SCENT RELEASE TAB

Abstract

A scent tab has an active layer, an adhesive layer, a barrier layer, and a removable release liner adjacent to the adhesive layer. A scented fishing lure has a fishing lure and a scent tab having an active layer which has an active agent, a barrier layer, and an adhesive layer and the adhesive layer of the scent tape reversibly secures the scent tape to the fishing lure.

Claims

1. A scent tab comprising: an active layer; an adhesive layer; a barrier layer; and a removable release liner adjacent to the adhesive layer.

2. The tab of claim 1, wherein the active layer comprises: a polymer matrix and an active agent stored within the polymer matrix.

3. The tab of claim 2, wherein the active agent is a scent attractant.

4. The tab of claim 3, wherein the active agent comprises at least one amino acid.

5. The tab of claim 3, wherein the active agent is water soluble.

6. The tab of claim 2, wherein the polymer matrix comprises a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase dispersed within the continuous phase.

7. The tab of claim 6, wherein the continuous phase is a hydrophilic polymer matrix.

8. The tab of claim 7, wherein the continuous phase comprises a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer or copolymer.

9. The tab of claim 8, wherein the polymer or copolymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidinone, polyalkylenes, polyethylene glycols, hydrophilic polyurethanes, hydrophilic polyacrylates, hydrophilic polymethacrylates.

10. The tab of claim 6, wherein the discontinuous phase comprises a plurality of drops, particles, or self-assembling domains.

11. The tab of claim 10, wherein the discontinuous phase consists of a plurality of particles, wherein the particles have a mean diameter from about 0.1 micrometer to about 10 micrometers.

12. The tab of claim 10, wherein the discontinuous phase comprises a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer or copolymer.

13. The tab of claim 12, wherein the polymer or copolymer comprises polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohols, vinylpyrrolidinone, and polyethylene glycols.

14. The tab of claim 10, wherein the ratio of swelling upon hydration between the discontinuous phase and the continuous phase is between 1:1 to 100:1.

15. The tab of claim 1, wherein the active layer comprises: a continuous phase comprising polyurethane; a discontinuous phase comprising polyacrylic acid; and an active agent comprising an amino acid.

16. The tab of claim 15, wherein the total ratio of combined polyurethane to polyacrylic acid is 70:30 by weight.

17. The tab of claim 15, wherein the ratio of polyacrylic acid to the active agent is 50:50 by weight.

18. The tab of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive with an average peel value of 750 g/inch from stainless steel.

19. The tab of claim 1, wherein the active layer is also at least one of the barrier layer and the adhesive layer.

20. A scented fishing lure, the lure comprising: a fishing lure; and a scent tape comprising: an active layer comprising an active agent; a barrier layer; and an adhesive layer; wherein the adhesive layer of the scent tape reversibly secures the scent tape to the fishing lure.

21. A method of using a scent tape for fishing, the method comprising: peeling the tape off a plastic release liner; applying the tape to a fishing lure; activating the tape by casting the lure into water; and removing the tape from the lure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is a chart listing an amino acid assessment method;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a chart listing amino acids eluted in plastisol baits;

[0044] FIG. 3 is a chart listing amino acids eluted in cellulose baits;

[0045] FIG. 4 is a chart listing amino acids eluted in Rubigo films;

[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic of the layers of a scent tape or tab in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 6 is a schematic showing the layers of the scent tape or tab with the release liner;

[0048] FIG. 7 is a schematic of the scent tape or tab of FIG. 6 showing the release liner removed;

[0049] FIG. 8 is a schematic of the scent tape or tab of FIG. 7 showing hydration of the tape;

[0050] FIG. 9 is a schematic of the scent tape or tab attached to a hard lure; and

[0051] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a sheet of scent tapes or tabs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0052] Films may be prepared for release of an active agent into the environment. The films co-located on a lure are translucent to allow visualization of the lure and preservation of the visual sensory cues. Films may be used to influence the chemo-stimulatory area in its surrounding environment. Further, the traits in the film allow for control of interaction between the environment and the fish attractant containing film. One such method is through the regulation of the release kinetics from the film.

[0053] Films may, for instance, be used to deliver amino acids, polyamines, prostaglandins or other pheromone molecules that function as fish attractants or chemo receptor stimulants. One method of delivery involves delivering of L-arginine from one or more lures, spinners, spoons, weights or hooks.

[0054] An application of the film is a system for delivery of an olfactory stimuli or other active agent to the environment surrounding a fishing lure. In use, a film may be applied to a lure. The term lure refers broadly to a device, artificial bait, natural bait, system or process used to attract and or capture fish. The term film refers to a thin flexible sheet, such as with a hardness of about 80A Durometer.

[0055] Films may, for instance, comprise an olfactory stimulatory agent. The film is applied to a lure and the olfactory stimulant, e.g., an amino acid such as L-arginine, is delivered to the local environment around the lure.

