U.S. patent application number 15/131196 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-11 for compositions comprising a functional perfume component mixture.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Steven Louis DIERSING, Rhonda Jean JACKSON, George Kavin MORGAN III, Jason John OLCHOVY.
Application Number | 20160228595 15/131196 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44511593 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160228595 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DIERSING; Steven Louis ; et
al. |
August 11, 2016 |
COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING A FUNCTIONAL PERFUME COMPONENT MIXTURE
Abstract
Compositions having a mixture of functional perfume components
are provided. In one embodiment, the functional perfume components
comprise iso-nonyl acetate, dihydro myrcenol, linalool, and benzyl
acetate. In one embodiment, the functional perfume component may be
present in an amount from about 75% to about 100%, by weight of
said mixture, wherein said composition is substantially free of a
VOC.
Inventors: |
DIERSING; Steven Louis;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; JACKSON; Rhonda Jean;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; MORGAN III; George Kavin;
(Hamilton, OH) ; OLCHOVY; Jason John; (West
Chester, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44511593 |
Appl. No.: |
15/131196 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14330034 |
Jul 14, 2014 |
9328316 |
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15131196 |
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12855804 |
Aug 13, 2010 |
8877139 |
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14330034 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 9/127 20130101;
C11B 9/0019 20130101; C11B 9/0015 20130101; C11B 9/0061 20130101;
A61L 9/01 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/01 20060101
A61L009/01; C11B 9/00 20060101 C11B009/00; A61L 9/12 20060101
A61L009/12 |
Claims
1. A composition comprising a perfume mixture, said perfume mixture
comprises about 40% to about 100%, by weight of said perfume
mixture, of a FPC mixture wherein said FPC mixture comprises
iso-nonyl acetate, dihydro myrcenol, linalool, and benzyl acetate,
and wherein said composition is substantially free of a VOC.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition is selected
from the group consisting of an air freshener and a fabric
refresher.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein said FPC mixture comprises,
by weight of said perfume mixture: about 5% to about 50% of benzyl
acetate; about 5% to about 35% of iso-nonyl acetate; about 5% to
about 45% dihydro myrcenol; and about 15% to about 45%
linalool.
4. The composition of claim 1 wherein said perfume mixture consists
of iso-nonyl acetate, dihydro myrcenol, linalool, and benzyl
acetate.
5. The composition of claim 1 further comprising an active agent
selected from the group consisting of surfactants, emulsifiers,
solubilizers, polymers, cyclodextrin, hydrogen peroxide, buffers,
zinc ions, and mixtures thereof.
6. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition is free of a
VOC.
7. The composition of claim 1 wherein said FPCs are present in a
ratio of about 1:1:1:1.
8. A composition comprising a perfume mixture, said perfume mixture
comprises a FPC mixture, said FPC mixture comprises, by weight of
said perfume mixture: about 5% to about 10% of benzyl acetate;
about 5% to about 35% of iso-nonyl acetate; about 20% to about 45%
dihydro myrcenol; and about 35% to about 45% linalool wherein said
composition is free of a VOC.
9. A method of delivering fragrance to the atmosphere comprising
the steps of providing an air freshener comprising a reservoir
containing the composition of claim 1 and an evaporative substrate
in fluid communication with said composition, wherein said
evaporative substrate is selected from the group consisting of
wicks, breathable membranes, and combinations thereof.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said air freshener is a passive
air diffuser.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to compositions comprising a
mixture of functional perfume components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various perfume compositions are available to mask,
deodorize, and/or remove malodors in the air. These compositions
may be dispensed by air freshening systems, including electrical
(i.e. energized) plug-in diffusers, passive (i.e. non-energized)
diffusers, trigger spray dispensers, and aerosol spray dispensers.
In many instances, adequate delivery of perfume compositions into
the air requires the use of evaporation or dispensing aids.
