TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a perfume and a perfume dispensing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Perfumes are fragrant substances used to provide a pleasant or desired smell. These can be applied to people and animals, or in rooms / buildings as required. The history of perfumes and perfumery extends back to at least the mid

In general, the perfumes contain a combination of odorants in a carrier liquid. The carrier liquid is selected to according to various factors including the origin of the odorants, the physicochemical properties of the odorants e.g. their respective solubilities, the intended method of dispensing the perfume and the perfume's intended purpose.

Frequently, a perfume has an oil base in which odorants and other components are dissolved. The oil is diluted using a solvent. Common solvents include alcohols such as ethanol, and to a lesser extent isopropyl alcohol. An alcohol-based solvent can also contain water or other components.

A perfume may also include residual alcohol from the process used to obtain the odorants.

However, perfumes containing alcohols may have a number of inherent problems or limitations. For instance, alcohol can cause irritation to the skin or eyes of people and animals to which the perfume is applied.

In addition, perfumes which contain mixtures of oil, alcohol and water may have stability issues. To address these, perfumers frequently add additional stabilising components, or need to carefully formulate the perfume to ensure it has the required level of stability.

People are also interested in having more natural products, and perfumes which do not contain alcohols or other synthetic compounds. Yet, to the inventor's knowledge there are no commercially available perfumes which do not contain a solvent that may cause irritation (e.g. alcohol) and which can be sprayed.

It is known to dilute a perfume oil using other liquids. Examples used include non-odorous coconut oil and liquid waxes such as jojoba oil. However, these perfumes are generally heavy due to the relatively high density of the diluent. This limits the usability of the perfume and they therefore do not provide a solution which meets the needs of all potential users. United States Patent No. 5,831,133 to Mimoun describes the use of fatty alcohols in perfume compositions. The fatty alcohols are produced by reduction of aldehydes, ketones, esters and lactones using a reductant system comprising polymethyhydroxysilane and a metal hydride. The reductant enables preferential reduction of the carbonyl function to produce the fatty alcohol required. However, the compounds described in United States Patent No. 5,831,133 have a relatively high density which may affect their use in perfumes.

Various methods of, and devices for, dispensing perfumes are known. These include atomising mechanisms, roll-ons, diffusers and incense-type devices. Atomising mechanisms can be either a spray or aerosol, which both create fine particles or droplets of liquid and disperse these as a spray. However, it is important that the dispensing mechanism is carefully matched to the liquid perfume with which it is to be used. This provides a need for a perfume which can be used with an atomising mechanism.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, it is an object to provide a perfume and a dispensing system for a perfume. It may also be an object of the invention to provide a perfume having a desirable fragrance and a dispensing system for the perfume.

It may also be an object of the invention to provide a perfume that is less likely to cause irritation or other discomfort to a person or animal exposed to the perfume, and a dispensing system for the perfume. It may also be an object of the present invention to provide a more stable perfume.

It may also be an object of the present invention to provide a perfume which does not include compounds which can cause irritation to a user, and a dispensing system for the perfume.

It may also be an object of the present invention to provide a natural perfume that does not include or comprise alcohol. It may be an object of the present invention to provide a perfume that can be sprayed using an atomising mechanism, and a dispensing system having an atomising mechanism and a perfume.

It may also be an object of the present invention to provide a perfume which has a more desirable fragrance. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a perfume, comprising

a carrier oil,

at least one odorant having a pleasant or distinctive smell.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a perfume dispensing system, comprising

a container having a reservoir,

a perfume in the reservoir,

the perfume comprising a carrier oil and least one odorant having a pleasant or distinctive smell.

In a preferred embodiment, the carrier oil may be a pant-based or plant-derived silicone alternative.

In a preferred embodiment, the perfume may be substantially alcohol-free.

Providing a perfume which is substantially free from alcohol may provide a number of advantages for users. For instance, alcohol may be an irritant and therefore, having a substantially alcohol-free perfume may reduce discomfort caused by use of perfumes. For instance, having a substantially alcohol in a concentration of at last 75% by weight may facilitate provision of a perfume that has a desirable odor profile while also being capable of being dispensed by an atomizing mechanism.

