WO2003052033A2

WO2003052033A2 - Waterproof fragrance releasing device and products incorporating same

Info

Publication number: WO2003052033A2
Application number: PCT/US2002/040343
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kasper H. Bejoian
Original assignee: Asa Techwear, Inc.
Priority date: 2001-12-18
Filing date: 2002-12-17
Publication date: 2003-06-26
Also published as: AU2002359728A8; WO2003052033A3; AU2002359728A1

Abstract

A long lasting environmental odor altering device (1310) comprising a carrier member defining a plurality of voids is disclosed. An odor altering material is incorporated within the voids of the carrier member to form an odor altering member comprised of the carrier member and the odor altering material (1344). An envelope (1140) may be used to contain the carrier member and comprises, at least in part, an envelope portion made of material which is both water impermeable (1364) and scent permeable (1366). An attachment member (1374) is attached to the envelope and attached or attachable to an object. The device may be attached to a bed sheet at the hem of the sheet by stitching or any other suitable means. The odor altering member may comprise a soft material and optionally may be made of fibers or a porous member that has been dipped in a fragrance or odor neutralizing or trapping material.

Description

WATERPROOF FRAGRANCE RELEASING DEVICE AND PRODUCTS INCORPORATING SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to scent emitting and/or modifying devices intended to function after prolonged or high-intensity exposure to high humidity and/or direct contact with water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It has been suggested that the sense of smell is the most powerful sensory input. It can produce reactions ranging from, at one end of the spectrum, the pure delight of a breathfull of air from a bouquet of violets to violently overpowering and unpleasant reactions. The range of olfactory stimuli is also remarkably diverse, including a range of flower scents, a diverse range of cooked food scents, such as roasted meat, broccoli and fish, pine scents, ozone, cold air, spice scents like cinnamon and cloves, herbal scents like tarragon and chamomile, food scents like strawberries and oranges, coffee, chocolate, chemical scents like turpentine and acetone, smoke, and so forth.

Not surprisingly, scents, which are an integral element of every part of our lives, have been integrated into virtually every category of product. Scent emitting devices for rooms, perfumes, scented soaps, scented dishwasher detergents, room potpourri, and closet sachets are only a few examples of the application of scents to various products. In addition, more exotic applications of scents are found, such as scent emitting plastics and the use of fragrance to make a used car smell like a new car.

Not surprisingly, in view of the extensive use of fragrance and related products in connection with the body, whether as perfume, in shampoo or as a deodorant, in relatively recent years clothing has seen some application of fragrance. For example, fragrances have been used in connection with washing machine detergents, sachets for clothes dryers, and drawer and closet cachets. While not seeing any widespread commercial success, fragrance-emitting brassieres have also been developed. Such products are disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 6,089,953 to Chen and U. S. Patent No. 6,102,773 to Wu, et al. U. S. Patent No. 6,089,953 relates to a brassiere that incorporates packets of fragrant substances within a pouch. U. S. Patent No. 6,102,773 relates to a perfumed brassiere in which a solid form perfumed material is arranged on the periphery of hard support elements. The material is intended to emit some fragrance for a prolonged period of time, and endure to a limited degree through multiple washings. More particularly, the non-liquid, perfumed material is in solid form with the objective of enduring multiple washings. The perfumed material is disposed inside a strip-shaped air permeable sac which can be made from air permeable cloth or equivalent materials so that the scent of the perfumed material can diffuse to the environment. U. S. Patent No. 5,809,577 to Getz teaches scented undergarments, sleep wear, outerwear and footwear. This patent teaches placing a fragrance element inside a chamber of the garment. The chamber containing the fragrance element is positioned in an area of the garment where the fragrance may be noticed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides bed linens, garments, accessories or furnishings comprising a water and/or detergent resistant long-lasting fragrance emitting member. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of a bed linen, garment, accessory or furnishing contains or comprises a water insoluble, scent emitting member.

In accordance with one embodiment, the scent emitting member is non-solubilizing in water, even after multiple launderings. The scent emitting member is made of a fragrance carrying element, and a fragrance element. The fragrance element may be a perfume, pheromone, fragrant oil or extract, synthetic fragrance or material designed to absorb or neutralize smells.

The fragrance carrying element may be made of a material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyesters, polyelectides, or other suitable plastic polymer or optionally a biodegradable fiber from the poly-lactide family, such as polyisobutylene. The fragrance element is incorporated within the fragrance carrying element to form a scent emitting plastic member, using techniques known in the art to form scent emitting plastics.

