EP1630276B1 - Cotton pad - Google Patents

Abstract

The pad (2) which may be circular, oval or rectangular has an embossed design (8) stitched (16) by water jet on one or both sides (4,6) so that the outer area (10) is soft and at least 5mm thick.

Description

The invention relates to a cosmetic cotton pad having at least one nonwoven fabric layer and a first and a second side and having an embossed structure on at least one side, optionally with an additional fine groove structure formed by water jet needling on one or both surfaces.

Cosmetic cotton pads have a diverse range of uses. For example, cotton pads are used to cleanse the skin, which also removes the skin's own secretions, such as grease, or wipes previously applied layers, such as make-up or masks. For cleaning purposes, cotton pads are often provided with a cleaning-aiding liquid, such. As water, solvent-containing lotions or the like, wetted or soaked. Cotton pads are often used as an aid for applying cosmetic products, such. Creams, on the skin. It is also conceivable that cotton pads are applied to the skin surface and then serve as a distribution agent for cosmetic extracts that are applied to the cotton pad. Also for medical applications are cosmetic cotton pads into consideration.

From the uses described above, there are specific requirements for a cotton pad. It should give the user a soft feel, while still having a good cleaning effect combined with a high stability and strength. In addition, a sufficient absorbency and fluid retention capacity should be given.

Out EP 1 106 723 A1 It is already known to provide one or both sides of a cotton pad with a water jet needling, which forms a fine groove pattern on the surfaces and causes an integration of the fibers on the surface, so that the cotton pad is less prone to flare.

In addition, cotton pads with continuous embossed surfaces are known, "embossed" here depressions having a depth of greater than 0.2 mm, in particular of at least 0.25 mm, in particular of at least 0.35 mm are understood, so wells that a larger Have depth than the known to the expert, produced by water jet needling fine groove structure with a depth of only 0.05 - 0.2 mm. In this case, an already pre-consolidated nonwoven material can be provided with an embossing structure, in particular by means of an embossing calender, optionally also under the action of heat. Embossed surfaces can also be achieved by means of water jet needling, in particular using the Produce screen drum technology, as in EP 1 320 226 A2 described. Embossing methods can be used to produce arbitrary and complex surface structures, with the surface area of the cotton pad becoming increasingly hardened as the area of the embossed structures increases, so that they are less suitable for imparting a soft feel. For example disclosed EP 1 310 226 A2 a cosmetic cotton pad, the two sides of which are provided with a fine groove structure produced by water jet needling and wherein additionally on at least one side of the fine groove structure superimposed embossed structure of webs and recesses is formed. In the course of producing the cotton pad, this embossed structure is applied to this flat material web before the individual pads are punched out of a flat material web, so that the individual cotton pads are then punched out of the embossed flat material web with a rather random orientation to the embossed structure. As a result, the embossed structure extends beyond the edge of the cotton pad, or in other words the punched cut passes through the embossed structure or its embossed lines or points. The embossed structure thus extends over the entire surface into the edge. Such edge embossing leads to a perceived as hard or with hard spots, sometimes even with sharp edges perceived edge of the cotton pad, which is to be regarded as disadvantageous.

Another example of such a cotton pad is out EP 1 106 723 B1 known.

Also EP 0 405 043 B1 discloses cotton pads having an embossed pattern, in particular in the form of a waffle pattern, which extends over the edges, and also teaches the edge portions of the outer material layers together by embossing or by using suitable punching knives, with the aim that the product is sealed all around. Again, there is a sometimes sharp-edged edge course.

With WO 03/090653 the suggestion is made that a cotton pad has at its periphery a circumferentially continuous compression region, but which should be provided at a radial distance from the peripheral edge of the cotton pad. In this way, a plurality of layers of material of the cotton pad are to be connected to each other, wherein fibers which extend from this compression region outwards to the edge and have a corresponding length, not rigid but rather are easily bendable. The cotton pad should therefore be provided with a circumferentially circumferential edge embossment, which does not directly form the edge, but runs slightly radially within the edge.

A cotton pad available on the market under the brand name "Doulys" Coton Duo comprises a waffle-pattern-like embossed structure which in turn extends over an entire side as far as the edge of the cotton pad, which leads to the inadequacies mentioned above.

The present invention has for its object to improve a cotton pad of the type mentioned in that on the one hand conveys a soft feeling, even in the edge region, and on the other hand, by using an embossed structure such a Padverfestigung can be achieved in the Use of the cotton pad by the user proves to be sufficient.

This object is achieved by a cotton pad with the features of the Anprunchs 1.

The cotton pads according to the invention preferably have a circular shape, preferably also oval shapes, as well as square or rectangular shapes are conceivable. Preferably, the circular cotton pads have a diameter of 5-7 cm. Oval pads cover an area of preferably (60-80 mm) x (80-100 mm). Square pads preferably have a side length between 60-80 mm, in particular 75 mm. Rectangular pads have an area with dimensions preferably (70-100 mm) × (90 mm-120 mm), in particular (85 mm-95 mm) × (105 mm -115 mm).

