Patent Application
20200061228
The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to devices for disseminating fragrance, without requiring power.
It is generally desirable to be able to conveniently disseminate a desired fragrance in a designated target area. Fragrance sachets have been provided which comprise paper envelopes, which are glue-sealed enclosures holding scent-impregnated materials. Over time, the nature of the paper or other components such as separately applied adhesives can either naturally degrade or be caused to degrade through direct contact or close association with fragrance materials and/or vapors from such fragrance materials, thereby limiting the life of a particular product.
Furthermore, we have found that certain materials, while useful for allowing fragrance to diffuse into the room or target area also allow the fragrance oils to damage finished surfaces.
Accordingly, an improved fragrance sachet which permits the sachet to be reliably constructed while formed in a variety of shapes, and/or a variety of materials and/or product shapes and features that offer protection to contiguous surfaces, and/or with a variety of decorations applied thereon would be useful.
The presently disclosed subject matter recognizes and variously addresses the foregoing issues, and others concerning certain aspects of fragrance sachets. Thus, broadly speaking, an object of certain embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter is to provide improved designs for fragrance sachets.
More particularly, one exemplary embodiment of a presently disclosed fragrance sachet includes a holder for a medium such as vermiculite, sawdust, zeolite, shredded paper, or something similar. The medium can be treated with fragrance materials such as essential oils, to impart a selected fragrance. The holder may comprise a formed pouch with different materials forming the front and back. The front material may be, for one example, a foil-based substrate (or generally not vapor permeable material), to support the application of indicia and/or decorations, while the back material may be, for one example, a filter type material (or generally at least partially vapor permeable material), to facilitate fragrance dispersion. The front and back materials may be heat-sealable, to facilitate the formation of the pouch, or alternatively, the materials may be fused using ultrasonic bonding, stapled, separately applied adhesives, crimped, or other methods.
A second exemplary embodiment of a presently disclosed fragrance sachet includes a holder for a medium such as vermiculite, sawdust, zeolite, shredded paper, or something similar. The medium can be treated with fragrance materials such as essential oils, to impart a selected fragrance. The holder may comprise a formed pouch with different materials forming the front and back. For instance, if a finished surface is closest to the back of the device, then the back material may be, for one example, a foil-based, or polymeric film substrate (or generally not vapor permeable material), to protect the surface against the ingress of fragrance oils. The front material may be, for a second example, a filter type material (or generally at least partially vapor permeable material such as a plant based or synthetic paper, or a non-woven, a woven, or a knitted material), to facilitate fragrance dispersion while providing support to the optional application of indicia and/or decorations. The front and back materials may be heat-sealable to facilitate the formation of the pouch, or alternatively, the two materials may be fused using ultrasonic bonding, stapled, separately applied adhesives, crimped, or other methods.
Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosed subject matter relate to the protection of adjacent hard finished surfaces from the deleterious effects of high concentrations of perfume oil. Such surfaces include polished and/or varnished wood, polyurethane coated leather or upholstery, artificial leather, leather, silk, painted wood, powder coated metal, lacquered surfaces, plastic decorations such as those made from methylmethacrylates, such as Lucite or Perspex brand man-made poly(methyl methacrylate) (“PMMA”) materials, or acrylics.
Another exemplary embodiment of presently disclosed subject matter relates to an improved fragrance sachet, comprising a holder comprising a pouch formed of joined opposing sections, such joined opposing sections comprising respective different materials; and a fragranced medium received within such pouch, for imparting a selected fragrance from such fragrance sachet; wherein one of such sections comprises an at least partially vapor permeable material to facilitate fragrance dispersion from such fragrance sachet.
Yet another presently disclosed subject matter exemplary embodiment relates to a fragrance sachet, comprising a holder comprising a pouch formed of at least two joined sections; and a fragranced medium received within such pouch, for imparting a selected fragrance from such fragrance sachet; wherein one of such sections comprises an at least partially vapor permeable material having a Thickness Adjusted Porosity >0.1 g/g/mm to facilitate fragrance dispersion from such fragrance sachet; the other of such sections comprises a vapor impermeable material with a relatively low Oxygen Transfer Rate (OTR) of ≤about 0.19 cc/100 in2/day as tested by ASTM D-3985, and a relatively low Water Vapor Transfer Rate (WVTR) of ≤about 0.53 g/100 in2/day as tested by ASTM F-1249; such fragranced medium comprises at least one of vermiculite, bulk absorbent material which may be fragranced, powders, volcanic rock, and pumice, treated with fragrance materials; and such fragrance materials comprise at least one of naturally occurring fragrance oils, synthetic oils, manufactured blends of fragrance oils, and blends between natural and manufactured origin materials.
