonwoven available from Suominen, Helsinki, Finland.

The nonwoven materials can comprise a bicomponent fiber comprising <NUM> DTEX round polyester staple fiber sheath and <NUM> DTEX round spunbond polypropylene fiber core. The nonwoven materials can have a thickness from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Optionally the nonwoven materials can comprise <NUM> wt% or more polyethyleneterephthalate.

To help with manufacturability, it can be practical that the constituent fibers of the first nonwoven <NUM> and second nonwoven <NUM> differ from one another, i.e. differ from one another in fiber makeup. The difference in the fibrous makeup of the first nonwoven <NUM> and the second nonwoven <NUM> can help reduce the propensity for the first nonwoven strips <NUM> to unintentionally become bonded to the second nonwoven strips <NUM> when the strips are cut. The first nonwoven <NUM> can comprise more than about <NUM> wt%, optionally more than about <NUM> wt%, pulp. Optionally the second nonwoven can comprise more than about <NUM> wt%, optionally more than about <NUM> wt%, polyethyleneterephthalate. Optionally, the first nonwoven <NUM> can comprise more than about <NUM> wt% pulp and the second nonwoven <NUM> can differ from the first nonwoven <NUM>. Optionally, the first nonwoven <NUM> and the intermediate nonwoven <NUM> can be the same as one another. Optionally, the second nonwoven <NUM> and the third nonwoven <NUM> can be the same as one another. Optionally, the second nonwoven <NUM> can differ from one or more of the first nonwoven <NUM>, intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, and third nonwoven <NUM>. Optionally, the first nonwoven comprises first nonwoven constituent fibers and the second nonwoven comprises second nonwoven constituent fibers and the first nonwoven constituent fibers differ chemically from the second nonwoven constituent fibers.

Optionally, one or more of the first nonwoven <NUM>, second nonwoven <NUM>, intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, third nonwoven <NUM>, and fourth nonwoven <NUM>, can be an about <NUM>/m<NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM> microfiber nonwoven, optionally about <NUM> wt% to about <NUM> wt% polyethyleneterephthalate and <NUM> wt% to about <NUM> wt% nylon <NUM>. Optionally, the microfiber can be a microfiber comprising about <NUM> wt% polyethyleneterephthalate and about <NUM> wt% nylon <NUM>.

The cleaning wipe <NUM> can further comprise a backsheet <NUM> that forms at least part of a back surface <NUM> of the cleaning wipe <NUM> opposite the first nonwoven <NUM>. The backsheet <NUM> can extend further away from the longitudinal axis L than the central bonded portion <NUM>. The backsheet <NUM> can be a polymer film. The backsheet <NUM> can be a polypropylene film, polyethylene film, low density polyethylene film or the like. The backsheet <NUM> can be a hydroentangled spunbond nonwoven having a basis weight from about <NUM>/m<NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM>, optionally about <NUM>/m<NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM>, optionally about <NUM>/m<NUM>. The backsheet <NUM> can be a polymer film having a basis weight from about <NUM>/m<NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM>. The backsheet <NUM> can be a nonwoven, optionally a spun bond nonwoven.

The backsheet <NUM> can be the constituent part of the cleaning wipe <NUM> that can be directly or indirectly attached to the head of the cleaning implement. The backsheet <NUM> can be fluid impervious. A fluid impervious backsheet <NUM> can prevent liquid acquired by the cleaning wipe <NUM> from wetting the head of the cleaning implement.

The backsheet <NUM> can be directly attached to the head of the cleaning implement by wrapping the longitudinal edges <NUM> of the backsheet <NUM> around the longitudinal edges of the head of the cleaning implement and stuffing portions overwrapping part into grippers that are part of the head of the cleaning implement. Optionally, backsheet <NUM> can be directly attached to the head of the cleaning implement by wrapping the longitudinal edges <NUM> of the backsheet <NUM> around the longitudinal edges of the head of the cleaning implement and pushing the backsheet <NUM> so that protrusions on the head of the cleaning implement puncture holes in backsheet <NUM> and the protrusions anchor the backsheet <NUM> to the head.

The backsheet <NUM> can be directly joined to the second nonwoven <NUM>, the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, the third nonwoven <NUM>, fourth nonwoven <NUM>, or whichever constituent layer is presented towards the backsheet <NUM>. The backsheet <NUM> can be chemically bonded to such constituent layer.

