WO2008115179A1

WO2008115179A1 - Pull apart multiple fragrance and cosmetic sampler

Info

Publication number: WO2008115179A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/006828
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Tararuj
Original assignee: Christopher Tararuj
Priority date: 2007-03-20
Filing date: 2007-03-20
Publication date: 2008-09-25

Abstract

Economical and improved pull apart device for sampling multiple fragrances and cosmetics or combinations of fragrances and cosmetics on a single carrier. The mechanism for release of fragrance is accomplished by providing a microcapsule layer between a top ply and a bottom ply, which upon drying bonds the overlying plies together, the microcapsules rupture upon peeling the top ply from the bottom ply thereby releasing the fragrances. Multiple fragrances or cosmetics can be applied adjacent to each other or the sampler can be used to deliver a combination of cosmetics and fragrances. A sampler produced as disclosed provides greater stability and shelf life while dramatically reducing manufacturing and label affixing costs. The sampler maximizes flexibility in use and manufacture while minimizing costs.

Description

REFERENCES CITED

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The most widely used and most economical method for sampling fragrances is a paper to paper laminate containing microencapsulated fragrance oil and an adhesive/binder to adhere the capsules to the paper. This laminated construction is easily separated, breaks the capsules efficiently and quickly releases the fragrance upon opening. This process must however, be carefully controlled to apply just the right amount of material, and formulated with precisely the right amount of binder/adhesive so that the lamination opens properly without adhering too tightly or not adhering enough. The manufacture of this type of sampler is highly complex for many reasons, not the least of which are that the binder/adhesive and paper must be carefully and judiciously controlled so as not to adversely affect function and fragrance fidelity. The printing and converting of this type of sampler is also not well suited for short runs or advertisers requiring multiple fragrances, cosmetics or particularly combinations of a cosmetic and fragrance! Another drawback has been that no printing or associated graphics can be utilized in the fragrance sample area. To address one of these shortcomings Jones U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,928,748 and 6,125,614 have disclosed a polymeric film laminated over the graphics allowing the fragrance to be subsequently applied over the film without any adverse effect on the printing. No means is disclosed for sampling multiple fragrances, cosmetics or combinations of fragrances and cosmetics. Comyn U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,172 has disclosed a similar construction in label form, but there is also no means disclosed for multiple fragrance sampling.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,403,186 discloses a gelatenoid product that relies on a microencapsulated fragrance in a gel vehicle. This too fails to provide a means to prevent cross contamination of the scents if multiple fragrances are applied. U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,517 discloses coating a substrate with a water soluble coating and drying the coating, a slurry of microcapsules is then coated over the dried coating. The capsules reactivate the adhesive properties of the coating and consequently stick to the coating, upon pulling the two plies apart the capsules rupture and release the fragrance. Another U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,557, discloses a similar construction except that at least some of the area is not coated with a reactivatable adhesive and these capsules do not rupture upon opening. Neither of these provides for a means of sampling multiple fragrances or a combination of fragrance and cosmetic.

