DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of air fresheners. More particularly, the present invention relates to an air freshener that enables intense delivery of a volatile fragrance for an extended period of time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Air fresheners are consumer care products designed to mask or remove unpleasant odors from enclosed spaces, such as living rooms, bathrooms, cars and so forth by emitting a fragrance. This category covers any product that can remove odors from air and replace them with a pleasant fragrance.
Air fresheners belong to the following two broad categories: continuous action and instant action. Continuous action air fresheners include scented candles, fragrance gels, and wick diffusers, whereas instant action air fresheners include atomizers, spray bottles, and aerosols delivered via a pressurized container.
Currently, continuous action air fresheners are finding favor with consumers due to their affordability and ease of use without the need for an external power source or pressurized container. Examples include air fresheners based on carrier material such as charcoal, zeolites or silica gel. The active ingredient or the fragrance is adsorbed onto the carrier material, which diffuses back into the environment on exposure to air.
The commercial air fresheners, based on the principle of adsorption and using silica (SiO2) as the carrier material, comprise a volatile fragrance adsorbed on particulate or granular silica (SiO2). Further, in order to increase the useful life of an air freshener, the volatile fragrance is added in excess of the adsorbing capacity of the carrier material, i.e. silica. Moreover, the commonly used packaging materials, i.e. cellulose, paper, etc. fail to act as an effective barrier for the volatile fragrance, resulting in the oozing out of the volatile fragrance from the package. This leads to initially high rates of fragrance dissipation followed by much lower rates, thereby reducing the longevity of the air freshener. On the other hand, long lasting air fresheners suffer from the drawback of slow fragrance release, resulting in a reduction in the fragrance intensity. The reduction in fragrance intensity is in part due to reduced absorptive capacity of the carrier and inappropriate diffusion properties of the packaging material. Hence, there is a need for an air freshener that incorporates a carrier material with a high absorptive capacity for the fragrance, packaging material with optimum diffusion property and fragrance material with boiling point and cLogP values optimized for providing intense fragrance over an extended period of time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As discussed above, an ideal air freshener is characterized by an intense, continuous and long lasting dissipation of the volatile fragrance and a packaging material that is only permeable to the vapors of the volatile fragrance. These objectives can be achieved by mixing the volatile fragrance and particulate silica in an optimum ratio and using seepage resistant packaging material.
Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention have devised a novel air freshener, comprising:
(a) a package comprising closing seams (2, 3, 4, 5); and
(b) a fragrance emitting composition (30) contained within the package;
Wherein the closing seam is one of heat sealing seam, ultrasonic sealing seam, and adhesive sealing seam.
The fragrance emitting composition (30) comprises:
(a) a volatile fragrance composition in an amount in the range from 5 to 95%; and
(b) a thickener in an amount in the range from 95 to 5%.
The volatile fragrance composition comprises:
(a) Group I, wherein Group I is selected from the group consisting of a volatile fragrance having a cLogP value of between =-2 and <2, and combinations thereof; and
(b) Group II, wherein Group II is selected from the group consisting of a volatile fragrance having a cLogP value of between =2 and =5, and combinations thereof; and
(c) Group III, wherein Group III is selected from the group consisting of a volatile fragrance having a cLogP value of between >5 and =8, and combinations thereof;
Wherein Group II is present in an amount in the range from 40 to 85% w/w of the volatile fragrance composition.

