RELEASABLY ENCAPSULATED AROMA
PRIOR ITY CLAIM
This application claims priority to U.S. Uti lity Patent Application No. 12/223.834,
filed September I, 20 11. titled R l asably Encapsulated Aroma ', the entire
disclosure o f which is herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an aroma delivery system . In particular. .the invention relates
to an aroma delivers' system comprising one or more polar, non-polar and/or volati le
aroma compounds encapsulated in gelatin capsules. Product packages and the likecomprising
such re leasable aroma also are provided.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Consumers evaluate many products by the aroma emitted from the product or the
container in which the product is made available. Some consumers prefer to perceive
a characteristic product odor each time the package is opened. Edible products such
as juices and coffee, are expected to have a fresh aroma that repl icates or evokes
memory o f the expected flavor of the product. Research has shown that aromas can in
some instances have substantial impact on consumer perception of the taste of a
beverage or other food, trigger a favorable emotional response, elicit a favorable
memory, and/or otherwise improve overall product performance. Inedible consumer
products such as personal care products also are evaluated by the aroma. For
example, consumers seek mouthwashes that provide a fresh' aroma and deodorants
for example, that provide a selected effect such as fresl or "sport' . Laundry
detergents and fabric softeners also may provide such an effect.
When a beverage or other food container is first opened, i is often desirable tha the
consumer perceives the aroma of the food. Because the food ' s ingredients usual ly
determine its aroma, those ingredients can be selected to provide a pleasant aroma, as
well as the desired taste characteristics. In some cases it may be problematic,
however, to make use of this phenomenon without modi fying the ingredients to
include aromatic compounds that would adversely affect the taste of the food or
beverage. Therefore, packagers have attempted to design containers that for
example release an aromatic substance when the container is opened. Simi lar aroma
release may be necessary or useful for other consumer products as well . For example
because the aroma of the product is a signi ficant factor used by consumers when
selecting personal care products consumers commonly attempt to open personal care
products to smell the fragrance of the product before deciding to purchase. The
quality or impression created often leads to an immediate decision on whether to
purchase a product.
The aroma of a product often is not adequately revealed when the consumer opens the
container because the ori fice through which a product is dispensed is small, or a
safety fi lm is used under the cap to protect the integrity of the product. Add itiona lly,
it often is difficu lt to deliver adequate aroma to a headspace of a contai ner that comes
from the beverage itself, and not from the container. Therefore, overwraps tha
release aroma and strips on the outside of the container that release aroma, also
known as scratch and sni f strips, have been used to deliver aroma to consumers.
However, overwraps, once breached, may present an unsatisfactory appearance to the
consumer and typical ly are not effective in retaining an aroma. Devices placed on the
outside of packages are also not always satisfactory for a consumer who expects to
perceive the aroma from the product itsel f when the container is opened, rather than
from the outside of its container. Also, consumers often do not have con fidence tha
scratch-ancl-sni ff devices accurately portray the aroma of the product. Therefore
consumers lend to open the cap or c losure of a product's packaging, seeking to
experience the product's aroma.
Thus, there exists a need for an aroma delivery system for consumer products of
diverse types. In particular, there exists a need for an aroma del ivery system for
delivery of aroma materia ls that are polar hydrophi lic. or volatile.
BR F SUMM Y OF THE INVENTION
A first aspect of the invention is directed to an aroma delivery system that comprises
gelatin capsules each having a surface and formed of material comprising gelatin. An
aroma material comprising an aroma compound (i.e., at least one compound effective
to create an aroma when released into the air) is releasably encapsulated in the gelatin
capsules. A secondary protective coat ing is provided on the surface ol' the gelatin
capsules to protect the capsules and the aroma compounds encapsu lated in them from
degradation, e.g., due to exposure to moisture, oxygen, etc. The gelat in capsu les can
be disposed on product packaging, e.g.. on a beverage bottle, other food container,
etc., to be ruptured or broken open during opening of the package. The secondary
protective coaling can be provided on the surface of the gelatin capsules after
applying the capsules to the packaging. The capsules are ruptured or broken open
during opening o f the package, typically., for example, by friction or impact contact
between surfaces of the packaging, e.g., between the surface of a container and an
adjacent surface of a closure device for the container, which closure device is moved
relative to the container to open the container. In certain embodiment, for example,
the gelatin capsu les with secondary protective coating arc appl ied at the interlace of a
bottle cap and the neck of the bottle such that pulling or twisting the cap off ruptures
at least some of the gelatin capsules and releases aroma compounds to be favorably
perceived by the consumer at that point of consumption.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the aroma material inc ludes at least a compound
selected from the group consisting of a volati le compound, a polar compound, a
hydrophobic compound, and combinations of any of them. The aroma compounds
typically are volati le, and encapsulating in the gelatin capsules applied to a product
package can preserve them for release when the package is opened by the consumer.
