GB2142521A - Scented articles and a method of making same - Google Patents

Abstract

A textile member at least partially enclosing a scented body of polymeric material. In a preferred embodiment the textile member is a shoelace.

Description

SPECIFICATION Scented articles and a method of making same This invention relates generally to elongated textile members of the type which are used as laces for tying footwear and garments, and as decorative trim, and more particularly, to an elongated textile member having a scented core which has been infused with a fragrance.

Of late, an increasingly olfactory-conscious consumer market has been demanding a variety of new products to impart fragrance to their person. In particular, the adult market has expanded its taste beyond mere perfume and cologne to include items which impart a scent to the home, such as scented candles, baskets of potpourri, and even room deodorizers in designer fragrances. Among the younger set, there has been a growing trend to purchase scented novelty items. This trend originated from the popularity of the STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE (Registered Trademark of American Greetings Corp.) doll which was scented to smell like strawberries. In addition to scented dolls, decorative stickers, stationary, pencil lead, and so f9rth are now available in a variety of pleasant fragrances.

Generally, the scent is applied to these novelty items by dispersing a scented fluid onto or into the item. Although such fluid dispersion provides generally satisfactory results for some commodities, particularly items which are not generally washed, such as toys or novelty items, the scented aspect would be short-lived in items which are laundered frequently such as textile products. Thus, there is a dearth of scented textile products, such as wearing apparel, on the market. In view of the popularity of scented novlety items, there is a need for incorporating a scent into textiles with improved fragrance durability.

Generally, the scents which are applied to novelty items and toys for use by children are of a simple one note type having a fruit or candy-like aroma derived from an aromatic organic compound such as an aldehyde. However, it may be commercially desirable to provide a fuller, more mature scent for items which are purchased by teenagers and adults.

Such more mature scents would advantageously be "polyphonic" in nature so as to have a plurality of notes which form the overall fragrance. For example, such scents may have a base note which is the sustaining component having the most persistent olfactory effect. A polyphonic scent would also contain a top note which is volatile and, as the analogous music terminology implies, produces a characteristic high end, or first impression, of the aroma. In addition to the base and top notes, a middle note providing a full and solid character to the fragrance completes the aromatic spectrum. Of course, the particular characteristic tones of the aromatic components and their harmonic integration are arranged by a perfume specialist who is generally a highly skilled artist, The infusion of scents into garments produces a variety of attendant problems.First, as noted, there is the problem of producing a scented composition which will adhere to the fabric of a garment and withstand washing and cleaning purposes. There is also the problem of developing scented compositions which are compatible with fabric materials and the composition of the dyes used to colorthefabric, such that the fabric is neither weakened nor stained by the organic composition of the fragrance. It is also a problem with such aromatic compositions, particularly compositions which are complex in nature, that the character of the scent may not be maintained over time and repeated washings or dry cleanings. It may occur that the various aromatic components are not equally effected by the cleaning of the garment and diffusion of the aromatic composition overtime, such that one or more notes of the composition suffer diminished intensity more quickly than the others.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a method for applying a scent to garments or textile objects wherein the scent is provided with greater longevity than scents applied by known methods.

it is also an object of this invention to provide a method for scenting articles wherein the need for determining the compatibility between the scenting composition and the fabric of the item or its coloring dye is not required.

It is another object to provide a scented textile member such as a scented shoelace or decorative trim for imparting a scent to garments, footwear, and accessory items.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a method of scenting garments and, in particular, shoelaces wherein such scenting strengthens the scented item.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a scented shoelace core which is secured within a braided shoelace casing at the tipped end of the shoelace.

It is yet another object qf this invention to provide a scented shoelace or decorative trim wherein the visual design aspect of the fabric member is complemented by the aroma of the scented member of the shoelace or trim.

According to the present invention there is provided a textile member having an elongated configuration, the textile member comprisingq a scented core formed of a polymeric material which has been infused with a scent, said scented core having an elongated configuration substantially coextensive with the textile member; and textile cover means arranged to surround said scented cores, said textile cover means having a predeterminable longitudinal dimension along a longitudinal axis thereof.

In a shoeiace embodiment of the invention, the textile member is configured as a braided shoelace casing or cover which is arranged to surround the scented core, and is substantially coextensive therewith. The shoelace casing is tipped at respective ends thereof with conventional termination tips. The termination assists in securing the braided shoelace casing and the scented core to one another in the vicinity of the ends of the shoelace such that, as the shoelace is used, a considerable portion of the tensile force is conducted through the scented core.

Thus, the scented core and the braided casing cooperate to share the tensile load, thereby prolonging the life of the shoelace as well as imparting a pleasant aroma to it.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the textile member is configured as a patch or a label, illustratively, a base portion which may be the outer surface of a garment and a cover portion which may be in the form of a patch which is affixed over the base portion. In such an embodiment, the scented core may be configured as a sheet of polymeric material interposed between the base and cover portions. The cover portion may be printed with or configured as a caricature or any other decorative design, such as a fruit, or a trademark symbol. In embodiments where the cover portion is configured as a fruit or a flower, the overall aesthetic effect is enhanced if the scent which is emitted by the scented polymeric material corresponds thereto.

Thus, for example, a cover portion decorated as a lemon may be arranged over scented polymeric material which emits the scent of a citrus fruit.

In the alternative, the base portion may be the outer surface of an item of footwear, such as an athletic shoe. The cover portion may be a label which contains, trademark, washing, or other information, or is merely a colored blank of preselected shape for decorative purposes. Of course, the cover portion may be in the form of a patch applied to any type of garment including overcoats, jackets, shirts, blouses and trousers.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the textile member may be an elongated textile member of the type which is utilized as decorative trim for garments, footwear, hand bags, and other items. In such an embodiment, the textile cover may be length of fabric which is longitudinally substantially coextensive with the scented core. The textile cover is then folded longitudinally around the scented core to produce decorative piping or bias trim to be incorporated on the articles to be scented. Thus, the textile cover is secured around the scented core in such embodiments, by conventional stitching or adhesives.

In accordance with a highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the scented core is formed of a combination of scented and unscented polymeric components. The scented polymeric component may be of the type which is commercially available from International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc., New York City, New York, under the Registered Trademark POLYIFF. This commercially available scented product is in the form of a polymeric material which has been infused with a scent. The polymeric material may be a polyqlefin material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. This scented material is generally available in the form of an aggregate consisting of nuggets or pellets.

The second polymeric component of the scented core consists of the same or a similar polyolefin material such as polyethylene or polypropylene or other polymeric material such as ethyl vinyl acetate.

In one highly advantageous embodiment of the invention, two parts of the unscented material are combined with one part of the scented polymeric material. The combination is heated until the components melt and form a substantially homogeneous composition. The homogeneous composition is then extruded to form a scented core, having a predetermined cross-sectional configuration and dimension.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming an elongated textile member, the method comprising the steps of: heating a scented polymeric material until it is melted and blended to form a substantially homogeneous polymeric composition; extruding said polymeric composition to form an elongated core having a predetermined crosssectional configuration; and enclosing said elongated core within a textile fabric to form an elongated textile member.

Referring once again to the shoelace embodiment, a shoelace casing formed of braided thread is produced and arranged to surround the scented core. Subsequently, the shoelace casing with the scented core therein is cut to a predetermined length and tipped in a substantially conventional manner.

Such tipping, at the ends of the shoelace, secures the scented core and the shoelace casing to one another as noted hereinabove.

It is further contemplated within the scope of this invention that the scented core need not be affixed to the ends of the elongated textile member. This is particularly advantageous in embodiments where it is desired to allow expansion of the scented garment, such as at the arm band of a tee shirt. In such embodiments, the scented core may be either continuous or segmented.

It is also a feature of this invention that in certain embodiments, the scented core is easily replaced in a garment, thereby rendering the scent replenishable. Moreover, a scented core having a different scent may be incorporated into a garment, as desired by the wearer.

It is a further feature of this invention that, particularly in shoelace and decorative embodiments wherein the braided shoelace casing or the patch is printed with an ornamental design, which suggests an item which is associated with a known smell, the scent emitted by the core of scented polymeric material may be the particular associated known smell so as to enhance the overall aesthetic aspect.

It is yet a further feature of this invention that the ornamental design on the shoelace is complemented by the scent of the shoelace, for example, a shoelace casing or a patch decorated with a plurality of printed strawberries is provided with a strawberry scent, In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, it has been determined that there exists a synergistic relationship between cooperating olfactory and visual sensations particularly when one of the sensations, illustratively the olfactory sensation, is of moderately high amplitude, but simple or vague in its content. Such a simple or vague olfactory sensation may be produced, for example, by a scent which comprises only a few aromatic components which are associated with a variety of related items.

For example, many types of different fruits share common aromatic components. This is perhaps best illustrated by the citrus fruits, such as grapefruits, oranges, lemons, or limes, where persons not only recognize the smell of the particular fruit, but also that the particular fruit is of the citrus family. A similar type of olfactory perception is obtained from the sweet sugary smell of cotton candy which seems to be shared, at least as a component, by cherries and strawberries.

The human mind is capable of "filling in" the missing aromatic components if the information which is not provided by the aroma is provided, or at least suggested, visually. Returning for the moment to the shoelace or decorative patch embodiments of the invention, if the shoelace is provided with a sugary scent, resembling the scent of cotton candy, and the casing of the shoelace is imprinted with a facsimile of cherries, for example, many persons who smell and see the shoelace will experience the smell of cherries, notwithstanding that the aromatic components which distinguish cherries from strawberries or other sweet-smelling fruits are not actually present, except in the mind of the observer. Consequently, if the shoelaces are scented as above, but decorated with stawberries, many persons will experience the smell of strawberries.The visual information also need not be complete to achieve the desired effect. Thus, a purple shoelace may, in combination with a sweet scent, be sufficient for many persons to experience the smell of grapes, even though grapes themselves are not depicted.

Absent visual information, such as with a solid black or white shoelace, most people will find the olfactory information to be vague, as it actually is.

However, the clever combination of visual effects, with standard fruit-like, citrus-like, or candy-like scented cores, for example, enables economy of manufacture by permitting a wide variety of shoelace "flavors" to be made from a relatively small stock of core materials. Of course, if the olfactory information is either complete, or produces the desired effect itself, the scent may be combined with any visual aspect, including a solid color not suggestive of items emitting the underlying aroma.

It is, therefore, a preferred feature of this invention that a simple scent, such as a one-note scent described hereinabove, is combined with visual information to create a selectable experience of a scent of a known item.

It is another preferred feature of this invention that a scent may be applied to a shoelace, garment, or other item of apparel to enhance its overall aesthetic effect.

Comprehension of certain embodiments of the invention is facilitated by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the annexed drawings, in which: Figure l is an isometric cross-sectional representation of a termination of a shoelace embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an isometric representation of an elongated textile member having a scented core with a rectangular cross-sectional configuration; Figure 3 is a perspective view af one embodiment of a grape-scented shoelace in accordance with the invention wherein a plurality of grape bunches are printed on the exterior of the shoelace; and Figure 4 is an isometric view of a patch or label embodiment of the invention having a flat sheet-like core interposed between base and cover portions of the textile member.

Figure 1 is a partially fragmented cross-sectional, and isometric representation of the terminal portion of a shoelace embodiment of the invention. A shoelace 10 is provided with a braided shoelace casing 12 which is constructed with a diagonal weave in a conventional manner. The shoelace casing contains therein a scented core 14 which is formed of a polymeric material. As described hereinabove, the scented core is formed by extrusion of a composition comprising scented and, in some embodiments, unscented polyolefin components. In the specific embodiments, shown in Figure 1, scented core 14 has a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration. However, as will be described hereinbelow, extrusions having other cross-sectional configurations may be utilized in the practice of the invention.

Figure 1 further shows a termination 15for shqelace 10, which secures shoelace casing 12 and scented core 14to one another, while simultaneously affording a rigid termination which permits easy passage through the eyelets (not shown) of shoes or other garments. The termination is provided with a rigid outer shell 17 which is arranged to surround shoelace casing 12 in the vicinity of shoelace termirgation 15 so as to compress the shoelace casing about scented core 14. Asimilartermination is provided at the other end (not shown) of shoelace 10.

Although the embodiment of Figure 1 is designated as a shoelace, it is to be understood that such a structure may be utilized for any known application of such structures. For example, laces of this type are particularly adaptable for use in combination with shirts, jackets, vests, headgear, etc.

Scented core 14, in one embodiment is produced as will be described below, by combining one part of a scented polyolefin material with two parts of an unscented polyolefin material. In some embodiments, the polyolefin material may be either polyethylene or polypropylene. Such a scented polyolefin core emits a fragrance without requiring any textile material in communication therewith, such as shoelace casing 12 of shoelace 10, to be doused with perfume solution. Since the aromatic substance is contained within the polymeric material af scented core 14, the elongated textile member can be laundered or dry cleaned repeatedly without destroying the scent.

Figure 2 is an isometric representation of an elongated textile member 20 having a scented core 22 which is configured to have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration. Scented core 22 is enclosed within a textile fabric 23 which has been folded around scented core 22, but partially fo:ded back for purposes of illustration. Stitching or adhesive bonding along seamline 24 creates a casing for scented core 22.

Elongated textile member 20 can be utilized as a decorative trim for garments, or footwear, such as bias binding or piping. Of course, scented core 22 can have any known cross-sectional configuration, including substantially circular as shown and described hereinabove with respect to scented core 14 of Figure 1.

It is an advantage of this invention that elongated textile member 20, when applied to a garment, is sewn thereto via textile fabric 23, thereby providing a channel which permits easy removal and replaced ment of scented core 22. In this manner, the aromatic characteristic of the elongated textile member can be replaced or renewed, as desired.

In addition to the foregoiing, it is to be understood that elongated textile member 20 is not limited in its application to garments. This structure may be applied to the binding on the rolled edges of slippers or sneakers, trimming on headwear, belts, handbags and other accessories, novelty items, toys, furniture, etc. In certain embodiments where a strong scent is desired, such as certain novelty items, or items which are intended to freshen a large air space, the proportion of scented to unscented polymeric components may be advantageously varied to achieve the desired frag rancy intensity.

A specific illustrative and advantageous embodiment of a scented shoelace in accordance with the invention is shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, a conventional braided shoelace 30 is printed on the exterior major surfaces with a plurality of grape bunches, one of which is designated by reference numeral 31. Scented core 32, shown in the cut away portion of lace 30, is scented so as to emanate a grape fragrance which complements this printed design. In a similar manner shoelace 30 could be provided with a print having strawberries and a scented core 32 which has the odor of strawberries.

As an alternative embodiment, shoelace 30 could be dyed a solid color which is suggestive of the fragrance, for example, purple which is suggestive of grapes.

In addition to scented cores which have a particular indentifiable scent, a generally sweet fruitscented core can be combined with a shoelace bearing a specific fruit design such as shown in Figure 3, or a color suggestive of a fruit to produce the general aesthetic effect of a complementaryscented shoelace as decribed more completely hereinabove.

It should be noted, however, that the scented polymeric compound comprising the core is available in a full spectrum of perfume flavors from simple one note fruity or floral aromas to complex synthetic perfumes which satisfy adult tastes.

Figure 4 shows a decorative patch embodiment, illustratively, on tongue 40 of an athletic shoe. The front surface 41 of tongue 40 is the base portion of the textile member. The scented polymeric core member (not shown in the isometric view of Figure 4) is configured as a flat sheet substantially coextensive with the dimensions of cover portion 43. The core member is interposed between base portion 41 and cover portion 43. Cover portion 43 is affixed to tongue 40 by stitching or conventional means.

Printed on cover portion 43 is a decorative design, shown here for the purposes of illustration, as a smiling watermelon 42. Smiling watermeion 42 is an example of an arbitary trademark which can be associated with a particular scent. In this specific embodiment, the core member can be made to emit a sweet fruit-like scent suggestive of watermelon or the smiling watermelon trademark 42. Other designs can similarly be devised to serve as trademarks which, in addition to be being indicative of source or origin, will be associated with a specific scent in the mind of the consumer.

In a method aspect of the invention, the scented core is prepared from a mixture of a commercially procurable polyolefin polymer into which a fragrance has been incorporated, such as POLYIFF (Registered Trademark of International Flavors and Fragrances Inc.), and non-scented polyolefin polymer.

Both scented and unscented polymers are available in pellet format which can be advantageously blended to form a composite mixture. In a specific embodiment, the mixture comprises one part scented to two parts unscented polymer. Of course, the proportions can be modified to produce a stronger or weaker scent. The mixture is then melted to form a homogeneous compound which is extruded by known means such as by pressure through a die having an orifice ofthe desired cross-sectional shape. In the illustrative embodiment of Figure 1, this cross-sectional shape is circular.

In a shoelace embodiment, a shoelace casing is provided. As is generally practiced in the art, a plurality of fibrous yarn ends (typically 64 ends) are threaded into a braiding machine of conventional design which produces a somewhat cylindrical casing. If the finished product is to bear a design, the casing is sent to a printer wherein a design is deposited on the exterior surface of the shoelace by techniques which are well known to those skilled in the printing art. In the prior art, an optional filler, such as a string, was sometimes inserted into the interior of the shoelace casing to give it body. In the present embodiment, the scented core is the filler.

The scented core is, thus, inserted into the shoelace casing. Then, the laces are cut to length and tipped with plastic, as is standard in the industry.

Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art, in light of these teachings, can generate additional embodiments witout departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and the descriptions in this disclosure are proferred to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

Claims (45)

1. A textile member having an elongated configuration, the textile member comprising: a scented core formed of a polymeric material which has been infused with a scent, said scented core having an elongated configuration substantially coextensive with the textile member; and textile cover means arranged to surround said scented cores, said textile cover means having a predeterminable longitudinal dimension along a longitudinal axis thereof.

2. The textile member of claim 1 wherein said textile cover means is configured as a braided shoelace casing having a predetermined crosssectional perimetrical dimension, said braided shoelace casing being longitudinally substantially coextensive with said scented core therein.

3. The textile member of claim 2, further comprising first and second termination means arranged at respective ends of the longitudinal extent of the textile member, said first and second termination means being arranged to surround said braided shoelace casing and scented core.

4. The textile member of claim 1,wherein said textile cover means is a textile fabric arranged to be folded about said scented core, which is arranged substantially parallel with said longitudinal axis, to enclose said scented core.

5. The textile member of claim 1, wherein said scented core contains, in combination: a first component having a scent infused therein; and a second component consisting of a polymeric material.

6. The textile member of claim 5, wherein said first component consists of a polyolefin material infused with a scent.

7. The textile member of claim 5, wherein said scented polyolefin material is scented polyethylene.

8. The textile member of claim 6, wherein said polymeric material of said second component is polyethylene.

9. The textile member of claim 5, wherein said scented polyolefin is scented polypropylene.

10. The textile material of claim 8, wherein said polymeric material of said second component is polypropylene.

11. The textile member of claim 5, wherein said first and second components are combined substantially in accordance with one part of said first component to two parts of said second component.

12. A method of forming an elongated textile member, the method comprising the steps of: heating a scented polymeric material until it is melted and blended to form a substantially homogeneous polymeric composition; extruding said polymeric composition to form an elongated core having a predetermined crosssectional configuration; and enclosing said elongated core within a textile fabric to form an elongated textile member.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, prior to said step of heating, there is provided the step of cutting said scented polymeric material into a multiplicity of pieces so as to form an aggregate of pieces of said scented polymer material.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, prior to said step of heating, there is provided the further step of combining said aggregate of pieces of scented polymeric material with an unscented polymeric material in a predetermined proportion.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein one part of said aggregate of pieces of scented polymeric material is combined with approximately two parts of said unscented polymeric material.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein, prior to said step of enclosing, there is provided the further step of braiding a plurality of textile threads to form a casing of textile fabric in which to enclose said scented core.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein there is provided the further step of securing said textile casing to said elongated core therein at an end of the elongated textile member.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein said step of enclosing comprises the steps of: wrapping said textile fabric longitudinally whereby said elongated core is enclosed therein.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said step of securing comprises the step of stitching said textile fabric longitudinally.

20. A shoelace of the type having a braided shoelace casing with a predetermined longitudinal length and shoelace tips arranged on each end of said shoelace casing, the shoelace further comprising core means formed of a mixture of scented and unscented polymeric material, said core means being securely coupled to the shoelace casing at the shoelace tips.

21. The shoelace of claim 20, wherein said scented polymeric material is polyethylene infused with a fragrance.

22. The shoelace of claim 21, wherein said unscented polymeric material is polyethylene.

23. The shoelace of claim 20, wheren said scented polymeric material is polypropylene infused with a fragrance.

24. The shoelace of claim 23, wherein said unscented polymeric material is polypropylene.

25. The shoelace of claim 20, wherein said scented and unscented polymeric materials are polyolefinic materials.

26. A shoelace of the type formed of a braided shoelace casing, the shoelace further comprising a scented substance for imparting a scent to the shoelace, said scent having a predetermined aromatic composition.

27. The shoelace of claim 26, wherein said predetermined aromatic composition contains selected aromatic components and said shoelace is imprinted with a predetermined design.

28. The shoelace of claim 26, wherein said predetermined aromatic composition and said predetermined design are complementary and correspond to related subject matter.

29. The shoelace of claim 27, wherein said aromatic composition has a sweet scent and said predetermined design is generally indicative of a sweet fruit.

30. The shoelace of claim 27, wherein said aromatic composition has a citrus-like scent and said predetermined design is indicative of a citrus fruit.

31. The shoelace of claim 26, wherein there is further provided core means contained within said braided shoelace casing for containing said scented substance.

32. The shoelace of claim 31, wherein said core means is formed of a scented polyolefin material having an elongated longitudinal dimension and a predetermined cross-sectional configuration.

33. The shoelace of claim 31, wherein the braided shoelace casing and said core means are longitudinally substantially coextensive and there is further provided termination means for securing said core means to the braided shoelace casing.

34. A scented item having a surface, the scented item further comprising: a textile cover affixed to the surface of the scented item; and a layer of scented polymeric material interposed between the surface of the scented item and said textile cover.

35. The scented item of claim 34, wherein the scented item is an athletic shoe.

36. The scented item of claim 34, wherein said textile cover is configured as a label.

37. The scented item of claim 34, wherein said textile cover is configured as a caricature.

38. The scented item of claim 34, wherein the scented item is a garment.

39. A textile member at least partially enclosing a scented body of polymeric material.

40. A scented shoelace.

41. A scented article in or for a shoe.

42. A scented item substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the drawings.

43. A scented shoelace substantially as described herein with reference to any one of Figures 1 to3.

44. A method of manufacturing an elongated textile member substantially as decribed herein.

45. A method of manufacturing a shoelace substantially as described herein.