U.S. patent application number 13/573194 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-28 for scent emitting patch and/or bandage.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ernest D. Buff, Marcela N. Desiderio. Invention is credited to Ernest D. Buff, Marcela N. Desiderio.
Application Number | 20130078421 13/573194 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43354626 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130078421 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Desiderio; Marcela N. ; et
al. |
March 28, 2013 |
Scent emitting patch and/or bandage
Abstract
A scent emitting patch remains securely attached to the skin of
a wearer. The patch has an external top layer and backing layer
with a skin-contacting portion. The skin-contacting segment
contains an adhesive. At least one reservoir comprising pockets or
microcapsules containing a scent is disposed in at least one
portion of the backing layer. These pockets or microcapsules are
operative to rupture upon application of pressure or scratching by
the patch wearer. Upon rupture, scent is delivered to the skin to
emit aroma. Pockets containing the scent are formed in the backing
layer. Microcapsules, if present, are preferably incorporated in
the adhesive. Scent is released at the skin-contact interface when
pressure is applied to rupture the pockets or microcapsules,
permitting controlled release at the wearer's election.
Inventors: |
Desiderio; Marcela N.;
(Bedminster, NJ) ; Buff; Ernest D.; (Far Hills,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Desiderio; Marcela N.
Buff; Ernest D. |
Bedminster
Far Hills |
NJ
NJ |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
43354626 |
Appl. No.: |
13/573194 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12456488 |
Jun 18, 2009 |
8277940 |
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13573194 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/138 ;
427/207.1; 428/343; 428/355AC; 428/355CP; 602/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 3/18 20130101; Y10T
428/24331 20150115; Y10T 428/24661 20150115; Y10T 428/2865
20150115; A61F 13/0283 20130101; A61F 2013/0296 20130101; Y10T
428/24802 20150115; A61F 13/00063 20130101; Y10T 428/2891 20150115;
Y10T 428/2852 20150115; Y10T 428/24322 20150115; Y10T 428/24612
20150115; A61L 9/04 20130101; Y10T 428/2848 20150115; Y10T 428/28
20150115; A61L 2209/13 20130101; A61F 2013/00646 20130101; B32B
3/266 20130101; Y10T 428/24273 20150115; Y10T 428/23 20150115; Y10T
428/25 20150115; B32B 3/06 20130101; A61L 9/12 20130101; Y10T
428/24628 20150115; B05D 5/10 20130101; Y10T 428/24479 20150115;
Y10T 428/24562 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/138 ;
428/343; 428/355.CP; 428/355.AC; 602/54; 427/207.1 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/00 20060101
A61F013/00; B05D 5/10 20060101 B05D005/10; B32B 3/06 20060101
B32B003/06; B32B 3/18 20060101 B32B003/18; B32B 3/26 20060101
B32B003/26 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A scent emitting patch, comprising: a. an external top layer
and a backing layer; b. said backing layer having a skin-contacting
segment opposite said external top layer, where at least one
portion of said skin-contacting segment has an adhesive; c. said
skin-contacting segment being appointed for contact with the skin
of a patch wearer; d. a plurality of reservoirs constructed as
microcapsules being disposed in said backing layer, said reservoirs
containing a scent; e. said backing layer being constructed from a
first and a second polymeric sheets; f. said first polymeric sheet
containing said plurality of reservoirs constructed as
microcapsules; g. said second polymeric sheet being generally
thinner and having a lower strength than said first polymeric
sheet; h. said second polymeric sheet being spread over said first
polymeric sheet covering said microcapsules; and i. said
microcapsules being operative to rupture upon application of
pressure by said patch wearer, thereby releasing said scent.
23. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, wherein said
adhesive is selected from a group comprising acrylic based, dextrin
based, and urethane based adhesives, and adhesives based on natural
and synthetic elastomers.
24. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, wherein said
scent is a perfume.
25. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22 comprising a
central wound-contacting absorbent pad bonded by hot melt glue or
strong adhesive to said backing layer to form a scent emitting
bandage.
26. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, wherein a
plurality of reservoirs are provided that are individually
separated from one another.
27. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, wherein a
plurality of reservoirs are provided that are interconnected with
one another.
28. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, wherein said
reservoir containing said scent is disposed within said
skin-contacting segment of said backing layer.
29. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, wherein said
reservoir containing said scent is disposed in said
adhesive-containing portions of said backing layer.
30. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, wherein said
reservoir contains about 5 to 20 volume percent of said scent as
compared to said volume of said adhesive.
31. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, wherein said
external top layer includes at least one portion having a plurality
of apertures integrated therein and located in alignment with each
of said reservoir/reservoirs containing said scent disposed in said
backing layer.
32. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, wherein said
plurality of portions of said skin-contacting segment of said
backing layer containing said adhesive is located along an outer
perimeter of said back layer.
33. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, wherein said
plurality of portions of said skin-contacting segment of said
backing layer containing said adhesive is located along two
parallel side perimeters of said back layer.
34. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, wherein said
external top layer is opaque.
35. A scent emitting patch as recited by claim 22, further
comprising at least one reservoir constructed as a microcapsule
that is admixed within said adhesive and coated in said backing
layer.
36. A method for producing a scent emitting patch, comprising said
steps of: a. producing microcapsules that contain a scent; b.
mixing said microcapsules with a skin-contacting adhesive to
produce a microcapsule-containing adhesive; c. selecting a backing
layer; d. coating at least one portion of said backing layer with
said microcapsule-containing adhesive; whereby release of said
scent can be triggered on demand upon application of pressure to
said backing layer, and consequent rupture of said microcapsules.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to scent emitting patches
and/or bandages; and more particularly to bandages and/or patches
designed to release a preselected scent on command.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Perfume sprays and lotions are frequently applied to the
skin so that a pleasant scent is emitted. It is nearly impossible
for a user to apply the optimal amount of perfume for all day wear
as the perfume aroma dissipates. Frequently, users administer a
liberal application of perfume in the morning. An overly potent
fragrance emanates therefrom. However, the fragrance becomes
diluted to nearly non-existent by the end of the day. Release of
scent from perfumes currently applied is not readily controlled by
the wearer. As a perfumed scent dissipates, the user must reapply
the perfumed spray, oil or lotion.
[0005] Bandages are well known in the art and are used for various
medical applications and sports protection. Sterile bandages
marketed under well-recognized trade names, such as `Band-Aid`,
`Cural` and the like, provide secure attachment of the bandage's
adhesive portion to bare skin adjacent to a wound. A sterile
wound-covering pad is appointed to come into contact the wound. Few
bandages afford scent dispersing mechanisms. Those that do provide
a bandage wherein an adhesive portion has fragrance portions
disposed therein. A release cover is releasably secured to the
adhesive portion. When removed, the cover allows for release of a
scent associated with the fragrance portions Such a bandage is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,787,679 and 6,921,844 to Cantor.
These bandages fail to provide release of the scents on command by
pressing the external side of the bandage to release perfume.
Instead, scent is released when a release cover is removed,
exposing the fragrance portions.
[0006] Various nasal dilators and strips have been devised that
include microencapsulated fragrances and methods for emitting
aromas when wearing the nasal dilators. The nasal dilators are
adhesively applied external nasal strips and dilators containing
medications and fragrances including an elongated substrate, with
or without a dilating component or portion, having top and bottom
surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom
surface with a cosmetic fragrance, an aromatic medication and/or
transdermal medication disposed on the strips or dilators. Such
devices can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,093 to Anderson, et al.
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,769,428 to Cronk, et al. These nasal dilators
do not provide perfume bandages or patches with pressure sensitive
release of scents that can be applied anywhere on the body. Rather,
these nasal dilators are limited to use on a person's nose and are
constructed for aiding breathing through the nose.
[0007] Personal perfume application methods and systems have been
suggested for fragrance emitting patches. One type provides a
fragrance emitting patch that is worn with the fragrance emitting
side facing the skin of the user with the adhesive side adhered to
the user's clothing so that the fragrance contacts the body oils of
the user and a muted odor is emitted. Other devices provide similar
patches that are adhered to articles of clothing in general. Such
devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,162,457 to Martz, U.S.
Design Pat. No. D580,593 to Huntington, U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,671 to
Zolotarsky, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,011 to Spector. These
devices do not provide for controlled release of the scent. Rather
the scent is disseminated throughout the day as the fragrance
contacts the body and rubs against the skin.
[0008] Notwithstanding the efforts of prior art workers to manage
scent emission, there exists a need in the art for a scent emitting
bandage or patch that adheres to the skin securely and releases
scent when pressure is applied to an exterior surface thereof.
There also remains a need in the art for a flexible bandage or
patch that is designed to release a preselected scent on command.
Further, there remains an art recognized need for a bandage or
patch having an adhesive into which are admixed a plurality of
microcapsules or micro pockets that contain a perfumed scent; which
microcapsules or micro pockets fracture upon application of
pressure to the exterior surface of the bandage, triggering release
of the perfumed scent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a flexible scent emitting
patch or/and bandage that adheres to the skin and readily disperses
a perfumed scent or fragrance upon demand. Controlled release of
the scent is achieved by providing a perfume housed within a
plurality of reservoirs constructed as microcapsules or micro
pockets integrated within the patch. Application of pressure to an
exterior surface of the patch causes the microcapsules or pockets
to fracture and the perfume to release onto the local skin.
Preselected scents are designed to be released on command. A
plurality of the microcapsules or micro pockets containing a
perfume or other scent emitting medium are admixed with an adhesive
on the underside of the patch so that substantially direct contact
of the perfume with the skin is achieved. Accordingly, the scent of
the perfume comingles with the individual's body oils to yield a
rounded fragrant scent when the perfume is released.
[0010] Perfumes used in the scent emitting patch can be matched or
made compatible with an established perfume, enabling the patch to
be sold as part of a product line carried by trade names such as
Christian Dior, Channel, or the like. Scents geared toward children
can be provided wherein a sharp odor is emitted that emulates
preselected scents like strawberries, flowers, jelly beans, burned
rubber, or other fun scents like dragon's breath, for example.
Correspondingly, the shape of the patch or bandage can be designed
to emulate a strawberry, flower, jelly bean, doll, dragon, racing
car, etc. with the scents designed to be compatible with these
designs.
[0011] Generally stated, the patch may be constructed as a scent
emitting patch, or as a scent emitting bandage. The patch has an
adhesive layer comprising at least one pocket (and preferably a
plurality of pockets) or a plurality of microcapsules of a
scent--such as a perfume or fragrance--that is readily released
when the user desires. The scent may be released by the application
of pressure to the external surface or external top layer of the
patch or by scratching the external surface or pressing. This
application of pressure causes the pockets or microcapsules to
break, releasing the scent. Due to the arrangement of the
microcapsules within the back layer, the scent is released at the
interface between the skin and the back layer or a portion of the
skin-contacting layer enabling the scent to combine with and
interact with the user's oils and body scent.
[0012] The backing layer of the bandage may be provided with
pockets that contain the scent. Alternatively, the scent may be
contained in capsules or microcapsules that are applied
concurrently with the adhesive layer of the patch, or located
within a separate portion of the back layer of the patch. The
overall volume of the pockets or microcapsules determines the
amount of the scent or perfume available. Once released, the scent
is spread to an area at the skin-contact interface. The pockets
included in the backing layer may be spaced apart, and the size of
the pockets will be dependent on the amount of scent to be
dispersed and the size of the patch. However, when microcapsules
are used, they tend to be distributed more uniformly and are more
closely spaced, since each of the microcapsules contains only a
small amount of the scent.
[0013] The scent is contained in pockets within the backing sheet
in a first embodiment of the invention. In a second embodiment of
the invention, the scent is contained in microcapsules that are
incorporated in the adhesive layer. In the first embodiment, the
backing sheet is fabricated from two polymeric sheets. The first
polymeric sheet is embossed to create the pockets and filled with
the scent. The shape of the pockets may be spherical, cylindrical
or elongated, or any suitable shape. The pockets may be
interconnected to form a continuous single pocket such as an
interconnected channel. The pockets may be arranged to have a
decorative shape such as a picture frame that is within a short,
approximately 1/8 inch to 5/16 of an inch, distance from the edges
of the skin-contacting portion. The central portion of the picture
frame may have one or more x-shaped interconnected pockets
providing a decorative appearance. The patch can be shaped in a
plethora of shapes to represent objects and/or characters. The
scent may correlate with the shape of the patch. For example, where
the patch is shaped as a flower, the scent could be a floral
perfume or fragrance. Or where the patch is shaped as a strawberry,
the scent could be that of a strawberry or fruit. The second
polymeric sheet, which is substantially thinner, is bonded to the
first sheet with embossed and ingredient filled pockets thereby
encapsulating the scent in the backing sheet. Applying pressure to
or scratching the outer surface or exterior top layer of the
backing sheet breaks the pockets on the thinner second polymeric
sheet, thereby releasing the scent at the skin-contact
interface.
[0014] The glue used for attachment to the skin comprises acrylic
based, dextrin based, and urethane based adhesives as well as those
based on natural and synthetic elastomers. The adhesives may also
include amorphous polyolefins including amorphous polypropylene,
such as HL-1308 from HB Fuller or Rextac RT 2373 from Huntsman
(Odesssa, Tex.). Water resistant adhesives include polymerization
reaction product two alkyl acrylate or methacrylate ester monomers
such as butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate,
isooctyl acrylate, isononyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, methyl
acrylate, methylbutyl acrylate, 4-methyl-2-pentyl acrylate,
sec-butyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate,
methyl methacrylate with ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid,
a vinyl lactam, and including a crosslinking agent. Preferably, oil
scents are not used where it is desired that the patch be capable
of continued wear after rupture of at least some of the
microcapsules or pockets as the oil may inactivate the adhesive.
Where oil scents are used, the patch adhesive may become degraded
after the microcapsules or pockets are ruptured, facilitating easy
removal of the patch.
[0015] The scent may be contained in pockets of the embossed
backing layer. The spreadability of the scent is determined by its
volume, viscosity and surface tension. Since pockets contain a
larger volume of the scent, they can be spaced apart further based
on the volume. The volume is generally in the range of 0.01 cc to
0.5 cc and the spacing between the pockets is in the range of 0.01
cm to 0.2 cm. Microcapsules are generally small. They contain only
a small quantity of scent and can only spread over a small
distance, approximating a few times the diameter of the
microcapsule. These microcapsules may be added to the adhesive and
are nearly uniformly dispersed in the adhesive layer. Therefore,
the appropriate measure is the relative volume of the scent as
compared to the volume of the adhesive. This ratio is typically in
the ratio of 5 to 20%.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0016] The invention will be more fully understood and further
advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1a is a top view of an embodiment of the scent emitting
patch adhered to a skin surface wherein a plurality of pockets
housing a perfume or other preselected scent is integrated in the
back layer of the patch;
[0018] FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of the patch of FIG. 1a
taken along line X-X prior to the application of force and
rupturing of the pockets;
[0019] FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional view of the patch of FIG. 1a
taken along line X-X after application of force and rupturing of
the pockets to release the perfume housed therein onto the
skin;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a top view of various shaped scent emitting
patches;
[0021] FIG. 3a is a top view of an embodiment of the scent emitting
patch wherein pluralities of microcapsules housing a perfume or the
like are admixed with the adhesive in the back layer of the
patch;
[0022] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the patch of FIG. 3a
taken along line M-M prior to the application of force and
rupturing of the pockets;
[0023] FIG. 4a is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the
invention depicting the front view of scent emitting patch and/or
bandage with pockets of scents contained within the backing layer
of the adhesive coated end tabs of a bandage;
[0024] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the bandage embodiment
of FIG. 4a;
[0025] FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the
invention depicting the front view of a scent emitting patch and/or
bandage with scents contained in the form of microcapsules that are
present within the adhesive layer of the end tabs of a bandage;
[0026] FIG. 5b is a schematic diagram of a cross sectional view of
the bandage embodiment of FIG. 5a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The present invention provides a patch or bandage that is
well bonded to the skin, and retains scent emitting microcapsules
or pockets providing controlled release of the scent/perfume. The
microcapsules or pockets can be readily ruptured or fractured to
release the scent or perfume onto the user's skin with the
application of pressure, such as by scratching the outer surface or
external top layer. This scratching action or application of
pressure breaks pockets or microcapsules that release the scent or
perfume at the skin-contact interface.
[0028] Where the patch is provided as a bandage, the bandage
typically comprises a backing layer with a central region for
attachment to an absorbent pad and two end portions which carry an
adhesive coating that contacts the skin of the user and attaches
the bandage. The absorbent pad that contacts the wound surface is
attached to the central portion of the backing layer by hot melt
glue or conventional strong glue. Examples of suitable adhesives
include those based on styrenic block copolymers and tackifying
resins such as HL-1491 from HB-Fuller Co. (St. Paul Minn.), H-2543
from ATO-Findley (Wawatausa, Wis.), and 34-5534 from National
Starch & Chemical (Bridgewater, N.J.). Ethylene copolymers,
including ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, may also be used as
adhesives to bond the absorbent pad to the backing sheet. This
adhesive retains the absorbent pad on the backing strip and has
little or no effect on peeling of the bandage from the skin.
Bandages, which retain a splint or are used for sports purposes do
not generally, contain this absorbent pad attached to the central
portion of the backing layer.