[0056] The disclosure is a scent strip that can easily be placed on any hard bait. The tape can be available in multiple sizes and is adhesive-backed. The scent remains with the lure rather than floating away, and the tape doesn't interfere with the functionality of the lure, and each tape provides up to 60 minutes of fishing. Its accurate dosage is water activated, so lure preparation can be done ahead of time. Thus, the thin, clear tape can be cleanly removed when it's time to re-apply. No mess and no waste is involved.

[0057] Specifically, the disclosure uses a polymer film that stores and releases amino acids and other active ingredients selected to stimulate the olfactory senses of fish and delivers scent from the surface of any hard bait, slowly releasing molecules on the scent tape as they become wet.

[0058] The release technology of the present disclosure entraps the amino acids into the dispensing film. The amino acids are released over time and stay in the area or vicinity of the lure.

[0059] The film technology of the present disclosure has shown the ability to integrate amino acids into the polymers at a very high density. Since hard crank baits are not provided with any scent, this release technology is able to add odorants to various hard lures. The release of amino acids in the vicinity of the lure can stimulate the fish to complete the strike. The amount of amino acid released from even the smallest pieces of scent bait tape consistently exceeds the amount released from the existing plastic soft baits. Further, the scent released exceeds the amount released in many of the cellulose baits tested. See FIG. 4 for amino acids eluted for Rubigo films.

[0060] Some water soluble amino acids are known to generate odorant molecules that can be sensed by fish. When applied to an artificial hard lure, the odor or scent attracts and increases the chances of catching fish.

[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8, in particular embodiments of the present disclosure, a scent tape or tab has a layer of plastic barrier film 10 used to provide a barrier between the active layer of dissolvable natural attractant 12 and an adhesive coating layer 14 which is attached to a removable release liner 15. Referring to FIG. 9, the adhesive layer 14 is then attached directly to a hard lure 16 after the release liner 15 is removed.

[0062] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, water soluble scent attractants (i.e., amino acids) are embedded into a swellable, or water absorbing, polymer matrix, which remains stable until activated by water. Specifically, referring now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, a scent tape or tab according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an active agent such as a scent attractant (i.e., amino acids) 20, polymer binders 22, a barrier film 10, an adhesive layer 14, and a release liner 15. In other embodiments, the tape may comprise a single-layer film. FIG. 8 shows as water enters the tab (represented by arrow 23) and the tab becomes hydrated, the scent attractant 20 are displaced and gradually are dispersed into the water. The concentration of the scent attractant 20 becomes entrapped at the surface of the binders before it is released.

[0063] In particular embodiments of the present disclosure, the active layer of the scent tape comprises a continuous hydrophilic polymer matrix. In some embodiments, the matrix contains covalent or non-covalent crosslinks so that it is insoluble in water, even though it is made with hydrophilic materials.

[0064] The matrix may further comprise a dispersed discontinuous phase, such as a material distributed through the matrix, with the material being distinct from the matrix. The discontinuous phase may be, for instance, drops, particles, or self-assembling domains. An example of a self-assembling domain is a hydrophobic block or a micelle. An example of a drop is a liquid, sol, or gel. Examples of particles are liposomes, nanoparticles, microparticles, capsules, microcapsules, and solid beads. In some embodiments, the discontinuous phase is a hydrophilic particle. The hydrophilic particle may be, e.g., a cross-linked particle that it is swellable in polar solvents. The term hydrophilic refers to a material that, when not in a cross-linked state, is soluble in water at a concentration of at least 1 g/100 mL in an aqueous solution. In the case of a cross-linked hydrophilic material, the material would swell in aqueous solutions and the crosslinks would prevent dissolution.

[0065] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the active layer is a continuous hydrophilic matrix that comprises a plurality of discontinuous hydrophilic domains that are at least twice as swellable in aqueous media as the continuous hydrophilic matrix. In particular embodiments, the discontinuous phase comprises a plurality of polymer particles, such as cross-linked polymers. The plurality of polymer particles may comprise: cross-linked polyacrylic acid, cross-linked polyvinyl alcohols, cross-linked vinylpyrrolidinone, and cross-linked polyethylene glycols. As used herein, polyethylene glycols, or PEGs, include polyethylene oxides containing any termini unless otherwise indicated.

[0066] In particular embodiments, the discontinuous phase may comprise polymers with a very high molecular weight.

[0067] In other embodiments, the discontinuous phase may comprise low molecular weight polymers. In further embodiments, the discontinuous phase may comprise uncross-linked polymers.

