HK1139082A - Independent fragrance sampling system - Google Patents

Description

Independent fragrance sampling system

[0001] Priority requirement

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No.60/860,304 filed on 21/11/2006, by David sisfrom, the same inventor as the present application. The contents of this provisional patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Statement of federally sponsored research

[0004] Is free of

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] The following includes information useful for understanding the teachings of the present invention. It is not admitted that any of the information provided herein is prior art or material to the subject matter that will be described or claimed, nor is it admitted that any of the publications or documents specifically or implicitly referenced are prior art.

[0007] Field of the invention

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention relate to providing sample scents. These fragrances may be used, for example, in personal care products, perfumes, shampoos, conditioners, soaps, household products, air fresheners, automotive products, candles, cleaners, detergents, food and beverage products, aerosols, or any product or article containing a fragrance, aroma, or aroma-emitting substance, wherein the product or article is promoted, displayed, offered for sale, or sold, is packaged or sealed in a self-contained unit, package, container, cartridge, bottle, can, box, bag, or other chamber.

[0009] Background of the invention

[0010] The sale of many products depends largely on their fragrance. In the past, it has been difficult for consumers or wholesale purchasers to assess the aroma of an article without opening the package, spraying and/or consuming some of the product for sale. It would be desirable to provide a device that allows a person to sample the scent of a product without consuming the product. It is also desirable to be able to provide the aroma of a product without relying on the product or its packaging.

[0011] Various solutions have been proposed that allow for fragrance sampling. For example, WIPO publication WO2006/060559 to Brookes et al discloses a dual compartment package for containing an air freshener and scent.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] The term "self-contained fragrance sampling system" or "IFSS" as used herein refers to embodiments of the present invention. Although the name given is "system," the IFSS may also be a device. In one embodiment, the IFSS is a self-contained unit that contains a fragrance, aroma, or aroma emitting substance for on-demand activation and release of controlled sampling, which substance can be attached to or incorporated into any package, article, product, fixture, or other medium. IFSS allows a consumer or user to sample the aroma, fragrance, or aroma of a product or item without opening the package, item, or product. This maintains the integrity of the package and product and keeps the seal intact. The aroma and IFSS aroma samples of the product may be the same aroma, or different aromas or aromas may be exposed to the consumer for selection.

[0014] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device for containing and releasing a fragrance, comprising: a housing defining a cavity containing a fragrance; at least one vent that communicates the cavity to atmosphere; and an actuator. The actuator may be operably connected to the vent. The actuator may be integral with the housing. In another embodiment, the vent has an open state and a closed state, and the actuator can place the vent in the open state. The transition from closed to open may be reversible or irreversible.

[0015] In another embodiment, the actuator generates pressure and moves scented air from the housing. In another embodiment, the actuator generates sufficient pressure to move the scented air contained in the housing. In another embodiment, the actuator is actuated by compression that forces the scent through the vent when the vent is in the open state.

[0016] Another embodiment provides a device wherein the actuator exposes a scented area of the housing. In another embodiment, the vent may be selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a slot, a hole, a channel, and a tube.

[0017] In another embodiment, the actuator is selected from the group consisting of a pressure-sensitive dome, blister, tab, button, slider, cover, snap, hatch, port, door, lift cap, and swivel cap. The scent may be present in a carrier that is received in the cavity.

[0018] The actuator may alternate the vent between an open state and a closed state. The transition from the closed state to the open state may be reversible or irreversible by the actuator. Another embodiment provides an array for containing and releasing a plurality of scents, said array comprising a plurality of devices as taught by the present invention.

[0019] In another embodiment, the housing includes a mounting area that includes an adhesive or epoxy. The device can be attached to a product, package, fixture, or display to provide a scent sample. The device may be attached by, for example, molding, profiling, wrapping, taping, clamping, tying, stapling, fastening, welding, adhering, or encasing.

[0020] In another embodiment, the inner and outer walls of the pressure-sensitive actuator region have support ridges or stability channels located from the top of the pressure-responsive manipulator and extending along the structure to or throughout the actuator base. In another embodiment, the inner and outer structures of the pressure sensitive actuator area have at least one compression ring positioned throughout the top to base of the actuator. In another embodiment, the inner and outer structures of the pressure sensitive actuator area have at least one diaphragm positioned along the structure from the top to the base of the actuator.

