Novel three dimensional structures useful as cleaning sheets

Abstract

Disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a contractable material (e.g., a scrim material), which when heated and then cooled contracts so as to provide a macroscopic, three-dimensional structure. Macroscopic three-dimensionality is described in terms of “average peak-to-peak distance” and “surface topography index”, as well in terms of “average height differential”. Also disclosed are cleaning implements comprising a handle and the described cleaning sheets. Processes for the sheets, benefits of the processes, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cleaning sheet having a first outwardly facing surface and a second outwardly facing surface opposed thereto, said cleaning sheet comprising:
 a nonwoven sheet having a macroscopically uniform basis weight and macroscopically uniform caliper; and   an additive on at least said first outwardly facing surface, wherein said additive comprises wax.   
     
     
         2 . A nonwoven sheet according to  claim 1  wherein said additive has an add-on level of about 0.1 to about 25 weight percent of said sheet. 
     
     
         3 . A nonwoven sheet according to  claim 2  wherein said additive has an add on level of about 1 to about 15 weight percent of said sheet. 
     
     
         4 . A nonwoven sheet according to  claim 3  wherein said first outwardly facing surface is substantially continuously coated with said additive. 
     
     
         5 . A nonwoven sheet according to  claim 3  wherein said additive further comprises an oil, forming a wax and oil mixture. 
     
     
         6 . A nonwoven sheet according to  claim 3  wherein said additive further comprises a surfactant. 
     
     
         7 . A nonwoven sheet according to  claim 3  wherein said additive further comprises a lubricant. 
     
     
         8 . A nonwoven sheet according to  claim 5  wherein said oil and said wax are provided in a ratio of about 1:99 to about 7:3 weight percent. 
     
     
         9 . A cleaning sheet having a first outwardly facing surface and a second outwardly facing surface opposed thereto, said cleaning sheet comprising:
 a generally planar nonwoven sheet; and   a wax additive disposed on at least said first outwardly facing surface.   
     
     
         10 . A cleaning sheet according to  claim 9  wherein said nonwoven sheet comprises a single layer nonwoven sheet. 
     
     
         11 . A cleaning sheet according to  claim 10  having a denier of less than about 4.0 g per 9000 m. 
     
     
         12 . A cleaning sheet according to  claim 11  having a denier of less than about 2.0 g per 9000 m. 
     
     
         13 . A cleaning sheet according to  claim 12  having a denier of less than about 1.5 g per 9000 m. 
     
     
         14 . A cleaning sheet according to  claim 9  wherein said additive comprises a mixture of a wax and at least one further additive selected from the group consisting of surfactant, lubricant, or oil. 
     
     
         15 . A cleaning sheet according to  claim 14  wherein said additive comprises a wax and oil mixture. 
     
     
         16 . A cleaning sheet according to  claim 15  wherein said wax comprises a petrolatum based wax. 
     
     
         17 . A cleaning sheet according to  claim 16  wherein said wax comprises a microcrystalline wax. 
     
     
         18 . A cleaning sheet according to  claim 16  wherein said additive comprises a 1:1 mixture of wax and oil. 
     
     
         19 . A cleaning sheet having a first outwardly facing surface and a second outwardly facing surface opposed thereto, said cleaning sheet comprising:
 a single layer nonwoven sheet having a macroscopically uniform basis weight; and   a wax additive disposed on at least said first outwardly facing surface.   
     
     
         20 . A cleaning sheet according to  claim 19  wherein said additive further comprises oil.