The basis weights of the cotton pads are advantageously between 70 and 350 g / m ² , in particular between 100 and 300 g / m ² , very particularly between 150 and 250 g / m ² .

If cotton pads are mentioned above, they are generally understood to mean absorbent pad-shaped nonwoven articles whose fiber content is formed from cotton fibers. It should be expressly understood that a pad-shaped nonwoven fabric article whose fiber content is formed of other cellulosic fibers, or except cellulosic fibers additions of synthetic fibers such as thermoplastic fibers such as polyester, polyamide, polyacrylic, polyolefins, polyurethane, as a multi-component fibers , in particular as bicomponent fiber, and preferably as microfibers with a fiber thickness of ≦ 1 dtex, in particular micro staple fibers of a length of at least 7 mm, comprises, is referred to as cotton pad in the sense of the above invention and also in the sense of traffic habits.

The cotton pads according to the invention with additions of synthetic fibers comprise in particular up to 95% by weight, in particular up to 72% by weight, more particularly 15-65% by weight, and more particularly 50-65% by weight of cotton fibers. Cotton pads with heat-meltable binding fibers, in particular multicomponent fibers, in particular bicomponent fibers have a weight percent binder fiber content of preferably 10-20% by weight, in particular 12-18% by weight, very particularly 12-15% by weight.

Cotton pads with microfibers, in particular micro-staple fibers, have, in particular, 40-90% by weight, in particular 15-85% by weight, more particularly 15-65% by weight and more particularly 20-30% by weight of microfibers in the fiber-fleece layer.

A particularly advantageous composition may comprise 55-70 wt% cotton seedlings, 20-30 wt% PES micro staple fibers, and 10-16 wt% CO-PES / PES bicomponent fibers.

Another exemplary advantageous composition comprises 80-90% by weight cotton and 10-20% by weight thermoplastic bicomponent fibers.

At least in principle, the production of a pad-shaped nonwoven article would be conceivable, which is formed predominantly of synthetic fibers. In such cases, however, hydrophilicizing agents would have to be employed to a very considerable degree in order to arrive at an absorbent, absorbent article, which is why cellulose fibers, and preferably cotton fibers, used in the manufacture of cotton wool pads are commonly used natural hydrophilic fibers are used. Cotton pads with a high, preferably 100% cotton fiber content are preferred for soft feel and good fluid absorption performance.

With the invention it is therefore proposed that the embossed structure does not overhang the entire surface of the considered side of the cotton pad and does not extend to the peripheral edge or in a peripheral edge portion, but that the embossing structure fully, so in the circumferential direction continuously from an unembossed region of the above dimension (radially outside) is surrounded. The embossed structure provided on the relevant side is thus at least partially removed further than 5 mm from the edge of the cotton pad. It comes the edge so at least partially not closer than 5 mm.

The cotton pad according to the invention is characterized on the one hand by a very soft edge, since no embossing lines or embossed structures extend into the edge and are detected there by a die cut separating the cotton pad. On the other hand, sufficient cohesion and adequate strength of the cotton pad are achieved by the embossing structure provided on one side of the cotton pad and completely surrounded by unembossed regions.

If it is mentioned earlier that the radial extent of the unembossed region, at least in sections, amounts to at least 5 mm, it should be stated that this unembossed region does not extend over the entire circumference of the cotton pad 360 °, this radial Depth or extent of at least 5 mm must have. It proves to be advantageous if the unembossed region over a portion of at least 180 ° in the circumferential direction, in particular of at least 270 °, in particular of at least 280 °, in particular of at least 290 °, in particular of at least 300 °, in particular of at least 310 ° has the radial extent from the edge inwards of at least 5 mm. The respective mentioned section can also be composed of individual circumferentially alternating sections.

In a further development of the invention, it proves to be advantageous if the radial extent of the non-embossed area, starting from the edge to radially inward over the entire circumferential direction is at least 3 mm, in particular at least 4 mm and more particularly at least 5 mm.

According to a further advantageous variant, the radial extent, starting from the edge, is at least sectionally at least 8 mm, advantageously the unembossed region over a section of at least 180 ° in the circumferential direction, in particular of at least 190 °, in particular of at least 200 °, a radial extension from the edge inwardly of at least 8 mm.

In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the radial extent of the unembossed region, starting from the edge inwards at least in sections, is at least 10 mm, the unembossed region preferably over a section of at least 120 ° in the circumferential direction, in particular of at least 150 °, in particular of at least 160 ° has a radial extent from the edge to the inside of at least 10 mm.

With the present invention it was also recognized that the total percentage area of the stamping lines or embossing points need not be very high and that - as will be explained below - embossed structures, contrary to widespread opinion, are rather not suitable for make-up or The like, but rather worsen the cleaning effect. In an advantageous embodiment of the cotton pad according to the invention, the embossing structure comprises an area of embossing lines or embossing points of only 1% to 8%, in particular 2% to 6% and more particularly 2.5% to 4.5% of the surface of a relevant side of the cotton pads.