[0021] In another embodiment, multiple vents are operably connected to a single actuator. In another embodiment, the scent is contained on a carrier that is disposed in the cavity. The support may be, for example, but not limited to, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) pellets, EVA beads, blotters, pulp sheets, ceramics, waxes, process sheets, fiber sheets, films, and gels.

[0022] Description of the drawings

[0023] The following description, in conjunction with the drawings, provides a visual perspective to illustrate the versatility of the stand-alone scent sampling system of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates various forms and shapes that can accommodate a fragrance, aroma or aroma source. The model shown operates by pressing on the handle and shows a device that can be used as a stand alone unit or can be attached or integrated with the product by adhesion or other methods described herein; they comprise an actuator 1, a vent 3 and a cavity 5; embodiments may also include an adhesive backing 7; it should be noted that throughout the disclosure and figures, "actuator" and "actuator region" may be used interchangeably, "vent opening" and "vent region" may be used interchangeably, and "cavity", "housing" and "compartment" may be used interchangeably;

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a diagonal top view of a stand-alone fragrance sampling system having a slide operator actuator 1 that exposes a vent opening 3 upon sliding or pulling of the slide operator actuator 1 from a closed position;

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a top view and angled side view of a multi-compartment self-contained scent sampling system that can provide an array of scents, aromas, or aromas through individual vent openings;

[0027] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a folded compartment that releases a fragrance, scent, or aroma upon lifting or unfolding a vent opening to expose an emissive substance;

[0028] fig. 5 shows a stand-alone aroma sampling system with rotation to manipulate the top 1 to release the vent opening 3; again, the figure includes a schematic view with the top 9 removed to show a multi-compartment system, however, the system could equally be a single compartment, and furthermore a transparent top 11 is shown;

[0029] fig. 6 shows an example of a hinged lid part 1, which lid part 1 has to be opened and closed with a snap 13 to expose the ventilation opening; the cavity 5 is designed to effectively contain any fragrance, aroma or aromatic substance;

[0030] FIG. 7 shows a tubular stand-alone fragrance sampling system using a squeeze actuator 1, wherein the tubular form contains the fragrance, aroma or aromatic substance released through an exposed vent 3;

[0031] fig. 8 shows a stand-alone fragrance sampling system, where the telescopic actuator 1 has to be pulled to sample the fragrance, aroma or aroma within the cavity 5;

[0032] FIG. 9 shows a tubular stand-alone fragrance sampling system triggered by a pressure manipulation;

[0033] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a linkage press handle actuator system; it shows various vents; these models are used for curved, convex or irregularly shaped products or packages; also shown is a separate aroma sampling system applied to the cover 15;

[0034] FIG. 11 shows a self-contained fragrance sampling system being exposed by being pressed through a piece of tape, vinyl, cardboard or other material 17; the actuator region 1 and vent 3 will extend through the material to allow access; this design allows the flexibility of a stand-alone aroma sampling system to be effectively incorporated or added to any type of package;

[0035] fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a multi-compartment stand-alone fragrance sampling system using a cover actuator 1 to allow one array of fragrances, aromas or aromas to be sampled at a time through individual vents 3;

[0036] FIG. 13 illustrates a top oblique side view of various designs using compression rings and spacers on or around the actuator to reduce collapse, provide structural support, and for high volume sampling expansion use. The rings and baffles may be in the form, orientation and pattern of an array to produce a spring-back effect.

[0037] Figure 14 shows an IFSS using support ridges 19 and stability channels 21 on the structure of the pressure sensitive actuator 1. This provides support and strength to reduce collapse in the event of a compression of the manipulation zone. This additional stiffness allows the actuator 1 to operate the extended handling portion.

[0038] Fig. 15 shows an IFSS with a separate fragrance, scent, or aroma compartment connected to an actuator by a free-flowing air channel. The vent opening may be positioned near the actuator, near the fragrance, scent, or aroma compartment, or in close proximity to the unit.

[0039] Fig. 16 shows an IFSS having vent openings extending from a fragrance, scent, or aroma compartment and operated by a pressure-sensitive actuator. This reduces the need for the consumer or user to position himself precisely at the end of one of the exhaust openings. The plurality of openings release a wider range of flavors, fragrances or aromas to be sampled, which the consumer or user can experience further away from the system.

[0040] Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

[0041] The present teachings describe several different features and aspects of the present invention with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention includes many alternative embodiments, which may be realized by combining any of the various features and aspects described herein with technical features, which may be useful to those skilled in the art.