The scent emitting member may be formed into a structural element, such as a snap, button, zipper, hook and eye, buckle, ring, headband, strap adjusting member, collar stay, brassiere underwire, or an attaching member of the type comprising a dense arrangement of tiny nylon hooks and dense nylon pile that interlock when pressed together. The structural element can also be a cushion, pillow or padding that is an integral part of the garment, accessory or furnishing.

In accordance with the invention, the scent emitting member can be formed into thin strands. These thin strands are capable of being intermingled with strands of natural or synthetic material to create a scent emitting thread or yarn. The yarn, thread or fiber may be interwoven into the fabric of the garment, accessory or furnishing or used to bind together pieces of the garment, accessory or furnishing.

Further, the structural element can be made of a hard skeleton with the scent emitting member deposited as a coating over the structural element. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, scent is released from the scent emitting member associated with a garment or undergarment when the scent emitting member is exposed to a provocating factor such as perspiration, moisture, pH, enzymes, chemicals or gaseous emissions of or on the body, body heat, indigenous bacterial byproducts, pressure on the scent emitting element, shearing forces applied to the scent emitting member, or photosensitivity of the scent emitting member. In addition, the garment, accessory or furnishing can contain multiple structural elements all containing the same fragrance.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the user is able to expose or seal off one or more of the scent emitting elements through the use of a cover to modulate the amount of scent released.

In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the scent emitting element is a chamber comprising, at least in part, a material which has the characteristic of allowing the escape of fragrance, while at the same time preventing contact between external liquids such as water, soapy water, and detergent and water solutions forming, for example, the wash water in a washing machine in which an inventive garment or linen is being washed.

The present invention is especially useful in applications where an article or area is likely to be exposed to direct contact with water or to humidity under conditions which result in condensation and resultant direct contact between the scent emitting device and water. The inventive device is of particular value in relatively wet indoor environments, such as shower stalls and bathrooms, where repeated exposure to water is likely. The inventive device is also useful outdoors where rain, as well as temperature changes combined with high humidity are likely to generate conditions which will result in water condensing and leaching away fragrance materials in less water hardy prior art scent emitting devices. The present invention is also useful in conjunction with bed linens and articles of clothing, especially undergarments, which must undergo repeated washings.

The inventive device has a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic and comprises a carrier member defining a plurality of voids. An odor altering material is incorporated within the voids of the carrier member to form an odor altering member comprised of the carrier member and the odor altering material. An envelope contains the carrier member and comprises, at least in part, an envelope portion made of a material which is both water impermeable and scent permeable. An attachment member is attached to the envelope and attached or attachable to an object. The device may be attached to a bed sheet at the hem or contained in the hem of the sheet by stitching or any other suitable means.

The odor altering member may comprise a soft material and optionally may be made of a fiber which comprises a synthetic plastic resin with micropores that contain scent. Alternatively, the odor altering member may comprise a porous member that has been dipped in a fragrance or odor neutralizing or trapping material.

The invention contemplates that the inventive device may alternatively introduce a masking fragrance or a pleasant fragrance, or provide for the neutralization of an odor through the use an odor neutralizing or absorbing material, such as a metal complex comprising 1:1 dialkali monometal polyfunctional organic ligand chelate, where the metal complex acts as an oxidation catalyst in the presence of oxygen to chemically neutralize a source of malodor, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,534,249 of Maurer.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the envelope is made of an envelope material, which is soft and comfortable to the human touch, and substantially does not make noise when wrinkled.

The inventive device may function to provide a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristics making it employable as an area deodorizer. This may be accomplished through the provision of an attachment member comprising a self adhesive layer for attaching to a surface. Because of the water resistant characteristics of the inventive device, it may be used in watery environments, including outdoors, shower stalls, and the like.

The voids may be pores, microscopic interstices, the open cells of a sponge or the spaces between fibers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention and methods of making and using the invention, as well as the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention, are described in detail below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a brassiere with a rear closure incorporating the scent emitting member of the present invention; Figure 2 is a planar view of a hook and eye closure that may be utilized with the embodiment in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a brassiere in accordance with the present invention and incorporating strap adjusting members and a front closure system; Figure 4 is a front planar view of the front closure system of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a front planar view of the strap adjusting member utilized in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a front planar view of a ring for the strap adjustment utilized in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3; Figure 7 is a rear view of a sports-type brassiere with a wide back band; Figure 8 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a brassiere capable of carrying the present invention and incorporating breast enhancing padding; Figure 9 illustrates a snap system that can be used as a closure and functions as a scent carrying member in accordance with the present invention; Figure 10 is a top view of a button that can be used as a closure and functions as a scent carrying member in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the button illustrated in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a top view of an alternative inventive button;

