NL2015083B1 - Method for releasing volatile aromatic compounds. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for releasing volatile aromatic compounds into an environment closely associated with an individual. The invention further relates to a body wearable fashion accessory comprising a fragrance. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for releasing volatile aromatic compounds into an environment closely associated with an individual, during a prolonged period of time, said method comprises the step of providing said individual with a body wearable fashion accessory during said prolonged period of time, wherein said body wearable fashion accessory comprises of a fragrance.

Description

METHOD FOR RELEASING VOLATILE AROMATIC COMPOUNDS Description

The present invention relates to a method for releasing volatile aromatic compounds into an environment closely associated with an individual. The invention further relates to a body wearable fashion accessory comprising a fragrance.

Fragrances are used over the past two millennia for their abilities to create pleasant aromas or eliminate unpleasant odours. Although fragrances are primarily used for odour elimination, they are also used for the pleasant odours they emit. They even are able to stimulate or evoke a response of the human brain. The capacities for both smell and emotion are rooted in the same network of brain structures, the limbic system. The olfactory centre interacts directly with the hippocampus, which is part of the limbic system.

Sense of smell is very important for peoples well being. For instance, it is known that people who are suffering from anosmia have a complete loss of the sense of smell, which often leads to depression. Conversely, people with severe depression often show a diminished sensitivity to odours. Scents can have positive effects on mood, anti-depressive, stress reduction, sleep enhancement, self-confidence, mental concentration, improve pain tolerance and physical and cognitive performance. By becoming more aware of the way a specific odour(s) can affect the individual, it might be possible to enhance or modify health and well-being.

Essential oils can be used in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a branch of alternative medicine that makes use of essential oils and other aromatic compounds to obtain a curative effects. Oils are volatilized or diluted in carrier oil and used in massage, diffused in the air by a nebulizer, heated over a candle flame, or burned as incense.

Problem with current aromatherapies is that the duration of the fragrance experience by the patient is for a short time period. When the patient leaves the room in which the fragrances are emitted into the surroundings, the individual can not detect and experience the scent anymore. To be able to obtain an efficient and constant aromatherapy the individual needs to experience the scent in a more prolonged and continues manner. A major problem is that most fragrances that are emitted are very volatile and will quickly dissociate into the surroundings, as such the individual can not detect and experience the scent anymore. A fine balance exists between the volatility and prolonged odour release emitted by the fragrance.

In the art, several approaches have been suggested to solve the above problem of rapid dissociation of the scent as such an individual can not detect and experience the scent anymore. Delivery of the fragrance by continuous action is used for instance in scented candles and air refresher devices which use a flame or some other heat source to vaporize a fragrance formulation.

Some air refreshers make use of wall plug-ins which either to aerosolize fragrance using piezoelectric technology or heat to vaporize it. These applications are location based and not very mobile in respect to the individual. When the individual leaves the particular location or room, the scent disappears. In addition, a high volume of fragrance is needed to obtain a prolonged and continues scent experience by the individual. In for example large spaces, it may be very inefficient and expensive to obtain a constant scent in the room and to keep the scent constant for the individual.

Despite the above, there is a continuing need in the art for alternative solutions for prolonged odour release emitted by the fragrance as such the individual can detect and experience the scent for a prolonged period of time, and a scent that is not restricted to a fixed location where the individual is present.

It is an object of the present invention, amongst other objects, to address the above need in the art. The object of present invention, amongst other objects, according to a first aspect, met by the present invention through methods as defined in the appended claims.

Specifically, this object of the present invention, amongst other objects, is met by the present invention through methods for releasing volatile aromatic compounds into an environment closely associated with an individual, during a prolonged period of time, said method comprises the step of providing said individual with a body wearable fashion accessory during said prolonged period of time, wherein said body wearable fashion accessory comprises of a fragrance.

Volatile aromatic compounds have a scent or odor when it is sufficiently volatile to be transported to the olfactory system in the upper part of the nose. Fragrances like perfumes, eau de cologne or perfume extracts typically are less concentrated in volatile aromatic compounds, whereas aromatic oils like essential oils are more concentrated in volatile aromatic compounds. Fragrances comprise of a substance that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor, especially a volatile liquid distilled from flowers, wood, spices or prepared synthetically mixed with an alcohol or other solvent. Perfume contains 20 to 40% of volatile liquid and represents the fragrance with the highest concentration of volatile aromatic compounds; eau de toilette contains 10 to 18%, and cologne or eau de cologne contains 3 to 9%.

