EP2723289A1 - Cotton swab - Google Patents

Cotton swab

Info

Publication number
EP2723289A1
EP2723289A1 EP12730144.8A EP12730144A EP2723289A1 EP 2723289 A1 EP2723289 A1 EP 2723289A1 EP 12730144 A EP12730144 A EP 12730144A EP 2723289 A1 EP2723289 A1 EP 2723289A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
handle body
extrusion
cotton swab
natural fibers
fibers
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP12730144.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Beat Häni
Christian Rytka
Guy Petignat
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ROWEG HOLDING AG
Original Assignee
ROWEG HOLDING AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ROWEG HOLDING AG filed Critical ROWEG HOLDING AG
Publication of EP2723289A1 publication Critical patent/EP2723289A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L15/00Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
    • A61L15/16Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
    • A61L15/42Use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties
    • A61L15/62Compostable, hydrosoluble or hydrodegradable materials
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/38Swabs having a stick-type handle, e.g. cotton tips
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/38Swabs having a stick-type handle, e.g. cotton tips
    • A61F13/385Apparatus or processes of manufacturing
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L15/00Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
    • A61L15/16Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
    • A61L15/22Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons containing macromolecular materials
    • A61L15/225Mixtures of macromolecular compounds
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L15/00Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
    • A61L15/16Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
    • A61L15/22Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons containing macromolecular materials
    • A61L15/28Polysaccharides or their derivatives
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L15/00Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
    • A61L15/16Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
    • A61L15/22Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons containing macromolecular materials
    • A61L15/32Proteins, polypeptides; Degradation products or derivatives thereof, e.g. albumin, collagen, fibrin, gelatin
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L15/00Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
    • A61L15/16Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
    • A61L15/22Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons containing macromolecular materials
    • A61L15/34Oils, fats, waxes or natural resins
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C48/00Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C48/001Combinations of extrusion moulding with other shaping operations
    • B29C48/0022Combinations of extrusion moulding with other shaping operations combined with cutting

Definitions

  • the invention is in the field of hygiene and care articles and relates to a cotton swab, with a rod-shaped handle body and with a, at least at a free end of the handle body arranged cotton body.
  • Cotton swabs of the type mentioned above with cotton balls attached to both ends are often used for daily beauty care, in particular for cleaning the ears, in eye cosmetics, manicures, lipstick correction, etc.
  • the cotton swabs are so-called disposable articles, which are supplied after a single use of waste recycling. It is therefore desirable that the cotton swab be biodegradable as a whole, or at least in part, and moreover be fabricated as a whole, or at least in part, from renewable resources. While the cotton body is usually made of natural fibers such as cotton, the handle body is often made of a non-biodegradable plastic such as polypropylene.
  • DE-U-297 16 819 describes a compostable cotton swab made of cardboard or paper.
  • the cardboard handle body is made by cutting or punching it out of a flat cardboard body, or it is obtained by filling a cellulose pulp into corresponding molds and pressing it.
  • the handle body made of paper is produced as a wound body, in which paper strips are wound into a rod-shaped body with appropriate winding technology.
  • the Gnfi stresses described above either have the disadvantage that they are not environmentally friendly or that their production is complex and correspondingly expensive.
  • the cotton swab is thus characterized by a rod-shaped handle body, which is a biodegradable extrusion body, and which contains a matrix of substances and natural fibers embedded therein, such.
  • cellulose fibers contains, as z. B. from waste paper, directly from wood and / or rice husks, straw and / or cereal bowls are obtained.
  • the substance matrix serves in particular as a binder, which holds the natural fibers together and forms a fiber-reinforced structure with them.
  • the matrix contains or preferably consists of one of the following biodegradable materials.
  • the substance matrix can also consist of or contain a mixture of these materials: Starch, gluten, hemicellulose, sugar, lignin, chitin, gelatin, proteins, wax, glycerin, fructose, methylcellulose, agar-agar, pectin and / or biodegradable polymers.
  • Biodegradable polymers may, for. For example:
  • biodegradable copolyesters such as BTA, in particular blends with other biodegradable polymers,
  • PLA polylactic acid
  • Cellulose products such as cellulose acetate (CA)
  • PHA Polyhydroxyalkanoates
  • PLB polyhydroxybutyric acid
  • biodegradable petroleum-based polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL),
  • biodegradable polymers derived chemically from lignin, chitin, casein, gelatin, proteins in general, or vegetable oils,
  • the matrix can also be formed by dissolving the natural fibers with the help of solvents to form self-reinforcing cellulose composites.
  • the substance matrix serves in particular for the positive, chemical and / or physical crosslinking of the fibers or the formation of hydrogen bonds.
  • the proportion of the substance matrix can be greater than, equal to or less than the proportion of natural fibers in terms of volume. If the proportion of natural fibers predominates considerably, then the natural fibers can even form a fiber mass whose individual fibers are glued together by means of the substance matrix acting as a binder.
  • the fabric matrix consequently forms a fiber-reinforced structure together with the natural fibers.
  • the substance matrix can be added separately or already contained in the starting material, so that its function as binder only has to be activated during the production process. This is the case in particular if the substance matrix z. As starch, sugar or lignin.
  • the handle body preferably contains 10% by volume or more, in particular 30% by volume or more and advantageously 40% by volume or more of natural fibers. Furthermore, the handle body preferably contains 90% by volume or less, in particular 80% by volume or less and advantageously 70% by volume or less of natural fibers.