However, gelatin capsules are moisture sensitive and lose their performance
associated aroma character change when the capsule is stored under high hum idity
conditions, e.g., the high relative humidity conditions often existing during transport
or storage of (bod packages. In accordance with this disclosure, the performance of
gelatin capsules containing aroma material, e.g., their stabi l ity, is improved by a
secondary protective polymer coating on the surface o f the gelatin capsules. The
secondary protective coating of the aroma del ivery systems d isclosed here can reduce
or el iminate degradation of the aroma material during use, storage, shipment, etc..
e.g., when the gelatin capsules are on product packaging. .In certain exemplary
embodiments the secondary protective coating comprises or consists essential ly of a
polysaccharide, a synthetic polymer, a natural wax. a natural biopolymer, a natural
f lm former, other suitable material of or a combination of any o f them .
In another aspect, a container is provided having an openablc closure, for example a
hand-openable closure, e.g., a beverage bottle with a threaded or otherwise removable
and re-closable cap, and an aroma delivery system as disclosed above. The delivery
system is on a surface of the closure or is otherwise associated with the closure to
release at least a portion o f the encapsu lated aroma when the closure is opened. In
certain exemplary embodiments, a sufficient quantity o f the delivery system is
disposed at the interface o f a beverage bottle and its threaded or otherwise removable
and re-closable cap, that a portion of the delivery system is released each o f multiple
times (e.g.. at least the first two times) the cap is removed from the bottle.
These and other aspects, advantages and features of the technology disclosed here will
become further apparent from the following more detai led description o f certain
exemplary embod iments or versions of the delivery systems and product packaging
It should be understood that the various alternative embodiments or versions and
optional features of the various embodiments described here, and others that arc
apparent from such description are not: mutually exclusive. Rather, all embodiments
having any or all compatible combination or permutation o f those features arc
contemplated as within the scope of this invention.
BRI EF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows embodiments of th invention on a threaded closure.
Figure 2 shows embodiments of the invention on a snap closure.
Figures 3A and 3B are micrographs demonstrating improved stability for gelatin
capsules having a secondary coating in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention disclosed here.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Various examples and embodiments of the inventive subject matter disclosed here are
possible and will be apparent to the person o f ordinary ski ll in the art, given the
benefit of this disclosure. In this disclosure reference to ''certain exemplary
embodiments" (and similar phrases) means that those embodiments ar merely nonlimiting
examples o f the inventive subject matter and that there likely are other
alternative embod iments which are not excluded. Unless otherwise indicated or
unless otherwise clear from the context in which it is described, alternative elements
or features in the embodiments and examples below and in the Summary above are
interchangeable with each other. That is, an element described in one example may
be interchanged or substituted for one or more corresponding elements described in
another example. Sim ilarly, optional or non-essential features disclosed in connection
with a particular embodiment or example should be understood to be disclosed for use
in any other embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. More general ly, the
elements of the examples should be understood to be disclosed general ly for use with
other aspects and examples of the devices and methods disclosedjierein. A reference
to a component or ingredient being operative, i.e., able to perform one or more
functions, tasks and/or operations or the like, is intended to mean that it can perform
the expressly recited function(s). task(s) and/or operation(s) in at least certain
embodiments, and may well be operative to perform also one or more other functions,
tasks and/or operations. While this disclosure includes speci fic examples, including
presently preferred modes or embodiments, those skilled in the art wil l appreciate that
there are numerous variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention as set forth in the appended claims. Each word and phrase used in the
claims is intended o include all its dict ionary meanings consistent with its usage in
this disclosure and/or with its technical and industry usage in any relevant technology
area. Indefinite articles, such as a, and "an" and the definite article "the" and other
such words and phrases are used in the claims in the usual and traditional way in
patents, to mean " at least one" or "one or more." The word " comprising " is used in
the claims to have its traditional, open-ended meaning, that is, to mean that the
product or process defined by the claim may optionally also have additional features
elements, etc. beyond those expressly recited.
