WO2008049656A1

WO2008049656A1 - Fragrance release system

Info

Publication number: WO2008049656A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/056428
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik BRÜCKNER; Daniela Poethkow
Original assignee: Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa
Priority date: 2006-10-24
Filing date: 2007-06-27
Publication date: 2008-05-02
Also published as: DE102006050652A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fragrance release system comprising a closure element (1) for closing the opening of a container comprising a closure cap (16), means (4) for sealed closure of the opening of a container, in particular for free-flowing or pourable products, wherein the closure cap (16) of the closure element (1) and the closure means (4) are designed in such a way that, upon interaction with the container opening in the closure position of the closure element (1), emergence of product from the container is prevented, a chamber (3) which is formed by a chamber base (8), a chamber casing (7) and a chamber lid (9) and which is filled at least partially with at least one fragrance-containing preparation, wherein the chamber (3) has at least one opening (10, 17) permitting release of fragrance from the interior of the chamber (3), and wherein the chamber (3) can be fixed detachably on the closure cap (16), a fragrance release device (20) which comprises means by which the chamber (3) releasable from the closure element (1) is coupled to the fragrance release device (20), and by which a releasable fixing of the chamber (3) to the fragrance release device (20) takes place.

Description

Scent delivery system

The invention relates to a scent delivery system comprising a perfume-loaded chamber detachably mounted to a container closure, and a perfume dispenser comprising means for releasably receiving the chamber and controlled release of perfume from the perfume dispenser.

State of the art

Fragrance delivery systems consisting of a fragrance delivery device and a perfume-filled or loaded container that is couplable to deliver the fragrance to the fragrance delivery device are known in the art.

For example, WO2004 / 068945 describes a scent delivery system comprising a fragrance delivery device equipped with a heat source into which a fragrance loaded substrate is insertable such that the heat source can act on the fragrance release substrate to provide controlled release of fragrance. The heat source is cylindrical in such a way that a tube, which is fixed in the fragrance delivery system and contains a test tube-shaped perfume, is enclosed at least in sections by the cylindrical heat source.

EP844892 discloses a scent delivery system comprising a scent dispenser having a planarized heat source. For controlled release of fragrance, fragrance-loaded substrates such as sponges or shells containing fragrance-containing gels can be coupled to the sheet heat source. Typically, such perfume-laden substrates or perfume-containing containers are either packaged with the scent delivery system or offered as refill units for the corresponding scent delivery system.

Depending on the size and design of the substrates and / or containers, these are usually packed in blister packs, cardboard boxes, trays or the like.

It is disadvantageous that today such refill units can be assembled exclusively in the packaging provided for this purpose and mentioned above. However, it is often desirable, for example for cross-brand marketing or additional functionalization of a package, to couple a refill unit configured for a scent delivery system to a package containing another product in a manner convenient to the consumer and safe for shipping and storage ,

Such, additionally functionalized packaging is known from the prior art, in which fragrance-emitting means are arranged on the packaging, which release a particular fragrance into the environment of the packaging and thus assume the additional function of a room freshener.

From WO2004 / 084660 it is known to arrange fragrance emitting substances in a closure cap of a container. In this case, fragrance-emitting substances are arranged in a chamber of the container closure, this chamber being sealed with a film which can be removed for use of the room freshener cap, so that fragrance can be released from the closure flap to the environment. A disadvantage of this solution is that the function of the Raumbedufters is coupled to the closure or to the container. Thus, it is not possible to position the perfume-emitting cap independently and separately from the container without the container open back to to let. Furthermore, such an arrangement does not allow any controlled release of fragrance into the environment.

The object of the invention is therefore to realize a fragrance delivery system that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

The object is achieved according to the features of claim 1.

Fragrance delivery system

A fragrance dispensing device in the context of this application is a device which is designed to receive the fragrance-containing chamber and from which the fragrances contained in the chamber are released to the environment.

The perfume dispenser includes means for coupling the chamber to the perfume dispenser, which effectably releasably secures the chamber to the perfume dispenser. The means for releasably fixing the chamber to the fragrance dispensing device comprise in particular means for positive, non-positive and / or cohesive connection. For example, the fixation can be effected by a screw connection, a detachable plug connection, a detachable adhesive connection, a snap connection, latching connection, bounce connection, bayonet connection, clamp connection, crimp connection, push-button connection or the like.

The fragrance dispensing device may in particular be designed as a room freshener, cabinet freshener, laundry dryer freshener, dishwasher freshener, vehicle interior freshener, toilet scenting or the like.

Fragrance discharge regulator

A scent delivery device in the context of this application is a means for the controlled release of perfume from a scent delivery device. - A -

Controlled release means that a defined amount of fragrance per unit time is releasable from the fragrance delivery device. In particular, the fragrance release may be adjustable by the fragrance delivery control device.

The fragrance delivery control device may be formed on the fragrance delivery device and / or the chamber of the metering closure.

The Duftabgaberegelvorrichtung may be formed for example as a membrane. In a further embodiment of the invention, it is possible to form the fragrance delivery control device as an opening whose opening cross-section is adjustable, in particular closable.

It is also conceivable to combine the abovementioned embodiments of the perfume regulator device with one another. For example, according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the chamber of the closure has a fragrance-permeable membrane, wherein the fragrance-dispensing device has an opening with an adjustable opening cross-section.

shutter

By virtue of the chamber, which can be detached from the closure according to the invention, filled with perfume, the closure can serve both as an odor indicator at the "point of view" and as an air freshener by the user on or separately from the closure cap, in particular in a scent delivery device configured therefor.

