US 2015029.

1779A1
(19) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2015/0291779 A1
Haini et al. (43) Pub. Date: Oct. 15, 2015
(54) COTTON BUD Publication Classification
(71) Applicant: ROWEG HOLDING AG, Erlenbach (51) Int. Cl.
ZH (CH) COSL I/02 (2006.01)
COSL IOI/I6 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors: Beat Häni, Zuzwil (CH); Christian A23G 9/50 (2006.01)
Rytka, Wehr (DE); Guy Petignat, C6F5/00 (2006.01)
Erlenbach (CH) A6IF I3/38 (2006.01)
A23G 3/56 (2006.01)
(73) Assignee: Roweg Holding AG, Erlenbach ZH (CH) (52) U.S. Cl.
CPC. C08L I/02 (2013.01); A61F 13/38 (2013.01);
(21) Appl. No.: 14/441,210 A23G 3/563 (2013.01); A23G 9/503 (2013.01);
1-1. C06F5/00 (2013.01); C08L 101/16 (2013.01);
(22) PCT Filed: Nov. 11, 2013 A61F 13/385 (2013.01)
(86). PCT No.: PCT/CH2013/000195
S371 (c)(1), (57) ABSTRACT
(2) Date: May 7, 2015
A cotton bud with a rod-like grip body and with a bud body
(30) Foreign Application Priority Data that is arranged at least at one free end of the grip body. The
rod-like grip body is a biologically degradable extrusion
Nov. 13, 2012 (CH) ..................................... O2367/12 body.
Patent Application Publication Oct. 15, 2015 US 2015/0291779 A1

Fig. 1

3a 2 3.

1.