Flowever, the foregoing should be seen as limiting on the scope of the present invention. For instance, the perfume may include the carrier oil in a concentration of up to 99% by weight.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one odorant may be a plant extract.

The use of a plant extract(s) is useful in providing a desired fragrance and a natural perfume without additives or synthetic compounds. Accordingly, the invention may better meet people's needs and / or preferences.

Furthermore, the use of essential oils in combination with the preferred carrier oil may provide a perfume which has the required level of stability, shelf-life and usability.

In a preferred embodiment the at least one fragrance compound may be an essential oil as should be known to one skilled in the art.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the perfume may include two or more odorants which each have a pleasant or distinctive smell.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the essential oil may be selected from the list of harakehe

(Phormium Tenax) seed oil, Agar oil, Ajwain oil, Angelica root oil, Anise oil, Balsam of Peru, Basil oil, Bay oil, Bergamot oil, Black pepper oil, Birch oil, Cannabis flower essential oil, Calamodin oil or calamansi essential oil, Cardamom seed oil, Carrot seed oil, Cedar oil (or cedarwood oil), Chamomile oil, Calamus oil, Citron oil, Citronella oil, Clary Sage oil, Coconut oil, Clove oil, Coriander oil, Cranberry seed oil, Cubeb oil, Cypress oil, Davana oil, Elemi oil, Eucalyptus oil, Fenugreek oil, Fir oil, Frankincense oil, Galbanum oil, Geranium oil, Grapefruit oil, Flelichrysum oil, Flarakeke Oil, Jasmine oil, Lavender oil, Lemon oil, Lemongrass, Lime,Litsea cubeba oil, lemon-like scent, Linalool Mandarin, Marjoram, Melissa oil (Lemon balm), sweet smelling oil, Mentha arvensis oil, mint oil, Myrrh oil, Myrtle, Neem oil, Neroli, Nutmeg oil, Orange oil, Orris oil, Parsley oil, Patchouli oil, Perilla essential oil, Peppermint oil, Petitgrain, Pine oil, Ravensara, Red Cedar, Roman Chamomile, Rose oil, Rosehip oil, Rosemary oil, Rosewood oil, Sage oil, Sandalwood oil, Sassafras oil, Savory oil, Schisandra oil, Spearmint oil, Spruce oil, Star anise oil, Tangerine, Tarragon oil, Tea tree oil, Thyme oil, Valerian, Warionia, Vetiver oil, Western red cedar, Wintergreen, Yarrow oil, Ylang-ylang.

or combinations thereof.

However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting on the present invention. It is also envisaged that other fragrance compounds may be used with the perfume according to the present invention. For instance, the fragrance compound may be a synthetic compound, or a modified plant-based extract (i.e. a plant-based extract which has been modified by a chemical reaction).

In a preferred embodiment, a perfume according to the present invention may include essential oil(s) in a concentration of at least 1% by weight.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a perfume according to the present invention may include essential oil(s) in a concentration of substantially 10% by weight.

The inventor has surprisingly found that having a concentration of essential oil(s) of substantially 10% provides a perfume with a desirable odor profile, while being cost effective to manufacture, stable and can be sprayed by an atomizing dispensing mechanism.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a perfume according to the present invention may include essential oil(s) in a concentration of no more than substantially 25% by weight.

The inventor has surprisingly found that ensuring that the perfume does not include more than 25% by weight of essential oil(s) provides a perfume which is better suited for use with animals, particularly non-human animals. For instance, having the concentration below substantially 25% by weight may reduce irritation of skin, eyes or the nasal passages. In addition, ensuring that the concentration of essential oil(s) is less than 25% may assist to ensure that the perfume can be sprayed through an atomizing dispensing mechanism.

However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting on the scope of the present invention as it is also envisaged that other concentrations for the essential oil(s) could be used in a perfume.

It a preferred benefit, a perfume according to the present invention may include at least one compound providing therapeutic or health benefits. For instance, the perfume may include harakeke seed oil, lavender oil, peppermint extract, lemon extract, lime extract, or eucalyptus extract.

