EP1106723A1 - Hydrophilic cotton skin cleansing article having two different external surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

The pad (1), made from 100% cotton fibres and of a weight of at least 150 g/m<2>, has two different outer faces (2, 3). At least one of the outer faces has a series of recessed lines (4, 5, 6) 1-8 mm apart and at least 0.25 mm deep. The pad has a resistance to traction of at least 20 N in one direction and 16 N in the other.

Description

The invention relates to a pad based on cotton wool, having a basis weight of at least 150 g / m ² , comprising two different faces and intended for skin care.

In the following text, the term "cotton wool pad" includes everything product cut into a format which essentially comprises cotton fibers in a proportion ranging from 70 to 100 percent cotton fiber and 0 to 30 percent cotton artificial or synthetic fibers. These are for example fibers polyolefins hot-melt.

Skin care includes body care, facial care, and more particularly beauty treatments using cosmetic products: make-up removal and face makeup, baby care: toilet and change baby, etc.

Most cotton wool pads or products on the market are in the form of cut formats: round (commonly referred to as make-up discs), oval or square. They are often composed of a mixture of cotton fibers of different qualities or a mixture of cotton fibers and other fibers depending on the product sought or the manufacturing process used. They're from homogeneous composition throughout their thickness and have external structural faces and identical compositions. They are symmetrical.

Most often, there is no differentiation in use between the two sides of the product. The surface finish is the same on both sides. We use for example indifferently one side for removing make-up or cleaning the skin by applying a make-up remover or toilet milk and the other side to absorb the excess of product with no difference in efficiency between the faces. When applying a aqueous cosmetic product such as milk or emulsion on the skin, large part of the product is absorbed by the tampon.

Certain products marketed for cosmetic use have two sides different: they are two-sided. But the two sides are often distinguished essentially visually and not always functionally.

A first tampon (D) comprises a tablecloth consisting of a superposition carded sails, itself surrounded by two outer carded sails previously calendered. The association can be done by collage. The two sails exterior can be differentiated by the more or less important calendering and the case if necessary, by a printed motif.

A second buffer (E) consists of a sheet also consisting of a superimposition of card webs on which a hydrolied nonwoven is deposited, before cutting.

When the card webs are made of one hundred percent fiber cotton, the hydrolied nonwoven is a mixture of artificial fibers and fibers synthetic and more precisely viscose and polyester.

The nature of the surface nonwoven is therefore different from that of the web. central in the latter case.

Other two-sided products have been described in the prior art.

For example, in the field of nonwovens, European patent application No. 0 750 062 describes articles cleansing the skin, which are both gentle to the skin and sufficiently resistant to allow friction on the skin without causing irritation or lesions on the latter. The rubbing action allows the elimination of impurities and dead cells from the surface of the skin. These articles include a nonwoven substrate, preferably hydrolyzed, having a grammage of 20 to 150 g / m ² , characterized by a specific coefficient of friction. The substrate preferably comprises at least in part long fibers capable of emerging from the main surface under the action of friction while remaining attached to the substrate. It can be composed of a mixture of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers or of purely hydrophilic or purely hydrophobic fibers. At least one side of the substrate used essentially performs the function of cleaning the skin. It also serves as a support for cleansers or make-up removers such as lotions or toilet milks. In the case where the skin-cleaning article has two different faces, the nonwoven substrate is associated with other layers made of different materials. If the cleaning article consists only of the nonwoven substrate, the two faces of the article are identical and cannot be distinguished. The article is then similar to a dry wipe, the two faces of which can be used interchangeably for cleaning the skin.

French Patent No. 2,052,089 describes an element of wadding or cotton made up of at least two tablecloths of different qualities, held together either by padding, either by compression while remaining puffy and soft in contact with the skin. One side is more particularly suitable for a make-up removal and the other face completes makeup removal. The differentiation of the two faces is based here on the nature or quality of the two layers: they can be made of materials different or of the same material of different qualities. It is a product complex.

The applicant in its French patent application N ° 99 07612 not yet published describes a product made one hundred percent of cotton wool fibers comprising at least first and second outer layers, the first layer consisting of fine fibers with a low micron index forming a soft face and the second layer consisting of fibers having an index higher micronaire forming a cleaning face, called "scratching". The faces are differentiate by the nature of cotton fibers.

The subject of European patent application No. 0 405 043 is a buffer for applying and / or removing liquid or semi-solid substances, comprising at least three superimposed layers of absorbent fibrous material such as cotton. Each of the two outer layers is compressed by uniform tightening over the entire face layer and may have additional compression zones by marking a pattern. The central layer is not compressed and forms the heart absorbent buffer. The three layers are superimposed so as to form a sandwich structure. The two external faces can have different patterns and be more or less compressed. This product intended for the application of a cream or a liquid is not sufficiently resistant if it is used for make-up removal or skin cleansing. Indeed, friction forces are exerted on the skin with the pad moreover, supports a wetting product on its surface. In addition, the cohesion between the layers is insufficient, due to the sandwich structure of the product: three separate layers superimposed and linked by their edges.

