System and Method for Applying Aroma Releasing Material to Product Packaging

Abstract

A system for creating a microencapsulate coating composition and the method of adding the scented microencapsulate coating to product packaging. The microencapsulate coating contains scented compounds that are encapsulated to create encapsulated particles. The encapsulant can be either water soluble or hydrophobic depending upon the intended application. The encapsulated particles are mixed with a binding agent, to create a scented microencapsulate coating. The scented microencapsulate coating is applied to packaging in areas that will be touched as the packaging is manipulated. The physical contact ruptures the microencapsulate coating and releases the scented compounds contained therein.

Claims

1. A method of adding a scented microencapsulate coating to the exterior of a sealed packaging container, said method comprising the steps of: providing a sealed packaging container that holds a consumable product therein, said sealed packaging container having external areas that are isolated from said product that are handled by a person opening said sealed packaging container for removal of said consumable product from within said sealed packaging container; providing scented compounds; providing an encapsulant; providing a binding agent; encapsulating said scented compounds in said encapsulant to create encapsulated particles; mixing said encapsulated particles with a binding agent, to create an emulsion, wherein said encapsulated particles are suspended within said binding agent; uniformly applying said emulsion to at least one of said external areas on said sealed packaging container in a thickness that fully encases said encapsulated particles within said binding agent; and curing said emulsion to create a scented microencapsulate coating where said encapsulated particles are encased within said binding agent.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said encapsulant is water soluble.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said binding agent is hydrophobic.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein said binding agent is water soluble.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said encapsulant is selected from a group consisting of gelatin, glycerol, melamine, urea formaldehyde, cellulose, and starch-based polymers.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein said binding agent is selected from a group consisting of styrene acrylic emulsions, acrylate monomers, oligimer esters, monomers, and ethylene acrylic copolymers.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein said binding agent is selected from a group consisting of starch-based polymers, polyvinyl acetates, acrylic polymer emulsions and polyvinyl alcohols.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of providing a packaging container includes providing product packaging that is selected from a group consisting of bottles closures, bottles, cans, cups, trays, lids, pouches, bags and boxes.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of providing a packaging container includes providing a cup container with a brim, wherein said step of applying said emulsion includes applying said emulsion to said cup container proximate said brim.

10. A method of producing a sealed packaging container with areas that release scent when touched, said method comprising the steps of: providing a sealed packaging container having an exterior surface; providing a scented microencapsulate coating that contains encapsulated particles suspended within a binding agent, wherein said encapsulated particles include scented compound enveloped in an encapsulant; applying said scented microencapsulate coating to said exterior surface of said sealed packaging container in areas that are commonly grasped when said sealed packaging container is handled by a user, wherein said scented microencapsulate coating is applied uniformly with a thickness great enough for said binding agent to encase said encapsulated particles within said binding agent; and curing said scented microencapsulate coating, therein setting said scented microencapsulate coating on said areas of said packaging container.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said encapsulant is water soluble.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein said binding agent is hydrophobic.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein said binding agent is water soluble.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein said encapsulant is selected from a group consisting of gelatin, glycerol, cellulose and starch-based polymers.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein said binding agent is selected from a group consisting of styrene acrylic emulsions and ethylene acrylic copolymers.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein said binding agent is selected from a group consisting of starch-based polymers, polyvinyl acetates and polyvinyl alcohols.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein said step of providing packaging container includes providing a packaging container selected from a group consisting of bottles, cans, closures, cups, trays, clamshells, lids, shrink films, labels, pouches, bags or boxes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description of exemplary embodiments thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a fragmented cross-sectional view of a portion of scented microencapsulate coating on a segment of product packaging;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a fragmented view of the top end and closure of a bottle container having a scented microencapsulate coating;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a front view of a bottle closure on a bottle that has a microencapsulated coating;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a fragmented view of the top end and closure of a bottle container having a scented microencapsulate coating and being covered in shrink wrap material;