[0068] In some embodiments, the continuous phase of the active layer may comprise: polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinylpyrrolidinone, polyalkylenes, polyethylene glycols, hydrophilic polyurethanes, hydrophilic polyacrylates, and hydrophilic polymethacrylates. In some embodiments, materials with pendant carboxylic acids may be used to form, or be part of, the continuous phase or discontinuous domains. These polymers may be purchased and reacted to make the films, or synthesized. For instance, methacrylic acid monomers may be reacted with other monomers to form polymers using known techniques.

[0069] In particular embodiments, the invention according to the present disclosure may include a barrier film 10. In some embodiments, the barrier film may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other similar polymers with barrier properties.

[0070] In particular embodiments, the adhesive layer 14 is preferably a removable adhesive with an average peel value at or around 750 g/inch from stainless steel. In such embodiments, the adhesive layer is designed to secure the scented tape to a surface for 1 to 2 hours under water and then be removed cleanly after use.

[0071] In other embodiments, the tape or tab according to the present disclosure may be made with self-adhesive properties. In such embodiments, the active agent and the barrier layer can be incorporated into the adhesive layer. In particular embodiments, the adhesive may be applied to all or a portion of a side of a film, such as covering one side of a film or covering a peripheral portion of a side of a film. In particular embodiments, the adhesive may be pressure-sensitive.

[0072] In further embodiments, the tape or tab may be attached to a member that receives the adhesive, such as a cardboard or elastic member that is tied to the tape. The tape may be prepared with a release liner (or backing member) 15 that is removable by a user to expose the adhesive at the time of use. In embodiments according to the present disclosure, the tape comprises a single-layer film or a film with a plurality of layers wherein at least one of the layers include a polyurethane continuous matrix and a plurality of discontinuous domains formed by a cross-linked polyacrylic acid polymer. In particular embodiments, the ratio of the combined urethane is preferably 80:20 by weight of the soft polyurethane to the rigid polyurethane. Although the molecular weights of the two polyurethanes differ, the difference of the chemical composition lends to the unique properties of the film, varying the percentage of the two polyurethanes in the system reduces the tack of the active layer. This is beneficial in the converting and packaging of its product. In particular embodiments, the total ratio of combined polyurethane to polyacrylic acid is preferably 70:30 by weight. In further embodiments, the ratio of polyacrylic acid to the active agent 20 is at or around preferably 50:50 by weight.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the effectiveness of the present disclosure is the combination of polymer phases, such as polyacrylic acid, the swellable polymer, and the combined polyurethanes, which facilitate and control complete migration of the water into the polymer matrix. The interaction of the discontinuous phase and the amino acids (i.e., scent attractant 20) is disturbed as water 23 hydrates and fills polymer matrix 24 thereby swelling the polyacrylic acid and displacing the amino acids and thus allowing the amino acids (i.e., scent attractant 20) to migrate out of the film into the water (as shown as arrows 25 in FIGS. 4 and 5) leaving behind a scent trail over a prolonged period of time. The continuous phase helps the film stay formed and intact for the duration of use. After about one hour or 60 minutes of exposure to water, the entire tape can be removed from the substrate and responsibly discarded.

[0074] Different combinations of active agents 20, or amino acids, can be used or mixed to attract different species of fish. For example, various amino acids, or amino acid containing extracts, can be used such as: alanine, proline, lysine, taurine, porcine bile salts, glycine, and arginine. These may be in the continuous phase and/or discontinuous phase. For instance, collections of particles may be prepared that each comprise different agent and particles from a plurality of the collections may be added to the film. In other embodiments, a first active agent may be in a continuous phase and a second agent in a discontinuous phase.

[0075] In particular embodiments, a tape according to the present disclosure may have a first agent in a polyacrylic acid particle or other subdomain within a matrix and in that same matrix may have a second agent in a second polyacrylic acid particle or other subdomain. A method to make such a film is by first loading the polyacrylic acid particle with the agent (or incorporating the agent at the time of formation) and then blending the particle into a solution with polyurethane or other hydrophilic polymers to form the active layer of the tape.

[0076] In some embodiments, a suitable ratio of active agent molecules to carboxylic acid groups in a layer or a domain of a layer may be 1:n, wherein n is between 3 and 200. Artisans will immediately appreciate that all the ranges and values within the explicitly stated ranges are contemplated, e.g., n between 5 and 50, or 10 and 24. The ratio may also be expressed in terms of molecular weight, wherein the relative molecular weights of the active agent to the carboxyl groups is between 1:1 and 1:500. Artisans will immediately appreciate that all the ranges and values within the explicitly stated ranges are contemplated, including between 1:1 and 1:10.

[0077] In particular embodiments, polymers are chosen that comprise a minimum density of pendant carboxylic acid groups, including polymers that have no more than about 2 to about 50 carbon bonds of separation on the polymer backbone between the carboxylic acid groups. Artisans will immediately appreciate that all the ranges and values within the explicitly stated ranges are contemplated, e.g., between 2 and 10 carbon bonds. The description in terms of carbon bonds refers to a distance; polymers with backbones besides CC bonds may be used.

