The present disclosure relates to protective articles for protecting objects, people or parts thereof from damage and/or being tarnished. More specifically, the disclosure relates to protective articles configured to be removably adhered to an object or person being protected.

The disclosure also relates to methods of manufacture of and apparatus for the manufacture of such protective articles.

There are many situations where a protective article may be conveniently used to protect another object, e.g. from spills or dirt. For instance, a bib or a napkin may be used to protect a diner’s clothes. In other cases, an object such as a piece of furniture may need to be protected, as in the case of a table cloth or a place mat. In another example, a feminine hygiene product such as a sanitary towel may be used to protect a wearer’s clothes.

Generally, this protection may be achieved by placing a sheet, typically of paper or cloth, across or over the object to be protected, for example placing a napkin across the lap, or a table cloth across a table. However, these sheets of material are liable to slip or fall off, leaving parts of the object exposed. In other circumstances, the protective garment may have to be tied to the object, as is the case of a bib. This can be particularly difficult for people with reduced mobility or dexterity.

In the case of napkins, it may be inconvenient and/or difficult for a person to pick up and replace a napkin that has fallen off his/her lap. This may be especially so if, for example, the person is eating outside and a breeze is blowing, or is in a restricted space such as on board a train, bus, boat or aeroplane, or the person has restricted mobility or dexterity, e.g. due to illness or injury.

It is known to apply double sided sticky tape to a napkin. However, applying the double sided sticky tape requires a certain degree of human dexterity which may only be copied by a complex machine. Also, waste is produced during the implementation of this solution because the material peeled away from the double sided sticky tape in order to expose the adhesive needs to be disposed of. Furthermore, double sided sticky tape is expensive. Further, in use, double sided sticky tape can be very difficult for the elderly and disabled people to remove prior to using a product, e.g. a napkin or a bib, which may negatively affect their independence and self-worth, as assistance is typically required. These factors prohibit the implementation of this known solution on a mass scale.

US4306316, DE20306817 and DE202004017373 disclose napkins with adhesive portions that can be adhered to clothing.

WO2011/039533 discloses a napkin. On a first surface of the napkin first and second adhesive portions are adhered so that they are brought into engagement with each other when the sheet is folded in half along a first fold. The adhesive is of a type that will allow the first and second adhesive portions to separate and allow the sheet to be adhered to an object such as clothing.

W02016/102080 discloses a protective article comprising a sheet with a first surface, and at least one adhesive portion arranged on the first surface. The adhesive is of a type that allows the sheet to be non-permanently adhered to an object.

It is known to provide removable covers or backing strips to protect the adhesive until the protective article, e.g. napkin, is required to be adhered to an object. However, these covers increase the volume required to pack, transport and/or store such protective articles, which increases the cost of the protective articles. For cheap, disposable items such as paper napkins, this extra cost can be a significant fraction of the cost of manufacture. This extra cost may also discourage consumers from purchasing a given protective article, rather than a cheaper, non-adhesive alternative.

It is an object of the invention to address one or more of the shortcomings mentioned herein associated with known protective articles, e.g. napkins, and their manufacture.

A first aspect provides a protective article comprising a sheet with a first surface and at least one adhesive portion arranged on the first surface. One or more of the adhesive portions comprises an adhesive that allows the sheet to be non-permanently adhered to an object, a person or an animal. None of the adhesive portions is/are covered by a removable cover or a backing strip. The adhesive may be a non-solvent-based adhesive or a solvent-based adhesive. The adhesive may be a non-water-based adhesive.

In one example implementation, the adhesive may be a thermoplastic adhesive such as a hot-melt adhesive. Any suitable hot-melt adhesive may be employed.

The specific adhesive, e.g. a hot-melt adhesive, employed may vary depending upon the intended end use of the protective article.

The use of a hot-melt adhesive may provide several advantages during manufacture and use of the protective article.

A hot-melt adhesive may be relatively safe and easy to handle within the manufacturing environment, particularly in comparison with solvent-based adhesives, e.g. because volatile organic compounds are reduced or eliminated and/or the need for a drying or curing step may be eliminated. Accordingly, the cost of manufacture may be relatively low.

The hot-melt adhesive may typically comprise an adhesive resin, a cohesion agent comprising a polymer or copolymer. The hot-melt adhesive may further include, as minority components, at least one wax and at least one antioxidant.

The adhesive, e.g. the hot-melt adhesive, may be plasticizer-free.

The adhesive, e.g. the hot-melt adhesive, may be selected to have any suitable, desired chemical and/or physical characteristics and properties for its intended use on a protective article according to the disclosure.

The adhesive, e.g. the hot-melt adhesive, may have a viscosity of up to or at least 40 Pa.s at 150°C. The adhesive, e.g. the hot-melt adhesive, may have a viscosity of up to 40,000 Pa.s at 150°C.

The adhesive, e.g. the hot-melt adhesive, may be selected to have a fairly low viscosity. The adhesive, e.g. the hot-melt adhesive, may have a viscosity of no more than 1500 mPa.s, e.g. from 700 mPa.s to 1000 mPa.s, measured at a temperature of 170° C.

The viscosity of the adhesive may be measured in the molten state using a viscometer equipped with an SC4-27 spindle at a temperature above the melting point of the adhesive.

