Assessment of perception of fragrance on skin

Abstract

The invention is concerned with a method for assessing the perception of a fragrance on the skin over time and distance as well as a partially or fully automated device assembly specifically adapted for the assessment.

Description

ASSESSMENT OF PERCEPTION OF FRAGRANCE ON SKINCLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 63 / 626,797, filed January 30, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention is concerned with a method for assessing the perception of a fragrance on the skin over time and distance as well as a partially or fully automated device assembly specifically adapted for the assessment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Choosing a perfume is a personal and sensory experience that reflects individual preferences, moods, and even identity. The right fragrance can evoke memories, enhance selfexpression, and influence how others perceive us. With a wide array of scent families — ranging from floral and fruity to woody, oriental, and fresh — there is a perfume for every occasion and personality. Understanding the composition of a fragrance, from top notes that are immediately detectable to base notes that linger over time, can guide you in selecting a scent that resonates with your tastes. When choosing a perfume, factors such as lifestyle, the season, and even the impression you wish to leave behind are important considerations. Ultimately, perfume choice is about finding a scent that feels uniquely yours, one that complements your essence and adds an invisible yet powerful layer to your presence.

[0004] Perfume has also a powerful impact on how we are perceived by others. A well- chosen fragrance can leave a lasting impression, influencing both personal and professional interactions. Scents have the ability to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and even shape how others perceive one's personality. For example, a light, fresh fragrance can project an image of approachability and vitality, while a deeper, more complex scent might suggest sophistication or mystery. Additionally, the way a fragrance interacts with an individual's natural body chemistry can further enhance its appeal, making it uniquely theirs. Whether subtle or bold, the scent we wear can subtly influence the atmosphere around us, affecting the way we connect with others and how we are remembered long after we've left the room.

[0005] The concept of a fragrance's "performance profile" refers to how a scent behaves once applied to the skin, particularly in terms of its sillage, longevity, and projection. Theseelements determine how noticeable the fragrance is to both the wearer and the people around them. The key aspects to be considered are:1. SillageSillage refers to the "trail" a fragrance leaves behind as you move around. A fragrance with strong sillage will create a noticeable cloud of scent that others can smell even after you've walked away. It's often associated with more "intense" or "powerful" fragrances, like certain florals, spices, or gourmand scents.On the other hand, fragrances with a softer sillage will not leave a pronounced trail and are more likely to stay close to the skin, making them subtler and more intimate.2. ProjectionProjection describes how far the fragrance extends from the wearer. A high-projection fragrance is one that can be smelled from a distance (e.g., from several feet away or even across a room). This type of fragrance tends to have a broader impact and can sometimes even impact others in a social setting before they are directly close to the wearer.Low-projection fragrances, on the other hand, stay closer to the skin and are less noticeable by people around the wearer. These fragrances are often described as "skin scents" because they seem to meld with the natural scent of the wearer.3. LongevityLongevity refers to how long a fragrance lasts on the skin after application. Some perfumes may last for just a few hours, while others can endure for an entire day or even longer. The longevity is often impacted by the concentration of oils, the type of ingredients used, and the wearer’s skin chemistry.Fragrances with longer longevity are generally more noticeable over time, though some of them may fade into a more subtle scent as the day goes on, while others may retain their strength.

[0006] In general terms, the impact on others vs. personal experience can be classified as follows:• Fragrances with strong diffusion (high sillage and projection) are typically the ones that impact those around the wearer. These are often used in social situations or environments where the fragrance is intended to be noticed, such as at parties,gatherings, or other public settings. People around you will detect the scent, and it can even leave a lasting impression once you've passed.• Fragrances with more intimate performance (low sillage and projection) are those that stay closer to the skin and are more for the wearer’s personal enjoyment. These are ideal for situations where you don’t want to overwhelm others, or for scenarios where a more subtle and personal connection to the scent is preferred — like during a quiet day at home or for private moments.