Further, the volatile fragrance is selected from the group consisting of essential oils, synthetic perfumes, insecticides, aroma therapy agents, deodorant, perfume, animal repellent, pheromone, odor masking agents, and combinations thereof.
The thickener is selected from the group consisting of ethyl cellulose, polyamide, poly ethylene glycol (PEG), petrolatum wax, dibutyl lauroyl glutamide, silicones, ethyl vinyl acetate, natural material such as cork, cellulose, polyurethane foams, clays, organoclays, waxes, thermoplastic elastomer, hydrogenated styrene/isoprene copolymer, silicon dioxide, zeolites, fumed silica and combinations thereof. Preferably, the carrier material is fumed silica {silicon dioxide (SiO2)}.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention the package comprises:
(a) A first material (10) which comprises a fibrous sheet (11), said first material (10) having a coating (12) covering at least one side, said coating (12) comprising polyacrylate having a thickness between about 0.05 and about 5 µm; and
(b) A second material (20);
Wherein portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) are sealed to the second material (20) such that the first material (10) and the second material (20) cooperate to form seams (2, 3, 4, 5), which encloses a void containing the fragrance emitting composition (30), wherein the GSM value of the fibrous sheet (11) is in the range from 20 to 120, wherein the GSM value of the coating (12) is in the range from 2 to 9, wherein the GSM value of the second material (20) is in the range from 20 to 130, and wherein the sealing is one of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, induction sealing, stitch sealing, and adhesive sealing. Preferably, the GSM value of the fibrous sheet (11) is 58, and the GSM value of the coating (12) is 5.
The coating (12) comprises materials selected from the group consisting of cross-linked polyacrylate, hydrocarbon oligomers, and mixtures of polyacrylates and hydrocarbon oligomers, and wherein the fibrous sheet (11) is selected from the group consisting of flash spun plexifilamentary nonwoven sheet, spunbonded-melt-blown-spunbonded composite sheet and fibrous paper.
Further, the second material (20) comprises materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymer coated paper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly ester (PE), nonwoven fabric such as a spunbonded plexifilamentary nonwoven sheet, a coated metallic film, thermoformable film, rigid preformed tray, paper and combinations thereof and wherein the second material (20) comprises an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (21).
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the second material (20) is the first material (10, Figure 3), wherein portions of the coatings (12) of both the first material (10) and the second material are sealed to form seams (2, 3, 4, 5), which encloses a void containing the fragrance emitting composition (30).
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the air freshener (Figures 4 and 5), comprises a double sided adhesive tape (40), said double sided adhesive tape (40) comprising;
(a) a carrier material (23) having a first surface (25) and a second surface (24);
(b) a first adhesive layer (26) on the first surface (25);
(c) a second adhesive layer (27) on the second surface (24); and
(d) a peel layer (28) removably adhered to the second adhesive layer (27);
wherein the first adhesive layer (26) is applied on the outer surface (21) of the second material (20).
The carrier material (23) comprises materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly ester (PE), and combinations thereof.
Further, the first adhesive layer (26) and the second adhesive layer (27) are selected from the group consisting of Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA); polyolefin’s; starches; styrenic block copolymers (SBC); natural rubber; polybutylene; acrylics; polyurethanes; epoxies; polyesters; polyamides; silicones; a hot-melt adhesive; a synthetic adhesive; a water-based adhesive including either or both natural or synthetic ingredients; a natural adhesive and combinations thereof.
Still further, the peel layer (28) comprises of materials selected from the group consisting of paper, poly-coated paper, Super Calandered Kraft paper, Clay Coated Kraft paper, Machine Finished Kraft, Machine Glazed paper, polyester film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Bi-Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), poly propylene (PP) plastic resins, and high density poly ethylene (HDPE) film substrates.
The second material (20) has an edge (31), the peel layer (28) includes a tab (29) extending outward beyond the edge (31) of the second material (20).
The package may be in the form of any suitable shape or size. At least one seam (2, 3, 4, 5) has an orifice (7) for attaching a means (6) for hanging the air freshener.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a process for preparing an air freshener (Figure 2), said process comprising the steps of:
(a) Sealing portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) and the second material (20) forming seam (2), seam (3) and seam (4), which enclose a void;
(b) Adding the fragrance emitting composition (30) into the void;
(c) Sealing the portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) to the second material (20) forming seam (5) for sealing the void to obtain air freshener; and
(d) Sealing the air freshener into a pouch to prevent loss of fragrance before use.
Wherein the sealing is one of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, induction sealing, stitch sealing, and adhesive sealing.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a process for preparing the air freshener (Figure 3), said process comprising the steps of:
(a) Sealing portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) and the second material (20) forming seam (2), seam (3) and seam (4), which enclose a void, wherein the second material (20) is the first material (10);
(b) Adding the fragrance emitting composition (30) into the void;
(c) Sealing the portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) and the second material forming seam (5) for sealing the void to obtain the air freshener; and
(d) Sealing the air freshener into a pouch to prevent loss of fragrance before use.
Wherein the sealing is selected from one of sealing technologies i.e. heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, induction sealing, stitch sealing, and adhesive sealing.