The adhesive, e.g. the hot-melt adhesive, may have a melting temperature of at least 50°C or at least 85°C. The adhesive, e.g. the hot-melt adhesive, may have a melting temperature of up to 180°C or up to 150°C.

An example of a suitable hot-melt adhesive may be obtainable from Arkema’s Platamid® range of hot-melt adhesives.

The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.

One or more of the adhesive portions may be applied to the first surface of the sheet using any suitable technique.

For instance, the adhesive portion(s) may be sprayed, rolled, stamped, printed, dipped or heated and extruded (e.g. applied using a hot glue gun) on to the first surface of the sheet. The adhesive portion(s) may be applied to the first surface of the sheet using a syringe.

Examples of other techniques that may be used to apply one or more of the adhesive portions to the first surface of the sheet may include: a) dots/beads b) web coating c) wheel d) brush and trowel e) curtain coating f) solid film

The or each adhesive portion may have any suitable size. The or each adhesive portion may cover any proportion of the first surface of the sheet. The or each adhesive portion may have any suitable shape, e.g. a polygonal shape or a curvilinear shape having one or more curved sides. For instance, the or each adhesive portion may be triangular, quadrilateral, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, elliptical, circular or semicircular. The or each adhesive portion may have the form of an elongate strip. At least a portion of the elongate strip may be straight, zig-zagged, curved or wavy.

A plurality of adhesive portions may be arranged on the first surface.

Colour may be added to the adhesive by the addition of one or more colouring agents, dyes or pigments. Advantageously, the addition of colour may make the adhesive portion(s) more noticeable for users, and/or may allow the adhesive portion(s) to match a colour or pattern on the first surface of the sheet.

The colour of the adhesive portion(s) may be controlled by varying the ratios and amounts of any colouring agents, dyes and/or pigments included in the adhesive.

The sheet may be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid. The sheet may be foldable due to being flexible and/or along one or more specific fold lines.

In an embodiment, the sheet may be folded. For instance, the sheet may be folded in half. The sheet may be folded more than once.

The sheet may be folded such that a first portion of the first surface faces a second portion of the first surface.

When the sheet is folded such that a first portion of the first surface faces a second portion of the first surface, a first adhesive portion and a second adhesive portion may be adapted to engage each other. The adhesive is selected such that it is of a type that will allow the first and second adhesive portions to be separated when the sheet is unfolded, in use, and allow the sheet to be adhered to an object, a person or an animal.

Alternatively or additionally, when the sheet is folded such that a first portion of the first surface faces a second portion of the first surface, at least one adhesive portion arranged on the first portion of the first surface may be brought into engagement with the second portion of the first surface at a location absent an adhesive portion. The adhesive is selected such that is of a type that will allow the at least one adhesive portion arranged on the first portion of the first surface and the second portion of the first surface to be separated when the sheet is unfolded, in use, and allow the sheet to be adhered to an object, a person or an animal.

Embodiments in which, after folding, the or each adhesive portion engages a portion of the first surface of the sheet absent adhesive may advantageously be relatively easier to manufacture, since a lower accuracy in application of the adhesive may be tolerated than when manufacturing an embodiment, in which after folding, two adhesive portions engage each other. Another benefit may be that less force may be required, in use, to unfold an embodiment, in which the or each adhesive portion engages a portion of the first surface of the sheet at a location absent adhesive than to unfold an embodiment in which two adhesive portions engage each other.

In an embodiment, the sheet may comprise a first and a second adhesive portion, the first and second adhesive portions being adapted to engage each other when the sheet is folded, e.g. along a first fold. In an embodiment, the adhesive portion(s) may be arranged symmetrically about a fold line, e.g. the first fold. For instance, a first adhesive portion and a second adhesive portion may be arranged symmetrically about a fold line. The first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion may each be elongate in a direction parallel with the fold line about which they are arranged symmetrically. The first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion may each comprise an elongate strip extending in a direction parallel with the fold line.

One or more adhesive portions, e.g. the first and second adhesive portions, may form a strip of adhesive extending a distance along the first surface. In an embodiment, the strip of adhesive may extend substantially perpendicularly to the first fold. The strip of adhesive may be located on an edge or next to an edge of the first surface.

By folding the sheet of material as above, the adhesive portion may be protected until such time as the protective article is required to be used.

The sheet may have been folded prior to application of adhesive. In an embodiment, the sheet may be folded more than once.

The sheet of material may comprise a second fold. This may be desirable, for example, for packing one or more of the protective articles into a package. The package may be of a standardly sold size for a given protective article.

In an embodiment, one or more adhesive portions may be arranged on a second surface of the sheet.

A plurality of protective articles may be provided by a single sheet. Each protective article may be separated, e.g. torn or cut, from the sheet as required. The sheet may be provided with one or more visual and/or tactile indications to facilitate a user in separating a given protective article from the sheet. For instance, one or more lines of weakness, e.g. formed by perforations, may be present to facilitate a user in separating a given protective article from the sheet.

One or more protective articles may be provided on a roll. Providing the protective article(s) on a roll may be convenient for manufacture, transportation, storage and/or deploying the protective article(s) at a point of use.

In an example implementation, a plurality of protective articles may be provided on a roll. For example, the plurality of protective articles may be provided by a single sheet, the single sheet being wound about a core to form a roll.