[0029] The end portions of the backing layer are coated with an
adhesive coating that permits the attachment of the bandage to the
skin. There are specific requirements for the adhesive coating
composition. First, it must be able to contact the skin for a
prolonged period of time without irritating the skin. The adhesive
must have sufficient strength to retain the bandage against the
skin securely, thereby holding the absorbent pad in contact with
the wound, or retaining a splint. The adhesive cannot be rigid and
must be flexible enough to allow movement of the skin. Brittle
adhesives crack and fail easily. Technical improvements in this
area have focused on improving the quality of the adhesive and
strengthening its bond to the skin. The adhesive must also exhibit
a balance between its shear properties and adhesion properties,
which are inversely related. In a "wet flex" performance test for
adhesive bandages, when applied to fingers, the failure modes are:
(i) "flagging", that is, when the overlapped bandage pops open due
to a failure to adhere to itself; and (ii) "ring off", which occurs
when the overlapped bandage loses adhesion to the skin and slips
off. Typically, very soft, highly tacky adhesives exhibit low shear
strength, while hard adhesives are only slightly tacky and exhibit
high shear strength. An adequate degree of adhesive and shear
properties are required so that no adhesive residue remains when
the bandage is removed from the skin of the wearer.
[0030] The glue used for attachment of the bandage to the skin
comprises acrylic based, dextrin based, and urethane based
adhesives as well as those based on natural and synthetic
elastomers. The adhesives may also include amorphous polyolefins
including amorphous polypropylene, such as HL-1308 from HB Fuller
or Rextac RT 2373 from Huntsman (Odesssa, Tex.). Water resistant
adhesives include the polymerization reaction product of (i) two
alkyl acrylate or methacrylate ester monomers such as butyl
acrylate, ethyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate,
isononyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, methylbutyl
acrylate, 4-methyl-2-pentyl acrylate, sec-butyl acrylate, ethyl
methacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate with
(ii) ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, (iii) a vinyl
lactam, and (iv) a crosslinking agent. Improvement in adhesive
strength properties have resulted in adhesives that bond well to
the skin and do not peel off or fall off even when the bandage
becomes wet.
[0031] Prior art workers have provided personal perfume application
methods and systems wherein a patch is worn on a piece of clothing
with the adhesive side adhered to clothing while the fragrance
emitting side rubs against the skin. These approaches do not
provide for controlled release of the scent and instead provide
that the scent is disseminated throughout the day as the fragrance
contacts the body and rubs against the skin. At the early day or
time of application, these patches have a stronger emission of the
scent, however by the end of the day or after merely a few hours
the scent is dissipated and the amount of emission becomes faint or
non-existent. These approaches deteriorate the scent, reducing its
performance and fail to provide the scent at a desired intensity
when the user desires or feels they need enhanced fragrance.
[0032] It has been surprisingly found that utilizing a plurality of
microcapsules or pockets constructed within the back layer of the
patch provides a controlled release of a scent, particularly a
perfume. The capability of controlling release of a scent allows a
user to release more or less of the fragrance when needed.
Therefore, rather than a scent dissipating throughout the day, the
user of the scent emitting patch of the present invention can
trigger release of scents throughout the day as desired by simply
scraping or applying pressure to the patch.
[0033] FIGS. 1a-1c illustrate views of a first embodiment of the
scent emitting patch adhered to a skin surface wherein a plurality
of pockets housing a perfume or the like is integrated in the back
layer of the patch. Specifically, FIG. 1a is a top view of the
scent emitting patch adhered to a skin surface, FIG. 1b is a
cross-sectional view taken along line X-X prior to the application
of force and rupturing of the pockets, and FIG. 1c is a
cross-sectional view taken along line X-X after application of
force and rupturing of the pockets to release the perfume housed
therein onto the skin.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1a-1c, the scent emitting patch, shown at
10, is constructed having an external top layer 11 and a backing
layer 12. Backing layer 12 includes a skin-contacting segment 13
appointed for contact with skin 30 of a patch wearer.
Skin-contacting segment 13 preferably substantially makes-up the
backing layer 12, as herein shown, so that the surface area of the
backing layer 12 which is skin-contacting is approximately 100%.
However, where the patch is constructed as a bandage (as discussed
hereinafter), the skin-contacting portion is less, since
accommodation must be made for a central wound-contacting absorbent
pad. At least one reservoir 20 containing a scent 22 is disposed in
the backing layer 12. Reservoir 20 may be constructed as at least
one pocket integrated within the backing layer 12. Preferably,
reservoir 20 is provided as a plurality of reservoirs 20, which are
constructed as pockets 21 as shown in FIG. 1a. These pluralities of
pockets 21 are integrated within the backing layer 12. In a second
embodiment, pluralities of reservoirs are provided constructed as
microcapsules disposed on the backing layer as illustrated in FIGS.
3a, 3b and 5a, 5b.