[0003] Passive or diffusive air fresheners, for example, may
utilize liquid compositions containing 20% or more volatile organic
compounds ("VOCs") as a perfume evaporation aid. "VOCs" as used
herein means volatile organic compounds that have a vapor pressure
of greater than 0.2 mm Hg measured at 20.degree. C. and aid in
perfume evaporation. Exemplary VOCs include the following organic
solvents: dipropylene glycol methyl ether ("DPM"),
3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol ("MMB"), volatile silicone oil, and
dipropylene glycol esters of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, ethylene
glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol
methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, or any VOC under the
tradename of Dowanol.TM. glycol ether.
[0004] In passive and energized air diffusers, DPM and MMB are
commonly used. In aerosol dispensers, a commonly used dispensing
aid or propellant is hydrocarbon, which is a VOC. VOCs may be
undesirably in some product applications given its solventy smell.
Additionally, some VOCs are currently regulated by the
Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resource Board
("CARB"). VOCs, classified by CARB regulations, can be found in
Article 2, .sctn.94508(a)(144) of the California Consumer Products
Regulation. In view of the aforementioned concerns and the desire
to protect the environment, approaches for reducing VOC content are
desirable.
[0005] One approach for reducing the VOC content is to simply lower
the amount of VOCs in the formulation. However, lowering the VOC
content can adversely affect performance. For example, in passive
and energized air diffusers, VOCs may aid in keeping perfume
components in solution which aids in evaporation profiles of the
solution as it diffuses from the diffuser. As such, reducing the
VOC level may compromise the delivery of an intended perfume
character. In the case of aerosol spray dispensers, reducing the
propellant content may leave product in the dispenser even after
the propellant has been depleted. It may also increase the particle
size of the dispensed product, which can lead to excessive surface
deposition. Another approach for reducing VOC content in aerosol
spray dispensers is outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,127. This
approach utilizes at most 25% of a liquefied gas propellant, free
of butane, in combination with a specific range of can pressures
and valve orifice dimensions.
[0006] As such, there continues to be a need for improved
compositions, including air freshening compositions, having
components that provide continuous fragrance yet are substantially
free of VOCs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a composition having a perfume mixture that includes a
mixture of functional perfume components ("FPCs" or singularly,
"FPC"). The FPCs comprise iso-nonyl acetate, dihydromyrcenol,
linalool, and benzyl acetate. The composition is substantially free
of a VOC.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a composition comprising a perfume mixture that includes a
FPC mixture. The FPC mixture includes, by weight of the perfume
mixture, about 5% to about 10% of benzyl acetate; about 5% to about
35% of iso-nonyl acetate; about 20% to about 45% dihydro myrcenol;
and about 35% to about 45% linalool. The composition is free of a
VOC.
[0009] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided an air freshening apparatus comprising an evaporative
substrate consisting of wicks, membranes, or combinations thereof;
and a reservoir for containing a composition that includes a
perfume mixture. The perfume mixture includes a FPC mixture that
includes iso-nonyl acetate, dihydro myrcenol, linalool, and benzyl
acetate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a line graph illustrating the evaporation profile
of a mixture of FPCs, according to one embodiment of the present
invention, compared to a composition having a mixture of perfume
materials and compared to a traditional organic solvent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The terms "air freshening composition" or "air freshener",
as used herein, refer to any suitable composition that reduces
odors in air, and/or reduces the impression of odors in the air by
masking, layering or including malodor counteractant perfume raw
materials into the composition.
[0012] "VOCs" as used herein means volatile organic compounds that
have a vapor pressure of greater than 0.2 mm Hg measured at
20.degree. C. and aid in perfume evaporation.
[0013] The present invention relates to a composition comprising a
mixture of FPCs. The present invention eliminates or reduces the
need for ingredients or materials that have VOCs that are able to
aid in perfume evaporation.
[0014] The composition may be substantially free of VOCs, meaning
it has no more than about 18%, alternatively no more than about 6%,
alternatively no more than about 5%, alternatively no more than
about 1%, alternatively no more than about 0.5%, by weight of the
composition, of VOCs. The composition, in some embodiments, may be
free of VOCs.