The protective article(s) may be configured such that the adhesive portion(s) is/are protected when the protective article(s) is on the roll. The adhesive portion(s) arranged on a surface of a given protective article may be uncovered when the given protective article is removed (unrolled) from the roll.

The sheet may be made from any suitable material, e.g. a material comprising card, cloth, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, plastic, and/or single or multiple plies of paper. The sheet may comprise, for example, a cellulosic material and/or a polymeric material The sheet may for example comprise a first layer and a second layer. In some implementations, the second layer may constitute a backing layer.

The sheet may for example comprise a cellulosic, e.g. paper-based, layer and a polymeric layer thereon. The polymeric layer may comprise any suitable polymeric material, e.g. polyethylene.

The first layer and/or the second layer may comprise a cellulosic, e.g. paper-based, material.

The sheet may be biodegradable or compostable at least in part. The sheet may be substantially entirely biodegradable or compostable. For instance, the first layer and/or the second layer may comprise one or more biodegradable or compostable materials.

In some example implementations, at least a portion of the sheet may be treated with a surface treatment. The surface treatment may modify one or more characteristics, e.g. surface properties, of one or more portions of the sheet.

For example, the sheet may be pre-treated with a treatment to modify the at least a portion of the surface to make the surface more receptive to the application of an adhesive. For instance, the pre-treatment may locally roughen and/or charge the surface at the location(s) where the adhesive is to be applied. The pre-treatment may involve, for example, irradiating the surface at the location(s) where the adhesive is to be applied. The pre-treatment may involve for example, another way of imparting energy, e.g. heat or light or other radiation, to the surface at the location(s) where the adhesive is to be applied.

Other surface treatments may be applied to one or more portions of the sheet, either prior to or after application of the adhesive. For example, one or more portions of the sheet may be treated with an antimicrobial treatment, e.g. an antimicrobial coating.

As another example, one or more portions of the sheet may be treated with a water- resistant coating. As another example, one or more portions of the sheet may be treated by having a substance such as a liquid or a gel applied thereon to form a membrane. In some implementations, this treatment may be carried out prior to the adhesive being applied to the sheet.

The sheet may be at least partially water resistant or at least partially waterproof. The sheet may be at least partially oil resistant or at least partially oil-proof. The sheet may be at least partially grease resistant or at least partially grease-proof.

One or more portions of the sheet may be adapted in any suitable way to facilitate a user in unpacking, e.g. unfolding, or deploying the protective article.

The protective article may comprise a personal hygiene product, including for example a feminine hygiene product such as a sanitary towel. The protective article may comprise: a napkin, a bib, an apron or a face covering. For example, the protective article may comprise: a dental napkin or bib, a napkin or bib for medical use such as a surgical napkin or bib. In other example implementations, the protective article may include a table cloth, a coaster, a place mat, a furniture cover for indoor or outdoor use or a windscreen cover for a vehicle.

In other example implementations, the protective article may include a couch roll, an incontinence sheet or incontinence pad or an antimacassar.

A second aspect provides a method of manufacture of a protective article, the method comprising the steps of: providing a sheet with a first surface; and applying at least one adhesive portion on to the first surface; wherein the or each adhesive portion comprises an adhesive that allows the sheet of material to be non-permanently adhered to an object, a person or an animal; wherein none of the adhesive portion(s) is/are covered by a removable cover or a backing strip.

In an embodiment, the adhesive portion(s) may be applied on to the first surface from any direction. For instance, the adhesive portion(s) may be applied on to the first surface from either side of the sheet, e.g. from above or from below. The rate of application of the adhesive may be variable. For instance, the rate of application of the adhesive may be varied “on the fly” (i.e. without halting the carrying out of the method) or from one manufacturing run to the next.

The properties of the adhesive, e.g. chemistry, composition and/or colour, may be variable. For instance, the properties of the adhesive may be varied “on the fly” (i.e. without halting the carrying out of the method) or from one manufacturing run to the next.

The adhesive may comprise one or more colouring agents, dyes and/or pigments.

In an embodiment, the adhesive may be mixed prior to application on to the sheet. Alternatively, two or more components of the adhesive may be applied on to the sheet separately and allowed to mix during and/or after application.

In an embodiment, the method may comprise the step of folding the sheet, e.g. along a first fold, such that either an adhesive portion is brought into engagement with an adhesive-free portion of the first surface, or such that a first adhesive portion is brought into engagement with a second adhesive portion.

The sheet may be initially folded before the application of the adhesive, e.g. such that the first surface comprises the outward face of a folded sheet of material.

In embodiments comprising a first and a second adhesive portion, the adhesive portions may be applied, e.g. sprayed, rolled, printed, or stamped, such that the first and second adhesive portions form a strip of adhesive extending a distance along the first surface. For instance, the strip of adhesive may be located on an edge or next to an edge of the first surface.

The method may additionally comprise a step of folding a second fold in the first surface.

The method may comprise the step of drying the at least one adhesive portion. Drying may be accomplished by leaving the sheet to rest in ambient air for a period of time and/or applying heat from a heat source. For instance, the heat source may comprise an infra-red (IR) heat source. Other examples of suitable heat sources may include at least one microwave heat source and at least one heat box operable to circulate hot air.

