WO2006004665A2

WO2006004665A2 - Scented closure for a container that utilizes a tamper resistant seal

Info

Publication number: WO2006004665A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/022740
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Landau
Original assignee: Steven Landau
Priority date: 2004-06-28
Filing date: 2005-06-24
Publication date: 2006-01-12
Also published as: WO2006004665A3

Abstract

A system and method for packaging a scented product that enables the scented product to be sampled without any direct contact with the scented product. Packaging for the scented product is produced, wherein at least part of the packaging is made from a scented plastic or material. The portion of the packaging made from the scented packaging can be the container, closure, tamper seal or an external patch. The scented plastic used has scent characteristics that are matched to that of the scented product held within the packaging. Consequently, by smelling the scented plastic, a consumer will be presented with the same smell as the scented product. The aroma of the scented product can therefore be sampled without opening the packaging and breaking its tamper evident seal, potentially contaminating the scented product.

Description

SCENTED CLOSURE FOR A CONTAINER THAT UTILIZES A TAMPER RESISTANT SEAL

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention relates to scented packaging for products, wherein the packaging is scented with the scent of the product contained within that packaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to containers and closures for containers that are scented.

BACKGROUND ART

Many consumers select products because they like the scent of that product. This is especially true for both toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, conditions, skin creams, and cleaning chemicals, such as air spray. With such products, it is not uncommon for a consumer to open the package to sample the scent of the product prior to making a purchase.

Soap is commonly packaged in paper. Thus, the scent of soap can be easily perceived through the packaging. However, toiletries, such as shampoo, skin cream and hair conditioner are commonly packaged in plastic or glass bottles. These bottles are capped and confine the scent of the product to the interior of the bottle. Traditionally, consumers open the cap of a toiletry bottle to sample the scent of the product in the bottle. Alternatively, a consumer may lift the cap of the bottle close to his/her nose in order to perceive any residual scent of the product that may be present around the cap of the bottle. However, with present day concerns of tampering and contamination, it is anticipated that more and more products will be packaged with tamper resistant seals .

A tamper resistant seal is typically applied to a capped bottle in one of three ways. In a first application, a breakable induction type tamper seal can be placed over the opening of a bottle before the cap is applied to the bottle. With such a tamper resistant seal, the cap must be removed and the tamper seal either removed or ruptured. The cap can then be placed back onto the bottle.

In a second application, a cap is placed on a bottle and a shrink-wrap tamper seal then placed around the cap. In order to remove the cap, the shrink-wrap seal must be removed.

In a third application, the cap has a breakaway tamper band which separates from the cap when it is removed the first time.

All three tamper resistant seals ensure that a product cannot be tampered with without evidence of that occurrence. However, such safety features also prevent consumers from being able to sample the aroma of a product that Is packaged within such tamper resistant packaging.

A need therefore exists for a packaging system and method that keeps a product safe from tampering . or contamination, yet allows a consumer to sample the aroma of that product. This need is met by the present invention as described and claimed below.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system and method for packaging a scented product that enables the scented product to be sampled without the need for the consumer to open the package Packaging for the scented product is produced, wherein at least part of the packaging is made from a scented plastic, applied scented materials, or other means. The portion of the packaging made from the scented packaging can be the container, closure, tamper seal or an external patch. The scented plastic/material used has scent characteristics that are matched to that of the scented product held within the packaging. Consequently, by smelling the scented plastic/material, a consumer will be presented with the same smell as the scented product. The aroma of the scented product can therefore be sampled without opening the packaging and contaminating the scented product.

The scented plastic used to mimic the aroma of the scented product is preferably supersaturated with a scent formulation that has similar aromatic characteristics of the product being packaged. The flavor/scent formulation blooms or emanates from the scented plastic over time, providing a scent to the product packaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FΪG. 1 is an exploded view of the top section of a bottle container and the closure used to cap the bottle container;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bottle container and closure having an external tamper resistant seal; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the top section of a bottle container and the closure used to cap the bottle container;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bottle container and closure having an external scented patch; and

FIG. 5 is block diagram showing a method of forming a scented product package.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Although the present invention packaging system can be used for most any container that has a tamper resistant sealing device, the present invention packaging system is particularly useful for scented products that are packaged in containers with molded plastic closures. Accordingly, by way of example, the present invention system is illustrated as being applied to a bottle container having a molded plastic closure in order to set forth the best mode contemplated for the invention. However, it will be understood that the present invention system can also be applied to other types of containers, such as paperboard cartons, that use molded plastic closures. Referring to Fig. 1, a bottle container 10 is shown that contains a scented product 12, such as shampoo. The scent of product may be natural. However, for non-consumable items, such as toiletries, the vast majority are artificially scented. For each such product, a scent formulation is created that is added to the product for the sole purpose of scenting that product. Toiletry manufacturers devote much research into the selection of the scent formulations that are added to their products. As such, most every manufacturer has a different scent formulation for the different products of their product line.