  • the natural fibers are preferably secondary fibers of recycled, i. recycled fiber material.
  • the natural fibers z. B. cellulose fibers.
  • the recycled starting material is preferably a very cheap available biological fiber material which z. B. recovered from waste paper or waste from rice production.
  • Cellulose fibers may, for. B. be obtained from ground or frayed waste paper, i. Waste paper is digested and broken down into cellulose fibers. Hemicellulose can also be obtained from waste paper or waste from rice production. This ensures z. B. a high tensile strength and tensile strength of the handle body.
  • the natural fibers can also primary fibers, eg. B. be made of wood. A mixture of primary and secondary fibers
  • the majority or all of the natural fibers in the grip body are preferably aligned in the longitudinal direction thereof.
  • the orientation of the natural fibers in the longitudinal direction preferably takes place during the extrusion process.
  • the further fibers are preferably vegetable fibers, in particular cotton fibers, hemp fibers or mixtures thereof.
  • Cotton fibers are preferably also secondary fibers, which z. B. recycled fibers from the spinning industry or the used textiles can be recycling.
  • the primary natural fibers used can, for. B.
  • the other fibers may, for. B. lengths of greater than or equal to 5 mm, and less than or equal to 30 mm, in particular less than or equal to 20 mm.
  • the handle body of the cotton swab preferably has a typical length of 5 to 10 cm.
  • the diameter of the handle body is z. B. 0.5 to 3 mm, in particular 1 to 2 mm. Both ends of the trained as a rod handle body are wrapped with a cotton ball.
  • the cotton wool may be made from synthetic fibers or preferably from biodegradable natural fibers such as cotton.
  • the cross section of the rod-shaped handle body may be round (circular, oval) or polygonal. Other cross-sectional shapes are conceivable.
  • the handle body may further be formed as a solid or hollow body. With regard to the cross-sectional shape of the handle body, there is a comparatively high degree of design freedom thanks to the use of an extrusion method.
  • a rod-shaped handle body which is made of a biodegradable extrusion body, and contains natural fibers embedded in a matrix of substances. All in this description disclosed features of the handle body in connection with its use in cotton swabs apply to the generally claimed, rod-shaped handle body. This rod-shaped handle body finds, as already explained in detail, preferably use in cotton swabs.
  • the manufacturing method described and claimed below should generally apply to rod-shaped handle body, and be applicable not only to handle body, which are used in cotton swabs.
  • the inventive handle body can also be used in the food sector, z. B. in Schlegelsten (Lollipop, Lollipop), for the production of popsicles.
  • the grip body can also find application in other areas of personal hygiene.
  • the handle body in dental care, z. B. as a dental floss holder find use. Instead of cotton wool z.
  • a brush head or floss be attached to one end of the handle body.
  • the grip bodies are preferably produced in an extrusion device.
  • the extrusion device comprises a mixing device and an extrusion tool, via which the extrusion composition is extruded by molding.
  • the method for producing the handle body of a cotton swab is characterized by the following steps:
  • the extrusion mass may be highly viscous depending on the matrix.
  • the extrusion composition may also be a dry blend.
  • the mixing device can be integrated in the extruder. Fibers and matrix can this z. B. be introduced separately via two metering devices in the extruder.
  • the components of the substance matrix are supplied, for example in granular form or in liquid or fiiessfahiger form of the extrusion device. In some cases, the components must be melted.
  • water can be added during the mixing process.
  • the addition of water may, for. B. the activation of the already existing substance matrix or the binder, such as lignin, gluten or starch serve.
  • the addition of water can serve for positive crosslinking of the fibers.
  • the addition of water can serve for the formation of hydrogen bonds in the subsequent curing.
  • the extrusion composition is preferably mixed by means of an extruder screw.
  • the extrusion compound can also be premixed before the extrusion process in a separate mixing device, the so-called compounder or mixer.
  • the handle body can be manufactured or extruded accordingly by means of a single-screw or twin-screw extruder.
  • the extrusion may be horizontal or vertical, i. be extruded in the direction of gravity.
  • the exiting from the extrusion die extrusion body is cut to length before, during or after curing to individual grips.
  • Curing in the broadest sense means the solidification of the extrusion.
  • the feature curing thus also includes the mere solidification of the extrusion. That is, curing may involve merely drying, cooling, and / or polymerization.
  • novel cotton batches are used in beauty care or cosmetics, for.
  • makeup in baby care, when cleaning the ears.
  • inventive cotton swabs find use as a so-called smear tool, z.
  • saliva samples such as for the determination of the genetic fingerprint in DNA screening.
  • the grip body of the cotton swab according to the invention has the advantage that it has a comparatively high flexural rigidity and at the same time does not break apart splinteringly at high bending forces, but instead deforms plastically, for example. Accordingly, the grip body according to the invention has plastic properties. on. Furthermore, the grip body, as already mentioned, is cost-effective in its production, in particular when recycled natural fibers are used, as well as biodegradable.
  • the cotton swab 1 shown consists of a rod-shaped handle body 2 in the form of a biodegradable extrusion body and each wound around the handle body 2 cotton wool body 3a, 3b made of cotton.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
  • Extrusion Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Dry Formation Of Fiberboard And The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a cotton swab (1) with a rod-shaped grip body (2), and with a cotton body (3a, 3b) arranged at least on one free end of the grip body (2). The invention is characterized in that the rod-shaped grip body (2) is a biodegradable extrusion body and contains natural fibres embedded in a substance matrix.