A third aspect provides an apparatus for applying adhesive to a sheet comprising: an adhesive applying means operable to apply an adhesive on to a first surface of a sheet, so as to provide at least one adhesive portion on the first surface of the sheet. The adhesive allows, in use, the sheet to be non-permanently adhered to an object, a person or an animal.

The adhesive may comprise one or more colouring agents, dyes and/or pigments.

The adhesive applying means may be operable to spray the adhesive on to the first surface of the sheet.

The adhesive applying means may be operable to roll the adhesive on to the first surface of the sheet. The adhesive applying means may comprise one or more rollers.

In some embodiments, the adhesive may be held in a reservoir before being applied to a roller. Adhesive may be applied to the roller by dipping the roller into the reservoir, or in alternative embodiments adhesive may be pumped from the reservoir and applied to the surface of the roller.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise an adhesive removing means operable to remove excess adhesive from the roller. Excess adhesive may be removed from the roller before adhesive is rolled onto the first surface. The adhesive removing means may for example be a scraper blade, or another roller.

The adhesive applying means may be operable to heat and extrude the adhesive on to the first surface of the sheet. The adhesive applying means may comprise a glue gun.

The adhesive applying means may be operable to print the adhesive on to the first surface of the sheet.

The adhesive applying means may be operable to stamp the adhesive on to the first surface of the sheet. The adhesive applying means may be operable to apply the adhesive on to the first surface of the sheet by dipping.

The adhesive applying means may comprise a syringe operable to apply the adhesive on the first surface of the sheet.

The adhesive applying means may be operable to vary, e.g. in accordance with a predetermined program or on demand from an operator, the rate of application of the adhesive and/or the properties, e.g. chemistry, composition and/or colour, of the adhesive.

The adhesive may comprise one or more colouring agents, dyes and/or pigments

The apparatus may comprise a delivery means for delivering adhesive to the adhesive applying means.

The apparatus may comprise a storage container for the adhesive. The or a delivery means may be operable to deliver the adhesive from the storage container to the adhesive applying means.

The apparatus may comprise a sheet delivery means configured to place the sheet so as to present the first surface of the sheet to the adhesive applying means. The sheet delivery means may be configured to be move, in use, the sheet relative to the adhesive applying means. Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive applying means may be movable relative to the sheet. The first surface of the sheet may be presented to the adhesive applying means in any suitable orientation.

The apparatus may comprise one or more folding means for folding the sheet along a fold. For instance, the apparatus may comprise one or more folding means configured to fold the sheet along one or more folds after application of the adhesive portion(s). Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus may comprise an initial folding means configured to fold the sheet prior to application of the adhesive portion(s). In one embodiment, a first folding means may be operable to fold the sheet of material along a first fold such that the at least one adhesive portion is brought into engagement with an adhesive-free portion of the first surface.

In another embodiment, the adhesive applying means may be operable to apply at least a first and a second adhesive portion onto the first surface; and the or a first folding means may be operable to fold the sheet of material along a first fold such that the first and second adhesive portions are brought into engagement with each other. The adhesive applying means may be operable to apply the first and second portions together to form a strip of adhesive extending a distance along the first surface. The strip of adhesive may be located on an edge of the sheet or adjacent to an edge of the sheet.

The apparatus may further comprise a drying means arranged to dry the adhesive portion(s) on the first surface. The drying means may be located in line with the adhesive applying means. In an embodiment, the drying means may be located downstream of the adhesive applying means and upstream of one or more folding means.

The drying means may comprise any suitable heat source, e.g. an infra-red (IR) heat source such as an IR lamp, a microwave heat source or a heat box. The heat source may be controllable to vary the drying rate. In some embodiments, fast drying of the adhesive portion(s) may be desired, in order to maximise the rate of manufacture.

The apparatus may further comprise cutting means for cutting the sheet of material. For example, adhesive may be applied by the apparatus to a large sheet of material, which is subsequently cut to appropriate dimensions for the protective article. Alternatively, a sheet of material may be cut into sheets of appropriate dimensions prior to application of the adhesive.

In use, a large sheet of material may be continuously fed into the apparatus. The adhesive applying means may be operable continuously or discontinuously, depending on the required arrangement of adhesive portion(s). The apparatus may comprise an embossing means, a printing means and/or a stamping means for imparting a surface texture or decoration to the sheet or a portion thereof. The imparted surface texture or decoration may be functional and/or decorative. For instance, a functional surface texture or decoration may facilitate a user in the correct usage of the protective article. A decorative surface texture or decoration may give the protective article or part thereof a desired appearance. Other types of information may be conveyed by the imparted surface texture or decoration, e.g. product names, logos or other branding.

The apparatus for applying adhesive may be part of an apparatus for manufacturing a protective article. The apparatus for applying adhesive may be retro-fitted to an existing apparatus for manufacturing a protective article.

The apparatus may be configured to produce any protective article, including, but not limited to, those examples specifically mentioned herein. The protective article may comprise a personal hygiene product, including for example a feminine hygiene product such as a sanitary towel. The protective article may comprise: a napkin, a bib, an apron or a face covering. For example, the protective article may comprise: a dental napkin or bib, a napkin or bib for medical use such as a surgical napkin or bib. In other example implementations, the protective article may include a table cloth, a coaster, a place mat, a furniture cover for indoor or outdoor use or a windscreen cover for a vehicle.