It is envisaged that the at least one compound providing therapeutic or health benefits may be odor- neutral having no perceptible smell or be an odorant. In addition, the compound having therapeutic or health benefits may also be used as the carrier oil or mixture of oils providing the carrier oil.

In addition, other components may be included to provide other benefits. For instance, plant extracts such as kowhai extract or kiwifruit extract which are substantially or totally non-odorous, are envisaged as being suitable for use in the present invention. Accordingly, the discussion herein should not be seen as limiting on the scope of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, a perfume according to the present invention may be formulated for use with a non-human animal e.g. a dog, cat, horse, cow, sheep, mice, rabbit or guinea pig.

The inventor has surprisingly found that the perfumes according to the present inventio are particularly well suited to use with non-human animals. This may be due, inter alia, the ability to dispense the perfume using an atomising mechanism, and that the perfume can be formulated to provide a fragrance profile suitable for the non-human animal.

For instance, a perfume formulated for use with an animal may be substantially free of compounds which may have an unfavourable reaction for the animal. The inventor has found that oils classified as "spicy" may not be suitable for use in a perfume according to the present invention which formulated for use with an animal such as a domestic pet.

In a preferred embodiment, the perfume may include one of more oils selected from the list of cedarwood oil, lavender oil, citronella oil, Frankincense oil, lemongrass oil, spearmint oil, and cardamom oil, or combinations thereof. Flowever, it is also envisaged that the perfume may be formulated for use with humans or other non human animals to those described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a dispensing system according to an aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side vie of a container forming part of a dispensing system according to an aspect of the invention; and

Figure 3 is a side view of an atomising mechanism according to an aspect of the invention. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Dispensing System

Referring first to Figures 1 to 3, there is provided a dispensing system (100) configured and arranged to dispense a perfume according to the present invention. The perfume will be discussed in more detail below. The dispensing system (100) includes a container (102) having a reservoir (104) which can hold the perfume. The container (102) may be any suitable configuration or shape as should be known to one skilled in the art. In the preferred form the container is made from clear (transparent) glass. This embodiment allows a person to inspect the perfume within the container (102), which may reassure them that the perfume has not separated (which is an indication that the perfume has spoiled) or that the perfume does not contain additives or other undesirable substances.

The container (102) has an aperture (106) to allow the reservoir (104) to be filled. A thread (105) is provided on the container to engage with a corresponding thread (not shown) on an atomising mechanism (indicated generally as 108) to the container (102).

The atomising mechanism (108) includes a housing (110) which provides a cap for the dispensing system (100).

A button (112) is mounted to the housing (110) and provides a mechanism for a user to actuate the atomising mechanism (108) to in use facilitate dispensing the perfume from the reservoir (104). The internal mechanism of the atomising mechanism (108) is as should be understood by one skilled in the art. Therefore, the atomising mechanism (108) will be discussed in general terms herein with reference to its function.

A nozzle (114) is provided in the button (112) and connected to a tube (116). In use, engagement (e.g. applying downward pressure to) the button (112) creates suction to draw perfume from the reservoir (104) into the tube (116).

The reservoir (104) can include the perfumes according to the present invention. Therefore, the dispensing system (100) facilitates dispensing the perfumes and thereby achieving the objectives of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the perfume is formulated to facilitate it being used with, and dispensed by, the dispensing system (100). There is a unique and synergistic interaction between the perfumes described herein and the dispensing system (100) arising from the formulation of the perfume and that this facilitates dispensing a perfume which is substantially alcohol-free and water free as a spray. For instance, the perfume is formulated to enable it to be used with the dispensing system (100), while the dispensing system (100) has been chosen to atomise the perfume and spray this over a relatively large area.

First example perfume formulation

A first representative perfume was prepared by mixing the ingredients as summarized in table 1 below:

Table 1: composition of a first representative perfume It should be understood that the amount of essential oils may be varied to achieve a desired fragrance profile. However, the formulation of table 1 was developed for non-human animal.