FPCs
[0015] FPCs of the present invention are a class of perfume raw
materials with evaporation properties that are similar to
traditional organic solvents or VOCs commonly used in air
freshening compositions. The FPCs of the present invention aid in
the evaporation of perfume raw materials and, in a mixture, provide
a hedonic, fragrance benefit. FPCs may be used in relatively large
concentrations without negatively impacting perfume character of
the overall composition.
[0016] It has been understood that perfume raw material generates
an olfactory response in the individual smelling the perfume. The
minimum concentration of perfume ingredient which is consistently
perceived to generate an olfactory response in an individual is
known as the odor detection threshold ("ODT"). As the concentration
of perfume is increased, so are the odor intensity of the perfume
and the olfactory response of the individual. This continues until
the concentration of the perfume reaches a maximum, at which point
the odor intensity reaches a plateau beyond which there is no
additional olfactory response by the individual. This range of
perfume concentration through which the individual consistently
perceives an odor is known as the Odor Detection Range ("ODR"). The
concentration of perfume raw materials in a composition should be
formulated less than or equal to the ODT or within the ODR of the
perfume raw materials, since compositions comprising higher levels
are costly and inefficient.
[0017] The Applicants have, however, found that in some
circumstances it may be desirable to utilize FPCs that exceed the
ODT, alternatively that exceed the ODR. Specifically, the use of
these FPCs at higher levels than traditionally used in air
freshening compositions and without the presence of a traditional
organic solvent, surprisingly, provides continuous fragrance to the
atmosphere.
[0018] Perfume raw materials that are suitable as a FPC can be
defined using Kovat's Index ("KI"). The KI places the volatility
attributes of an analyte (e.g. component of a volatile composition)
on a gas chromatography column in relation to the volatility
characteristics of an n-alkane (normal alkane) series on that
column A typical gas chromatograph ("GC") column is a DB-5 column
available from Agilent Technologies of Palo Alto, Calif. By this
definition, the KI of a normal alkane is set to 100n, where n is
the number of carbon atoms in the n-alkane. The KI of an analyte,
x, eluting at time t', between two n-alkanes with number of carbon
atoms "n" and "N" having corrected retention times t'.sub.n and
t.sup.t.sub.N respectively, will then be calculated as:
KI = 100 ( n + log t x ' - log t n ' log t N ' - log t n ' )
##EQU00001##
[0019] On a non-polar to slightly polar GC stationary phase, KI of
analytes are correlated with their relative volatility. For
example, analytes with smaller KIs tend to be more volatile than
those with larger KIs. Ranking analytes with their corresponding KI
values gives a good comparison of analyte evaporation rates in
liquid-gas partitioning systems.
[0020] A suitable FPC may have a Kovat's index from about 900 to
about 1400, alternatively about 900 to about 1200, alternatively
about 1000 to about 1100, alternatively about 1000.
[0021] Perfume raw materials that are suitable for use as a FPC can
also be defined using ODT and non-polarizing scent character for a
given perfume character scent camp. ODTs may be determined using a
commercial gas chromatograph ("GC") equipped with flame ionization
and a sniff-port. The GC is calibrated to determine the exact
volume of material injected by the syringe, the precise split
ratio, and the hydrocarbon response using a hydrocarbon standard of
known concentration and chain-length distribution. The air flow
rate is accurately measured and, assuming the duration of a human
inhalation to last 12 seconds, the sampled volume is calculated.
Since the precise concentration at the detector at any point in
time is known, the mass per volume inhaled is known and
concentration of the material can be calculated. To determine
whether a material has a threshold below 50 ppb, solutions are
delivered to the sniff port at the back-calculated concentration. A
panelist sniffs the GC effluent and identifies the retention time
when odor is noticed. The average across all panelists determines
the threshold of noticeability. The necessary amount of analyte is
injected onto the column to achieve a 50 ppb concentration at the
detector. Typical gas chromatograph parameters for determining odor
detection thresholds are listed below. The test is conducted
according to the guidelines associated with the equipment.