In the shown embodiment, the bottle container 10 has a treaded neck section 14. A molded plastic closure 20 is provided that screws onto the treaded neck section 14 and confines the scented product 12 within the bottle container 10. A tamper seal 22 is fixed over the open end 24 of the threaded neck section 14. The tamper seal 22 therefore presents a barrier between the scented product 12 in the bottle container 10 and the molded plastic closure 20.

If the molded plastic closure 20 were molded in a traditional manner, the molded plastic closure 20 would be isolated from the scented product 12 and would not have any olfactory properties in common with the scented product 12. However, in accordance with the present invention system, the molded plastic closure 20 is molded with plastic that is mixed with scented compounds that aromatically match the scent formulation that was added to the scented product 12. Consequently, the molded plastic closure 20 itself is scented and emits an aroma. The aroma emitted by the molded plastic closure 20 matches the aroma of the scented product 12. Thus, a consumer can perceive the scent of the scented product 12 in the bottle container 10 simply by smelling the aroma of the scented cap 20.

Traditional scented plastics have a tendency to loose potency over time. Certain toiletries may sit on a store shelf for weeks or months prior to purchase. In order to ensure that the molded plastic closure 20 remains strongly scented for the shelf life of the product, a unique plastic composition is used in the production of the molded plastic closure 20.

First, a scent composition is derived that both aromatically matches the scent of the scented product 12 and is compatible to the plastic type being molded. In many instances, the scent composition added to the scented product 12 and the scented composition added to the molded plastic closure 20 will be the same. However, certain ingredients used to create scent in toiletries αegraαe under heat or are water-based. Such scent compounds cannot be effectively added to the common plastic materials traditionally used in the injection molding of closures. When a scented product uses a scent composition that cannot be mixed with molten plastic, a separate scent composition is created. The new scent composition is compatible with plastic and aromatically matches the scent of the scented product 12.

The amount of scent composition added to the raw material plastic varies between 1/10 of one percent and twenty five percent by weight, depending upon the actual scent materials used, the desired effect and what is needed to super-saturate the selected plastic material. The scent composition is integrated into the compound in a concentration so that the selected scent composition saturates the plastic compound at the molding temperature of the plastic compound and supersaturates the plastic compound at ambient temperature. In this manner, the selected scent composition will fully mix with the plastic compound while the plastic compound being molded. However, as soon as the plastic compound is molded into a closure and begins to cool, the selected scent composition will begin to precipitate out of solution. Since the plastic compound is a solid, the supersaturation of the selected scent (jomposx-cion wi±l cause the selected scent composition to very gradually bloom to the exposed surfaces of scented plastic.

Bloom is a term of art in plastics that refers to the migration of a liquid or solid material from the composition of the plastic to the surface of the plastic. Bloom is caused when a dissolved ingredient is added to the plastic compound recipe in a concentration that is in excess of its solubility. In such a situation, if the conditions for crystallization of the supersaturated ingredient are more favorable in the presence of air than within the body of the plastic compound, then the supersaturated ingredient will separate out of the plastic compound and crystallize at the surface of the plastic as it contacts the surrounding air. The change in the saturation concentration gradient created by the surface crystallization causes the supersaturated ingredient to migrate from within the ^■ molded part toward the exterior surfaces of the molded plastic. The bloom of the supersaturated ingredient will continue over time until the concentration of the blooming ingredient falls to a concentration corresponding to the saturation point of the plastic compound used. Bloom ceases when the concentration of the migrating substance becomes equal to its solubility at a given temperature. wnen tne molded plastic closure 20 is supersaturated with a selected scent composition, the selected scent composition will bloom to the exterior of the closure. The exterior of the molded plastic closure 20 will therefore be very highly scented. This scent will permeate the air surrounding the molded plastic closure 20. Consequently, the air in the aisle of the store proximate the scented product 12 being sold can have the scent of that scented product 12.

Since the selected scented composition is blooming out of the molded plastic closure 20 over time, the scent of the molded plastic closure 20 remains strong for the entire expected shelf life of the scented product 12. Thus, as is shown in Fig. 1. even though the scented product 12 in the bottle container 12 is isolated from the molded plastic closure 20, the molded plastic closure 20 still emits an aroma that aromatically matches that of the scented product 12. A consumer can therefore sample the scent of the scented product 12 without having to disrupt the tamper seal 22. It is also understood that this same effect can be achieved in other ways by persons skilled in the art such as applied coatings of microencapsulated fragrances.