Another aspect provides a manufacturing line including an apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention.

A further aspect provides a computer-readable medium carrying instructions for the manufacture of a protective article according to the disclosure. In an embodiment, the instructions may be executable in a three-dimensional (3D) printer.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect. Furthermore except where mutually exclusive any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature described herein. Example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a protective article according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a protective article according to another example embodiment;

Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a protective article according to another example embodiment;

Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a protective article according to another example embodiment;

Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of a protective article according to another example embodiment;

Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of a protective article according to another example embodiment; and Figure 7 is a schematic drawing of a protective article according to another example embodiment.

Figure 1 illustrates schematically a protective article according to an example embodiment. The protective article comprises a sheet of material 100. The protective article may be intended for use as a protective garment, such as a napkin, dental napkin, dental bib, apron, bib, table cloth or furniture cover. The sheet of material 100 may be flexible and/or may be made from any suitable material, e.g. comprising card, cloth, woven fabric, plastic, or single or multiple plies of paper. The sheet of material 100 has a first surface 101 with two adhesive portions 102 arranged thereon.

The adhesive portions 102 may have been produced by applying the adhesive on to the first surface 101. The adhesive may have been applied from above or below the sheet of material 100. One or more portions of the first surface 101 may have been treated to modify them in such a way as to facilitate the application of the adhesive.

Figure 2 illustrates schematically another embodiment of a protective article. The protective article comprises a sheet of material 200 comprising a single adhesive portion 202 that has been applied to a first surface 201 of the sheet of material 200. The adhesive portion 202 may be applied by any suitable technique. For instance, the adhesive portion 202 may be sprayed, rolled, printed or stamped onto the first surface 201. The sheet of material 200 is folded (as indicated by curved arrow 204) along a first fold 203 such that the adhesive portion 202 is brought into engagement with another part of the first surface 201 with no adhesive portion thereon. The adhesive portion 202 may be disengaged from the first surface 201 by unfolding the sheet of material 200.

The embodiment shown in Figure 2 may be advantageous over other methods of covering the adhesive portion(s). In common with other embodiments disclosed herein, it does not require a cover to be attached to the adhesive portion 202, which would increase the thickness of the folded sheet of material 200. Additionally, as adhesive portion 202 may engage with any part of the first surface 201, less accuracy is required in folding the sheet of material 200, and no restriction is placed on the position or length of the first fold 203. Furthermore, when the sheet of material 200 is in use, for example as a napkin or bib, if adhesive portion 202 is not required, a small piece of the first surface 201 may be folded to engage with it, such that the adhesive portion is covered but the majority of the sheet of material 200 is still available for its intended use, for example preventing food from getting on clothes in the case of a napkin.

Figure 3 illustrates schematically another embodiment of a protective article. The protective article comprises a sheet of material 300. A first portion of adhesive 302a and a second portion of adhesive 302b are applied to a first surface 301 of the sheet of material 300. Adhesive portions 302a and 302b may be applied, e.g. sprayed, rolled, printed, or stamped, onto the first surface 301. The sheet of material 300 is folded (as indicated by curved arrow 304) along a first fold 303 such that the first adhesive portion 302a and the second adhesive portion 302b are brought into engagement with each other. The adhesive portions 302a and 302b may be disengaged by unfolding the sheet of material 300.

In some embodiments, the adhesive strength of two adhesive portions 302a and 302b brought into engagement with each other may be greater than the adhesive strength of one adhesive portion brought into engagement with an adhesive-free portion of the first surface (e.g. as shown in Figure 2). In some situations, this may be preferable to prevent the sheet of material 300 unfolding until desired. In other situations, such as where the protective article is a napkin for use by the elderly, an embodiment such as that illustrated in Figure 2 may be preferable, if less force is required to open the napkin. In any event, it will be appreciated that the ease with which the protective article can be unfolded, in use, may be varied and/or controlled by modifying the properties of the adhesive portion(s), e.g. the chemistry, amount and/or concentration of adhesive and/or the size and/or arrangement of the adhesive portion(s).

Figure 4 illustrates schematically another embodiment of a protective article. The protective article comprises a sheet of material 400 with a strip of adhesive 404 extending across a first surface 401 of the sheet of material 400, parallel and relatively close to an edge of the first surface 401. The strip of adhesive 404 may be located on an edge or next to an edge of the first surface 401. The sheet of material 400 is folded (as indicated by curved arrow 405) along a first fold 403 that is perpendicular to the adhesive strip 404, such that one part of the adhesive strip 404 is brought into engagement with another part of the adhesive strip 404. For example, and as shown in Figure 4, the first fold 403 may bisect the strip of adhesive 404 such that half of the strip of adhesive 404 covers the other half of the strip of adhesive 404 when the sheet of material 400 is folded.

In some situations, a user of the protective article may temporarily not wish to use the adhesive strip to adhere the sheet of material to an object, a person or an animal. By locating a strip of adhesive near an edge of the first surface, the sheet may be folded such that the adhesive strip is covered by the first surface, whilst leaving the majority of the first surface available to cover an object.

