U.S. patent application number 14/035393 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-23 for dispenser for the controlled release of volatile substances.
This patent application is currently assigned to LTS LOHMANN THERAPIE-SYSTEME AG. The applicant listed for this patent is LTS LOHMANN THERAPIE-SYSTEME AG. Invention is credited to Michael Feldhege, Malgorzata Kloczko, Michael ROREGER.
Application Number | 20140021269 14/035393 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32240029 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140021269 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ROREGER; Michael ; et
al. |
January 23, 2014 |
Dispenser for the Controlled Release of Volatile Substances
Abstract
A dispenser for a volatile substance, which contains a reservoir
and two control elements. The first control element exerts a
control function that is dependent on the substance characteristics
of the volatile substance and the material characteristics of the
constituents of said first control element. However, the second
control element exerts a control function that is independent of
the substance characteristics of the volatile substance and the
material characteristics of the constituents of said first control
element. The first control element is located between the reservoir
and the second control element and is permeable to at least one
volatile substance. The second control element consists of a
material that is impermeable to the volatile substance and contains
defined material cavities. Perfumes, crop protection agents,
pheromones and repellents, which can be released in a controlled
manner, constitute the volatile substances.
Inventors: |
ROREGER; Michael; (Neuwied,
DE) ; Kloczko; Malgorzata; (Neustadt/Wied, DE)
; Feldhege; Michael; (Koblenz, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LTS LOHMANN THERAPIE-SYSTEME AG |
Andemach |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
LTS LOHMANN THERAPIE-SYSTEME
AG
Andemach
DE
|
Family ID: |
32240029 |
Appl. No.: |
14/035393 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10534797 |
May 12, 2005 |
8567693 |
|
|
PCT/EP03/11728 |
Oct 23, 2003 |
|
|
|
14035393 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/6 ;
239/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 99/00 20130101;
A01M 1/2055 20130101; A61L 9/12 20130101; A61L 9/042 20130101; A61L
9/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/6 ;
239/34 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/12 20060101
A61L009/12; A01M 99/00 20060101 A01M099/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 14, 2002 |
DE |
10252950.7 |
Claims
1. A method of delivering a volatile substance to an environment,
comprising: providing a dispenser for controlled release of the
volatile substance, comprising: a reservoir that is flat and has a
top face and a bottom face, the reservoir containing at least one
volatile substance; a layer of material which is impermeable to the
at least one volatile substance, and which covers the top face of
the reservoir; a first control element which: is composed of a
material which is permeable to the at least one volatile substance;
covers the bottom face of the reservoir; and exerts control over
the release rate of said at least one volatile substance by means
of diffusion dependent on the physical properties of the at least
one volatile substance and the material properties of said
permeable material of the first control element; and a second
control element which: is composed of a material which is
impermeable to the at least one volatile substance; and exerts
control over the release rate of said at least one volatile
substance, by controlling the size of the surface of the first
control element, independent of the physical properties of the at
least one volatile substance and the material properties of said
permeable material of the first control element; wherein the second
control element is in the form of a film that possesses gaps
through which the at least one volatile substance moves, wherein
the number of said gaps is from 500 to 8000 gaps per m.sup.2 of
said film; wherein said first control element is
pressure-sensitively adhesive, and is fully covered by said second
control element such that, during the use of the dispenser, the at
least one volatile substance moves from the reservoir first through
the first control element and then through the gaps in the second
control element; and wherein the first control element and the
second control element jointly control release of the at least one
volatile substance from the reservoir; and introducing the
dispenser to the environment.
2. The method of claim 1; wherein the environment is a gaseous
environment.
3. The method of claim 2; wherein the gaseous environment is
selected from the group consisting of a furniture item, room,
vehicle, shoe, baking oven, garbage pail, suitcase
4. The method of claim 1; wherein the environment is a liquid
environment.
5. The method of claim 4; wherein the liquid environment is
selected from the group consisting of an aquarium, a toilet bowl,
and a washing machine.
6. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the reservoir is a cavity
which contains the at least one volatile substance.
7. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the reservoir comprises a
carrier material which is capable of accommodating a volatile
substance in the form of a solution, a suspension, a dispersion, an
adsorbate, or an absorbate.
8. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the reservoir has a thickness
of 0.1 mm to 2.5 cm and a length and a width between 4 mm and 20
cm.
9. The dispenser of claim 7; wherein the carrier material comprises
a natural or synthetic polymer.
10. The dispenser of claim 7; wherein the carrier material is in
solid matrix, fiber, textile woven, nonwoven, knitted, foam,
powder, gel, solution, granule, or web form.
11. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the first control element
comprises further auxiliaries selected from the group consisting of
plasticizers, tackifiers, pigments, thickeners, gel formers, film
formers, antioxidants, and dyes.
12. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the material which is
permeable to the at least one volatile substance comprises a
natural or synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of
polysaccharides, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, cellulose
esters, hemicelluloses, alginates, rayon, cellulose nitrates,
acetate rayon, starch, gelatin, carrageenan, gum arabic, chitin,
pectin, cellulose, viscose staple, polyacrylates,
polyacrylonitrile, polybutadiene, polybutene, polycarbonate,
polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polydialkylsiloxane, polyisoprene,
polyethers, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol
esters, polyethylene glycol ethers, polyglycol esters,
polyisobutene, polypeptides, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl
alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl ethers,
polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylpyrrolidone, proteins, and
styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers and blend thereof.
13. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the second control element is
in the form of a film and has a thickness of between 50 .mu.m and
2.5 mm.
14. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the gaps in the second
control element are tubular, spherical, or irregular.
15. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the at least one volatile
substance is selected from the group consisting of disinfectants,
detersives, fragrances, crop protection agents, pharmaceuticals,
pheromones, cleaning agents, repellents, attractants, and
detergents.
16. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the at least one volatile
substance is selected from the group consisting of fragrances and
pheromones.
17. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the at least one volatile
substance comprises a fragrance, a pheromone, or a mixture thereof
which possesses an attractive or repellent effect on insects, fish,
amphibians, reptiles, birds, or mammals.
18. The disperser of claim 1; wherein the second control element is
an open-pore foam or is a web material.
19. The dispenser of claim 18; wherein the second control element
is an open-pore foam.
20. The dispenser of claim 18; wherein the web material is fiber
membrane having a basis weight of 100 g/m.sup.2.
21. The dispenser of claim 18; wherein the web material is a fiber
membrane consisting of 100% viscose or 70% viscose and 30%
polyethylene terephthalate.
22. The dispenser of claim 17; wherein the at least one volatile
substance is a pheromone selected from the group consisting of
muscalure, disparlure, bombykol, brevicomin,
(E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol, (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate,
(E)-9-dodecenyl acetate,
7,11-dimethyl-3-methylene-1,6,10-dodecatriene, Z-11-hexadecenal,
Z-11-hexadecenyl acetate, (Z,Z)-11,13-hexadecadienal,
cis-11-tetradecenyl acetate, trans-11-tetradecenyl acetate,
Z-9-tricosene, Z,E-9,12-tetradecadien-1-yl acetate,
(E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienal, (E)-2-octadecenal,
E(10),(Z)12-hexadecadien-1-ol, and (E)-4-tridecen-1-yl acetate.
23. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the first control element is
between the reservoir and the second control element is
uncovered.
24. The dispenser of claim 22; wherein the first control element is
in at least partial contact with the layer of material impermeable
to the at least one volatile substance.
25. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the gaps are tubular and
possess a diameter of from 2 .mu.m to 2 mm.
26. The dispenser of claim 25; wherein the tubular gaps possess a
diameter of from 50 .mu.m to 0.5 mm.
27. The dispenser of claim 26; wherein the tubular gaps possess a
diameter of from 100 .mu.m to 250 .mu.m.
28. The dispenser of claim 1; wherein the gaps possess a
cross-sectional area of from about 3.14 .mu.m.sup.2 to about 3.14
mm.sup.2.
29. The dispenser of claim 28; wherein the cross-sectional of the
gaps is from about 1960 .mu.m.sup.2 to about 0.196 mm.sup.2.
30. The dispenser of claim 29; wherein the cross-sectional of the
gaps is from about 7,850 .mu.m.sup.2 to about 49,100 .mu.m.sup.2.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/534,797 filed on May 12, 2005, which claims
priority from PCT Patent Application No. PCT/EP03/11728 filed on
Oct. 23, 2003, which claims priority from German Patent Application
No. DE 10 2012 209 362.1 filed on Jun. 4, 2012, the disclosures of
which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a dispenser for controlled
release of volatile substances. The volatile substances may be
delivered into an environment, which is preferably gaseous. In
certain circumstances, however, it is also possible to deliver the
volatile substances into a liquid or solid environment.
[0003] It is noted that citation or identification of any document
in this application is not an admission that such document is
available as prior art to the present invention.
[0004] Devices for controlled release of volatile substances are
known, particularly in the form of room fragrancers. The release,
especially delayed release, of the at least one volatile substance
takes place frequently from carrier materials in gel form. Also
known, however, is the application of the volatile substances to
wood, fibers, plastics or felt for the purpose of obtaining a
delayed release.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,129 discloses a device of multilayer
construction for controlled release of fragrances. That device
comprises a first layer of a detachable protective film, a second
layer of a silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, a third
layer of a silicone matrix impregnated with perfume oil, and a
fourth, permeable backing layer, which controls the release of the
perfume oil from the device.
[0006] It is noted that in this disclosure and particularly in the
claims and/or paragraphs, terms such as "comprises", "comprised",
"comprising" and the like can have the meaning attributed to it in
U.S. Patent law; e.g., they can mean "includes", "included",
"including", and the like; and that terms such as "consisting
essentially of" and "consists essentially of" have the meaning
ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law, e.g., they allow for elements
not explicitly recited, but exclude elements that are found in the
prior art or that affect a basic or novel characteristic of the
invention.
[0007] It is further noted that the invention does not intend to
encompass within the scope of the invention any previously
disclosed product, process of making the product or method of using
the product, which meets the written description and enablement
requirements of the USPTO (35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph) or the
EPO (Article 83 of the EPC), such that applicant(s) reserve the
right to disclaim, and hereby disclose a disclaimer of, any
previously described product, method of making the product, or
process of using the product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 shows the cross section of a dispenser according to
one embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 2 shows the cross section of a dispenser according to
another embodiment; and
[0010] FIG. 3 shows, in a plan view a dispenser according to yet
another embodiment comprising three reservoirs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0011] It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of
the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements
that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present
invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other
elements which are conventional in this art. Those of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that other elements are desirable
for implementing the present invention. However, because such
elements are well known in the art, and because they do not
facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a
discussion of such elements is not provided herein.