In certain exemplary embodiments, an aroma delivery system comprises an aroma
compound releasably encapsulated in gelatin capsules. The gelatin capsules have a
coating, referred to here as a secondary protective coating.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the aroma delivery system is associated with
product packaging in a manner that it at least a portion of the encapsulated aroma is
released when the package is opened. For example, the del ivery system can be
associated with a cap. plug, seal or other type o f closure of a package. In certain
exemplary embodiments the closure is openable and rc-closable. In certain exemplary
embodiments the del ivery system is associated with the product packaging by being
carried on a surface of the container and/or of the closure device, e.g., at the interface
between them, in a manner that causes release of the encapsulated aroma material
(and, so, o f the aroma compound(s) included in the aroma material), thereby releasing
the desired aroma to be perceived by the consumer. Optionally a sufficient quantity
of the delivery system is provided such that aroma is released each time the container
is opened, multiple times, e.g., two or more times, three or more times etc. In certain
exemplary embodiments of the invention, the aroma is released when the gelat in
capsule and the secondary protective coating are breached or broken and the aroma
compound in the gelatin capsule is exposed to the atmosphere. Thus, embodiments of
the invention can be applied to a screw-top container, to a flip-top container or to any
friction-type closure tha upon opening, will breach or break at least some of the
gelatin capsu les and the secondary protective coating to expose the aroma compound
and a llow the release of the aroma. The delivery system can be applied, e.g., to th
threads of a screw-on cap, to the contact area of a snap-on closure, to the surface of a
plug that contacts the inside wal ls of a container opening upon being inserted or
removed.
A so, multiple d ifferent embodiments of the delivery systems disclosed here can be
appl ied to a product's packaging whereby a different aroma is achieved upon one
opening of the package and a different aroma is achieved upon a subsequent open ing.
In such embodiments, for example, the different delivery systems can b layered one
on another, spatial ly separated, or other associated with the packaging.
Certain exemplary embodiments of the beverage container products include ready-iodrink
beverages, beverage concentrates, syrups, shel f-stable beverages, refrigerated
beverages, frozen beverages, and the like; carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks
liquid concentrates, fru it juice and fruit juice-flavored drinks, sports drinks, energy
drinks, forti fied/enhanced water drinks, soy drinks vegetable drinks, grain-based
drinks (e.g., malt beverages), fermented drinks (e.g.. yogurt and kefir), coffee
beverages, tea beverages, dairy beverages, and mixtures thereof. Beverage container
products include bottles, cans, and carton products and fountain syrup appl ications.
Embodiments of the invention can be useful for food containers for foods other than
beverages including, e.g.. snacks, cakes, cookies, baked goods, fermented food
products, yogurt, sour cream, cheese, salsa, ranch dip. fruit sauces, fruit jel l ies, fruit
jams, and fruit preserves.
In certain exemplary embodiments, an aroma compound is entrapped in a gelatin
capsule. The aroma compound typically is selected to provide the aromatic
experience expected by the user by providing an aroma that is representative of, and
congruent with, the product in the container. The gelatin capsule is selected to entrap
the aroma compound, protect the aroma compound from degradation and premature
or unintended release, and release the aroma when the gelatin capsule is breached or
broken.
The precise aroma used with a product will vary, depending on the intended effect.
For example, products that desireably have a ' fresh' or 'sport' aroma, likely will have
that type of aroma encapsulated for delivery from an aro a del ivery system
embodiment of the invention. Similarly, edible products typically will have an aroma
delivery system that enhances or compliments the natural aroma of the edible product,
such as a coffee aroma, a fresh fruit aroma, or a beverage flavor aroma.
