EP2962596A1

EP2962596A1 - Cosmetic treatment method of the face and neck by application of a non-woven mask

Info

Publication number: EP2962596A1
Application number: EP14306046.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dominique Bordeaux; Susanne Dreher
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2014-06-30
Filing date: 2014-06-30
Publication date: 2016-01-06
Also published as: WO2016000988A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of cosmetic treatment of a face (12) and neck (14) of a user, the method involving a mask (10) comprising :
- a base sheet (32), made of an elastic non-woven material, longitudinally shaped along an axis,
- side attachment elements for attaching to ears (40) of the user,
the method comprising the steps of :
- elastically stretching the base sheet (32) of more than 10% in length along the axis ;
- applying the base sheet (32) under a jaw (16) of the user and attaching the side attachment elements to the ears of the user,

the base sheet thereby applying specific pressures on specific points of the neck of the user, in order to prevent the sagging of the skin.

The present invention also relates to a face mask (10) designed for such a method.

Description

The present invention relates to a method of cosmetic treatment of the face and neck of a user, the method involving the use of a mask comprising:

a base sheet made of an elastic non-woven material, the base sheet comprising a first part longitudinally shaped along an axis, the first part being designed to be applied under the jaw of the user,
a first side attachment element and a second side attachment element for attaching to ears of the user, the first and second side attachment elements being attached to the base sheet and aligned along the axis.

Examples of known face and neck masks are disclosed in JP3120502 , WO2009/135336 , WO2009/116118 , JP2010/259621 , JP2011/136019 , US2010/324509 , JP2009/297572 , JP2009/147824 , JP2009/113585 or JP2011/172732 .
Some examples among these masks are stretchable. However, the stretching is irreversible and adjusting the mask correctly on the face is very difficult. The mask has little or no interaction with the skin of a user, in particular for generating mechanical effects such as elongations and pressures.
A major preoccupation of women is skin sagginess. In particular, there is a need for a method of cosmetic treatment preventing the sagginess of the skin located under the jaw and at the top of the neck.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method such as mentioned above; comprising the steps of : providing a mask such as mentioned above ; elastically stretching the first part of the base sheet of more than 10% in length along the axis ; applying the first part of the base sheet under a jaw of the user and attaching the first and second side attachment elements respectively on the ears of the user, the base sheet thereby applying on the neck of the user a first pressure at a first point, located at a first distance from the center of the face, the first distance being comprised between 95 mm and 120 mm, the first distance being measured on an intersection of the surface of the face and neck with a first vertical plane forming a plane of symmetry of the face and neck, below a horizontal plane including the center of the face ; the base sheet also applying on the neck of the user a second pressure at a second point, located at a second distance from the center of the face, the second distance being comprised between 85 mm and 125 mm, the second distance being measured on the surface of the face and neck, below the horizontal plane, a line joining the center of the face and a projection of the second point on a second vertical plane forming, with the horizontal plane, a first angle comprised between 35° and 55°, the second vertical plane being perpendicular to the first vertical plane and including the center of the face ; the first pressure being comprised between 265 Pa and 1600 Pa and the second pressure being comprised between 265 Pa and 1335 Pa.
The present invention also relates to a mask such as mentioned above, comprising:

a base sheet made of an elastic non-woven material, the base sheet delimiting a central hole for accommodating a mouth of the user, the base sheet defining a first horizontal axis and a vertical axis, the horizontal and the vertical axes intersecting at a center of the central hole ; the base sheet comprising a first part and a second part adjacent to each other along the vertical axis, the first part being below the second part ; the first part being longitudinally shaped along a second horizontal axis parallel to the first horizontal axis, the second part including the central hole and being longitudinally shaped along the first horizontal axis ;
a first side attachment element and a second side attachment element for attaching to the ears of a user, the first and second side attachment elements being attached to the first part of the base sheet, symmetrically according to the vertical axis ;
a third side attachment element and a fourth side attachment element for attaching to the ears of a user, the third and fourth side attachment elements being attached to the second part of the base sheet, symmetrically according to the vertical axis ; the first part of the base sheet being configured to apply, on a neck of a user, a first pressure at a first point when stretched of more than 10% in length along the second horizontal axis (C-C'), the first point being located at a first distance from the center of the central hole along the vertical axis below the first horizontal axis , the first distance being comprised between 95 mm and 120 mm, the first part of the base sheet being also configured to apply, on the neck of the user, a second pressure at a second point when stretched of more than 10% in length along the second horizontal axis, the second point being located at a second distance from the center of the central hole below the first horizontal axis, at a first angle comprised between 35° and 55°, the second distance being comprised between 85 mm and 125 mm, the first pressure being comprised between 265 Pa and 1600 Pa and the second pressure being comprised between 265 Pa and 1335 Pa.