[0007] In essence, a fragrance’s performance determines whether it has a broader presence that affects others, or whether it remains a personal, subtle experience for the wearer themselves. Choosing the right type of fragrance often depends on the occasion, the environment, and the level of attention you wish to attract with your scent.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify required or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] The present inventors have surprisingly found a method to assess the perception of a fragrance on the skin over time and distance. Among other effects, the method will enable consumers to make a complete experience based not only on hedonics but also on the fragrance performance and perception from others. Consumers will thus have the opportunity to assess how a fragrance will behave on their skin and how it will be perceived by others throughout the day and then take an informed decision on which fragrance to buy.

[0010] The method of the invention is based on the assessment of the perception, i.e. performance and expression, of a fragrance through four technical parameters, including:Impact: An immediate olfactory sensation and a measure of the intensity of a perfume in the first moments after application at a close distanceDiffusion: The intensity of a perfume at some distance from the source, representing how fast a fragrance radiates in space and fills it and permeates into the surrounding environment.Sillage: Refers to the ability of a scent to be smelled at a distance under dynamic air movement (active diffusion)Longlasting A performance index that measures the persistence of a fragrance for long times after its application but near the evaporating source.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention the provision of a device assembly for assessing the perception of a fragrance on the skin over time and distance, the assembly comprising at least two stations, each station comprising at least one device chosen from the group comprising i) A first device adapted to provide a measure of the intensity of a perfume in the first moments after application at a close distance; ii) A second device adapted to provide a measure of how fast a fragrance radiates in space and permeates into the surrounding environment; iii) A third device adapted to provide a measure of the ability of a scent to be smelled at a distance under dynamic air movement (active diffusion); iv) A fourth device adapted to provide a measure of the persistence of a fragrance for long times after its application near the evaporating source; wherein the assembly comprises at least all four devices; and wherein the assembly is provided with means to automatically or semi-automatically activate the at least four devices successively and in any order.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is a method to assess the perception of a fragrance on the skin over time and distance comprising: i) Providing a support material to assess the immediate olfactory sensation and the intensity of the fragrance; ii) Providing an enclosed space to assess the intensity of the fragrance at some distance from the source; iii) Providing a tube with forced air circulation to assess the perception of the fragrance at a distance under dynamic air movement; iv) providing a heated surface to assess the persistence of a fragrance for long times after its application near the source; v) selecting a fragrance and successively placing it in any order on or in the devices provided in steps i) to iv); and wherein the temperature for each of i)-iv) is independently controlled within a specified temperature range between 20°C and 40°C thus allowing the assessment of the perception of a fragrance on the skin over time and distance.

[0013] Specific temperature ranges at which the devices are operatable are 30°C to 37°C, specifically at 32°C, if the devices are set up to simulate the behavior of the perfume at skin temperature; or 20°C to 25°C to simulate the behavior of the perfume at room temperature. Each of the devices may be set independently at a different temperature within the ranges above depending on which behavior of the perfume is intended to be measured. By way of example, device i) can be set at 32°C to simulate the intensity of the perfume on the skin, whereas devices ii) to iv) are set at 20°C to 25°C (or any value in between) to simulate the corresponding parameters at room temperature. Any other combination of temperatures of the four devices is hereby explicitly disclosed.

[0014] In one particular embodiment the temperature for each of i)-iii) is independently controlled within a specified temperature range between 20°C and 25°C and wherein the temperature of iv) is independently controlled within a specified temperature range between 30°C and 37°C, preferably 32°C.

[0015] Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly, the foregoing summary and the following detailed description should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, certain aspects may be directed to various feature combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates the four steps of the method of the invention.