[0035] The reservoirs 20 or pockets 21 as herein shown, are
operative to rupture upon application of pressure or scratching by
the patch wearer, thereby releasing the scent 22. Upon release,
scent 22 is delivered to the skin 30 of the patch wearer for
emanating the scent 22. The scent is preferably a perfume composed
of a mixture of fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds,
fixatives, and solvents used to give the human body, animals,
objects, and living spaces a "pleasant" smell. Perfume types to be
utilized preferably include: perfume extract (15-40% aromatic
compounds); eau de parfum, parfum de toilette (10-20% aromatic
compounds); eau de toilette (5-15% aromatic compounds); eau de
cologne (3-8% aromatic compounds; and splash and after shave (1-3%
aromatic compounds).
[0036] As fragrance compounds in perfumes will degrade or break
down if improperly stored in the presence of light, preferably the
external top layer 11 is opaque to limit light exposure to the
reservoirs 20 or, as herein, pockets 21 housing the scent 22.
External top layer 11 may be flesh colored so that the patch 10 is
barely discernible or camouflaged on the skin. If external top
layer 11 is transparent, then storage of the patch 10 before use is
preferably done to limit light exposure during storage. Further,
external top layer 11 may include at least one portion having a
plurality of apertures or perforations integrated therein. These
apertures or perforations are located in alignment with each of the
reservoir/reservoirs 20 (herein shown as pockets) containing the
scent 22 disposed in the backing layer 12, as illustrated in FIG. 2
(via rose 100). These apertures or perforations allow the skin to
breath under the patch, as well as facilitating in the emission of
the scents after the pockets or microcapsules are ruptured.
[0037] At least one portion of the skin-contacting segment 13 of
backing layer 12 contains an adhesive, herein shown as portions 14.
Preferably pluralities of portions of the skin-contacting segment
13 of backing layer 12 contain an adhesive. These plurality of
portions are preferably located along an outer perimeter of the
back layer 12 as shown in FIG. 1a when the scent 22 is a perfume
having a high oil concentration that may be capable of breaking
down the adhesive 14, and/or to provide easy flow of the liquid
perfume or scent 22 onto the skin 30 as the pocket 21 is ruptured.
For example, where the adhesive is selected from a group comprising
acrylic based, dextrin based, and urethane based adhesives, and
adhesives based on natural and synthetic elastomers, the adhesive
may be subject to break-down in the presence of certain oils. Where
this is the case, a perfume having a lower aromatic concentration
or lower oil concentration may be desired. Alternatively, the patch
10 may desired to be removed after a single dosage or release
application, and in which case deterioration of the adhesive 14
will actually be desirable for ouch-free removal. For ready flow of
the scent 22 when the pockets 21 are ruptured, the desirable
spacing of the adhesive 14 is that located along two parallel side
perimeters of the back layer 12 as shown in FIG. 1a. Such spacing
may be more desired when scent 22 is of a larger volume and needs
room to flow onto the local skin 30 when reservoirs 20 are
constructed as pockets 21.
[0038] A single reservoir 20 may be provided, or preferably,
pluralities of reservoirs 20 are provided that are individually
separated, or interconnected with one another. Preferably, the
reservoir 20 is disposed within the skin-contacting segment 13 of
the backing layer 12 so that the scent 22 is directly delivered to
the skin 30. The reservoirs 20 containing the scent 22 may be
disposed in the adhesive-containing portions 14 of the backing
layer 12. As shown herein, skin-contacting segment 13 of the
backing layer 12 is preferably embossed with a plurality of
reservoirs 20 constructed as pockets 21, filled with the scent 22
and sealed with a second polymeric layer 23 prior to the
application of the adhesive 14. Second polymeric layer 23 ruptures
upon the application of force, releasing scent 22 or perfume onto
the skin 30. Reservoirs 20/pockets 21 preferably have a volume
ranging from about 0.01 cc to 0.5 cc and are spaced apart by a
distance ranging from about 0.01 cm to 0.2 cm. Preferably,
reservoirs 20/pockets 21 contain about 5 to 20 volume percent of
the scent 21 as compared to the volume of the adhesive 14.
[0039] In this first embodiment of the invention the reservoirs are
constructed as pockets that encapsulate the scent in the backing
layer of the patch. This is conveniently accomplished by preparing
the backing layer as a two polymeric sheet construction, wherein
the first polymeric sheet is embossed to create pockets. These
embossing shapes may be spherical, cylindrical or elongated and may
be individually separated or interconnected. The pockets are filled
with a liquid scent, preferably a perfume. A second polymeric
sheet, which is generally thinner and has low strength properties,
is spread over the first polymeric sheet, covering the pockets. It
is then heat sealed or sealed by other methods to encapsulate the
scent. When pressure is applied to the outer surface/external top
layer of the backing layer, or the external top layer is scratched,
the pockets at the second polymeric sheet rupture, releasing the
scent/perfume at the skin-contact interface. This release provides
for easy, controllable emission of the scent so that the wearer can
give him/herself a boost of aroma when it suits the convenience of
the wearer.