It emerges from the above that there is no hydrophilic cotton product or pad, "thick", that is to say having a grammage of at least 150 g / m ² , sufficiently resistant to clean the skin effectively. without irritating it and having two different external faces, having different characteristics and properties.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tampon where the two faces are differentiated without changing the nature of the cotton fibers or the quality of the cotton, the differentiation being made not only on the surface of the pad but for one of the sides in the thickness of the tampon.

The invention also aims to provide a resistant pad and keeping a good cohesion.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hydrophilic cotton pad having a basis weight of at least 150 g / m ² which has two separate faces, one intended for skin care, in particular for cleansing the skin and to the application of cosmetic make-up or make-up removal products, and the other, softer and more absorbent, intended to absorb the excess of product applied.

For makeup removal, we look for a pad that optimizes the effectiveness of cleansing with make-up removers, using a single pass of the pad on the skin, in particular on the face of the tampon intended for this use.

The user can distinguish the faces in use: by touch, in contact with the skin or by applying skin care products, and also visually.

The invention further aims to obtain a tampon whose face intended for skin care, allows to receive aqueous cosmetic products in delaying their absorption and penetration into the buffer.

The invention also aims to provide methods of manufacturing these pads, simple, avoiding the preparation of cotton tablecloths of composition and complex structure.

The subject of the invention is a cotton wool pad intended for skin care, having a grammage of at least 150 g / m ² and comprising two different external faces of which the fibers are linked.

According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the first external face comprises recessed ridges with a spacing e ₁ between the ridges between 1 and 8 mm and a depth p of striation of at least 0.25 mm and in that the tensile strength of the tampon is at least 20 N in the running direction and at least 16 N in the transverse direction according to a test method given in the description which follows.

According to another essential characteristic of the invention, the first external face comprises recessed ridges with a spacing e ₁ between the ridges of between 1 and 8 mm and a depth p of striation of at least 0.25 mm and in that '' at least 50 percent of the fibers are bound.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the spacing e ₁ between the ridges of the first face is between 1.2 and 5.5 mm and preferably between 2 and 4 mm.

According to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the depth p of the streaks of the first face is at least 0.40 mm and preferably at least 0.50 mm.

According to another characteristic of the invention, at least 60 percent of the pad fibers are tied.

In order to improve the effectiveness of the application of aqueous products such as cosmetic products on the skin or cleaning the skin using aqueous make-up removers, the first external face of the pad comprises a agent delaying the absorption of these aqueous products.

The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing the tampon. cotton wool according to the invention.

A first method consists in supplying a cotton tablecloth, hydrolying a first external face of the tablecloth by means of water jets whose axes are spaced from one another by a distance between 1 and 5.5 mm with a contribution in energy of at least 1.4 x 10 ^-3 kwh / m ² , and hydrolyze the other external face of the water table by means of water jets whose axes are spaced by a distance between 0.4 and 1.2 mm with an energy input of at least 0.9 x 10 ^-3 kwh / m ² .

A second method consists in providing at least two cotton tablecloths hydrophilic from bleached fibers laid or laundered, mark the first layer so as to print streaks with a spacing between streaks between 1 and 8 mm and a streak depth of at least 0.25 mm on one side of the first layer, the marking pressure being sufficient to obtain a buffer resistance of at least 20 N in the running direction and of at least 16 N in transverse direction according to the test method given in the description which follows, mark or consolidate the second layer, and associate the two layers thus obtained, the two marked and / or consolidated faces being located outside the tampon.

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un tampon selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente une coupe transversale schématique suivant la ligne II-II du tampon représenté à la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3A représente une vue agrandie du tampon représenté à la figure 2, au niveau d'une strie, qui correspond à un mode de réalisation utilisant la technique d'hydroliage,
• la figure 3B représente une vue agrandie d'un tampon correspondant à un autre mode de réalisation utilisant la technique de marquage ; et
• les figures 4A, 4B, 4C et 4D représentent différents états de surface illustrant des tampons selon l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail in the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tampon according to the invention;
• 2 shows a schematic cross section along line II-II of the tampon shown in Figure 1;
• FIG. 3A represents an enlarged view of the buffer represented in FIG. 2, at the level of a streak, which corresponds to an embodiment using the hydroliage technique,
• FIG. 3B represents an enlarged view of a buffer corresponding to another embodiment using the marking technique; and
• FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D represent different surface states illustrating pads according to the invention.