[0017] Fig 2 illustrates an embodiment of the device assembly of the present invention

[0018] Fig. 3 illustrates a further embodiment of the device assembly of the present invention from a side view and includes a view of the fan-end of the tube with the delivery arrangement.DEFINITIONS

[0019] Throughout this document, values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” or “about 0.1% to 5%” should be interpreted to include not just about 0.1% to about 5%, but also the individual values (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%)and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1% to 2.2%, 3.3% to 4.4%) within the indicated range. The statement “about X to Y” has the same meaning as “about X to about Y,” unless indicated otherwise. Likewise, the statement “about X, Y, or about Z” has the same meaning as “about X, about Y, or about Z,” unless indicated otherwise.

[0020] In this document, the terms “a,” “an,” or “the” are used to include one or more than one unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated. The statement “at least one of A and B” or “at least one of A or B” has the same meaning as “A, B, or A and B.” In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein, and not otherwise defined, is for the purpose of description only and not of limitation.

[0021] All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0022] The term “about” as used herein can allow for a degree of variability in a value or range, for example, within 10%, within 5%, or within 1% of a stated value or of a stated limit of a range and includes the exact stated value or range. The term “substantially” as used herein refers to a majority of, or mostly, as in at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or at least about 99.999% or more, or 100%.

[0023] The term “substantially free of’ as used herein can mean having none or having a trivial amount of, such that the amount of material present does not affect the material properties of the composition including the material, such that about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of the composition is the material, or about 0 wt% to about 1 wt%, or about 5 wt% or less, or less than or equal to about 4.5 wt%, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.01, or about 0.001 wt% or less, or about 0 wt%.

[0024] When percentages of ingredients in compositions are indicated, the standard error applies. For example, 3.0% is to be interpreted as 2.9% to 3.1%.

[0025] When the quantity of an ingredient of a composition is indicated as % or wt% it is intended over the total weight of the composition, unless otherwise indicated.

[0026] The term “ comprise .s” and variations thereof is to be interpreted as meaning both “includes” , “substantially consists of and “consists of, and variations thereof.

[0027] The expression “device assembly” is meant to describe an arrangement of individual devices. Each “device” is specifically adapted to carry out one specific step of the method of the present invention. For example, a “sillage device” is a device specifically adapted to measure the sillage of a fragrance. The individual devices are not simply juxtaposed in the assembly, they are rather interconnected by technical means that are specifically adapted to guide a user (expert perfumist or end-user) in implementing the method of the invention as well as exchange information with the user (expert perfumist or end-user). In particular, the technical means are in the form of a computing device comprising external interfaces like a screen, a keyboard and optionally a camera.

[0028] The expression “information from the user (expert perfumist or end-user)” is intended to describe any type of input from the user (expert perfumist or end-user), for example replies to closed questions or questionnaires, numerical evaluations based on a predetermined scale and free text input, this list being non-limiting.

[0029] The term “station” means a physical location of the device assembly where one or more of the constituent devices is located.

[0030] “Perfumes” are generally defined as mixtures comprising at least fragrances (commonly fragrant essential oils or aroma compounds), fixatives and solvents. They are usually in liquid form and are used to give the human body, animals, food, objects, and living spaces an agreeable scent.

[0031] “Fragrances” are chemical mixtures that have a pleasant smell. Often perfumes are called fragrances, therefore in the following description the terms are used interchangeably.

[0032] A “user” of the present invention can be both an expert perfumist and an end user. The end user might use the method and the device assembly of the present invention in order to take an informed decision on whether to buy or not a given perfume. In this case, the method can be performed in-shop.

[0033] A “wearer” is the person actually wearing a perfume. A perfume can be worn on the wrists, behind the earlobes, at the base of the neck, on the hair, on the chest and / or behind the knees.

[0034] When different embodiments are herein described that further specify different features of the present invention it is intended that these embodiments can be combined in afurther embodiment specifying two or more features of the present invention even when such combined embodiment is not explicitly described herein.