In yet a further embodiment of the inventive idea, the unembossed region which surrounds the embossed structure in the circumferential direction comprises an area fraction of at least 30%, in particular of at least 35%, in particular of at least 40%, in particular of at least 45% and more particularly of at least 48 %, in particular of at least 50% and more particularly of 50% to 65% of the surface of the page in question.

The embossed structure can be designed to be arbitrary in itself; it can be dotted, dashed or formed as continuous embossing lines. It may be formed following at least one closed structure, such as the circumference of a star structure or a floral structure, or it may have a circumferentially discontinuous portion. In this case, the embossed structure can impart visually or tactually perceptible information, in particular a decorative element, in particular a lettering. As advantageous have embossing lines of a width of 0.24 mm - 0.7 mm and in particular a length of 0.24 mm - 130 mm, in particular a length of 0.24 mm - 100 mm, in particular a length of 0.24 mm - 80 mm, in particular from 0.24 mm - 60 mm, in particular from 0.24 mm - 50 mm, in particular from 0.24 mm - 40 mm, in particular from 0.24 mm - 30 mm, in particular from 1.5 mm - 20 mm and in particular from 2 mm - 10 mm proved. In a hole-shaped or punctiform, in particular circular embossing dimensions of 0.24 mm - 0.7 mm have proven to be advantageous.

The embossed structure may be in the form of a depression with a depth of greater than 0.2 mm, in particular of at least 0.25 mm, more particularly of at least 0.35 mm in one side of the pad, or it may be embossed, so that a Opening is formed in the cotton pad. The embossed structure can be composed of embossing elements of different depths. In particular, both recesses and indentations can be provided.

As already mentioned, the strength properties of cotton pads and the requirement to provide as soft as possible a feel while maintaining a good cleaning action are conflicting objectives: If one tests the internal strength of cotton pads, which is a measure of the resistance to delamination, then so Wadding pads with a marginal embossing as in this very stable, but with the disadvantages mentioned above. With the present invention it has been found that the claimed use of the cotton pad nevertheless provides sufficient internal strength for the performance properties of at least 0.20 N / 25.5 cm ² , in particular of at least 0.30 N / 25.5 cm ² , in particular of at least 0.35 N / 25.5 cm ² , in particular of at least 0.40 N / 25.5 cm ² and in particular to 1.5 N / 25.5 cm ² and more particularly to 1.0 N / 25.5 cm ² can be achieved.

It proves to be further advantageous that in the cotton pad according to the invention in the determination of internal strength, the maximum tensile force only at above 20% elongation, especially at above 25% elongation and more particularly between 30% and 50% elongation of the material Cotton pads based on a clamping length of 15 mm, the FIG. 8 can be seen occurs. This proves to be advantageous in a demanding use of the cotton pad because it is perceived as comfortable and comfortable in use. In cotton pads with a peripheral edge embossing but also in cotton pads with up to the peripheral edge extended embossed structure, the maximum tensile force is already achieved below 20% elongation, especially at about 15% elongation. This gives the user the sensation of a low yielding product.

The tensile strength of a cotton pad according to the invention in the dry state is in the longitudinal direction and preferably also in the transverse direction of 5 to 10 N / 25 mm, which was assumed to determine the tear strength of punched out of the cotton pad specimens a dimension of 25 mm x 30 mm. The above-mentioned advantageous values relate to a cotton pad 100% of cotton fibers having a thickness of 2.3 to 2.7 mm (determined at a test pressure of 0.5 kPa). The mass of such a cotton pad is approximately 5.7 cm Diameter is about 0.5 to 0.6 g.

Internal strength test of sheet-like nonwoven articles:

For this purpose, a tensile testing machine to DIN 51221, class 1 and two auxiliary sheets and double-sided adhesive tape can be used. A planar circular disk-shaped sample of 57 mm diameter is glued by means of the double-sided adhesive tape between an upper and a lower auxiliary sheet, protrudes perpendicularly a clampable holding web (T-shape). If only smaller pads are available or can be tested, it is also possible to work with a circular disk-shaped sample of 28.5 mm diameter, which should then be indicated in the results. In this case, the result is to be normalized to a test area of 25.5 cm ² . The two auxiliary sheets are clamped in the tensile testing machine and then moved apart at a speed of 100 mm / min; meanwhile the tensile force is measured. It is then determined the maximum traction. By the maximum tensile force is meant the maximum force at which the cohesion of the cotton pad is destroyed. If previously higher force peaks are measured in the course of stretching, these represent the maximum tensile force in the sense of this test.

FIGS. 8 a) and b) show schematically the experimental setup. It can be seen the circular disk-shaped specimen in the form of a cotton pad 40, and adjacent thereto each of the double-sided adhesive tape 42 and the auxiliary sheets 44, which are clamped with their protruding web 46 in clamping receptacles 48 of the tensile testing machine. Also, the clamping length of 15 mm can be seen.