Fig. 2 -
Fig. 3

- :- x
2- 22

32
US 2015/029 1779 A1 Oct. 15, 2015

COTTON BUD SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0011. It is therefore the object of the invention, to suggest
a cotton bud of the previously mentioned type, which on the
0001 1. Field of the Invention one hand is inexpensive to manufacture, but on the other hand
comprises a biologically degradable (biodegradable) grip
0002 The invention lies in the field of hygiene products body.
and care products and relates to a cotton bud (cotton Swab). 0012. The cottonbud preferably comprises a rod-like grip
with a rod-like grip body and with a bud body arranged at least body that is designed as a biologically degradable extrusion
at one free end of the grip body. body. The grip body preferably includes a material matrix as
0003 2. Description of Related Art well as fibers, in particular natural fibers. The fibers prefer
ably serve as reinforcement fibers. The grip body preferably
0004 Cotton buds of the initially mentioned type and with comprises fibers that are partly or completely embedded into
bud bodies fastened at both ends are used in a multitude of the material matrix.
manners for daily beauty care, in particular for cleaning the 0013 The grip body can, for example, include cellulose
ears, with eye cosmetics, manicure, lipstick correction, etc. fibers. Thereby, all or only a part of the fibers of the grip body
0005 With regard to the cotton buds, it is the case of can be cellulose fibers. The cellulose fibers can be obtained,
so-called disposable articles, which are led to waste treatment for example, from waste paper, directly from wood and/or
after having been used once. It is therefore desirable for the rice husks, Straw and/or cereal husks.
cotton bud, as a whole or at least in part, to be biologically 0014. According to a preferred further development of the
degradable and moreover as a whole or at least in part, to also invention, the grip body has a core, in particular a reinforce
be manufactured of renewable raw materials. Whereas the ment core, which is enveloped by the material matrix. The
bud body as a rule consists of natural fibers, such as cotton, the material matrix according to this embodiment preferably
grip body is often manufactured of a plastic which is not includes fibers, such as natural fibers and particularly biode
biologically degradable. Such as polypropylene. gradable fibers. The type and characteristics of the fibers of
0006. A further demand on such a cotton bud is its inex the material matrix can correspond to the fibers that are dis
pensive manufacture. Since with regard to the cottonbud, it is closed further below in the context of the material matrix, and
its characteristics.
the case of a disposable article, this should be as inexpensive 0015 The reinforcement core according to a preferred
as possible. The price of the cottonbud is composed of the raw embodiment is or includes a longitudinal (elongate) body, in
material costs as well as of the manufacturing expense. It is in particular a textile longitudinal body. The textile longitudinal
particular the manufacture of the grip body which is at the body comprises or consists preferably of fibers, in particular
forefront with regard to the manufacturing costs. natural fibers, which are moreover preferably biologically
0007. It is therefore not too surprising that grips bodies of degradable.
plastic which is biologically non-degradable and thus less 0016. The reinforcement core particularly preferably
environmentally friendly, but inexpensive instead, are wide includes a linear, textile formation or a yarn, or consists of
spread as was hitherto the case. Even the manufacture of the this. The linear textile formation can be a spun yarn. Twisted
grip bodies from plastic requires comparatively little effort yarn, threads or cords as a textile formation are likewise not to
and is therefore inexpensive. Thus, for example, DE-A-2013 be ruled out. The reinforcement core can moreover be a
886 describes a cotton bud with a grip body of a plastic tube filament, for example, of a biologically degradable plastic.
piece which is manufactured with an extrusion method. 0017. The reinforcement core can also include a tube-like
0008 Earlier variants of cottonbuds of wood are no longer or flexible-tube-like, textile longitudinal body or consist
obtainable today. This is due to the fact that the grip body, on thereof The tubular or hose-like textile longitudinal body can
account of the application of Such care products in eye cos be designed as a braided fabric, woven fabric, knitted fabric,
metics, should not be too rigid or stiff. The grip bodies used crocheted fabric, non-woven or felt.
nowadays, although still being comparatively stiff, however 0018. The type and characteristics of the fibers of the
have a certain pliability or flexibility, so they buckle when a textile reinforcement core can correspond to the fibers and
certain bending force is exceeded, but without splintering. their characteristics, which have already been disclosed or are
The risk of injury with an undesired incorrect manipulation disclosed hereinafter in the context of the material matrix.
during the application of make-up or during the cleaning of 0019. The textile reinforcement core can be impregnated
the ears, for example, is reduced on account of this. partly or completely with a material which, for example, after
its curing or Solidification creates an interconnection)
0009 DE-U-297 16819 describes a compostable cotton between the fibers and intrinsically stiffens the textile rein
bud that is manufactured of cardboard or paper. The grip body forcement body. The impregnation of the reinforcement body
of cardboard is manufactured by way of this being cut out or can also be effected by way of the material matrix itself,
punched from a two-dimensional cardboard body, or is which, for example, during the extrusion process penetrates
obtained by way of a cellulose pulp being filled into suitable into the textile reinforcement body and/or attaches itself to the
casting moulds and being pressed. The grip body of paper is surface of the reinforcement core.
manufactured as a wound body, with which paper Strips are 0020. The reinforcement core can, for example, have a
wound into a rod-like body with Suitable winding techniques diameter of 0.1 to 3 mm, preferably of 0.2 to 2 mm, and in
or technology. particular of 0.5 to 1.5 mm
0010. The grip bodies described above either have the 0021. The reinforcement core has the function of a rein
disadvantage that they are not environmentally friendly or forcement. The term “reinforcement” in this context means
that their manufacture requires some effort and is accordingly that the reinforcement core absorbs or accommodates tensile
expensive. forces, bending forces and/or compression forces acting upon
US 2015/029 1779 A1 Oct. 15, 2015