It should be understood from the complete disclosure herewith that the presently disclosed subject matter equally relates to corresponding and/or related methodology.
In yet a further exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, methods for making the presently disclosed fragrance sachets are provided.
Another presently disclosed exemplary methodology relates to methodology for producing a fragrance sachet, comprising the steps of sealing a section of at least partially vapor permeable material to another section of different material to form a partially open pouch; filling the pouch with a fragranced medium; and closing the pouch to form a fragrance sachet.
Still further, another exemplary method according to presently disclosed subject matter relates to methodology for producing a fragrance sachet, comprising providing a holder comprising a pouch formed of at least two joined sections; and providing a fragranced medium received within said pouch, for imparting a selected fragrance from such fragrance sachet; wherein one of such sections comprises an at least partially vapor permeable material having a Thickness Adjusted Porosity >0.1 g/g/mm to facilitate fragrance dispersion from such fragrance sachet; the other of such sections comprises a vapor impermeable material with a relatively low Oxygen Transfer Rate (OTR) of ≤about 0.19 cc/100 in2/day as tested by ASTM D-3985, and a relatively low Water Vapor Transfer Rate (WVTR) of ≤about 0.53 g/100 in2/day as tested by ASTM F-1249; such fragranced medium comprises at least one of vermiculite, bulk absorbent material which may be fragranced, powders, volcanic rock, and pumice, treated with fragrance materials; and such fragrance materials comprise at least one of naturally occurring fragrance oils, synthetic oils, manufactured blends of fragrance oils, and blends between natural and manufactured origin material.
Still further, another exemplary method according to presently disclosed subject matter relates to methodology for producing a fragrance sachet, comprising providing a holder comprising a pouch formed of at least two joined sections; and providing a fragranced medium received within said pouch, for imparting a selected fragrance from such fragrance sachet; wherein one of such sections comprises an at least partially vapor permeable material having a Thickness Adjusted Porosity >0.1 g/g/mm to facilitate fragrance dispersion from such fragrance sachet; the other of such sections comprises a vapor impermeable material that when a droplet of cinnamon essential oil or clove essential oil is dropped onto it, the droplet produces a contact angle on at least one side of the vapor impermeable film of >20°; such fragranced medium comprises at least one of vermiculite, bulk absorbent material which may be fragranced, powders, volcanic rock, and pumice, treated with fragrance materials; and such fragrance materials comprise at least one of naturally occurring fragrance oils, synthetic oils, manufactured blends of fragrance oils, and blends between natural and manufactured origin material.
Additional objects and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referred and discussed features and elements hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the presently disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like.
Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of the presently disclosed subject matter may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features, steps, or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features, parts, or steps or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the Figures or stated in the detailed description of such Figures). Additional embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, not necessarily expressed in the summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features, components, or steps referenced in the summarized objects above, and/or other features, components, or steps as otherwise discussed in this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.
A full and enabling disclosure of the presently disclosed subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended Figures, in which:
Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features, elements, or steps of the presently disclosed subject matter.
Reference is made herein in detail to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the presently disclosed subject matter, and not a limitation of the presently disclosed subject matter. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope or spirit of the presently disclosed subject matter. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the presently disclosed subject matter covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
As always shown in the exemplary embodiment of present
Certain materials, such as water based latexes, PE emulsions or dispersions, may be printed onto the paper layer in specific areas—such as around the perimeter of the sheet. Once dried, these materials may be used to thermally bond the paper to a contiguous thermoplastic film sheet, via thermal, ultrasonic, radiofrequency, or microwave means. An example of such a material is CK-5791-26FDA from Cork Industries Inc. (FL). A second example of such a material is EvCote Waterbarrier 3000, available from Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc. (IN), which is made from recycled PET and plant based oils, and also may be used as an oil barrier coating in food and beverage packaging applications. It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that such potential coatings for paper is preferably used with pod sachet embodiments, as discussed in conjunction with
When the foil-based substrate 12 is sealed to the filter-based substrate 24, and filled with scent-impregnated material (not shown), a fragrance sachet is formed.
In other words, various beneficial attributes of the sachet are created by filling and forming two different materials, in this exemplary embodiment, filter and barrier film (or foil), in such a way that the resulting sachet has both an artistic and graphic presentation on the designated front that is a fragrance impervious substrate on the designated front, while the back is a functional/breathable surface that allows diffusion of fragrance from the back. Such impervious substrates may include but are not limited to metal foils, composites containing metal foils, certain metallized polymer films, polyimides such as Kapton® man-made films, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or high density poly(ethylene), poly(propylene) (PP), oriented poly(propylene) (OPP), poly(acrylonitrile), certain poly(amides) including nylon 6 and nylon 6,6, poly(vinyl fluoride) films such as Tedlar® films, and copolymers such as Barex® resin (a copolymer of (acrylonitrile) and (methyl acrylate) grafted with nitrile rubber), UV cured cross-linked films, films and papers coated with UV cured coatings, thereby protecting adjacent or contiguous surfaces from damage due to high concentrations of fragrance oil. The barrier film may also be laminated composites of various film materials.