In accordance with yet another embodiment there is provided a process for preparing an air freshener (Figure 4), said process comprising the steps of:
(a) Sealing portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) to the second material forming seam (2), seam (3) and seam (4), which enclose a void;
(b) Adding the fragrance emitting composition (30) into the void;
(c) Sealing the portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) to the second material (20) forming seam (5) for sealing the void;
(d) Applying the first adhesive layer (26) of the double sided adhesive tape (40) onto the outer surface (21) of the second material (20) to obtain the air freshener;
(e) Sealing the air freshener into a pouch to prevent loss of fragrance before use.
Wherein the sealing is one of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, induction sealing, stitch sealing, and adhesive sealing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1. is a front view of the air freshener (1).
Figure 2. is a cutaway close-up of the air freshener (100) in an embodiment comprising a first material (10) and a second material (20).
Figure 3. is a cutaway close-up of the air freshener (200) in an embodiment wherein the second material is the first material (10).
Figure 4. is a cutaway close-up of the air freshener (300) in an embodiment comprising a double sided adhesive tape (40).
Figure 5. is an exploded view of an air freshener (300) in an embodiment comprising a double sided adhesive tape (40).
The drawings are illustrative and not intended to be limiting, but are examples of embodiments, simplified for explanatory purposes, and not drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Discussed below are some representative embodiments of the current invention. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown are described in this section in connection with the embodiments and methods. The invention according to its various aspects is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the attached claims read in view of this specification, and appropriate equivalents.
It is to be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The expression of quantity in terms of "% w/v" or “%” means the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the total solution or composition, unless otherwise specified.
The present invention relates generally to an air freshener (1) and the process for preparing the same.
The inventors of the present invention have deviced a novel air freshener comprising;
(a) a package comprising closing seams (2, 3, 4, 5); and
(b) a fragrance emitting composition (30) contained within the package.
Although the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 comprises four seams, i.e., seam 2, seam 3, seam 4 and seam 5, the number of seams in the air freshener of the present invention may be =1. Further, the closing seam may be any one of heat sealing seam, ultrasonic sealing seam, induction sealing seam, stitch sealing seam, and adhesive sealing seam.
The term “seam” used herein refers to an area where two pieces of fabric, material or coatings are fused together to join the two pieces. The terms “seam” and “closing seam” used herein essentially mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably. The seam may be one of heat sealing seam, ultrasonic sealing seam, induction sealing seam, stitch sealing seam, and adhesive sealing seam.
The term “heat sealing” used herein refers to bonding two materials with just heat and pressure both delivered at once by a press that is heated by conduction.
The term “ultrasonic sealing” refers to a technique whereby high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations are locally applied to materials being held together under pressure to create a solid seal. It is commonly used for plastics, and especially for joining dissimilar materials. In ultrasonic sealing, there are no connective bolts, nails, soldering materials, or adhesives necessary to bind the materials together.
The term “induction sealing” refers to a process wherein a metal foil coated with a suitable polymer film melts on application of an induction current and fuses with another material upon cooling.
The term “stitch sealing” used herein refers to joining or bonding of two materials using threads made of fibres.
The term “adhesive sealing” used herein refers to joining or bonding of two materials using adhesives.
The fragrance emitting composition (30) comprises a volatile fragrance composition in an amount in the range from 5 to 95%; and a thickener in an amount in the range from 95 to 5%.
A highly volatile fragrance, i.e., a fragrance with a low boiling point, escapes into the atmosphere at a faster rate, thereby affecting the longevity of the air freshener product, whereas a fragrance with low volatility, affords a fragrance with reduced intensity, although the product may last longer. In order to have a long lasting air freshener with an intense fragrance, it is essential to optimize the composition of the volatile fragrance based on boiling points, and select combinations of volatile fragrances with appropriate cLogP values. Hence, the volatile fragrance composition useful in the present invention comprises:
(a) Group I, wherein Group I is selected from the group consisting of a volatile fragrance having a cLogP value of between =-2 and <2, and combinations thereof;
(b) Group II, wherein Group II is selected from the group consisting of a volatile fragrance having a cLogP value of between =2 and =5, and combinations thereof; and
(c) Group III, wherein Group III is selected from the group consisting of a volatile fragrance having a cLogP value of between >5 and =8, and combinations thereof;
Wherein Group II is present in an amount in the range from 40 to 85% w/w of the volatile fragrance composition.