[0012] The present invention will now be described in detail on the
basis of exemplary embodiments.
[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a product
which is simple to produce and allows controlled release of at
least one volatile substance without the need for mechanical or
electrical energy to be supplied. Moreover, the release of the at
least one volatile substance is to be controllable through easy
modifications to the nature of the device, without necessitating
complex adaptation of the formulating ingredients to the particular
volatile substance used.
[0014] The above object is achieved by means of a dispenser for
controlled release of volatile substances, which comprises a
reservoir (1), a first control element (6) and a second control
element (7). The first control element (6) is disposed in the
dispenser between the reservoir (1) and the second control element
(7). During the use of the dispenser, the at least one volatile
substance (4) migrates from the reservoir (1) first through the
first control element (6) and then through the second control
element (7).
[0015] The first control element (6) exerts control over the
release rate of the at least one volatile substance by means of
diffusion control. Diffusion is a transport phenomenon which
depends on the properties of the substance in the present case, the
at least one volatile substance (4)) and of the medium (in the
present case, the material of the first control element (6)). The
control function, therefore, is one which is dependent on physical
properties. By physical properties here are meant the
physicochemical properties of the at least one volatile substance
and the physicochemical properties of the constituents of the first
control element (6). These physical properties are the basis of the
possibility of measuring a diffusion coefficient for the at least
one volatile substance (4) in the first control element (6).
[0016] The second control element (7) exerts control over the
release rate of the at least one volatile substance (4), by
controlling the size of the surface of the first control element
(6) that is available for the at least one volatile substance (4)
to pass over into the environment. The second control element (7)
is used in order to undertake a defined reduction in the size of
the surface area of the first control element (6). This, therefore,
is a control function which is independent of the physical
properties mentioned above.
[0017] Through the joint action of first control element (6) and
second control element (7) the controlled release of the at least
one volatile substance (4) from the reservoir (1) into the
environment is obtained.
[0018] The reservoir (1) is capable of accommodating at least one
volatile substance (4). In the simplest embodiment the reservoir
(1) is a cavity which is surrounded by the first control element
(6), together where appropriate with a layer (9) of material
impermeable to the at least one volatile substance. In this case
the reservoir (1) may contain the at least one volatile substance
(4) directly Preferably, however, the reservoir comprises a carrier
material (5) capable of accommodating at least one volatile
substance (4). When a carrier material (5) is used it comprises the
at least one volatile substance (4), in the form for example of a
solution, a suspension, dispersion, adsorbate and/or adsorbate.
[0019] The three-dimensional form of the reservoir (1) can be
arbitrary, but is preferably flat. This means that the thickness of
the reservoir is low in relation to its length and width.
Preference is given to a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2.5 cm, more
preferably between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. Correspondingly, preferred
lengths and widths are between 4 mm and 20 cm, especially between
10 mm and 5 cm. On the basis of its flatness, the reservoir (1)
possesses a top face (2) and a bottom face (3). It may be shaped in
accordance with the requirements involved when using the product;
preferably it is rectangular, square, round or oval.
[0020] In one simple embodiment the reservoir (1) is covered on its
top face (2) by the first control element (6) and on its bottom
face (3) by a layer (9) of material impermeable to the at least one
volatile substance. The reservoir (1) is closed off by virtue of
the fact that the first control element (6) and the layer (9) of
material impermeable to the at least one volatile substance enclose
the reservoir (1) on all sides and possess direct contact with one
another. In one preferred embodiment, however, the reservoir (1) is
covered by the first control element (6) completely (enveloped); in
other words, on its top face (2) and on its bottom face (3), for
the case of the flat design.
[0021] Suitable carrier material (5) for the at least one volatile
substance (4) comprises a natural or synthetic substance which is
inert toward the at least one volatile substance. This includes
inorganic substances such as sand, salt, aluminum oxide, silicon
oxide, silica gel, silica, calcium oxide, titanium dioxide, and
clay, for example. Preferably, however, an organic substance is
used as carrier material (5), examples being monosaccharides,
disaccharides, a natural or synthetic polymer, or a blend thereof.
In this context the term "inert" means that the at least one
volatile substance (4) firstly does not undergo any chemical
decomposition through contact with the carrier material (5) and
secondly is able at least partially to depart the mixture of
volatile substance (4) and carrier material (5). (No irreversible
formation of mixtures.)
[0022] Suitable natural or synthetic polymers are homopolymers or
copolymers, and also blends, from the group consisting of
polysaccharides, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, cellulose
esters, hemicelluloses, alginates, rayon, cellulose nitrates,
acetate rayon, starch, gelatin, carrageenan, gum arabic, chitin,
pectin, cellulose, viscose staple, polyacrylates,
polyacrylonitrile, polybutadiene, polybutene, polycarbonate,
polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polydialkylsiloxane, polyisoprene,
polyethers, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol
esters, polyethylene glycol ethers, polyglycol esters,
polyisobutene, polypeptides, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl
alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl ethers,
polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylpyrrolidone, proteins, and
styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers.