Figure 13 is a side view of the button illustrated in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a side view of an inventive scent emitting closure of the type using a dense arrangement of tiny nylon hooks and dense nylon pile that interlock when pressed together; Figure 15 illustrates the inventive fragrance emitting member in the form of a yarn in a fabric; Figure 16 illustrates the inventive fragrance emitting member as a fiber spun into yarn or thread;

Figure 17 illustrates a strap adjusting member similar to the one illustrated in Figure 5 where the strap adjusting member is covered by a coating of the fragrance emitting member; Figure 18 illustrates a zipper, such as could be incorporated into clothes, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a cover for a loop such as that illustrated in Figure 6;

Figure 20 is a plan view of a product incorporating a scent emitting member;

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the product of Figure 20 along lines 21-21 of Figure

20; Figure 22 illustrates a method for softening stiff air permeable/water impermeable material; Figure 23 illustrates an elongated scent emitting member suitable for incorporation in sheets, pillowcases or the like; Figure 24 shows a pillow incorporating the scent emitting member of Figure 23; Figure 25 illustrates the continuous formation of a plurality of scent emitting members; and

Figure 26 illustrates a scent emitting member suitable for use as a room deodorizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an odor altering member incorporated within a bed linen, garment of clothing, or other article in which the emission of a pleasant odor or the use of an odor absorbing or neutralizing material is desirable. More particularly, the preferred embodiment relates to adding such a material, such as fragrance, to a structural element of the article of clothing, padding, or directly placing fibers with scent carrying capacity into the yarn or fabric of the article.

Figure 1 illustrates a perfumed brassiere 10 according to the present invention. Brassiere 10 comprises left and right breast supporting cups 12 and 14, respectively. Left shoulder strap 16 and right shoulder strap 18 connect the tops of cups 12 and 14, respectively, to a rear connecting band 20. Rear connection strap 20 connects cups 12 and 14 to each other and extends around the rear of the garment. A front connecting member 34 connects cups 12 and 14 at the front of brassiere 10. Utilizing the techniques described below, any of the parts of brassiere 10, including cups 12 and 14, and straps 16 and 18, and band 20, are each capable of functioning as a scent carrying member in accordance with the invention, incorporating fragrance as described in detail below.

For example, band 20 may function as a scent carrying member in accordance with the invention. Band 20 may be made of elastic fabric incorporating yarns, elastic members or filaments made of scent- emitting material, scent-emitting plastic, or other suitable material. Fragrance is incorporated into these items as is described in detail below. Band 20 comprises a left strap 21 and a right strap 23. Left strap 21 and right strap 23 may be connected to each other using a number of hooks 36 which mate with eyes 38, as illustrated in Figure 2. When all three hooks 36 are inserted into their respective eyes 38, as illustrated, the brassiere is held in place, secured around the user.

Known scent emitting plastics and the methods of making them may be applied to implement the invention. In accordance with the invention, scent is incorporated in a concentration inversely proportional to the amount of material needed to make the part. In addition, and accordance with the invention, parts located in areas where a scent will be more effective may be provided with scent of a material. For example, band 23 may have scent emitting materials, such as elastic bands incorporating fragrance, incorporated therein, because band 23 is located under the arms. Positioning of scent emitting material under the arms is desirable for a number of reasons including the natural tendency of a moving arm to transmit air, and because of the warmth of the human body in this area. If desired, a material design may be selected which will result in increased emission of scent in response to heat, the saltiness of perspiration, natural oils associated with the skin, or the like. The result of using such a material is to maximize the release of scent under conditions likely to be associated with the times when such a release is desired.

The fragrance may also optionally be incorporated into the hooks 36 and eyes 38 and their support structure by either making them of scent emitting material, or coating them with a plastic coating of scent emitting material.

As the structure of the brassiere, including the following examples of brassieres, are in the prior art, the structure will not be discussed in detail here, except as necessary for the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, it is noted that snaps, foe example Velcro-type, for example hook and loop fastening structures and other connection structures are likely to be subjected to friction when the garment is put on and off. This friction will wear away some of the material if it has the characteristic of being worn away, and, accordingly, this will have the effect of exposing inner portions of the material, also triggering the release of fragrance. Insofar as such friction is not likely to be encountered during washing, the result will be to favor the release of scent during use. In this respect, the structure of the scent bearing member may be shaped to be exposed to friction while it is being used, and be protected from friction in, for example, a washing machine. More particularly, it is contemplated that such a friction activated scent releasing device may be a nylon zipper on the back of a blouse or a nylon zipper on the front of a fleece jacket/shirt.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a brassiere 110. In this embodiment rear band 120 is a single unit, and front connecting member 134 is comprised of two mating members as illustrated in Figure 4. Connecting member 134 comprises a hook 136 and a loop 138. When hook 136 is inserted into loop 138 the brassiere can be secured around the user.