[0035] The expression “the perception of a fragrance over time and distance” relates to two parameters: a. Time: how a fragrance is perceived from the moment it is applied to the skin to a lapsed time later than the moment of application and is intended to cover the time span the fragrance is carried by the wearer before it is washed out. Specifically, the time span can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16 or more hours after application. Any lapsed time in between is hereby explicitly disclosed. b. Distance: how a fragrance is perceived by a wearer at any given physical distance from the wearer. The wearer might be standing or moving in the direction of the non-wearer or in any other direction relative to the non-wearer. The distance might be 50 cm, I m, 1.5 m, 2 m, 2.5 m, 3 m, 3.5 m, 4 m, 4.5 m, 5 m or more. Any intermediate distance between these distances is to be considered as herein disclosed explicitly.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Perfume testing is a complex and nuanced process that combines scientific analysis with personal preference. By evaluating factors such as composition, longevity, sillage, and personal experience, experts are able to assess and rate fragrances accurately. Also end-users may be asked to evaluate perfumes to help guide them in their perfume choices, ensuring that they find a scent that resonates with them.

[0037] The device assembly of the present invention for assessing the perception of a fragrance on the skin over time and distance comprises at least one station, each station comprising at least one device chosen from the group comprising i) A first device is adapted to provide a measure of the intensity of a perfume in the first moments after application at a close distance; ii) A second device is adapted to provide a measure of how fast a fragrance radiates in a closed space and permeates into the surrounding environment; iii) A third device is adapted to provide a measure of the ability of a scent to be smelled at a distance under dynamic air movement (active diffusion);iv) A fourth device is adapted to provide a measure of the persistence of a fragrance for long times after its application near the evaporating source; wherein the assembly comprises at least all four devices; and wherein the assembly is provided with means to activate the at least four devices successively and in any order.

[0038] The first device may comprise a drop machine or bottle of perfume and optionally a blotter.

[0039] The second device may comprise an enclosing element and a substrate / support suitable to be impregnated with a fragrance. In one embodiment the enclosing element is a glass bell.

[0040] The third device comprises a tube, an apparatus for forcing air from the ambient through the tube disposed at one end of the tube, an inlet port for introducing vapours of the fragrance into the tube via a duct connecting the inlet port to a sampler of fragrances, wherein the inlet port is situated between the air forcing device and the opposite end of the tube.

[0041] The fourth device may comprise an optionally heatable support, for example a hot plate.

[0042] The four devices may include a reservoir of samples to be tested.

[0043] Other embodiments that can be conceived by the skilled person to allow a user (expert perfumist or end-user) to evaluate the four parameters impact, diffusion, sillage and longlasting defined above fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0044] In one embodiment of operation of the third device, the fan will continue to run for an interval of at least about 30 seconds after the sample has been removed in order to desaturate the tube before the next fragrance is tested. The interval may be between about 20 sec and about 1 min, between about 20 sec and about 50 sec, between about 20 sec and about 40 sec or between about 25 sec and about 35 min.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, each station comprises a different device.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, each station comprising all four devices

[0047] In one embodiment, the device assembly according to the present invention comprises two stations, wherein one station comprises the first device and the second station comprises the second, third and fourth devices.

[0048] In one embodiment, the device assembly according to the present invention is also provided with means to evaluate the performance and perception of the fragrance over time and space.