Description

WATTESTÄBCHEN  COTTON SWAB
Die Erfindung liegt auf dem Gebiet der Hygiene- und Pflegeartikel und betrifft ein Wattestäbchen, mit einem stabförmigen Griffkörper und mit einem, wenigstens an einem freien Ende des Griffkörpers angeordneten Wattekörper. Wattestäbchen der eingangs genannten Art mit an beiden Enden befestigten Wattekörpern werden für die tägliche Schönheitspflege, insbesondere zur Reinigung der Ohren, bei der Augenkosmetik, der Maniküre, der Lippenstiftkorrektur, etc. vielfach eingesetzt. Bei den Wattestäbchen handelt es sich um sogenannte Einwegartikel, welche nach einmaligem Gebrauch der Abfallverwertung zugeführt werden. Es ist daher erwünscht, dass das Wattestäbchen als Ganzes oder zumindest zu Teilen biologisch abbaubar ist und überdies als Ganzes oder zumindest zu Teilen auch aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen gefertigt ist. Während der Wattekörper in der Regel aus Naturfasern, wie Baumwolle, besteht, wird der Griffkörper häufig aus einem biologisch nichtabbaubaren Kunststoff wie Polypropylen hergestellt. The invention is in the field of hygiene and care articles and relates to a cotton swab, with a rod-shaped handle body and with a, at least at a free end of the handle body arranged cotton body. Cotton swabs of the type mentioned above with cotton balls attached to both ends are often used for daily beauty care, in particular for cleaning the ears, in eye cosmetics, manicures, lipstick correction, etc. The cotton swabs are so-called disposable articles, which are supplied after a single use of waste recycling. It is therefore desirable that the cotton swab be biodegradable as a whole, or at least in part, and moreover be fabricated as a whole, or at least in part, from renewable resources. While the cotton body is usually made of natural fibers such as cotton, the handle body is often made of a non-biodegradable plastic such as polypropylene.
Eine weitere Anforderung an ein solches Wattestäbchen ist dessen kostengünstige Herstellung. Da es sich beim Wattestäbchen um einen Wegwerfartikel handelt, sollte dieser möglichst kostengünstig sein. Der Preis des Wattestäbchens setzt sich aus den Rohstoffkosten sowie aus dem Herstellungsaufwand zusammen. Im Fokus der Herstellungskosten steht insbesondere die Fertigung des Griffkörpers. ST AND DER TECHNIK Es ist daher nicht verwunderlich, dass Griffkörper aus biologisch nicht abbaubarem und daher wenig umweltfreundlichem dafür aber kostengünstigem Kunststoff nach wie vor weit verbreitet sind. Selbst die Herstellung von Griffkörpern aus Kunststoff ist von vergleichsweise geringem Aufwand und daher kostengünstig. So beschreibt beispielsweise die DE-A-2 013 886 ein Wattestäbchen mit einem Griffkörper aus einem Kunststoffrohrstück, welches in einem Extrusionsverfahren hergestellt wird. Another requirement of such a cotton swab is its cost-effective production. Since the cotton swab is a disposable item, it should be as inexpensive as possible. The price of the cotton swab is made up of the raw material costs as well as the production costs. The focus of manufacturing costs is in particular the production of the handle body. ST AND THE TECHNOLOGY It is therefore not surprising that handle bodies made of non-biodegradable and therefore less environmentally friendly but inexpensive plastic are still widely used. Even the production of plastic handles is relatively inexpensive and therefore inexpensive. For example, DE-A-2 013 886 describes a cotton swab with a handle body made of a plastic pipe piece, which is produced in an extrusion process.
Frühere Varianten von Wattestäbchen aus Holz sind heute nicht mehr erhältlich. Dies liegt daran, dass der Griffkörper wegen der Verwendung solcher Pflegeartikel in der Augenkosmetik nicht allzu starr bzw. biegesteif sein soll. Die heutzutage verwendeten Griffkörper sind zwar immer noch vergleichsweise biegesteif, weisen jedoch eine gewisse Nachgiebigkeit bzw. Biegsamkeit auf, so dass diese bei Überschreiten einer bestimmten Biegekraft einknicken, ohne jedoch zu splittern. Dadurch wird z. B. das Verletzungsrisiko bei ungewollter Fehlmanipulation während des Schminkens oder der Reinigung der Ohren vermindert. Previous versions of cotton swabs are no longer available today. This is because the grip body should not be too rigid or rigid due to the use of such care articles in the eye cosmetics. Although the handle bodies used today are still relatively rigid, but have a certain flexibility or flexibility, so that they bend when exceeding a certain bending force, but without splintering. This z. B. reduces the risk of injury in case of unwanted mistreatment during makeup or cleaning of the ears.
Die DE-U-297 16 819 beschreibt ein kompostierbares Wattestäbchen, welches aus Pappe oder Papier hergestellt wird. Der Griffkörper aus Pappe wird hergestellt, indem dieser aus einem flächigen Pappkörper ausgeschnitten oder ausgestanzt, oder dadurch gewonnen wird, indem ein Cellulosebrei in entsprechende Giessformen gefüllt und gepresst wird. Der Griffkörper aus Papier wird als Wickelkörper gefertigt, bei welchem mit entsprechender Wickeltechnik Papierstreifen zu einem stabförmigen Körper gewickelt werden. Die oben beschriebenen Gnfikörper weisen entweder den Nachteil auf, dass diese nicht umweltfreundlich sind oder dass ihre Herstellung aufwändig und entsprechend teuer ist. DE-U-297 16 819 describes a compostable cotton swab made of cardboard or paper. The cardboard handle body is made by cutting or punching it out of a flat cardboard body, or it is obtained by filling a cellulose pulp into corresponding molds and pressing it. The handle body made of paper is produced as a wound body, in which paper strips are wound into a rod-shaped body with appropriate winding technology. The Gnfikörper described above either have the disadvantage that they are not environmentally friendly or that their production is complex and correspondingly expensive.