The tampon according to the invention is a cut product of round, oval, square or any other shape. It has a grammage between 150 and 400 g / m ² and preferably between 180 and 300 g / m ² . It is cotton-based and consists mainly of absorbent hydrophilic cotton fibers. More specifically, it comprises from 70 to 100 percent of cotton fibers of homogeneous quality and from 0 to 30 percent of artificial fibers such as viscose fibers, synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers, bicomponent fibers (polyester / polyester, polypropylene / polypropylene or polyester / polypropylene), or mixtures thereof.

The pad comprises a sheet, monolayer or multilayer, formed of fibers of cotton. It can comprise two superimposed layers, each formed of a layer of cotton. The tampon can also consist of three layers, a central layer formed of a layer of cotton fibers and two outer layers constituted by example of cotton card veils surrounding the central layer.

According to the embodiment of the tampon shown in FIGS. 1 to 3B, the tampon 1 comprises a first external face (2, 2 ') and a second external face (3, 3'). The first external face (2, 2 ') comprises ridges (4, 4'), (5, 5 ') and (6, 6') here arranged parallel to each other. The spacing e ₁ between the ridges is between 1 and 8 millimeters, preferably between 1.2 and 5.5 millimeters and more preferably between 2 and 4 millimeters. The depth p of the ridges is at least 0.25 millimeter, preferably at least 0.50 millimeter. The streaks form hollows (7, 7 ') and bumps (8, 8') visible to the naked eye. The second external face (3, 3 ') also includes ridges 9 and 10 which are much thinner and closer to each other. The spacing e2 between the ridges of this second face is between 0.4 and 1.2 millimeters.

The depth of the streaks is smaller on this second side, compared to that from the first side. In certain embodiments of the tampon, it is of the order 0.1 millimeter.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate other embodiments of the buffer according to the invention.

The streaks may form on the surface of the first external face (2, 2 ') of the solid lines (Figures 1, 4A and 4B), broken lines (Figure 4C), lines straight (Figure 1), curved lines (Figure 4A) or broken lines (Figure 4B). Some either the arrangement and the distribution of the streaks, or their geometry, it is important that a number of hollows and bumps are formed at the level of the first side of the stamp.

Another essential characteristic of the tampon according to the invention is its particularly high tensile strength in both forward and reverse directions through, in comparison to other known products. Because of this resistance, the pad does not deform during use.

In the following text, the tensile strength corresponds to the resistance to tension measured on a test piece and defined by the test method described below.

Samples or test pieces 57 millimeters long by 25 millimeters large are cut from buffers according to the invention. A first series of samples is cut so as to obtain the greatest length of the sample in the running direction in order to measure the resistance in the running direction. A second series of samples is cut so as to obtain the largest sample length crosswise to measure resistance in the direction through.

The resistance is measured using a dynamometer.

Measuring the tensile strength (RT) of the pads according to the invention according to the method below. The sample is placed between two jaws separated from 30 millimeters, along the length of the sample. We spread the jaws a speed of 100 mm / min and the maximum force exerted before breaking is measured. This maximum force is the tensile strength.

• des tampons A selon l'invention, constitués de cent pour cent de fibres de coton ;
• des tampons B également constitués de cent pour cent de fibres de coton, fabriqués par la demanderesse à partir de nappes décrites dans le brevet européen n° 0 681 621 et commercialisés sous la marque LOTUS® ;
• des tampons C constitués de cent pour cent de fibres de coton, issus de nappes fabriquées suivant la demande de brevet européen n° 0 735 175 et commercialisés sous la marque DEMAK'UP® ;
• des tampons D constitués de cent pour cent de fibres de coton, composée d'une nappe centrale non comprimée et de deux voiles de carde calandrés et marqués entourant la couche centrale .
• des tampons E comportant une nappe constituée d'une superposition de voiles de carde sur laquelle est déposé un nontissé hydrolié de fibres de viscose et de polyester, avant découpe ; et
• des tampons F constitués de 15 % de fibres thermofusibles et de 85 % de fibres de coton, ne présentant pas de couches différentes, ni de motif de surface.

The tensile strength was measured on the following buffers:

• tampons A according to the invention, made of one hundred percent cotton fibers;
• pads B also made up of one hundred percent cotton fibers, manufactured by the applicant from tablecloths described in European patent No. 0 681 621 and marketed under the brand LOTUS®;
• tampons C made up of one hundred percent cotton fibers, produced from tablecloths produced according to European patent application No. 0 735 175 and marketed under the brand DEMAK'UP®;
• D pads made of one hundred percent cotton fibers, consisting of an uncompressed central ply and two calendered and marked card webs surrounding the central ply.
• pads E comprising a sheet consisting of a superposition of card webs on which is deposited a hydrolied nonwoven of viscose and polyester fibers, before cutting; and
• pads F consisting of 15% of hot-melt fibers and 85% of cotton fibers, having no different layers or surface pattern.