Additionally, in Figure 3, strap adjusting members 130 and 132 are illustrated. Strap adjusting members 130 and 132 (shown in detail in Figure 5) allow the user to adjust the length of straps 116 and 118, respectively. This is accomplished by having a portion 133 of straps 116 and 118 each go through its respective ring 126 and 128 (Figure 6), and join with the center bar 135 of strap adjusting members 130 and 132 respectively, on the rear of the strap as illustrated in Figure 3.

Additionally, in some designs of brassieres, such as brassiere 210 in Figure 7, rear rings 227 and 229 can also be used to attach shoulder straps 216 and 218 to rear connecting band 220, as illustrated in Figure 7.

Alternatively, band 220 in brassiere 210 may incorporate a pair of cushions 240 and 242 positioned to be situated under the arms of a user when brassiere 210 is being worn. Such cushions may take the form of an envelope made of a porous polyethylene non-woven fabric sheet, such as Tyvek or Gore-Tex, which will permit air and fragrance to pass through the Tyvek, but will block liquids, such as water or water mixed with detergent, from passing through. Contained within the envelope which forms cushions 240 and 242 is a quantity of for example, fibrous material made of a synthetic material incorporating a quantity of fragrance. The synthetic material may comprise woven or non-woven fibrous material, or open cell or closed cell foam plastic, or the like. The structure of such an envelope is described in detail below in connection with the description of Figures 20 and 21.

Figure 8 illustrates a brassiere 310 with structures similar to those described above, with the addition of breast enhancing cushions 340 and 342. Such cushions may take the form of an envelope made of a material, such as Tyvek. Contained within the envelope which forms cushions 340 and 342 is a quantity of fibrous scent emitting synthetic material having the feel of a cotton ball. Because of the action of the envelope, blocking aqueous solutions but passing vapors, a brassiere such as the brassieres illustrated in Figure 7 and 8 will be able to withstand numerous launderings without the detergent coming into contact with and causing the fragrance to be quickly lost from the fragrance emitting fibrous pad.

Scent emission may also be provided by plastic snap members of the type sewn into or onto garments, such as male snap member 436 and mating female member 438, as illustrated in Figure 9.

Another alternative, is the use, in a garment, of a flat scent emitting plastic button 536 (Figures 10 and 11), or scent emitting plastic loop button 636 (Figures 12 and 13). Such buttons are used in a conventional manner in a garment, such as a shirt, blouse, suit jacket or the like.

Alternatively, a dense arrangement of fabric bearing tiny scent emitting nylon hooks 736 and dense scent emitting nylon loop pile 738 that interlock when pressed together (Figure 14), such as VELCRO (TRADEMARK), may also be used.

Turning now to the characteristics and fabrication of the scent emitting member, the present invention relates to placing a fragrance within an element of a garment, accessory or furnishing. The fragrance employed can be a perfume, pheromones, or other fragrant oil such as those that would be used in aromatherapy or combinations of the same (all referred to herein as "fragrances"). Additionally, the fragrance can come from a mixture of natural or synthetic fragrant oils or extracts or mixtures thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, the scent carrying member is made by adding fragrance to a material capable of being a carrier. Such suitable materials include plastics, especially those which are water insoluble resins, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a high or low density polyethylene, acrylates, polyesters, polypropylene, or other suitable polymers. Other suitable carrier materials include some of the new biodegradable fibers, from the poly-lactide family (PLA) mixed with fillers that will carry fragrance, such as, polyisobutylene (PIB), polyelectides (totally cross-linked), and other derivatives with similar fibers that are insoluble in water, some waxes, or the fragrance can be added to natural or synthetic materials, such as cotton, rayon, or polyester. Ideally, the fragrance carrying element is made of a material that is insoluble in water, thus being able to last through repeated washings without being solubilized. Further, the fragrance carrying element should be made of a material that will not appreciably absorb other odors, such as cigarette smoke in a bar, body odors, perfumes, or the fragrances of detergents.

In the case of a scent emitting member contained within an envelope of Tyvek or similar material, it is not necessary to have a scent emitting material which is insoluble in water.

Methods of adding the fragrance to the fragrance carrying element, include making the carrier microporous by heating the fragrance carrying element to a high temperature. The high temperature makes the carrying element porous so that the fragrance can be absorbed. Once the fragrance has been absorbed the carrying element is then cooled, thus sealing the fragrance into the carrying element. The usable temperature range for this method, is narrow, in the order of 100° - 120°C, in the preferred embodiment the lower end of the temperature range is utilized.