DARSTELLUNG DER ERFINDUNG PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION
Es ist deshalb Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein Wattestäbchen der vorgenannten Art, vorzuschlagen, welches einerseits kostengünstig in der Herstellung und andererseits einen biologisch abbaubaren Griffkörper aufweist. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a cotton swab of the aforementioned type, which on the one hand cost-effective in the production and on the other hand has a biodegradable handle body.
Diese Aufgabe wird mit den Merkmalen des unabhängigen Produktanspruchs gelöst. Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen und Weiterbildungen der Erfindung gehen aus den abhängigen Patentansprüchen hervor. This object is achieved with the features of the independent product claim. Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.
Das Wattestäbchen zeichnet sich also durch einen stabförmigen Griffkörper aus, welcher ein biologisch abbaubarer Extrusionskörper ist, und welcher eine Stoffmatrix sowie darin eingebettete Naturfasern, wie z. B. Cellulosefasem enthält, wie sie z. B. aus Altpapier, direkt aus Holz und/oder Reisspelzen, Stroh und/oder Getreideschalen gewonnen werden. The cotton swab is thus characterized by a rod-shaped handle body, which is a biodegradable extrusion body, and which contains a matrix of substances and natural fibers embedded therein, such. As cellulose fibers contains, as z. B. from waste paper, directly from wood and / or rice husks, straw and / or cereal bowls are obtained.
Die Stoffmatrix dient insbesondere als Bindemittel, welche die Naturfasern zusammenhält und mit diesen eine faserverstärkte Struktur ausbildet. Die Stoffmatrix enthält oder besteht bevorzugt aus einem der nachfolgend aufgeführten, biologisch abbaubaren Materialien. Ferner kann die Stoffmatrix auch aus einem Gemisch dieser Materialien bestehen oder dieses enthalten: Stärke, Gluten, Hemicellulose, Zucker, Lignin, Chitin, Gelatine, Proteine, Wachs, Glycerin, Fructose, Methylcellulose, Agar-Agar, Pektin und/oder biologisch abbaubare Polymere. Biologisch abbaubare Polymere können z. B. sein: The substance matrix serves in particular as a binder, which holds the natural fibers together and forms a fiber-reinforced structure with them. The matrix contains or preferably consists of one of the following biodegradable materials. Furthermore, the substance matrix can also consist of or contain a mixture of these materials: Starch, gluten, hemicellulose, sugar, lignin, chitin, gelatin, proteins, wax, glycerin, fructose, methylcellulose, agar-agar, pectin and / or biodegradable polymers. Biodegradable polymers may, for. For example:
- biologisch abbaubare Copolyester, wie BTA, insbesondere Blends mit weiteren biologisch abbaubaren Polymeren,  biodegradable copolyesters, such as BTA, in particular blends with other biodegradable polymers,
- Thermoplastische Stärke (TPS), Stärkeblends,  - Thermoplastic starch (TPS), starch blends,
- Polylactid bzw. Polymilchsäure (PLA), und PLA-Blends,  Polylactide or polylactic acid (PLA), and PLA blends,
- Celluloseprodukte, wie Celluloseacetat (CA), Cellulose products, such as cellulose acetate (CA),
- Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), Polyhydroxybuttersäure (PHB),  Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB),
- biologisch abbaubare Polymere auf der Basis von Erdöl, wie Polycaprolacton (PCL),  biodegradable petroleum-based polymers, such as polycaprolactone (PCL),
- biologisch abbaubare Polymere, welche chemisch aus Lignin, Chitin, Casein, Gelatine, Proteine im Allgemeinen, oder Pflanzenölen abgeleitet sind,  biodegradable polymers derived chemically from lignin, chitin, casein, gelatin, proteins in general, or vegetable oils,
- biologisch abbaubare Polymere auf Basis von modifizierten Cellulosederivaten.  - biodegradable polymers based on modified cellulose derivatives.
Die Stoffmatrix kann ausserdem durch Auflösen der Naturfasern mit Hilfe von Lösungsmitteln gebildet werden, so dass selbstverstärkende Cellulose^Composites entstehen. The matrix can also be formed by dissolving the natural fibers with the help of solvents to form self-reinforcing cellulose composites.