The double-sided adhesive tape is an adhesive tape from 3M (Tape 410) with natural rubber as an adhesive coating and a preferably defined one Adhesive force of 19.3 +/- 2.2 N / 25 mm according to the German Pharmacopoeia of 1996 (there described Abziehmethode).

For sample preparation, a section of the above-mentioned double adhesive tape corresponding to the size of the cotton pad is adhesively bonded at the top and bottom of the cotton fleece layer of the cotton pads to be tested. The composite thus obtained is arranged (after removal of the outer cover layers of the adhesive tape) between the two auxiliary sheets and positioned centrically. Then the auxiliary sheets are weighted by means of a weight of 1 kg for 1 min, so that the composite of cotton pad and double-sided adhesive tape and auxiliary sheets is intimately connected. This composite is then clamped in the tensile testing machine according to DIN 51221, and at the mentioned speed of 100 mm / min, the clamps are pulled apart, thereby determining the tensile force. From at least five individual measurements, the mean value is formed and given in N.

For the reproducible performance of measurements, the adhesive strength of the double-sided adhesive tape is specified or standardized according to the abovementioned stripping method of the German Pharmacopoeia 1996. To this end, the force required to peel tapes (e.g., patches) from a flat surface at an angle of 180 ° at a constant speed is measured. Again, a tensile testing machine according to DIN 51221 class 1 is used for this purpose. There are stainless steel plates, 150 x 50 x 2 mm mechanically polished and roughened in the longitudinal direction used.

The test is carried out at 23 ° C and 50% relative humidity. Prior to this, the samples must be stored for 24 hours under these standard conditions. The steel plates are pre-wetted with a cotton wool soaked in toluene cleaned, they are then placed in a suitable container with the vapors of boiling toluene in contact, but they do not touch the liquid directly. The resulting vapors sweep along the plate surfaces for 5 minutes. Thereafter, the plates are allowed to cool for 30 minutes in standard atmosphere.

Then strips of 400 mm length and given width of the roll of 12.5 or 25 mm are cut and applied to the cleaned metal plates so as to avoid trapped air. By means of a "tape applicator", the tape strip is rolled under a pressure of 20 N / cm sample width (the back cover paper of the adhesive tape has not yet been removed). After 10 minutes waiting time then the measurement takes place.

For measurement, the upper free end of the sample strip is knocked back and withdrawn about 25 mm from the top of the steel plate. This end of the steel plate is clamped in the upper clamp of the tensile testing machine and the struck end of the sample strip is clamped in the lower clamp of the tensile tester. The take-off angle is therefore 180 °, whereby care must be taken that the sample backs are parallel to each other, but not rub against each other. The tensile testing machine is set to a take-off speed of 300 +/- 30 mm / min.

To determine the adhesive force of the force curve is to be determined and recorded. From the force peaks obtained then the average adhesive force is evaluated according to one of the methods A) to C) described below.

If deviating curves are used, it may be necessary to evaluate A or B according to the procedures described below. In these cases, the evaluation procedure must be included in the result information.

Evaluation method C:

This procedure is applicable if the diagram has more than 20 clearly detectable force peaks.

The prerequisite is that the fluctuations occurring within the diagram do not occur periodically. If this is the case, evaluation procedure B should be used.

Starting from the middle of the diagram length 1, which extends from the first force peak to the demolition, four vertical lines shall be submitted at equal intervals of 1/10 of this diagram length to both sides.

These distances should be rounded to the nearest millimeter. The nine peak values closest to these lines should be used to determine the bond strength.

Individual extreme values outstanding from the curve are not taken into account in the evaluation.

The result shall be expressed as the mean of at least five tests in N / 25 mm rounded to one decimal place.

F_i= Kraftspitzen F₁, F₂ ..... Fn
n= Anzahl der ausgewerteten KraftspitzenThe adhesive force is calculated as follows: $$F=\frac{{\displaystyle \underset{i=1}{\overset{n}{\Sigma }}}{F}_i}{n}$$

F _i = force peaks F ₁ , F ₂ ..... Fn
n = number of evaluated force peaks

The evaluation can also be done with a suitable PC program.

Evaluation method A:

This procedure is applicable when the graph shows up to five clearly distinguishable force peaks. The mean value of the values of these force peaks must be determined.

In the case that only one peak of force occurs in the diagram, the corresponding value should be regarded as "average value".

Evaluation method B:

This procedure is applicable when six to ten clearly distinguishable force peaks appear in the diagram.

The peak values of the middle 80% of the diagram area starting with the first force peak and ending with the demolition are used to determine the bond strength.