[0042] The elements of the IFSS may be directly attached or connected to the product, supply, or package by various techniques described later, or used in or on a separate device that may be displayed in proximity to the product to allow the consumer to sample the available single or multiple scents, aromas, or aromas. The IFSS may also be manufactured as a self-contained unit that is available, displayed, given away, sent, or mailed without a product to allow the manufacturer or any other person an opportunity to use the IFSS in a variety of situations and conditions. These conditions and conditions include, but are not limited to, research, testing, product management, and marketing as a tool to introduce a consumer or user with the flavor, aroma, odor, or aroma of a current, new, or potential supply or product.

[0043] IFSS is a cost effective tool because a consumer or user can sample a scent, aroma, or aroma without disturbing the package, supply, or product. The IFSS can provide greater cost savings in marketing, product development, consumer research, testing, investigation, sampling, and delivery because it can reduce the likelihood of missing or missing components, breaking seals, damage, leaks or spills, opened or damaged packages, and/or supplies or products, any of which may interfere with the sale or use of the supplies. The IFSS allows the item or product to remain intact and fresh and allows the package to remain sealed and intact while providing the purchaser or user with the opportunity to smell and sample the aroma, fragrance, or aroma used or contained in the product or item prior to purchase or use. Where a user or consumer may be familiar with an existing supply or product, the manufacturer or marketer may obtain valuable feedback regarding new, experimental or potential aromas, aromas or aromas prior to producing the final product.

[0044] The aroma, fragrance, or aroma of the item or product may be the same as that contained in the IFSS, or the IFSS may have multiple segments, sections, or compartments containing multiple aromas, fragrances, or aromas to introduce the entire product line when desired.

[0045]1, functionality

[0046] IFSS is a self-contained unit with an actuator region that can be made with a variety of release mechanisms. These mechanisms may be operable to sample the scents, aromas, or aromas contained in the IFSS. The release mechanism may take the form and design of, but is not limited to, the following: which may form pressure responsive buttons, cylinders, channels, chambers or actuator regions on the unit. This mechanism or actuator region may include or may be shaped to form a dome, blister, protrusion, dome, boss, arch or other compressed shape or other flexible and collapsible region or chamber that can be manipulated by compression with a finger or other pressure or slight squeezing. This reduces the volume of air in the IFSS unit, allowing scented or scented air to be released into the surrounding air to be ejected or blown out through the one or more exhaust openings.

[0047] In addition to the pressure responsive region, the actuator region may also form a cover, lid, snap, lever, vent, hatch, tray, door, port, slide, etc. that can be manipulated to expose or open and reseal a vent region on the IFSS. A simple sliding, pulling, twisting, lifting or other method will open and expose a vent for a self-contained sample of the fragrance, aroma or aroma contained in the IFSS to allow the air surrounding the unit to become saturated with the fragrance, aroma or aroma, so that the fragrance, aroma or aroma can be sampled.

[0048] The actuator region mechanism is designed to employ rupturable, formable, durable, stretchable, flexible and/or memory materials, as well as other materials mentioned later, while the shape, size, thickness, size, stiffness, hardness, form, construction and materials of the design can vary according to the needs of the product.

[0049] The venting openings release a fragrance, aroma, or aroma and may be shaped or formed as vents, channels, tubes, grooves, holes, or other openings located on the IFSS. These openings also help to control the release load of the fragrance, aroma or aroma.

[0050] In another embodiment of the invention, multiple vents are connected to a single cavity and operated by one or more actuators. This allows the fragrance to be spread over a wider area than would be obtained by using a single vent/actuator combination.

[0051] The consumer may trigger or experience the scent in the IFSS by simply following the following instructions: "pressing", "squeezing", "retracting", "releasing", "pulling", "sliding", "lifting", "twisting", "turning", "pushing" or "opening" the actuator and the venting portion of the "sniffing" unit. The design and function of the IFSS unit provides portability of other devices attached to any packaging, package, display, while its design allows it to be a completely self-contained aroma sampling system. This provides the consumer or user with the opportunity to experience the aroma, fragrance, or fragrance of the product prior to purchasing or using the product.

[0052]2, use of IFSS

[0053] The IFSS has the flexibility to be engaged, attached, combined, or used with or on virtually any shape, size, or form of packaging, item, or product. The IFSS can be disposed on virtually any location on a package, article, or product containing a fragrance, scent, or aroma emitting substance, or can be placed on a shelf, fixture, or other device in close proximity to the package, article, or product. In most cases, the IFSS can be added without any modification to existing packaging designs or current packaging, or with only minor modifications, which saves labor, configuration, processing, and production costs.