According to the present invention a fragrance comprises of a composition of one or more essential oils that release a volatile aromatic compound, odorant, aroma or flavour. A fragrance reflects the concentration of aromatic compounds in the solvent, which is typically ethanol or a mix of water and ethanol. The intensity and longevity of a fragrance is based on the concentration, intensity and longevity of the aromatic compounds used: As the percentage of aromatic compounds increases, so does the intensity and longevity of the scent created. Therefor volatility, viscosity and the prolonged release of the fragrance are determined by the percentage of essential oils of the fragrance.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present method, a fragrance comprises of essential oils with a preferred percentage of essential oils between 50% to 80% v/v, preferably 60% v/v, more preferably 70% v/v, most preferably 75% v/v of said fragrance. Said fragrance further comprises a composition of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, liquid waxes, dipropyleneglycol (DPG) and mixtures thereof, most preferably DPG. Here, v/v represents the concentration of aromatic compounds in a solvent of said fragrance. For instance a fragrance with a volume of 100 ml with a percentage of essential oils of 75% v/v, comprises 75 ml of essential oils.

According to the present invention, the volatile aromatic compounds are released into an environment that is closely associated with an individual. The environment closely associated with an individual comprises a concentration of the fragrance sufficient to trigger a response of the olfactory sensory system sufficient for said individual to sense said fragrance. There must be an optimal balance between viscosity and volatility of the fragrance in order to achieve that the scent of a fragrance induces an effect on the individual, and that this induction is continuous and long lasting for the individual. Viscosity of the fragrance should be sufficiently liquid for a prolonged effect over time, and still be absorbable by the body wearable fashion accessory. In addition, the fragrance should be sufficiently volatile to trigger a response of the olfactory system, but not too volatile as the scent will not be long lasting and continues.

According to the present invention, the prolonged period of time for releasing volatile aromatic compounds into an environment closely associated with an individual ranges from at least 3 days, preferably at least 2 weeks, more preferably at least 4 weeks, most preferably at least 5 weeks. During said prolonged period of time the individual is able to sense the volatile aromatic compounds, sufficient to trigger a response of the olfactory sensory system.

According to the present invention, the method comprises the step of providing said individual with a body wearable fashion accessory. The body wearable fashion accessory is selected from the group consisting of a wrist bracelet, ankle bracelet, necklace, headband, scarf, hand glove, ring and napkin, most preferably a wrist bracelet, including accessories like beads and other decorative elements generally used in the body wearable fashion accessories. The accessories that accompany the body wearable fashion accessory, like beads, pendants, rings, clasps, etc. can also comprise a fragrance. Since the body wearable fashion accessory is worn in close association with the individual, the scent will always be present, independently of the location of the individual. Therefor the scent experience will be continues and is not restricted to the location where the individual is present.

The body wearable fashion accessory comprises the fragrance including the volatile aromatic compounds. Therefore the body wearable fashion should be able to absorb, resorb, contain and/or receive the fragrance. According to a preferred embodiment of the present methods, the body wearable fashion accessory is configured to be capable of absorption of said fragrance. The body wearable fashion accessory is made of leather, suede, cotton, terrycloth, foam, plastics, wood, wool, paper, and combinations thereof. The important property of the material is that it is preferably capable of absorbing the fragrance, e.g. into the pores or coves of the material. Preferred materials for the body wearable fashion accessory are terrycloth, leather, suede of cotton because of their optimal fragrance absorbing properties. But when using plastics for instance, nylon has preferred absorbing capabilities. For wood, uncoated surfaces are preferred because of the most optimal absorbance of the fragrance into the wood material.

The present invention, according to a second aspect, relates to a body wearable fashion accessory comprising a fragrance, said fragrance comprises one or more essential oils, with a preferred percentage of essential oils between 50% to 80% v/v, preferably 60% v/v, more preferably 70% v/v, most preferably 75% v/v of said fragrance, said fragrance further comprises of a composition of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, liquid waxes, dipropyleneglycol (DPG) and mixtures thereof, most preferably DPG.

According to a preferred embodiment of this second aspect of the present invention, the body wearable fashion accessory is used for inducing a happiness effect, optimism effect, anti-depressive effect, relaxing effect, effect of clearing the respiratory tract, an improved focus effect, reviving effect, thrill effect, and erotically excited effect. The body wearable fashion accessory provides an individual with a constant aromatherapy. Individuals or patient groups that can benefit from constant aromatherapy are for instance people suffering from ADHD, anxiety, nausea, concentration problems, depression, stress-related disorders, respiratory disorders and/or pain relief. Aromatherapy can provide a useful complementary medical treatment both in healthcare and in private setting.