An alternative method of adding the fragrance to the fragrance carrying element is low temperature extrusion. The fragrance is extruded through a fragrance feeding orifice in a plastic extrusion orifice or injection mold plastic injecting orifice, as the carrying element is co-extruded. Additionally, the fragrance is co-extruded during the extrusion process or during a fiber spinning process.

As alluded to above, a further method of adding the fragrance to the fragrance carrying element is in connection with a spinning process. In this process the carrying element is spun, making it porous and the fragrance is then added. Once the carrying element has absorbed the fragrance, it can be cooled, closing the pores, and/or a sealer can be applied to seal in the fragrance.

Further, the carrier can be coated with a fragrance and then covered with a sealing material to the carrier / fragrance combination. In this embodiment, the sealer has some porosity to allow the scent to diffuse.

The temperature range for all of the above mentioned methods is very important and narrow, on the order of 100° - 120°C. In the preferred embodiment, the lower end of the temperature range is utilized. Higher temperatures can lead to substantial evaporation of and oxidation and/or other damage to the fragrance. However, if the temperature is not high enough, the carrier material will not become porous enough to incorporate enough of the fragrance into the carrier material.

Extrusion of the fragrance through a fragrance feeding orifice in a plastic extrusion orifice or injection molding plastic injecting orifice, can also be utilized to add the fragrance into micro-channels within the carrier.

Alternatively, micro-channels within the carrier member can be impregnated with the fragrance material. In the preferred embodiment, this can be done by processes, such as exposing the carrier to the fragrance, and allowing the fragrance to be absorbed into micro-channels. Another process is to fill the micro-channels with the fragrance, then purge the micro-channels and refill them with the fragrance. A semi-porous sealer can also be used to slow the rate of release of the fragrance from the micro-channels. The fragrance material can be added as a polymeric or resinous component of the carrier. Further the fragrance can be micro-encapsulated, being bonded to the carrier either on the surface, or throughout the girth of the carrier.

Additionally, the carrier material can be dipped into the fragrance, thus loading the fragrance into the carrier, then the fragrance sealed into the carrier with a substance such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) to control the rate of release of the fragrance.

Once the fragrance has been added to the fragrance carrying element, the fragrance carrying element can be stretched/spun into a thinner fiber, and/or spun into a yarn, incorporated into a fabric for making the inventive textile 810 such as that illustrated in Figure 15, wherein fragrance carrying yarn 844 is interwoven with unscented yarns 842, which may be any type of natural, synthetic or blended yarn. By way of example, a fragrance carrying yarn 144 may be interwoven into cups 12 and 14 in Figure 1, connecting member 34 on the front of the garment, the rear band 20 and/or left and right shoulder straps 16 and 18.

Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 16, a fragrance carrying fiber 944 can be spun in with other unscented natural or synthetic fibers 942 to make a scented yarn 945, such as would be used for a sweater, afghan, or other garment.

Alternatively, in accordance with the invention a fragrance carrying element may take the form of a coating for a structural element of the garment, such as is illustrated in Figure 17. In this embodiment, a strap adjusting member 130, such as that illustrated in Figure 5 comprises an inner hard skeleton 142 made of a material such as metal, wood, or hard plastic, with a coating of a fragrance emitting plastic 144.

Referring to Figure 18, a zipper may have one or more of the support members 1046, teeth 1048, and key member 1050, or any other structural element made of scent emitting nylon plastic.

As alluded to above, the placement of the fragrance carrying material is important in a garment. For example, in the preferred embodiment of a brassiere, one ideal placement is on the strap near the shoulder, or on the upper portion of the brassiere cup near where the shirt opens. This places the fragrance carrying element closer to the nose of the wearer and those around the wearer.

In the preferred embodiment, emission of the fragrance can optionally be provided in a manner which results in increased fragrance release in response to a number of triggering factors, such as perspiration, moisture, pH and enzymes on the skin, body heat, gaseous emissions, such as would be emitted normally from a body, or secondarily to indigenous bacteria, pressure, shearing forces or photosensitivity. For example, if the invention of fragrance carrying element is placed in a shirt in the area of the armpits, or in a sock, as the user perspires, the fragrance is emitted at a higher rate.

Garments can be sold with different scents. For example, a brassiere can be sold in a variety of fragrances, such as rose or citrus, as may be desired by the consumer. Alternatively, a single garment may have multiple fragrances, and the user can choose which one to use on a given day. For example, if they member, such as strap adjusting members 130 and 132, rings 126, 127, 128, and 129 in Figures 3 and 7, each has a different fragrance, the garment can be sold with covers 154 as illustrated in Figure 19. Covers 154 may, for example, be placed over rings 126, 127, 128 and/or 129, leaving only strap adjusting member 130 and 132 to emit scent. Cover 154 has a living hinge 158, a latching member 160, and a mating latch receiving member 162. By covering the unselected fragrances, and leaving the desired fragrance exposed to the air, the consumer can limit emissions to the desired fragrance.