Several other patents disclose a variety of constructions for fragrance sampling including: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,874,129, 4,880,690, 4,952,400, 4,940,584, 5,391,420, 5,566,693, 5,622,263, 5,637,401, 5,645,161, 5,782,060, 5,885,701, 6,251,408, 6,301,860, 6,326,069, and 6,364,097. Some of these provide for an air tight sampler which holds a fragrance and alcohol or silicone mixture, upon opening, the fragrance can be evaluated and if desired can be applied to the skin for extended trial. While these are functional sampling means they tend to be very expensive and thus have not been widely used, particularly by advertisers of low unit cost products. There is also no means disclosed for multiple fragrance or combination sampling of fragrances and cosmetics. Many other patents teach a wide array of encapsulation methods, construction and techniques but to date a reliable and inexpensive method does not exist for mass producing a fragrance sampler that delivers multiple fragrances or combinations of a fragrance and cosmetic in a single vehicle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus a need exists for an economical, versatile and reliable method for producing a fragrance sampler that is capable of delivering multiple fragrances or combinations of a fragrance and cosmetic in a single vehicle. The disclosed invention may be practiced with a traditional microencapsulation widely used in the industry. The gelatin/Gum Arabic coacervation system is the most widely used, probably because the ingredients are relatively safe and the process is gentlest on the microencapsulate. Gelatin based capsules thus would be an ideal choice if a reliable means could be developed to insure adhesion to a polymeric film and upon drying and subsequent separation of the plies, the capsules would rupture releasing the fragrance oil contained therein. Ideally without the need for adhesives/binders and secondary coatings which could adversely effect the fragrance. While enapsulatated material has heretofore been coated between polymeric films, no capsule breakage or means for capsule breakage has been provided. Various adhesives and coatings have been suggested but no viable means currently exists. The films simply peel part, and since a sufficient bond is not provided, the capsules remain virtually intact and unbroken, diffusion from the capsules accounts for any perceived odor upon opening. The choice of polymer films is also critical and thus the most preferred materials tend to be those with the greatest chemical resistance to the fragrance oil. Fragrance oils tend to be very active solvents and generally have a deleterious effect on polymers. The Comyn patent takes advantage of such properties and teaches that fragrance oil can be forced into the polymeric matrix of polyester with the aid of a suitable organic solvent, this limited penetration is then halted upon evaporation of the solvent or others means and the fragrance oil is subsequently sealed in upon application of a second ply of polyester and an adhesive. Other patents and patent applications such as Speckhals et al. patent application Ser. No. 2001009175 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,652 also specify polymers which posses superior barrier properties and chemical resistance. Polypropylene is specifies in U.S. Pat. No. 6,403,186 as being highly preferred primarily due to its low cost, the fragrance life of the non microencapsulated portion is thus sacrifices due to polypropylene's relatively poor vapor containment properties. Some polymers posses vapor barrier properties approaching glass or aluminum, but today these tend to be prohibitively expensive. Thus with these restrictions in mind it is difficult to provide for an easily manufactured and inexpensive sampler that will provide the rigorous needs of a fragrance sampling devise that can deliver multiple fragrances or combinations of cosmetics and fragrances.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Among the least costly polymers available is polystryrene. Unfortunately most fragrance oils will very quickly destabilize and even dissolve polystyrene. The vapor barrier properties of polystyrene are also inferior. If a fragrance is coated over polystyrene and covered with another layer of polystyrene the resulting laminate, after aging, cannot be separated without tearing the film. The fragrance also quickly migrates through the film and into the environment. Surprisingly, when polystyrene is coated with gelatin base microcapsules, a functional bond develops between the walls of the microcapsules and the polymeric film. When the capsules are sufficiently dry, this bond is strong enough to prevent the capsules from peeling away from the polystyrene film upon separation of the plies. The opposing layers can however, be separated easily as the bond is only as strong as the tensile strength of the capsule. The result is that the capsules fracture upon opening and release the encapsulated material into the environment.

Even more surprising, the polystyrene appears to acts synergistically with the walls of the capsules providing superior resistance to diffusion of the encapsulated material through the wall of the capsule. Generally low crosslink density microcapsules like those made with gelatin have poor high humidity stability, in particular at elevated temperature. The encapsulated material tends to diffuse through the walls of the capsule at a relatively high rate. Thus the art has many well known suggestions for methods of improving this problem, including coating the paper with various coatings such as polyvinyl alcohol and various capsule wall cross linking methods to provide for a more effective barrier to diffusion in particular at elevated temperature and humidity. Among the most effective of these is the use of plastic capsules, for example urea formaldehyde or melamine formaldehyde, or any wall materials of a much higher crosslink density such that diffusion does not occur or is substantially reduced. Thus when polystyrene is coated with gelatin based capsules, the combination results in significantly improved high temperature and humidity stability.

Preodor is common problem with traditional fragrance samplers. Consumers often complain that their magazines, catalogs or other mailed articles smell as a result of the samplers that they contain. Although the problem has largely been blamed on broken and leaking capsules, the fact that fragrances will diffuse through a gelatin based capsule cannot be dismissed. Polystyrene, while not a superior barrier film, dramatically reduces diffusion of fragrance from a gelatin based capsule. Thus another solution is provided by the present invention. The sampler as disclosed eliminates preodor issues.