[0054] Attaching IFSS to packaging, goods or products

[0055] The IFSS may be attached or bonded to the package, article, or product by various technical means, but is not limited to: mounting with an adhesive or epoxy, forming or shaping directly onto the package, blister or clamshell of the product, profiling onto the package or product shape, molding or attaching to the package or product, shrinking or plastically wrapping, taping, clamping, tying, stapling, fastening, welding, boxing, or other methods of attaching the IFSS to the product or article known to those skilled in the art.

[0056]4, non-attached IFSS Placement on Fixture or device

[0057] The IFSS elements need not be directly attached or connected to the package, item, or product. It may also be attached, incorporated, or placed in or on a separate fixture or device, such as a shelf, counter, display, or other object that allows for the sampling of flavors, aromas, or aromas remote from the product, package, or supply. The fixture or device can be of any shape, size or design and constructed of virtually any material that merely holds the IFSS, enabling it to be positioned or displayed in an area adjacent to the article or product to allow a user or consumer to sample. The fixture or device can be designed to hold one or an array of available scents, aromas or aromas.

[0058]5, Portable unattached IFSS

[0059] The IFSS has valuable portability in that it does not have to be attached or connected to (although it can be) a package, item or product. The portability of the IFSS allows the unit to be used without relying on any packaging or fixtures, which enables the use, gifting, or delivery of a sample of a fragrance, aroma, or aroma without the actual supply or product attached to the IFSS. Portability allows the IFSS to be used as a handheld unit for demonstration, sampling, free samples, mail, or other purposes. For example, a perfume salesperson may manipulate a trigger on the IFSS, allowing a consumer or other person to smell one perfume or the entire product line. The IFSS can also be distributed, used, shipped or mailed as a separate marketing tool to reveal or introduce the aroma, fragrance or aroma of a product or new potential product.

[0060]6, size

[0061] The IFSS can be made with virtually any size. This flexibility allows it to be used with very small to very large packages, supplies and products. The size of the IFSS also controls the scent released and the amount of usage that the unit can dispense. A smaller IFSS is ideal for sampling a small number of individuals, while a larger unit can support high volume use and provide a longer shelf life for sample flavor, aroma, or aroma.

[0062]7, shape

[0063] The IFSS is not intended to be a specific shape so long as it is capable of containing and releasing a fragrance and is capable of satisfying any other requirements herein. This enables it to be used on any package, article or product. The variability in shape allows the unit to conform to or attach to an irregular shape or surface area, a smooth or rough surface, and allows the unit to be placed or positioned on any area of the package, item, or product.

[0064]8, IFSS component

[0065] IFSS can be manufactured using, but is not limited to, any of the following methods: thermoforming, vacuum forming, injection molding, casting, blow molding, or heat sealing. IFSS may be constructed of, but is not limited to, a variety of materials: polyethylene terephthalate (also known as PETG or PET), polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), vinyl, natural and synthetic, resins, fibers, coated substrates, films, or other materials known to those skilled in the art. The material may be in any of the following forms: rolls, sheets, pellets, film forms, solids, or other forms.

[0066] Aroma, fragrance and fragrance generating material

[0067] The flavor, aroma, or aroma of the IFSS can be managed, stored, or contained by the carrier. Exemplary carriers include, but are not limited to, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) pellets or beads, blotters or materials, pulp board, ceramics, waxes, process board, fibrous materials and boards, films, or other materials known to those skilled in the art that have been permeated with synthetic or essential oils, fragrances, aromas, and aromas. In a preferred embodiment, a gel carrier is used, wherein the gel is added to the IFSS in liquid form and solidifies prior to use. In addition, the actual material or formulation in the commodity or product may also be used as a flavor filler in an IFSS.

[0068] IFSS enables manufacturers or marketers to provide users or consumers with an opportunity to evaluate the aroma, fragrance, or aroma of their supplies or products to assist the user or consumer in forming a view of the supply or product prior to using or purchasing the supply. The IFSS makes an easy-to-trigger system for users and consumers that allows manufacturers or marketers to easily match or incorporate IFSS units to their packages, supplies or products while saving costs in marketing, product development, consumer research, testing, research and sampling, and shipping.