Referring to Figures 20 and 21, a textile product 1110 incorporating a particularly preferred embodiment of a scent emitting member 1140 is illustrated. Scent emitting member 1140 comprises an outer envelope member 1164 and an inner envelope member 1166. Outer envelope member 1164 is sealed to inner envelope member 1166 at the interfaces 1168 where outer envelope member 1164 meets inner envelope member 1166. The result is to form a closed chamber 1170 in the space between outer envelope member 1164 and inner envelope member 1166.

Scent emitting member 1140 is sewn to the fabric 1172 of textile product 1110 by sewing thread 1174. Outer envelope member 1164 is secured to inner envelope member 1166 by any technique which will result in providing the desired seal. Depending upon the material of outer envelope member 1164 and inner envelope member 1166, glues, heat activated adhesives, direct heat sealing of outer envelope member 1164 to inner envelope member 1166, or heat sealing to an intermediate material which adheres to both the outer envelope member 1164 and inner envelope member 1166 may be used.

More particularly, in accordance with the present invention it is contemplated that product 1110 will be regularly washed, and such washing will likely be in a washing machine. Accordingly, suitable adhesives, lamination or similar procedures must result in a seal which will retain its integrity through numerous machine washings. Likewise, stitching formed by sewing thread 1174 must also have sufficient durability to withstand numerous washings.

In accordance with the invention, emission of scent is provided by a scent emitting source 1144. Scent emitting source 1144 may take any one of numerous forms, such as a non-woven material, such as felt made in whole or in part from fibers of the type described above which incorporate scent. Alternatively, scent emitting source 1144 may be a thin scent emitting fabric or a plastic film which incorporates scent and is designed to emit the same, scent emitting beads made of plastic or a porous material saturated with scent.

More particularly, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, and in the other embodiments utilizing envelopes made in whole or in part of Tyvek, the water impermeable nature of the envelope chamber 1170 makes possible the use of less protected and hence less expensive scent emitting members. For example, scent emitting source 1144, because it is contained in a sealed Tyvek envelope, may simply comprise cotton felt or flannel which has been soaked in a fragrant oil or other source of scent. However, the use of plastic scent emitting members is believed to be preferable because in the event that the envelope is washed and after repeated washings results in rupture of the envelope chamber 1170, the hardy nature of the plastic impregnated with fragrance is likely to retain substantial utility following such rupture.

In addition, in accordance with the present invention, it is desirable that, particularly in the case of clothing and bed linens, the inventive scent emitting source 1140 have a soft feel and not make noise, such as crackling, when it is bent. Accordingly, Tyvek which has been processed by, for example, repeated wrinkling and un-wrinkling, or continuous creasing by being pulled at an acute angle over a blade may be desirable. For example, as shown in Figure 22, a roll of Tyvek or similar material 1276 is first pulled over a blade 1278 in one direction and then pulled over a second blade 1280 in the opposite direction, and then rolled into a roll 1280 as a material which has lost its stiffness. This material may be incorporated into textile products without making them crinkle in the manner of, for example, a nylon jacket that is subjected to cold weather, or be uncomfortably stiff.

As is discussed above, Tyvek or a similar material is used because of its characteristic of blocking the passage of water, while permitting vapors, gases and the like to pass. Thus, scent emitting source 1144 will not be directly exposed to water even when product 1110 is laundered in water and detergent in a washing machine. Moreover, it is not necessary that both the outer envelope member 1164 and inner envelope member 1166 be made of a breathable material such as Tyvek. All that is necessary to achieve the desired action is that at least a portion of the envelope be formed of breathable material which prevents the passage of water. The remaining portion of the envelope may be made of impermeable material, such as plastic film, or the like. Thus, in principle, outer envelope member 1164 may be made of Tyvek and inner envelope member 1166 may be made of plastic film.

Alternatively, outer envelope member 1164 may be made of plastic film and inner envelope member 1166 made of Gore-Tex (tm). In this case, the relatively fragile Gore-Tex is protected during washing between plastic film 1164 and fabric 1172. In order for this embodiment to function with a maximum release of fragrance, fabric 1172 should be air permeable.

An alternative scent emitting member 1240, particularly suited to construction of an inventive bed sheet, is illustrated in Figure 23. Member 1240 comprises an outer envelope 1264 made of Tyvek and encloses a scent emitting source 1244 and is held in place by a row stitching 1274 in a sealed interface region 1268. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, scent emitting member 1240 is stitched adjacent the hem off a sheet which runs parallel to and proximate the headboard of a bed.