[0049] By way of example, a user (expert perfumist or end-user) of the device assembly might first choose a fragrance to be tested and determine in which order he wishes to test the four parameters impact, diffusion, sillage and longlasting. He will then input this information in the means to direct the user (expert perfumist or end-user). In one embodiment the assembly will automatically place suitable samples of the chosen fragrance at the four devices. For example, he might start with the evaluation of the impact, in which case the means to direct the user (expert perfumist or end-user) will instruct the user (expert perfumist or end-user) to start at the station comprising the first device by dropping a drop of fragrance on a blotter and smelling it. If the user (expert perfumist or end-user) has indicated that he wishes to test next the diffusion of the fragrance, the means to direct the user (expert perfumist or end-user) will instruct the user (expert perfumist or end-user) to go to the station comprising the second device (unless the second device is at the same station as the first device, in which case the user (expert perfumist or end-user) will be directed to operate the second device at the same station), raise the enclosing glass and smell in it. If the user (expert perfumist or end-user) has indicated that he wishes to test next the sillage of the fragrance, the means to direct the user (expert perfumist or end-user) will instruct the user (expert perfumist or end-user) to go to the station comprising the third device (unless the third device is at the same station as the second device, in which case the user (expert perfumist or end-user) will be directed to operate the third device at the same station). The fan of the device will start, and a sample of the fragrance will be moved in front of it inside the tube. After a pre-determined amount of time, for example 15 seconds, the means to instruct the user (expert perfumist or end-user) will prompt the user (expert perfumist or end-user) to evaluate the sillage of perfume from the sniffing port. The waiting time should be long enough to allow for odor saturation inside the tube. Finally, if the user (expert perfumist or end-user) has indicated that he wishes to test next longlasting effect, the means to direct the user (expert perfumist or enduser) will instruct the user (expert perfumist or end-user) to move to the station comprising the fourth device (unless the fourth device is at the same station as the third device, in whichcase the user (expert perfumist or end-user) will be directed to operate the fourth device at the same station), drop a drop of fragrance on the hot plate and smell it at intervals over a predetermined amount of time. In one embodiment the hot plate will have a temperature of 32°C.

[0050] At the end of the process the user (expert perfumist or end-user) will be able to assess the perfume through the different technical dimension of the perfume, better understand how the fragrance will behave on his skin and how it will be perceived by the people around him.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the means automatically direct the user (expert perfumist or end-user) through the at least four devices in any order, specifically: a) the order i) followed by ii) followed by iii) followed by iv); b) the order i) followed by ii) followed by iv) followed by iii); c) the order i) followed by iii) followed by ii) followed by iv); d) the order i) followed by iii) followed by iv) followed by ii); e) the order i) followed by iv) followed by iii) followed by ii); f) the order i) followed by iv) followed by ii) followed by iii); g) the order ii) followed by i) followed by iii) followed by iv); h) the order ii) followed by i) followed by iv) followed by iii); i) the order ii) followed by iii) followed by i) followed by iv); j) the order ii) followed by iii) followed by iv) followed by i); k) the order ii) followed by iv) followed by iii) followed by i); l) the order ii) followed by iv) followed by i) followed by iii); m) the order iii) followed by ii) followed by i) followed by iv); n) the order iii) followed by ii) followed by iv) followed by i); o) the order iii) followed by i) followed by ii) followed by iv); p) the order iii) followed by i) followed by iv) followed by ii); q) the order iii) followed by iv) followed by i) followed by ii); r) the order iii) followed by iv) followed by ii) followed by i); s) the order iv) followed by ii) followed by iii) followed by i);t) the order iv) followed by ii) followed by i) followed by iii); u) the order iv) followed by iii) followed by ii) followed by iv); v) the order iv) followed by iii) followed by i) followed by ii); w) the order iv) followed by i) followed by iii) followed by ii); x) the order iv) followed by i) followed by ii) followed by iii).

[0052] Alternatively, the user (expert perfumist or end-user) may indicate that he intends to go through the at least four devices in any order, specifically in one of the following orders: a) the order i) followed by ii) followed by iii) followed by iv); b) the order i) followed by ii) followed by iv) followed by iii); c) the order i) followed by iii) followed by ii) followed by iv); d) the order i) followed by iii) followed by iv) followed by ii); e) the order i) followed by iv) followed by iii) followed by ii); f) the order i) followed by iv) followed by ii) followed by iii); g) the order ii) followed by i) followed by iii) followed by iv); h) the order ii) followed by i) followed by iv) followed by iii); i) the order ii) followed by iii) followed by i) followed by iv); j) the order ii) followed by iii) followed by iv) followed by i); k) the order ii) followed by iv) followed by iii) followed by i); l) the order ii) followed by iv) followed by i) followed by iii); m) the order iii) followed by ii) followed by i) followed by iv); n) the order iii) followed by ii) followed by iv) followed by i); o) the order iii) followed by i) followed by ii) followed by iv); p) the order iii) followed by i) followed by iv) followed by ii); q) the order iii) followed by iv) followed by i) followed by ii); r) the order iii) followed by iv) followed by ii) followed by i); s) the order iv) followed by ii) followed by iii) followed by i); t) the order iv) followed by ii) followed by i) followed by iii);u) the order iv) followed by iii) followed by ii) followed by iv); v) the order iv) followed by iii) followed by i) followed by ii); w) the order iv) followed by i) followed by iii) followed by ii); x) the order iv) followed by i) followed by ii) followed by iii).If the order followed for the evaluation is iv), iii), ii) and i) in this order it is possible to optimize the perception at each stage by exposing the user to increasing levels of intensity . In addition, the sequential assessments are better temporally spaced to allow for adequate headspace buildup in the enclosures between assessments and to allow nose desaturation by the tester.