the grip body. For example, it prevents the grip body from and advantageously 70% by volume or less, of fibers, in
prematurely breaking with tensile or bending loading. The particular of natural fibers. The fibers are preferably second
reinforcement core moreover also prevents parts of the grip ary fibers of recycled, i.e. reused fiber material. The fibers
body from falling apart on buckling or breakage. This means can, for example, be cellulose fibers as has already been
that a grip body with reinforcement core has a greater resis mentioned. The recycled starting material is preferably a
tance to breakage and elongation at break than a grip body biological fiber material which can be obtained very eco
with a similar construction, but without a reinforcement core. nomically and which is obtained e.g. from waste paper or
0022. If the material matrix comprises fibers, then the from waste from rice production.
material matrix in particular serves as a binding agent which 0039 Cellulose fibers can e.g. be obtained from ground or
holds together the fibers and forms a fibre-reinforced struc frayed waste-paper, i.e. waste-paper is opened up and broken
ture with these fibers. down into cellulose fibers. Moreover, hemicellulose can be
0023 The material matrix comprises or consists prefer also obtained from the waste-paper or from the waste from the
ably of one of the subsequently specified, biologically production of rice. This ensures e.g. a high tear resistance and
degradable materials. Moreover, the material matrix can also tensile strength of the grip body. The fibers can also be pri
consist of a mixture of these materials or comprise this mix mary fibers, e.g. of wood. A mixture of primary fibers and
ture: secondary fibers is also conceivable.
0024 starch, starch derivatives, gluten, hemicellulose, 0040. The share, a majority or all of the fibers, in particular
Sugar, lignin, Sorbitol, chitin, gelatine, proteins, wax, glycer of the natural fibers, in the grip body or in its material matrix
ine, fructose, methylcellulose, modified methylcellulose, cel are preferably aligned in its longitudinal direction. The align
lulose derivatives, agar-agar, pectin and/or biologically ment of the fibers in the longitudinal direction is preferably
degradable polymers. effected during the extrusion process.
0025 Biologically degradable polymers can be: 0041. The grip body or the material matrix, apart from the
0026 biologically degradable copolyesters, such as BTA, mentioned, primarily applied natural fibers, can yet include
in particular blends with further biologically degradable further fibers, in particular long fibers, with, for example, a
polymers, greater average fiber length than the mentioned fibers, for the
0027 thermoplastic starch (TPS), starch blends, additional reinforcement of the grip body. The further fibers
0028 polylactide or polylactic acid (PLA), and PLA are preferably natural fibers, in particular vegetable fibers
blends, such as cotton fibers, hemp fibers, viscose fibers, jute fibers or
0029 cellulose products such as cellulose acetate (CA), mixtures thereof Cotton fibers or viscose fibers are preferably
0030 polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybu likewise secondary fibers which, for example, can be recycled
tyric acid (PHB). fibers from the spinning industry or from waste-textile recy
0031 biologically degradable polymers based on mineral cling.
oil such as polycaprolactone (PCL), 0042. The primarily applied fibers, in particular natural
0032 biologically degradable polymers which are derived fibers can e.g. have lengths of greater or equal to 30 nm
chemically from lignin, chitin, casein, gelatine, proteins gen (micrometres), in particular of greater or equal to 0.2 mm. The
erally or vegetable oils, mentioned fibers can moreover have lengths of smaller or
0033 biologically degradable polymers based on modi equal to 8 mm, preferably of Smaller or equal to 5 mm and in
fied cellulose derivatives. particular of Smaller or equal to 2 mm.
0034. The material matrix can moreover beformed by way 0043. The further fibers (long fibers) can have lengths of
of dissolving the fibers, in particular the natural fibers, with greater or equal to 2 mm, in particular of greater or equal to 5
the help of solvents, so that self-reinforcing cellulose com mm. The long fibers can have lengths of smaller or equal to 90
posites arise. mm, in particular Smaller or equal to 70 mm.
0035. The material matrix in particular serves for the posi 0044) The grip body of the cotton bud preferably has a
tive-fit, chemical and/or physical cross-linking of the fibers, typical length of 5 to 10 cm. The diameter of the grip body is,
in particular of the natural fibers, or for the formation of for example, 0.5 to 3 mm, in particular 1 to 2 mm.
hydrogen bridges or other bonds, which contribute to an 0045 Both ends of the grip body designed as a small rod
improved coherence of the material. are enwrapped by cotton fluff if the grip body serves for
0036. The share of the material matrix with regard to the manufacturing a cotton bud. The bud can be of plastic fibers
Volume can be greater, equal or Smaller that the share of or preferably also of biologically degradable natural fibers
fibers. If the share of fibers is significantly predominant, then Such as cotton.
the fibers can even form a fiber mass, whose individual fibers 0046. The cross section of the rod-like body can be round
are bonded to one another via the material matrix acting as a (circular, oval, elliptical) or polygonal (triangular, quadran
binding agent. The material matrix as a result, together with gular, rectangular or square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octago
the fibers forms a fibre-reinforced structure. nal). Other cross-sectional shapes such as a combination of
0037. The material matrix can be added separately or be round and polygonal peripheral sections are also conceivable.
already contained in the starting material, so that its function The grip body can moreover be designed as a solid body or
as a binding agent merely has to be activated during the hollow body. A comparatively large scope for fashioning
manufacturing process. This is particularly the case if the exists with regard to the cross-sectional shape of the grip body
material matrix, for example, includes starch, Sugar or lignin. thanks to the application of an extrusion method.
0038. The grip body preferably comprises 10% by volume 0047 Moreover, what is claimed is also a rod-like grip
or more, in particular 30% by volume or more and advanta body, in particular for a cotton bud as described above. The
geously 40% by volume or more, of fibers, in particular grip body is preferably manufactured from a biologically
natural fibers. Moreover, the grip body preferably comprises degradable extrusion body. The grip body includes a material
90% by volume or less, in particular 80% by volume or less, matrix as well as fibers, in particular natural fibers. The fibers
US 2015/029 1779 A1 Oct. 15, 2015