The mask according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken in isolation or according to any technical possible combination:

the second part of the base sheet is configured to apply, on a face of a user, a third pressure at a third point when stretched of more than 10% in length along the first horizontal axis, the third point being located at a third distance comprised between 40 mm and 75 mm from the center of the central hole along the first horizontal axis, the third pressure being comprised between 400 Pa and 4665 Pa ;
the second part of the base sheet is also configured to apply, on a face of a user, a fourth pressure at a fourth point when stretched of more than 10% in length along the first horizontal axis, the fourth point being located at a fourth distance comprised between 65 mm and 100 mm from the center of the central hole below the first horizontal axis, at a second angle comprised between 35° and 80°, the fourth pressure being comprised between 400 Pa and 4665 Pa ;
the fourth pressure is equal or greater than the third pressure ;
the base sheet comprises an absorbing non-woven layer, for receiving a cosmetic product, and an elastic non-woven layer attached to the absorbing layer ;
the absorbing layer is a spun lace non-woven layer preferably comprising regenerated fibers, the elastic layer being a melt blown non-woven layer, preferably consisting of polyolefin fibers ;
the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprise respectively a first and a second side slits for receiving a respective ear of a user;
at least one side slit is elongated along a side slit axis inclined with respect to the second horizontal axis ;
a third angle between the side slit axis and the second horizontal axis is comprised between 30° and 90°;
a first length between upper ends of the first and second side slits is superior to a second length between lower ends of the first and second side slits the first and second lengths being measured parallel to the second horizontal axis ;
the third attachment element and the fourth attachment element comprise respectively a third and a fourth side slits for receiving a respective ear of a user;
a third length between upper ends of the third and fourth side slits is superior to a fourth length between lower ends of the third and fourth side slits, the third and fourth lengths being measured parallel to the first horizontal axis ;
the mask comprises a cosmetic product carried by the base sheet, the cosmetic product being preferably anti-ageing and/or tensile products.

A "cosmetic product" is in particular, in the meaning of the present invention, a product such as defined in EC Regulation N°1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, dated November 30^th, 2009, in relation with cosmetic products.
The present invention also relates to a method such as mentioned above, the mask being a non-woven face mask such as mentioned above, the method also comprising the following steps: elastically stretching the second part of the base sheet of more than 10% in length along the first horizontal axis ; applying the second part of the base sheet on the face of the user, the mouth of the user facing the central hole ; attaching the third and fourth side attachment elements respectively on the ears of the user; said steps occurring before the steps of elastically stretching the first part of the base sheet, applying said first part under the jaw of the user and attaching the first and second side attachment elements respectively on the ears of the user.
The invention will be better understood, upon reading of the following description, taken solely as an example, in view of the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a face mask according to an embodiment of the invention ;
Figure 2 is a front view of a face of a user, the mask being applied on the face and neck of the user;
Figure 3 is a side view of Figure 2, showing the mask applied on the side of the face of the user;
Figure 4 is an exploded partial view of the base sheet of the mask of Figure 1 ;
Figure 5 and Figure 6 are schematic views of a device able to measure pressures applied by the mask of Figure 1 on a NARIKO dummy face ;
Figures 7 to 10 illustrate the specified dimensions of a NARIKO dummy face ;
Figure 11 is a face view of the location of the sensors to be placed on the NARIKO dummy face.