Buffers B, C, D, E and F illustrate the state of the art.

The results corresponding to the measurement means are reported in the Table below. AT B VS D E F RT direction of travel (N) 25 10 11 10 13 9 RT cross direction (N) 20 4 6 4 4 4

The tensile strengths in running and cross direction are very significantly higher for buffers A according to the invention compared to those of buffers B, C, D, E and F. This resistance results in use by an absence of deformation of the tampon.

The pads according to the invention have a tensile strength in the running direction at least 20 Newtons and a transverse tensile strength of at least 15 Newtons.

It is also noted that for the buffers A according to the invention, the resistance to pull in the cross direction approaches the tensile strength in the run direction. The product according to the invention is homogeneous and advantageously has a certain symmetry with respect to tensile strength and deformation in the forward direction by relation to the cross direction. The product is called "square".

The elongation under a constant force of 5 Newtons was also measured using the same material as that of the tensile strength test.

The results (in percentage) are reported in the Table below and correspond to an elongation measured in the running direction. AT B VS D E F Elongation under a force of 5 N (%) 1.42 3.16 1.84 6.4 3.9 0.98

The lower the elongation, the less the buffer will tend to deform at use.

It is observed that for the pads made up of one hundred percent fiber cotton, the pads according to the invention have the lowest elongation.

Yet another essential characteristic of the tampon is the percentage of bonded fibers compared to known cotton wool pads.

In the pads according to the invention, at least 50% of the fibers are bound, preferably 60%.

In order to illustrate the quantity of bonded fibers, the mass of bonded fibers was measured on the surface of the tampon by following the method below.

We use disc-shaped pads of approximately 57 millimeters diameter. We carefully separate the part of the disc corresponding to the bonded fibers removing by hand all unbound fibers which can be removed without resistance. Then we weighs the remaining part of the disc. The mass measured corresponds to the quantity of fibers linked.

Measurements were made from samples of buffers A, B, C, D summer.

The results are reported in the table below. AT B VS D E Mass of bound fibers (g) 0.37 0.15 0.13 0.05-0.08 0.09 Corresponding weight 150 61 52 20-30 37

The quantity of fibers bound in the buffer according to the invention is multiplied by two or even three compared to the amount of fiber bound in art pads prior. For the first face, the fibers located on the surface have at least one point of fixing in the thickness of the buffer. This allows to structure the first side of the stamp and give it a permanent relief.

This result is surprising and provides excellent cohesion properties to the tablecloth.

The cohesion of the tampon according to the invention is significantly improved compared to to prior art products.

In order to illustrate this cohesion, the delamination resistance of the buffers A according to the invention as well as that of buffers B, C, D and E corresponding to the state of the art. All of these pads are in the form of a disc of about 57 millimeters in diameter.

• utiliser le même matériel que celui utilisé pour la mesure de la résistance à la traction, en remplaçant les mâchoires par des plateaux,
• placer un adhésif double-faces sur chacun des plateaux,
• déposer sur le plateau du bas, le disque de coton directement sur l'adhésif,
• presser les deux plateaux l'un contre l'autre,
• écarter les deux plateaux à une vitesse de 100 mm/min jusqu'à un écartement de 30 millimètres, et
• mesurer la force maximum exercée pour délaminer le disque.

The method of measuring delamination resistance consists of:

• use the same equipment as that used for the measurement of the tensile strength, replacing the jaws with trays,
• place a double-sided adhesive on each of the trays,
• place the cotton pad directly on the adhesive on the bottom tray,
• press the two plates against each other,
• move the two plates apart at a speed of 100 mm / min up to a spacing of 30 millimeters, and
• measure the maximum force exerted to delaminate the disc.

The results are reported in the Table below. AT B VS D E F Delamination resistance (N) 0.73 0.62 0.55 0.49 0.01 0.74

There is a marked improvement in the resistance to delamination for tampons according to the invention made of one hundred percent cotton fibers relative to the resistance to delamination of buffers B, C, D and E of the state of the art, made from one hundred percent cotton fibers. Buffers A according to the invention, here made of one hundred percent cotton fibers, have resistance to delamination similar to that of a product (buffer F) made of 15% fiber hot-melt and 85% cotton fiber.

In the case of buffer E, the association between the web of carded sails and the particularly weak and hydrated veil.

The first side of the tampon according to the invention lint much less than some known products.

The lint resistance of the first side of pads A was measured and state of the art buffers B, C, D, E and F using a method specific described below. The pads are disc-shaped and have a diameter about 57 millimeters.

The method is to use a rubber finger mounted on a cylinder to simulate friction on the skin. This finger is set in motion in order to come land on the surface of a tampon and move on its surface. We place the tampon in the form of a washer on a plate whose surface has a coating of Teflon. Then we fix this pad by placing another plate on top, this last one having a U-shaped cutout to let the finger pass, the cutout showing a part of the buffer. We set the number of finger passes, the speed, the load applied to the finger by means of a counterweight.