Referring to Fig. 2, an alternate type of tamper resistant seal is used. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, a molded plastic closure 20 is secured onto a bottle container 12. The molded plastic closure 20 is then covered by a shrink-wrap seal 30. The shrink-wrap seal 30 encircles the molded plastic closure 20. However, a top section 32 top of the molded plastic closure 20 remains exposed to the surrounding environment. A consumer can therefore smell the scent of the scented product 12 by sniffing the top section 32 of the plastic closure 20 that remains uncovered by the shrink-wrap seal 30.

The scent compound mixed within the molded plastic closure 20 will continue to bloom out of the molded plastic closure 20 under the shrink-wrap seal 30. Consequently, when the shrink-wrap seal 30 is removed, a stored release of scent will occur. A consumer will then get a strong scent of the scented product 12 during the process of opening the molded plastic closure 30 for the first time.

Referring to Fig. 3, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a dispensing closure 40 is placed on a bottle container 42. Such dispensing closures are commonly used on toiletries, such as shampoo and hair conditioner. The dispensing closure 40 has a base 44 that screws onto the threaded neck section 46 of the bottle container 42. An orifice 48 is disposed through the base 44 that enables the scented product 49 to flow through the base 44 from the interior of the bottle container 42.

A flip cap 50 is provided for selectively sealing the orifice 48. The flip cap 50 is most commonly molded as an extension from the base 44.

A tamper resistant seal 52 is placed over the top of the bottle container 42. Thus, the tamper resistant seal 52 is interposed between the dispensing closure 40 and the bottle container 42. In order to access the scented product 49 in the bottle container 42, the dispensing closure 40 must be unscrewed, the tamper resistant seal 52 removed and the dispensing closure 40 reapplied.

In the shown embodiment, the dispensing closure 40 is made of traditional unscented plastic. It is the tamper resistant seal 52 itself that is made from scented material. Again, the scented material used in the creation of the tamper resistant seal 52 is either the same scented composition used in the scented product or a specially created scented composition that aromatically matches the scent of the scented product. The tamper resistant seal 52 can be completely made from scented plastic or a patch of scented material can be bonded to an unscented substrate, such as foil. The plastic that is used is supersaturated with a scented composition so that it blooms or emanates the scented composition out over time. It is further understood that the cap can also be used in this application, while the outside areas of the cap which have been exposed to the air may lose its aroma over time, the inside of the closure which was not exposed to the air will maintain its aroma for much longer periods of time.

Thus, when the scented tamper resistant seal 52 and the dispensing closure 40 are both in place, no scented material 49 is exposed. The packaging of the scented product 49 will therefore have little or no perceivable scent. However, when the flip cap 50 is opened, a small part of the tamper resistant seal 52 becomes exposed through the open orifice 48. A consumer sniffing the open orifice 48 will therefore be able to perceive the scent of the product 49 in the bottle container 42. The consumer will believe that the scent is coming directly from the scented product 49. However, in reality, the consumer will smell the scent of the tamper resistant seal 52. The scented product 49 remains isolated and protected. A consumer can therefore pick a product off a store shelf, open the flip cap 50 of that product and smell the scent of that product without ever removing the tamper resistant seal 52 or exposing the scented product 49 to contamination. Referring to Fig. 4, an embodiment of the present invention is shown having a container 60 with molded plastic closure 62. However, the molded plastic closure 62 includes a breakaway tamper band 64. The breakaway tamper band 62 is initially formed as part of the molded plastic closure 62. However, when the molded plastic closure 62 is unscrewed from the container 60, the breakaway tamper band 64 separates from the remainder of the molded plastic closure 64 and remains behind on the neck of the container 60 even after the remainder of the molded plastic closure 62 is fully removed.

The molded plastic closure 62, inclusive of the breakaway tamper band 64 is molded from plastic that is scented in the manner previously described. The molded plastic closure 62 is molded with plastic that has a scent that matches the scent of the product in the container 60. Thus, by smelling the molded plastic closure 62, the scent of the product within the container 60 can be ascertained without having to remove the molded plastic closure 62.

Once the molded plastic closure 62 is turned and the breakaway tamper band 64 separates, the breakaway tamper band 64 remains in the neck of the container 60. The breakaway tamper band 64 will continue to emit scent. Thus, if a product is drank from the container 60, the breakaway tamper band 64 will be brought close to the nose and will strengthen the perceived scent of the product.