In the case of a pillow, a scent emitting member such as scent emitting member 1240 may be placed at the hem which defines the opening of a pillow, or the same may be placed as illustrated in Figure 24 along the edge of pillow closest to the head of a user 1282, inside the pillow 1284 and held in place as illustrated in Figure 24.

In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that a scent emitting member 1240 may be made in continuous formed by rolling out simultaneously the outer envelope member 1264 and inner envelope member 1266, together with scent emitting source 1244 in continuous fashion. With reference to Figure 25, scent emitting source 1244 is advantageously positioned between outer envelope member 1264 and inner envelope member 1266, during the rollout assembly process, and appropriate heat sealing or adhesive applying equipment used to continuously define a long scent emitting water impermeable strip 1240a. Every several centimeters or meters, strip 1240a is periodically pressed between heated platens to flatten and heat weld a region 1286. After heat welding, regions 1286 are cut along line 1288 to form a plurality of scent emitting members 1240. These scent emitting members 1240 may then be placed in pillows, sheets, items of clothing, or the like.

Referring to Figures 20 and 21, a textile product 1310 incorporating a particularly preferred embodiment of a scent emitting member 1340 is illustrated. Scent emitting member 1340 comprises an outer envelope member 1364 and an inner envelope member 1366. Outer envelope member 1364 is sealed to inner envelope member 1366 at the interfaces 1368 where outer envelope member 1364 meets inner envelope member 1366. The result is to form a closed chamber 1370 in the space between outer envelope member 1364 and inner envelope member 1366.

Scent emitting member 1340 is sewn to the fabric 1372 of textile product 1310 by sewing thread 1374. Outer envelope member 1364 is secured to inner envelope member 1366 by any technique which will result in providing the desired seal. Depending upon the material of outer envelope member 1364 and inner envelope member 1366, glues, heat activated adhesives, direct heat sealing of outer envelope member 1364 to inner envelope member 1366, or heat sealing to an intermediate material which adheres to both the outer envelope member 1364 and inner envelope member 1366 may be used.

In accordance with the present invention it is contemplated that product 1310 will be regularly washed, and such washing will likely be in a washing machine. Accordingly, suitable adhesives, lamination or similar procedures must result in a seal which will retain its integrity through numerous machine washings. Likewise, stitching formed by sewing thread 1374 must also have sufficient durability to withstand numerous washings.

In accordance with the invention, emission of scent is provided by a scent emitting source 1344. Scent emitting source 1344 may take any one of numerous forms, such as a non-woven material, such as felt made in whole or in part from fibers of the type described above which incorporate scent. Alternatively, scent emitting source 1344 may be a thin plastic film which incorporates scent and is designed to emit the same, scent emitting beads made of plastic or a porous material saturated with scent.

More particularly, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 20 and 21, and in the other embodiments utilizing envelopes made in whole or in part of Tyvek, the water impermeable nature of the envelope chamber 1370 makes possible the use of less protected and hence less expensive scent emitting members. For example, scent emitting source 1344, because it is contained in a sealed Tyvek envelope, may simply comprise cotton felt or flannel which has been soaked in a fragrant oil or other source of scent. However, the use of plastic scent emitting members is believed to be preferable because in the event that the envelope is washed and after repeated washings results in rupture of the envelope chamber

1370, the hardy nature of the plastic impregnated with fragrance is likely to retain substantial utility following such rupture.

Referring to Figure 26, a self-stick scent emission device 1310, suitable for use as a room or area deodorizer or scent emission device, is illustrated. Scent emission device 1310 comprises an outer envelope member 1364 and an inner envelope member 1366. Outer envelope member 1364 is sealed to inner envelope member 1366 at the interfaces 1368 where outer envelope member 1364 meets inner envelope member 1366. The result is to form a closed chamber 1370 in the space between outer envelope member 1364 and inner envelope member 1366.

Scent emitting member 1310 includes an self-stick adhesive 1374 which is adhered against a substrate 1390 made of paper or like material which is coated with a release agent 1392, such as wax. Outer envelope member 1364, which may be made of Tyvek or any similar material, is secured to inner envelope member 1366, which may be made of any water impermeable material, by any technique which will result in providing the desired seal.

In accordance with the invention, emission of scent is provided by a scent emitting source 1344. Scent emitting source 1344 may take any one of numerous forms, such as a non-woven material, such as felt made in whole or in part from fibers of the type described above which incorporate scent. Alternatively, scent emitting source 1344 may be a thin plastic film which incorporates scent and is designed to emit the same, or scent emitting beads made of plastic or a porous material saturated with scent.