[0078] Variations to the disclosure are also contemplated. For example, additional scent designed to appease or appeal to the angler can be added to the polymer matrix in the form of fragrance oil. This is done at low concentrations and makes up less than 2% of the final composition. The concentration of the scent can be entrapped at the surface of the polymer binder. This could be done using a variety of scents such as: anise oil, fish oil, lavender, garlic, coffee, etc. These scents are to appeal to the user and usually are not relevant to the fish itself.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 10, different shapes of scent tabs or tapes 30 can be produced using different die tooling during converting. The tape 30 can be attached to a sheet 32 and removed one at a time. A variety of shapes and sizes can be made to fit various types of hard lures. Oval tabs 30 are shown, but round, square, rectangle shapes are also contemplated. Larger tabs may be used for lures for attracting larger fish, such as salmon. It is also contemplated that tabs could be supplied in a roll form and supplied on a plastic or fiber core.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the scent tape or tabs are flexible and thin. Flexibility contributes to ease of use for the fisherman that places the film onto a lure. Thinness contributes to flexibility and assists in keeping the film in place on an exposed surface of the lure, with a thin film being less likely to be displaced in use on a lure.

[0081] The present disclosure is also directed to processes for manufacturing the disclosed scented tapes. Compositions for making films typically involve dispersing or dissolving a small weight percent of a polymer in the solvent. For instance, hydrophilic polymer particles may be used in an aqueous solution phase, in an amount from about 0.5 percent by weight to about 3 percent by weight, e.g., as an emulsion, solution, or mixture, although higher and lower amounts may also be used. For example, a crosslinked-acrylic-copolymer particle may be present in a solution in a range of from about 1 percent by weight to about 2 percent w/w. These ranges are for guidance in preparation of suitable compositions and are exemplary; other concentrations may be used. The continuous phase may also be in the same solution phase, in an amount from 0.5 percent by weight to 3 percent by weight, such that after the solvents have evaporated the solid composition of the dispersed phase within the continuous phase would be about 50 percent w/w solid composition.

[0082] One process to prepare films involves mixing a first polymeric material with a second matrix material that forms a continuous matrix. The mixture is cast, molded, or otherwise distributed so that the continuous matrix is allowed to form around the first polymeric material. The resultant film has a continuous matrix with discontinuous subdomains dispersed throughout it. The discontinuous domain may be, for instance, crosslinked polymers or particles (nanoparticles or microparticles). The continuous domain may be, for instance, a thermoset, thermoplastic, or crosslinked polymer. The first polymeric material may comprise one or more precursors or polymers that form the continuous domain, e.g., precursors to a polyurethane, a resin, a rubber, free radical polymerizable polymers, or precursors that chemically react.

[0083] Additionally, other matrices with free carboxyl groups can be made by grafting to other polymer backbones (e.g. cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polysaccharides) with chloroacetic acid in base to form the corresponding carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl polyvinyl alcohol, or carboxymethyl polysaccharide.

[0084] A combination of solvents is used to facilitate the dissolution of all amino acids into solution during the manufacturing process. These are further adjusted to ensure uniform mixing into the dissolved polymer matrix. The coating is cast and dried to form the film.

[0085] The present disclosure is also directed to methods of utilizing the described embodiments. According to some embodiments, such methods comprise the following steps: a) peel the tape off the plastic release liner; b) apply the tape to any hard lure, spoon, crank bait, etc.; c) cast the lure, thereby activating the tape when the lure and tape enter the water; and, d) after use, remove the sticker/tape from the lure and discard properly. The present disclosure is designed to attract the broadest amount of fresh water species such as, crappie, bass, muskie, northern pike, walleye, perch, and lake trout. It is also contemplated that the disclosure could be possibly used for salt water fishing as well.

[0086] The disclosure is directed to fish lures, but could be used for other applications such as highly-breathable medical wound care dressings, or certain transdermal drug delivery patches. In these applications, the medicine or drug to be delivered would be attracted to or dispensed toward the user's skin by the natural moisture found in the user's skin. That is, the medicine or drug delivery would be inward toward the user, rather than outward as with the fish scent. Thus, in this application there may not be a barrier film layer.

[0087] In summary, one aspect of the disclosure is a scented bait tape for hard fishing lures (See FIG. 9). Another aspect of the disclosure is a water activated formula that releases a scent that attracts fish. Still another aspect of the disclosure is using natural amino acids that are ecologically safe. Another aspect of the disclosure is the scent stays with the lure and does not float away. Another aspect of the disclosure is a clear, thin tape which does not interfere with lure's action or color. Another aspect of the disclosure is that it is simple to apply by just peeling and sticking the tape to the lure. Each tape is water activated and releases scent for 60 minutes. Another aspect of the disclosure is it does not lose any potency once opened and activated.

[0088] The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.