preferably serve as reinforcement fibers. The grip body pref 0063. According to a preferred embodiment of the inven
erably includes fibers that are embedded into a material tion, fibers, preferably biologically degradable fibers and in
matrix. particular natural fibers, are mixed with a preferably biologi
0048 All features of the grip body that are disclosed in this cally degradable matrix material in a mixing device, into an
description, in the context of its use in cottonbuds, also apply extrudable extrusion mass, before extruding the extrusion
to the very generally claimed rod-like grip body. This is a SS.
particularly the case also with regard to the nature of the 0064. The extrusion mass can be highly viscous depend
material matrix and of the fibers, as well as the composite of ing on the matrix. The extrusion mass can also be a dry
the material matrix and fibers. mixture (dry blend).
0049. The rod-like grip body can be present as a hollow 0065. The mixing or blending device can be integrated in
profile or solid profile. the extruder. The fibers and matrix for this can be introduced
0050. The grip body can have a core, in particular a rein into the extruder e.g. separately via two metering devices.
forcement core. The core is thereby preferably encased 0066. The components of the material matrix for example
(coated or enveloped) by a material matrix. Embodiments are fed in granulate form or in a fluid or flowable form to the
concerning the nature of the material matrix have already extrusion device. The components must be melted as the case
been described further above. The material matrix can include may be.
fibers. Embodiments concerning the nature of the fires as well 0067 Water can be added during the mixing procedure,
as concerning the composite/interconnection between the depending on which Substances are applied and in which
material matrix and fibers have likewise already been dis quantities. The addition of water can serve for the activation
cussed further above. of the already present material matrix or of the binding agent
0051. The core is designed as a hollow body and is encased Such as lignin, gluten or starch. Moreover, the water addition
by a material matrix if the grip body is designed as a hollow can serve for the positive-fit cross-linking offibers. The water
body and this comprises the core. addition can moreover serve for forming hydrogen bonds
0.052 The core can be a linear, textile formation. Embodi with a Subsequent curing.
ments concerning the nature of Sucha linear, textile formation 0068. One can make do without the addition of water if the
as well as concerning the composite of the textile sheet for material matrix is a thermoplastic polymer or a mixture of
mation to the material matrix have likewise already been plastic polymers, which for example relates to the listed
discussed further above. biopolymers.
0053. The core can moreover beaporous body with elastic 0069. The extrusion mass is preferably mixed by way of an
characteristics. In other words, the core has a cell structure. extruder screw. The extrusion mass can be premixed in a
The porous core in particular can be a foamed body or a rod. separate mixing device, the so-called compounder or mixer,
The body can be present as a hollow profile or a solid profile. even before the extrusion process. The grip body can accord
The cell structure can be open-pored or closed-pored or ingly be manufactured or extruded by way of a single-screw
mixed. The cells in particular enclose a gas. or double-screw extruder.
0054. It is also possible for the grip body to consistentirely 0070 The extrusion body can be extruded horizontally or
of a porous body with, for example, elastic characteristics and vertically, i.e. in the direction of gravity. The extrusion body
in particular of a foamed body. In other words, the grip body exiting from the extrusion nozzle is cut to length into indi
has a cell structure. The cell structure can be open-pored or vidual grip bodies before, during or after the curing.
closed-pored or be mixed. The cells in particular enclose a 0071 Curing in the broadest sense means the solidifica
gaS. tion of the extrusion body. The feature of curing thus also
0055. If the grip body consists entirely of a body with a includes the mere solidification of the extrusion body. In other
cellular structure as described above, then this can likewise be words, the curing can include a mere drying, cooling and/or a
designed as a solid body or hollow body. polymerisation.
0056. The foamed body can be foamed, for example, with 0072. If the grip body includes a core, in particular a
the help of foaming agent such as water, CO or N. reinforcement core, as described above, then the grip body is
0057. If the grip body has a foamed core or the grip body preferably manufactured in a coextrusion method or encasing
consist of a foamed material, then one can prevent a brittle (coating method). Hereby, the extrusion mass which forms
breakage from occurring thanks to the nature of this material, the later material matrix, and the core are led together and are
by way of a deformation in the form of kinks and bulges commonly led through the extrusion nozzle or encasing
taking place. nozzle.
0058. The subsequently described and claimed manufac 0073. The coextrusion method or encasing method is pref
turing method is to be generally applicable to rod-like grip erably likewise a continuous method with which the core, in
bodies and not only grip bodies which are applied in cotton particular the reinforcement core, is continuously fed as an
buds. endless longitudinal body to the extrusion tool or encasing
0059. The grip bodies are preferably manufactured in an tool and is unified or encased with the likewise continuously
extrusion device. The extrusion device comprises a mixing fed extrusion mass.
device and an extrusion tool, via which the extrusion mass is 0074 The rod like grip body, as has already been
extruded in a shaping manner. The method for manufacturing explained in detail, is preferably applied in cotton buds. The
the grip body of a cotton bud includes the following steps: cotton buds according to the invention are applied in beauty
0060 extruding the extrusion mass through an extrusion care or cosmetics, for make-up, in baby care, when cleaning
noZZle amid the formation of an elongate extrusion body; the ears. Moreover, cottonbuds according to the invention are
0061 curing or solidifying the extrusion body. also applied as a so-called Smear tool (for Smearing saliva
0062. The extrusion mass amongst other things comprises samples) Such as for determining the genetic fingerprint with
the later formed material matrix of the grip body. DNA mass screening.
US 2015/029 1779 A1 Oct. 15, 2015