[0053] In one embodiment, the operation of the devices is fully automated.

[0054] In a further embodiment the user (expert perfumist or end-user) or an expert operator will manually control the sequential operation of the devices of the assembly.

[0055] In one specific mode of operation of the device assembly, the means to direct the user (expert perfumist or end-user) (106) are connected to a computer (115). The computer presents the user (expert perfumist or end-user) with a questionnaire about his fragrance preferences. Based on the input of the user (expert perfumist or end-user), the computer makes a selection of fragrances to be proposed to the user (expert perfumist or end-user) and uploads them in the reservoirs of the devices in the assembly. In a preferred embodiment the computer also determines in which order the selected fragrances will be presented to the user (expert perfumist or end-user).

[0056] Successively, the user (expert perfumist or end-user) may indicate the order in which he intends to test the four properties (impact, diffusion, sillage and longlasting) and therefore the order in which he will go through the four devices of the assembly. Alternatively, the computer will determine the order.

[0057] In the next step the user (expert perfumist or end-user) is presented with a first fragrance at the first device as selected in the previous step. He then successively moves from one device to the next as indicated by the computer. If two successive devices are at the same station the user (expert perfumist or end-user) will simply move from one device to the next as indicated by the computer, or this will be done automatically by the computer by presenting the next device to the user (expert perfumist or end-user).

[0058] In one embodiment, the user (expert perfumist or end-user) will be able to interact with the computer by giving his feedback on the first fragrance.

[0059] For example, after smelling the fragrance the user (expert perfumist or end-user) may be asked to give a note from -2 to 2 to intensity of the substance where:-2 = too weak,-1= weak0 = neither weak nor strong+1= strong+2= Too strong

[0060] After smelling the fragrance the user (expert perfumist or end-user) may also be asked to give a note from 1 to 5 to the character of the substance where:1= Dislike very much2= Dislike Slightly3=Neither like or dislike4= Like Slightly6= Like very much

[0061] Each station will express a different character of the same perfume and the consumer could input what fragrance character he prefer (e.g. citrus, floral, ambery, woody, gourmand, fresh, fruity, green, aromatic).

[0062] The user (expert perfumist or end-user) then repeats these steps for each of the selected fragrances.

[0063] An expert perfumist may assist the end-user at each step of the process. In particular the perfumist may enquire the preferences of the end-user and select the fragrances to be presented.