The term “cLogP” used herein refers to the calculated water/octanol partition co-efficient.

The volatile fragrance useful in the present invention is selected from the group consisting of essential oils, synthetic perfumes, insecticides, aroma therapy agents, deodorant, perfume, animal repellent, pheromone, odor masking agents, and combinations thereof.

The volatile fragrance composition of the present invention is combined with a suitable thickener. The thickener raises the viscosity of the volatile fragrance to create a solid or highly viscous material. Such a composition can be readily held in a package. Thickeners that are useful in the present invention are selected from the group consisting of ethyl cellulose, polyamide, poly ethylene glycol (PEG), petrolatum wax, dibutyl lauroyl glutamide, silicones, ethyl vinyl acetate, natural material such as cork, cellulose, polyurethane foams, clays, organoclays, waxes, thermoplastic elastomer, hydrogenated styrene/isoprene copolymer, silicon dioxide, fumed silica, zeolites and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the thickener is fumed silica {silicon dioxide (SiO2)}.
Figure 2 is a cutaway close-up of an embodiment of the air freshener, comprising:
(a) A first material (10), which comprises a fibrous sheet (11), said first material (10) having a coating (12) covering at least one side, said coating (12) comprising polyacrylate having a thickness between about 0.05 and about 5 µm; and
(b) A second material (20);
Wherein portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) are sealed to the second material (20), such that the first material (10) and the second material (20) co-operate to form seams (2, 3, 4, 5, Figure 1,), which encloses a void containing the fragrance emitting composition (30), wherein the GSM value of the fibrous sheet (11) is in the range from 20 to 120, wherein the GSM value of the coating (12) is in the range from 2 to 9, wherein the GSM value of the second material (20) is in the range from 20 to 130, and wherein the sealing is one of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, induction sealing, stitch sealing, and adhesive sealing. Preferably, the GSM value of the fibrous sheet (11) is 58, and the GSM value of the coating (12) is 5.
The term “GSM” used herein refers to Grams per Square meter.
The coating (12) comprises materials selected from the group consisting of cross-linked polyacrylate, hydrocarbon oligomers, and mixtures of polyacrylates and hydrocarbon oligomers, and wherein the fibrous sheet (11) is selected from the group consisting of flash spun plexifilamentary nonwoven sheet, spunbonded-melt-blown-spunbonded composite sheet and fibrous paper. Examples of the first material (10) that are useful in the present invention include Tyvek® materials from DuPont™ such as 1059B, 1073 D, 1058C, 2058C and 2025B.
Further, the second material (20) comprises materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly ester (PE), polymer coated paper or poly coated paper, nonwoven fabric such as a spunbonded plexifilamentary nonwoven sheet, a coated metallic film, thermoformable film, rigid preformed tray, paper and combinations thereof and wherein the second material (20) comprises an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (21).
At least one seam (2, 3, 4, 5) has an orifice (7) for attaching a means (6) for hanging the air freshener (Figure 1). Preferably, the means (6) for hanging the air freshener is a hook.
Figure 3 is a cutaway close-up of another embodiment of the air freshener of the invention, wherein the second material is the first material (10, Figure 3), i.e., the second material is identical to the first material (10), wherein portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) and the second material are sealed to form at least one seam (2, 3, 4, 5), which encloses a void containing the fragrance emitting composition (30). As the second material is identical to the first material (10) in this embodiment, both the first material (10) and the second material are represented by the reference numeral (10) in figure 3.
Figure 4 is a cutaway close-up of yet another embodiment of the air freshener of the present invention, comprising a double sided adhesive tape (40), said double sided adhesive tape (40) comprising;
(a) a carrier material (23) having a first surface (25) and a second surface (24);
(b) a first adhesive layer (26) on the first surface (25);
(c) a second adhesive layer (27) on the second surface (24); and
(d) a peel layer (28) removably adhered to the second adhesive layer (27);
wherein the first adhesive layer (26) is applied on the outer surface (21) of the second material (20) of the air freshener illustrated in Figure 2.
The carrier material (23) comprises of materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly ester (PE), and combinations thereof.
Further, the first adhesive layer (26) and the second adhesive layer (27) are selected from the group consisting of Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA); polyolefin’s; starches; styrenic block copolymers (SBC); natural rubber; polybutylene; acrylics; polyurethanes; epoxies; polyesters; polyamides; silicones; a hot-melt adhesive; a synthetic adhesive; a water-based adhesive including either or both natural or synthetic ingredients; a natural adhesive and combinations thereof.
Still further, the peel layer (28) comprises of materials selected from the group consisting of paper, poly-coated paper, Super Calandered Kraft paper, Clay Coated Kraft paper, Machine Finished Kraft, Machine Glazed paper, polyester film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Bi-Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), poly propylene (PP) plastic resins, and high density poly ethylene (HDPE) film substrates.
Although shown in the Figures 4 and 5 to be of the same shape and size of the package, the second adhesive layer (27) may be applied in an area smaller than the area enclosed by the edge (31) of the second material (20). As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 the double sided adhesive tape (40) includes a peel layer (28) removably attached to the second adhesive layer (27) to prevent the adhesive from sticking to other than the intended surface. The peel layer (28) is generally sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the second material (20). However, as shown in figures 4 and 5, the peel layer (28) may extend beyond the edge (31) of the second material (20) or the edge (32) of the second adhesive layer (27), in the form of a tab (29), to facilitate removal of the peel layer (28) from the adhesive layer (27) prior to use of the air freshener on a suitable surface.