During the test, the finger comes to rest and move on the surface of the tampon five successive times. Fibers detach from the pad surface and come press on the rubber finger. After the five passes, we recover the fibers retained by the finger using tweezers and these fibers are placed on a glass of watch. The procedure is repeated for five buffers of each of the types A, B, C, D, E and F. The harvested fibers are weighed on five pads on a balance sensitive to tenth of a milligram. Each type of buffer A, B, C, D, E and F has been tested.

For buffers A, the first external face A1 has been tested as well as the second external face A2.

For E buffers, the face corresponding to the E1 hydrofoil has been tested as well than the other side E2.

The mass averages are reported in the Table below. A1 A2 B VS D E1 E2 F Mass of fibers removed (10 ^-4 g) 5 50 50 50 30 3.5 480 55

The mass of fibers is divided by 10 for the first face of the pads according to the invention, with respect to the mass measured for the buffers B, C, D and F. The buffer E has a lint-free side due to the presence of the nonwoven, but another side excessively fluffy compared to the second side of the pad according to the invention. The reduction in linting is therefore very significant for the tampon according to the invention. The mass of commonly used disc-shaped cotton pads varies between 0.5 and 0.7 grams. The fibers recovered from the first face (A1) of the five buffers A according to the invention therefore correspond to 0.1% of the mass of the buffer A. For comparison, the fibers recovered from the five each of types B, C, D and F of the state of the art amount to 1% of the mass of corresponding buffers.

This result is unexpected and very advantageous.

The first side of the tampon therefore has a new structure, providing advantageous properties.

In fact, the tampon according to the invention has numerous advantages in use.

The first side is used to apply skincare products to the skin.

In the case of cleaning or removing make-up from the skin, the product is applied cosmetic on the first side of the pad then we pass this first side on the skin or face.

A single pass of the tampon is enough, it is no longer necessary to rub. This avoids skin irritations.

Indeed, the structure of the first face comprising ridges advantageously forms a relief in relief and in bump. The surface in contact with the skin is more limited due to the relief.

The prominent bump part increases the pressures on the skin and the forces friction. The friction effect thus obtained improves cleaning. The hollow parts form an additional reserve of available product.

When the tampon passes over the skin, the same hollow first fills for function that of the product reservoir which comes to spread in contact with the pad on the skin, under the application pressure, then that of an impurity collector at during the displacement of the tampon on the skin. Cleaning done by the first passage is thus optimized.

If the streaks are arranged in parallel lines, the displacement of the tampon on the skin is preferentially made perpendicular to the striations of the first face.

The second side is used to absorb impurities, excess product and traces of makeup that remain on the skin.

In use, the product does not deform, it has an excellent grip.

In a particular example of use which is that of removing the varnish nail, the solvent that conventionally penetrates the tampon, is less absorbed in depth and is more easily restored during cleaning, thanks to the more compact on the first side of the pad and with fibers tightened in the thickness of the buffer. The solvent is thus used more effectively to dissolve the varnish covering the nails.

Another effect has been noted by people testing the tampon according to the invention.

The relief of the first face in contact with the skin has a massaging effect during passage of the tampon and provides a relaxing effect for the skin.

To improve the use of aqueous skin care products, such as toiletries, make-up or make-up removal products, the first external face may include an agent delaying the absorption of these products allowing to temporarily keep the products applied on the surface of the tampon without them getting inside the tampon.

The combination of the structure of the first face described above with this new property delaying the absorption of aqueous products, provides a product very efficient in use.

The absorption delaying agent is a component based on softeners or waxes or a component that attaches to the fibers.

Applied in small quantities on cotton products conventionally hydrophilic and absorbent, it has been surprisingly observed that these components made it possible to delay the absorption of aqueous products on the surface of cotton products.

Examples of softeners are fatty amines, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, fatty polyethylenes or polyamides or their mixtures.

The components which attach to the fibers are, for example, metal salts stearic acid complexes, perfluorinated derivatives, zirconium salts or silicones.

The wax-based components are emulsions of waxes and paraffins or wax emulsions alone.

Preferably, the agent is a natural wax emulsion, of mineral origin, vegetable or animal.

Examples of animal wax are spermaceti wax and wax bee.

Examples of plant-based wax are candellila wax and carnauba.

Examples of wax of mineral origin are ceresin and azocerite.

The beeswax emulsion is particularly advantageous and suitable for cosmetic use of the tampon. It is a dermatologically tested component. It's about a cationic bleached beeswax emulsion which comprises beeswax, water, emulsifying agents, glyceryl stearate and diethanolaminoether stearate.