[0064] Further part of the present invention is a method to assess the perception of a fragrance over time and distance comprising: i) Providing a support material to assess the immediate olfactory sensation and the intensity of the fragrance (impact); ii) Providing an enclosed space to assess the intensity of the fragrance at some distance from the source (diffusion); iii) Providing a tube with forced air circulation to assess the perception of the fragrance at a distance under dynamic air movement (sillage);iv) providing a support to assess the persistence of a fragrance after a long time after its application (longlasting); v) selecting a fragrance and placing it on or in the devices provided in steps i) to iv); and successively smelling in any order; wherein the temperature for each of i)-iv) is controlled within a specified temperature range between 20°C and 40°C, thus allowing the assessment of the perception of a fragrance on the skin over time and distance.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. Method to assess the perception of a fragrance over time and distance comprising: i) Providing a support material to assess the immediate olfactory sensation and the intensity of the fragrance (impact); ii) Providing an enclosed space to assess the intensity of the fragrance at some distance from the source (diffusion); iii) Providing a tube with forced air circulation to assess the perception of the fragrance at a distance under dynamic air movement (sillage); iv) providing a support to assess the persistence of a fragrance after a long time after its application (longlasting); v) selecting a fragrance and placing it on or in the devices provided in steps i) to iv); and successively smelling in any order; wherein the temperature for each of i)-iv) is controlled within a specified temperature range between 20°C and 40°C, thus allowing the assessment of the perception of a fragrance on the skin over time and distance.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the evaluation is accomplished by evaluating longlasting, sillage, diffusion, and impact in this order.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature for each of i)-iv) is independently controlled within a specified temperature range between 20°C and 25°C, thus allowing the assessment of the perception of a fragrance on the skin over time and distance at room temperature.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature for each of i)-iv) is independently controlled within a specified temperature range between 30°C and 37°C, preferably 32°C, thusallowing the assessment of the perception of a fragrance on the skin over time and distance at skin temperature.

5. The method of claims 3 or 4, wherein the temperature for each of i)-iii) is independently controlled within a specified temperature range between 20°C and 25°C and wherein the temperature of iv) is independently controlled within a specified temperature range between 30°C and 37°C, preferably 32°C.

6. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein fragrance will be put on the support of step iv) at least 10 hours before the assessment.

7. A device assembly (100) for assessing the perception of a fragrance over time and distance, the assembly comprising at least one station (101), each station comprising at least one device (102, 103, 104, 105) chosen from the group comprising v) A first device (102) is adapted to provide a measure of the intensity of a perfume in the first moments after application at a close distance; vi) A second device (103) is adapted to provide a measure of how fast a fragrance radiates in a closed space and permeates into the surrounding environment; vii) A third device (104) is adapted to provide a measure of the ability of a scent to be smelled at a distance under dynamic air movement (active diffusion); viii) A fourth device (105) is adapted to provide a measure of the persistence of a fragrance for long times after its application near the evaporating source; wherein the assembly comprises at least all four devices; and wherein the assembly is provided with means (106) to activate the at least four devices successively and in any order.

8. The device assembly according to claim 7, wherein the means direct the user (expert perfumist or end-user) through the at least four devices in the order (105), (104), (103) and (102).

9. The device assembly according to any of claims 7 or 8 comprising four stations (101).

10. The device assembly according to any of claims 7 to 9 comprising two stations (101), wherein one station (101) comprises the first device (102) and the second station (101) comprises the second, third and fourth device (103, 104, 105).

11. The device assembly according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first device (102) comprises a drop machine or bottle of perfume (114) optionally with a blotter.

12. The device assembly according to any of claims 7 to 11, wherein the second device (103) comprises an enclosed space (113) of at least 370 cm3.

13. The device assembly according to any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the third device (104) comprises a tube (116), an apparatus (107) for forcing air from the ambient through the tube disposed at one end of the tube (108), an inlet port (109) for introducing vapours of the fragrance (110) into the tube (116) via a duct (117) connecting the inlet port (109) to a sampler (118) of fragrances (110), wherein the inlet port (109) is situated between the air forcing device (107) and the opposite end of the tube (111).

14. The device assembly according to any of claims 7 to 13, wherein the fourth device (105) comprises an optionally heatable support (112).

15. The device assembly according to any of claims 7 to 14, wherein all the devices are independently operatable at a controlled temperature in the range between 30°C and 37°C, preferably 32°C, or in the range between 20°C and 25°C.

16. The device assembly according to any of claims 7 to 15, wherein each of the at least four devices further comprises a reservoir for samples of fragrances.

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