Optionally, the cleaning wipe <NUM> can comprise a pair of spaced apart attachment members <NUM> joined to the backsheet <NUM> on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis L and oriented away from the first nonwoven <NUM>.

The attachment members <NUM> can comprise a loop material having a plurality of loops. The loops can be loops of constituent fibers or formed loops. The loop material can be a nonwoven material. The attachment members <NUM> can be engaged and disengaged with complementary hook material on the head of the cleaning implement. The attachment members <NUM> and the complementary hook material can be formed from VELCRO.

The cleaning wipe <NUM> can be used in combination with a cleaning liquid. In such applications, the cleaning wipe <NUM> can also function to acquire the spent cleaning liquid from the floor. To provide for spent cleaning liquid storage, the cleaning wipe <NUM> can comprise an absorbent core <NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> can be positioned between a fluid acquisition layer <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>. The fluid acquisition layer <NUM> can be between the absorbent core <NUM> and the first nonwoven <NUM>. The fluid acquisition layer <NUM>, absorbent core <NUM>, and backsheet <NUM> can extend along the longitudinal axis L.

The fluid acquisition layer <NUM> can be free of impingement by the central bonded portion <NUM> and optional outboard bonds <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can be absent in the fluid acquisition layer <NUM>. This may preserve the permeability of the fluid acquisition layer <NUM>. The fluid acquisition layer <NUM> can be directly joined to the second nonwoven <NUM>, the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, the third nonwoven <NUM>, fourth nonwoven <NUM>, or whichever constituent layer is presented towards the fluid acquisition layer <NUM>. The fluid acquisition layer <NUM> can be chemically bonded to such constituent layer.

The absorbent core <NUM> can be an air laid core. The absorbent core <NUM> can comprise cellulose fibers. Optionally, the absorbent core <NUM> can comprise absorbent gelling material. The absorbent core <NUM> can comprise multiple plies of materials including layers of foam, wet laid cellulose fibers, air laid cellulose fibers, tissue, polypropylene spun bond nonwoven, polyester fibers, bicomponent cellulose and synthetic fibers, and the like.

The absorbent core <NUM> can extend along the entire length of the cleaning wipe <NUM> along the longitudinal ais L. Optionally, the absorbent core <NUM> can extend along about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, optionally about <NUM>% to <NUM>%, of the length of the cleaning wipe <NUM> along the longitudinal axis L. The absorbent core <NUM> can have a width orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The width of the absorbent core <NUM> can be smaller than the spacing between the attachment members <NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> can have a width from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, optionally from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The absorbent core <NUM> can be free of impingement by the central bonded portion <NUM> and optional outboard bonds <NUM>. The central bonded portion <NUM> can be absent in the absorbent core <NUM>. This may preserve the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core <NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> can be chemically bonded to the fluid acquisition layer <NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> can be chemically bonded to the backsheet <NUM>.

The fluid acquisition layer <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM> can be joined to one another along their longitudinal edges <NUM> outboard of the longitudinal axis L. The fluid acquisition layer <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM> can be joined to one another by a thermal bond, chemical bond, or a crimp bond along their respective longitudinal edges <NUM>.

A practical approach for assembling the cleaning wipe <NUM> can be to provide the first nonwoven <NUM> as a continuous web and the second nonwoven <NUM> as a continuous web, both moving in the machine direction. Optionally, material for forming a chemical bond between the first nonwoven <NUM> and second nonwoven <NUM> can be stacked on top of the second nonwoven <NUM> or on the bottom of the first nonwoven <NUM>. The first nonwoven <NUM> can be placed on top of the second nonwoven <NUM> and then bonded together, for example by chemical bonding or thermal bonding. If an intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, and or third nonwoven <NUM>, and or fourth nonwoven <NUM>, and or additional layers are provided as a continuous web, such as a backsheet <NUM> in absence of an absorbent core <NUM>, these layers and optional material for forming a chemical bonds therebetween, can be stacked in the appropriate order, and then bonded together, for example by chemical bonding or thermal bonding. Optionally, the stack of nonwovens can be bonded to one another and that bonded stack can be bonded to the backsheet <NUM> if a fluid acquisition layer <NUM> and absorbent core <NUM> are not provided.