Typically, microcapsules in the 15-50 micron range are used for snap apart paper samplers, most preferred size being 20-35 microns. This also appears to be a suitable range for optimum practice of the disclosed invention. Capsules as small as 1-10 microns have also been tested and appear to function in accordance with the present invention but as expected the intensity of burst is diminished significantly as a result of fewer broken capsules and generally lower payload volume contained in smaller capsules. Larger capsules, 70-125 microns, have also been evaluated but significant deterioration of the polystyrene film becomes evident, probably as a result of capsule breakage due to their large size. The phase ratio or wall to capsule fill ratio appears to have a minimal effect on bonding properties, typical formulations with 5-20% wall appear to perform well. As little as 0.75% wall is sufficient to produce a functional sampler. As much as 35.0% wall has also been evaluated and also appears to function as desired except that a longer drying time is required. Thus the highly preferred capsule particle size is 25-40 microns, and the wall constitutes 3-15% based on the encapsulated material.

Some fragrances may have no effect on the polystyrene film. In this case an additive may be included in the candidate encapsulate material to promote adhesion to the film. While this aspect has not been fully investigated it will be obvious to one skilled in the art as to which materials would provide for desirable results.

Slurry compositions with and without adhesive/binder additives have been tested and both function adequately. The binder system is thus not necessary and further improves the product since binders potentially add odors that often cause olfactory issues. The addition of viscosifiers, well known in the art, may be utilized to help minimize the spreading of the fragrance or cosmetic coating without interfering with fragrance fidelity or altering the color or texture of the cosmetic.

A novel means for sampling multiple fragrances as well as combinations of cosmetics and fragrances is hereby disclosed. The invention also greatly improves performance properties of standard encapsulation systems, especially gelatin/gum Arabic systems, which are most preferred and most widely used by current producers and the need for adhesives and binders is eliminated. The invention also functionally eliminates preodor. The disclosed construction permits multiple products to be sampled within a single vehicle, eliminating the expense of multiple affixing charges. Thus the disclosed invention allows lower cost products, such as color cosmetics and scented consumer products, to spread the advertising cost among several product lines and even across different brands. EXAMPLES

In each of the following examples the fragrances were coated and covered with a polystyrene top film while wet. The cosmetic was also applied to the substrate, next to the fragrance or next to another cosmetic and covered while wet. Pressure was then applied in order to attempt to squeeze the wet fragrance or cosmetic coating into the adjacent coating. The degree of spread was noted upon applying the overlying film as well as upon subsequent application of pressure to simulate travel through various press roller configurations. The samples were allowed to dry overnight and then were opened and evaluated.

Example #1

A typical men's and a typical women's formulation used for coating on paper samplers was used. The formulation contained 20% capsules and typical loading of adhesive/binder. The vast majority of the capsules ranged 15-40 microns in diameter. The capsules were made using a typical formulation consisting of a gelatin and gum Arabic coacervate, crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. The capsules had 15% wall based on the weight of the internal phase (encapsulate). Results were satisfactory, minimal spreading of the coating was observed and no cross contamination of fragrances was noted.

Example #2

Same capsules were used as in example 1, but no binder or any other additives were added. The capsule concentration was increased to 35%, balance was only water. Results were satisfactory, coating was somewhat difficult due to viscosity/rheology of the slurry, some spreading is noted but no cross contamination of fragrances was observed.

Example #3

Same capsules were used as in example 2, but capsule concentration was decreased to 30%, additionally viscosity was modified for optimum performance properties more conducive to flexographic or silk screen application. Results were satisfactory, very minimal spreading is noted and no cross contamination was observed.

Example #4

A cosmetic formulation was made utilizing a powdered eyeshadow. The eyeshadow comprised 45% by weight of the formulation, the balance was water and a small amount of surfactant to assist in wetting the powder eyeshadow. This formulation was applied next to the fragrances as in example #1. Results were satisfactory, some spreading is noted. Example #5

A cosmetic formulation was made utilizing a powdered blush. The blush comprised 45% by weight of the formulation, the balance was water and a small amount of surfactant to assist in wetting the powder blush. Viscosifiers were also added to optimize the rheology of the formulation. This formulation was applied next to the fragrances as in example #1. Results were satisfactory, very minimal spreading of the coating is noted and the visual aesthetics are vastly improved compared to example #4.