[0040] When a pocket breaks, it releases the scent. How far the
scent or perfume spreads is a function of the volume of scent
contained in the pocket, and its viscosity and surface tension, or
wetting characteristics. High viscosity oils spread slowly. Reduced
surface tension promotes spreadability. Surfactants reduce the
surface tension and improve spreading capability. Viscosity may be
increased by the addition of thickeners. The pockets are generally
larger and therefore contain a larger volume of the scent, and can
spread the scent over a larger distance. Typically the pockets may
have a volume of 0.01 cc to 0.5 cc and the spacing between the
embossed pockets in the backing layer may be 0.01 cm to 0.2 cm. The
scent or perfume composition should be contained in the pockets or
microcapsules indefinitely without chemical reaction or
dissolution. The second polymeric sheet encasing the pockets may
include a layer of polyethylene, which is immune to dissolution by
oily compositions.
[0041] Perfumes used in the scent emitting patch can be matched or
made compatible with an established perfume, enabling the patch to
be sold as part of a product line carried by trade names such as
Christian Dior, Channel, or the like. Scents geared toward children
can be provided wherein a sharp odor is emitted that emulates
preselected scents such as strawberries, flowers, jelly beans,
burned rubber, or other fun scents like dragon's breath, for
example. Correspondingly, the shape of the patch or bandage can be
designed to immolate a strawberry, flower, jelly bean, doll,
dragon, racing car, etc. with the scents designed to be compatible
with these designs. For example, the scent may be fashioned with a
sharp odor emulating burned rubber, and used to fill microcapsules
or micro pockets in a bandage or band aid having the shape of a
racing car. FIG. 2 is a top view of various shaped scent emitting
patches having an external top layer 111 and a backing layer 112
with at least one reservoir 120, or a plurality of reservoirs 120
containing a scent disposed therein constructed as pockets or
microcapsules integrated within the backing layer 112. Where fewer
reservoirs 120 are provided, the reservoir preferably holds a
larger volume of scent. Further, as shown at 100, via a shape of a
rose, the external top layer 111 may include at least one portion
125 having a plurality of apertures 126 integrated therein located
in alignment with each of the reservoirs 120 (herein shown as a
pocket) containing the scent disposed in the backing layer 112.
[0042] FIG. 3a is a top view of an embodiment of the scent emitting
patch wherein pluralities of microcapsules housing a perfume or the
like are admixed with the adhesive in the back layer of the patch,
shown generally at 200. FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the
patch of FIG. 3a taken along line M-M prior to the application of
force and rupturing of the pockets. In this second embodiment a
standard backing layer commonly composed of a polymer or other
fabricate, as employed with bandage constructions, is used. The
adhesive that is applied to the skin contacting end portions of the
backing layer includes microcapsules that contain the scent or
perfume. The adhesive bonds to the skin effectively and the patch
is retained on the skin. When release of the scent is desired, the
wearer applies pressure to the adhesive portion of the patch, or
scratches this region. The microcapsules rupture, releasing the
scent or perfume at the skin-adhesive interface. With this release,
there is effected effortless controlled delivery of the scent.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the scent emitting patch,
shown at 200, is constructed having an external top layer 211 and a
backing layer 212. Backing layer 212 includes a skin-contacting
segment 213 appointed for contact with skin of a patch wearer.
Skin-contacting segment 213 preferably substantially makes-up the
backing layer 212, as herein shown, so that the surface area of the
backing layer 212 which is skin-contacting is approximately 100%.
However, where the patch is constructed as a bandage (as discussed
hereinafter), the skin-contacting portion is less, as accommodation
must be made for a central wound-contacting absorbent pad. At least
one reservoir 220 containing a scent is disposed in the backing
layer 212. Reservoir 220 may be constructed as at least one pocket
integrated within the backing layer 212. Preferably, reservoir 220
is provided as a plurality of reservoirs 220 constructed as pockets
221, as shown in FIGS. 1a-1c. In a second embodiment, pluralities
of reservoirs 220 are provided, constructed as microcapsules 223,
admixed with an adhesive 215 coated on backing layer 212.