The fluid acquisition layer <NUM>, absorbent core <NUM>, and backsheet <NUM> can be assembled as a continuous web independent of the nonwoven layers and then subsequently joined to the wiping assembly of the first nonwoven <NUM> and second nonwoven <NUM> and optional one or more of the intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, and optional third nonwoven <NUM>, and optional fourth nonwoven <NUM>, and any other additional optional nonwoven layers. The wiping assembly can be joined to the fluid acquisition layer <NUM> by a chemical bond or a thermal bond on or along the longitudinal axis L. Once the layers of the wiping assembly and backsheet <NUM> or optionally the wiping assembly and the fluid acquisition layer <NUM>, absorbent core <NUM>, and backsheet <NUM> are assembled and bonded to one another as desired, the assembled continuous web can be cut in the cross direction to form individual cleaning wipes <NUM>.

The absorbent core <NUM> can comprise a bicomponent cellulose/synthetic air laid material. The absorbent core <NUM> can comprise an air laid that is about <NUM>:<NUM> cellulose:bicomponent fibrous material. The absorbent core <NUM> can be a mixture of cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers, with cellulose fibers constituting from about <NUM> wt% to about <NUM> wt% of the absorbent core <NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> can have a basis weight from about <NUM>/m<NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM>, optionally from about <NUM>/m<NUM> to about <NUM>/m<NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> can be an air laid <NUM>:<NUM> cellulose:bicomponent fibers having a basis weight of about <NUM>/m<NUM>.

With respect to the first nonwoven <NUM>, second nonwoven <NUM>, intermediate nonwoven <NUM>, third nonwoven <NUM>, and fourth nonwoven <NUM>, one or more or all of these layers may be single unfolded layers of nonwoven material, by way of nonlimiting example as shown in <FIG>. The strips of the respective layers can be defined by slits or cuts in the longitudinal edges <NUM> of each of the nonwoven layers.

The cleaning wipe <NUM> can be provided to users as a product <NUM> comprising a closed container <NUM> and a plurality of cleaning wipes <NUM> contained in the container <NUM> (<FIG>). The container <NUM> can contain more than one cleaning wipe <NUM>. The container <NUM> can be a previously unopened container <NUM> filled with cleaning wipes <NUM>. The container <NUM> can be one from which a cleaning wipe <NUM> has not been removed. The container <NUM> can be paperboard or corrugated cardboard carton or other pulp based container <NUM>. The container <NUM> can be a bag comprising pulp, plastic bag, a plastic tub, or the like. The container <NUM> can comprise an intact frangible opening feature <NUM>. The container <NUM> can be a hermetically sealed container <NUM>, by way of nonlimiting example a polymeric bag or plastic tub. The frangible opening feature <NUM> can be a line of weakness defining or partially defining a portion of a container wall <NUM> that is to be torn to permit the container <NUM> to be opened for the first time. The frangible opening feature <NUM> can be part of an adhesive or shrink wrap applied to the container <NUM> to maintain the container <NUM> in a closed condition until the container <NUM> is first provided to the user.

The cleaning wipes <NUM> contained in the container <NUM> can be such that more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, by number of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> are bent so that the second nonwoven free ends <NUM> are out of plane relative to the second nonwoven fixed ends <NUM>. Optionally, the cleaning wipes <NUM> contained in the container <NUM> can be such that more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, by number of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> are interlaced with the first nonwoven strips <NUM> so that portions of the second nonwoven strips <NUM> are above portions of the first nonwoven strips <NUM>. Optionally, the cleaning wipes <NUM> contained in the container <NUM> can be such that more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, by number of the first nonwoven strips <NUM> are bent so that the first nonwoven free ends <NUM> are out of plane relative to the first nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> to provide for fluffiness to the cleaning wipe <NUM>. Optionally, more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, optionally more than about <NUM>%, by number of the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> can be bent and or interlaced with the second nonwoven strips <NUM> so that portions of the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> are above portions of the second nonwoven strips <NUM>.

As such, the cleaning wipe <NUM> is adequately fluffed or bulked at the time of packing the cleaning wipe <NUM> into the container <NUM> and is ready for effective use immediately upon removal from the container <NUM>. This can simplify use and improve performance of the cleaning wipe <NUM> because the user does not have to take any steps or action to fluff or bulk the cleaning wipe <NUM> prior to use, which might be a step or action that the user might forget, skip, or inadequately perform.

To provide for more compact distribution and storage of the cleaning wipes <NUM>, each cleaning wipe <NUM> can be folded orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L (<FIG>). Optionally, the cleaning wipe <NUM> is folded about a fold axis F orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L and portions of the first nonwoven <NUM> on opposite sides of the fold axis F can face one another. The cleaning wipe <NUM> can be bi-folded across the longitudinal axis L, optionally such that the bi-folds are located equidistant from the transverse edges <NUM>.

Optionally, the first nonwoven strips <NUM> can have a first color and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> can have a second color (<FIG>). The first color can differ from the second color. The first color and the second color can be measured a Hunter Reflectance Meter test according to the colors L*, a*, and b*, the L*, a*, and b*, the difference in color being calculated using the L*, a*, and b* values by the formula ΔE= [(L*X - L*Y)<NUM> + (a*X - a*Y)<NUM> + (b*X - b*Y)<NUM>]<NUM>/<NUM>, wherein X represents the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and Y represents the second nonwoven strips <NUM> , wherein the ΔE between the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> is at least about <NUM>.

Reflectance color is measured using the Hunter Lab LabScan XE reflectance spectrophotometer obtained from Hunter Associates Laboratory of Reston, Virginia, United States of America. The color of the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and second nonwoven strips <NUM> is tested at an ambient temperature between <NUM> C and <NUM> C and a relative humidity between <NUM>% and <NUM>%.

The spectrophotometer is set to the CIELab color scale and with a D65 illumination. The Observer is set at <NUM>° and the Mode is set at <NUM>/<NUM>°. Area View is set to <NUM>" and Port Size is set to <NUM>". The spectrophotometer is calibrated prior to sample analysis utilizing the black glass and white reference tiles supplied from the vendor with the instrument. Calibration is done according to the manufacturer's instructions as set forth in <NPL>. If cleaning is required of the reference tiles or samples, only tissues that do not contain embossing, lotion, or brighteners should be used (e.g., PUFFS tissue). Any sample point on respective strip containing the color to be analyzed can be selected.

The respective strip is placed over the sample port of the spectrophotometer with a white clamp disk placed behind the respective strip.

The respective strip is removed and repositioned so that a minimum of six readings of color of the strip are conducted. If possible (e.g., the size of the imparted color on the respective strip in question does not limit the ability to have six discretely different, non-overlapping sample points), each of the readings is to be performed at a substantially different region on the respective strip so that no two sample points overlap. If the size of the respective strip requires overlapping of sample points, only six samples should be taken with the sample points selected to minimize overlap between any two sample points. The readings are averaged to yield the reported L*, a*, and b* values for a specified color on an externally visible surface of a respective strip.

The first color and the second color are considered to have different colors if ΔE is greater than about <NUM>. Optionally, The first color and the second color can be considered to have different colors if ΔE is greater than about <NUM>. Optionally, the first color and the second color can be considered to have different colors if ΔE is greater than about <NUM>, optionally greater than about <NUM>.

Optionally, the first nonwoven strips <NUM> can have a first color, the second nonwoven strips <NUM> can have a second color, and the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> can have a third color. The second color can differ from the first color and the second color can differ from the third color. Optionally, the second color can differ from at least one of the first color and the third color. The second color can be measured as described above. The third color can be measured as described above for the first nonwoven strips <NUM> with the measurements made on the third nonwoven strips <NUM> substituted in place of the measurements made on the first nonwoven strips <NUM>. The intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> can have a third color and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> have a second color. The third color and the second color are measured by a Hunter Reflectance Meter test according to the colors L*, a*, and b*. The third color and the second color can have a difference in color calculated using L*, a*, and b* values by the formula ΔE= [(L*z - L*Y)<NUM> + (a*z - a*Y)<NUM> + (b*z - b*Y)<NUM>]<NUM>/<NUM>, wherein Z represents the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> and Y represents the second nonwoven strips <NUM>. The ΔE between the intermediate nonwoven strips <NUM> and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> can be greater than <NUM>. The second color and the third color can be considered to have different colors if ΔE is greater than about <NUM>. Optionally, the second color and the third color can be considered to have different colors if ΔE is greater than about <NUM>. Optionally, the second color and the third color can be considered to have different colors if ΔE is greater than about <NUM>. Optionally, the second color and the third color can be considered to have different colors if ΔE is greater than about <NUM>.

The difference in colors between the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and second nonwoven strips <NUM> and optionally between the second nonwoven strips <NUM> and the third nonwoven strips <NUM> can help the user identify that the cleaning wipe <NUM> is adequately fluffed or bulked. The different in color between the respective strips allows the user to see the interlacing or overlapping of the respective strips. If all of the respective strips have the same color, for example white, it can be difficult for the user to see that the strips are interlaced with one another and understand if the cleaning wipe <NUM> is sufficiently fluffed or fluffed to the desired degree.

The layers of nonwovens and parts of nonwovens described herein can be bonded to one another by thermal bonds. Optionally, the layers nonwovens and parts of nonwovens can be bonded to one another by chemical bonds. Chemical bonds include adhesives. The bonds can be continuous bonds, such as line bonds, or be intermittent bonds, in which the bonds are spaced apart from one another. For example, the central bonded portion <NUM> and optionally outboard bonds <NUM> can be continuous line bond extending continuously between the transverse edges <NUM>. Optionally, the central bonded portion <NUM> and optional outboard bonds <NUM> can be an intermittent bond. An intermittent bond can be a plurality of discrete bonds that are spaced apart from one another in a regular or irregular pattern, the assembly of which extends or substantially extends between the transverse edges <NUM>.

The cleaning wipe <NUM> can be packaged by a process that comprises providing a cleaning wipe <NUM> as described herein and illustrated by way of nonlimiting example in <FIG>. The cleaning wipe <NUM> can initially be in the condition in which the strips of the various nonwovens are not interlaced with one another. The cleaning wipe <NUM> can be moved in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis L. The strips of the various nonwovens can be bent or interlaced with one another manually or by moving a gas <NUM> towards each of the longitudinal edges <NUM> from positions <NUM> on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis L and beyond the longitudinal edges <NUM>, thereby bending the second nonwoven strips <NUM> so that the second nonwoven free ends <NUM> are out of plane relative to the second nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> to fluff the cleaning wipe <NUM>. The strips of the various nonwovens can be bent or interlaced with one another by moving a gas from positions <NUM> on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis L and beyond the longitudinal edges <NUM> towards the longitudinal axis L, thereby bending the second nonwoven strips <NUM> so that the second nonwoven free ends <NUM> are out of plane relative to the second nonwoven fixed ends <NUM> to fluff the cleaning wipe <NUM>. Optionally, moving a gas <NUM> towards each longitudinal edges <NUM> from positions <NUM> on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis L and beyond the longitudinal edges <NUM> can interlace the first nonwoven strips <NUM> and the second nonwoven strips <NUM> to form a cleaning wipe <NUM> that is fluffed. The gas <NUM> can be moved by blowing the gas <NUM> from positions <NUM> or drawing the gas <NUM> towards the longitudinal axis L by vacuum duct located above the longitudinal axis L. The cleaning wipe <NUM> that is fluffed can be placed in a container <NUM> and the container <NUM> can be closed.

The positions <NUM> can comprise blowers <NUM> individually directed at opposite longitudinal edges <NUM>. The blowers <NUM> can comprise a nozzle to direct flow of the gas <NUM>.

The positions <NUM> can be in plane with the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T of the cleaning wipe <NUM> outboard of the longitudinal edges <NUM>. There can be two or more such positions. Optionally or additionally, positions <NUM> can be provided above the plane defined by the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T of the cleaning wipe and outboard of the longitudinal edges <NUM>. There can be two or more such elevated relative to and outboard of the longitudinal edges <NUM>. Gas <NUM> can be directed at an angle relative to the plane of the cleaning wipe <NUM> defined by the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T. In one practical arrangement, gas <NUM> can be moved across the longitudinal edges <NUM> in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T of the cleaning wipe <NUM>. Optionally or additionally, gas <NUM> can be moved at an angle across the longitudinal edges <NUM> at an angle relative to the plane of the cleaning wipe <NUM> defined by the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T. That is, the gas <NUM> can be moved at an angle relative to the cleaning wipe <NUM> across the longitudinal edges <NUM>. Such an arrangement can help lift the strips of various nonwovens out of plane of the cleaning wipe by way of the venturi effect.