The closure cap can be designed as a screw cap, push-pull closure, flip top closure, snap closure, lever closure, stopper, dosing closure or the like. The cap may include other dosing and dosing aids and removal aids such as, for example, trigger pumps, dosing pumps, dosing dispensers, aerosol valves, spouts, spray caps, spray heads, atomizers or droppers.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure cap has a coupling ring, on which an internal screw thread is arranged, which can be screwed onto a corrosponding external screw thread of a container and thus closes the container.

The chamber may be positively and / or material and / or non-positively fixed to the closure flap.

The chamber and the closure flap can in particular be designed in this way and / or comprise additional connection means, so that the chamber and the closure flap can be fixed to one another in a form-fitting manner, for example by a snap closure, snap closure, bounce closure, screw cap, bayonet closure, clamp closure, squeeze closure, snap fastener.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the chamber can also be arranged cohesively on the closure cap. The cohesive connection can be configured such that upon release of the chamber from the closure cap, the cohesive connection is destroyed and can not be restored, so that the chamber no longer adheres to the closure cap after the removal of the closure cap by the original cohesive connection. However, the cohesive connection can also be designed such that a repeated release and adhesion of the chamber is made possible on the cap. The cohesive connection can be selected, for example, from the group of adhesive bonds, welded joints or sealing compounds.

Furthermore, it is possible to produce the releasable connection between the chamber and the closure cap by frictional connection. This can be realized for example by a press connection, friction connection, clamp connection, crimp connection, shrink connection, wedge connection, screw connection, pin connection or the like.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a protruding from the cap dome-like increase in the closure cap is formed, on which the chamber is frictionally plugged by a releasable press connection.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection between the chamber and the closure cap is designed such that it can be released from the closure cap by a tensile force greater than 1 N along the longitudinal axis. This ensures adequate retention of the chamber on the closure cap and prevents inadvertent release of the cap e.g. during transportation.

The closure cap preferably has a cup-shaped metering volume. The dosing volume is particularly preferably between 5 ml and 100 ml, in particular between 10 ml and 40 ml.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the chamber is formed in two parts and comprises a cup-shaped element and a closure plate which closes the opening of the cup-shaped element. The closure can be made by material connection, positive connection or adhesion. According to one Particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure of the cup opening is formed liquid or substantially gas-tight.

To provide a circumferential groove on the lateral surface of the cup-shaped element or the closure plate, which cooperates with a corresponding nose of the closure plate or the cup-shaped element such that a latching connection between the closure plate and cup element is formed is particularly advantageous.

Furthermore, the chamber can have on the outside a fastening element which is suitable for fixing the chamber to structures outside the metering closure. For example, the fastener may be formed as a sealed adhesive strip, wherein the seal is detached after removal of the chamber from the cap and the chamber thus, for example, on surfaces in cabinets, in or on trash can be glued.

The chamber may contain one or more active substances in solid and / or liquid and / or gelatinous and / or gaseous form.

The active substances may also be bound or dissolved on or in carrier materials. The support materials may have a solid and / or liquid and / or gelatinous and / or gaseous state.

The contents of the chamber may contain one or more of the same or different active substances from the group of fragrances, bleaching agents, cleaning substances, solvents, surfactants, dyes, enzymes, hygroscopic substances, flame retardants, hardeners, leveling agents, wetting agents, dispersants, foaming agents, defoamers, deaerators, corrosion inhibitors , Biocides, water softeners, preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers, vitamins, minerals and the like. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the active substances are bound to or in a polymeric carrier material. Fragrances are particularly preferably bound in or on a polymeric carrier material.

To release the active substances from the chamber into the environment, the chamber has at least one opening. The opening is preferably designed such that the carrier material can not pass through the opening.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the closure has a closure element, which in a closure position at least reduces the release of active substance from the chamber through the openings to the environment and in an open position allows the release of active substance from the chamber.

For example, the closure element may be formed as a tear-off lid, attachment lid, fold lid, groove lid, hinge lid, sliding lid, snap lid, screw cap, slip-on lid, stopper.

It is particularly preferred to carry out the closure element such that a repeated release and closing of the openings is made possible.

Verwendunq

Matching the fragrances of the respective preparations with the fragrances in the chamber

Polymeric carrier material

For the fragrance-containing particles are generally all polymers or polymer mixtures that meet the above criteria with respect to the melting or softening temperature. In the context of the present application, preferred scent-dispensing systems are characterized in that the polymeric carrier material comprises at least one substance selected from the group comprising ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers, low-density or high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE) or mixtures thereof, polypropylene, polyethylene / polypropylene copolymers, polyether / polyamide block copolymers, styrene / butadiene (block) copolymers, styrene / isoprene (block) copolymers, styrene / ethylene / butylene copolymers, acrylonitrile / Butadiene / styrene copolymers, acrylonitrile / butadiene copolymers, polyether esters, polyisobutene, polyisoprene, ethylene / ethyl acrylate copolymers, polyamides, polycarbonate, polyesters, polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols.

Polyethylene (PE) is a collective name for polymers belonging to the polyolefins with groupings of the type

CH ₂ -CH ₂

as a characteristic basic unit of the polymer chain. Polyethylenes are usually prepared by polymerization of ethylene by two fundamentally different methods, the high pressure and the low pressure process. The resulting products are accordingly often referred to as high pressure polyethylenes and low pressure polyethylenes, respectively; they differ mainly in their degree of branching and, consequently, in their degree of crystallinity and their density. Both methods can be carried out as solution polymerization, emulsion polymerization or gas phase polymerization.

When high-pressure method branched low-density polyethylenes fall at (about .915 to .935 g / cm ³⁾ and crystallinity of about 40-50%, obtained as LDPE-type (low density polyethylene), respectively. Products with a higher molecular weight and the resulting improved strength and ductility have the abbreviation HMW-LDPE (HMW = high molecular weight). By copolymerization of ethylene with longer-chain olefins, in particular with butene and octene, the pronounced degree of branching in the high-pressure Method produced polyethylenes are reduced; the copolymers have the abbreviation LLD-PE (linear low density polyethylene).