[0023] FIG. 5 is front view of bag packaging having a scented microencapsulate coating;

[0024] FIG. 6 is front view of a garbage bag having a scented microencapsulate coating;

[0025] FIG. 7 is front view of a microwave tray having a scented microencapsulate coating;

[0026] FIG. 8 is front view of a cup container having a scented microencapsulate coating; and

[0027] FIG. 9 is a fragmented view of the top end and closure of a bottle container seal by a thick application of a scented microencapsulate coating; and

[0028] FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematic illustration a method of applying a scented microencapsulate coating to product packaging.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Although the present invention system and method can be applied to many different types of products and packages, the present invention is best (i) when applied to products that are typically handled or consumed directly out of their packaging to release aroma to improve the consumer experience; and (ii) when applied to packaging for consumables and non-consumables to convey product aroma from the package at the point of sale for sampling purposes. The exemplary embodiments show the present invention applied to a variety of applications. These embodiments are selected in order to set forth the best modes contemplated for the invention. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely exemplary and should not be considered a limitation when interpreting the scope of the appended claims.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a cross-section of a layer of scented microencapsulate coating 10 is shown applied to a section of product packaging 12. As will be later explained in more detail, the scented microencapsulate coating 10 contains scented oils or other scented compounds 14 that are encapsulated in a duty-specific encapsulant 16 to produce encapsulated particles 18. The encapsulated particles 18 have different diameters that all are less than a maximum particle diameter D1. The encapsulated particles 18 are then mixed with a duty-specific adhesive or binding agent 20 to create an emulsion 22. The emulsion 22 is then sprayed, printed, painted, dipped or otherwise applied to the exterior surface 24 of the product packaging 12. The emulsion 22 is applied to the exterior surface 24 at a minimum thickness T1 that is greater in size than the maximum diameter D1 of the encapsulated particles 18. When the emulsion 22 is fluid, the encapsulated particles 18 sink into the binding agent 20. Since the binding agent is applied to be thicker than the encapsulated particles, the encapsulated particles 18 become fully encased within the binding agent 20 after being applied. The emulsion 22 is then cured to produce the scented microencapsulate coating 10. As will be later explained, the scented microencapsulate coating 10 can be applied in various thicknesses and with different sized encapsulated particles 18 to achieve different results.

[0031] As has been mentioned, both the encapsulant 16 and the binding agent 20 are duty-specific depending upon the product to which the scented microencapsulate coating 10 is applied. The duty variables include: type-1) likely to be exposed to moisture before use; type-2) likely to be exposed to moisture at use; type 3) likely to be exposed to heat, type 4) likely to be exposed to moisture and heat. The compositions for these four types of scented microencapsulate coating are be explained below.

[0032] The type-1 duty specific application is “likely to be exposed to moisture.” This application applies to products such as beer bottles, that are likely to experience surface condensation after being stored in a refrigerated environment. In other words, the exterior surface of the container is likely to be exposed to moisture or water. In such an application, the scented microencapsulate coating 10 should not be made to be highly water-soluble. If it were, the scented microencapsulate coating 10 would come off the package when exposed to water or condensation. Accordingly, for containers that will be exposed to moisture, the scented microencapsulate coating 10 is made to be generally hydrophobic, offering both adhesion to the substrate and protection against pre-mature rupture, yet physically vulnerable when handled as intended. In such a duty cycle, it is required that the scented microencapsulate coating 10 be resistant to being washed away, yet allow the scented microencapsulate coating 10 to be ruptured when touched so that it easily releases the desired aroma.

[0033] In order to create these physical characteristics, the encapsulant 16 used to encapsulate the scented compounds 14 can be made to be at least partially water soluble. However, the binding agent 20 is made to be hydrophobic. Accordingly, the binding agent 20 will help protect the encapsulant 16 from moisture. However, what moisture that does pass through the binding agent 20 will soften the inner encapsulated particles 18. Accordingly, the binding agent 20 will not be firmly supported by the softened encapsulated particle 18. As a consequence, anyone who touches the scented microencapsulate coating 10 is likely to physically break the binding agent 20 and cause the encapsulated particles 18 to release the scented compounds 14. This produces an aromatic experience for the consumer.