Figure 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a protective article. The protective article comprises a sheet of material 500 with an adhesive strip 504 applied substantially parallel and close to an edge of a first surface 501 of the sheet of material 500. A portion 505 of the first surface 501 is located between the adhesive strip 504 and the edge of the first surface 501. The portion 505 may be folded (as indicated by curved arrow 507) along a fold 506, such that portion 505 covers adhesive strip 504 without covering the rest of the first surface 501. During manufacture of the protective article, after a first fold has been made to cover at least partially the adhesive portion(s), at least one further fold, e.g. a second fold, may be made. Figure 6 illustrates schematically another exemplary embodiment of a protective article. The protective article comprises a sheet of material 600, with an adhesive strip 604 applied onto a first surface 601 of the sheet of material 600. A second surface 607 comprises the opposing face of sheet of material 600 from the first surface 601.

The sheet of material 600 is folded along a first fold 603 in the manner described in respect of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4. The first surface 601 is covered during this fold, so that the second surface 607 is now the outward face of the sheet of material 600.

The sheet of material 600 is subsequently folded (as indicated by curved arrow 609) along a second fold 608 such that one part of the second surface 607 is brought into contact with another part of the second surface 607. In the illustrated example, the second fold 608 is perpendicular to the first fold 603. One or more further folds, e.g. a second fold, may be desirable to reduce the areal dimensions of the sheet of material for packing and transportation.

It should be understood that one or more further folds, e.g. a second fold, may be made in any other embodiment of the protective article, and particularly in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

Alternatively, a fold may be made such that the second surface 607 is brought into contact with itself prior to the application of the adhesive portion 604 on the first surface 601.

In embodiments such as this, the first surface on to which the adhesive portion(s) is/are applied comprises the outward face of a folded sheet of material. Optionally, one or more further folds may be made after application of the adhesive portion(s). Figure 7 illustrates schematically another embodiment of a protective article, which in this illustrated example is a bib 70. The bib 70 may be suitable for use when eating or as a dental bib or as a surgical bib. The bib 70 comprises a sheet of material 700. The sheet of material 700 has a first surface 701. The sheet of material 700 may be made of a cellulosic, e.g. paper-based, base layer with a polymeric, e.g. polyethylene, layer arranged thereon. The first surface 701 may comprise the polymeric layer.

The sheet of material 700 is foldable about a fold line 702. In the illustrated example, a neck cutout portion 703 is provided, which is bounded by a perforated line 710, so that a user can easily remove the neck cutout portion 703 when deploying the bib 70. It will be appreciated that protective articles according to the disclosure may not include a neck cutout portion, depending upon their specific design and intended use.

A first portion 704 of the first surface 701 is pre-treated to modify the polymeric layer to make it more receptive to having adhesive applied thereto. In one example, the first portion 704 of the first surface 701 may be irradiated to roughen and/or charge locally the polymeric layer. The first portion 704 extends in a strip across the sheet 700 parallel to the fold line 702. A first adhesive portion 705 is applied to the first portion 704 of the first surface 701. The first adhesive portion 705 comprises an elongate strip of adhesive extending in a direction parallel to the fold line 702.

Further from the fold line 702 than the first portion 704 of the first surface 701 there is a first edge portion 706. In the first edge portion 706, the first surface 701 and/or a second surface of the sheet opposite the first surface 701 is/are adapted to facilitate a user in handling and/or deploying the bib 70. For instance, in the first edge portion 706, the first surface 701 may be embossed, in order to facilitate a user in gripping the bib 70.

A second portion 707 of the first surface 701 is pre-treated to modify the polymeric layer to make it more receptive to having adhesive applied thereto. In one example, the second portion 707 of the first surface 701 may be irradiated to roughen and/or charge locally the polymeric layer. The second portion 707 extends in a strip across the sheet 700 parallel to the fold line 702. A second adhesive portion 708 is applied to the second portion 707 of the first surface 701. The second adhesive portion 708 comprises an elongate strip of adhesive extending in a direction parallel to the fold line 702.

Further from the fold line 702 than the second portion 707 of the first surface 701 there is a second edge portion 709. In the second edge portion 709, the first surface 701 and/or a second surface of the sheet opposite the first surface 701 is/are adapted to facilitate a user in handling and/or deploying the bib 70. For instance, in the second edge portion 709, the first surface 701 may be embossed, in order to facilitate a user in gripping the bib 70.

The sheet 700 is folded about the fold line 702 such that the first adhesive portion 705 and the second adhesive portion 708 engage with each other. In this way, the bib 70 is delivered to a point of use without the first adhesive portion 705 and the second adhesive portion 708 being exposed to the environment, i.e. the adhesive portions are protected. Unfolding the bib 70 reveals the first adhesive portion 705 and the second adhesive portion 708, which are then ready to be used to adhere the bib in position, e.g. on a person’s chest.

It will be appreciated that the polymeric layer may comprise any suitable polymeric material. It will further be appreciated that the sheet may include a non-polymeric layer instead of a polymeric layer.

In some example embodiments, the sheet comprises a first layer with a second layer arranged thereon. For example, the first layer and/or the second layer may comprise a cellulosic, e.g. paper-based, material.