Polar and non-polar aroma compounds can be encapsulated in the aroma delivery
system of the invention. Certain exemplary embodiments of the invention are
directed o an aroma delivery system in which the aroma compound is polar
hydrophi l ic, non-polar, hydrophobic, or volatile. T he aroma material in certain
embodiments is a sol id or a powder. The ski lled practitioner will recogn ize from is
disclosure that an aroma delivery system capable of delivering polar, hydrophil ic, and
more volati le compounds may in at least certain embodiments also be capable of
delivering a non-polar or hydrophobic aroma compound. Other embodiments of the
invention are directed to the release of an aroma from volatile or polar (or
hydrophilic) aroma compounds. Sti l l other embodiments of the invention are directed
to aroma delivery systems appl ied to containers used for food and beverage packaging
applications. Certain exemplary embodiments are directed to the entrapment of
volatile polar aroma compounds.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the aroma compound (or at least one of them if
multiple aroma compounds is included in the encapsulated aroma material) is polar or
non-polar, hydrophobic or hydrophi lic, and/or has other properties. In certain
exemplary embodiments the aroma compounds comprise perfumes o any type,
including natural perfumes such as, for example, frankincense, and manufactured
perfumes; essential o ils, such as, for example. Valenc ia lemon, lime grapefruit,
tangerine, orange, and sandalwood; components of essential oils, such as. for
example, limonene, citral, furaneol, vanillin, and other terpenes, sesquiterpenes
diterpenes, and oxygenated forms of these terpene compounds; and other fru it
essences or aromas, such as, for example, cherry, pineapple, apple, and mango; or
combinations of any o f them. In certain embodiments of the invention, the aroma
compound comprises a coflee aroma, comprising any one or more of the many
aliphatic, acyclic, aromatic benzenoids. heterocyclics, and other compound types
known to be present in coffee or coffee aroma. In certain embodiments the aroma
compounds may be used in combination.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is currently understood thai the gelatin
capsules with the secondary protective coating protect the aroma material and its
aroma compounil(s) from degradation and premature release. The gelatin capsules
wil l then release the aroma in response to being breached or broken open, most
typical ly by the action of opening the container. In certain exemplary embodiments
of the invention, this breach or breaking is occasioned by contact between the product
container and a surface of the closure device of the container, e.g.. by friction during
sliding contact between their surfaces or impact contact, etc.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the diameter of the gelatin capsules is in the range
o f 10 microns to 50 microns. It will be understood by those skilled in the art given
the benefit of this disclosure, tha suitable sizing for the capsules will be determined
in part by the nature o f the packaging and the manner in which the capsules are
associated with the packaging.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the gelatin capsules are selected for a part icular
usage to resist environmental conditions or circumstances that would degrade the
gelatin capsu les or the aroma compounds. Tor example gelatin capsules used in food
packaging typical ly should be selected to be resistant to moisture, food acids, and
other ingredients in the container. Similarly, an aroma del ivery system used in a
container for a product that emits a vapor, such as a solvent, typically should be
adec|uately resistant to that vapor. The gelatin capsule also may be chosen or
compatibi l ity with the physical and chemical properties of the aroma mater ial
including the one or more aroma compounds, any solvents, diluents, carriers and other
materials of the aroma material. The gelatin capsule also may be selected to protect
the aroma compound encapsulated therein against heat, moisture, light, especial ly
ultraviolet light, and other deleterious conditions.
In certain exemplary embodiments, i.e., non-limiting examples or version o f the
del ivery systems disclosed here, the gelatin capsules encapsulating the aroma material
are gelatin-hydroco! loid capsules. They can be formed, e.g., o f a coacervate material
comprising one or more gelatin and one or more anion ic compounds, opt iona lly with
a cross-linking agent and/or other auxiliary materials. In certain embodiments the at
least one anionic polymer may be selected from gum arabic, modified starch, pectin,
alginate, and combinations of any of them. The complex coaccrvates o f the gelatin
capsules can be formed in accordance with known techniques. For example, they can
be formed by combining a solution of the gelatin with the aroma material to form an
oi l-in-water emulsion, and then adding anionic polymer(s) to form the complex
coacervate capsules, i.e., the gelatin capsules, encapsu lating the aroma compounds.
The gelatin capsu les may be, for example, gelatin-pectin, gelatin-alginate. gelat ingum
arabic, gelalin-carboxymethyl cellulose, etc. Combinations of any one or more
types of gelatin capsules may be used.