Equipment:
[0022] GC: 5890 Series with FID detector (Agilent Technologies,
Ind., Palo Alto, Calif., USA) [0023] 7673 Autosampler (Agilent
Technologies, Ind., Palo Alto, Calif., USA) [0024] Column: DB-1
(Agilent Technologies, Ind., Palo Alto, Calif., USA) [0025] Length
30 meters ID 0.25 mm film thickness 1 micron (a polymer layer on
the inner wall of the capillary tubing, which provide selective
partitioning for separations to occur)
Method Parameters:
[0025] [0026] Split Injection: 17/1 split ratio [0027] Autosampler:
1.13 microliters per injection [0028] Column Flow: 1.10 mL/minute
[0029] Air Flow: 345 mL/minute [0030] Inlet Temp. 245.degree. C.
[0031] Detector Temp. 285.degree. C. [0032] Temperature Information
[0033] Initial Temperature: 50.degree. C. [0034] Rate: 5 C/minute
[0035] Final Temperature: 280.degree. C. [0036] Final Time: 6
minutes [0037] Leading assumptions: (i) 12 seconds per sniff [0038]
(ii) GC air adds to sample dilution
[0039] Suitable FPCs may have an ODT from greater than about 1.0
ppb, alternatively greater than about 5.0 ppb, alternatively
greater than about 10.0 ppb, alternatively greater than about 20.0
ppb, alternatively greater than about 30.0 ppb, alternatively
greater than about 0.1 parts per million ("ppm").
[0040] In addition to Kovat's and ODT properties mentioned above,
other physical chemical properties of perfume raw materials that
may render them useful as a FPC are molecular weight, vapor
pressure, boiling point, flashpoint, heat of vaporization,
viscosity, solubility parameters, and combinations of thereof.
[0041] Suitable FPCs may be highly volatile, low boiling, perfume
ingredients. Exemplary FPC include iso-nonyl acetate, dihydro
myrcenol (3-methylene-7-methyl octan-7-ol), linalool (3-hydroxy-3,
7-dimethyl-1, 6 octadiene), geraniol (3, 7 dimethyl-2,
6-octadien-1-ol), d-limonene (1-methyl-4-isopropenyl-1-cyclohexene,
benzyl acetate, isopropyl mystristate, and combinations thereof.
Table 1 lists the approximate reported values for exemplary
properties of certain FPCs. FIG. 1 shows the evaporation profile of
certain FPCs in relation to commonly used VOCs in air freshening
compositions.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Boiling Point Clog P Flash point Vapor FPC
(.degree. C.) MW @ 25.degree. C. (.degree. C.) pressure KI ODT
Iso-Nonyl Acetate 224.72 186.3 4.28 79.4 0.11 1178 12 ppb (CAS
58430-94-7) Dihydro Myrcenol 197.66 156.3 3.03 76.1 0.1 1071 32 ppb
(CAS18479-58-8) Linalool 205.1 154.3 2.549 78.9 0.05 1107 22 ppb
(CAS 78-70-6) Benzyl Acetate 213.9 150.18 1.70 95.0 0.15 1164 29
ppb (CAS 140-11-4)
[0042] The total amount of FPCs in a perfume mixture may be greater
than about 40%, alternatively greater than about 50%, alternatively
greater than about 60%, alternatively greater than about 70%,
alternatively greater than about 75%, alternatively greater than
about 80%, alternatively from about 40% to about 100%,
alternatively from about 45% to about 100%, alternatively from
about 50% to about 100%, alternatively from about 60% to about
100%, alternatively from about 70% to about 100%, alternatively
from about 75% to about 100%, alternatively from about 80% to about
100%, alternatively from about 85% to about 100%, alternatively
from about 90% to about 100%, alternatively about 100%, by weight
of the perfume mixture. In some embodiments, the perfume mixture
may consist entirely of FPCs (i.e. 100 wt. %). In other
embodiments, the composition may consist entirely of FPCs.