The macromolecules of the polyethylenes from low-pressure process are largely linear and unbranched. These polyethylenes, abbreviated to HDPE (from E high density polyethylene) have degrees of crystallinity of 60-80% and a density of about 0.94-0.965 g / cm3. They are referred to as products with high or ultra-high molar mass (about 200 000-5 000 000 g / mol or 3 000 000-6 000 000 g / mol) under the short name HD-HMW-PE or UHMW-HD-PE offered. Also, medium density (MDPE) products from blends of low and high density polyethylenes are commercially available. Linear polyethylenes with densities <0.918 g / cm3 (VLD-PE, from E very low density polyethylene) are only slowly gaining market significance.

Polyethylenes have a very low permeability to water vapor, the diffusion of gases and of aromatic substances and ethereal substances by polyethylenes is relatively high. The mechanical properties are strongly dependent on the molecular size and structure of the polyethylenes. In general, the degree of crystallinity and density of polyethylenes increase with decreasing degree of branching and with shortening of the side chains. With the density increase shear modulus, hardness, yield strength and melting range; it decreases from shock resistance, transparency, swellability and solubility. With the same density increase with increasing molecular weight of the polyethylene tear strength, elongation, shock resistance, impact resistance and creep strength. Depending on the method of polymerization, products with paraffin wax-like properties (MR around 2000) and products with highest toughness (MR over 1 million) can be obtained.

The processing of the polyethylene types can be carried out according to all methods customary for thermoplastics. Polypropylene (PP) is the name given to thermoplastic polymers of the

Propylene with the general formula:

- (CH ₂ -CH [CH 3]) _n -

The basis for the polypropylene production was the development of the process for the stereospecific polymerization of propylene in the gas phase or in suspension by Natta. This is initiated with Ziegler-Natta catalysts, but increasingly also by metallocene catalysts and leads either to highly crystalline isotactic or less crystalline syndiotactic or amorphous atactic polypropylenes.

Polypropylene is characterized by high hardness, resilience, stiffness and heat resistance. Short-term heating of polypropylene articles is even possible up to 140 ^° C. At temperatures below 0 ^° C., some embrittlement of the polypropylenes occurs, which, however, can be shifted to much lower temperature ranges by copolymerization of the propylene with ethylene (EPM, EPDM). In general, the impact resistance of polypropylene can be improved by modification with elastomers. The chemical resistance is good as with all polyolefins. An improvement in the mechanical properties of the polypropylene is achieved by reinforcement with talc, chalk, wood flour or glass fibers. Polypropylenes are even more sensitive to oxidation and light than PE, which is why the addition of stabilizers (antioxidants, light stabilizers, UV absorbers) is required.

Polyether is a comprehensive term in the field of macromolecular chemistry for polymers whose organic repeating units are held together by ether functionalities (COC). According to this definition, a large number of structurally very different polymers belong to the polyethers, eg. B. the polyalkylene glycols (polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols and polyepichlorohydrins) as polymers of 1, 2-epoxides, epoxy resins, Polytetrahydrofurans (polytetramethylene glycols), polyoxetanes, polyphenylene ethers (see polyarylethers) or polyetheretherketones (see polyether ketones). Polymers with pendant ether groups, such as the cellulose ethers, starch ethers and vinyl ether polymers, are not included among the polyethers.

The group of polyethers also includes functionalized polyethers, d. H. Compounds having a polyether backbone laterally attached to their backbones still carry other functional groups, e.g. As carboxy, epoxy, AIIyI or amino groups, etc. are widely used block copolymers of polyethers and polyamides (so-called polyetheramides or polyether block amides, PEBA).

Polyamides (PA) are polymers whose basic building blocks are held together by amide bonds (-NH-CO-). Naturally occurring polyamides are peptides, polypeptides and proteins (Ex .: protein, wool, silk). The synthetic polyamides, with a few exceptions, are thermoplastic, chain-like polymers, some of which have attained great industrial importance as synthetic fibers and materials. According to the chemical structure, the so-called homo-polyamides can be divided into two groups, the aminocarboxylic acid types (AS) and the diamine-dicarboxylic acid types (AA-SS, where A denotes amino groups and S denotes carboxy groups). The former are made of only a single monomer by z. B. polycondensation of a ω-aminocarboxylic acid (1) (polyamino acids) or by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic amides (lactams) (2).

In addition to the homopolyamides, some co-polyamides have gained importance. It is customary in these a qualitative and quantitative indication of the composition z. B. PA 66/6 (80:20) for from 1, 6-hexanediamine, adipic acid and ε-caprolactam in the molar ratio 80:80:20 prepared polyamides. Because of their special properties, polyamides which contain exclusively aromatic radicals (for example those of p-phenylenediamine and terephthalic acid) are classified under the generic name. Aramids or polyaramides summarized (Ex .: Nomex®).

The most commonly used polyamide types (especially PA 6 and PA 66) consist of unbranched chains with average molecular weights of 15,000 to 50,000 g / mol. They are partially crystalline in the solid state and have degrees of crystallization of 30-60%. An exception are polyamides of building blocks with side chains or co-polyamides of very different components, which are largely amorphous. In contrast to the generally milky-opaque, semi-crystalline polyamides these are almost crystal clear. The softening temperature of the most common homo-polyamides are between 200 and 260 ⁰ C (PA 6: 215-220 ⁰ C, PA 66: 255-260 ⁰ C).