A non-woven face mask 10 according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. The face mask 10 is designed for application on a face 12 and neck 14 of a user, as shown on Figures 2 and 3. In the present application, the term "neck" especially refers to an area located immediately under jaws 16 of the user.
The face mask 10 comprises a base sheet 18 defining a central hole 20 for accommodating a mouth of the user. In a resting position against a flat vertical surface, as shown in Figure 1, the base sheet extends along a plane defined by a first horizontal axis A-A' and a vertical axis B-B', the horizontal and the vertical axes intersecting at a center 22 of the central hole 20.
In a worn position of the mask 10, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the center 22 of the central hole approximately corresponds to a center 24 of the face 12 of the user. The center 24 of the face 12 is defined as a central point of a surface of the user's closed lips. When the user is in a standing position, the center 24 of the face 12 is located at the intersection of a horizontal plane 26, substantially including the parting line 28 of the closed lips, and of a vertical plane 30, approximately forming a plane of symmetry of the face 12.
The base sheet 18 comprises a first part 32 and a second part 34. The first and second parts 32, 34 are adjacent to each other along the vertical axis B-B'. The first part 32 is situated below the second part 34.
The first part 32 is intended to cover a part of the neck 14 of the user. The second part 34 is intended to cover a part of the face 12 of the user.
The first part 32 is longitudinally shaped along a second horizontal axis C-C', parallel to the first horizontal axis A-A'. The second part 34 includes the central hole 20 and is longitudinally shaped along the first horizontal axis A-A'.
The face mask 10 also comprises a first side attachment element 36 and a second side attachment element 38 for attaching to the ears 40 of the user. The first and second side attachment elements 36, 38 are connected to the first part 32 of the base sheet 18.
The face mask 10 also comprises a third side attachment element 42 and a fourth side attachment element 44 for attaching to the ears 40 of the user. The third and fourth side attachment elements 42, 44 are connected to the second part 34 of the base sheet 18.
The base sheet 18 is made of a non-woven material. In the present application, the term "non-woven" refers to a substrate including fibers or filaments, neither woven nor knit, in which the individual fibers or filaments are arranged in a disordered manner in a sheet-like structure. The fibers of the non-woven material are generally bound to one another, under the effect of a mechanical action, such as needle-punching, air jet or water jet. The fibers may also be thermally bound or a binder can be added.
Such a non-woven material is, for example, defined by standard ISO 9092, as a web or a sheet of fibers, directionally or randomly oriented, bound by friction and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, excluding paper or products obtained by weaving, knitting, tufting or stitching.
Preferably, the non-woven material forming the base sheet 18 contains hot-melt fibers. More preferably a mass percentage of hot-melt fibers contained in the non-woven sheet is comprised between 0.5% and 100%, even more preferably between 5% and 80%.
The hot-melt fibers are, for example, polyolefin fibers, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or acrylic fibers, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane fibers or the following thermoplastic fibers: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), styrene polymers (for example polystyrene PS, expandable polystyrene EPS, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ABS terpolymer, styrene acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene butadiene SB polymer), polyamides (PA), polycarbonates (PC), saturated polyesters (for example, polyethylene terephthalate glycol PET, polybutylene terephthalate glycol PBT), polyacetals (for example, polyoxymethylene POM, trioxane ethylene oxide copolymer), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or fluorinated polymers (for example polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE, polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF, and polychlorotrifluoroethylene PCTFE) fibers.
The other fibers constituting the material are, for example, synthetic petroleum derivative-based fibers, natural plant- or animal-based fibers, and/or modified natural fibers, for example resulting from treatment or regeneration methods for forming fibers.
The non-woven material may be formed from one or more webs of consolidated fibers.
A thickness of the base sheet 18 is lower than 5 mm and is preferably comprised between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm.
The non-woven material forming the base sheet 18 is elastic and can be reversibly stretched along or parallel to the first horizontal axis A-A'. Preferably, the base sheet 18 can be reversibly stretched of at least 10% in length, measured with the WSP 110.4-X standard test method.
Preferably, the non-woven material forming the base sheet 18 is stretchable of at most 150% in length, along or parallel to the first horizontal axis A-A'.