[0034] Encapsulants that are at least partially water soluble are well known. Such encapsulants include, but are not limited to, gelatin, glycerol, cellulose and starch-based polymers. Likewise, hydrophobic binding agents are well known and include styrene acrylic emulsions and ethylene acrylic copolymers.

[0035] The type-2 duty specific application is “likely to be exposed to moisture at use.” This application applied to flexible packaging of products that do not require refrigeration, such as snack bag packaging. Accordingly, condensation is not a concern. In the application of a snack bag packaging, the packaging of the product is sold sealed closed. It can be assumed that the exterior of the packaging will be grasped by a user's hands when the packaging is opened. A human's hands are typically very moist. This is because skin constantly releases water and sweat to keep the dermis layer of the skin hydrated. The amount of moisture is small; however, it is nearly always present.

[0036] In such a duty specific application, the scented microencapsulate coating 10 can be made with both a water soluble encapsulant 16 and a water soluble binding agent 20. In this manner, whenever a person touches exterior of product packaging 12, the small amount of moisture on the skin or garbage will dissolve and/or weaken an even smaller amount scented microencapsulate coating 10. The force of the physical contact will then cause ruptures or enlarge ruptures in the encapsulated particles 18 to release the scented compounds 14. As a consequence, aroma is released every time the product packaging 12 is manipulated.

[0037] As previously mentioned, water soluble encapsulants can include gelatin, glycerol, cellulose and starch-base polymers. Water soluble binding agents can include starch-based polymers, polyvinyl acetates and polyvinyl alcohols. Starch-based polymers include hygroscopic plastarch material PSM. Several formulations of such PSM materials are commercially available in the marketplace. One such composition of a preferred type of PSM is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0153958 to Ding, entitled “Substantially Completely Biodegradable High Starch Polymer”, the disclosure of which is incorporated into this specification by reference.

[0038] The type 3 duty specification application is intended to be exposed to heat. This applies to microwavable or ovenable trays in which prepared foods are cooked at home. Due to the fact the foods were frozen and in some cases cooked very rapidly, little aroma is released from the product. In this case, the heat of a microwave oven or conventional oven is intended to break down the wall of the microcapsule and release the intended aroma in the cavity of the oven.

[0039] The type-4 duty specific application is “likely to be exposed to moisture and heat.” This application applies to coffee cups, coffee cup lids, and the like. In such applications, it can be assumed that the exterior of the packaging will be heated to a temperature above ambient temperature when being used.

[0040] Since microwavable and ovenable containers contain foods with a moisture content, they are exposed to both moisture and heat during cooking and consumption. In such a duty application, both the encapsulant and the binding agent can be made from soluble materials that are temperature sensitive. There are temperature sensitive biostarch polymers that can be used both as encapsulants and as binding agents. Such films can be made to be dissolvable at temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Such materials are commercially produced by Biostarch Technology Pte. Ltd of Singapore and are sold under the trade name Biostarch®. By making the scented microencapsulate coating 10 from such materials, it will be understood that the scented microencapsulate coating 10 will only release the scented compounds 14 when both exposed to moisture and exposed to an elevated temperature.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, a closure 21 of a bottle container 25 is shown. The closure 21 is made molded of plastic and has internal threads 23 that engage the bottle container 25. The closure 21 has an external surface 27 that are engaged by a user when the closure 21 is manually twisted off the bottle container 25.

[0042] The external surface 27 is covered by the scented microencapsulate coating 10A. Consequently, when people handle the closure 21 the scented microencapsulate coating 10A is ruptured, releasing the intended aroma.