[0043] The FPC mixture may comprise iso-nonyl acetate,
dihydromyrcenol, linalool, and benzyl acetate. In one embodiment,
iso-nonyl acetate, dihydromyrcenol, linalool, and benzyl acetate
may, individually, be present in an amount of about 25%, by weight
of the perfume mixture, alternatively in a ratio of 1:1:1:1. In
other embodiments, iso-nonyl acetate, dihydromyrcenol, linalool,
and benzyl acetate may be present in the ranges shown in Table
2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Perfume Raw KI Low High Material Value wt. %
wt. % Benzyl Acetate 1164 5 50 Iso Nonyl Acetate 1178 5 35 Dihydro
Myrcenol 1071 5 45 Linalool 1107 15 45
[0044] FPC Mixtures 1 and 2 in Table 3 are provided for purposes of
illustrating, non-limiting, exemplary FPC mixtures which may be
used in a non-energized, wick-based air freshener.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Perfume Raw KI FPC Mixture 1 FPC Mixture 2
Material Value wt. % wt. % Benzyl Acetate 1164 5 10 Iso Nonyl
Acetate 1178 5 35 Dihydro Myrcenol 1071 45 20 Linalool 1107 45
35
Non-Functional Perfume Component
[0045] The composition of the present invention may include a
non-functional perfume component or components. A non-functional
perfume component is a perfume raw material that is utilized solely
for its fragrance, scent, or hedonic benefits. Non-functional
perfume components do not satisfy the properties of an FPC.
Suitable non-functional perfume components are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,663,134; 5,670,475; 5,783,544; 5,939,060; and
6,146,621.
[0046] Use of FPCs at the levels recited herein may help modulate
the evaporation profile of an entire perfume composition to provide
perfume character consistency over the intended usage period in
various systems. The use of FPCs does not interfere with the
perfume characteristics of the non-functional perfume components
that are included for their fragrance or hedonic benefits.
Active Agents
[0047] Active agents provide cleaning, surface care protection,
fabric conditioning or softening, fabric refreshing, de-wrinkling,
air freshening, air deodorizing, malodor removal, skin
moisturizing, body deodorizing, or like benefits. An active agent
does not include water or deionized water.
[0048] In an air freshening or fabric refreshing composition, the
active agents may deliver a genuine malodor removal benefit. A
genuine malodor removal benefit is defined as both a sensory and
analytically measurable (such as by GC) malodor reduction. Thus, if
the air freshening composition delivers a genuine malodor removal
benefit, the air freshening composition will not function merely by
using perfume to cover up or mask odors. If the air freshening
product is provided with a malodor counteractant, the air
freshening product may utilize one or more of several types of odor
control mechanisms. One suitable malodor controlling agent is
cyclodextrin, which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,534,165;
5,668,097; 5,714,317; and 6,682,694.
[0049] Active agents might also include surfactants, emulsifiers,
solubilizers, polymers, malodor counteractants such as
cyclodextrin, hydrogen peroxide, buffers, zinc ions, etc. For
example, suitable fabric conditioning/softening agents are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,687.
Product Forms
[0050] The composition of the present invention may be used with
any apparatus known in the art to deliver fragrance to the
atmosphere. Non limiting examples of such delivery apparatuses
include air diffusers, whether energized or non-energized, with and
without evaporative substrates (e.g. breathable membranes or
wicks); coupled and decoupled piezoelectric systems; gel matrixes,
etc. Suitable apparatuses include liquid electric systems disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,361 and energized, piezo-electric systems in
US 2009/0289127A1.
[0051] The composition may also be used with a passive air diffuser
that includes a breathable membrane for diffusing the FPC mixture.