Polyester is the collective name for polymers whose basic building blocks are held together by ester bonds (-CO-O-). According to their chemical structure, the so-called homopolyesters can be divided into two groups, the hydroxycarboxylic acid types (AB-polyester) and the dihydroxy-dicarboxylic acid types (AA-BB-polyester). The former are made of only a single monomer by z. B. polycondensation of a ω-hydroxycarboxylic acid 1 or by ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters (lactones) 2 produced.

Branched and crosslinked polyesters are obtained in the polycondensation of trihydric or polyhydric alcohols with polyfunctional carboxylic acids. The polyesters are generally also the polycarbonates (carbonic acid polyester) counted. AB type polyesters (I) include polyglycolic acids, polylactic acids, polyhydroxybutyric acid [poly (3-hydroxybutyric acid), poly (ε-caprolactone) s and polyhydroxybenzoic acids. Pure aliphatic AA-BB type polyesters (II) are polycondensates of aliphatic diols and dicarboxylic acids, which are used, inter alia, as products having terminal hydroxyl groups (as polydiols) for the preparation of polyester polyurethanes [z. B. polytetramethylene adipate]. The most technically significant in terms of quantity are AA-BB type polyesters of aliphatic diols and aromatic dicarboxylic acids, in particular the polyalkylene terephthalates, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and poly (1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) s (PCDT) as the most important representatives , These types of polyesters can be widely varied in their properties by using other aromatic dicarboxylic acids (for example isophthalic acid) or by using diol mixtures in polycondensation and can be adapted to different fields of application.

Purely aromatic polyesters are the polyarylates to which u. a. which include poly (4-hydroxybenzoic acid). In addition to the previously mentioned saturated polyesters, it is also possible to prepare unsaturated polyesters from unsaturated dicarboxylic acids which have acquired industrial significance as polyester resins, in particular as unsaturated polyester resins (UP resins).

Polyesters are usually thermoplastics. Products based on aromatic dicarboxylic acids have pronounced material character. The purely aromatic polyarylates are characterized by high thermal stability.

Polyurethanes (PU) are polymers in whose macromolecules the repeat units are linked by urethane groups -NH-CO-O-. Polyurethanes are generally obtained by polyaddition from dihydric or higher alcohols and isocyanates.

Depending on the choice and stoichiometric ratio of the starting materials so arise polyurethanes with very different mechanical properties, as components of adhesives and paints (polyurethane resins), as ionomers, as thermoplastic material can be used for bearing parts, rolls, tires, rolls and as more or less hard elastomers in fiber form (elastofibres, short PUE for these elastane or spandex fibers) or as polyether or polyester urethane rubber (EU or AU )

Polyurethane foams are formed in the polyaddition, when water and / or carboxylic acids are present, because these react with the isocyanates with elimination of the uplifting and foaming carbon dioxide. With polyalkylene glycol ethers as diols and water as the reaction component, flexible polyurethane foams are obtained, with polyols and blowing gases from CFCs (especially R 11), rigid polyurethane foams and structural or integral foams are obtained. Additionally required auxiliaries are here z. As catalysts, emulsifiers, foam stabilizers (especially polysiloxane-polyether copolymers), pigments, aging and flame retardants. In the 1970s, the so-called RIM technique was developed for the manufacture of complexly shaped objects made of polyurethane foam (reaction injection molding). The RIM-Verf. is due to rapid dosing and mixing of the components, injection of the reactive mixture into the mold and rapid curing; the cycle time is only a few minutes. Using RIM technology u. a. Car body parts, shoe soles, window profiles and television housing generated.

Polyvinyl alcohols (PVAL, occasionally also PVOH) is the term for polymers of the general structure

in small proportions (about 2%) also structural units of the type

contain.

Commercially available polyvinyl alcohols are available as white-yellowish powders or granules with degrees of polymerization in the range of about 100 to 2500 (molar masses of about 4000 to 100,000 g / mol). The polyvinyl alcohols are characterized by the manufacturer by indicating the degree of polymerization of the starting polymer, the degree of hydrolysis, the saponification number or the solution viscosity.

Depending on the degree of hydrolysis, polyvinyl alcohols are soluble in water and a few highly polar organic solvents (formamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide); They are not attacked by (chlorinated) hydrocarbons, esters, fats and oils. Polyvinyl alcohols are classified as toxicologically safe and are biologically at least partially degradable. The water solubility can be reduced by aftertreatment with aldehydes (acetalization), by complexation with Ni or Cu salts or by treatment with dichromates, boric acid or borax. The coatings of polyvinyl alcohol are largely impermeable to gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, but allow water vapor to pass through.

Are preferably used as materials for the container polyvinyl alcohols of a range of molecular weights, with the present invention it is preferred that the water-soluble or water-dispersible container comprises a polyvinyl alcohol whose molecular weight ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 gmol ^"1, preferably from 11,000 to 90,000 ^{gmol" 1,} more preferably from 12,000 to 80,000 gmol ^"1 and in particular from 13,000 to 70,000 gmol ^{" 1} . In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polymeric carrier material of the particles consists at least partly of ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer. A further preferred subject of the present application is therefore a fragrance delivery system, characterized in that the polymeric carrier material contains at least 10 wt .-%, preferably at least 30 wt .-%, particularly preferably at least 70 wt .-% ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, preferably completely made of ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer.

Ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers is the name for Copoylmere of ethylene and vinyl acetate. The preparation of this polymer is basically carried out in a process similar to that of the production of low density polyethylene (LDPE). With an increasing proportion of vinyl acetate, the crystallinity of the polyethylene is interrupted and in this way the melting and softening points or the hardness of the resulting products are reduced. The vinyl acetate also makes the copolymer more polar and thus improves its adhesion to polar substrates.

The ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers described above are widely available commercially, for example under the tradename Elvax ^® (Dupont). In the present invention, particularly suitable polyvinyl alcohols are, for example Elvax ^® 265, Elvax ^® 240, Elvax ^® 205W, Elvax ^® 200W, as well as Elvax ^® 360th Some particularly suitable copolymers and their physical properties are shown in the following table:

In the context of the present invention, especially in the field of scenting the interiors, fragrance delivery systems are particularly preferred in which ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer is used as the polymeric support material and this copolymer contains from 5 to 50% by weight of vinyl acetate, preferably from 10 to 40% by weight. Vinyl acetate and in particular 20 to 30 wt .-% vinyl acetate, each based on the total weight of the copolymer containing.

Fragrance delivery systems according to the invention contain the polymeric support materials in the form of particles. The spatial form of these particles is limited only by the technical possibilities in their production. As a form of space, all meaningfully manageable configurations come into consideration, for example cubes, cuboids and corresponding spatial elements with flat side surfaces and in particular cylindrical configurations with a circular or oval cross-section. This last embodiment comprises tablet-shaped particles up to compact cylinder pieces with a height-to-diameter ratio above 1. Further possible spatial forms are spheres, hemispheres or "elongated spheres" in the form of ellipsoidal capsules as well as regular polyhedra, for example tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, Dodecahedron, icosahedron. It is also conceivable star-shaped formations with three, four, five, six or more tips or completely irregular body, which may be designed, for example, motivic. Depending on the field of application of the agents according to the invention, suitable motifs are, for example, animal figures, such as dogs, horses or birds, floral motifs or the representation of fruits. The motivic design can also refer to inanimate objects such as vehicles, tools, household items or clothing. The surface of the solid particles may have unevenness depending on the type of the selected manufacturing process and / or a selected coating. Owing to the numerous design possibilities for the particles, the agents according to the invention are distinguished not only by advantages in their preparation. Due to the various forms of the perfume-containing particles are also visually clearly perceptible to the consumer and allow through the targeted spatial design of these particles for product acceptance particularly advantageous visualization of the fragrances contained in the compositions of the invention or other optional active substances contained in these agents. Thus, for example, the different modes of action of individual active substances (eg cleaning and additional functions such as glass protection, silver protection, etc.) can be illustrated by the optically perceptible multiphase of these agents.

In the context of the present application, particles are summarized as particles which have a solid, ie dimensionally stable, non-flowable consistency which is solid at room temperature. Preferred particles have one average diameter of 0.5 to 20 mm, preferably from 1 to 10 mm and in particular from 3 to 6 mm.

The preparation of the polymeric support materials to the particles described above can be carried out on all the skilled person for processing these substances known methods. In the context of the present invention, extrusion is preferably preferred by injection molding and spraying into polymer granules.

fragrances

As perfume oils or fragrances, individual fragrance compounds, for example the synthetic products of the ester type, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols and hydrocarbons, can be used in the context of the present invention. Fragrance compounds of the ester type are, for example, benzyl acetate, phenoxyethyl isobutyrate, p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, linalyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, phenylethyl acetate, linalyl benzoate, benzyl formate, ethylmethylphenyl glycinate, allylcyclohexyl propionate, styrallyl propionate and benzyl salicylate. The ethers include, for example, benzyl ethyl ether, to the aldehydes, for example, the linear alkanals with 8-18 C atoms, citral, citronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, hydroxycitronellal, lilial and bourgeonal, to the ketones such as the ionone, oc-lsomethylionon and methyl cedryl ketone , the alcohols include anethole, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool, phenylethyl alcohol and terpineol, the hydrocarbons mainly include the terpenes such as limonene and pinene. Preferably, however, mixtures of different fragrances are used, which together produce an attractive fragrance. Such perfume oils may also contain natural fragrance mixtures as are available from vegetable sources, eg pine, citrus, jasmine, patchouly, rose or ylang-ylang oil. Also suitable are muscatel, sage oil, chamomile oil, clove oil, lemon balm oil, mint oil, cinnamon leaf oil, lime blossom oil, juniper berry oil, vetiver oil, olibanum oil, Galbanum oil and labdanum oil as well as orange blossom oil, neroliol, orange peel oil and sandalwood oil.

The general description of the perfumes that can be used (see above) generally represents the different substance classes of fragrances. To be perceptible, a fragrance must be volatile, whereby besides the nature of the functional groups and the structure of the chemical compound, the molecular weight also plays an important role plays. For example, most odorants have molecular weights up to about 200 daltons, while molecular weights of 300 daltons and above are more of an exception. Due to the different volatility of fragrances, the smell of a perfume or fragrance composed of several fragrances changes during evaporation, whereby the odor impressions in "top note", "middle note" or "body note" ) and "base note" (end note or dry out). Since odor perception is also largely due to odor intensity, the top note of a perfume does not consist solely of volatile compounds, while the base note is largely made up of less volatile, i. adherent fragrances. For example, in the composition of perfumes, more volatile fragrances can be bound to certain fixatives, preventing them from evaporating too quickly. In the subsequent classification of the fragrances in "more volatile" or "adherent" fragrances so nothing about the olfactory impression and whether the corresponding fragrance is perceived as a head or middle note, nothing said.