Preferably, the base sheet 18 is formed of a shape-memory material and recovers its initial shape after having been stretched. A "shape-memory material" is here considered as having a residual deformation below 8% of its original size when stretched at 50% during three cycles at dry stage, using the method described in WSP 110.1-X standard test method.
Preferably, the base sheet 18 is impregnated with a cosmetic product 46 which is brought into contact with the skin of the user when the mask 10 is applied on the face 12.
The cosmetic product 46 is for example a gel, a cream, oil, cosmetic water, a milky lotion or a powder. The cosmetic product 46 may contain one or more active ingredients. Preferably, the active ingredients have anti-aging effects.
Examples of active ingredients are ascorbic acid, niacinamide, ethyl ascorbic acid, ellagic acid, N-acetylgalactosamine kinase, salicylic acid, tocopherol acetate.
Alternative or complementary ingredients of the cosmetic product 46 may be chosen among a whitening agent, a soothing agent, an anti-inflammatory agent and an anti-acne agent.
In a particular embodiment shown in Figure 4, the non-woven material constituting the base sheet 18 comprises an absorbing non-woven layer 48, for receiving the cosmetic product 46, and an elastic non-woven layer 50 attached to the absorbing non-woven layer 48. In the worn position of the mask 10 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the absorbing layer 48 is intended to be in contact with the face 12 and neck 14 of the user.
The absorbing layer 48 is for example made of a spun lace non-woven layer comprising modified natural fibers. In particular, the absorbing layer may contain rayon, which is a manufactured regenerated cellulose fiber.
The absorbing layer 48 may also comprise synthetic petroleum derivative-based fibers such as polyolefin fibers, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or polyethylene (PE) fibers. Preferably, the mass percentage of synthetic fibers is comprised between 0% and 70%.
As an example, the absorbing layer 48 contains around 60% of PET/PE fibers and around 40% of rayon.
The absorbing layer 48 is able to incorporate and retain the cosmetic product 46. Preferably, the layer 48 is able to absorb at least 10% w/w of a liquid, as measured by the WSP 101-W-08f Three standard.
In a preferred embodiment of the mask 10, the weight of cosmetic product 46 impregnating the base sheet 18 is comprised between 20% and 3000%, preferably between 200 and 1000%, of the weight of the mask 10 at dry stage, without cosmetic product.
The elastic layer 50 is preferably non-absorbing, meaning that non-woven absorption does not increase above the residual humidity originally contained in the non-woven. Preferably, the layer 50 is able to absorb at the most 10% w/w of a liquid, as measured by the above mentioned standard.
In a preferred embodiment, the elastic layer 50 is purely made of synthetic petroleum derivative-based fibers, such as polyolefin fibers. The elastic layer 50 is for example a melt blown non-woven layer.
For example, the layers 48, 50 are attached to each other by a lamination process. A patterned heat bonding is advantageously used in the process.
The base sheet 18 preferably has rounded edges 51, as shown in Figure 1. The first part 32 is substantially trapezoid-shaped and symmetrical according to the vertical axis B-B'. A larger base of the trapezoid forms a limit between the first part 32 and the second part 34 of the base sheet 18.
The first part 32 extends longitudinally along the second horizontal axis C-C', between a first end 52 and a second end 54. Preferably, a maximum length of the first part 32, between the first end 52 and the second end 54, is comprised between 150 mm and 350 mm, more preferably between 200 mm and 300 mm.
The first part 32 comprises a first tab 56 and a second tab 58, respectively including the first end 52 and the second end 54. The first and second tabs 56, 58 correspond to summits of the trapezoid forming the shape of the first part 32, said summits forming the ends of the larger base. When the mask 10 is in the resting position of Figure 1, the first and second tabs 56, 58 do not overlap the second part 34.
In the embodiment of Figure 1, the first side attachment element 36 and the second side attachment element 38 respectively consist in a first slit 36 and a second slit 38, formed in the first part 32. The first and second slits 36, 38 are closed, meaning that they do not connect with an edge 51 of the base sheet 18.
The first slit 36 is positioned near the first end 52 and extends along a first slit axis D-D', inclined with respect to the second horizontal axis C-C'. The first slit axis D-D' is approximately parallel to a leg of the trapezoid forming the shape of the first part 32, said leg being closest to the first end 52.
Preferably, a first angle α between the first slit axis D-D' and the second horizontal axis C-C' is comprised between 35° and 90°.
The second slit 38 is positioned near the second end 54 and extends along a second slit axis E-E'. The second slit 38 and the second slit axis E-E' are symmetrical to the first slit 36 and to the first slit axis D-D', according to the vertical axis B-B'.
Preferably, a length of the slits 36, 38, along the slit axes D-D', E-E', is comprised between 35 mm and 55 mm.
In the embodiment of Figure 1, the second horizontal axis C-C' runs through upper ends of the first and second slits 36, 38.
A first length L1 of the first part 32 is measured between the upper ends of the first and second slits 36, 38, parallel to the second horizontal axis C-C'. Preferably, the first length L1 is comprised between 180 mm and 230 mm, more preferably between 195 mm and 215 mm.