The sheet may be biodegradable or compostable at least in part. For instance, the first layer and/or the second layer may comprise one or more biodegradable or compostable materials.

It will be appreciated that one or other of the first adhesive portion 705 and the second adhesive portion 708 may not be present. In this case, when the sheet 700 is folded about the fold line 702, the adhesive portion will be brought into engagement with a portion of the first surface 701 that is free of adhesive. Conveniently, the protective article 700 may be provided as one of a plurality of similar articles on a roll. The protective articles on the roll, including the protective article 700, may be delineated by visual and/or tactile indications such as perforations or other lines of weakness to indicate and/or facilitate the removal, e.g. by tearing or cutting, of a given protective article from the roll.

It will be appreciated that the adhesive portion(s) may each have any suitable shape and be of any suitable size. The elongate strips described in the preceding examples are merely non-limiting examples of the adhesive portion(s) that may be applied to the first surface of the sheet. One or more of the adhesive portions may extend substantially across the first surface of the sheet. In another non-limiting example, one or more of the adhesive portions may not extend significantly across the surface of the sheet. One or more of the adhesive portion may, for example, have a length (longest dimension) of up to 10 cm, up to 5 cm, up to 3 cm or up to 2 cm. One or more of the adhesive portions may, for example, have a length (longest dimension) of at least 5 mm or at least 1 cm.

In an example implementation, a protective article disclosed herein may comprise one or more trough portions for receiving, in use, spilt liquids or solids, e.g. bodily fluids, drinks or food or medicines. At least one of the trough portions may be formable, in use, by folding the sheet material such that an adhesive portion is brought into engagement with the first surface of the sheet material. At least one of the trough portions may be pre-formed in the protective article, i.e. a given protective article may be provided with one or more trough portions formed therein.

In the prior art, delays in applying the adhesive have tended to limit the rate at which articles can be manufactured. For instance, some solvent-based adhesives may require long drying times, thereby slowing down manufacture. Additionally or alternatively, the use of complicated and/or expensive fume evacuation apparatus may be required when drying some solvent-based adhesives, due to release of potentially harmful substances.

In embodiments of the invention, the adhesive is of a type that, is use, can removably adhere to an object, a person or an animal, to an adhesive-free part of the first surface, and/or to another adhesive portion. Typically, it may be important that applying the adhesive does not slow down the rate at which sheets of material can be produced, and/or does not add significant cost to the manufacture of the protective article.

An example of a method according to the invention will now be described. Sheet material is provided on a roll. The roll of sheet material is unwound and fed continuously to an apparatus, where a surface of the paper is presented towards an adhesive applicator such as a glue gun for applying a hot-melt adhesive. The applicator is operated to apply adhesive on to the surface of the sheet material being fed past the applicator. The sheet material may then be fed through one or more folding means.

One or more visual and/or tactile indications may be applied to the sheet, in order to facilitate a user in deploying the protective article. For instance, one or more lines of weakness, e.g. perforations, may be provided to indicate and facilitate locations where the protective article is intended to be cut or torn prior to or during use.

The sheet material may be cut to provide a plurality of discrete protective articles.

Alternatively, the sheet material may be wound on to a roll so that the protective article or a plurality of protective articles can be provided on a roll.

An example of an apparatus according to the invention will now be described. The apparatus may be configured to continuously manufacture a plurality of protective articles according to the present disclosure. The apparatus comprises a means for unwinding sheet material from a roll and feeding it past an adhesive applicator such that a surface of the sheet material is presented towards the adhesive applicator. The adhesive applicator is operable to apply adhesive on to the surface of the paper being fed past the adhesive applicator.

Further downstream, the apparatus may comprise one or more folding means. Cutting means, perforations, rolls and

The apparatus may comprise one or more means for treating at least a portion of the first surface of the sheet. The means for treating at least a portion of the first surface of the sheet may be disposed upstream of the adhesive applicator. For instance, the portion(s) of the first surface of the sheet may be pre-treated prior to application of the adhesive. Such a pre-treatment may modify the portion(s) of the first surface of the sheet in a way that makes those portions of the sheet more suitable for application of the adhesive thereto. Alternatively or additionally, the means for treating at least a portion of the first surface of the sheet may apply a surface treatment such as an antimicrobial coating or a water-resistant coating. The means for treating at least a portion of the first surface may be arranged to apply a substance, e.g. a liquid or a gel, to the portion(s) of the first surface and/or to impart energy, e.g. by applying heat, light or other radiation, to the portion(s) of the first surface.

The apparatus may comprise one or more folding means.

The apparatus may comprise a cutting means through which the paper is cut to produce the desired articles, e.g. adhesive paper napkins.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise cutting means for cutting the sheet of into desired dimensions. Typically, the sheet may be cut after adhesive portions have been applied and all desired folds made in the sheet. This may allow adhesive to be applied continuously. For example, when producing the protective article illustrated in Figure 4, a continuous strip of adhesive may be applied to a long sheet of material 400, which is subsequently cut into smaller pieces. This may have the advantage of reducing the amount of control and precision required from the adhesive applying means.

Alternatively, a large source of material may be initially cut into sheets of material of desired dimensions, and adhesive portions subsequently may be applied to each sheet of material.

The apparatus may comprise a rolling means downstream of the adhesive applicator, the rolling means being operable to wind the sheet material around a roll to provide one or more protective articles on a roll.