By means of a suitable selection of said fragrances or perfume oils, the product smell can be influenced in this way for agents according to the invention immediately upon opening the brand-new composition as well as the use fragrance, for example when used in a dishwashing machine. These fragrance impressions can of course be the same, but can also differ. For the latter odor impression is the use adhesive odoriferous substances advantageous, while more volatile fragrances can be used for Produktbeduftung. Adhesion-resistant fragrances which can be used in the context of the present invention are, for example, the essential oils such as angelica root oil, aniseed oil, arnica blossom oil, basil oil, bay oil, bergamot oil, Champacablütenöl, Edel fir oil, Edeltannenzapfen oil, Elemiöl, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, spruce needle oil, galbanum oil, geranium oil, ginger grass oil, Guaiac wood oil, gurdy balm oil, helichrysum oil, ho oil, ginger oil, iris oil, cajeput oil, calamus oil, chamomile oil, camphor oil, kanaga oil, cardamom oil, cassia oil, pine oil, copaϊva balsam oil, coriander oil, spearmint oil, caraway oil, cumin oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, lime oil, tangerine oil, lemon balm oil, Musk Grain Oil, Myrrh Oil, Clove Oil, Neroli Oil, Niaouli Oil, Olibanum Oil, Orange Oil, Origanum Oil, Palmarosa Oil, Patchouli Oil, Peru Balsam Oil, Petitgrain Oil, Pepper Oil, Peppermint Oil, Pimento Oil, Pine Oil, Rose Oil, Rosemary Oil, Sandalwood Oil, Celery Oil, Spik Oil, Star Aniseed Oil, Turpentine Oil, Thuja Oil, Thyme oil, verb ena oil, vetiver oil, juniper berry oil, wormwood oil, wintergreen oil, ylang-ylang oil, hyssop oil, cinnamon oil, cinnamon oil, lemon oil, lemon oil and cypress oil. But also the higher-boiling or solid fragrances of natural or synthetic origin can be used in the context of the present invention as adherent fragrances or fragrance mixtures, ie fragrances. These compounds include the following compounds and mixtures thereof: ambrettolide, α-amylcinnamaldehyde, anethole, anisaldehyde, anisalcohol, anisole, methyl anthranilate, acetophenone, benzylacetone, benzaldehyde, ethyl benzoate, benzophenone, benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl formate, benzyl valerate, borneol , Bornyl acetate, α-bromostyrene, n-decyl aldehyde, n-dodecyl aldehyde, eugenol, eugenol methyl ether, eucalyptol, farnesol, fenchone, fenchyl acetate, geranyl acetate, geranyl formate, heliotropin, heptincarboxylic acid methyl ester, heptaldehyde, hydroquinone dimethyl ether, hydroxycinnamaldehyde, hydroxycinnamyl alcohol, indole, iron, isoeugenol Isoeugenol methyl ether, isosafrole, jasmon, camphor, karvakrol, karvon, p-cresol methyl ether, coumarin, p-methoxyacetophenone, methyl n-amyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, p Methylacetophenone, methylchavikole, p-methylquinoline, methyl-β-naphthylketone, methyl-n-nonylacetaldehyde, methyl-n-nonylketone, muscone, β-naphtholethyl ether, β-naphtholmethyl ether, nerol, nitrobenzene, n-nonylaldehyde, nonyl alcohol, n-octylaldehyde, p-oxy-acetophenone, pentadecanolide, β-phenylethyl alcohol, phenylacetaldehyde dimethyacetal, phenylacetic acid, pulegone, safrole, salicylic acid isoamyl ester, methyl salicylate, salicylic acid hexyl ester, cyclohexyl salicylate, santalol, skatole, terpineol, thymine, thymol, γ-undelactone, vaniline, veratrumaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamic acid, cinnamic acid ethyl ester, cinnamic acid benzyl ester. The more volatile fragrances include in particular the lower-boiling fragrances of natural or synthetic origin, which can be used alone or in mixtures. Examples of more readily volatile fragrances are alkyl isothiocyanates (alkyl mustard oils), butanedione, limonene, linalool, linayl acetate and propionate, menthol, menthone, methyl-n-heptenone, phellandrene, phenylacetaldehyde, terpinyl acetate, citral, citronellal.

Preferably, the plastic particles are loaded at a temperature of 15 to 30 ⁰ C, preferably from 20 to 25 ° C, with the selected perfume. For this purpose, the particles are mixed with the appropriate amount of perfume and mixed. In any case, the temperature should be below the melting or decomposition temperature of the plastic and also below the flash point of the perfume oil. The fragrance is absorbed by adhesion, diffusion and / or capillary forces of the polymeric carrier material or of other perfume carrier materials contained in the particle, these being able to swell slightly in the course of this process. Other active substances

As mentioned above, agents according to the invention may contain, in addition to the ingredients required for scenting and deodorization, further active substances. Accordingly, other product groups which contain further preferred substances in addition to the abovementioned constituents according to the invention can be distinguished from the agents which serve exclusively for scenting.

dyes

A first of these optionally usable preferred substances are the dyes. For this purpose, all dyes are generally suitable, which are known to the skilled person as suitable for coloring plastics or as soluble in perfume oils. It is preferable to select the dye according to the fragrance used; For example, lemon fragrance particles are preferably yellow in color, while for apple or herb fragrance particles, a green color is preferred. Preferred dyes have a high storage stability and insensitivity to the other ingredients of the agents and to light. If the agents according to the invention are used in connection with textile or dishwashing, the dyes used should have no pronounced substantivity towards textile fibers, glass, plastic dishes or ceramics in order not to stain them.

Suitable dyes and dye mixtures are commercially available under various trade names and are offered, inter alia, by the companies BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Clariant GmbH, DyStar Textile dyes GmbH & Co. Germany KG, Les Colorants Wackherr SA and Ciba Specialty Chemicals. Suitable fat-soluble dyes and dye mixtures include, for example, Solvent Blue 35, Solvent Green 7, Solvent Orange 1 (Orange au Gras-W-2201), Sandoplast Blue 2B, Fat Yellow 3G, Iragon® Red SRE 122, Iragon® Green SGR 3, Solvent Yellow 33 and Solvent Yellow 16, but other dyes may also be included.

In a preferred embodiment, the dye additionally has an indicator function in addition to its aesthetic effect. As a result, the consumer of the current state of consumption of the deodorant is displayed, so that he receives in addition to the lack of fragrance impression, which may for example be based on a habituation effect on the part of the user, another reliable indication when the deodorant is to be replaced by a new one.