Referring to Fig. 5, yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a bottle container 70 is shown that contains a scented product 72. The bottle container 70 is closed with a traditional molded plastic closure 74. A patch of scented material 76 is provided. The patch of scented material 76 can be adhesively bonded to the plastic closure 74, the bottle container 70 or a label 78 that is placed on the bottle container 70.

The patch of scented material 76 contains scented plastic that is supersaturated with a scented compound that aromatically matches the scent of the scented product 72. The patch of scented material 76 can be retroactively added to the existing packaging of most any scented product. As a result, even if the existing packaging does have a tamper resistant seal that prevents the scented product 72 from being sampled, the presence of the patch of scented material 76 provides consumers with the ability to smell the scent of the sealed scented product 72. A consumer need only bring the patch of scented material 76 close to their nose to sample the scent. Regardless to how the scented material is added to the packaging of a scented product, the method used to create that scented material remains a constant. This method is set forth in Fig. 6. Referring to Fig. 6, it can be seen that the scent composition of the scented product is determined. See Block 80. If the scent of the product is artificially added, the composition of the scent additives is reviewed. If the scent of the product is partially natural, the scent is sampled and matched.

Once the initial scent composition is determined, it is determined if that initial scent composition can be used to supersaturate molten plastic while still retaining its original aroma profile. See Block 82. If it can, the initial scent composition is added to the plastic to be molded. See Block 84. If it cannot, a substitute scent composition is developed using scented oils that can be mixed with plastic. See Block 86. The substitute scent composition is created to have aromatic properties that match the original aroma profile of the product. The substitute scent composition is then mixed with the plastic in a concentration that supersaturates the plastic at room temperature. See Block 88. Lastly, the scented plastic is used to form a component of the packaging, be that component a closure, tamper seal, patch, plastic label or container. See Block 90.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are merely exemplary and a person skilled in the art can make many variations to the embodiments shown without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, there are many types of packaging containers and many types of closures for those packaging containers. Any prior art packaging system that contains a plastic component in, near or around the closure can be adapted for use as part of the present invention system. All such variations, modifications and alternate embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims .

Claims

1. A method of packaging a scented product having distinct scent characteristics, said method, comprising the steps of: providing a packaging container for holding said scented product in a confined area; providing a segment of plastic that is supported by said packaging container, said segment of plastic being scented to match said scent characteristics of said scented product, wherein said segment of plastic is accessible on said packaging container without opening said confined area.

2. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said step of providing a segment of plastic includes providing a segment of plastic that is supersaturated with scent compounds, wherein said scent compounds bloom out of said segment of plastic over time.

3. The method according to Claim 2, wherein said scent compounds have a scent characteristic that match said scent characteristics of said scented product.

4. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said scented product is scented with predetermined scent compounds and said scent compounds are added to said segment of plastic to scent said segment of plastic.

5. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said scented product is scented with a first formulation of scent compounds that are not plastic compatible and said segment of plastic is scented with a second formulation of scent compounds that are plastic compatible and aromatically match said first formulation of scent compounds.

6. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said step of providing a segment of plastic includes providing a plastic closure for said packaging container.

7. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said step of providing a segment of plastic includes providing a tamper seal for said packaging container.

8. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said step of providing a segment of plastic includes providing a label for said packaging container that is at least in part made from said plastic.

9. The method according to Claim 1, wherein said step of providing a segment of plastic includes coating at least a portion of said packaging container with a scented micro encapsulation composition

10. A method of producing packaging for a scented product, comprising the steps of: providing a scent formulation that aromatically matches said scented product; mixing said scent formulation with plastic in a volume that supersaturates said plastic; forming at least a portion of a product package from said plastic, wherein said portion of said product package bloom said scent formulation over time.

11. The method according to Claim 10, wherein said step of forming at least a portion of a product package from said plastic includes forming a container closure from said plastic.

12. The method according to Claim 10, wherein said step of forming at least a portion of a product package from said plastic includes forming a tamper seal from said plastic.

13. A closure system for a container that holds a scented product, said system comprising: a container closure that is molded at least in part from a scented plastic that has scent characteristics that match that of said scented product.

14. The system according to Claim 13, wherein container closure is molded from a plastic formulation that is supersaturated with scent compounds that bloom from said container closure over time.

15. The system according to Claim 14, wherein said scent compounds has said scent characteristics that match that of said scented product.

16. The system according to Claim 13, wherein said container closure is a bottle container closure.