The idea of taking a printed and very graphic foil-based material and fusing it to filter-based material that can still release fragrance, and form/fill/sealing it, is a combination which can all be performed with one piece of equipment.
For example, a medium such as vermiculite or similar bulk material which is absorbent may be fragranced, such as with the use of essential oils. Essential oils as referenced herein is intended to comprise any of naturally occurring fragrance oils or synthetic or manufactured blends of fragrance oils, or blends between natural and manufactured origin materials. Other materials such as powders, volcanic rock, pumice, or other possible absorbent materials may be practiced in some embodiments. Filter material may be combined with foil-based material to form a pouch for receiving the fragranced vermiculite.
Foil or film material should be used with suitable properties, for being heat-sealable, crimped, fastened with grommets, stapled, ultrasonic bonded, with a selected filter-based material.
In one exemplary embodiment, a nonwoven polyester based material may be used. For both substrates, the materials 12 and 24 are trimmed to an appropriate size, and then the two sides may be fused, while leaving an opening for introduction of the medium.
In some production arrangements, a machine may be provided which uses two different rolls of material, which are run so as to be positioned appropriately before being fused in part, and then trimmed. Production should be controlled in terms of the amount of heat and the timing of the machine speed, to ensure that neither side receives any heat (burn) damage, while otherwise receiving sufficient heat bonding. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such results can be obtained for variously selected combinations of specific foil and filter substrates by adjusting out with temperature and machine speed. As also understood, if fastening by heat sealing or ultrasonic bonding, the substrates would need the proper laminate (a thermoplastic, such as PP, PE, or PET), but otherwise a machine can heat seal the two different types of material in the illustrated, generally rectangular, pillow pack shape.
The resulting combination of foil and filter materials to create a fragrance sachet allows a finished surface for printing (on the designated front), while having a breathable porous surface (on the designated back) for the circulation of scent from the impregnated medium enclosed in the pouch. Alternatively, if protection of an adjacent or proximate surface is desired, then the side closest to the proximate surface (e.g. the back side) may be an impervious film or foil or composite, whereas the front side (distant from the proximate or adjacent surface) may be a decorated porous material that allows fragrance to diffuse into the air. Optionally, a vent clip may be attached to the impervious surface so that the air freshener can be clipped onto an auto or home air conditioner vent. In this way, the air freshener surface closest to the finished automotive interior will prevent fragrance oils from diffusing into the automotive finishes, reducing the chance of surface damage.
Another example of a desired filter material 24 comprises a lightweight material, such as comprised of two-phase heat-sealable tissues comprising a blend of thermoplastic fibers and selected cellulosic fibers. The resulting filter materials provide a high wet strength, and a neutral odor, both of which are benefits for use in the subject fragrance sachet.
Alternatively, the filter material may be printed with a coating that is heat or ultrasonically sealable to another thermoplastic material. However, for many of the preferred embodiments of presently disclosed subject matter, the combined selected materials are preferably already inherently amenable to heat sealing without requiring any additional coatings on the filter paper. In other words, the nature of the filter material itself allows heat sealing to another thermally-sealable material, without requiring any coating or separate treatment of the filter paper component. In instances where a further paper component is heat sealed to a filter paper component, it may in some embodiments be preferred to include a spot coating approach to allow the two materials to be heat sealed with each other, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
Application
Certain materials are good for allowing the diffusion of fragrances into the room or another enclosed space such as a car interior. Such materials may include various porosities of papers, non-woven materials, or perforated films. Other film or sheet materials are not very useful for diffusing fragrance, however, still allow the slow migration of fragrance oils over time through the film. These may include vinyl films such as PVC, for instance, or styrene-butadiene copolymers, polyurethane films, latex films. If a sachet made from these materials is left in contact with a finished surface (e.g. varnished wood, painted metal, painted wood, treated wood, plastic composites, finished upholstery and furniture, coated metal, etc.) then, even though the diffusion of the fragrance is slow enough to preclude the material from being used as a diffusion filter, nevertheless, fragrance oil diffuses into the finished surface and may damage it.