[0043] In FIG. 2, the closure 21 is covered in the scented microencapsulate coating 10A. However, depending upon the shape of the bottle container 25, other areas are likely to be handled and can also be coated. Referring to FIG. 3, the bottle container 25 is shown as the sealed product packaging. The bottle container 25 has an external surface 26 upon which labeling 28 is either adhered or printed. The external surface 26 has depressed areas 31 that help provide grip in a user's hand. The depressed areas 31 are also protected from contact with other like products when the products are packaged or stored together. An application area 30 is uniformly covered with a scented microencapsulate coating 10A. The application area 30 extends over parts of the depressed areas 31. The application area 30 covered by the scented microencapsulate coating 10A may or may not correspond with the labeling 28. The primary importance in this embodiment is that the application area 30 of the bottle container 25 is uniformly covered with the scented microencapsulate coating 10 in regions of the bottle container 25 that are likely to be grasped by a person holding the bottle container 25.

[0044] In some cases, a manufacturer may not want consumers to be able to sample scent in advance and may only want to have the scented microencapsulate coating be activated just during opening. This can be accomplished by applying the microencapsulate and then using a shrink band seal. Referring to FIG. 4, the closure 21 of a bottle container 25 previously described is now shown with a shrink band seal 29. The shrink band seal 29 protects the scented microencapsulate coating 10 from inadvertent contact prior to purchase. However, after purchase, the shrink band material is removed. The very act of removing the shrink band material disrupts the scented microencapsulate coating 10 and release the intended aroma.

[0045] To increase the disruption of the scented microencapsulate coating 10, the system would utilize a different formulation of microencapsulate and binder. The microencapsulate binder emulsion is applied wet, and while still wet, the shrink band is applied. The heat used to shrink the band seal 29 can also be used to cure the scented microencapsulate coating 10. This will cause the scented microencapsulate coating 10 to bond to both the underlying closure and the shrink band seal 29. Consequently, when the shrink band seal 29 is removed, it completely disrupts the scented microencapsulate coating 10, releasing the desired scent.

[0046] For the embodiments of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, it can be assumed that the bottle container 25 is a sports drink bottle. Accordingly, a type-1 scented microencapsulate coating 10A is preferably used. This is because such containers are likely to experience surface condensation or even being stored in iced water. In other words, the exterior surfaces of the bottle container 25 are likely to be exposed to significant amounts of water. The scented microencapsulate coating 10A can be applied either in a thin layer as to be invisible or thickly to the bottle container 25. Regarding the thicker treatment, this will supply the bottle container 25 with a textured exterior that can make the bottle container 25 easier to hold when wet. It may even be designed to make the bottle look wet when it is actually dry. The textured surface will also entice people to grasp or touch the textured surface when manipulating the bottle container 25.

[0047] Since the scented microencapsulate coating 10A will be contacted when the bottle container 25 is being used, some of the binding agent and encapsulant will wear away with the physical contact. This will release the scented compounds around the bottle container 25 where it can be perceived when the bottle container 25 is brought close to the face. The scented compounds 14 can have any aroma that is consistent with the expected aroma of the beverage being consumed from the bottle container 25. For example, if the beverage is a sports drink, the scented material can have the aroma of lime, vanilla, cherry, cola or anything else that matches the anticipated aroma. This positive aroma experience supersedes any negative aroma perception caused by processing or stale gases trapped in the headspace of the bottle container 25. Additionally, for untraditional flavors such as Goji, Acia, Mangosteen and others, the encapsulated aroma can be a way to allow consumers to sample the new flavor aromatically, prior to purchase.