Clauses 1. Method for releasing volatile aromatic compounds into an environment closely associated with an individual, during a prolonged period of time, said method comprises the step of providing said individual with a body wearable fashion accessory during said prolonged period of time, wherein said body wearable fashion accessory comprises of a fragrance. 2. Method according to claim 1, wherein said fragrance comprises of a composition of one or more essential oils. 3. Method according to any of the claims 1 and 2, wherein volatility, viscosity and said prolonged release of said fragrance is determined by a percentage of said essential oils of said fragrance, with a preferred percentage of essential oils between 50% to 80% v/v, preferably 60% v/v, more preferably 70% v/v, most preferably 75% v/v of said fragrance. 4. Method according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein said fragrance further comprises of a composition of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, liquid waxes, dipropyleneglycol (DPG) and mixtures thereof, most preferably DPG. 5. Method according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein said environment closely associated with an individual comprises a concentration of said fragrance sufficient to trigger a response of the olfactory sensory system sufficient for said individual to sense said fragrance. 6. Method according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein said prolonged period of time ranges from at least 3 days, preferably at least 2 weeks, more preferably at least 4 weeks, most preferably at least 5 weeks. 7. Method according to any of the claims 1 to 6, wherein said body wearable fashion accessory is selected from the group consisting of a wrist bracelet, ankle bracelet, necklace, headband, scarf, hand glove, ring and napkin, most preferably a wrist bracelet, including accessories like beads and other decorative elements. 8. Method according to any of the claims 1 to 7, wherein said body wearable fashion accessory is made of leather, suede, cotton, terrycloth, foam, plastics, wood, wool, paper, and combinations thereof. 9. Method according to any of the claims 1 to 8, wherein said body wearable fashion accessory is configured to be capable of absorption of said fragrance. 10. Body wearable fashion accessory comprising a fragrance, said fragrance comprises one or more essential oils, with a preferred percentage of essential oils between 50% to 80% v/v, preferably 60% v/v, more preferably 70% v/v, most preferably 75% v/v of said fragrance, said fragrance further comprises of a composition of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, liquid waxes, dipropyleneglycol (DPG) and mixtures thereof, most preferably DPG. 11. Body wearable fashion accessory according to claim 10 is selected from the group consisting of a wrist bracelet, ankle bracelet, necklace, headband, scarf, beanie, hand glove, ring and napkin, most preferably a wrist bracelet, including accessories like beads and other decorative elements. 12. Body wearable fashion accessory according to any of the claims 10 and 11, wherein said body wearable fashion accessory is made of leather, suede, cotton, terrycloth, foam, plastics, wood, wool, paper, and combinations thereof. 13. Body wearable fashion accessory according to any of the claims 10 to 12, wherein said body wearable fashion accessory is configured to be capable of absorption of said fragrance. 14. Body wearable fashion accessory according to any of the claims 10 to 13 for inducing a happiness effect, optimism effect, anti-depressive effect, relaxing effect, effect of clearing the respiratory tract, an improved focus effect, reviving effect, thrill effect, and erotically excited effect.

Claims (5)

A method of releasing volatile aromatic compounds in an environment closely related to an individual for an extended period of time, said method comprising the step of providing said individual with a body-portable fashion accessory for said longer period of time, wherein the body wearable fashion accessory is made of leather, suede, cotton, terry, foam, wool, paper and combinations thereof, the longer period of time lasting up to at least 3 days, said body-wearable fashion accessory comprising a fragrance, said fragrance constituting a composition of one or more essential oils, wherein volatility, viscosity and prolonged release of the odor is determined by a percentage of the essential oils of said odor, with a preferred percentage of essential oils between 50% to 80% v / v of the mentioned odor. The method of claim 1, wherein said odor further comprises a composition of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, liquid waxes, dipropylene glycol (DPG) and mixtures thereof, preferably DPG. A method according to any of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said body-portable fashion accessory is selected from the group consisting of a wristband, anklet, necklace, headband, scarf, glove, ring and napkin, most preferably a wristband, including accessories such as beads and other decorative elements. A body-portable fashion accessory comprising an odor, wherein the body-portable fashion accessory is made of leather, suede, cotton, terry, foam, wool, paper and combinations thereof, said odor comprising one or more essential oils, with a preferred percentage of essential oils between 50% to 80% v / v, preferably 60% v / v, more preferably 70% v / v and most preferably 75% v / v of said odor, which further comprises a composition of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, liquid waxes, dipropylene glycol (DPG) and mixtures thereof, most preferably DPG. A body-wearable fashion accessory according to claim 4 is selected from the group consisting of a wristband, anklet, necklace, headband, scarf, hat, glove, ring and napkin, most preferably a wristband, including accessories such as beads and other decorative elements.