The beeswax itself is composed of esters of waxy fatty acids such as myricyl palmitate, cerotic acid and other homologous waxy acids and small amounts of hydrocarbons, cholesterol esters and ceryl alcohols.

The agent delaying absorption is an emulsion or dispersion comprising at least minus 30% of active ingredients.

The first face of the cotton product or pad according to the invention comprises at least 1 g / m ² of applied emulsion, that is to say at least 0.3 g / m ² of active ingredients deposited.

The first face comprising on the surface such an agent acquires very advantageous.

It delays the penetration of aqueous products applied to the surface of buffers.

The penetration of care products such as toilet milks, products make-up remover or make-up remover is a major drawback of cotton pads classic hydrophilic. Skincare or cosmetic products are wasted and are not used economically, they sometimes pass through the tampon. The effectiveness of skin cleaning is not optimized.

With such treatment of the first face of the tampon, "impermeability" temporary water is created, this avoids the almost spontaneous absorption of aqueous products by hydrophilic cotton fibers as soon as they are deposited on the tampon.

A simple test highlighting this property consists in depositing on the surface a container filled with water, at room temperature (around 20 °), tampons as well treated according to the invention, the treated side facing outwards and the face absorbent towards water, and prior art buffers B and C. The first ones remain on the surface for at least 5 minutes, the others almost soak up water instantly and are very quickly submerged, usually after 3 to 5 seconds.

The advantage thus obtained is to be able to keep the products on the surface more for a long time and use the total amount of product deposited on the tampon to skin care, without loss of product and without deformation of the tampon.

A test of internal use at the requesting company was carried out by 25 people usually and exclusively using cotton wool pads C for skin care, make-up removal, etc ...

A pads according to the invention, the first side of which has been treated with an agent delaying absorption, have been tested compared to tampons according to the invention the first side of which has not been treated and with C buffers of the state of the art.

The following observations were noted.

For the pads according to the invention, the first side of which has not been treated, 50% of people noted a delay in the absorption of the care products deposited in surface of these pads. This is explained by the specific structure of the first face pads according to the invention. In fact, the fibers are more tight in thickness buffer.

As for the pads according to the invention, the first face of which has been treated, almost all people: 92%, noted this capacity of the buffer to delay absorption of skincare products.

50% of people also found improved cleaning of the skin using the pads according to the invention, the first side of which has not been treated. With the pads according to the invention, the first side of which has been treated, the number of people who found an improvement in cleaning, amounted to 92%.

Finally, for makeup removal, 50% of people observed better effectiveness of removing makeup with pads according to the invention without treatment of the first side. 85% of people made this observation for tampons according to the invention with treatment of the first face.

Similar benefits have been seen when using makeup, such as lotions, creams, foundations, blushes, for apply and distribute the product on the skin.

People have also used the product to advantage the invention, for applying perfumery products such as toilet waters. Immediate absorption of toilet water by the tampon is comparatively avoided the application of toilet water with cotton products of the prior art.

Two manufacturing techniques are possible to obtain the tampon according to the invention.

A first technique consists in differentiating the two faces of the tampon by hydrolizing each of the faces according to different parameters.
A first method consists in manufacturing by layering at least two layers of cotton fibers forming the two outer layers. These sheets may be of the same or different fiber quality. They can be made directly from hydrophilic and bleached cotton. They can also be obtained from unbleached raw cotton, then chemically treated to obtain hydrophilicity and bleaching. They are then superimposed and associated by any known means such as bonding means or mechanical means such as calendering or needling. The means of association can also be hydraulic.

A good association can be obtained by impregnating the layers superimposed by any known conventional means such as passing through a bath impregnation, spraying, spilling a solution. This impregnation is associated with an expression compacting the water table and eliminating part of the quantity liquid contained in the wet sheet, for example by calendering or passing over a vacuum slot.

A second method consists in preparing a layer of cotton fibers by pneumatic and to lay this tablecloth between two cotton card sails. A continuous method of manufacturing and associating plies, is described by the patent European No. 0 681 621 in the name of the plaintiff.

In the latter case, the impregnation of the sheet surrounded by the two veils of carding, carried out during the various chemical treatments, contributes to the association of the layers together.

The hydroliage technique makes it possible to combine the layers or both tablecloths together, and to bind the surfaces of the tablecloth. We select parameters hydroliage specific for the first external face and we use parameters more conventional hydrobonding for the other side. This allows by means of a single technique of fulfilling three different functions: association of layers or layers, fiber bonding and differentiation of the two external faces. The hydroliage is carried out at by means of high pressure water jets combined with vacuum expression, by means of of a device marketed by ICBT-PERFOJET, Grenoble, France.