Water Porosity Test:
The porosity of film and sheet materials can easily be measured in terms of amount of liquid water that the material can absorb. This test is a proxy for a Sheffield Porosimeter or a Gurley Densometer test that may alternatively be used to test paper porosity. The assumption is that, the more generally absorbent a material is, the more porous that material is to air. The thickness of a sheet of about 4*4 inches of the material to be tested is measured using a Vernier Calliper (Sealey Professional Tools, Suffolk UK) and recorded. An individual sheet of paper is utilized. It is understood that some such samples more typically may be sold in bulk, and rated by bulk weight, for example, with the photocopy paper in this instance rated at 20 pounds per 500 sheets (of 92 brightness paper). The dry mass (equilibrated at room temperature for 2 hours) is also measured. The sheet is immersed in distilled or deionized water at room temperature for up to 5 minutes, then removed.
The sheet is not squeezed, rather it is gently blotted with laboratory tissue paper, such as KimWipes, available from Kimberly-Clark Neenah Wis., to remove visible surface droplets and then immediately weighed. The weight is recorded as Mw.
The water porosity value is calculated by:
Where Pw=water porosity value in g per g
Mw=mass of wet paper in g
Md=mass of dry paper in g
Where TAP=thickness adjusted porosity in g per g per millimeter
And d=thickness of the sheet in microns.
Pass-Through Test for Gross Porosity
The gross porosity refers to much larger pores or perforations in materials, that allow free fluid movement through the film/fabric/or paper. This property may be tested in the following manner: The thickness of the sheet material is measured using a Vernier Calliper (Sealey Professional Tools, Suffolk UK.) A square 5″×5″ sheet of the material to be tested is folded in half twice, to make a four layer thick square of 2½″×2½″. The top layer of the square is gently opened, and placed corner down into a glass funnel. In this way, a liquid may be added between the first and second sheet and would be retained by the sheet material if it were not grossly porous. 13 ml of water is added to the folded material in the funnel, pouring it all between first and second folded sheet. A stopwatch is started as the first drop of liquid falls into the paper, and stopped when the first drop of liquid forms within the glass funnel.
The Gross Porosity is determined by:
Where t=the time for liquid breakthrough in seconds,
And GP is gross porosity of units: per second, (s−1)
The Thickness Adjusted Gross Porosity (TAGP) is determined by:
where d=material thickness in microns
And TAGP has the units of per millimeter per second (mm−1 s−1) and is a measure of how easily fluids (liquids and gasses) can pass through the material unhindered.
Various filter materials were tested for gross porosity.
Damage to surfaces may include dulling of gloss, whitening or fogging or increased opacity of varnished surfaces, making finished surfaces sticky to touch, the transfer of print from the sachet decoration to the surface, peeling, cracking, blistering, and delamination of the surface. While not wishing to be limited to theory, it seems likely that the fragrance oil diffuses into the surface finish polymer matrix, and initially either plasticizes or partially dissolves it, causing dimensional changes such as swelling, as well as surface light scattering changes. Further softening of the finish can pick up print and adhere the sachet to the finish, leaving torn paper on the finish if the sachet is removed.
Some materials are better at containing the fragrance than others. For instance, certain grades of poly(ethyleneterephthalate) (PET or PETE), high density poly(ethylene) (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP), including Ziegler-Natta catalyst and metallocene polymerized poly(olefins) including certain grades of poly(ethylene) (PE) and polypropylene (PP), mechanically treated PP such as oriented poly(propylene) (OPP), aluminum foil, metal shim, papers and films coated with UV cured crosslinked materials, poly(amides), such as nylon-6, and nylon-6,6, certain thermosetting resins, such as alkyd resins, polyester resins, epoxy resins, urea formaldehyde resins, melamine formaldehyde resins. The barrier film may also be a laminated composite of more than one type of film.
Some materials are too porous, and allow the diffusion of fragrance too fast, exhausting the fragrance too soon, and leading to a reduced product lifetime.
Mar Resistance Sheet Material Test—Varnished Wood:
Planed red oak planks of 3″×1″×24″ (available from Lowes' hardware store) were stained using Minwax Ebony 2718 penetrating stain (Minwax company NJ) applied with a paint brush. After allowing several hours to dry, a second coat was applied. This was allowed to soak in for 5 minutes before wiping off the excess with a paper towel. After 12 hours, coats of varnish were applied.
Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Gloss varnish was applied to one of the wood surfaces. Four additional coats of the varnish were added, waiting at least 4 hours between applications.
Minwax Polycrylic Varnish was applied to a second stained plank in a similar manner.
Two coats of Behr Premium Plus Interior Ultra Pure White semi-gloss enamel was applied to another plank.