0075. The grip bodies according to the invention moreover is enveloped by the material matrix 14 and is impregnated by
can also be applied in the field of foodstuffs. The grip bodies this. The reinforcement core can also be a foamed body. The
can be for lolly sticks (lollypops, suckers, Chupa Chups). The material matrix 14 can include fibers. The material matrix can
grip bodies can also be sticks for the manufacture of ice cream be a foamed body with or without fibers.
on a stick. 0092. The grip body 22 according to FIG.3 has a fiber core
0.076 Furthermore, matchsticks can also be manufactured 23 in the form of a tubular, textile body formation that is
from the grip bodies according to the invention. enveloped by the material matrix 24 and is impregnated by
0077. The grip bodies can also be applied in further fields this. The fiber core can also be a tubular, foamed body. The
of body hygiene. Thus the grip body can also be applied in material matrix can include fibers. The material matrix can
dental care, for example as a floss holder. A brush head or also be a foamed body with or without fibers.
dental floss, for example, can also be applied at one end of the 0093. The grip body 32 according to FIG. 4 has a material
grip body instead of a bud. The grip body according to the matrix 34 and is designed as a hollow profile. The material
invention can also serve as a holder for a tooth interstice matrix can include fibers. The material matrix can also be a
cleaning element or for a tongue cleaner. foamed body with or without fibers.
0078. The grip body of the cotton bud according to the 0094. The grip body 42 according to FIG.5 has a material
invention has the advantage that this has a comparatively high matrix 44 and is designed as a solid profile. The material
bending stiffness and simultaneously does not break in a matrix can include fibers. The material matrix can also be a
splintering manner when the bending forces are high, but for foamed body with or without fibers.
example deforms plastically. Accordingly, the grip body 1. A cotton bud with a rod-like grip body and with a bud
according to the invention has plastic characteristics. More body that is arranged at least at one free end of the grip.
over, the grip body, as already mentioned, is inexpensive in its 2. The cotton bud according to claim 1, wherein the grip
manufacture, in particular if recycled natural fibers are body comprises a reinforcement core in the form of a textile
applied, as well as biologically degradable. longitudinal body or a foamed core, which is Surrounded by a
007.9 The features of the grip body that are disclosed in the material matrix.
context of the cotton bud can also be combined with the 3. The cotton bud according to claim 1, wherein the rod
features of the independently claimed and disclosed grip like grip body is a biologically degradable extrusion body
body, and vice versa. Moreover, the features disclosed in the which comprises a biologically degradable material matrix as
context of the manufacturing method can also be combined well as biologically degradable natural fibres, which are
with the features of the cotton bud or grip body, and vice embedded into the material matrix, wherein the fibres are held
WSa. together via the material matrix acting as a binding agent.
0080 According to a further development of the inven 4. The cotton bud according to claim 1, wherein the mate
tion, the grip body can also be treated with an active ingredi rial matrix comprises one of the following materials or a
ent. The active ingredient can be applied onto the grip body in mixture of the following materials: starch, starch derivatives,