Various modifications to the capsules, cosmetic formulation and polystyrene film may be made to alter the ultimate makeup of the sampler and improve function without departing from the original spirit of the invention. For example the use of other types of microcapsules that have some inherent degree of permeability, including those made by various methods of simple or complex coacervation, interfacial and in situ polymerization, polycodensation, and comprised of materials and combinations including gelatin, gum Arabic, alginates, carrageenam, CMC, PVM/MA, EMA, polyphosphate, polyurea, etc. It may also be possible to coat the capsules with a material that would act as a solvent on polystyrene, or conversely to coat a polystyrene or other suitable material over any conventional polymeric film and achieve the desired results.

Claims

Claim 1 : A pull apart device comprising:

A top portion having an inside surface comprising polystyrene, a polystyrene blend or a polystyrene coated substrate,

A bottom portion having an inside surface comprising polystyrene, a polystyrene blend or a polystyrene coated substrate; and

At least two gelatin based microcapsule layers deposited by conventional means onto an inside surface of either the top or bottom portion, wherein the microcapsules adhere to the bottom and top surfaces such that the capsule coatings bond the overlying surfaces together, the bond between the top and bottom surfaces can be broken by separating the plies, whereby the microcapsules are substantially compromised and release a material contained therein.

Claim 2: A pull apart device according to claim 1, wherein the microcapsule coatings contains other additives.

Claim 3: A pull apart device according to claim 2, wherein the additives comprise adhesives and viscosifiers.

Claim 4: A pull apart device according to claim 2, produced in the form of a pressure sensitive backed label which may be affixed to any printed matter, packaging or any delivery vehicle.

Claim 5: A pull apart device according to claim 2, distributed in the form of a laminated card manufactured in a single or multiple operation with or without the need for subsequent affixing to another delivery vehicle.

Claim 6: A pull apart device according to claim 4, wherein the polystyrene surface is over-laminated with a polymeric, paper or composite stock including metalized films, holographic films or preprinted stock.

Claim 7: A pull apart device according to claim 5, wherein a single continous polystyrene substrate is folded over onto itself before or after laminating to another substrate such as a paper of film.

Claim 8: A pull apart device according to claim 2, wherein the microcapsules contain a fragrance which is released upon separation of the overlying plies. Claim 9: A pull apart device comprising: a first ply having an inside surface comprising paper,

a second ply having an inside surface comprising polystyrene, a polystyrene blend or a polystyrene coated substrate; and

at least one removable cosmetic layer deposited by conventional means onto an inside surface of either the top or bottom portion; and

at least one microcapsule layer comprising microcapsules which are made with a semi permeable wall material deposited by conventional means onto an inside surface of either the top or bottom portion, wherein the microcapsules adhere to the bottom and top surfaces such that the capsule coating bonds the overlying surfaces together, the bond between the top and bottom surfaces can be broken by separating the plies, whereby the microcapsules are substantially compromised and release a material contained therein.

Claim 10: A pull apart device comprising: a first ply having an inside surface comprising paper, a second ply having an inside surface comprising polystyrene, a polystyrene blend or a polystyrene coated substrate; and

at least two microcapsule layers comprising microcapsules which are made with a semi permeable wall material deposited by conventional means onto an inside surface of either the top or bottom portion, wherein the microcapsules adhere to the bottom and top surfaces such that the capsule coating bonds the overlying surfaces together, the bond between the top and bottom surfaces can be broken by separating the plies, whereby the microcapsules are substantially compromised and release a material contained therein.

Claim 11 : A pull apart device comprising:

at least one microcapsule layer comprising microcapsules made with a semi permeable wall material deposited by conventional means onto an inside surface of either the top or bottom portion, wherein the microcapsules adhere to the bottom and top surfaces such that the capsule coating bonds the overlying surfaces together, the bond between the top and bottom surfaces can be broken by separating the plies, whereby the microcapsules are substantially compromised and release a material contained therein.

Claim 12: A pull apart device comprising: a top portion having an inside surface comprising polystyrene, a polystyrene blend or a polystyrene coated substrate,

a bottom portion having an inside surface comprising polystyrene, a polystyrene blend or a polystyrene coated substrate; and at least two microcapsule layers comprising microcapsules made with a semi permeable wall material deposited by conventional means onto an inside surface of either the top or bottom portion, wherein the microcapsules adhere to the bottom and top surfaces such that the capsule coating bonds the overlying surfaces together, the bond between the top and bottom surfaces can be broken by separating the plies, whereby the microcapsules are substantially compromised and release a material contained therein.