[0044] The reservoirs 220 or microcapsules 223 as herein shown, are
operative to rupture upon application of pressure or scratching by
the patch wearer, thereby releasing the scent. Upon release scent
is delivered to the skin of the patch wearer for emanating the
scent. The scent is preferably a perfume composed of a mixture of
fragrant essential oils and aroma compounds, fixatives, and
solvents used to give the human body, animals, objects, and living
spaces a "pleasant" smell.
[0045] The microcapsules 223 are generally small in diameter and
contain only a small volume of the scent or perfume. The perfume
spreads approximately a few times the diameter of each
microcapsule. However, there are many microcapsules, nearly
uniformly distributed in the adhesive layer. The appropriate
measure of scent is its overall volume, as compared to the volume
of the adhesive used. The scent volume is typically present in the
range of about 5 to 20% of the volume of the adhesive used. In this
manner, the adhesive contains the microcapsules, with the sent
nearly uniformly distributed, and affords sufficient volumetric
release of the scent for effective aroma emission. The scent or
perfume may be contained in microcapsules of polymeric or gelatin
composition. Use of gelatin, which dissolves in water, is not a
problem when the adhesive used is water resistant.
[0046] The method of manufacture of the microcapsules is well known
in the art and includes formation of polymeric bubbles that contain
the scent or perfume. For example, soybean oil can be easily micro
encapsulated in the reaction product of ethylene diamine and
toluene diisocyanate. Techniques for producing microcapsules are
detailed in `Microcapsules and other capsules--Advances since
1975`, edited by M. H. Gutcho, 1979 published by Noyes Data
Corporation, the disclosure of which is specifically incorporated
herein by reference thereto.
[0047] FIG. 4a shows generally at 420 a schematic diagram of the
first embodiment of the invention depicting the front view of a
scent emitting bandage with a wound contacting central pad 412 and
adhesive coated end tabs 413 that attach the bandage to the skin.
The end tabs 413 have a plurality of pockets 422 which contain a
scent or perfume 423. The pockets will be covered by the adhesive
on the skin contacting side. They are preferably buried within the
backing layer and will not be visible. Pockets 422 are shown in the
drawing for clarity.
[0048] FIG. 4b shows generally at 421 a schematic diagram of the
cross section of a bandage of the first embodiment of the present
invention, taken along the line YY of FIG. 4a. The wound contacting
central pad 412 is bonded to the backing layer 414 with hot melt or
other permanent adhesive 415. The backing layer 414 contains
pockets 422, which contain scent 423. The backing layer 414 is
sealed with a second polymeric sheet 424. The adhesive layer 416
coats the second polymeric sheet 424.
[0049] FIG. 5a shows at 530 a schematic diagram of the second
embodiment of the invention illustrating the front view of a
bandage with wound contacting central pad 512 and adhesive coated
end tabs 513 that attach the bandage to the skin. The adhesive
contains a plurality of microcapsules 532 that contain the
scent/perfume 533 within the adhesive layer 516 of the bandage's
adhesive coated end tabs 534. The microcapsules will be generally
invisible, since they are contained within the adhesive coating of
the end tabs. They are shown for clarity.
[0050] FIG. 5b shows at 531 a schematic diagram of the cross
section of a bandage according to the second embodiment of the
invention, taken along line ZZ of FIG. 5a. The wound-contacting
central pad 512 is bonded to the backing layer 514 with hot melt or
other permanent adhesive 515. The backing layer 514 has a coating
of adhesive 516 in the skin contacting areas of the bandage, which
contains microcapsules 532 with scent/perfume 533.
[0051] The key features of the scent emitting patch and/or bandage
include, in combination, the features set forth below: [0052] 1. a
bandage having a backing layer; [0053] 2. the backing layer having
a plurality of portions coated with adhesive for attachment to
skin; [0054] 3. optionally the backing layer having a central
portion permanently attached to an absorbent pad; [0055] 4. the
backing layer comprising individually separated or interconnected
pockets of scent comprising a perfume or microcapsules containing a
scent; and [0056] 5. application of pressure to or scratching the
outer surface of the backing layer being operative to break the
pockets or microcapsules, thereby releasing the scent at the
skin-contact or skin-adhesive interface.
[0057] The scent emitting patch and/or bandage disclosed herein can
be modified in numerous ways without departing from the scope of
the invention. For example, different patch or bandage geometries,
diverse dispersions of scent reservoirs/compartments, and a variety
of release methods may be used. These and other modifications are
intended to fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by
the subjoined claims.
[0058] Having thus described the invention in rather full detail,
it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered
to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest
themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope
of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.
* * * * *