[0048] When the beverage is handled and opened, the user will smell the improved aroma and be predisposed to like the beverage better. The perceived scent can also positively alter the user's anticipation of the taste. This positive scent experience supersedes any negative scent perception caused by stale gases trapped in the headspace of the bottle container which are released during opening.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, a sealed flexible bag 32 is now shown. The sealed flexible bag 32 has an external surface 34 upon which labeling 36 is typically printed. An application area 38 exists on the external surface 34 that is uniformly covered in a scented microencapsulate coating 10B. The application area 38 covered by the scented microencapsulate coating 10B may or may not correspond with the labeling 36. What is of primary importance in this embodiment is that the application area 38 of the sealed flexible bag 32 corresponds with the regions of the sealed flexible bag 32 that are likely to be grasped by a person holding and opening the sealed flexible bag 32.

[0050] Assuming that the flexible bag 32 is a sealed chip bag or similar snack bag, it will be understood that a type-2 scented microencapsulate coating 10B is used. This is because such flexible bags 32 are not likely to be exposed to water other than to the moisture of a user's hands. In other words, the exterior surface 34 of the flexible bag 32 is not likely to be exposed to significant amounts of moisture. The scented microencapsulate coating 10B can be applied uniformly, but either very thinly as to be invisible, or thickly to the flexible bag 32. It can be applied to the exterior surface where the flexible bag 32 is handled. In the event of the thicker option, this will supply the flexible bag 32 with a textured exterior that can make the flexible bag 32 easier to hold. The textured surface will also entice people to grasp the textured surface when manipulating the bag container 32. The scented microencapsulate coating can be applied so thickly, that it reinforces the structural integrity of the flexible bag 32 and prevents the flexible bag 32 from tearing in unusual directions when the bag container is pulled open.

[0051] Since the scented microencapsulate coating 10B will be contacted when the flexible bag 32 is being used, some of the binding agent and encapsulant will wear away with the physical contact. This will release the scented material in or around the flexible bag 32 that can be perceived when the bag container 32 is brought close to the face. The aroma of the scented material can be any aroma that compliments the flavor of the product being consumed from the flexible bag 32. For example, if the bag container 32 holds chips, the scent can be of lime, jalapeno, barbeque, or anything else that complements or conveys the true aroma and/or flavor. When the contents of the bag or container are consumed, the user will taste and smell the product. The user will also smell the scented material. The perceived scent will positively alter the user's perception of the product. This positive scent experience supersedes any negative scent perception caused by stale gases trapped in the headspace of the flexible bag 32.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, a garbage bag 33 is shown. The garbage bag 33 has the scented microencapsulate coating 10B coating at least a portion of an interior surface 35. In this manner, when garbage is tossed into the garbage bag 33, the contact from the garbage disrupts the scented microencapsulate coating 10B and releases scent. Furthermore, the moisture from the garbage can dissolve and/or soften the scented microencapsulate coating 10B to release even more scent.

[0053] In this manner, when the garbage bag 33 is opened, a person smells the released scent rather than the smell of the garbage contained in the bag 33.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, a microwave tray 41 is shown that holds a prepared portion of food 43. An application area 45 exists on the external surface 47 that is covered in a scented microencapsulate coating 10C. Assuming that the microwave tray 41 will be placed in a microwave oven and will heat as the food 43 heats, it will be understood that a type-3 scented microencapsulate coating 10C is used. This is because such the type-3 scented microencapsulate coating 10C breaks down and releases scent as it is heated. In this manner, when a person opens the microwave door, they are presented with a strong pleasant scent that need not originate from the actual food 43.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 8, a cup container 40 is shown. The cup container 40 has an external surface 42 upon which labeling 44 is typically printed. An application area 46 exists on the external surface 42 that is uniformly covered in a scented microencapsulate coating 10D. The application area 46 covered by the scented microencapsulate coating 10D may or may not correspond with the labeling 44. Assuming that the cup container 40 is a coffee cup, it will be understood that a type-4 scented microencapsulate coating 10D is used. This is because such a cup container 40 will be exposed to both moisture and heat. In the event the cup is for yogurt cup or ice cream, then type 1 would be used. The scented microencapsulate coating 10D can be applied thinly as to be invisible, or thickly to the cup container 40. Utilizing a thick coating will supply the cup container 40 with a textured exterior that can make the cup container 40 easier to hold or which invites consumers, thus releasing scent. The textured surface will also entice people to touch or grasp the textured area allowing them an additional sensorial experience of feel the product's surface when holding the cup container 40.