The two hydroliage stages, corresponding to the treatment of each of the two external faces of the product, can intervene, in the case of an unbleached fiber which is going to be chemically treated, just after the impregnation step of the web as is described in European patent application No. 0 735 175. They can also be placed in the final rinsing phase according to European Patent No. 0 805 888 in the name of the plaintiff. The advantage here, whatever the process, is to differentiate the faces by hydroliage, directly online.

The two external faces are hydroleumed according to different parameters one after another on endless canvases or cylinders.

The high pressure water jets used to intertwine the fibers of the faces external, mark the surface of these faces with streaks visible to the naked eye, including the spacing corresponds to the distance between the axes of the jets. More specifically, the hydroliaging device includes a high pressure pump supplying an injector placed transversely to the running of the sheet or layer of fibers, over its entire width. The injector consists of a volume of pressurized water, closed by a blade of steel which is perforated with calibrated holes producing jets in the form of fines high pressure water needles projected perpendicular to the surface of the face external. These fine jets entangle the fibers and entrain the free fibers of the surface in the thickness of the product.

By modifying the distance between the axes of the holes and the diameter of the holes and by selecting a specific energy supply for a hydroliage device used for the treatment of an external face compared to the other device used for the treatment of the other side, we differentiate the two external sides of the product.

For the first external face, it is possible, for example, to use a hydroliage device whose blade is perforated with a large distance between the holes: from 1 to 5.5 millimeters, preferably between 2 and 4 mm. The perforated holes in the blade (commonly called "strip") have a diameter ranging from 130 to 200 μm and preferably from 140 to 170 μm and are regularly spaced. If the position of the injector is fixed and the layers of cotton running under it, there is a series of parallel streaks or grooves on the surface of the product corresponding to the passage under the jets. The pressure exerted is high, at least 40 bars, preferably between 50 and 80 bars so as to dig deep streaks or grooves in the product. These streaks result from the compression, training and fixing of the fibers in the thickness of the sheet. For the production of streaks, the energy input is at least 1.4 x 10 ^-3 kwh / m ² and can vary between 1.4 x 10 ^-3 and 2.5 x 10 ^-3 kwh / m ² depending on speed, pressure, hole diameter and spacing between holes.

By changing the position of the injector or by moving or vibrating the blade, one can obtain different stripe geometries (FIG. 4A for example). It is also possible to place masks under the blade closing certain holes following a specific geometry in order to obtain a distribution of streaks such as that shown in Figure 4C.

The first side thus hydroliated has a compact, very "structured" appearance, reliefs in hollow and hump. The surface finish thus obtained does not fluff at all.

For the second external face, a hydroliage device using classic parameters, with a blade perforated with holes spaced by a distance between 0.4 and 1.2 mm and preferably between 0.4 and 0.9 mm. The diameter of holes can range from 100 to 130 µm.

The pressures exerted for speeds similar to those used for the treatment of the first face, are moderate: from 20 to 40 bars. This corresponds to an energy supply between 0.9 x 10 ^-3 and 1.6 x 10 ^-3 kwh / m ² .

The streaks obtained on the surface of the second face are much finer and shallow. The second external face has a less compact appearance, a soft and absorbent surface. It does not present reliefs visible to the naked eye, in hollow and bump.

The two faces thus obtained have fundamentally different aspects.

Additional differentiation can be made by printing by marking of the different patterns of the existing streaks on the first face.

A second technique for manufacturing the tampon according to the invention consists in differentiate the two sides of the stamp by marking.

Two tablecloths are prepared from bleached fibers laid in tablecloth or bleached tablecloths. They are then each marked passing between a cylinder engraved with a relief motif and a smooth counterpart to print this motif in the thickness of the tablecloth and form a hollow and more or less relief in relief deep on the surface of the sheets which will correspond to the external faces of the pad. The marking pressures exerted by the cylinders are sufficient to obtain the expected resistances for the buffer, i.e. a resistance of at least 20 N in direction of travel and at least 16 N in cross direction, as measured by the test described above.

The tablecloths may contain synthetic hot-melt fibers. They are compressed by means of heated calenders which causes the fibers to bond by the fusion of hot-melt fibers and improves cohesion.

The first layer can be marked by means of a cylinder which can include for example parallel bands in relief, perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, forming parallel streaks on the surface of the product, these bands being spaced from a distance between 1 and 8 mm, preferably between 2 and 4 mm. The height bands corresponding to the depth of the ridges is at least 0.25 mm and preferably at least 0.50 mm.

The second face can be marked by means of a cylinder comprising by example of parallel bands in relief, perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder, spaced from each other by a distance between 0.8 and 1.2 mm. The height of strips is less than 0.25 mm.

By the marking technique, any geometry and distribution of the streaks can be considered, in particular for the surface of the first ply in order to form a embossed and embossed relief at the level of the first face.

An example of a pattern produced by marking is illustrated in FIG. 4D. The circles corresponding to the printed pattern form recesses or cavities on the surface of the buffer.