The indicator effect can be achieved in various ways: On the one hand, a dye can be used, which escapes from the particles during the period of application. This can be effected, for example, by the ingredients contained in the dishwashing detergent. For this purpose, a dye must be used, which adheres well to the particles or only slowly diffuses out of them to ensure that the discoloration is not too early, namely, when the fragrance is not consumed, is completed. On the other hand, a color change can also be caused by a chemical reaction or thermal decomposition.

Antimicrobial agents, germicides, fungicides

Further preferred constituents of compositions according to the invention are substances such as antimicrobial agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants or corrosion inhibitors, with the aid of which additional benefits, such as, for example, disinfection or corrosion protection, can be realized.

For controlling microorganisms, the compositions of the invention may contain antimicrobial agents. Depending on the antimicrobial spectrum and mechanism of action, a distinction is made between bacteriostats and bactericides, fungistatics and fungicides, etc. Important substances from these Groups include, for example, benzalkonium chlorides, alkylarylsulfonates, halophenols and phenolmercuric acetate.

REFERENCE CHARACTERS

1 dosing closure

2 dosing volume

3 chamber

4 closure means

5 lateral surface

6 floor

7 chamber jacket

8 chamber bottom

9 chamber head

10 chamber opening

11 chamber bottom closure plate

12 chamber cup element

13 collar

14 groove

15 nose

16 cap

17 ventilation holes

18 perfume

19 membrane

20 fragrance dispenser

21 fan

22 scent delivery device

23 slides

24 opening Figure 1: dosing with chamber in cross section

Figure 2: Dosierverschluss without chamber in cross section

Figure 3: cup element of the chamber in cross section

Figure 4: closure plate of the chamber in cross section

Figure 5: Dosierverschluss in exploded view

Figure 6: Perfume dispensing system with perfume chamber in perspective

view

Figure 7: fragrance delivery system with adjustable

Fragrance release opening in the top view

Figure 1 shows the metering closure 1 according to the invention with the chamber 3 for receiving active substances (not shown) in cross section.

The dosing closure 1 is constructed in two parts and has a chamber 3 and a closure cap 16, which are detachably connected to each other.

The cap 16 has a cup-like metering volume 2, which is formed by the substantially cylindrical lateral surface 5 and the bottom 6 of the cap 16.

On the lateral surface 5, a coupling ring 17 is arranged, which has an internal screw thread 4 and is designed such that when interacting with the container opening in the closed position of the closure 1, an outlet of product from the container is prevented.

The coupling ring 17 and the lateral surface 5 are integrally formed with the coupling ring 17 is positioned on the lateral surface such that between the bottom 6 and the shoulder of the coupling ring 17, a collar 13 is formed. The collar 13 is substantially perpendicular to the shoulder of the Coupling rings 17 and the bottom 6 of the cap 16, whereby a dome-like elevation is formed, which protrudes from the cap 16.

The chamber 3 for receiving active substances is designed in two parts. The chamber 3 consists of a cup-shaped element 3, which is formed by the substantially cylindrical chamber jacket 7 and the chamber head 9, and of a cross-sectionally U-shaped closure plate 11, which forms the bottom 8 of the chamber 3 in the assembled state and the cup element 12 closes.

The connection between the closure plate 11 and the cup element 12 may be designed as an adhesive bond and / or press connection and / or latching connection.

As shown in FIG. 3, the circumferential surface 7 of the cup element 12 has a circumferential groove 14 which serves to receive the circumferential lug 15 formed on the closure plate 11, as shown in FIG. 4, whereby the cup element 12 and the closure plate 11 are forcefully engaged. and are positively connected with each other.

The chamber 3 has a cross-sectionally U-shaped recess, which is designed such that the chamber 3 is releasably fixed by means of press fit on the dome-like increase of the closure cap 16.

The interference fit between the chamber 3 and the closure cap 16 is dimensioned such that the connection between the closure cap 16 and the chamber 3 is released by the removal of the chamber 3 from the closure cap 16 without the cup element 12 being separated from the closure plate 11. The closure 1 is preferably made of plastic. The cap 16 and the chamber 3 may be made of the same or different plastics. It is particularly advantageous to produce the closure cap 16 and the chamber 3 from one or more polyolefin plastics, such as, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene.

The removal of the chamber 3 from the dosing closure 1 and its bipartite is apparent from Figure 5, which shows the dosing closure 1 in an exploded view. The chamber 3 is filled with a fragrance 18, which is sealed with respect to the bottom 6 with a membrane 19. The membrane 19 may be configured to be pervious to perfume but retain a liquid or gel.

The chamber jacket 7 has below the membrane 19 through ventilation openings through the perfume from the chamber 3 are discharged to the environment or can flow through the fluid from the environment into the chamber 3 into it.

As shown in FIG. 6, the chamber 3 of the dosing closure 1 can be coupled to a fragrance dispenser 20.

The coupling can be effected by a positive, non-positive and / or material connection. In particular, it is advantageous to design the coupling in such a way that the coupling of the chamber 3 to the dosing closure 1 is the same with which the coupling of the chamber 3 to or in the fragrance delivery device 20 is realized. For this purpose, in particular plug, bounce or screw connections are suitable.

However, it is also conceivable to use various connections between the chamber 3 and the dosing closure 1 or the fragrance dispensing device 20. For example, the connection between the chamber 3 and the Dosierverschluss 1 be designed as a screw connection to effect secure transport of the chamber 3 on the dosing closure 1 during transport, while the connection of the chamber 3 and the fragrance dispensing device 20 is designed as a bounce, in which the user the dissolved from the closure 1 chamber 3 in the fragrance dispenser 20 fixed.