The gas <NUM> can be provided at a pressure from about <NUM> bar to about <NUM> bars, optionally from about <NUM> bar to about <NUM> bars.

Optionally, the cleaning wipe <NUM> that is fluffed can be folded about a fold axis F orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L before placing the cleaning wipe <NUM> that is fluffed in the container <NUM>. The cleaning wipe <NUM> that is fluffed can be folded such that portions of the first nonwoven <NUM> on opposite sides of the fold axis F can face one another. Such an arrangement can preserve and protect the fluffed structure in the interior of the fold since the various of nonwoven strips may interlock or intermesh to some degree which can help reduce the potential for the strips to fall back to be more in plane with the portion of the nonwoven from which the strips extend. Furthermore, it may be easier to compactly pack since the fluffed surfaces of adjacent packed cleaning wipes <NUM> are not in substantial contact with one another. In an arrangement in which the first nonwoven <NUM> on opposite sides of the fold axis F face away from one another, the various nonwoven strips may tend to fall back to be more in plane with portion of the nonwoven from which the strips extend.

Folding can be performed manually or by using a machine designed for such purpose. Optionally, cleaning wipe <NUM> can be folded such that portions of the first nonwoven <NUM> on opposite sides of the fold axis F are on the exterior of the fold, which may be an easier folding process to implement.

As part of the process of bending the various nonwoven strips or interlacing the various nonwoven strips, the cleaning wipe <NUM> can be moved from a first sandwich belt conveyor <NUM> to a second sandwich belt conveyor <NUM>. The positions <NUM> can be downstream of the first sandwich belt conveyor <NUM> and upstream of the second sandwich belt conveyor <NUM>. As the cleaning wipe <NUM> is being handed downstream from the first sandwich belt conveyor <NUM> to the second sandwich belt conveyor <NUM>, the portion of the cleaning wipe <NUM> between the first sandwich belt conveyor <NUM> and the second sandwich belt conveyor <NUM> can be unrestrained in a directions orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L. By being unrestrained out of plane of cleaning wipe <NUM> the various layer of strips can be manipulated out of plane of the cleaning wipe <NUM>. The gas <NUM> moved towards the longitudinal edges <NUM> can bend, and or lift, and or flutter the nonwoven strips of the nonwovens which can result in the nonwoven strips of different nonwovens being bent and or interlacing with one another. One or both of the first sandwich belt conveyor <NUM> and the second sandwich belt conveyor <NUM> can control the position of the cleaning wipe <NUM> and restrain the cleaning wipe <NUM> from movement in the cross direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L as the gas <NUM> is moved towards the longitudinal edges <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A process for packaging a product (<NUM>) comprising steps of:
(a) providing a cleaning wipe (<NUM>) having a longitudinal axis (L) extending between opposing transverse edges (<NUM>) that cross said longitudinal axis and longitudinal edges (<NUM>) spaced apart from said longitudinal axis and extending between said transverse edges, wherein said cleaning wipe comprises:
a first nonwoven (<NUM>) extending along said longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of first nonwoven strips (<NUM>) extending from first nonwoven fixed ends (<NUM>), wherein said first nonwoven fixed ends are oriented towards said longitudinal axis; and
a second nonwoven (<NUM>) extending along said longitudinal axis, wherein said second nonwoven is joined to said first nonwoven along a central bonded portion (<NUM>) and comprises a plurality of second nonwoven strips (<NUM>) extending from second nonwoven fixed ends (<NUM>) to second nonwoven free ends (<NUM>), wherein said second nonwoven fixed ends are oriented towards said longitudinal axis, wherein along said central bonded portion said second nonwoven is below said first nonwoven;
(b) moving said cleaning wipe in direction aligned with said longitudinal axis;
(c) moving a gas (<NUM>) from positions (<NUM>) on opposite sides of said longitudinal axis and beyond said longitudinal edges towards said longitudinal axis thereby bending said second nonwoven strips so that said second nonwoven free ends are out of plane relative to said second nonwoven fixed ends to fluff said cleaning wipe;
(d) placing said cleaning wipe that is fluffed in a container (<NUM>); and
(e) closing said container.