The air fresheners illustrated in any of the figures 1 to 5 may be of any suitable shape or size.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for preparing an air freshener of the present invention. According to an embodiment, portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) were sealed to the second material (20) forming seam (2), seam (3) and seam (4), which enclose a void. Thereafter, the fragrance emitting composition (30) was added into the void. After that, portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) were sealed to the second material (20) forming seam (5), thereby sealing the void to obtain an air freshener (Figure 2). An orifice (7) was punched into seam (5) for attaching a means (6) for hanging the air freshener. Preferably the means (6) for hanging the air freshener is a hook. Finally, the air freshener was sealed into a pouch to prevent loss of fragrance before use. Sealing used herein may be any one of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, induction sealing, stitch sealing, and adhesive sealing.

In accordance with another embodiment, portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) and the second material, which is identical to the first material (10), are sealed forming seam (2), seam (3) and seam (4), which enclose a void. Thereafter, the fragrance emitting composition (30) was added into the void. After that, portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) and the second material were sealed forming seam (5), thereby sealing the void to obtain an air freshener (Figure 3). An orifice (7) was punched into seam (5) for attaching a means (6) for hanging the air freshener. Finally, the air freshener was sealed into a pouch to prevent loss of fragrance before use. Sealing used herein may be any one of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, induction sealing, stitch sealing, and adhesive sealing.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) were sealed to the second material (20) forming seam (2), seam (3) and seam (4), which enclose a void. Thereafter, the fragrance emitting composition (30) was added into the void. After that, portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) were sealed to the second material (20) forming seam (5), thereby sealing the void. The first adhesive layer (26) of a double sided adhesive tape (40) was applied onto the outer surface (21) of the second material (20) to obtain the air freshener (Figure 4 and 5). Finally, the air freshener was sealed into a pouch to prevent loss of fragrance before use. Sealing used herein may be any one of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, induction sealing, stitch sealing, and adhesive sealing.
The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrations only, since numerous modifications and variations within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages, and ratios reported in the following examples are on a weight basis, and all reagents used in the examples were obtained or are available from the chemical suppliers.