gaseous or liquid form. The grip body can thus, for example, Sugar, lignin, chitin, gelatine, proteins, glycerine, fructose,
be impregnated with the active ingredient. sorbitol, cellulose derivatives, modified methyl cellulose,
0081. The material can be a fragrant material, such as e.g. agar-agar, wax, pectin and/or biologically degradable poly
a perfume. In particular, grip bodies in the field of cosmetics CS.
can be treated with a fragrant material. 5. The cotton bud according to claim 3, wherein the grip
0082. The active ingredient can also be have a medical body comprises 10 to 90% by volume, in particular 30 to 80%
effect, and i.e. act in a disinfecting manner. by volume, advantageously 40 to 70% by volume of fibres.
6. The cotton bud according to claim 3, wherein natural
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS fibres are secondary fibres of a recycled material. Such as
0083. The subject-matter of the invention is represented waste paper, or from waste of rice production, or comprise
Such.
by way of embodiment examples according to the accompa
nying drawings. 7. The cotton bud according to claim 3, wherein natural
0084. There are shown in: fibres are primary fibres or comprise Such, and which are
0085 FIG. 1: a cotton bud; obtained directly from wood or wood waste.
I0086 FIG. 2: a particular embodiment of a grip body 8. A rod-like grip body for a cotton bud according to claim
1.
according to the invention; 9. The rod-like grip according to claim 8, wherein the grip
0087 FIG. 3: a further particular embodiment of a grip body is manufactured from a biologically degradable extru
body according to the invention; sion body.
0088 FIG. 4: a further particular embodiment of a grip 10. The rod-like grip according to claim 8, wherein the grip
body according to the invention; body comprises a reinforcement core that is surrounded and/
I0089 FIG. 5: a further particular embodiment of a grip or is partly or completely impregnated, by the material
body according to the invention. matrix.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 11. A method for manufacturing the grip body (2) accord
ing to claim 8 for a cottonbud according to claim 1, compris
0090 The shown cotton bud 1 consists of a rod-like grip ing the steps of
body 2 in the form of a biologically degradable extrusion extruding an extrusion mass forming the material matrix,
body, as well as of bud bodies 3a, 3b of cotton which are in through an extrusion nozzle or encasing nozzle amid the
each case wound around the grip body 2 at both ends. formation of an elongate extrusion body with a hollow
0091. The grip body 12 according to FIG. 2 has a rein profile or solid profile; and,
forcement core 13 in the form of a thread of natural fibers that curing, Such as solidifying or drying, the extrusion body.
US 2015/029 1779 A1 Oct. 15, 2015

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the grip

body comprises a reinforcement core, and the reinforcement
core is fed as a longitudinal body and is co-extruded or
encased together with the extrusion mass forming the mate
rial matrix.
13. The method according to claim 11, wherein natural
fibres are mixed with a matrix material in a mixing device,
into the extrudable extrusion mass, before extruding.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein water is
added to the extrusion mass during the mixing.
15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the extru
sion body is cut to length into individual grip bodies before,
during or after the curing.
16. (canceled)
17. A lolly with a grip body according to claim 1.
18. Ice-creamonastick with agrip body according to claim
1.
19. A matchstick with a grip body according to claim 1.
20. A dental care product with a grip body according to
claim 1.