A s disclosed above, the aroma delivery systems further comprise a secondary
protective coating on the surface of the gelatin capsules. Such secondary protective
coating is especial ly advantageous, for example, in certain embodiments with an
aroma compound that is particularly volatile or sensitive to degradation, or has a
tendency to becoming unstable during storage. In such embodiments, it is believed
that the secondary protective coating inhibits or prevents aroma material leaking from
the capsules and/or moisture or oxygen penetration into the capsules. In this way, the
secondary coating on the capsules helps to prevent or reduce oxidation and. to
maintain aroma character. The secondary protective coating helps to retain the
integrity o f the aroma compound and the aroma delivery system. In certain
embodiments, the secondary protective coating provides additional resistance to
moisture, and so is moisture resistant. Thus, the secondary protective coating mayserve
different purposes, and the composition o f the coat ing thus can be selected to
serve particular intended purposes.
In certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, secondary protective coatings
comprise bio-polymers, polysaccharides such as pectin, agar, carragecnan, alginate,
guar gum, xanthan gum, gellan gum. acacia gum, locust bean gum, gum ghatti, starch,
modified starch, cellulose, and carboxymelhylcellulose; synthetic polymers, such as
polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylates, polystyrene-acrylatc, polysters.
polyurethanes, polyureas. melam ine/formaldehyde resins, and polysiloxancs; natural
waxes, beeswax such as carnauba wax, candellila wax. shel lac, and natura l film
formers such as natural shellac and corn zein protein; or combinations o f any of them .
In certain embodiments, the secondary protective coating may be appl ied to a portion
of the surface of th gelatin capsules. In alternative embod iments, the secondary
protective coating may be applied to the entire surface of the gelatin capsules. In
certain embodiments, the secondary protective coating may be applied to the gelatin
capsules before they have been applied to the container, or alternatively, the
secondary protective coating may be applied to the gelatin capsules after they have
been applied to the container. In certain embodiments, the secondary protecti ve
coating may additionally cover a portion of the container, for example, to ensure that
the edges of the gelatin capsules are sealed against degradation. The secondary
protective coating may be appl ied to the gelatin capsules by spray coating, painting
on, etc. In certain embodiments, the aroma del ivery system comprising the secondary
protective coating may be applied to a container for an edible product. In such
embodiments, the secondary protective coating typical ly should comprise food-safe
materials.
The delivery system is formed by encapsulat ing aroma material, e.g.; aroma material
comprising or consisting essentially o f one or more aroma compounds, in the gelatin
capsules and applying the secondary coaling. Delivery systems in accordance with
certain embodiments of the invention are made by encapsulating the aroma material in
the gelatin capsules, for example, by mixing th aroma material with gelatin and an
anionic polymer. The resulting capsules can be applied to a container, e.g.. to the
main body of the container and/or to its cap or other closure device. After drying the
secondary coating is appl ied to the surface of gelatin capsules. The capsules can be
applied, optionally with or without other materials e.g., a binder or carrier, such as
water or other liquid a film forming material, a paste, adhesive, etc. In certain
embodiments the aroma delivery system is appl ied as a liquid, powder paste or other
suitable form. In certain embodiments the aroma delivery system dries after being
applied, to form a fi lm on the surfacc(s) of the container. In certain embodiments the
aroma delivery system is disposed on flat surface areas, in grooves, threads, nooks or
crevices or the like, or a combination of any of those, on one or more surfaces of the
container, optionally including one or more closure surfaces. Suitable binders
(alternatively referred to here as a carrier) for applying the gelatin capsule to a product
package prior to applying the protective secondary coating will depend at least in
part, on the particular application, including, e.g., the packaging material, its shape
and/or intended usage. Exemplary binders suitable for various appl ications include
vinyl c or vinyl-containing polymers, e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, etc..
and natural film form ing polymers or bio-polymers, e.g.. starch or other
polysaccharides. In, some embodiments, edible or (bod safety approved materials
may be used. Other suitable binders wil l be apparent to those ski lled in the art given
the benefit of this disclosure
In certain exemplary embodiments, an aroma delivery system as disc losed here is
applied to the closure of a container and allowed to dry to form a film. The secondary
coating is added after the gelatin capsules are on the closure and dried. In such
embodiments the film is located on the closure so that removing the closure will
abrade, breach, or break at least some of the gelatin capsu les of the aroma delivery
system and allow the aroma compound to escape when the container is opened. In
certain embodiment the aroma-containing gelatin capsules are provided as an
emulsion, such as an oil-in-water emulsion or slurry. Typically such oil-in-watcr
emulsion embodiments can be applied onto the package by coating, spraying,
printing, brushing, etc. Such methods of application will be suitable for other
embodiments as well. Other suitable methods of application wil l be apparent to those
ski lled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.