The fragrance of the perfume formulation in table 1 was assessed by applying the perfume to different surfaces and animals. An olfactory assessment was performed by the inventor. The composition of the perfume of table 1 was then modified to optimize the balance of the fragrance profile to provide what was considered a desirable smell.

One skilled in the art should understand that the composition of the perfume and odorants included therein may be modified to provide a desired flavor profile. However, the inventor has surprisingly found that using hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate in a concentration in the range of 75% to 99% by weight provides a perfume which can be used with, and dispensed, by the dispensing system (100).

Second example perfume formulation

A second representative perfume was prepared by mixing the ingredients as summarized in table 2 below:

Table 2: composition of a second representative perfume It should be understood that the amount of essential oils may be varied to achieve a desired fragrance profile. However, the formulation of table 2 was developed for non-human animal

The fragrance of the perfume formulation in table 2 was assessed by applying the perfume to different surfaces and animals. An olfactory assessment was performed by the inventor. The composition of the perfume of table 1 was then modified to optimize the balance of the fragrance profile to provide what was considered a desirable smell.

One skilled in the art should understand that the composition of the perfume and odorants included therein may be modified to provide a desired flavor profile. However, the inventor has surprisingly found that using a plant-based silicone alternative, in the form of hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate and cococaprylate in a concentration in the range of 75 to 99% by weight provides a perfume which can be used with, and dispensed, by the dispensing system (100).

Third example perfume formulation

A third representative perfume was prepared by mixing the ingredients as summarized in table 2 below:

Table 3: composition of a third representative perfume

It should be understood that the amount of essential oils may be varied to achieve a desired fragrance profile. However, the formulation of table 3 was developed for non-human animal

The fragrance of the perfume formulation in table 3 was assessed by applying the perfume to different surfaces and animals. An olfactory assessment was performed by the inventor. The composition of the perfume of table 1 was then modified to optimize the balance of the fragrance profile to provide what was considered a desirable smell.

One skilled in the art should understand that the composition of the perfume and odorants included therein may be modified to provide a desired flavor profile. However, the inventor has surprisingly found that using a plant-based silicone alternative, in the form of cococaprylate at a concentration of at least 25% by weight provides a perfume which can be used with, and dispensed, by the dispensing system (100).

Method of Manufacture The inventor has surprisingly found that perfume formulations according to the present invention can be prepared using various methods and techniques as should be known to one skilled in the art.

However, the inventor believes that the following method may be particularly advantageous:

• Combining the essential oils together to form an essential oil mixture;

• Optionally storing the essential oil mixture until required. Storage may occur in a dark

environment where the essential oil mixture is not exposed to direct sunlight such as in an opaque container;

• Mixing the required volume of carrier oil into a given volume of the essential oil mixture to produce a perfume having a desired composition e.g. according to example one, two or three described herein. The above method may be performed using known apparatus and techniques.

Atomisation

The inventor has investigated alternative carrier oils that may be suitable for use in formulating a perfume according to the present invention. The results of the testing are summarized in table 4 below:

Table 4: summary of investigations into atomisation of carrier oils

It can be seen form the results summarised in table 4 that a perfume according to the invention manufactured using Sensoline LD is capable of being sprayed through an atomising dispenser system (100) and producing fine droplets as a spray. In contrast, other oils trialed were not atomized to produce fine droplets, but instead were not dispensed by the atomising mechanism or were dispensed as a jet of liquid.

It can also be seen that there does not appear to be a correlation between the viscosity of the carrier oil used and whether it can be atomized by the dispensing system (100). Accordingly, the inventor postulates that, without being tied to a particular mechanism, the combination of the viscosity and density of the preferred carrier oil (hydrogenated Ethyl Hexyl Olivate) provides a particularly beneficial ability to formulate a perfume which can be dispensed via an atomising mechanism.

Stability

The inventor has investigated the stability of the perfume according to the present invention. A perfume according to the formulation of table 1 was prepared and left to stand for 15 months / weeks in a clear glass container. The stability of the perfume was assessed by visual inspection which showed that components had not separated from each other. In addition, the odor of the perfume was tested by smell which identified no noticeable hint of rancidity.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.