A second length L2 is measured between the lower ends of the first and second slits 36, 38, parallel to the second horizontal axis C-C'. The second length L2 is inferior to the first length L1. Preferably, the second length L2 is comprised between 125 mm and 175 mm, more preferably between 140 mm and 160 mm.
In alternative embodiments, the first and second attachment elements may be formed by strings, rubber bands or clips, attached to the first end 52 and to the second end 54 of the first part 32.
The second part 34 is approximately oblong-shaped and symmetrical according to the vertical axis B-B'. The second part 34 extends along the first horizontal axis A-A' between a third end 60 and a fourth end 62. Preferably, a maximum length of the second part 34, between the third end 60 and the fourth end 62, is comprised between 150 mm and 350 mm, more preferably between 200 mm and 300 mm. Preferably, the length between the third and fourth ends 60, 62 is comprised between 90% and 110% of the length between the first and second ends 52, 54.
The second part 34 is connected to the first part 32 by a mid-region 63 extending between the first and second tabs 56, 58.
The central hole 20 is approximately oblong-shaped and extends along the first horizontal axis A-A'. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the mask 10 is intended to cover a lower part of the face 12, said lower part being situated under the nose. The central hole 20 is situated above a geometric center of the second part 34.
In alternative embodiments, the second part 34 may be designed to cover the entire face 12. In such embodiments, the central hole 20 is below a geometric center of the second part 34. Other holes may be added to accommodate the nose and/or the eyes of the user.
In the embodiment of Figure 1, the third side attachment element 42 and the fourth side attachment element 44 respectively consist in a third slit 42 and a fourth slit 44, formed in the second part 34. The central hole 20 and the third and fourth slits 42, 44 are closed, meaning that they do not connect with each other or with an edge 51 of the base sheet 18.
The third slit 42 is positioned near the third end 60 and extends along a third slit axis F-F', inclined with respect to the first horizontal axis A-A'. The third slit axis F-F' is approximately parallel to the first slit axis D-D'.
Preferably, a second angle β between the third slit axis F-F' and the first horizontal axis A-A' is comprised between 35° and 90°.
The fourth slit 44 is positioned near the fourth end 62 and extends along a fourth slit axis G-G'. The fourth slit 44 and the fourth slit axis G-G' are symmetrical to the third slit 42 and to the third slit axis F-F', according to the vertical axis B-B'.
Preferably, a length of the slits 42, 44, along the slit axes F-F', G-G', is comprised between 35 mm and 55 mm. As an example, the length of the third and fourth slits 42, 44 is comprised between 90% and 110% of the length of the first and second slits 36, 38.
A third length L3 of the second part 34 is measured between the upper ends of the third and fourth slits 42, 44, parallel to the first horizontal axis A-A'. Preferably, the third length L3 is comprised between 180 mm and 230 mm, more preferably between 195 mm and 215 mm.
A fourth length L4 of the second part 34 is measured between the lower ends of the third and fourth slits 42, 44, parallel to the first horizontal axis A-A'. The fourth length L4 is inferior to the third length L3. Preferably, the fourth length L4 is comprised between 125 mm and 175 mm, more preferably between 140 mm and 160 mm.
As an example, the third and fourth lengths L3, L4 are respectively comprised between 90% and 110% of the first and second lengths L1, L2.
In alternative embodiments, the third and fourth attachment elements may be formed by strings, rubber bands or clips, attached to the third end 60 and to the fourth end 62 of the second part 34.
The first and second parts 32, 34 of the base sheet 18 are elastically stretchable, respectively along the second horizontal axis C-C' and the first horizontal axis A-A', between a non-stretched configuration, shown in Figure 1, and a stretched configuration corresponding to the worn position shown in Figures 2 and 3.
According to the invention, the mask 10 is configured to apply specific pressures on different points of the face 12 and neck 14 of the user, in the worn position shown in Figures 2 and 3. The pressures depend on the nature of the non-woven material forming the base sheet 18. The pressures also depend on the shape and dimensions of the base sheet 18, especially on the lengths L1, L2, L3 and L4.
In order to adapt the shape and dimensions of the base sheet 18 to the desired pressures, a NARIKO face dummy 70 and a pressure measurement device 72, shown in Figure 5, are used.
The NARIKO face dummy 70 is more precisely shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9. An ear 74 of the face dummy 70 is shown in Figure 10.
The NARIKO face dummy 70 is a known, standardized face dummy, made of reinforced fiber plastic core coated with a layer of smooth polyurethane. Preferably, the core of the NARIKO face dummy 70 is supplied by the Nakai Craft Industry Corporation in Tokyo, Japan.
The dimensions of the face dummy 70, summed up in the table 1 below, are taken in view of figures 7 to 10. Table 1