[32] In alternative embodiments, a powder or solid aroma compound, such as furaneol or
vanill in, may be melted by heating prior to adding and encapsulated into the gelat in
capsules. In certain exemplary embodiments, the aroma material consists essentially
of only one or more volatile aroma compounds. In other embodiments the aroma
material may include aroma compounds in a solvent, carrier, d iluent or the like. In
such embodiments the combined, i.e., total concentration of the one or more aroma
compounds in the aroma material encapsulated in the gelatin capsules may be, e.g..
from about 1 to about 50 percent w/w, e.g.. from I to 40 percent wAv, typical ly
between about 10 and about 40 percent w/w, and more typically between about 20
and about 30 percent w/w.
[33] In certain exemplary embodiments the surface of the container may be treated or
prepared to ensure that the aroma del ivery system adheres sufficiently to the
container. For example, it may be necessary in some applications to roughen the
surface of a container formed from polyethylene terephthalate, or to apply an
appropriate surface primer. Suitable primers for at least some embodiments can b
selected from polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate. Any suitable method of
surface preparation may be employed to ensure sufficient adhesion of the appl ied
aroma del ivery system.
[34 ] In certain exemplary embodiments, the aroma delivery system is appl ied to the
closure, such as the cap, of the container. The aroma del ivery system may be appl ied
to a portion of the closure that is on the outside of the container, bu under or with in
the closure. This placement causes breaching, breaking, scraping, or abrading of the
del ivery system to expose the aroma compound to the atmosphere and liberate the
aroma so that the aroma is perceived by the consumer. The placement also protects
the aroma delivery system from contact with external entities and ensures that the film
is protected and not damaged by, for example, contact with other containers. In
alternative embodiments, the aroma delivery system is appl ied to the inside of a
container that has a closure that is torn open or may be crushed or crumpled upon
opening, thus breaching breaking, scraping, or abrad ing of the aroma delivery system
to expose the aroma compound to the atmosphere and liberate the aroma so that the
aroma is perceived by the consumer.
In certain embodiments the container comprises a threaded cap on a neck, such as on
a bottle. In such embodiments, the aroma delivery system can be appl ied to the
outside o the neck and/or the inside of the cap, typically in the area of the threads that
hold the cap on. The aroma delivery system will in such embodiments be located
under the cap, so that the cap protects the del ivery system during storage and
transport, yet abrades, scrapes, breaches, or breaks the capsules when the cap is
removed, thus releasing aroma.
In alternative embodiments, the aroma delivery system may be applied to a container
having a closure, including a threaded closure having the threads on the inside of a
neck of the container; a slide-in closure such as a cork or a stopper of metal glass, or
rubber, and including a stopper retained by a bail (a "Lightning " closure), or a
"'Baltimore loop;" or a snap-on or a slide-on cap or cover.
Drawing Figures IA - 1C illustrate an embodiment of the invention on a threaded
cap. Container 00, such as a bottle, has neck 10 1 with spiral threads 02 formed on
the outside thereof. Annular ring 103 also may be formed on neck 10 1 below threads
02. Flange 104 may be present to provide the used with support for pourin from
the container.
Container 100 is closed by cap 10, which has interior threads 111 complementary to
threads 102. Threads 11 cooperate with thread 1 2 to securely close container 100.
Cap 110 also may have a security feature 05 incorporating flange 1 3 that
cooperates with ring 103. Security feature 105 may include a separation point at 1 2.
so that cap 110 detaches from security feature 105 when the container is opened, or
may otherwise indicate that container 00 has .been opened, perhaps by deforming
flange 1 3.
Del ivery system 109 is appl ied to neck 10 in the area o f threads 02 and 103 at a
point where cap 110, and particularly threads 11. flange 113, or any combination
thereof, when the cap is twisted off the container, rub against neck 10 1 and delivery
system 09 thereon with force sufficient to release aroma from delivery system 09.