[0023] Within the reservoir (1) the carrier material (5) may be in
the form of a compact mass (i.e., as a solid matrix). Preferably,
however, it is in fiber, textile woven, nonwoven, knitted, foam,
powder, solution, gel, granule or web form. The carrier material
(5) is distinguished by an effective capacity to accommodate the at
least one volatile substance.
[0024] The at least one volatile substance (4) is a substance
which, within the environment into which it is delivered in a
controlled fashion, achieves a desired action. To this extent it
may be an active chemical and/or biological substance. These
include disinfectants, detersives, fragrances, crop protection
agents (acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides),
pharmaceuticals, pheromones (especially insect pheromones),
cleaning agents, repellents, attractants, detergents, etc. The
volatile substance (4) may be in the form of a solid or liquid, or
else in the form of a solution, dispersion or suspension in a
volatile or nonvolatile solvent and/or assistant. The term "at
least one volatile substance" also comprehends, as will be
appreciated, a mixture of two or more volatile substances; in a
preferred version, a more or less complex mixture of different
fragrances ("fragrance composition", "perfume oil").
[0025] Preferred volatile substances (4) are fragrances which
possess a pleasant odor to humans, and pheromones which possess an
attractive effect for insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds or
mammals. The skilled worker is aware of the respective specific
action (i.e., repellent or attractant) for humankind or the
particular animal, and also of the gender-specific action of
individual sex attractants.
[0026] The fragrances include the essential oils such as elecampane
root oil, amyris oil, angelica seed oil, angelica root oil, aniseed
oil, araucaria oil, arnica blossom oil, artemisia oil, atractylis
oil, valerian oil, basil oil, bay oil, bergamot oil, birch tar oil,
bitter almond oil, savory oil, boldo leaf oil, buchu leaf oil,
cabreuva oil, cascarilla oil, champak blossom oil, cistus oil,
costus root oil, cubebs oil, davana oil, dill oil, dill seed oil,
noble fir oil, noble fir cone oil, elemi oil, tarragon oil,
eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, pine needle oil, galbanum oil, galangal
root oil, geranium oil, ginger grass oil, grapefruit oil, guaiac
oil, gurjun balsam oil, helichrysum oil, ho oil, ginger oil, iris
oil, cajeput oil, calamus oil, chamomile oil, camphor oil, kananga
oil, cardamom oil, carrot seed oil, cassia oil, spruce needle oil,
conifer oil, copaiba balsam oil, coriander oil, spearmint oil,
caraway oil, cumin oil, lavender oil, leleshwa oil, lemongrass oil,
lovage root oil, lime oil, Litsea cubeba oil, laurel leaf oil, mace
oil, marjoram oil, mandarin oil, balm oil, mint oil, musk grain
oil, myrrh oil, myrtle oil, clove oil, neroli oil, niaouli oil,
olibanum oil, oregano oil, orange oil, osmanthus blossom oil, palma
rosa oil, passion fruit oil, patchouli oil, peru balsam oil,
parsley seed oil, parsley leaf oil, petitgrain oil, pepper oil,
peppermint oil, pimento oil, pine oil, pennyroyal oil, rue oil,
rosewood oil, rose oil, rosemary oil, savin oil, sage oil,
sandalwood oil, sassafras oil, yarrow oil, Schinus molle oil,
celery oil, aspic oil, star anise oil, tagetes oil, tea tree oil,
terpentine oil, thuja oil, thyme oil, verbena oil, vetiver oil,
juniper berry oil, wine yeast oil, wormwood oil, wintergreen oil,
ylang ylang oil, ysop oil, zdravetz oil, cedar wood oil, cinnamon
oil, cinnamon leaf oil, citronella oil, lemon oil and cypress
oil.
[0027] The fragrances also include extracts, resinoids, and
balsams, such as tree moss extracts, benzoin resin, boronia, Canada
balsam, cassie flower extract, rosin, copaiba balsam, dammar resin,
daphne extract, oak moss extracts, elemi resinoid, fig leaf
absolute, galbanum, gurjun balsam, orris butter, jasmine, labdanum
resinoid, longoza extract, mastic, myrrh, narcissus extracts,
olibanum (frankincense), opoponax, peru balsam, storax balsam, tolu
balsam, tonka bean extract, tuberose extract, vanilla extract, and
violet. Extracts of animal origin may also be included among these:
amber grease, castoreum, musk, and civet.
[0028] The fragrances also include individual or natural or
synthetic odorants ("uniform odorants") of the type of the esters,
ethers, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, hydrocarbons, terpenes and
cyclic compounds. They are known to the skilled worker from
relevant handbooks, e.g.: S. Arctander: "Perfume and Flavour
Chemicals", Montclair, (1969) or K Bauer, D. Garbe: "Common
Fragrance and Flavor Materials", VCH, Weinheim (1985). As
fragrances it is also possible, it will be appreciated, to use
mixtures of the aforementioned substances ("perfume
compositions").