[0056] Since the scented microencapsulate coating 10D will be contacted when the cup container 40 is being used, some of the binding agent and encapsulant will be activated by the physical contact. The wear is increased by the dissolving action caused by the moisture and heat. This will release a small amount of scented material around the cup container 40 that can be perceived when the cup container 40 is brought close to the face. Furthermore, it is highly likely that a person will drink from the brim 48 of the cup container 40. This will expose an area 50, proximate the brim 48, to the direct moisture and heat of the user's mouth. The moisture, heat, and physical contact will release the scented material in the area of contact.

[0057] The scented material can have any aroma that compliments the flavor of the beverage or product being consumed. For example, if the cup container 40 holds coffee, the scent can be of cinnamon, coco, vanilla, and anything else that compliments the true coffee flavor. When the coffee is consumed, the user will have an enhanced taste and smell experience. It may also be preferable to add a sweet, sour, minty, or other sensation to the brim which will deliver a mouth feel and enhance the drinker's experience. Further, it may also be used to reduce the amount of sugar used in sweetened beverages as the sweet experience is delivered directly to the tongue. The user will also smell the scented material. The perceived scent will alter the user's perception of the taste. This positive scent experience supersedes any negative scent perception caused by the synthetic material of the cup container 40.

[0058] It has been repeatedly stated that the scented microencapsulate coating can be applied very thickly to a products packaging. This can add texturing to product packing, a cup, bowl, or similar item. The scented microencapsulate coating can be applied so thickly, that the microencapsulate coating itself can form a safety seal on the product packaging. Such an application is shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, a bottle container 51 and closure 53 are shown. The closure 53 is covered a thick peel-away seal 55. The peel-away seal 55 is made from built-up layers of the scented microencapsulate coating 10. In order to open the bottle container 51, the peel-away seal is broken and pulled off the bottle container 51 and closure 53. This breaks apart the scented microencapsulate coating 10 and releases aroma.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 10 in conjunction with FIG. 1, a methodology of applying the scented microencapsulate coating 10 to product packaging 12 is shown. The methodology is applicable to type-1, type-2, type-3 and type-4 scented microencapsulate coatings 10. A selected volume of scented compounds 14 are encapsulated in an encapsulant 16 to create encapsulated particles 18. The encapsulated particles 18 are then mixed with a selected binding agent 20 to form an emulsion 22. The characteristics of the binding agent 20 depend upon whether a type-1, type-2, type-3 or type-4 scented microencapsulate coating 10 is to be created as well as the type of packaging substrate being used. For example, different plastics have different surface tensions which require the use of specific materials to enable proper adhesion and performance.

[0060] The emulsion 22 is then applied to a product's packaging 12 using an applicator 52. The applicator applied a uniform coating across its targeted area. The applicator 52 can be a single or multiple spray heads, an air pressure applicator, a printing head, a dip tank, or a brush applicator. Once the emulsion 22 has been uniformly applied, it is cured to form the scented microencapsulate coating 10 in the selected areas of the product packaging 12. As previously stated, the scented microencapsulates are fully encased in the binding agent where the emulsion 22 is applied. Due to the nature of the scented microencapsulate coating 10, it is preferred that the scented microencapsulate coating 10 not be cured with high heat. Rather, air drying with or without light heat, or curing using UV radiation is preferred to prevent and premature release of scented compounds 14.

[0061] The packaging shown in the illustrations are merely exemplary of the many packaging types used to hold consumable products. It will therefore be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein are merely exemplary and a person skilled in the art can make many variations to the embodiments shown without departing from the scope of the present invention. All such variations, modifications, and alternate embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.