The apparatus may comprise a means for introducing visual and/or tactile indications to the sheet material, to facilitate deployment and/or use of the protective article. For instance, the apparatus may comprise a means for perforating the sheet material to facilitate tearing and/or cutting of the protective article, in use. The apparatus may comprise a means such as an embossing means for imparting a surface texture or pattern to one or more portions of the sheet material.

In some embodiments, two portions of adhesive are arranged on the sheet in such a way that they come into engagement with one another when the sheet is folded.

Also, because expensive double-sided sticky tape need not be used to realise the present invention, the need to dispose of backing strips may be eliminated. This may provide the advantage of significantly reducing manufacturing costs, from the high cost of using double-sided tape seen in the prior art.

Furthermore, due to the elimination of the requirement for backing strips, less dexterity may be required to apply adhesive to a napkin. The present invention may therefore be implemented quicker using less complicated machinery than that which is already known, thus providing the advantages of further reducing the cost of, and increasing the speed at which, protective articles can be manufactured.

One of the most significant cost factors in the production of napkins is transportation. This results from the very light-weight nature of this product making it inefficient to transport in that the vehicle carrying the product is capable of carrying significantly heavier goods within its volume. It is therefore important in the transportation of napkins that the packaged product is transported in as compacted and compressed form as possible. The use of double-sided tape (or any other reinforcing tape) will increase the bulk of the napkins within their packaging meaning that fewer napkins can be transported per unit of volume. The volume of and weight of the napkins of the present invention is barely distinguishable from that of a plain napkin without adhesive and therefore can be treated exactly like a non-adhesive napkin of the prior art. Indeed once the adhesive has been applied and subsequently folded so that the adhesive has been covered, the napkin can then be handled in exactly the same manner as a non-adhesive napkin.

It is also the case that heavy woven (non-disposable) napkins are often used to reduce the likelihood of them being dislodged since the heavier fabric is less likely to be blown off the lap of the person wearing it. Although the present disclosure may be applicable to heavy fabric napkins, further reducing the likelihood of slippage, the present disclosure may mean that there may be less need to use such heavy material which may reduce the cost of laundry and/or make disposable napkins a more environmentally sustainable alternative. Furthermore, the same or similar advantages may be realised, for example, when applying the invention to table cloths, coasters and place mats.

Protective articles according to the invention may be used in many applications and environments. For instance, protective articles according to the invention may be used to protect a person’s clothing and/or body in the case of a napkin, dental napkin, or napkin for medical use. Alternatively, objects such as furniture or parts thereof, e.g. tables, sideboards, work surfaces and the like, may be protected using a protective article according to the invention.

Napkins and other tableware, e.g. coasters, table cloths, place mats, according to the invention may be particularly useful in the catering and hospitality industries, e.g. for events, in hotels and restaurants, in hospitals and on board aeroplanes, buses, trains or boats such as cruise ships.

Protective articles according to the present disclosure may have utility in medical, surgical, veterinary and dental applications and the like. For instance, protective articles according to the present disclosure may have the form of aprons, bibs, napkins, face coverings or other coverings for use in protecting medical, surgical, veterinary or dental patients and practitioners.

Protective articles according to the present disclosure may also be provided in the form of personal hygiene products, including for example feminine hygiene products such as sanitary towels.

Protective articles according to the present disclosure may be packaged in any suitable way. For instance, one or more protective articles may be packaged in a sleeve, a box or any other suitable container. One or more protective articles may be provided in a sealed package. The sealed package may be intended to be opened immediately prior to use. The protective article(s) may be dispensable, in use, from the packaging in which it/they is/are provided. For example, the protective article(s) may be sterilised by any suitable sterilization process. The sterilization process may be carried out prior to, at the same time as or after the application of the adhesive. The sterilization process may be carried out once the protective article(s) has/have been packaged.

The protective article may comprise a personal hygiene product, including for example a feminine hygiene product such as a sanitary towel. The protective article may comprise: a napkin, a bib, an apron or a face covering. For example, the protective article may comprise: a dental napkin or bib, a napkin or bib for medical use such as a surgical napkin or bib. In other example implementations, the protective article may include a table cloth, a coaster, a place mat, a furniture cover for indoor or outdoor use or a windscreen cover for a vehicle.

In other example implementations, the protective article may include a couch roll, an incontinence sheet or incontinence pad or an antimacassar.

It will be appreciated that example embodiments of the protective articles disclosed herein may be suitable for use in protecting any object, a person or an animal. The adhesive employed may be of a type that, in use, can removably adhere to an object, a person or an animal, to an adhesive-free part of the first surface, and/or to another adhesive portion. For instance, the adhesive employed may be of a type that may be suitable for being adhered directly to a person’s or animal’s skin.

It will be appreciated that the adhesive may be applied in any pattern. For instance, one or more strips of adhesive may be arranged on the first surface, which extend in any direction and for any distance across the first surface.

It will be appreciated that the sheet may be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. The sheet may in some example implementations comprise one or more layers, e.g. a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may form a laminate.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments above- described and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concepts herein. Except where mutually exclusive, any of the features may be employed separately or in combination with any other features and the disclosure extends to and includes all combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features described herein.