Distance E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 E9 E10 E11

Length (mm) 275 255 42 63 16 72 36 145 200 310 215
The pressure measurement device 72 comprises sensors 76 placed on the face and neck of the NARIKO face dummy 70, on different points 80, 82, 84, 86 (Figures 7-9). The positions of the points 80, 82, 84, 86 on the mask 10 are schematically illustrated in projection in Figure 11.
The first point 80 is located at a first distance 88 from the center 24 of the face, represented on the face dummy 70 (Figure 8). The first distance 88 is comprised between 95 mm and 120 mm.
The first distance 88 corresponds to a distance measured on an intersection of the surface of the face 12 and neck 14 with the first vertical plane 30 (Figure 3) below the horizontal plane 26. The first point 80 corresponds to a point located on the neck 14 of the user. On the projection of Figure 11, the first point 80 is on the vertical axis B-B'.
The second point 82 is located at a second distance 90 from the center 24 of the face, the second distance being comprised between 85 mm and 125 mm. The second distance 90 corresponds to a distance measured on the surface of the face 12 and neck 14, below the horizontal plane 26. A line joining the center 24 of the face and a projection of the second point 82 on a second vertical plane 92 (Figure 3) forms a third angle γ with the horizontal plane 26. The second vertical plane 92 is perpendicular to the first vertical plane 30 and includes the center 24 of the face 12. The angle γ, represented in projection in Figure 11, is comprised between 35° and 55°.
The second point 82 corresponds to a point located on the neck 14 of the user.
The third point 84 is located at a third distance 94 from the center 24 of the face 12, on the horizontal plane 26. The third distance 94 is comprised between 40 mm and 75 mm. On the projection of Figure 11, the third point 84 is on the first horizontal axis A-A'.
The third point 84 corresponds to a point located on the face 12 of the user.
The fourth point 86 is located at a fourth distance 96 from the center 24 of the face, below the horizontal plane 28, at a fourth angle δ comprised between 35° and 80°. The fourth point 86 corresponds to a point located on the face 12 of the user.
On the mask 10, the first and second points 80, 82 correspond to points located on the first part 32 of the base sheet 18. The third and fourth points 84, 86 correspond to points located on the second part 34 of the base sheet 18.
In order to measure the pressures at the first point 80 and at the second point 82, the measurement device 72 shown in Figure 5 may be used.
The device 72 comprises a pair of jaws 100 to clamp the ends 52, 54 of the first part 32 of the base sheet 18. For better clarity, the second part 34 of the base sheet 18 is not shown in Figure 5.
The device 72 also comprises a tensioning apparatus 102 for stretching the first part 32. In the example of Figure 5, the tensioning apparatus 102 comprises a dynamometer 104, activating a tensioning bar 106. The tensioning apparatus 102 also comprises wires 108, 110, preferably made of steel, connecting the tensioning bar 106 to the upper and lower ends of each jaw 100.
The tensioning bar 106 extends transversally with regard to a sagittal plane of the NARIKO face dummy 70. The bar 106 is movable horizontally and vertically by an activating rod 112 of the dynamometer 104.
The device 72 also comprises a sensor system 114 for measuring the pressures applied at the first point 80 and at the second point 82.
The sensor system 106 comprises sensors 76 placed on the neck of the NARIKO face dummy 70, on the desired points. Suitable sensors 76 are commercially available under the brand KIKUHIME from TT MediTrade Soleddet 15, DK 4180 Soro. The sensors 76 are connected to an analyzer 116 able to determine the pressure applied on each sensor 76.
Preferably, during the measurements, the temperature of the room is regulated at 23 °C and the hygrometry is regulated at 50%.
The measurement is carried out as follows. All the samples are put in the room 24 hours before measurements, under the temperature and hygrometry conditions described above. The first part 32 of the mask 10 is applied on the neck of the NARIKO face dummy 70. The jaws 100 are placed at the ends 52, 54 of the first part 32. The wires 108, 110 are then connected to the rod 112 and the dynamometer 104 is activated to provide a pulling force on the tensioning apparatus 102. The pulling force is approximately oriented from the jaw towards the ears of the NARIKO face dummy 70.
The pulling force generates an elongation of the first part 32. The elongation is measured as the shift of the dynamometer 104 along a graduated scale. Preferably, the measurements are carried out with an elongation comprised between 0% and 150%.
The pressures applied at points 80 and 82 are measured by the sensors 76 until the measured value is stable. Typically, the time of measurement is longer than 900 seconds.
In order to measure the pressures at the third point 84 and at the fourth point 86, the measurement device 72 may be used in a different configuration, shown in Figure 6. For better clarity, only the second part 34 of the base sheet 18, and not the first part 32, is shown in Figure 6.
The measurement is carried out as follows. The second part 34 of the mask 10 is applied on the face of the NARIKO face dummy 70. The jaws 100 are placed at the ends 60, 62 of the second part 34. The wires 108, 110 are connected to the rod 112 and the dynamometer 104 is activated to provide a pulling force on the tensioning apparatus 102. The pulling force is approximately horizontal, oriented from the nose towards the ears of the NARIKO face dummy 70.
The pulling force generates an elongation of the second part 34. Preferably, the measurements are carried out with an elongation comprised between 0% and 150%. The pressures applied at points 84 and 86 are measured by the sensors 76 until the measured value is stable.
A method of cosmetic treatment of the face 12 and neck 14 of a user will be now described.
In a first step, the user takes in his hands the respective ends 60, 62 of the second part 34 of the mask 10 and places the second part 34 against the skin of his/her face 12, the center 24 of his/her face 12 corresponding to the center 22 of the central hole 20. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the absorbing layer 48 is in contact with the user's skin.
Then, the user stretches the second part 34 along the first horizontal axis A-A', symmetrically to axe B/B'. The user finally inserts his/her ears 40 in the third and fourth slits 42, 44 to attach the mask 10 to the face 12.
In a second step, the user takes in his hands the respective ends 52, 54 of the first part 32 of the mask 10 and places the first part 32 against the skin of his/her neck 14, under his/her jaw 16. Then, the user stretches the first part 32 along the second horizontal axis C-C', symmetrically to axe B/B'. The user finally inserts his/her ears 40 in the first and second slits 36, 38 to attach the mask 10 to the neck 14.
During the application of the first part 32 and of the second part 34 on the neck 14 and face 12, the mask 10 adjusts itself precisely on the skin of the user, without losing its shape-memory properties.
The mask 10 is then in the stretched configuration corresponding to the worn position shown in Figures 2 and 3. Near the ears 40 of the user, the first part 32 partially overlaps the second part 34.
In an alternative, less preferred embodiment, the first step and the second step of the method described above are interchanged. In such an embodiment, the second part 34 partially overlaps the first part 32 in the worn position of the mask 10.
After attachment of the mask 10 to the face 12 and neck 14, the first part 32 of the base sheet 18 applies on the neck 14 a first pressure at the first point 80 and a second pressure at the second point 82. The first pressure is comprised between 265 Pa and 1600 Pa. The second pressure is comprised between 265 Pa and 1335 Pa.
After attachment of the mask 10 to the face 12 and neck 14, the second part 34 of the base sheet 18 applies on the face 12 a third pressure at the third point 84 and a fourth pressure at the fourth point 86. The third pressure and the fourth pressure are both comprised between 400 Pa and 4665 Pa. Preferably, the fourth pressure is equal to or greater than the third pressure.
Preferably, as the mask 10 is a substantially symmetrical device, similar pressures are applied on each side of the plane 30 of symmetry of the face 12 and neck 14.
Preferably, the first and second pressures are lower than the third and fourth pressures, so that the user's breathing is not impaired by the mask 10.
In an alternative embodiment, the mask 10 does not comprise the second part 34 and the third and fourth slits 42, 44. In such an embodiment, only the second step of the method described above is carried out, to attach the first part 32 to the neck 14 of the user.
The pressures applied on the skin by the face mask 10 provide a skin movement referred to as « lift-up effect », which is due to adherence of the non-woven to the skin of the user and to the elastic force of the mask 10 in the stretched configuration. The elastic force immobilizes the skin of the user, counteracting the effects of gravity.
In particular, the first part 32 of the mask 10 prevents the sagging of the skin located under the jaws 16 and on the neck 14 of the user. The wearing of the mask 10 during a period of around one month also improves the state of a sagging skin under the jaws 16 of the user.
In the embodiments comprising a cosmetic product 46, the stretching of the mask 10 allows a more significant desorption of the cosmetic product due to a "sponge effect", in which more liquid is desorbed due to the deformation and pressure of the mask 10.

Claims

Method of cosmetic treatment of a face (12) and neck (14) of a user,
a center (24) of a face of the user being defined as a central point of a surface of the user's closed lips,
the method comprising the following steps :
- providing a mask (10) comprising :
- a base sheet (18) made of an elastic non-woven material, the base sheet comprising a first part (32) longitudinally shaped along an axis (C-C'),

- a first side attachment element (36) and a second side attachment element (38) for attaching to ears (40) of the user, the first and second side attachment elements being attached to the base sheet and aligned along the axis,

- elastically stretching the first part of the base sheet of more than 10% in length along the axis (C-C') ;

- applying the first part (32) of the base sheet under a jaw (16) of the user and attaching the first and second side attachment elements respectively on the ears of the user,
the base sheet (18) thereby applying on the neck of the user a first pressure at a first point (80), located at a first distance (88) from the center of the face, the first distance being comprised between 95 mm and 120 mm,
the first distance being measured on an intersection of the surface of the face and neck with a first vertical plane (18) forming a plane of symmetry of the face and neck, below a horizontal plane (26) including the center of the face ;
the base sheet (18) also applying on the neck of the user a second pressure at a second point (82), located at a second distance (90) from the center of the face, the second distance being comprised between 85 mm and 125 mm,
the second distance being measured on the surface of the face and neck, below the horizontal plane,
a line joining the center of the face and a projection of the second point on a second vertical plane (92) forming, with the horizontal plane, a first angle (γ) comprised between 35° and 55°, the second vertical plane being perpendicular to the first vertical plane and including the center (24) of the face ;
the first pressure being comprised between 265 Pa and 1600 Pa and the second pressure being comprised between 265 Pa and 1335 Pa.
Non-woven face mask (10) for use in a method according to claim 1, comprising :
- a base sheet (18) made of an elastic non-woven material, the base sheet delimiting a central hole (20) for accommodating a mouth of the user, the base sheet (18) defining a first horizontal axis (A-A') and a vertical axis (B-B'), the horizontal and the vertical axes intersecting at a center (22) of the central hole ;
the base sheet comprising a first part (32) and a second part (34) adjacent to each other along the vertical axis, the first part being below the second part,
the first part (32) being longitudinally shaped along a second horizontal axis (C-C') parallel to the first horizontal axis, the second part (34) including the central hole (20) and being longitudinally shaped along the first horizontal axis,