In accordance with the present invention it is contemplated that product 1310 will be situated in watery environments, such as the outdoors, a shower stall, or the like. Notwithstanding such a regular exposure to water, because the scent emitting source 1344 is protected from direct exposure with water, the scent will be preserved for an extended period of time while still being released through the air permeable material which forms the outer envelope member 1364. Here again plastic impregnated with fragrance is likely to retain substantial utility despite repeated exposure to weather and possible rupture of the system.

In this description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which illustrate examples of the invention. Such examples, however, are not exhaustive of the various embodiments of the invention, and therefore, reference is made to the claims which follow the description for determining the scope of the invention. For example, in accordance with the invention, a porous member, such as ceramic, pottery, felt, paper, sponge, earthenware, or the like may be employed as a scent carrying member. While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, it is, of course, understood that various modifications of the invention will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention which is limited and defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic, comprising: a) garment, accessory or furnishing; b) a carrier member defining a plurality of microscopic interstices secured to said garment, accessory or furnishing said carrier member being secured to said garment; and c) a fragrance material incorporated within said interstices.

2. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is comprised of a material that is non-solubilizing in water and said interstices are permanent.

3. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is a structural member of said garment, accessory or furnishing.

4. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said carrier member is a snap, button, hook and eye, buckle, ring, strap adjusting member, collar stay, brassiere underwire, or a dense arrangement of tiny nylon hooks and dense nylon pile capable of interlocking when pressed together.

5. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is a cushion, pillow or padding.

6. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is a natural or synthetic material.

7. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is selected from a group consisting on polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyelectides, or other suitable plastic polymer.

8. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is a biodegradable fiber in the poly-lactide family such as polyisobutylene.

9. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said fragrance material is a perfume, pheromone, fragrant oil or extract, synthetic fragrance, or odor absorbing material.

10. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is formed into thin strands spun into a scent carrying thread or yarn.

11. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is formed into a thread like material and incorporated into a woven or non-woven fabric of a textile.

12. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is a fastener such as a zipper that has the characteristic of releasing scent at an increased rate in response to use of said fastener.

13. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member comprises a substantially rigid skeleton and a scent emitting element being disposed over said skeleton.

14. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein emission of fragrance from said carrier member is increased by an environmental factor or factors.

15. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said environmental factors include perspiration, moisture, pH, enzymes, chemicals or gaseous emissions of or on the body, body heat, indigenous bacterial byproducts, pressure on said scent emitting element, or photosensitivity of said scent emitting element.

16. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising at least one cover, said cover configured and dimensioned to cover said carrier member.

17. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said garment, accessory or furnishing is a brassiere.

18. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is a polymeric plastic.

19. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is positioned near the nose of the wearer.

20. A garment, accessory or furnishing having a long-lasting fragrance emitting characteristic as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said carrier member is positioned under the arm of the wearer.

21. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic, comprising: a) a carrier member defining a plurality of voids; b) an odor altering material incorporated within said voids of said carrier member to form an odor altering member comprised of said carrier member and said odor altering material; c) an envelope defining an inner compartment, said envelope comprising, at least in part, an envelope portion made of a water impermeable and scent permeable material, said carrier member being contained within said inner compartment; and d) an attachment member attached to said envelope and attached or attachable to an object.

22. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said object is a bed sheet with a hem, and said carrier member is secured at said hem of said sheet.

23. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said envelope is formed in part of a transmissive envelope material, said transmissive envelope material being both water impermeable and scent permeable.

24. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said odor altering member comprises a soft material.

25. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said odor altering member comprises a soft material made of a fiber which comprises a synthetic plastic resin with micropores that contain scent.

26. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said odor altering member comprises a soft material which incorporates a scent.

27. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said odor altering member comprises a porous member that has been dipped in a fragrance or odor neutralizing or trapping material.

28. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said odor altering member comprises a porous member that has been dipped in an effective amount of a fragrance or odor neutralizing or absorbing material, such as a metal complex comprising 1:1 dialkali monometal polyfunctional organic ligand chelate, said metal complex acting as an oxidation catalyst in the presence of oxygen to chemically neutralize a source of malodor.

29. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said envelope is made of an envelope material, said envelope material being soft and comfortable to the human touch, and substantially not making noise when wrinkled.

30. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said device is an area deodorizer and said attachment member comprises a self adhesive layer for attaching to a surface.

31. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said voids are pores.

32. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said voids are microscopic interstices.

33. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein carrier member comprises fibers and said voids are spaces between fibers.

34. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said attachment member is attached to said envelope, and said attachment member is attached or attachable to an object.

35. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 21, wherein said attachment member comprises thread.

36. A device having a long-lasting environmental odor altering characteristic as claimed in Claim 24, wherein said soft material is a sponge.