Samples of fragrance paper envelope sachets (comprising paper envelopes that are glue-sealed enclosures holding scent-impregnated materials) were placed on top of the finished wood for 5 hours. Another such paper sachet was placed on top of a CD jewel case. Properties for the paper for such paper envelope sachets may be nominally described as follows:
Fragrance sachets prepared in accordance with presently disclosed subject matter were also placed onto the treated wood. These exemplary embodiment fragrance sachets were made from two differing sheet materials fused or bonded together to make a sachet. One side of the sachet is formed from a porous paper material, while the other is formed from a polymer such as PET, HDPE, PP, OPP, and/or a metalized film composite.
The sample filter paper for this exemplary embodiment as used in the tests herein comprised HEAT SEALING FILTER PAPER 121/2 from Glatfelter Scaër SAS (France). At Test Conditions: 23° C./50% rel. Humidity, the supplier indicates the following test specifications:
The sample film for this exemplary embodiment as used in the tests herein comprised BF 48 HS/LS from Berry Plastics Corporation (Evansville, Ind.). Product description from the supplier describes the product as PET/PE/Foil/PE/Film, and indicates the following test specifications:
The sachets were placed onto the finished wood, but alternately between film side down, and paper side down. Test results were as follows:
Without wishing to be limited by theory, the inventors speculate that the performance of this film may be due at least in part to the low Oxygen Transfer Rate (O2TR or OTR) as characterized by ASTM D3985, and the low Water Vapor Transfer Rate (WVTR) as characterized by ASTM F1249.
Another exemplary film which may be used with exemplary embodiments of presently disclosed subject matter comprises RP7xxWB from Sealed Air (Charlotte, N.C.). Product description from the supplier describes the product as a laminated Rollstock with a PET skin and a White PE metallocene sealant, and indicates the following specifications:
Application Properties
Permeability Properties of Available Gauges (Typical Values)
1Typical values obtained from packaging equipment. Actual values will vary depending on equipment used and its operating conditions.
Without wishing to be limited by theory, the inventors speculate that the performance of this film may be due at least in part to the low Oxygen Transfer Rate (O2TR) as characterized by ASTM D3985, and the low Water Vapor Transfer Rate (WVTR) as characterized by ASTM F1249.
Mar Resistance on Cast Poly(Methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) Acrylic or Perspex Brand Man-Made PMMA Materials Sheets:
As the Compact Disk (CD) jewel cases were made from PMMA, a test was devised using a ¼″ cast PMMA sheet.
The thickness of a sample of the sheet material is measured using a micrometer. The sheet is cut into a circle of 66-70 mm diameter. This corresponds to the cap lid of Ball 4 oz Jelly Jar (Hearthmark LLC dba Jardin Home Brands, Fishers Ind.) with a standard mouth. These jars have a two-part lid. An essentially flat round metal surface that seals against the top of the wall of the glass jar, and a threaded collar, which compresses the lid against the glass jar mouth and locks the lid in place.
Fragranced vermiculite (the scent-impregnated materials in the above-referenced samples of fragrance paper sachets comprising paper envelopes that are glue-sealed enclosures) was stored in a Ball mason jar. 10 g+/−0.20 g was weighed into a Ball 4 oz Jelly Jar using a top pan chemical balance. The metal disk part of the lid was discarded and replaced with the paper, fabric, foil, or film to be tested. The screw collar was then used to lock the circular cut material over the mouth of the jar.
Each jar was then inverted and placed mouth-down onto the ¼″ thick clear cast poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) (available from hardware retailers such as The Home Depot), and the time was noted. The jar was lifted off of the sheet periodically and the area in contact with the portion of the sheet visible through the collar is assessed for damage. In this test, 22 different materials were tested.
After 16 hours, some noticeable clouding occurred under all of the woven and non-woven fabric materials, including beneath Tyvek® man-made fiber sheets. Clouding was also noticed beneath 130 micron thick low density poly(ethylene) (LDPE) and Reynold's Wax Paper.
Similar results were noted at 24 and 72 hours. As progress of damage was slow for most of the samples, the sheet was carefully moved outside and placed in a tote in the Atlanta Ga. afternoon sun, along with a maximum/minimum thermometer to record the high and low temperature. The samples were examined after a total of 8 days, 5 of which were in a temperature range of between 67° F. and 125° F. Sometimes the acrylic sheet was damaged, in some cases the material being tested was damaged in some way, and in other cases, both were damaged. The damage to the acrylic sheet was to change the way that light interacts with the area exposed to the fragrance, as if the refractive index or a dimension of the surface layer was changed. This had the effect that you could see where the replaced lid of the jar was placed on the sheet.