[0029] The uniform odorants include, for example, acetophenone,
acetyleugenol, allyl isothiocyanate, allylionone, ambrettolide,
ambroxane, ethyl .alpha.-formate, .alpha.-amylcinnamaldehyde,
anethole, anisaldehyde, anisyl alcohol, anisole, methyl
anthranilate, apiol, .alpha.-asarone, .beta.-asarone, ascaridol,
atlantone, benzaldehyde, benzoin, ethyl benzoate, benzophenone,
benzyl acetate, benzyl acetone, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate,
benzyl formate, benzyl valerate, bergamotenal, .alpha.-bisabolol,
borneol, bornyl acetate, .alpha.-bromostyrene, D-camphor, carvone,
citral, citronellal, costunolide, coumarin, n-decyl aldehyde,
diallyl sulfide, diphenyl oxide, n-dodecyl aldehyde, elemicin,
ethyl hexanoate, eucalyptol, eugenol, eugenol methyl ester,
farnesol, fenchone, fenchyl acetate, geranyl acetate, geranyl
formate, heliotropin, methyl heptynecarboxylate, heptaldehyde,
1-hexanol, cis-3-hexon-1-ol, hydroquinone dimethyl ether,
hydroxycitronellal, hydroxycinnamaldehyde, hydrocinnamyl alcohol,
indole, irone, isoeugenol, isoeugenol methyl ether, isosafrol,
jasmine, carvacrol, p-cresol methyl ether, ethyl laurate, limonene,
linalool, linalyl acetate, linalyl propionate, lyral, menthane,
menthol, menthone, p-methoxyacetophenone,
methyl-n-nonyl-acetaldehyde, methyl n-amyl ketone, methyl
methylanthranilate, p-methylacetophenone, methylchavicol,
p-methylquinoline, methyl-n-heptenone, methyl .beta.-naphthyl
ketone, methyl n-nonyl ketone, muscone, myristicin, .beta.-naphthyl
ethyl ether, .beta.-naphthyl methyl ether, nerol, notional, nonyl
alcohol, n-octyl aldehyde, p-oxyacetophenone, pentadecanolide,
phenol, 2-phenylethanol, phenyl acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal,
phenylacetic acid, 2-phenylethyl acetate, pinene, propionaldehyde,
propiophenone, protocatechualdehyde, pulegone, rhodinol, safrol,
benzyl salicylate, isoamyl salicylate, methyl salicylate,
cyclohexyl salicylate, santalol, terpenyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol,
thymine, thymol, .gamma.-undecalactone, vanillin, veratrum
aldehyde, verbenol, verbenone, cinnamyl aldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol,
cinnamic acid, benzyl cinnamate, ethyl cinnamate, and methyl
cinnamate.
[0030] The attractants, particularly those having an attractive
property for insects, include fragrances such as farnesol,
terpineol and vanillin, and also pheromones such as muscalure,
disparlure, bombykol, brevicomin, (E,E)-8,10-dodecadien-1-ol,
(Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate, (E)-9-dodecenyl acetate,
7,11-dimethyl-3-methylene-1,6,10-dodecatriene, Z-11-hexadecenal,
Z-11-hexadecenyl acetate, (Z,Z)-11,13-hexadecadienal,
cis-11-tetradecenyl acetate, trans-11-tetradecenyl acetate,
Z-9-tricosene, Z,E-9,12-tetradecadien-1-yl acetate,
(E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienal, (E)-2-octadecenal,
E(10),(Z)12-hexadecadien-1-ol, and (E)-4-tridecen-1-yl acetate.
[0031] The repellents, particularly those having a repellent
property for insects, include fragrances such as lavender oil,
cedar wood oil and citronella oil, and also substances such as
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-methylpropyl
1-piperidinecarboxylate, ethyl 3-(N-acetylbutylamino)propionate,
and N,N-diethylcaprylamide.
[0032] Suitable sex attractants for fish include the active
pheromones present in the products sold under the name Ultrabite
carp, Ultrabite bream/roach, Ultrabite pike/eel, Ultrabite general
coarse fish, Ultrabite black bass, Ultrabite cod/coalfish/pollock,
Ultrabite catfish/eel, Ultrabite whitefish, Ultrabite
salmon/trout/sea trout, Ultrabite general sea fish, Ultrabite
conger eel, Ultrabite zander/pike, Ultrabite barbel, and Ultrabite
plaice/flatfish; or the pheromones disclosed in WO 99/16315.
[0033] The first control element (6) is composed of a material
which is permeable (pervious) to the at least one volatile
substance (4). For that purpose the at least one volatile substance
(4) must have at least a low solubility in said material, or, to
put it another way, the pervious material possesses a certain
solvency for the at least one volatile substance (4). The pervious
material may be a natural or synthetic polymer or a mixture
thereof. The material may also comprise auxiliaries such as
plasticizers, tackifiets, pigments, thickeners, gel formers, film
formers, antioxidants, dyes, etc.
[0034] Suitable permeable material includes, in particular, natural
and synthetic polymers and blends thereof. These include the
polymers and polymer blends which are already among those which can
be used as carrier material (5). Particular suitability, however,
is possessed by polyethylenes, polypropylenes, silicones,
ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyacrylates, ethylene-acrylate
copolymers, polyisobutadiene, rubber and styrene-isoprene-styrene
triblock polymers.
[0035] In one particular embodiment the first control element (6)
is pressure-sensitively adhesive, something which is preferably
achieved by using a polymer having pressure-sensitive adhesive
properties (i.e., a pressure-sensitive adhesive) or by adding
tackifiers to a polymer or polymer blend which is not inherently
tacky. Tackifiers are known to the skilled worker. They include
tackifying resins such as Abitol, esters of (hydro-)abietic acid,
etc.