According to another embodiment, the second face can be calendered without pattern of marking or consolidated by any other known means such as hydroliage, spraying of binder, heating of hot-melt fibers if they are present.

The two layers thus and marked and / or consolidated, are superimposed so that the marked and / or consolidated surfaces are located outside. They are associated for example by gluing with starch.

During the manufacture of the product, intended to become the tampon according to the invention, the first external face is treated so as to delay the absorption of the products aqueous (care products, ...) for cosmetic use of tampons.

After the impregnation steps, and before or after drying, this first face is treated by applying an agent delaying the absorption of aqueous products, previously described. For example, a wax emulsion is applied in an amount of at least 1 g / m ² , which amounts to depositing at least 0.3 g / m ² of active material (waxes).

This surface treatment is done by any conventional means, such as spraying. by means of nozzles, coating by means of a cylinder, rotogravure printing ...

The products thus produced, having differentiated faces, are then cut into formats and packed in flexible packaging or sachets.

It is interesting to note that due to the new structure of the first face of the pad and its surface condition, the stacked pads are more easily insulated each other. This makes it much easier for the user to extract the buffers one by one from the packaging once the pre-cut lid has been torn freeing opening the package.

Claims (18)

Hydrophilic cotton pad intended for skin care, having a grammage of at least 150 g / m ² , comprising two different external faces, the fibers of which are linked, characterized in that the first external face comprises hollow ridges with a spacing e ₁ between the streaks between 1 and 8 mm and a streak depth p of at least 0.25 mm and in that the tensile strength of the pad is at least 20 N in direction of travel and at least 16 N crosswise, according to the test method given in the description. Hydrophilic cotton pad intended for skin care, having a grammage of at least 150 g / m ² , comprising two different external faces, the fibers of which are linked, characterized in that the first external face comprises hollow ridges with a spacing e ₁ between the streaks between 1 and 8 mm and a streak depth p of at least 0.25 mm, and in that at least 50 percent of the fibers of the tampon are bonded. Buffer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spacing e ₁ between the ridges of the first face is between 1.2 and 5.5 mm and preferably between 2 and 4 mm. Tampon according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the streak depth of the first side is at least 0.40 mm and preferably at least minus 0.50 mm. Tampon according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the the tensile strength of the buffer is at least 25 N in the running direction and at least 20 N crosswise, according to the test method given in the description. Tampon according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second external face comprises ridges with a spacing e ₂ between the ridges of between 0.4 and 1.2 mm. Tampon according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at minus 60 percent of the tampon fibers are bound. Tampon according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the streaks on the first side form continuous lines or discontinuous, straight, broken or curved. Tampon according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of one hundred percent cotton fibers. Tampon according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the external faces of the stamp also includes a distinct imprint of the aforementioned streaks. Tampon according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first external face includes an agent delaying the absorption of aqueous products such as cosmetic products, make-up removal or makeup products. Tampon according to claim 11, characterized in that the retarding agent the absorption of aqueous products is a composition based on softeners, waxes, or a component that attaches to the fibers. Tampon according to claim 12, characterized in that the retarding agent the absorption of aqueous products is an emulsion of natural wax of origin mineral, vegetable or animal. Tampon according to claim 13, characterized in that the wax emulsion is preferably a beeswax emulsion. Method for manufacturing a cotton wool pad according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it consists in providing a cotton sheet, hydrolying a first external face of the sheet by means of water jets whose axes are spaced from each other by a distance of between 1 and 5.5 mm with an energy input of at least 1.4 x 10 ^-3 kwh / m ² , and hydrolyze the other external face of the sheet at by means of water jets whose axes are spaced by a distance between 0.4 and 1.2 mm with an energy input of at least 0.9 x 10 ^-3 kwh / m ² . Method for manufacturing a tampon according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it consists in supplying at least two sheets of hydrophilic cotton to from bleached fibers or bleached tablecloths, mark the first tablecloth so as to print streaks with a spacing between the streaks included between 1 and 8 mm and a depth of at least 0.25 mm on one side of the first ply, the marking pressure being sufficient to obtain a resistance of the pad at least 20 N in the forward direction and 16 N in the cross direction according to the test method given in the description, mark or consolidate the second layer, and associate the two plies thus obtained, the two marked and / or consolidated faces being located at the outside of the tampon. Method for manufacturing a tampon according to one of Claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it consists in carrying out the steps of the method according to the claim 15 or 16 and apply an agent delaying the absorption of the products aqueous, for example by spraying, on the first external face of the tampon. Use of a tampon according to one of Claims 1 to 14 for care of the skin, in particular make-up removal, characterized in that the first face external is used to cleanse the skin by applying a make-up removing product or toilet milk, the streaks first constituting a reservoir of products and then a impurity collector for the same passage, and the second external face is used to absorb excess product and impurities.

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