EXAMPLES
The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the present invention.
Examples 1-4
The unit of each value below is “% w/w” i. e. the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the volatile fragrance composition unless otherwise specified. The volatile fragrance compositions contemplated by each of the Examples 1-4 are tabulated in Table 1.
Table 1: Volatile Fragrance Compositions
Group 1 2 3 4
Group I 90 70 46 16
Group II 10 20 50 80
Group III 0 10 4 4

Examples 5-8
The unit of each value below is “% w/w” i. e. the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the fragrance emitting composition unless otherwise specified. The fragrance emitting compositions contemplated by each of the Examples 5-8 are tabulated in Table 2.
Table 2: Fragrance Emitting Compositions
Ingredients 5 6 7 8
Volatile fragrance composition 95 75 50 5
Fumed Silica 5 25 50 95

Example 9
Process for preparing the fragrance emitting composition of example 6
12.5 kg of fumed silica was taken in a stainless steel (grade 316) mixer. 37.5 kg of the volatile fragrance composition (Example 4) was added dropwise into the stainless steel (grade 316) mixer from a tray fitted on top of the mixing vessel with constant mixing over a period of 15 min. After complete addition of the volatile fragrance composition, mixing was continued for another 10 minutes to obtain the fragrance emitting composition (30). The above procedure affords the fragrance emitting composition of example 6; however, the same may be used for preparing fragrance emitting compositions of examples 5, 7 and 8. Likewise, the above procedure may also be used for preparing the fragrance emitting compositions comprising any of the volatile fragrance compositions illustrated in examples 1 to 3.
Example 10
Process for preparing an air freshener illustrated in figures 1 and 2
Portions of the coating (12) of Tyvek® 2058C (10), having dimensions 8 cm × 9 cm, were heat sealed to the coated side of a poly coated paper having a GSM value of 80 (20), also having dimensions 8 cm × 9 cm, forming seam (2), seam (3) and seam (4), each seam having a width of 8 mm, which enclose a void. Thereafter, 10 g of the fragrance emitting composition (30), prepared according to the above procedure (Example 9), was added into the void. After that, portions of the coating (12) of Tyvek® 2058 C(10) were heat sealed to the coated side of a poly coated paper having a GSM value of 80 (20) forming seam (5), which has a width of 8 mm, thereby sealing the void to obtain air freshener (Figure 1 and 2). An orifice (7) was punched into seam (5) for attaching a hook (6) for hanging the air freshener. Finally, the air freshener was sealed into a pouch made up of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to prevent loss of fragrance before use.
Example 11
Process for preparing an air freshener illustrated in figure 3
Portions of the coating (12) of two Tyvek® 1073 D (10) pieces, each having dimensions 8 cm × 9 cm, were ultrasonically sealed forming seam (2), seam (3) and seam (4), each seam having a width of 8 mm, which enclose a void. Thereafter, 10 g of the fragrance emitting composition (30), prepared according to the above procedure (Example 9), was added into the void. After that, portions of the coating (12) of two Tyvek® 1073 D (10) pieces, each having dimensions 8 cm × 9 cm, were ultrasonically sealed forming seam (5), which has a width of 8 mm, thereby sealing the void to obtain an air freshener (Figure 3). An orifice (7) was punched into seam (5) for attaching a hook (6) for hanging the air freshener. Finally, the air freshener was sealed into a pouch made up of metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to prevent loss of fragrance before use.