The nature of the damage to the cast acrylic sheet was interesting, as it did not correlate to the damage seen when sachets were placed on a CD jewel case, which turned cloudy. The two types of materials were assessed using crossed polarizing filters. Examination of the cast acrylic sheet used for the tests showed no stress marks were observed. However, examination of the plastics using crossed polarizing filters revealed multiple stress and flow marks in the CD jewel case, most likely due to the molding and/or extrusion process used during manufacturing.
Indeed, such PMMA (or “acrylic”) products are often manufactured using one of several thermoforming process. During these processes, cast acrylic sheet is warmed to a temperature above the glass transition temperature, but below the melting point of the plastic. The heated sheet is then fed on top of a hard material mold, which is the complimentary shape of the desired shape of the acrylic product. A force is then used to conform the sheet into the shape of the underlying mold. In the case of vacuum thermoforming, his force is typically air pressure differential, caused by establishing a partial vacuum on one side of the sheet, thereby forcing the sheet to deform around the mold. Alternatively, the force can be mechanical. In the case of mechanical forces, a second complimentary mold (also usually made from metal) is pressed down onto the first mold, with the hot sheet between the two molds. In this way, the sheet is forced to conform to the shape of both mold parts in manner that might be described as stamping. In either case, the sheet is allowed to cool to below the glass transition temperature in the deformed state before the force is relinquished. The thermoformed part is then ejected, and allowed to cool to room temperature.
However, during the thermoforming process, stresses are inherently introduced, because plastic flow is limited due to the temperature. These stresses become “frozen” in the final product once the temperature is lower than the material glass transition temperature. The stresses are apparent when the sheet is examined using two light polarizing filters. Polarized light is passed through the thermoformed object, and viewed through a second polarizing filter, orientated so that the polarizing plane of the second filter is perpendicular to the first. The internal stresses tend to rotate the plane of polarization of incoming light in such a way that the light can pass through the two filters and the object. The gradient in the internal stresses causes colors to become apparent, resembling contours which indicate the direction and extent of the internal stresses within the plastic. Such internal stresses are much fewer in a cast acrylic sheet, evident from examination using crossed polarizing light filters.
Without wishing to be limited by theory, the inventors suspect that fragrance oil induced clouding of thermoformed acrylic may be due to the inherent “frozen” stresses in the plastic.
As the process for damaging the cast acrylic sheet was taking too long, we elected to add additional essential oil to the vermiculite. 224 g of fragranced vermiculite from the sample fragranced paper envelope sachet was thoroughly mixed with 22.4 g of cinnamon oil (Now Essential oils, Bloomington Ill.) and 22.4 g of clove oil (Now Essential Oils). 12 g of this mixture was placed into 4 oz mason jars. A sheet of the material to be tested is cut into a circle of 66-70 mm diameter. This corresponds to the cap lid of Ball 4 oz Jelly Jar (Hearthmark LLC dba Jardin Home Brands, Fishers Ind.) with a standard mouth. These jars have a two-part lid. An essentially flat round metal surface that seals against the top of the wall of the glass jar, and a threaded collar, which compresses the lid against the glass jar mouth and locks the lid in place. The cut circular material to be tested was placed inside the metal band, and screwed onto the jar containing the fragranced vermiculite.
CD jewel cases were disassembled, and the flat portions—the lid and the back—were used for tests. The jars were inverted and placed onto the jewel case lids and back. The jars were not disturbed for 5 days in an air conditioned room. The minimum temperature reached was 68° F./20° C. and the max was 76° F./29° C. The jars were carefully lifted off the acrylic and carefully examined.
One measure of damage to the sheet is to assess the turbidity (“whiteness”) of the sheet, which may be assessed by comparing the marred area with McFarland Turbidity Standards contained in plastic cylindrical tubes. McFarland turbidity standards are sealed tubes of liquids containing a certain dilution of a latex, which makes the formulation turbid. The higher the concentration of the latex, the more turbid the liquid. They are recommended for estimating the concentration of bacteria in a liquid culture. The CD jewel cases were carefully examined in a shadow—that is to say, light impinged on the acrylic sheet from a low angle (from the side) while the turbidity was assessed from above. The turbidity of the PMMA jewel CD case was compared to the turbidity of the liquids in the McFarland tubes when viewed from the side of the sealed tubes and noted. The standards are compared by laying a sample tube on its side next to the marred area. Looking from above, through the center of the side wall of the tube in an area away from air bubbles, to the observer estimates whether the marring is worse or better than the standard selected. (McFarland 0.5, 1, 2, 3.) Other tubes are also compared until the one closest in turbidity to the damaged surface is identified.
Subject to specific test results for specific materials, packaging paper and similar materials may be used to thermally and ultrasonically bond to thermoplastics.
The damage level is recorded and then the inverted jar is replaced in the same spot after the assessment, so that damage can continue to accrue.
Direct Contact of Fragrance Oils onto Plastics.
1 drop of 100% pure cinnamon cassia (cinnamomum cassia) essential oil (available from Now Foods, Bloomingdale Ill.), was carefully dropped using a single-use disposable polyethylene dropping pipette from the height of approximately 1 inch onto various sheet plastic samples, laid flat. The intention was to assess damage due to fragrance oils. These samples were then placed into plastic ZipLock® bags for 4 days. The same process was used to also test one drop of 100% pure clove (eugenia caryophyllata) essential oil (Now Foods, Bloomingdale Ill.), on the same plastics.
However, an interesting and unexpected observation was made: The droplet initial contact angle was observed visually and estimated, but not measured. In the case of plastics thought to be likely to be attacked, the contact angle appeared to be very low indeed, compared to for instance HDPE. Indeed, drops of fragrance oil placed onto fragrance oil resilient materials such as HDPE made a typical dome shape with a measurable contact angle, estimated to be at least greater than 20°. In addition, the dome shape of the droplet on the plastic surface persisted for more than 1 minute.
γSG−γSL−γLG cos θC=0,
where the solid-vapor interfacial energy is denoted by γSG, the solid-liquid interfacial energy by γSL, the liquid-vapor interfacial energy (i.e. the surface tension) by γLG, and the equilibrium contact angle by calculated θC.
In the case of plastic materials that were suspected to be less resilient against the oil, and therefore not be a good barrier material, the behavior of a drop of oil carefully placed in a similar manner onto the flat, horizontal material was markedly different. In these cases, the droplet either did not form a characteristic dome shape or the dome shape collapsed within a minute, as the oil spontaneously spread onto the plastic surface. Either way, the contact angle was less than 20°.
The materials were assessed for damage caused by the liquid oils after 4 days at room temperature:
The agreement between the resilience of the materials and the contact angle/fragrance oil drop behavior on the surface is very good indeed. The one outlier is the metallized pet food bag packaging, which appears to be a multilayered composite of unknown materials. Surprisingly, these data also suggest that not all grades of PET are resistant to fragrance oils, and therefore, even though essentially made from the same polymer, not all would perform satisfactorily as the barrier material of a two-component sachet—however, it appears that we can tell from the contact angle and droplet behavior using cinnamon and clove fragrance oils which PET grades will be useful or not. Also, these data suggest several materials that are effective barriers to essential oils as well as some that are definitely not, even though the chemistry of the polymer is similar. For example, PET cut from a hot bar food container and PET cut from a drinking water bottle are both food grade PET made from virgin resin. Yet, one gives a low contact angle and is indeed attacked (and would therefore eventually allow fragrance to leak and escape) whereas the other source of PET had a high contact angle, and was an effective barrier material. In addition, the inventors believe that this test can distinguish vapor impermeable materials suitable for the construction of two-component fragrance sachets and those that are unsuitable, even if the polymers are essentially chemically the same.
Materials that protect proximal or contiguous surfaces from fragrant oil in the sachet may be incorporated into the presently disclosed sachet structure in many different ways. For instance, if an exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed fragrance sachet is intended to be free-standing, then the protective or barrier material could be formed into the shape of a receptacle (for example, a cup) in which the porous paper sachet sits. This embodiment can be rested upright on a surface without causing damage. If an exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed sachet is to be placed on a polished surface, then the side that is intended to contact the surface may comprise the barrier material, while the porous material faces away from the surface.
More specifically,
Feature 122 may comprise a general hook-shaped feature for engaging a surface or associated use location for securing its respective sachet 120. Feature 132 provides a formed opening, such as a circle or other shape, whereby such opening engages an intended surface or location for securing its respective sachet 130. Feature 142 may comprise a ribbon or other loop element attached to the body of it respective sachet 140, for engaging an intended surface or location.
Alternatively, a modification such as grommet 154 may be included in the design. In this way, the sachet embodiment 150 may for example be hung via a cord or ribbon 152 from a hanger, a hook, or a rear-view auto mirror, without directly contacting any finished surface. Such grommet 154 could be made from metal, or it could be made from a resilient plastic material. The grommet could be attached through a hole in the entire sachet that was cut separately, or it could be attached in a manner that stamps out the hole at the same time as fixing the grommet in place. Furthermore, a top seal bar such as at 156 may be incorporated into various of the presently disclosed exemplary embodiments in order to strengthen material used against ripping or tearing.
In particular,
Sufficient rigidity and desired strength can be related in the context of composite embodiments. For example, Reynold's wax paper has demonstrable water porosity and gross porosity that would tend to indicate sufficient diffusion properties for an exemplary embodiment, but general strength of a sheet of such material may be less than desired for given embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the strength of both paper and/or film features of any given exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter may be assessed in a variety of ways, to determine, for example, burst strength, ballistic strength, tear strength, wet tear strength, and others. Those of ordinary skill in the art will likewise understand and appreciate various tests that may be performed in making such assessments for any given embodiment.
It is also to be understood from the complete disclosure herewith that the strength of certain papers and films can be reinforced by using them together and/or making a composite through lamination. The presently disclosed subject matter is intended to fully encompass such composite variations as may be desired for particular target characteristics of particular exemplary embodiments. For example, silk charmeuse could be used in combination with wax paper to make a suitably strong but desirably performing diffuser, or non-woven materials could be laminated to wax paper or to a thinner filter paper to add desired strength. Another potential composite in accordance with presently disclosed subject matter is a nonwoven fabric called SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond). The meltblown PP film has very good porosity to moisture, yet is a high barrier to liquids, viruses, and bacteria, although the meltblown portion of the fabric itself is relatively delicate with little strength. In such instance, a much more open, much stronger spun bond fabric may be laminated on either side to provide the strength needed for use. Such resulting fabrics are for example of the type used in single use medical gowns, medical drapes, and the like.
In particular,
In particular, a generally round pouch shape is provided, with color markings which potentially could be representative of fruit such as an apple or cherry, or which represented an object such as a seasonal ornament. The illustration represents that alternative shape and marking combinations may be practiced as desired, without departing from the general encompassing features of the presently disclosed fragrance sachet subject matter. Further, various attachment features or means may be practiced, as represented by exemplary loop 192. In addition, such exemplary loop 192 represents that the attachment features may themselves optionally be decorated or include other aesthetic and/or useful markings.
In particular, as illustrated, the alternative embodiment of
In particular, the multi-component fragrance sachet generally 200 includes a supporting base structure generally 202, a pouch generally 204, and a pod or cover piece generally 206. Supporting base structure 202 may comprise, for example, a receptacle or cup-type shape formed from PET or PP materials. Alternative materials and shapes may be practiced, though a supportive, stable base which receives and/or effectively associates with the remaining components is preferred. For example, pouch 204 may comprise a component similar to the exemplary sachets illustrated in other figures as discussed herein, or may comprise a container formed from a single material, such as a filter-type material for passing fragrance therethrough from the enclosed content otherwise filling pouch 204. In some instances, such filter-type material may be the same or similar to coffee or teabag-type filter material.
The pod or cover piece generally 206 may comprise paper or some other breathable (i.e., fragrance permeable or filter-type) materials, to allow fragrance to be released from the sachet 200 as it passes from pouch 202. Further, pod 206 may include a coating on interior surfaces thereof, to facilitate its sealing or adhesion to base 202. Pod 206 may assume various shapes, but the provision of at least one tubular-shaped end 208 facilitates matching of such end with a circular shaped base. A relatively flattened end 210 generally results from sealing an end of a tubular construction. As referenced above, a string or similar element 212 may be provided for hanging of sachet 200. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand from the complete disclosure herewith that alternative mounting or attachment elements or means may be used, as suggested herein.
In particular such pod 206 may assume various forms and shapes, but a generally elongated and relatively enlarged shape allows pod 206 to serve as a cover piece of a pouch component 204. With such generally elongated and enlarged shape, a resulting length (line 214) is typically longer than a resulting width (line 216). While various sizes may be practiced as desired, one exemplary size may have a length 214 of about 4 inches and a width 216 of about 1.75 inches. Also, the generally straight tubular portion adjacent the open end 208 may have a height of about 1 inch, in order to facilitate mating with a base 202 which may be provided of similar height.
In particular,
As represented by
Once a tubular member is formed (
It should be understood that the shapes and configurations of
The present written description uses examples to disclose the presently disclosed subject matter, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the presently disclosed subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated, involved, or corresponding methods. While the presently disclosed subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily adapt the present technology for alterations or additions to, variations of, and/or equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations, and/or additions to the presently disclosed subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
This application claims the benefit of previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “FRAGRANCE SACHET,” assigned U.S. Ser. No. 62/405,079, filed Oct. 6, 2016, and previously filed U.S. Patent Application entitled “FRAGRANCE SACHET,” assigned U.S. Ser. No. 15/723,354, filed Oct. 3, 2017, both of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62405079 | Oct 2016 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15725463 | Oct 2017 | US |
| Child | 16666688 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15723354 | Oct 2017 | US |
| Child | 15725463 | US |