Drawing Figures 2 - 2C illustrate embodiments of the invention for a snap-type
closure having delivery system 109 appl ied thereto. Cap 200 has top 20 1 and body
205, and may be attached to each other by hinge 203. To close the container, lop 20 1
is retained on body 205 by a friction or interference fit or snap f with ridge 2 10. op
edge 202 typical ly contacts rim 206 and the top of ridge 2 10 contacts the interior of
top 2 when the container is closed. Interior edge 204 of top 2 thus rubs outside
edge 2 with force su fficient to break or breach delivery system 109 appl ied o
outside edge 2 I to release aroma therefrom. Delivery system 1 9 may be attached to
all of or to any portion of outside edge .
In the examples provided, the delivery system may also be appl ied to inside portion
12 1 a locations where cap 110 rubs on threads 102, or on interior edge 204.
Figures 3A and 3B are micrographs showing improved stability for gelatin capsu les
having a secondary coating in accordance with an embod iment of this disclosure.
Fig. 3A shows gelatin capsules containing liquid aroma material appl ied to a surface
and then exposed to 92% relative hum idity (RH) at room temperature (rt) for three
days. Capsu les are broken and areas of leaked l iquid are evident, such thai it can be
seen that many of the capsules have ruptured, al lowing the formerly encapsu lated
aroma material to escape. In contrast, Fig. 3B shows approximately the same density
of the same gelatin capsules containing the same l iquid aroma material ( i.e., a second
portion of the same batch of gelatin capsules) applied to the same surface (i.e., a
di fferent area of the same material) and then exposed to 92% relative hum idity (RH)
a room temperature (rt) for ten days. It can be seen that essentially all of the gelatin
capsules are intact, i .e., they have not ruptured and they have not al lowed the
encapsulated aroma material to escape. Essentially no leaked liqu id is present.
Accordingly, the advantageous protection of the gelatin capsules and the encapsulated
aroma material is demonstrated by the results this comparison shown in Figs. 3A and
3B.
Examples. The following Table shows the results of testing of gelatin capsu les
containing aroma material in accordance with this disclosure, and comparative results
or otherwise identical gelatin capsules having no secondary protective coating on the
surface of the capsules. In each case the gelatin capsules were the same, being
formed of gelatin complex coacervates with the encapsulated aroma material
consisting essential ly of lemon oil. The storage conditions in each case were the
same being 90 percent relative humidity at 25°C. The aroma intensity was judged by
releasing the aroma material from the then-remaining gelatin capsules of the delivery
system, by breaching or rupturing the capsules. It can be seen from the results in
Table 1. that the secondary protective coating improved the performance of the aroma
delivery systems. Those delivery systems that had a secondary protective coating in
accordance with this disclosure are seen to have delivered greater aroma intensity than
the delivery system without a secondary protective coating, even though the delivery
system without a secondary protective coating was subjected to a much shorter
storage duration of only 3 days instead of the two weeks storage o f the invention
embodiments.
[45] Tabic 1. Gelatin Capsule Performance
Secondary Coating Storage Aroma Intensity
Duration
o e 3 days very weak not perceivable
Polyvinyl acetate 2 weeks strong perceivable
Shel lac wax 2 weeks strong, perceivable
Polyaery ate 2 weeks strong perceivable
Polystyrene-acrylate 2 weeks strong, perceivable
Melamine- 2 weeks strong, perceivable
fbrma ldehyde resin
Pectin 2 weeks medium-strong, perceivable
Carboxy methy Ice ulose 2 weeks medium-strong, percei vable
Polyvinyl alcohol 2 weeks medium-strong, perceivable
Zein 2 weeks medium-strong, perceivable
is believed that the aroma delivery system protects the aroma compound from
oxidation or other degradation prevents leakage, and maintains the aroma character.
Various embodiments of the invention can provide a number of advantages over other
aroma delivery systems, includ ing easy handling and an easy manufacturing process,
and good protection for th aroma material. The materials i.e., the aroma
compound(s). the gelatin capsule and the secondary protective coating used to
construct the aroma delivery system optionally are food contact- or food-approved
materia ls, as appropriate. Other advantages of at least some embodiment of the
delivery system disclosed here include that the aroma del ivery system is moisture
resistant or even, in some cases, moisture-proof, colorless and/or transparent.
The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embod iments.
Obviously, modifications and alterations wi l l occur to others upon reading and
understand ing the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be
construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come
within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
e Claim :
1. An aroma del ivery system comprising:
gelatin capsules each having a surface and formed of material comprising gelatin;
an aroma material comprising an aroma compound that is releasably encapsulated in
the gelatin capsu les; and
a secondary protective coating on the surface of the gelatin capsules.