Example 12
Process for preparing an air freshener illustrated in figures 4 and 5
Portions of Tyvek® 2025B (10), having dimensions 8 cm × 9 cm, were stitch sealed to a poly coated paper having a GSM value of 80 (20), having dimensions 8 cm × 9 cm, forming seam (2), seam (3) and seam (4), each seam having a width of 8 mm, which enclose a void. Thereafter, 10 g of the fragrance emitting composition (30), prepared according to the above procedure (Example 9), were added into the void. After that, portions of Tyvek® 2025B (10) were stitch sealed to the poly coated paper having a GSM value of 80 (20) forming seam (5), which has a width of 8 mm, thereby sealing the void. The first adhesive layer (26) of the double sided adhesive tape (40), 3M™ Double Coated Tapes with 3M™ Adhesive 420, was applied onto the outer surface (21) of the poly coated paper (20) to obtain the an air freshener (Figure 4 and 5). Finally, the air freshener was sealed into a pouch made up of BOPP/EVOH laminate to prevent loss of fragrance before use. BOPP refers to Biaxially Oriented PolyPropylene and EVOH refers to Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).
Example 13
Release of volatile fragrance from air-freshener.
The release of the volatile fragrance compositions illustrated in Examples 1 to 4, from an air freshener prepared according to Example 11, was evaluated under standard conditions (25±5 °C, relative humidity = 50±5%). The release of volatile fragrance from a competitor sample was also evaluated for comparison as described herein below.
Sensory Evaluation
The odors of the air fresheners of the present invention and that of a commercially available competitor sample, were organoleptically evaluated by ten semi trained panelists on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, and 30th day. They scored the intensity of odor on a 0-5 point scale (Table 3). The scores given by the panelists for various odor levels in the organoleptic analysis are presented in Table 4.

Table 3: Scores for various odor levels
Score Odor level
0 No odor
1 Slight
2 Definite
3 Moderate
4 Strong
5 Very Strong

Table 4: Average Scores of 10 panelists for various odor levels over a period of 30 days
Day Score
Air freshener of example 11 with following volatile fragrance compositions Competitor sample
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4
1st 3 3.5 5 5 5
5th 2 3 4 5 4
10th 1 2 3 4 3
15th 1 1.5 2 3.5 2
20th 0 1 1.5 3.2 2
25th 0 0 1 3 2
30th 0 0 0 2.5 1

It is evident from the organoleptic analysis that the odor level of the air-freshener of the present invention, i.e., air freshener prepared according to Example 11 containing a volatile fragrance illustrated in Example 4, after 30 days, remained stronger compared to that of the competitor sample.
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

CLAIMS:We claim:
1. An air freshener, comprising:
(a) a package comprising closing seams (2, 3, 4, 5); and
(b) a fragrance emitting composition (30) contained within the package;
wherein the closing seam is one of heat sealing seam, ultrasonic sealing seam, stitch sealing seam and adhesive sealing seam.
2. The air freshener, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fragrance emitting composition (30), comprises:
(a) a volatile fragrance composition in an amount in the range from 5 to 95%; and
(b) a thickener in an amount in the range from 95 to 5%.

3. The air freshener, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the volatile fragrance composition, comprises:
(a) Group I, wherein Group I is selected from the group consisting of a volatile fragrance having a cLogP value of between =-2 and <2, and combinations thereof;
(b) Group II, wherein Group II is selected from the group consisting of a volatile fragrance having a cLogP value of between =2 and =5, and combinations thereof; and
(c) Group III, wherein Group III is selected from the group consisting of a volatile fragrance having a cLogP value of between >5 and =8, and combinations thereof;
Wherein Group II is present in an amount in the range from 40 to 85% w/w of the volatile fragrance composition.