[0069] IFSS is a completely self-contained unit. It can be suitably and flexibly used in conjunction with almost any product, article, and package, or it can be used separately as a stand-alone unit, not necessarily as part of a package. The IFSS may be combined with a variety of articles including, but not limited to: a bottle, can, box, bag, container, cylinder, bottle, can, basket, box, bag, or other chamber that does not contain a sandwich. Furthermore, if the IFSS is used, for example, as a sampling device, it does not have to include any product. IFSS is well suited for incorporation into fixtures, display units, and other devices. Similarly, the IFSS is designed to accommodate one or more scents using one or more compartments.

[0070] The IFSS may have one or more actuator regions for releasing a fragrance, aroma, or aroma through a variety of functions and forms. For example, the IFSS may be triggered to expose a fragrance, aroma, or aroma through a vent of the unit in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: "squeeze", "retract", "release", "press", "pull", "slide", "lift", "twist", "turn", "push", or "open". In addition to the pressure responsive region, the actuator region may form a lid, cover, snap, rod, vent, hatch, tray, door, port, slider, or other actuator.

[0071] Patents, patent applications, publications, scientific articles, books, and other documents and materials referred to or mentioned herein, are indicative of the level of expertise of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains at the time of the filing date of the various publications, and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The content of a document in this specification is not to be taken as an admission that the document represents prior invention or prior art for any purpose.

[0072] The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, whether or not such equivalents are presented, shown and described herein, or whether or not such equivalents are viewed as being foreseeable. It should be recognized that variations are within the scope of the invention as claimed, whether such claims have been substituted or modified for any reason or not. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and selected features, modification and variation of the inventions herein disclosed or practiced elsewhere can be made by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the inventions disclosed and claimed herein.

[0073] The specific methods and apparatus described herein are exemplary and representative of preferred embodiments and are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Other objects, aspects and embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification, and are included within the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims. Where examples are given, the description thereof should be regarded as including, but not limited to, only these examples.

[0074] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made to the invention as described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. From the description of the invention, including those schematically described herein, it will be apparent that various modifications and equivalents may be used to practice the concepts of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Thus, for example, additional embodiments are within the scope of the invention and are within the following claims.

Claims (23)

1. A device for containing and releasing a fragrance, comprising:

a. a housing defining a cavity containing a fragrance;

b. at least one vent that communicates the cavity to atmosphere;

c. an actuator.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the vent has an open state and a closed state, the actuator placing the vent in the open state.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator generates pressure and removes scented air from the housing.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator is integral with the housing.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator is actuated by compression that forces a scent through the vent when the vent is in an open state.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator exposes a scented region in the housing.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the vent is selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, a groove, a hole, a channel, and a tube.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of a pressure-sensitive dome, an arch, a dome, a blister, a tab, a button, a slide, a lid, a cover, a snap, a hatch, a port, a door, a lift cap, and a swivel cap.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the scent is present in a carrier, the carrier being received in the cavity.

10. The device of claim 2, wherein the actuator alternates the vent between the open state and the closed state.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the transition from the closed state to the open state can be reversible or irreversible by the actuator.

12. An array for containing and releasing a plurality of scents, said array comprising a plurality of devices according to claim 1.

13. The device of claim 2, wherein the transition of the vent from the closed state to the open state is reversible.

14. The device of claim 2, wherein the transition from the closed state to the open state is irreversible by the actuator.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a mounting area comprising an adhesive or epoxy.

16. A method for providing a scent sample comprising attaching the device of claim 1 to an object selected from the group consisting of a product, a package, a fixture, or a display.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the device is attached to the object by at least one of molding, profiling, wrapping, taping, clamping, tying, stapling, clasping, welding, adhering, or boxing.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer walls of the pressure-sensitive actuator region have support ridges or stability channels located from the top of the pressure-responsive manipulator and extending along the structure to or throughout the actuator base.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer structures of the pressure sensitive actuator area have at least one compression ring positioned throughout the top to base of the actuator.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner and outer structures of the pressure sensitive actuator area have at least one diaphragm positioned along the structure from the top to the base of the actuator.

21. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of vents operably connected to a single actuator.

22. The device of claim 1, wherein the scent is contained on a carrier, the carrier being disposed in the cavity.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the carrier is selected from the group consisting of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) pellets, EVA beads, blotter paper, pulp board, ceramics, wax, process board, fiber board, film, and gel.