The fragrance dispenser 20 may include a fan 21 that conveys ambient air into the fragrance dispenser 20 or fragrance from the chamber 3 to the atmosphere from inside the fragrance dispenser 20.

The scent delivery system 20 further includes a scent delivery regulator 22 that allows control of the amount of scent delivered from the scent dispenser 20. As shown in Figure 7, the Duftabgaberegelvorrichtung 22 has an annular opening 24 which is completely or partially closed by a slide 23.

Claims

Patentansprϋche

1. Scent delivery system comprising

D a closure (1) for closing the opening of a container comprising a. a closure cap (16), b. Means (4) for sealing the opening of a container, in particular for flowable or pourable products, wherein the closure cap (16) of the closure (1) and the closure means (4) are designed such that when interacting with the container opening in the closed position the closure (1) prevents leakage of product from the container, c. a chamber (3) which is formed by a chamber bottom (8), a chamber casing (7) and a chamber ceiling (9) and which is at least partially filled with at least one perfume-containing preparation, wherein the chamber (3) has at least one opening (10 , 17), which allows a dispensing of perfume from the interior of the chamber (3), wherein the chamber (3) is detachably fixable to the closure cap (16)

D a fragrance dispenser (20), the means for coupling the of

Closure (1) releasable chamber (3) with the scent dispenser (20), which cause a releasable fixation of the chamber (3) with the scent dispenser (20).

A scent delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that the scent delivery device (20) and / or chamber (3) comprises means for the controlled release of scent from the scent delivery device (20). Scent delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that the chamber (3) can be fixed to the closure (1) and the fragrance dispensing device (20) in a positive and / or material and / or non-positive manner.

3. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber (3) by a tensile force of greater than 1 N along the longitudinal axis of the closure cap (16) and the scent dispenser (20) is releasable.

4. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure cap (16) by a lateral surface (5) and a bottom (6) cup-like shaped dosing (2).

5. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber in two parts of a cup-shaped element (12) and a closure plate (11), through which the opening of the cup-shaped element (12) fabric and / or shape and / or is positively closed, is formed.

6. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cup-shaped element (12) on the lateral surface (7) has a circumferential groove (14) having a corresponding nose

(15) of the closure plate cooperates such that a latching connection between the closure plate (11) and cup element (12) can be formed.

7. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening of the cup-shaped element (12) through the closure plate (11) is substantially sealed tight.

8. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that and the chamber (3) opposite the cap

(16) is formed dense.

9. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure plate is formed in cross section U-shaped.

10. fragrance dispensing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (4) for closing the spout opening is formed as a coupling ring with an internal screw thread.

11. scent delivery system s according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dosing (1) and / or the scent dispenser (20) has a collar (13) which forms a protruding from the cap dome-like elevation, on which the chamber (3 ), preferably by plugging, can be fixed.

12. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume of the loaded with perfume emitting substances chamber (3) is between 5 and 100 ml.

13. Fragrance dispensing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber (3) has on the outside a fastening element, preferably a sealed adhesive strip, for fixing the chamber (3) to structures outside the dosing closure (1).

14. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chamber (3) contains at least one active substance from the group of perfumes, perfume carriers, dyes, surfactants, antimicrobial agents, germicides, fungicides, antioxidants and / or corrosion inhibitors.

15. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active substance is a perfume-laden polymer material.

16. Scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymeric carrier material has a melting or softening point between 30 and 150 ⁰ C, preferably between 40 and 125 ° C, particularly preferably between 60 and 100 ⁰ C, most preferably of 70 to 90 ⁰ C and in particular between 75 and 80 ° C, having.

17. Fragrance delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymeric support material at least one substance from the group consisting of ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers, low or high density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE) or mixtures thereof, polypropylene, polyethylene / polypropylene copolymers , Polyether / polyamide block copolymers, styrene / butadiene (block) copolymers, styrene / isoprene (block) copolymers, styrene / ethylene / butylene copolymers, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymers, acrylonitrile / butadiene copolymers, polyetheresters , Polyisobutene, polyisoprene, ethylene / ethyl acrylate copolymers, polyamides, polycarbonate, polyesters, polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohols.

18. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the particles have an average diameter of 0.5 to 20 mm, preferably from 1 to 10 mm and in particular from 3 to 6 mm.

19. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proportion by weight of the perfume (s) 1 to 70 wt. %, preferably 10 to 60 wt .-%, particularly preferably 20 to 50 wt .-%, in particular 30 to 40 wt .-%, is.

20. scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure (1) has a closure element for the openings (10) of the chamber (3) which in a closed position, the release of active substance from the chamber (3) to the environment at least reduced and in an open position allows the release of active substance from the chamber.

21. Scent delivery system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure element allows repeated release and closing of the openings (10).

22. Packaging comprising a container, in particular for flowable or pourable products, having an opening for dispensing product, characterized in that the opening is closed with a closure, wherein the closure (1) comprises:

D a closure cap (16),

D means (4) for sealing the opening of a container, in particular for flowable or pourable products, wherein the closure cap (16) of the closure (1) and the closure means (4) are designed such that when interacting with the container opening in the Closure position of the closure (1) prevents leakage of product from the container,

D a chamber (3) through a chamber bottom (8), a

Chamber chamber (7) and a chamber ceiling (9) is formed and which is at least partially filled with at least one perfume-containing preparation, wherein the chamber (3) has at least one opening (10,17), the release of perfume from the Interior of the chamber (3), wherein the chamber (3) is releasably fixable to the closure cap (16), characterized in that the chamber (3) is adapted for use in a fragrance dispenser (20), the fragrance dispenser (20) comprising means for coupling the chamber (3) detachable from the closure (1) with the fragrance delivery device (20), which effect a releasable fixing of the chamber (3) to the fragrance delivery device (20).