As already mentioned, the above description of the adhesive strength serves to provide standardized reproducible conditions for the adhesive tape to be used in the above-described inner strength test. Tear strength in longitudinal and transverse direction:

The aforementioned tear strength can be determined using a standardized tensile testing machine according to DIN 51221 according to the following test method: It is cut out of cotton pads to be tested, preferably from a middle region of the cotton pads samples a clamping width of 25 mm and a clamping length of 30 mm, preferably stamped out. These samples are clamped vertically in clamping receptacles of the mentioned tensile testing machine. To perform the measurement, the clamp receivers are then moved apart at a test speed of 100 mm / min in opposite directions, but in the plane direction of the clamped sample, constantly measuring the tensile force exerted by the clamps on the sample and acting in the plane direction. By the maximum tensile force is meant the maximum force at which the cotton pad ruptures. If previously measured higher force peaks in the course of elongation, so these represent the maximum tensile force in the sense of this test. It can advantageously in measurements of the longitudinal and transverse direction, which usually corresponds to the machine direction or the direction transverse thereto, several, in particular five, individual measurements and calculate their mean.

As already indicated, it has also been found with the present invention that depressions obtained by embossing in a cotton pad have a rather disadvantageous effect on the cleaning action, ie the ability to take up make-up or skin residues. This was noted by applying make-up to a strip of goatskin leather. After a drying time of 2 to 2.5 hours, a previously moistened cotton pad with 5.7 cm diameter, which is loaded by means of double-sided adhesive tape with a weight of 1 kg, on the place provided with make-up on the "painted" position of the Ziegenglattleders pulled using a tensile tester according to DIN 51221 at a speed of 200 mm / minute. For each cotton pad, 5 make-up removal tests are carried out. Then, the amount of makeup remaining on the goatskin can be determined either visually or by means of a colorimeter. It can be seen that cotton pads with a very large proportion of recesses produced by embossing have a worse cleaning effect. If you look at the cotton pad afterwards, the punctiform or linear depressions formed by embossing appear distinctly brighter because - contrary to widespread opinion - no make-up has accumulated in them.

It should also be noted that the thickness of cotton pads, if mentioned in this application, has been determined using a specific test pressure of 0.5 kPa. The thickness is determined in the dry state from measurements of 10 batch pads of cotton wool as an average.

In a further development of the invention, the cotton pad on one or both sides of a continuous, that is also a extending into the edge formed by water jet needling fine groove structure of 0.05 - have 0.2 mm depth.

• Figuren 1 bis 5 Draufsichten auf Wattepads nach der Erfindung;
• Figur 6 das Wattepad nach Figur 2 mit eingezeichneten Kreislinien, welche eine Erstreckung der nicht geprägten Bereiche ausgehend vom Rand von wenigstens 5 mm bzw. von wenigstens 8 mm verdeutlichen;
• Figur 7 das Wattepad nach Figur 1 mit eingezeichneter Kreislinie, welche eine Erstreckung des nicht geprägten Bereichs ausgehend vom Rand von wenigstens 10 mm verdeutlicht.
• Figur 8 a, b eine schematische Darstellung des Testaufbaus für die Bestimmung der inneren Festigkeit und
• Figuren 9 bis 11 Draufsichten auf weitere erfindungsgemäße Wattepads.
• Figur 12 ein ovales Wattepad mit der Prägestruktur nach Figur 3 mit eingezeichneten konzentrischen Linien, welche eine Erstreckung des nicht geprägten Bereichs ausgehend vom Rand von 5 mm bzw. von wenigstens 10 mm verdeutlichen.
• Figur 13 ein rechteckiges Wattepad mit der Prägestruktur nach Figur 4 mit eingezeichneten zum Rand parallelen Linien, welche eine Erstreckung des nicht geprägten Bereiches ausgehend vom Rand von wenigstens 5 mm bzw. von wenigstens 10 mm verdeutlichen.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the appended claims and the drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments of the cotton pad according to the invention. In the drawing show:

• FIGS. 1 to 5 Top views of cotton pads according to the invention;
• FIG. 6 the cotton pad after FIG. 2 with drawn circular lines, which illustrate an extension of the unembossed areas starting from the edge of at least 5 mm or at least 8 mm;
• FIG. 7 the cotton pad after FIG. 1 with a drawn circle line, which illustrates an extent of the unembossed area starting from the edge of at least 10 mm.
• Figure 8 a, b a schematic representation of the test structure for the determination of internal strength and
• FIGS. 9 to 11 Top views of further cotton pads according to the invention.
• FIG. 12 an oval cotton pad with the embossed structure behind FIG. 3 with concentric lines drawn, which illustrate an extent of the unembossed area starting from the edge of 5 mm or of at least 10 mm.
• FIG. 13 a rectangular cotton pad with the embossed structure after FIG. 4 with drawn parallel to the edge lines, which illustrate an extension of the non-embossed area starting from the edge of at least 5 mm or at least 10 mm.

The FIGS. 1 to 5 and 9 to 11 show various embodiments of a cotton pad according to the invention 2. Preferably, the cotton pads have a diameter of 5-7 cm. Also oval shapes are conceivable, as well as square or rectangular shapes. The cotton pads may consist of 100% cotton fibers or additives of thermoplastic fibers, especially multi-component fibers and / or Include microfibers. The basis weights of the cotton pads are advantageously between 70 and 350 g / m ² , in particular between 100 and 300 g / m ² , very particularly between 150 and 250 g / m ² .