4. The air freshener, as claimed in claim 3, wherein the volatile fragrance is selected from the group consisting of essential oils, synthetic perfumes, insecticides, aroma therapy agents, deodorant, perfume, animal repellent, pheromone, odor masking agents, and combinations thereof.
5. The air freshener, as claimed in claims 2 to 4, wherein the thickener is selected from the group consisting of ethyl cellulose, polyamide, poly ethylene glycol (PEG), petrolatum wax, dibutyl lauroyl glutamide, silicones, ethyl vinyl acetate, natural material such as cork, cellulose, polyurethane foams, clays, organoclays, waxes, thermoplastic elastomer, hydrogenated styrene/isoprene copolymer, zeolites, silicon dioxide, fumed silica and combinations thereof.
6. The air freshener, as claimed in claims 2 to 5, wherein the thickener is fumed silica {silicon dioxide (SiO2)}.
7. The air freshener, as claimed in claims 2 to 6, wherein the package comprises:
(a) A first material (10) which comprises a fibrous sheet (11), said first material (10) having a coating (12) covering at least one side, said coating (12) comprising polyacrylate having a thickness between about 0.05 and about 5 µm; and
(b) A second material (20);
Wherein portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) are sealed to the second material (20) such that the first material (10) and the second material (20) cooperate to form seams (2, 3, 4, 5), which enclose a void containing the fragrance emitting composition (30), wherein the GSM value of the fibrous sheet (11) is in the range from 20 to 120, wherein the GSM value of the coating (12) is in the range from 2 to 9, wherein the GSM value of the second material (20) is in the range from 20 to 130, and wherein the sealing is one of heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, induction sealing, stitch sealing and adhesive sealing.
8. The air freshener, as claimed in claim 7, wherein the GSM value of the fibrous sheet (11) is 58, and wherein the GSM value of the coating (12) is 5.
9. The air freshener, as claimed in claims 7 and 8, wherein the coating (12) comprises materials selected from the group consisting of cross-linked polyacrylate, hydrocarbon oligomers, and mixtures of polyacrylates and hydrocarbon oligomers, and wherein the fibrous sheet (11) is selected from the group consisting of flash spun plexifilamentary nonwoven sheet, spunbonded-melt-blown-spunbonded composite sheet and fibrous paper.
10. The air freshener, as claimed in claims 7, 8 and 9, wherein the second material (20) comprises materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymer coated paper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly ester (PE), nonwoven fabric such as a spunbonded plexifilamentary nonwoven sheet, a coated metallic film, thermoformable film, rigid preformed tray, paper and combinations thereof and wherein the second material (20) comprises an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (21).
11. The air freshener, as claimed in claims 7 to 10, wherein the second material (20) is the first material (10, Figure 3), wherein portions of the coating (12) of the first material (10) and the second material are sealed to form seams (2, 3, 4, 5), which encloses a void containing the fragrance emitting composition (30).
12. The air freshener, as claimed in claim 10, comprising a double sided adhesive tape (40), said double sided adhesive tape (40) comprising:
(a) a carrier material (23) having a first surface (25) and a second surface (24);
(b) a first adhesive layer (26) on the first surface (25);
(c) a second adhesive layer (27) on the second surface (24); and
(d) a peel layer (28) removably adhered to the second adhesive layer (27);
wherein the first adhesive layer (26) is applied on the outer surface (21) of the second material (20).
13. The air freshener, as claimed in claim 12, wherein the carrier material (23) comprises materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly ester (PE), and combinations thereof.
14. The air freshener, as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first adhesive layer (26) and the second adhesive layer (27) comprise of materials selected from the group consisting of Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA); polyolefin’s; starches; styrenic block copolymers (SBC); natural rubber; polybutylene; acrylics; polyurethanes; epoxies; polyesters; polyamides; silicones; a hot-melt adhesive; a synthetic adhesive; a water-based adhesive including either or both natural or synthetic ingredients; a natural adhesive and combinations thereof.
15. The air freshener, as claimed in claim 12, wherein the peel layer (28) comprises of materials selected from the group consisting of paper, poly-coated paper, Super Calandered Kraft paper, Clay Coated Kraft paper, Machine Finished Kraft, Machine Glazed paper, polyester film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Bi-Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP), poly propylene (PP) plastic resins, and high density poly ethylene (HDPE) film substrates.
16. The air freshener, as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second material (20) has an edge (31), the peel layer (28) includes a tab (29) extending outward beyond the edge (31) of the second material (20).
17. The air freshener, as claimed in claims 1 to 16, wherein said package may be in the form of any suitable shape or size.
18. The air freshener, as claimed in claims 1 to 11, wherein one seam (5) has an orifice (7) for attaching a means (6) for hanging the air freshener.