[0036] Regarded as being a preferred embodiment of the first
control element (6) is a film form. As such, the first control
element (6) can have a thickness of between 50 .mu.m and 2.5 mm,
preferably between 100 .mu.m and 0.5 mm. The specific thickness of
the first control element is preferably constant. In the case of a
flat reservoir the length and the width of the first control
element (6) are preferably chosen so that they exceed the length
and width of the top face (2) of the reservoir, preferably by at
least 3 mm. The resultant "margin" protruding on all sides is
necessary in order to allow the first control element (6), located
on the top face (2) of the reservoir, to form a solid contact with
either the nonadhesive material layer (9) impermeable to at least
one volatile substance, or a further layer, of a first control
element (6), located on the bottom face (3) of the reservoir
(1).
[0037] On account of its material properties the first control
element (6) is able to influence the diffusion rate of the at least
one volatile substance (4). The skilled worker is aware that for
this purpose it may be necessary to modify the molecular weight of
the polymer and/or its degree of crosslinking. Said material
properties of the polymer may be influenced in the course of its
preparation through the choice of solvent, reaction temperature,
type of polymerization reaction initiator, reaction time,
concentration ratios, presence of crosslinkers, etc. Other material
properties (hydrophilicity, lipophilicity) can be regulated through
the use of suitable comonomers. As will be appreciated, the
presence of auxiliaries (plasticizers, pigments, etc.) may also
affect the diffusion behavior of the at least one volatile
substance in the material of the first control element (6).
Finally, the diffusion path of the at least one volatile substance
(4) also depends on the thickness of the first control element (6),
which contributes to control of the duration of its release.
[0038] The second control element (7) is composed of a material
which is impermeable (impervious) to the at least one volatile
substance. The impermeable materials include metals, plastics,
natural polymers, and, in particular, composites of metal and
plastic, which are available commercially as so-called barrier
layer films. Also regarded as suitable impervious plastics or
natural polymers are barrier plastics which are known to the
skilled worker. They include the following: polyacrylonitrile,
polyamide, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylidene
chloride, viscose, cellophane, etc., and also blends thereof.
Within the barrier layer films, however, it is also possible to use
pervious plastics in a composite with metal foils, since the
impermeability to the at least one volatile substance derives from
the presence of the metal foil in the composite. It is also
possible to use fiber membranes as the second control element (7).
The impermeable material is preferably nonadhesive.
[0039] The suitable metals include aluminum, copper, zinc, iron,
and tin.
[0040] A preferred embodiment is that in which the second control
element (7) is in the form of a film ("barrier layer film"). As
such, the second control element (7) may have the same dimensions
as the first control element (6), in other words a thickness of
between 50 .mu.m and 2.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.
The length and width of the second control element (7) are chosen,
in the case of a flat reservoir, such that it covers at least one
section of the first control element, but preferably fully covers
the first control element (6).
[0041] In order for the second control element (7) to be able to
exert its function of controlling the release of the at least one
volatile substance (4), it possesses gaps (8), which may take the
form of tubes and/or bubbles. Alternatively the gaps may possess an
irregular form, provided it is possible thereby to obtain a defined
permeability of the film-form second control element (7). Owing to
the presence of these gaps, the at least one volatile substance is
able to pass through the second control element (7) and emerge into
the environment of the dispenser. The exact control of the release
of the at least one volatile substance (4) takes place in the case
of the second control element (7) merely on the basis of these
"mechanical" properties, i.e., it is dependent on the number, size
and/or shape of these gaps (8), which directly determine the
permeability of the second control element (7) to the volatile
substance (4). The nature of the material has virtually no effect,
or at least only a minimum effect, on said permeability.
[0042] In one preferred embodiment the gaps (8) are tubes
("perforation holes", "microchannels"), which may possess a
diameter of between 2 .mu.m and 2 mm, preferably between 50 .mu.m
and 0.5 mm, and more preferably between 100 .mu.m and 250 .mu.m.
Typical numbers relating to the gaps are 500 to 8000 per m.sup.2 of
barrier layer film, preference being given to the range from 1200
to 2500 tubular gaps per m.sup.2.
[0043] In a further embodiment the gaps (8) may be substantially
spherical gaps ("pores", "holes"), whose diameters correspond to
those of the tubes. These spherical gaps (8) possess common contact
points which allow passage of the at least one volatile substance
(4) ("open-pore foam").
[0044] In a further embodiment the gaps may lack a unitary form
("irregular" gaps).
[0045] They occur in particular in the case of fiber membranes.
Such membranes comprise compressed fiber material
(water-jet-consolidated polyester web, for example) in which, as a
result of the production process, there are interstices between the
individual fibers, these interstices possessing a defined volume
("pore volume"), depending on the extent of compression, and
thereby producing an adjustable porosity in the material.
[0046] One particularly preferred case represents a flat embodiment
of the dispenser in which the top face (2) and the bottom face (3)
of the reservoir are each covered by a first control element (6)
which is fully covered in each case by a second control element
(7). The advantage of this embodiment is that it can be picked up
without any risk of sticking. At the same time the at least one
volatile substance (4) can be released on both sides (2, 3) of the
reservoir.
[0047] Because of the existence of the two control elements with
their different functions, the dispenser is capable of allowing
both "rapid release" of the at least one volatile substance (4) and
"delayed release". The function of the first control element (6) is
based on the principle of the control of the diffusion of the at
least one volatile substance (4); the function of the second
control element (7) is based on the principle of alteration to the
size of the surface area of the material layer comprising the at
least one volatile substance with respect to the environment.
Merely by way of precaution it may be pointed out that this
differentiation of two fundamentally different mechanisms of action
(control by diffusion and by alteration of the surface area), which
are ascribed to the two different control elements, is not intended
to be understood as a one hundred percent exclusion of the
respective other principle. These are, however, the essential
mechanisms of action of the respective control element in each
case. The special design of the dispenser ensures that the effect
of the two "respectively other" mechanisms of action is negligibly
small relative to the effect of the fundamental action principles
of the two control elements.
[0048] The selection of the material for the first control element
(6) possesses fundamental importance for the diffusion rate of the
at least one volatile substance (4). The adjustment of the
porosity, i.e., the number and size of the gaps (8) in the second
control element (7), then determines the size of the area from
which the at least one volatile substance (4) is able to emerge
into the environment.
[0049] Thus, when using a second control element (7) having a
relatively large number of relatively large gaps (8), the at least
one volatile substance (4) can be delivered to the environment
within a few hours in the case of "rapid release"; for example,
over a period of 1 to 12 hours.
[0050] In the case of "delayed release" it may persist over a
period of several days or weeks, 7 days to 8 weeks for example, and
possibly even over a number of months, in other words up to 6
months, provided a relatively small number of relatively small gaps
(8) are used in the second control element (7).
[0051] Accordingly, a release control which is relatively
independent of the composition of the reservoir and of the material
properties of the first control element (6) is achieved. The "fine
tuning" of the release, therefore, can be achieved ultimately
through the parameter of the porosity of the second control element
(7).
[0052] The advantage of this construction is that--particularly in
the case of volatile substances which differ sharply from one
another in chemical and physical terms--there is no need to adapt
the material properties of the first control element to the
physical properties of the volatile substances, but that instead
only the number and/or size of the gaps in the second control
element need be varied. This, however, is much easier to carry out
technically, with a lower experimental outlay.
[0053] The dispensers are produced by bringing the carrier material
(5) into the desired form, by means for example, of spinning,
coating, rolling, diecutting, pulverizing, grinding, cutting, etc.,
or combinations thereof. The carrier material, if in the form of a
continuous strip, is converted into individual sections, by means
of cutting or punching for example, in which it is able to serve as
an important constituent of the reservoir (1).
[0054] The first control element (6) can be produced by mixing the
formulating constituents, in aqueous solution for example, but
preferably in an organic solvent. The solution or melt of the
formulation constituents can then be transferred by means for
example of a doctor blade to a transport web, where, following
removal of the solvent or in the course of cooling, it can be
brought into the form of a film.
[0055] The second control element (7) can be brought into film form
correspondingly. Subsequently, tubular gaps (8) can be punched into
the resultant film, by transporting the film through two
counter-rotating rolls, of which at least one possesses barblike
projections which produce perforation as they pass through the
film. Other techniques, known to the skilled worker, for producing
perforated films include electrostatic perforation, hot needles,
flame perforation or laser perforation.
[0056] Alternatively the second control element (7) may be produced
by introducing a gaseous substance into the formulation
constituents, by stirring, in such a way that in the course of
solidification (i.e., when the solvent evaporates or when the melt
cools) an open-pore foam is formed, i.e., spherical gaps (8). The
gaseous substance, however, may also be released through a chemical
reaction of the formulation constituents, such as in the case of
polyurethanes, for example.
[0057] Alternatively the second control element (7) may be produced
from a web material (nonwoven fabric), preferably by water-jet
consolidation. Suitable such material may be, for example, a fiber
membrane having a basis weight of 100 g/m.sup.2 (consisting of 100%
viscose or of 70% viscose and 30% polyethylene terephthalate,
PET).
[0058] The at least one volatile substance (4) may be placed
directly--as a solid or liquid, solution, dispersion or
suspension--into a depression in a first control element (6) in
film form. Immediately thereafter the resultant reservoir (1),
containing at least one volatile substance (4), is covered with a
layer (9) of material impermeable to the at least one volatile
substance, or with a further, first control element (6) in film
form.
[0059] Preferably, however, the at least one volatile substance (4)
is mixed with the carrier material (5) or applied by spraying or
otherwise in liquid form to a section of a carrier material in
strip form. This section can then be covered with at least one
first control element (6) in film form.
[0060] The assembly of reservoir (1) and two first control elements
(6) or one first control element (6) and a layer (9) of material
impermeable to the volatile substance is joined to the second
control element (7) by means of laminating, which is known to the
skilled worker, utilizing the adhesive quality of the first control
element (6).
[0061] Individual dispensers can be obtained from such webs of
material by lengthwise and crosswise cutting and punching.