2. The aroma delivery system of claim I . wherein the gelatin capsules comprise complex
coacervates formed of gelatin and anionic hydrocolloid polymer.
3. The aroma delivery system of claim , wherein the gelatin capsules ar formed of
materials comprising gelatin-pectin complex coacervates, gelatin-alginate complex
coacervates, gelatin-gum arabic complex coacervates or ge a in-carboxy methyl cel lulose
complex coacervates.
4. The aroma del ivery system of claim 1. wherein the aroma compound is selected from
a volati le compound, a polar compound, a hydrophobic compound, and combinations of any
of them .
5. The aroma delivery system of claim I , wherein the aroma compound is selected from
an essential oil, a component of an essential oi l, a fruit essence, a fru it aroma, a perfume, or
combinations thereof.
6. The aroma delivery system of claim I, wherein the secondary protective coating
comprises a polysaccharide, a synthetic polymer, a natural wax, a natural biopolymer, a
natural film former, or combinations thereof.
7. The aroma del ivery system of claim 1, wherein the gelatin capsu le has a diameter in
the range of 0 microns to 50 microns.
8. The aroma delivery system of claim , wherein the combined concentration of the one
or more aroma compounds in the aroma material encapsulated in the gelatin capsule is in the
range of to 50 percent vvAv.
9 . A product package ' comprising:
a container;
an opcnable closure lor the container, and
an aroma del ivery system associated with the closure to release aroma when the
closure is removed from the container, the aroma delivery system comprising:
gelatin capsu les each having a surface and formed of materia l comprising
gelatin;
an aroma material comprising an aroma com pound that is releasably
encapsulated in the gelatin capsules; and
a secondary protective coating on the surface of the gelatin capsu les.
10 . The product package of claim 9, wherein the gelatin is selected from gclai in-pectiii.
gelatin-alginate, gelatin-gum arabic, gelatin-carboxymcthyl cel lu lose or any gclatin-anionic
hydrocol loid capsules.
I. The product package of claim 9. wherein the aroma compound is selected from the
group consisting of a volati le compound, a polar compound, a hydrophobic compound, and
combinations o f any of them .
. The aroma del ivery system of claim 9, wherein the aroma compound is selected from
an essential oil, a component of an essential oil, a fruit essence, a fruit aroma, a perfume, or
combinations thereof.
13. The product package of claim 9, wherein the secondary protective coating consists
essential y o f one or more natural materials.
4 . The product package of claim 3, wherein the secondary protective coating consists
essential ly of at least one natural biopolyincr.
1 . The product package of claim 9, wherein the secondary protective coating comprises
a natural film form ing material.
16. The product package o f claim 9. wh r in the secondary protect ive coating comprises
polyviny l alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylate, polyslyrene-acrylaie, polyster,
polyurethane, polyurea, melamine/formaldehyde res in. polysiloxane, biopolymer.
polysaccharide; natural wax, bees wax, carnauba wax. candell ila wax. sliellac natural shellac
corn zein protein, or a combination of any of them.
17. The product package of claim 9, wherein the secondary protective coaling comprises
polysaccharide selected from pectin, agar, carragccnan, alginate, guar gum, xanthan gum.
gellan gum, acacia gum, locust bean gum, gum ghatti. cellulose, carboxymcthylccl !ulose and
a combination of any o f them.
8. The product package of claim 9. wherein at least a majority of the gelat in capsules
each has a diameter in the range of 0 microns to 50 microns.
1 . The product package of claim 9, wherein the concentration of the aroma compound in
the gelatin capsule is in the range of 1 to 50 percent w/vv.
20. The product package of claim 9, wherein the closure is a removable and re-closeable.
hand-openable closure.
. The product package of claim 9. wherein the closure has a surface having, an interface
with a surface of the container and a least a portion of the aroma delivery system is
positioned at the interface.
22. The product package of claim 9, wherein the closure comprises a threaded cap. a
slide-in closure, a snap-on cap. or a s lide-on cap.
23. The product package of claim 9, wherein the container is a bottle and wherein the
closure is a threaded cap.
24. The product package of claim 23, wherein a portion o f the aroma delivery system is
released each of multiple times the threaded cap is removed from the bottle.