- a first side attachment element (36) and a second side attachment element (38) for attaching to the ears (40) of a user, the first and second side attachment elements being attached to the first part (32) of the base sheet, symmetrically according to the vertical axis (B-B'),

- a third side attachment element (42) and a fourth side attachment element (44) for attaching to the ears (40) of a user, the third and fourth side attachment elements being attached to the second part (34) of the base sheet, symmetrically according to the vertical axis (B-B'),
characterized in that the first part (32) of the base sheet is configured to apply, on a neck (14) of a user, a first pressure at a first point (80) when stretched of more than 10% in length along the second horizontal axis (C-C'), the first point being located at a first distance (88) from the center (22) of the central hole along the vertical axis (B-B') below the first horizontal axis (A-A'), the first distance being comprised between 95 mm and 120 mm,
the first part (32) of the base sheet being also configured to apply, on the neck (14) of the user, a second pressure at a second point (82) when stretched of more than 10% in length along the second horizontal axis (C-C'), the second point being located at a second distance (90) from the center (22) of the central hole below the first horizontal axis (A-A'), at a first angle (γ) comprised between 35° and 55°, the second distance being comprised between 85 mm and 125 mm,
the first pressure being comprised between 265 Pa and 1600 Pa and the second pressure being comprised between 265 Pa and 1335 Pa.
Mask according to claim 2, wherein the second part (34) of the base sheet is configured to apply, on a face (12) of a user, a third pressure at a third point (84) when stretched of more than 10% in length along the first horizontal axis (A-A'), the third point being located at a third distance (94) comprised between 40 mm and 75 mm from the center (22) of the central hole along the first horizontal axis (A-A'), the third pressure being comprised between 400 Pa and 4665 Pa.
Mask according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second part (34) of the base sheet is also configured to apply, on a face (12) of a user, a fourth pressure at a fourth point (86) when stretched of more than 10% in length along the first horizontal axis (A-A'), the fourth point being located at a fourth distance (96) comprised between 65 mm and 100 mm from the center (22) of the central hole below the first horizontal axis (A-A'), at a second angle (δ) comprised between 35° and 80°, the fourth pressure being comprised between 400 Pa and 4665 Pa.
Mask according to claim 4, wherein the fourth pressure is equal or greater than the third pressure.
Mask according to any one of the claims 2 to 5, wherein the base sheet (18) comprises an absorbing non-woven layer (48), for receiving a cosmetic product (46), and an elastic non-woven layer (50) attached to the absorbing layer.
Mask according to claim 6, wherein the absorbing layer (48) is a spun lace non-woven layer preferably comprising regenerated fibers, the elastic layer (50) being a melt blown non-woven layer, preferably consisting of polyolefin fibers.
Mask according to any one of the claims 2 to 7, comprising a cosmetic product (46) carried by the base sheet (18), the cosmetic product being preferably anti-ageing and/or tensile products.
Mask according to any one of the claims 2 to 8, wherein the first attachment element (36) and the second attachment element (38) comprise respectively a first and a second side slits (36, 38) for receiving a respective ear (40) of a user.
Mask according to claim 9, wherein at least one side slit (36, 38) is elongated along a side slit axis (D-D', E-E') inclined with respect to the second horizontal axis (C-C').
Mask according to claim 10, wherein a third angle (α) between the side slit axis (D-D', E-E') and the second horizontal axis (C-C') is comprised between 30° and 90°.
Mask according to any one of the claims 9 to 11, wherein a first length (L1) between upper ends of the first and second side slits (36, 38) is superior to a second length (L2) between lower ends of the first and second side slits (36, 38), the first and second lengths being measured parallel to the second horizontal axis (C-C').
Mask according to any one of the claims 2 to 12, wherein the third attachment element (42) and the fourth attachment element (44) comprise respectively a third and a fourth side slits (42, 44) for receiving a respective ear (40) of a user.
Mask according to claim 12, wherein a third length (L3) between upper ends of the third and fourth side slits (42, 44) is superior to a fourth length (L4) between lower ends of the third and fourth side slits (42, 44), the third and fourth lengths being measured parallel to the first horizontal axis (A-A').
Method according to claim 1, the mask being a non-woven face mask (10) according to any one of the claims 2 to 14, the method also comprising the following steps:
- elastically stretching the second part (34) of the base sheet of more than 10% in length along the first horizontal axis (A-A') ;

- applying the second part (34) of the base sheet on the face (12) of the user, the mouth of the user facing the central hole (20),

- attaching the third and fourth side attachment elements (42, 44) respectively on the ears (40) of the user,
said steps occurring before the steps of elastically stretching the first part (32) of the base sheet, applying said first part under the jaw (16) of the user and attaching the first and second side attachment elements (36, 38) respectively on the ears of the user.