Die Stoffmatrix dient insbesondere der formschlüssigen, chemischen und/oder physikalischen Vernetzung der Fasern oder der Bildung von Wasserstoffbrücken. Der Anteil der Stoffmatrix kann bezogen auf das Volumen grösser, gleich oder kleiner sein als der Anteil der Naturfasern. Überwiegt der Anteil Naturfasern erheblich, so können die Naturfasern sogar eine Fasermasse ausbilden, deren einzelne Fasern über die als Bindemittel wirkende Stoffmatrix miteinander verklebt sind. Die Stoffmatrix bildet folglich zusammen mit den Naturfasern eine faserverstärkte Struktur aus. Die Stoffmatrix kann separat zugegeben werden oder bereits im Ausgangsmaterial enthalten sein, so dass ihre Funktion als Bindemittel während des Herstellungsprozesses lediglich aktiviert werden muss. Dies ist insbesondere der Fall, wenn die Stoffmatrix z. B. Stärke, Zucker oder Lignin umfasst. The substance matrix serves in particular for the positive, chemical and / or physical crosslinking of the fibers or the formation of hydrogen bonds. The proportion of the substance matrix can be greater than, equal to or less than the proportion of natural fibers in terms of volume. If the proportion of natural fibers predominates considerably, then the natural fibers can even form a fiber mass whose individual fibers are glued together by means of the substance matrix acting as a binder. The fabric matrix consequently forms a fiber-reinforced structure together with the natural fibers. The substance matrix can be added separately or already contained in the starting material, so that its function as binder only has to be activated during the production process. This is the case in particular if the substance matrix z. As starch, sugar or lignin.
Der Griffkörper enthält bevorzugt 10 Vol% oder mehr, insbesondere 30 Vol% oder mehr und vorteilhaft 40 Vol% oder mehr Naturfasern. Ferner enthält der Griffkörper bevorzugt 90 Vol% oder weniger, insbesondere 80 Vol% oder weniger und vorteilhaft 70 Vol% oder weniger Naturfasern. Die Naturfasern sind bevorzugt Sekundärfasern aus recycliertem, d.h. wiederverwertetem Fasermaterial. Wie bereits erwähnt können die Naturfasern z. B. Cellulosefasern sein. Das recyclierte Ausgangsmaterial ist bevorzugt ein sehr günstig erhältliches biologisches Fasermaterial, welches z. B. aus Altpapier oder aus Abfällen aus der Reisproduktion gewonnen wird. Cellulosefasern können z. B. aus vermahlenem bzw. aufgefasertem Altpapier gewonnen werden, d.h. Altpapier wird aufgeschlossen und in Cellulosefasern zerlegt. Aus dem Altpapier bzw. aus den Abfällen aus der Reisproduktion kann ferner auch Hemicellulose gewonnen werden. Diese gewährleistet z. B. eine hohe Reiss- und Zugfestigkeit des Griffkörpers. Die Naturfasern können auch Primärfasern, z. B. aus Holz, sein. Auch ein Gemisch aus Primär- und Sekundärfasern ist denkbar. The handle body preferably contains 10% by volume or more, in particular 30% by volume or more and advantageously 40% by volume or more of natural fibers. Furthermore, the handle body preferably contains 90% by volume or less, in particular 80% by volume or less and advantageously 70% by volume or less of natural fibers. The natural fibers are preferably secondary fibers of recycled, i. recycled fiber material. As already mentioned, the natural fibers z. B. cellulose fibers. The recycled starting material is preferably a very cheap available biological fiber material which z. B. recovered from waste paper or waste from rice production. Cellulose fibers may, for. B. be obtained from ground or frayed waste paper, i. Waste paper is digested and broken down into cellulose fibers. Hemicellulose can also be obtained from waste paper or waste from rice production. This ensures z. B. a high tensile strength and tensile strength of the handle body. The natural fibers can also primary fibers, eg. B. be made of wood. A mixture of primary and secondary fibers is conceivable.
Die Mehrheit oder sämtliche der Naturfasern im Griffkörper sind bevorzugt in dessen Längsrichtung ausgerichtet. Die Ausrichtung der Naturfasern in Längsrichtung geschieht bevorzugt während des Extrusionsprozesses. Zur zusätzlichen Verstärkung des Griffkörpers kann dieser neben den genannten, primär eingesetzten Naturfasern noch weitere Fasern, insbesondere Langfasern, mit grösserer durchschnittlicher Faserlänge als die erwähnten Naturfasern aufweisen. Die weiteren Fasern sind bevorzugt pflanzliche Fasern, insbesondere Baumwollfasern, Hanffasern oder Gemische daraus. Baumwoll fasern sind bevorzugt ebenfalls Sekundärfasern, welche z. B. wiederverwertete Fasern aus der Spinnerei-Industrie oder der Alttextilien Verwertung sein können. Die primär eingesetzten Naturfasern können z. B. Längen von grösser oder gleich 0.1 mm, insbesondere von grösser oder gleich 0.5 mm und von kleiner oder gleich 8 mm, insbesondere kleiner oder gleich 5 mm aufweisen. Die weiteren Fasern (Langfasern) können z. B. Längen von grösser oder gleich 5 mm, und kleiner oder gleich 30 mm, insbesondere kleiner oder gleich 20 mm aufweisen. The majority or all of the natural fibers in the grip body are preferably aligned in the longitudinal direction thereof. The orientation of the natural fibers in the longitudinal direction preferably takes place during the extrusion process. For additional reinforcement of the grip body, in addition to the named, primarily used natural fibers, it may also have further fibers, in particular long fibers, with a greater average fiber length than the natural fibers mentioned. The further fibers are preferably vegetable fibers, in particular cotton fibers, hemp fibers or mixtures thereof. Cotton fibers are preferably also secondary fibers, which z. B. recycled fibers from the spinning industry or the used textiles can be recycling. The primary natural fibers used can, for. B. have lengths of greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 8 mm, in particular less than or equal to 5 mm. The other fibers (long fibers) may, for. B. lengths of greater than or equal to 5 mm, and less than or equal to 30 mm, in particular less than or equal to 20 mm.
Der Griffkörper des Wattestäbchens weist bevorzugt eine typische Länge von 5 bis 10 cm auf. Der Durchmesser des Griffkörpers beträgt z. B. 0.5 bis 3 mm, insbesondere 1 bis 2 mm. Beide Enden des als Stäbchen ausgebildeten Griffkörper sind mit einem Wattebausch umwickelt. Die Watte kann aus Kunststofffasern oder vorzugsweise aus biologisch abbaubaren Naturfasern, wie Baumwolle, sein. The handle body of the cotton swab preferably has a typical length of 5 to 10 cm. The diameter of the handle body is z. B. 0.5 to 3 mm, in particular 1 to 2 mm. Both ends of the trained as a rod handle body are wrapped with a cotton ball. The cotton wool may be made from synthetic fibers or preferably from biodegradable natural fibers such as cotton.
Der Querschnitt des stabförmigen Griffkörpers kann rund (kreisrund, oval) oder polygonal sein. Auch andere Querschnittsformen sind denkbar. Der Griffkörper kann ferner als Voll- oder Hohlkörper ausgebildet sein. Bezüglich der Querschnittsform des Griffkörpers besteht dank dem Einsatz eines Extrusionsverfahrens ein vergleichsweise hoher Gestaltungsspielraum. Beansprucht wird ferner auch ein stabförmiger Griffkörper, welcher aus einem biologisch abbaubaren Extrusionskörper gefertigt ist, und in eine Stoffmatrix eingebettete Naturfasern enthält. Sämtliche in dieser Beschreibung offenbarten Merkmale des Griffkörpers im Zusammenhang mit seiner Verwendung in Wattestäbchen gelten auch für den ganz allgemein beanspruchten, stabförmigen Griffkörper. Dieser stabförmige Griffkörper findet, wie bereits ausführlich erläutert, bevorzugt Verwendung in Wattestäbchen. Auch das nachfolgend beschriebene und beanspruchte Herstellungsverfahren soll allgemein für stabförmige Griffkörper gelten, und nicht nur auf Griffkörper, welche in Wattestäbchen Verwendung finden, anwendbar sein. Die erfindungsgemässen Griffkörper können im Weiteren auch Verwendung finden im Lebensmittelbereich, z. B. in Schleckstengeln (Lollipop, Lutscher), zur Herstellung von Eis am Stiel. Ferner können die Griffkörper auch in weiteren Bereichen der Körperhygiene Anwendung finden. So kann der Griffkörper in der Dentalpflege, z. B. als Zahnseidenhalter, Einsatz finden. Anstelle von Watte kann z. B. auch ein Bürstenkopf oder Zahnseide an einem Ende des Griffkörpers angebracht sein. The cross section of the rod-shaped handle body may be round (circular, oval) or polygonal. Other cross-sectional shapes are conceivable. The handle body may further be formed as a solid or hollow body. With regard to the cross-sectional shape of the handle body, there is a comparatively high degree of design freedom thanks to the use of an extrusion method. Also claimed is also a rod-shaped handle body, which is made of a biodegradable extrusion body, and contains natural fibers embedded in a matrix of substances. All in this description disclosed features of the handle body in connection with its use in cotton swabs apply to the generally claimed, rod-shaped handle body. This rod-shaped handle body finds, as already explained in detail, preferably use in cotton swabs. Also, the manufacturing method described and claimed below should generally apply to rod-shaped handle body, and be applicable not only to handle body, which are used in cotton swabs. The inventive handle body can also be used in the food sector, z. B. in Schlegelsten (Lollipop, Lollipop), for the production of popsicles. Furthermore, the grip body can also find application in other areas of personal hygiene. Thus, the handle body in dental care, z. B. as a dental floss holder, find use. Instead of cotton wool z. As well as a brush head or floss be attached to one end of the handle body.
Die Griffkörper werden bevorzugt in einer Extrusionseinrichtung hergestellt. Die Extrusionseinrichtung umfasst eine Mischvorrichtung und ein Extrusionswerkzeug, über welches die Extrusionsmasse formgebend extrudiert wird. Das Verfahren zur Herstellung des Griffkörpers eines Wattestäbchens, zeichnet sich durch folgende Schritte aus: The grip bodies are preferably produced in an extrusion device. The extrusion device comprises a mixing device and an extrusion tool, via which the extrusion composition is extruded by molding. The method for producing the handle body of a cotton swab is characterized by the following steps:
- mischen von Naturfasern mit einem biologisch abbaubaren Matrixmaterial zu einer extrudierbaren Extrusionsmasse in einer Mischeinrichtung;  mixing natural fibers with a biodegradable matrix material into an extrudable extrusion mass in a mixing device;
- extrudieren der Extrusionsmasse durch eine Extrusionsdüse unter Ausbildung eines länglichen Extrusionskörpers;  - Extruding the extrusion mass through an extrusion die to form an elongated extrusion body;
- aushärten des Extrusionskörpers.  - curing the extrusion body.
Die Extrusionsmasse kann in Abhängigkeit von der Matrix hochviskos sein. Die Extrusionsmasse kann auch eine Trockenmischung (Dry Blend) sein. The extrusion mass may be highly viscous depending on the matrix. The extrusion composition may also be a dry blend.
Die Mischeinrichtung kann im Extruder integriert sein. Fasern und Matrix können hierzu z. B. separat über zwei Dosiervorrichtungen in den Extruder eingebracht werden. Die Komponenten der Stoffmatrix werden beispielsweise in Granulatform oder in flüssiger bzw. fiiessfahiger Form der Extrusionseinrichtung zugeführt. Fallweise müssen die Komponenten aufgeschmolzen werden. Je nachdem welche Stoffe in welchen Mengen eingesetzt werden, kann während des Mischvorgangs Wasser zugegeben werden. Die Wasserzugabe kann z. B. der Aktivierung der bereits vorhandenen Stoffmatrix bzw. des Bindemittels, wie Lignin, Gluten oder Stärke, dienen. Ferner kann die Wasserzugabe zur formschlüssigen Vernetzung der Fasern dienen. Im Weiteren kann die Wasserzugabe zur Bildung von Wasserstoffbrücken beim nachfolgenden Aushärten dienen. The mixing device can be integrated in the extruder. Fibers and matrix can this z. B. be introduced separately via two metering devices in the extruder. The components of the substance matrix are supplied, for example in granular form or in liquid or fiiessfahiger form of the extrusion device. In some cases, the components must be melted. Depending on which substances are used in which quantities, water can be added during the mixing process. The addition of water may, for. B. the activation of the already existing substance matrix or the binder, such as lignin, gluten or starch serve. Furthermore, the addition of water can serve for positive crosslinking of the fibers. In addition, the addition of water can serve for the formation of hydrogen bonds in the subsequent curing.
Die Extrusionsmasse wird bevorzugt mittels einer Extruderschnecke gemischt. Die Extrusionsmasse kann auch vor dem Extrusionsprozess in einer separaten Mischeinrichtung, dem so genannten Compounder oder Mischer, vorgemischt werden. Der Griffkörper kann entsprechend mittels eines Einschnecken- oder Doppelschnecken- Extruders hergestellt bzw. extrudiert werden. The extrusion composition is preferably mixed by means of an extruder screw. The extrusion compound can also be premixed before the extrusion process in a separate mixing device, the so-called compounder or mixer. The handle body can be manufactured or extruded accordingly by means of a single-screw or twin-screw extruder.
Der Extrusionskörper kann horizontal oder vertikal, d.h. in Schwerkraftrichtung extrudiert werden. Der aus der Extrusionsdüse austretende Extrusionskörper wird vor, während oder nach dem Aushärten zu einzelnen Griffkörpern abgelängt. The extrusion may be horizontal or vertical, i. be extruded in the direction of gravity. The exiting from the extrusion die extrusion body is cut to length before, during or after curing to individual grips.
Aushärten bedeutet im Weitesten Sinne die Verfestigung des Extrusionskörpers. Das Merkmal Aushärten umfasst also auch das blosse Erstarren des Extrusionskörpers. D.h., das Aushärten kann ein blosses Trocken, Abkühlen und/oder eine Polymerisation beinhalten. Curing in the broadest sense means the solidification of the extrusion. The feature curing thus also includes the mere solidification of the extrusion. That is, curing may involve merely drying, cooling, and / or polymerization.
Die erfindungsgemässen Wattestäbehen finden Verwendung in der Schönheitspflege bzw. Kosmetik, z. B. zum Schminken, in der Säuglingspflege, bei der Reinigung der Ohren. Ferner finden erfindungsgemässe Wattestäbchen auch Verwendung als sogenanntes Abstrichwerkzeug, z. B. zum Abstrich von Speichelproben, etwa zur Bestimmung des genetischen Fingerabdrucks bei DNA-Reihenuntersuchungen. The novel cotton batches are used in beauty care or cosmetics, for. As for makeup, in baby care, when cleaning the ears. Furthermore, inventive cotton swabs find use as a so-called smear tool, z. As for the smear of saliva samples, such as for the determination of the genetic fingerprint in DNA screening.
Der Griffkörper des erfindungsgemässen Wattestäbchens weist den Vorteil auf, dass dieser eine vergleichsweise hohe Biegesteifigkeit aufweist und gleichzeitig bei hohen Biegekräften nicht splitternd zerbricht, sondern sich beispielsweise plastisch defor- miert. Entsprechend weist der erfindungsgemässe Griffkörper plastische Eigenschaf- ten auf. Ferner ist der Griffkörper, wie bereits erwähnt, kostengünstig in seiner Herstellung, insbesondere wenn recyclierte Naturfasern zum Einsatz kommen, sowie biologisch abbaubar. The grip body of the cotton swab according to the invention has the advantage that it has a comparatively high flexural rigidity and at the same time does not break apart splinteringly at high bending forces, but instead deforms plastically, for example. Accordingly, the grip body according to the invention has plastic properties. on. Furthermore, the grip body, as already mentioned, is cost-effective in its production, in particular when recycled natural fibers are used, as well as biodegradable.
AUSFÜHRUNG DER ERFINDUNG EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Im Folgenden wird der Erfindungsgegenstand anhand eines Ausfuhrungsbeispiels gemäss Figur 1 der beiliegenden Zeichnung dargestellt. In the following, the subject invention is illustrated by means of an exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings.
Das gezeigte Wattestäbchen 1 besteht aus einem stabformigen Griffkörper 2 in Form eines biologisch abbaubaren Extrusionskörpers sowie jeweils beidends um den Griffkörper 2 gewickelt Wattekörper 3a, 3b aus Baumwolle. The cotton swab 1 shown consists of a rod-shaped handle body 2 in the form of a biodegradable extrusion body and each wound around the handle body 2 cotton wool body 3a, 3b made of cotton.

Claims

PATENT ANSPRÜCHE PATENT CLAIMS
Wattestäbchen (1 ) mit einem stabförmigen Griffkörper (2) und mit einem, wenigstens an einem freien Ende des Griffkörpers (2) angeordneten Wattekörper (3a, 3b), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der stabförmige Griffkörper (2) ein biologisch abbaubarer Extrusionskörper ist, welcher Naturfasern sowie eine Stoffmatrix enthält, wobei die Naturfasern über die als Bindemittel wirkende Stoffmatrix zusammengehalten werden. Cotton swab (1) with a rod-shaped handle body (2) and with a, at least at a free end of the handle body (2) arranged cotton body (3a, 3b), characterized in that the rod-shaped handle body (2) is a biodegradable extrusion body, which Contains natural fibers and a matrix of substances, wherein the natural fibers are held together via the substance matrix acting as a binder.
Wattestäbchen nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Naturfasern Cellulosefasern sind oder diese enthalten. Cotton swab according to claim 1, characterized in that the natural fibers are or contain cellulose fibers.
Wattestäbchen nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Stoffmatrix als Bindemittel wirkt und aus einem der folgenden Materialien oder einem Gemisch der folgenden Materialien besteht oder dieses enthält: Stärke, Zucker, Lignin, Chitin, Gelatine, Proteinen, Glycerin, Fructose, Methylcellulose, Agar-Agar, Wachs, Pektin und/oder biologisch abbaubare Polymere. Cotton swab according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the matrix acts as a binder and consists of or contains one of the following materials or a mixture of the following materials: starch, sugar, lignin, chitin, gelatin, proteins, glycerol, fructose, methylcellulose , Agar-agar, wax, pectin and / or biodegradable polymers.
Wattestäbchen nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Griffkörper 10 bis 90 Vol%, insbesondere 30 bis 80 Vol%, vorteilhaft 40 bis 70 Vol%, Naturfasern enthält. Cotton swab according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the handle body contains 10 to 90% by volume, in particular 30 to 80% by volume, advantageously 40 to 70% by volume, of natural fibers.
5. Wattestäbchen nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Naturfasern in Längsrichtung des stabförmigen Griffkörpers (2) ausgerichtet sind. 5. Cotton swab according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the natural fibers in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped handle body (2) are aligned.
6. Wattestäbchen nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Griffkörper (2) Baumwollfasern als zusätzliche, langfaserige Verstärkung enthält. 6. Cotton swab according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the handle body (2) contains cotton fibers as additional, long-fiber reinforcement.
Wattestäbchen nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Naturfasern Sekundärfasern aus einem recyclierten Material, wie Altpapier, oder aus Abfällen der Reisproduktion sind oder solche enthalten. Cotton swab according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the natural fibers are secondary fibers of a recycled material, such as waste paper, or from waste of rice production or contain such.
Wattestäbchen nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Naturfasern Primärfasern sind oder solche enthalten, welche direkt aus Holz oder Holzabfällen gewonnen werden. Cotton swab according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the natural fibers are primary fibers or contain those which are obtained directly from wood or wood waste.
Stabfbrmiger Griffkörper (2), insbesondere für ein Wattestäbchen (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Griffkörper (2) aus einem biologisch abbaubaren Extrusionskörper gefertigt ist, und in eine Stoffmatrix eingebettete Naturfasern enthält. Stabfbrmiger handle body (2), in particular for a cotton swab (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the handle body (2) is made of a biodegradable extrusion body, and contains embedded in a matrix material natural fibers.
10. Verfahren zur Herstellung des Griffkörpers (2), insbesondere für ein Wattestäbchen (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, gekennzeichnet durch folgende Schritte: 10. A method for producing the handle body (2), in particular for a cotton swab (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the following steps:
- mischen von Naturfasern mit einem biologisch abbaubaren Matrixmaterial zu einer extrudierbaren Extrusionsmasse in einer Mischeinrichtung;  mixing natural fibers with a biodegradable matrix material into an extrudable extrusion mass in a mixing device;
- extrudieren der Extrusionsmasse durch eine Extrusionsdüse unter Ausbildung eines länglichen Extrusionskörpers;  - Extruding the extrusion mass through an extrusion die to form an elongated extrusion body;
- aushärten, wie erstarren bzw. trocknen, des Extrusionskörpers.  - harden, as solidify or dry, the extrusion body.
1 1 . Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass während dem Mischen der Extrusionsmasse Wasser zugegeben wird. 1 1. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that water is added during mixing of the extrusion mass.
12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Extrusionsmasse in einer Extruderschnecke gemischt wird. 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the extrusion mass is mixed in an extruder screw.
13. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Extrusionskörper vor, während oder nach dem Aushärten zu einzelnen13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the extrusion body before, during or after curing into individual
Griffkörper (2) abgelängt wird. Handle body (2) is cut to length.
EP12730144.8A 2011-06-24 2012-06-20 Cotton swab Withdrawn EP2723289A1 (en)

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GB201320634D0 (en) * 2013-11-22 2014-01-08 Kent Andrew S H Laparoscopic surgical instrument
CN104741331A (en) * 2015-04-10 2015-07-01 昆山美纳福日用品有限公司 Dust-free cotton swab and manufacturing method thereof
BE1028545B1 (en) * 2020-08-13 2022-03-14 Lauranthony “Zero waste” cotton swab
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