[0062] One advantageous embodiment envisages furnishing two or more
reservoirs (1, 1', 1'', . . . ), of which each contains a different
volatile substance or composition (4, 4', 4'', . . . ), in each
case with a first control element (6, 6', 6'', . . . ) and a second
control element (7, 7', 7'', . . . ). This embodiment of a
dispenser is particularly advantageous if the first control element
(6) and the second control element (7) are identical in terms of
the material for all the reservoirs (1, 1', 1'', . . . ), while
only the size and/or number of gaps (8, 8', 8'', . . . ) in the
second control element is different. A "multireservoir" dispenser
of this kind may be located on a layer (9) of impermeable material
which is used in common by all of the reservoirs (1, 1', 1'', . . .
), or may be provided on both sides with the corresponding first
and second control elements.
[0063] If in such a case the first reservoir (1) contains--as a
mixture of volatile substances--the "top note" of a perfume, the
second reservoir (1') the "heart note" of said perfume, and the
third reservoir (1'') the "base note" of said perfume, then through
the controlled release of the volatile substances of the respective
reservoir (1, 1', 1'') it is possible to modify the classic
fragrance course of said perfume. The dispenser is capable in
particular of prolonging the effect of the "top note" which is
usually released rapidly.
[0064] The dispenser can be used in order to deliver volatile
substances (4) to an environment. The environment is preferably a
gaseous environment, an example being the air in a substantially
closed space (for example, furniture item, room, vehicle, shoe,
baking oven, garbage pail, suitcase). Alternatively it may be a
liquid environment (for example, aquarium, toilet bowl, washing
machine). Finally, the environment may also be a solid capable of
taking up the volatile substance (for example, clothing item,
books, carpet).
[0065] The dispenser may be used to dispense attractants for
insects (including those with a gender-specific action, or in
combination with known insect traps), as a repellent product (moth
repellent for clothing in wardrobes, mosquito repellent in rooms or
on patios), to dispense pheromones for biological pest control in
agriculture and forestry ("confusion method", in the case for
example of the grape berry moth in viticulture, the pink bollworm
in cotton-growing, and the bark beetle), as a product or component
of a product for room or body fragrancing, in the segment of
wellness and aromatherapy:
[0066] The embodiments described and depicted serve merely to
illustrate the fundamental aspects of the invention and should not
be interpreted in any way that restricts the invention to these
examples.
EXAMPLE 1
[0067] A mixture of 15 g of hydroabietyl alcohol, 40 g of
terpene-phenolic resin and 45 g of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer
having a vinyl acetate fraction of between 25% and 28% is melted at
140.degree. C. and coated onto a process sheet to give a
pressure-sensitively adhesive film having a basis weight of 100
g/m.sup.2. After cooling, this pressure-sensitively adhesive film
is covered with a 23 .mu.m thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
film. This film contains about 5600 tubular gaps per m.sup.2, each
with a diameter of 0.3 mm, introduced by hot-needle perforation.
The resultant composite laminate of pressure-sensitively adhesive
film and PET film is cut into strips 20 mm wide. At intervals of 35
mm, circular disks of viscose nonwoven (water-jet consolidated,
basis weight: 100 g/m.sup.2) with a diameter of 12 mm are
positioned centrally. Then 7 mg of a solution (1 mg of a mixture of
one part (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienal and 2 parts (E)-2-octadecenal in
5 mg of wheat germ oil) are trickled onto the nonwoven disk. The
reservoir produced in this way is covered with a 20 mm wide strip
of the composite laminate, the side with the pressure-sensitively
adhesive film covering the reservoir. The resultant assembly of
reservoir, two first control elements and two second control
elements is cut into individual sections 35 mm long, so that the
reservoir is disposed in the center in each case. Individual such
dispensers can be packed by known methods into seated-edge pouches
or blister packs.
[0068] The figures serve to illustrate the structure of preferred
embodiments of the dispenser.
[0069] FIG. 1 shows the cross section of a dispenser comprising
reservoir (1), first control element (6) and second control element
(7), which is located on a layer (9) of material impermeable to the
at least one volatile substance (4). This layer (9) of material may
have been given an abhesive treatment, to allow easy removal of the
dispenser. It can then be positioned easily in the desired
environment, by being adhered to the inside of a furniture item,
for example.
[0070] FIG. 2 shows the cross section of a dispenser comprising
reservoir (1), first control element (6) and second control element
(7), the control elements being located each on either side (2, 3)
of the reservoir. Since the second control element (7) is not
adhesive, the dispenser can be positioned in the desired
environment with the aid where appropriate of any desired fixing
means (hooks, hangers, adhesive strips, etc.). Alternatively it can
be laid out directly at the site of use.
[0071] FIG. 3 shows, in a plan view, a dispenser comprising three
reservoirs (1, 1', 1'') each of which contains a different volatile
substance or a different mixture of substances (4, 4', 4''). The
three reservoirs are covered with an identical first control
element (6). The second control element (7) differs in each case in
a different number and/or size of gaps (8, 8', 8''). The three
reservoirs and also the other components of the dispenser are
mounted on a single layer (9) of material impermeable to the
volatile substances.
[0072] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of
the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative,
not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined in the following
claims.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0073] (1)=reservoir
[0074] (2)=top face of the reservoir
[0075] (3)=bottom face of the reservoir
[0076] (4)=volatile substance
[0077] (5)=carrier material
[0078] (6)=first control element
[0079] (7)=second control element
[0080] (8)=gaps
[0081] (9)=layer of a material impermeable to the volatile
substance
* * * * *