A breathable membrane is a vapor permeable membrane that prevents
free flow of liquid out of the membrane, thus addressing leakage
problems. Suitable membranes include UHMWPE-type membrane
optionally filled with silica as described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,498,369. Such UHMWPE membranes include Daramic.TM. V5, available
from Daramic, Solupor.RTM., available from DSM (Netherlands), and
Teslin.TM. SP1100HD, available from PPG Industries, and
combinations thereof. Other suitable breathable membranes include
any permeable polymeric, thermoplastic, or thermoset material,
including acetal, acrylic, cellulosic, fluoroplastic, polyamide,
polyester, polyvinyl, polyolefin, styrenic, etc, alone,
co-extruded, woven or non-woven, mixed or in combination with
elastomers, rubber, solids, silicas, or combinations thereof. Also
suitable are Hytrel.TM. available from Dupont or Lotryl.TM.
available from Arkema.
[0052] The composition of the present invention may also be
formulated for use in personal care products such as skin
moisturizers, body deodorants, facial and body cleansers, baby
wipes; surface care compositions such as hard surface cleaners,
wood polishes, and automobile cleaners; fabric care compositions
such as cleaners, softeners, de-wrinklers, and refreshers; and air
freshening compositions including aerosols and sprays.
Example
[0053] Weight loss profiles of FPC Mixtures 1 and 2 in Table 3, a
FPC Control Mixture, and DPM are evaluated. Four glass bottles,
each being identical to one another in material and configuration,
are separately filled, using a pipette, with 5.5 mL of FPC Mixture
1 (shown in Table 3), FPC Mixture 2 (shown in Table 3), FPC Control
Mixture (shown in Table 4) and DPM. A plug and wick assembly, Porex
ZSF-7575, are attached to each bottle. The bottles are placed on a
shelf in a bathroom lab with volume of 10 m.sup.3 with 2 air
changes per hour, controlled to 21+/-2 degrees Celsius. An initial
weight is recorded and then subsequent weights are recorded after
4, 7, 12, and 15 days have elapsed. Weights are taken on a
calibrated, leveled Ohaus Analytical Plus.TM. AP120 laboratory
balance. Weight loss is calculated as follows:
where t.sub.i and t.sub.j=points in time; t.sub.j-t.sub.i=the time
interval between t.sub.i and t.sub.j; E.sub.ij=Evaporation rate
between time t.sub.i and t.sub.j; W.sub.i=Weight in mg at time i;
W.sub.j=Weight in mg at time j;
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Perfume Raw KI FPC Control Mixture Material
Value wt. % Benzyl Acetate 1164 7 Iso Nonyl Acetate 1178 24.5
Dihydro Myrcenol 1071 14 Linalool 1107 24.5 d-Limonene 1031 30
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Days Weight Loss Cumulative Weight Elapsed
Rate, mg/h Lost, mg DPM 0 0.0 0 4 2.3 209 7 4.1 497 12 2.9 824 15
3.8 1090 FPC Mixture 1 0 0.0 0 4 2.9 268 7 3.2 506 12 2.5 798 15
2.9 1000 FPC Mixture 2 0 0.0 0 4 4.6 423 7 4.8 797 12 3.9 1242 15
4.0 1522 FPC Control 0 0.0 0 Mixture 4 7.5 676 7 6.6 1172 12 6.1
1878 15 6.5 2343
[0054] The weight loss of DPM, FPC Mixture 1, FPC Mixture 2, and
FPC Control Mixture are shown in FIG. 1. The weight loss curve for
these mixtures demonstrate that the FPC Mixtures 1 and 2 are
comparable to DPM and more consistent over time than FPC Control
Mixture for fragrancing the atmosphere.
[0055] The composition of the present invention can comprise,
consist of, or consist essentially of the elements and limitations
of the invention described herein, as well any of the additional or
optional ingredients, components, or limitations described
herein.
[0056] Every numerical range given throughout this specification
will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such
broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical range were
all expressly written herein. For example, a stated range of "1 to
10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between
(and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of
10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or
more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 6.1,
3.5 to 7.8, 5.5 to 10, etc.
[0057] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0058] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0059] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *