FIELD OF INVENTION

The present application relates to freshening compositions comprising perfume blends and sulfur-containing perfume raw materials that resist scent habituation, as well as processes for making and using such compositions to resist consumer scent habituation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air care products may comprise freshening compositions having one or more perfume raw materials ("PRMs", or individually "PRM") that can provide a desired scent to such product and/or a situs that is contacted with such a product and/or mask an undesirable odor. While current PRMs provide desirable odors, consumers continue to seek products that have scents that may be longer lasting and that are tailored to their individual desires - unfortunately consumers become habituated to the scent provided but the PRMs and perfume blends continue to be volatilized from the air care product. As a result, ever increasing amounts of such PRMs and/or perfume blends are required to achieve the same effect or the consumer must switch to a different product and/or perfume for a significant period of time to reverse such habituation.

To address habituation, perfumers have formulated perfume blends with PRMs that are believed to provide anti-habituating benefits. Surprisingly, Applicants found that certain sulfur- containing PRMs are superior in anti-habituating benefits when used in freshening compositions. Therefore, Applicants identified freshening compositions comprising such PRMs, perfume blends and/or such perfume delivery systems, as well as processes for making and using such freshening compositions that are not as susceptible to habituation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to freshening compositions comprising perfume blends and sulfur-containing PRMs resisting scent habituation and air care products comprising such freshening compositions, as well as processes for making and using such freshening compositions and air care products.

A freshening composition is provided comprising a perfume blend comprising about

0.0000001% to about 10%, by weight of said perfume blend, of a sulfur accord, said sulfur accord comprises: (a) about 1% to about 99%, by weight of said sulfur accord, of 1- butylsulfanylbutane; and (b) about 1% to about 99%, by weight of said sulfur accord, of a sulfur-containing perfume raw material selected from the group consisting of: 2-(4-methyl-l,3- thiazol-5-yl)ethanol; 2-methylthio-3-methyl sulfanyl pryazine; 5-Mercapto-5-methyl-3- hexanone; 4,7,7-trimethyl-6-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane; 2-isobutylthiazole; 2-isopropyl-4-methyl thiazole; 5-methyl-2-(2-sulfanylpropan-2-yl)cyclohexan-l-one; limonene thiol; 4 methyl 4 mercapto pentane 2 one lppm TEC; 2-acetyl thiazole; oxane; 4-methoxy-2-methyl-2-butanethiol; 4,7,7-trimethyl-6-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane; and mixtures thereof; wherein said composition resists the fragrance habituation of a consumer to the freshening composition.

Also provided is a freshening composition comprising a perfume blend, said perfume blend comprising about 0.0000001% to about 10%, by weight of said perfume blend, of a sulfur accord, said sulfur accord comprises from about 0.003% to about 0.01%, by weight of said composition, of 1-butylsulfanylbutane, 5-mercapto-5-methyl-3-hexanone, and 4,7,7-trimethyl-6- thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane.

Also provided is a method of reducing fragrance habituation comprising providing the compositions disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

As used herein, "air care product" means products for treating or fragrancing the air including energized (i.e. electrically powered) air freshening delivery systems including fan- based diffusers, liquid electric pluggable air fresheners, electromechanical actuating diffusers; passive diffusers (i.e. not electrically powered) including membrane-based in-room air fresheners, car vent air fresheners

As used herein, articles such as "a" and "an" when used in a claim, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

As used herein, "freshening composition" means a composition that includes one or more perfume raw materials that is intended to treat (e.g. eliminate or reduce/minimize malodors), fragrance, and/or freshen the air. The freshening composition may be used with or without an air care product. Freshening compositions of the present invention include PRMs and may additionally include water, solubilizers, surfactants, diluents, malodor reducing actives, and perfume materials.

As used herein, "habituating" refers an individual or group who has decreased sensitivity to perceiving a fragrance or fragrance material. A fragrance or fragrance material is considered habituating when their Degree of Habituation (percent change in the odor dectection threshold) is greater than 150%, greater than 300%, greater than 500%, greater than 1000% according to the method described in the Test Methods section of this specification. As used herein, "include", "includes" and "including" are meant to be non-limiting.

As used herein, "sulfur accord" means a mixture of sulfur-containing perfume raw materials. All perfume raw materials that lack a sulfur atom may be considered part of the perfume blend and/or the total freshening composition, but such perfume raw materials would not be part of the sulfur accord.

The perfume raw materials ("PRMs") disclosed, claimed and/or used in the perfume blends claimed and/or described herein encompass any stereoisomers of such PRMs.

Unless otherwise noted, all component or composition levels are in reference to the active portion of that component or composition, and are exclusive of impurities, for example, residual solvents or by-products, which may be present in commercially available sources of such components or compositions.

Freshening Compositions

Freshening compositions can come in a variety of forms. For example, a freshening composition can be in a liquid form and can be a sprayable fabric refresher and/or air freshener; a diffusive air freshener such as the liquid compositions used in FEBREZE® NOTICEables™ air freshener, FEBREZE Car Vent™ air freshener, or FEBREZE Set & Refresh™ air freshener. Freshening compositions can also be in a solid or gel form. Many consumers prefer freshening compositions that can consistently provide a desired scent that can be perceived each time the composition or product is used. These perfume (i.e., fragrance) materials can include perfume blends, perfume accords, PRMs, and perfume delivery systems. Habituation of the perfume materials by the consumer, however, can lead to a diminished perception of the desired scent even when the quantity of a PRM in the freshening composition remains consistent.

Freshening compositions can resist scent habitation by incorporating a perfume blend containing a sulfur accord. The sulfur accord can help the freshening composition resist consumer scent habituation.

Perfume Blend containing a Sulfur Accord

The perfume blend of the present composition comprises a sulfur accord having a mixture of sulfur-containing PRMs. Non-limiting examples of compounds that have a sulfur or sulfide moiety can include 1-butylsulfanylbutane (or dibutylsulfide); ethyl 3-methylsulfanylpropanoate; 2-(methylsulfanylmethyl)furan; methylsulfanylmethane; methylsulf any le thane; 3- methylsulfanylprop-l-ene; S-methyl ethanethioate; ethylsulfanylethane; 1- methylsulfanylpropane; S-ethyl ethanethioate; 1 -methylsulf any lbutane; 2-propan-2- ylsulfanylpropane; bis(methylsulfanyl)methane; 1-ethylsulfanylpropane; thiolane; 1- propylsulfanylpropane; 1-ethylsulfanylbutane; S-ethyl propanethioate; S-methyl butanethioate; S-methyl 3-methylbutanethioate; 3-methylsulfanylpropanal; 3-prop-2-enylsulfanylprop-l-ene; methyl 2-methylsulfanylacetate; S-prop-2-enyl propanethioate; l-methylsulfanylbutan-2-one; 4- methylsulfanylbutan-2-one; 3-methylsulfanylpropan-l-am; 2,4,6-trimethyl-l,3,5-trithiane; 3- methylsulfanylbutanal; 2-methyl-l,3-thiazolidine; 2-methyl-4,5-dihydro-l,3-thiazole; ethyl 2- methylsulfanylacetate; methyl 3-methylsulfanylpropanoate; S-propan-2-yl 3- methylbutanethioate; 4-methyl-4-methylsulfanylpentan-2-one; 2-methyl-l,3-dithiolane; methyl 2-methylsulfanylbutanoate; S-methyl furan-2-carbothioate; S-propan-2-yl 3-methylbut-2- enethioate; thiolan-3-one; 3,5-diethyl-l,2,4-trithiolane; methylsulfanylmethylbenzene; 3- methylsulfanylpropan- l-ol; 2-(propan-2-ylsulfanylmethyl)furan; 2-methyl-5- methylsulfanylfuran; S-(furan-2-ylmethyl) methanethioate; 1,2,4-trithiolane; 2-methylthiolan-3- one; 4-methylsulfanylbutan-l-ol; S-butan-2-yl 3-methylbutanethioate; S-butan-2-yl 3-methylbut- 2-enethioate; S-(furan-2-ylmethyl) ethanethioate; 2-propyl-l,3-thiazolidine; 3-methyl-l,l- bis(methylsulfanyl)butane; 3-ethylsulfanylpropan-l-ol; S-methyl benzenecarbothioate; 3,5- dimethyl-l,2,4-trithiolane; S-butan-2-yl 2-methylbutanethioate; methylsulfanylbenzene; 1- pentylsulfanylpentane; (2R,4S)-2-methyl-4-propyl- 1 ,3-oxathiane; 2-methyl-4-propyl- 1,3- oxathiane; ethyl 2-methyl-2-methylsulfanylpropanoate; S-(furan-2-ylmethyl) propanethioate; 4,7,7-trimethyl-6-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane; 3-methyl-l,2,4-trithiane; methylsulfanylmethyl hexanoate; l-(4,5-dihydro-l,3-thiazol-2-yl)ethanone; 3-methylsulfanylpropanoic acid; 5- methylsulfanyl-2-(methylsulfanylmethyl)pent-2-enal; 4,5-dimethyl-2-(2-methylpropyl)-2,5- dihydro-l,3-thiazole; 3-methylsulfanylhexan-l-ol; 2-methyl-4,5-dihydrofuran-3-thiol acetate; 4- (3-oxobutylsulfanyl)butan-2-one; 3-methylsulfanylbutanoic acid; 2-methylsulfanylpyrazine; 2- methyl-3-methylsulfanylpyrazine; 2-(furan-2-ylmethylsulfanylmethyl)furan; 2-

(methylsulfanylmethyl)pyrazine; 3 ,5-di(propan-2-yl)- 1 ,2,4-trithiolane; 2-methylsulfanylphenol; 2-methyl-3-methylsulfanylpyrazine; ethyl 3-(furan-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)propanoate; 2,2,4,4,6,6- hexamethyl-l,3,5-trithiane; 2-methyl-5,7-dihydrothieno[3,4-d]pyrimidine; 2-amino-4- methylsulfanylbutanoic acid; (2S)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanylbutanoic acid; 2',3a- dimethylspiro[6,6a-dihydro-5H-[l,3]dithiolo[4,5-b]furan-2,3' -oxolane]; 2,5-dimethyl-l,4- dithiane-2,5-diol; methyl 2-thiofuroate; and mixtures thereof.

More specific examples of sulfur-containing PRMs that have a sulfur or sulfide moiety can include PRMs listed in Table 1.

Table 1

PRM Chemical Name

1 -butylsulf anylbutane

2- (4-methyl- 1 , 3 - thiazol- 5 -y l)ethanol 5-Mercapto-5-methyl-3-liexanone

4,7,7-trimethyl-6-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane

2-(2-methylpropyl)-l,3-thiazole

4- methyl-2-propan-2-yl- 1 ,3-thiazole

5- methyl-2-(2-sulfanylpropan-2-yl)cyclohexan-l-one

6- Thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane

4-methyl-4-sulfanylpentan-2-one

8- Mercaptomenthone (CAS #38462-22-5)

(2R,4S)-2-methyl-4-propyl-l,3-oxathiane (CAS #59323-76-1)

More specific examples of compounds that have a sulfide moiety can include ethyl 3- methylsulfanylpropanoate; and 2-(methylsulfanylmethyl)furan.

The sulfur accord may comprise a mixture of sulfur-containing PRMs comprising 1- butylsulfanylbutane; 5-Mercapto-5-methyl-3-hexanone; and 4,7,7-trimethyl-6- thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane.

The perfume blend may also include compounds containing oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen including 2-(4-methyl-l,3-thiazol-5-yl)ethanol; l-(l,3-thiazol-2-yl)ethanone; 6-methyl-7-Oxa-l- thia-4-azaspiro[4.4]nonane; 2-[(furan-2-ylmethyl)sulfanyl]-5-methylpyrazine; 2,4-Dimethyl-5- acetylthiazole; 2-ethoxy-l,3-thiazole; 5-methoxy-2-methyl-l,3-thiazole; l-(4,5-dihydro-l,3- thiazol-2-yl)ethanone; l-(l,3-thiazol-2-yl)propan-l-one; l-(2,4-dimethyl-l,3-thiazol-5- yl)ethanone; 2-amino-4-methylsulfanylbutanoic acid; (2S)-2-amino-4-methylsulfanylbutanoic acid; 8-Hydroxy-5-quinolinesulfonic acid; 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid; 2-phenyl-3H- benzimidazole-5 -sulfonic acid. More specific examples of a compound comprising oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen can include 2-(4-methyl-l,3-thiazol-5-yl)ethanol, l-(l,3-thiazol-2- yl)ethanone; and 6-methyl-7-Oxa-l-thia-4-azaspiro[4.4]nonane.

In one aspect, any of said PRMs disclosed herein may be present in a perfume blend at a level below their respective odor detection thresholds. For example, the perfume blends and freshening compositions comprising same may comprise one or more, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 etc., of the anti-habituating sulfur-containing PRMs at levels below the respective odor detection thresholds of such anti-habituating sulfur-containing PRMs.

A non-limiting example of an anti-habituation sulfur accord suitable for incorporation into a perfume blend of the present invention is disclosed in Table 2.

Table 2

PRMs t% in t% in

perfume sulfur

blend accord

1 -butylsulfanylbutane 0.003 1.010 Sauvignone 100 0.174 58.586

4,7,7-trimethyl-6-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane 0.120 40.404

TOTAL 0.297 100.000

Suitable sulfur-containing PRMs may be obtained from: Fisher Scientific, 2000 Park Lane Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15275, United States; Symrise GmbH, Muhlenfeldstrasse 1, Holzminden, 37603, Germany; International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., 521 W 57th Street, New York, NY 10019, United States; Givaudan Suisse SA, 1214 Vernier, Switzerland; Firmenich Inc., 250 Plainsboro Rd., Plainsboro Township, NJ 08536, United States; and Takasago International Corporation (U.S.A.), 4 Volvo Drive, Rockleigh, NJ 07647, United States.

The sulfur accord of the present invention may be formulated into a perfume blend in an amount from about 0.0000001% to about 10%, or from about 0.0000001% to about 5%, or from about 0.000005% to about 2.5%, or from about 0.00001% to about 1%, or from about 0.000025% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.001% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.003% to about 0.1%, by weight of said freshening composition. The freshening composition may comprise, based on total weight, from about 0.0001% to about 100% of the perfume blend comprising a sulfur accord. Table 3 shows an exemplary perfume blend comprising a sulfur accord or mixture of sulfur-containing PRMs. The perfume blend of Table 3 may be formulated in a freshening composition at 100wt% or the balance of composition may comprise known adjunct ingredients for freshening compositions, and/or a perfume delivery system.

Table 3

# CAS Number Raw Material Name Wt%

2 6 Nonadienol 10% in dipropylene

1 glycol 0.249

2 67634-00-8 Allyl Amyl Glycolate 0.099

3 2705-87-5 Allyl Cyclohexane Propionate 0.994

4 142-19-8 Allyl Heptoate 0.994

5 123-11-5 Anisic Aldehyde 0.298

6 100-52-7 Benzaldehyde 0.149

7 119-53-9 Benzoin Synthetic No. 63 PF Mod 1 0.646

8 140-11-4 Benzyl Acetate 14.910

9 928-96-1 Beta Gamma Hexenol 0.298

10 33704-61-9 Cashmeran 0.099

11 104-54-1 Cinnamic Alcohol 0.050

12 3681-71-8 Cis 3 Hexenyl Acetate 0.447

13 65405-77-8 Cis-3-Hexenyl Salicylate 0.497

14 35854-86-5 Cis-6-Nonen-l-OL FCC 0.060

15 5392-40-5 Citral 0.249

16 106-22-9 Citronellol 0.298

17 150-84-5 Citronellyl Acetate 0.099 7492-67-3 Citronellyl Oxyacetaldehyde 0.050

68901-15-5 Cyclo Galbanate 0.099

103-95-7 Cymal 1.093

57378-68-4 Delta Damascone 0.646

63314-79-4 Delta Muscenone 0.149

18479-58-8 Dihydro Myrcenol 12.226

58985-18-5 Dihydro Terpinyl Acetate 0.497

151-05-3 Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinyl Acetate 0.199

10094-34-5 Dimethyl Benzyl Carbinyl Butyrate 0.298

34590-94-8 Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether 9.135

39255-32-8 Ethyl 2 Methyl Pentanoate 0.646

141-97-9 Ethyl Acetoacetate 2.485

77-83-8 Ethyl Methyl Phenyl Glycidate 0.298

121-32-4 Ethyl Vanillin 0.199

7452-79-1 Ethyl-2-Methyl Butyrate 0.298

105-95-3 Ethylene Brassylate 1.491

67634-15-5 Floralozone 0.298

80623-07-0 Fruitate 0.994

706-14-9 Gamma Decalactone 0.994

104-50-7 Gamma Octalactone FCC 1.093

105-87-3 Geranyl Acetate 0.199

24851-98-7 Hedione He 0.497

1205-17-0 Helional 0.398

141773-73-1 Helvetolide 1.491

142-92-7 Hexyl Acetate 2.584

107-75-5 Hydroxycitronellal 1.789

68908-82-7 Indolene 0.199

127-41-3 Ionone Alpha 0.497

14901-07-6 Ionone Beta 0.497

127-51-5 Ionone Gamma Methyl 0.497

58430-94-7 Iso Nonyl Acetate 8.449

32764-98-0 Jasmolactone 0.020

198404-98-7 Javanol 0.099

81786-73-4 Koavone 2.982

67633-96-9 Liffarome 0.646

68039-49-6 Ligustral Or Triplal 0.547

115-95-7 Linalyl Acetate 1.193

106-72-9 Melonal 0.348

6413-10-1 Methyl Dioxolan 1.988

67674-46-8 Methyl Pamplemousse 0.199

93-92-5 Methyl Phenyl Carbinyl Acetate 0.199

111-79-5 Methyl-2-Nonenoate 0.050

7212-44-4 Nerolidol 0.298

59323-76-1 Oxane 0.030

5471-51-2 Para Hydroxy Phenyl Butanone 0.994

103-60-6 Phenoxy Ethyl Iso Butyrate 0.199

60-12-8 Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol 1.491

3658-77-3 Pineapple Compound 0.050 66 33885-51-7 Pino Acetaldehyde 0.050

67 52475-86-2 Precyclemone B 0.099

68 1191-16-8 Prenyl Acetate 0.298

69 78-69-3 Tetra Hydro Linalool 14.910

70 104-67-6 Undecalactone 0.696

71 81782-77-6 Undecavertol 0.298

72 88-41-5 Verdox 0.994

73 1 -butylsulf anylbutane 0.003

77-93-0 Triethyl Citrate 0.297

74 5-mercapto-5 methyl-3-hexanone 0.174

4,7,7-trimethyl-6-

75 68398-18-5 thiabicyclo [3.2.1] octane 0.120

76 Methoxyisobutylpyrazine 0.000006 monopropylene glycol 0.005994

TOTALS : 100.000

Optional Ingredients

The composition of the present invention may contain a fragrance modulator. Fragrance modulators enhance intensity of a fragrance profile over time, preferably so that the volatile fragrance materials remain significantly consistent from its initial impression to the end. Fragrance modulators are disclosed in US Provisional Patent Serial No. 61/915,514 which is incorporated by reference. Thus, in one aspect, said perfume composition comprises at least one non-odorous fragrance modulator formed of an alkoxylated methyl glucoside selected from the group consisting of methyl glucoside polyol, ethyl glucoside polyol, and propyl glucoside polyol, preferably PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether, in an amount from about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt%, preferably about 0.5 wt% to about 18 wt%, or more preferably about 2.5 wt% to about 15%, relative to the total weight of the composition.

In one aspect, the freshening composition comprises at least one low volatile PRM known in the art having a vapor pressure < 0.001 Torr at 25°C, in the amount of from about 0.1 wt% to about 30 wt%, relative to the total weight of the perfume blend; and at least one volatile PRM known in the art having a vapor pressure > 0.001 Torr 25°C in the amount of from about 70 wt% to about 99.9 wt%, relative to the total weight of the perfume blend.

In another aspect, the freshening composition may comprise functional perfume components ("FPCs"). FPCs are a class of perfume raw materials with evaporation properties that are similar to traditional organic solvents or volatile organic compounds ("VOCs") commonly used in air freshening compositions. "VOCs" as used herein means volatile organic compounds that have a vapor pressure of greater than 0.2 mm Hg measured at 20°C and aid in perfume evaporation. FPCs aid in the evaporation of perfume raw materials. In some embodiments, FPCs may provide a secondary fragrance benefit. In such embodiments, at least one perfume raw material that is not a FPC will be present to provide the hedonic benefits of the composition. FPCs may be used in relatively large concentrations without negatively impacting perfume character of the composition. Exemplary FPCs are disclosed in U.S. 8,338,346 and U.S. 8,637,446.

The freshening composition may comprise ethanol in the amount of from about 5 wt% to about 20 wt%, or from about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%, relative to the total weight of the freshening composition.

Freshening compositions can also incorporate desirable scents through inclusion of perfume blends in perfume delivery systems. Certain perfume delivery systems, methods of making certain perfume delivery systems, and the uses of such perfume delivery systems are disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2007/0275866 Al. The perfumes blends and PRMs previously disclosed can be used in such perfume delivery systems. Such perfume delivery systems include: polymer-assisted delivery, molecule-assisted delivery, fiber-assisted deliver, amine-assisted delivery, cyclodextrin delivery system, starch encapsulated accord, inorganic carrier delivery system, and Pro-Perfume.

Suitable additional materials include, but are not limited to, malodor reducing actives (e.g. cyclodextrins, polyamine polymers (e.g. Lupasol™ polymers)), antimicrobials, surfactants, builders, chelating agents, dispersants, enzymes, and enzyme stabilizers, catalytic materials, polymeric dispersing agents, carriers, and/or pigments known in the art.

For the purposes of the present invention, the non-limiting list of adjuncts illustrated hereinafter are suitable for use in the instant compositions and may be desirably incorporated in certain aspects of the invention, for example, to assist or enhance performance or to modify the aesthetics of the composition. It is understood that such adjuncts are in addition to the components that are supplied via Applicants' perfume blends. The precise nature of these additional components, and levels of incorporation thereof, will depend on the physical form of the composition and the nature of the operation for which it is to be used.

Air Care Product

As the freshening compositions disclosed herein are anti-habituating, such compositions may be used without resorting to switching/alternating the composition, as is common in air care devices, so the consumer does not become habituated. The present invention includes an apparatus for the delivery of a volatile material to the atmosphere or an air care product. It is contemplated that the apparatus may be configured for use in a variety of applications to deliver volatile materials to the atmosphere. For example, the apparatus may be configured for use with an energized device. An exemplary energized device may be an electrical heating device. More particularly, the device may be an electrical wall plug air freshener as described in U.S. 7,223,361; a battery powered heating device; or other heating devices (e.g. devices powered by chemical reactions such as catalyst fuel systems; solar powered devices, etc.). In such devices, the volatile material delivery engine may be placed next to the heating surface to diffuse the volatile perfume material. The volatile perfume material formula may be adjusted to include an overall lower vapor pressure formula. An exemplary perfume blend with a suirable blend of vapor pressure ranges is shown in Table 4.

Table 4

The apparatus may also be configured for use with an air purifying system to deliver both purified air and volatile materials to the atmosphere. Non-limiting examples include air purifying systems using ionization and/or filtration technology for use in small spaces (e.g. bedrooms, bathrooms, automobiles, etc.), and whole house central air conditioning/heating systems (e.g. HVAC).

The apparatus may also be configured for use with an aerosol or non-aerosol air spray. In this embodiment, the delivery engine can deliver volatile materials upon user demand or programmed to automatically deliver volatile materials to the atmosphere.

The apparatus may also be configured for use with a fan to deliver volatile materials to the atmosphere.

In one aspect, an apparatus for delivering a volatile material comprising a delivery engine having a liquid reservoir for containing a volatile material and a breathable membrane enclosing the liquid reservoir as disclosed in U.S. 8,709,337 and U.S. 8,931,711. Method of Use and Use

Certain air care products disclosed herein can be used to impart anti-habituation properties to a perfume and/or air care product that results in an improved freshness over time of such perfume and/or consumer is disclosed.

In one aspect, the use of one or more sulfur-containing PRMs disclosed herein to impart anti-habituation properties to a freshening composition and/or air care product that results in an improved freshness over time of such perfume and/or consumer, wherein such PRMs are selected from the group consisting of sulfur-containing PRMs as disclosed herein.

In one aspect, a method for producing an air care product comprising bringing into contact or mixing into the product an organoleptically active quantity of a sulfur accord disclosed herein.

TEST METHODS

The degree of habituation to a freshening composition containing a sulfur-containing PRM is determined via human panel testing with daily exposures to the scent over a four week period, and is calculated at both the week two and week four time points, relative to the initial baseline time point.

For each exposure panel test, more than 15 panelists are recruited. The panelists are exposed to the test scent in a manner, frequency, and concentration indicated by the intended product end use, but including at least one exposure per day every day for four consecutive weeks. The perfume exposure must be sufficient that the panelists can detect the perfume of interest being delivered from the product or perfume delivery system contained within the product. The criteria for recruitment onto the exposure panel requires that panelists be typical consumers of the product in question, who agree to use the scent being tested, are non-smokers, and free of nasal congestion and allergies. The degree of habituation is calculated and reported as the percent change in the Odor Detection Threshold ("ODT") value at week two and at week four, versus the initial baseline ODT value. Since the degree of habituation is a relative measure, it accommodates the variation in absolute ODT values which can arise between different testing laboratories.

Raw materials and finished products comprising them may be used together in conjunction in order to determine the degree of habituation. For example, daily exposures to the panelists may involve the use of a finished product while the ODT test measurements may involve the use of the respective neat perfume or PRM. The conditions selected for use in either the daily exposures or in the ODT testing must be applied uniformly across all panelists, and remain unchanged for the entirety of the four week testing period. When the test perfume materials are available in their simple forms i.e., PRM, neat perfume, or fine fragrance, unincorporated into complex products or delivery systems, then the ODT test is to be conducted with these simple forms via an olfactometer, as this is the preferred method. When these simple forms of the test perfume materials are inaccessible for testing, then the ODT test may be conducted with finished products or complex formulations comprising the test perfume materials. Presentation devices other than an olfactometer may be required when conducting the ODT testing on finished products or complex formulations, and may include devices such as sniff cups, headspace chambers and capped bottles, as allowed for in the test method ASTM E679-04 described below.

The ODT value for each panelist is determined at each of three time points the during four week daily exposure period, namely; at initial baseline, at two weeks, and at four weeks. The ODT values are always to be determined in accordance with test method ASTM E679-04 (Standard Practice for Determination of Odor and Taste Thresholds by a Forced-Choice Ascending Concentration Series of Limits) as reapproved in 2011 except, the following replaces the protocol of such test method's Sub-articles 4.4, 8.2 and 8.3.

Sub-article 4.4, Individual best-estimate values of the threshold are derived from the pattern of correct/incorrect responses produced separately by each panelist. The group average ODT value at a given time point is derived by fitting the entire data set from all panelists at that time point to a Log Logistic Regression Model.

Sub-article 8.2, If the concentration range has been correctly selected, it is not necessary that all panelists judge correctly within the range of concentration steps provided. Thus, the representation of the panelists' judgments as in 8.1 need not terminate with two or more consecutive plusses (+).

Sub-article 8.3, Since there is a finite probability that a correct answer will occur by chance alone, it is important that a panelist repeat the test three times. Panelists who fail the test at the highest concentration, are deemed anosmic to the test material and their response is removed from the data set.

Additionally, the following selections are made in accordance with the test method' s sub- articles 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, and 4.1, and specified here as per sub-article 9.3.

Sub-article 1.3, The threshold is characterized as being a) only detection (awareness) that a very small amount of added substance is present but not necessarily recognizable.

Sub-article 1.4, When the preferred method is being conducted, namely using a simple perfume form presented via olfactometer, then the presentation medium can be an air, pure nitrogen, or a mixture of the two. When testing finished or complex products, alternative presentation media may be used, such as air.

Sub-article 1.6, When the preferred method is being conducted, namely using a simple perfume form presented via olfactometer, then the physical method of presentation is at a rate of 40L/min. When testing finished or complex products, alternative presentation devices may be used, including but not limited to sniff cups, headspace chambers or capped bottles.

Sub-article 1.7, Presentation is made to a panel of greater than 15 panelists, who are participating in the daily exposure panel.

Sub-article 4.1, Eight scale steps are used, with each step having an individual predetermined dilution factor suitable for the stimuli being tested, at a temperature of 35 °C. PRM or neat perfume stimuli are typically introduced to the olfactometer system in the neat form via a pump syringe. Sometimes a dilution of the stimuli with ethanol is needed.

The group average ODT values from the three time points are used to calculate the degree of habituation. The degree of habituation is reported for 2 specific time points, as the percent change in group average ODT at one time point, relative to the group average ODT at the initial baseline time point. The degree of habituation is determined at the time points of: 2 weeks and 4 weeks, of the four week daily exposure period, using the following formula:

Degree of Habituation (percent change in ODT) at Time X =

((Group Average ODT _(r , _{me x)} - Group Average ΟΌΊ _(BaseUne) ) I Group Average om _(Baseline) ) x 100 where Time X is either 2 weeks, or 4 weeks, of repeated daily exposure.

A perfume is considered to have an anti-habituation index of:

For a two week test:

• Zero (0) when the Degree of Habituation after 2 weeks of exposure to said perfume is from about 150% to 25%

• One (1) when the Degree of Habituation after 2 weeks of exposure to said perfume is less than 25% but greater than 10%;

· Two (2) when the Degree of Habituation after 2 weeks of exposure to said perfume is from 10% to 0%; or

• Three (3) when the Degree of Habituation after 2 weeks of exposure to said perfume is less than 0% to about -25%. • Four (4) when the Degree of Habituation after 2 weeks of exposure to said perfume is less than -25% to about -500%

For a four week test:

• Zero (0) when the Degree of Habituation after 4 weeks of exposure to said perfume is from about 150% to 25%

• One (1) when the Degree of Habituation after 4 weeks of exposure to said perfume is less than 25% but greater than 10%;

• Two (2) when the Degree of Habituation after 4 weeks of exposure to said perfume is from 10% to 0%; or

• Three (3) when the Degree of Habituation after 4 weeks of exposure to said perfume is less than 0% to about -25%.

• Four (4) when the Degree of Habituation after 4 weeks of exposure to said perfume is less than -25% to about -500%

EXAMPLES

Approximately 135 test subjects per usage group were recruited for the study. The test subjects placed in the study were assessed for their baseline threshold intensity according to the ODT method defined above for the perfume of interest that was in the product. Test subjects were placed into four test legs (30-35 test subjects per leg). Two legs had compositions with the sulfur accord and two legs had composition without the sulfur accord as shown in Table 5.

The freshening compositions are prepared by mixing all of the PRMs and stirring for approximately 30 minutes in a suitable vessel. The 30 minute interval should be sufficient to achieve a homogenous solution.

Table 5

Wt% of sulfur- containing

Composition Description

PRMs in perfume blend

1 Perfume Blend having sulfur accord of Table 6 0.076

2 Perfume Blend having sulfur accord of Table 7 0.297

3 Perfume Blend having oxane 0.015

Perfume Blend having 0.01% of 0.010

4 8-mercaptomenthone and 0.000001% of

4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one Table 6 - Composition 1 Sulfur Accord

The four study groups with a freshenining composition according to Compositions 1-4 and instructed to use a Febreze NOTICEables air care product with the respective Composition (1, 2, 3, or 4) as they normally would use their current air care product throughout the four week study period, using no other air care products throughout the duration of the study. Their ODT was measured after 4 weeks of usage. The average ODT was calculated for each usage group. Results are shown in Table 8. Additionally, all test subjects completed standard after-use questionnaires after 2 and 4 weeks of product usage to obtain their feedback and assess key product attributes.

Table 8

*Higher values equate to more habituation

The results in Table 8 show that the inclusion of 1 -butylsulf anylbutane in the sulfur accord (i.e. Composition 2) has anti-habituating effects vs. the control without 1- butylsulfanylbutane (i.e. Composition 2 driving a higher overall rating score after 4 weeks (73 vs. 60 and 54). 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.

All percentages and ratios are calculated by weight unless otherwise indicated. All percentages and ratios are calculated based on the total composition unless otherwise indicated.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. 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 ranges were all expressly written herein.

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".

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. 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.