In the FIGS. 1 to 5 and 9-11 True to size cotton pads have a diameter of 5.7 cm.

A respective cotton pad 2 has a first side 4 and a second side 6 facing away from the first. Not shown is a very fine only the surface detecting groove structure, which is made by a water jet needling. On the first side 4 an embossed structure 8 is additionally formed. A respective embossing structure 8 is surrounded in its entirety by a non-embossed region 10, which is therefore closed continuously in the circumferential direction. Thus, the embossing structure 8 extends at no point to the edge 12, that is, to the outer boundary of the cotton pad 2, but stops at each point a distance from the edge 12 to be described in more detail. In this way, the edge 12 or an adjoining edge region 14 is free of any embossing. This makes the edge 12 or the adjoining edge region 14 very soft, which has already been explained in detail at the beginning.

The embossing structure 8 comprises in all figures an outer circumferential contour which is formed by a plurality of successively provided embossing points 16. The embossing points have an embossing depth of at least 0.25 mm. Within this circumferential contour, stamping lines 18 are formed with a depth of the embossing of at least 0.25 mm, which follow part of the circumferential contour, are partially extended approximately in the radial direction. In the present case they form a motif. The bridge width of the embossed lines 18 is 0.24 mm. The diameter of the embossing points 16 is 0.24 mm.

The proportion of the punctiform or linear embossed surface to the total area in the embodiment of the FIG. 1 3 . 7 %. In the embodiments of the FIGS. 2 to 5 it is 4.6%, 3.2%, 4.0% and 5.1%, respectively.

The proportion of unembossed regions 10 outside the peripheral contour of the embossed structure (formed by the embossing points 16) is in the cotton pad after Figures 1 and 2 51.9% and according to the cotton pads FIGS. 3 to 5 58.8% of the total surface area of the first page 4.

In the presentation after FIG. 6 the cotton pad FIG. 2 a first virtual circular line 20 is drawn at a distance of 5 mm from the edge 12 and a second virtual circular line 22 at a distance of 8 mm. Then, virtual radial lines 24 have been drawn outwardly from the center of the cotton pad, through respective intersections of the embossment pattern with the first and second lines 20 and 22. Unless there is a real intersection of the embossment pattern by an embossing element, such as embossing point 16 or embossing line 18, and Given the virtual circular line, so a shortest connection of the nearest embossing elements is considered and then determines the intersection of this virtual connection line with the virtual circular line. By determining the angles of the circle segments formed by the lines 24 and by summing the individual angles of the circle segments relative to the embossing structure 8, the entire circumferential angle can be determined, within which the radial extent of the non-embossed region 10 from the edge 12 to the inside at least 5 mm or at least 8 mm. In the presentation after FIG. 6 The non-embossed region 10 with a radial extension of at least 5 mm from the edge 12 overhangs about 310 ° and the one with an extension of at least 8 mm surrounds about 228 °.

In the illustration after FIG. 7 the cotton pad FIG. 1 For example, a virtual circular line 26 is shown at a distance of 10 mm from the edge 12 of the cotton pad along with virtual radial lines 28. The total circumferential angle of that unembossed region 10 which has a radial extension from the edge of at least 10 mm is about 156 °.

In the presentation of FIG. 12 respectively. FIG. 13 it is an oval or rectangular cotton pad, each with an embossed structure. 8

FIG. 12 illustrates for an oval cotton pad the determination of the size of the angle of the circle segments, within which the radial extent of the non-embossed region 10 from the edge 12 to the inside is at least 5 mm or at least 10 mm.

In the cotton pad after FIG. 12 For this purpose, two virtual oval lines 31 and 32 are shown at a distance of 5 mm and 10 mm within the edge 12. Then the center of symmetry 30 of the cotton pad is determined. Starting from this center of symmetry, in turn, virtual radial lines 33 are drawn outward, through the intersections of the embossing structure 8 with the virtual lines 31 and 32, whereby virtual circle segments are formed.

For cotton pads with non-circular circumference, such as after FIG. 12 , the center of symmetry 30 becomes of the cotton pad used as a reference point, so that the information in the form of degrees (°) are made for the definition of the sections also in these cotton pads in accordance with this application.

In the presentation after FIG. 12 is the non-embossed region 10 with a radial extent of at least 5 mm in full and that non-embossed region 10 with an extent of at least 10 mm embraces about 293 °.

FIG. 13 illustrates in a rectangular cotton pad the determination of the size of the angle of the circle segments, within which the radial extent of the non-embossed region 10 from the edge 12 to the inside is at least 5 mm or at least 10 mm.

In the rectangular cotton pad after FIG. 13 are virtual, rectangular lines 34 and 35 at a distance of 5 mm or 10 mm within edge 12 drawn. Starting from the center of symmetry 30 again virtual radial lines 36 are drawn to the intersections between the embossed structure 8 and the rectangular lines 34 and 35.

Again, by determining the angles of the circle segments formed by the lines 36 and by summing up the individual angles of the circle segments relative to the embossing pattern 8, the total circumferential angle within which the radial extent of the unembossed region 10 from the edge 12 to the inside at least can be determined 5 mm or at least 10 mm. The non-embossed region 10 with an extension of at least 10 mm encloses this approximately 314 °.

After the cotton pad after FIG. 9 the embossing structure is composed of embossing points (16) and embossing lines (18), wherein the embossing points (16) are designed in their embodiment as embossing.

The Tables below show machine direction and crosshead measured pad weight, pad thickness, and pad strength (tear strength) as determined by the tensile strength test described above, and internal strength measurements made using a device according to U.S. Pat FIG. 8 and were determined according to the internal strength measurement method described above. Measurements of pad weight, pad thickness and pad strength were taken in 10 measurements, the internal strength measurements expressed in terms of Fmax and elongation at Fmax, respectively, in 20 measurements. The results are also shown as the mean value ( x̅ ) together with the standard deviation (s). It was made of 100% cotton fibers existing cotton pads Figures 1 and 2 (5-leaved) and after FIGS. 3 to 5 (7-leaves) and after the FIG. 9 (6-sheet) and a previously known cotton pad "Doulys - Coton Duo" (available from Leclerc, France) with a peripheral edge embossing at a distance of 1.5 mm from the edge and with an embossed waffle pattern covering the entire side to the edge.

After the cotton pad after FIG. 10 shows the embossed structure with embossing points (16) and stamping lines (18) has a circumferentially open portion (29).

After the cotton pad after FIG. 11 the embossed structure consists of 3 closed structures, each in the form of a flower structure. The individual structures include embossing points (16) and stamping lines (18). inspection units Test results 5-leaf cotton pads 100% BW small round Test results 7-leaf cotton pads 100% BW small round Test results 6-ply punched cotton pads 100% BW small round Test results Flawa cotton pads 100% BW small round Padgewicht G 0.56 0.59 0.60 0.52 0.59 0.58 0.58 0.53 0.53 0.54 0.62 0.52 0.61 0.59 0.59 0.56 0.58 0.56 0.51 0.53 0.55 0.55 0.62 0.52 0.54 0.61 0.63 0.52 0.54 0.60 0.60 0.52 0.60 0.56 0.64 0.51 0.53 0.56 0.61 0.55 x 0.56; s 0.03 x 0.57; s 0.02 x 0.60; s 0.04 x 0.53; s 0.02 Paddicke mm 2.25 2.61 2.81 3.29 2.46 2.49 2.97 3.09 2.25 2.35 2.62 2.95 2.56 2.49 2.81 2.83 2.36 2.37 2.74 2.83 2.36 2.37 2.42 2.77 2.28 2.47 2.47 2.74 2.27 2:43 2.82 2.78 2.43 2.42 2.51 2.78 2.23 2.47 2.70 2.92 x 2.35; s 0.11 x 2.45; s 0.08 x 2.69; s 0.18 x 2.90; s 0.17 Pad resistance (dry) -F _max longitudinal N / 25mm 7.12 5.45 8.94 12.17 3.98 5.63 4.54 13,60 7.78 7.10 7.19 13.41 6.30 5.41 6.94 12:39 5.94 5.29 5.99 14,40 7.94 5.47 8.45 13.12 7.93 5.74 8.36 12.52 6.11 5.83 6.91 11.47 7.59 5.64 9.45 12.22 6.43 4.73 8.50 13.99 x 6.71; s 1,23 x 5.63; s 0.60 x 7.53; s 1.50 x 12.93; s 0.92 - Fmax across 6.05 5.57 7.49 7.84 7.20 4.61 6.38 7.50 6.95 4.76 7.62 9.07 6.27 4.71 7.18 10.32 3.93 4.31 5.43 6.02 6.18 6.64 7.68 5.52 3.82 5.06 6.76 7.68 3.92 5.86 6,16 8.86 3.90 5.22 8.04 7.80 3.63 4.42 7.52 8.10 x 5.19; s 1.46 x 5.09; s 0.75 x 7.03; s 0.82 x 7.87; s 1.40 inspection Test results 5-leaf cotton pads 100% BW small round Test results 7-leaf cotton pads 100% BW small round Test results 6-ply punched cotton pads 100% BW small round Test results Flawa cotton pads 100% BW small round Fmax N / 25.5 cm ² Elongation at Fmax *% Fmax N / 25.5 cm ² Elongation at Fmax *% Fmax N / 25.5 cm ² Elongation at Fmax *% Fmax N / 25.5 cm ² Elongation at Fmax *% Inner 0.38 33.1 0.38 25.2 0.24 72.6 1.57 9.8 strength 0.52 22.9 0.47 29.4 0.18 55.2 1.44 4.9 0.52 34.7 0.50 35.6 0.27 33.3 1.46 5.0 0.41 31.2 0.49 31.8 0.26 58.7 1.30 10.3 0.36 27.4 0.50 31.7 0.24 50.3 1.67 19.4 0.44 31.0 0.47 30.9 0.25 32.2 1.47 4.5 0.37 31.0 0.51 30.5 0.27 35.5 1.79 14.8 0.55 30.0 0.40 17.8 0.24 55.4 1.70 10.0 0.47 25.0 0.45 30.0 0.26 63.2 1.76 11.1 0.55 34.7 0.47 33.1 0.23 46.9 1.37 4.1 0.48 20.5 0.37 30.8 0.20 61.9 2.00 14.5 0.44 31.6 0.35 33.4 0.28 34.1 1.85 18.3 0.50 31.4 0.43 29.2 0.33 33.8 1.75 26.0 0.47 29.9 0.42 21.0 0.26 58.6 1.84 6.8 0.47 31.8 0.52 29.2 0.33 34.1 2.00 12.5 0.48 84.4 0.52 31.6 0.40 29.0 1.98 9.2 0.52 34.8 0.40 24.1 0.27 31.8 1.61 17.6 0.54 60.7 0.47 38.6 0.24 70.9 1.77 15.4 0.47 31.2 0.53 33.1 0.26 32.3 1.88 21.0 0.44 29.8 0.38 32.3 0.24 49.9 1.53 211.8 x 0.47; s 0.06 x 34.4; s 14,12 x 0.45; s 0.06 x 30.0; s 4,81 x 0.26; s 0.05 x 47.0; s 14,43 x 1.69; s 0.21 x 12.8; s 6,40 * based on 15 mm clamping length according to FIG. 8a

Claims (17)

1. A cosmetic wadding pad (2), having at least one nonwoven fiber layer and one first and one second side (4, 6), and having an embossed structure (8) on at least one side (4, 6), optionally with an additional finely grooved structure, formed by water-jet needling, on one or both surfaces, characterized in that the embossed structure (8) is surrounded over its entire circumference by a non-embossed region (10); and that the radial extent of this non-embossed region (10) from the edge (12) radially inward amounts in at least some portions to at least 5 mm; and that the non-embossed region (10) occupies a proportion of at least 30% of the surface area of the affected side (4, 6).
2. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by claim 1, characterized in that the non-embossed region (10), over a portion of at least 180° in the circumferential direction, and in particular at least 270°, in particular at least 280°, in particular at least 290°, in particular at least 300°, in particular at least 310°, has the radial extent from the edge inward of at least 5 mm.
3. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the radial extent of the non-embossed region (10), beginning at the edge (12) inward over the entire circumferential direction, is at least 3 mm, in particular at least 4 mm, and more particularly at least 5 mm.
4. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the radial extent of the non-embossed region (10) beginning at the edge (12) inward amounts in at least some portions to at least 8 mm.
5. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by claim 4, characterized in that the non-embossed region (10), over a portion of at least 180° in the circumferential direction, and in particular at least 190°, in particular at least 200°, has a radial extent from the edge inward of at least 8 mm.
6. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the radial extent of the non-embossed region (10), beginning at the edge (12) inward over the entire circumferential direction, is at least 10 mm.
7. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by claim 6, characterized in that the non-embossed region (10), over a portion of at least 120° in the circumferential direction, and in particular at least 150°, in particular at least 160°, has a radial extent from the edge inward of at least 10 mm.
8. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the embossed structure (8) includes an area of embossed lines (18) or embossed points (16) of 1 to 8%, in particular 2 to 6%, and more particularly 2.5 to 4.5% of the surface area of the affected side (4, 6).
9. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the non-embossed region (10), which surrounds the embossed structure (8) over its entire circumference, occupies a proportion of at least 35%, in particular at least 40%, in particular at least 45%, and more particularly at least 48%, in particular at least 50%, and more particularly 50% to 65%, of the surface area of the affected side (4, 6).
10. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the embossed structure (8) has a width of the embossed points (18, 16) in the pad plane of 0.2 to 0.7 mm.
11. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the embossed structure (8) imparts visually or tactilely perceptible information, in particular a decorative element, and more particularly written material.
12. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it has an internal strength of at least 0.20 N/25.5 cm², in particular at least 0.30 N/25.5 cm², in particular at least 0.35 N/25.5 cm², in particular at least 0.40 N/25.5 cm², and in particular up to 1.5 N/25.5 cm² and more particularly up to 1.0 N/25.5 cm².
13. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the maximum elongation force (peak force) in determining the internal strength occurs above 20% elongation, in particular at above 25% elongation, in particular between 30 and 50% elongation.
14. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it has a tear strength in the dry state in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction of 5 to 10 N/25 mm.
15. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it has a weight per unit of surface area of 70 to 350 g/m², in particular of 100 to 300 g/m², and more particularly of 150 to 250 g/m².
16. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it is formed of 100% cotton fibers.
17. The cosmetic wadding pad as defined by one or more of the foregoing claims, characterized in that besides cellulose fibers, it includes additives of heat-meltable thermoplastic fibers, in particular multicomponent fibers.

Images