U.S. patent application number 09/974779 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-26 for method and apparatus for fastening a fluid transport mechanism to a container.
Invention is credited to He, Mengtao Pete, Park, Debra, Stathakis, Kristopher J., Triplett, Carl, Wolpert, Christopher J..
Application Number | 20020136542 09/974779 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22902964 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020136542 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
He, Mengtao Pete ; et
al. |
September 26, 2002 |
Method and apparatus for fastening a fluid transport mechanism to a
container
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to the fastening of a
fluid transport mechanism to a fluid reservoir, and optionally, to
various mechanisms which increase the effectiveness of the
vaporizing units within which such devices may be employed. For
example, the fluid transport mechanism is suitably fastened to the
reservoir and removal of the transport mechanism is substantially
inhibited by a retaining force provided by one or more fastening
features. That is, the transport mechanism is fabricated or
suitably augmented such that once it has been inserted into the
reservoir, it is not easily removable without significant force or
through the use of tools. The retaining force is a force which
opposes other forces applied to the transport mechanism which would
tend to remove the fluid transport mechanism. For example, the
retaining force is provided, at least in part, by fastening
features configured on the fluid transport mechanism and/or other
components, such as a fitment or a sleeve, which engages the
transport mechanism and likewise inhibits its removal by directing
the retaining force in a direction opposite to that which is needed
to remove the transport mechanism from the reservoir. Thus, the
fastening elements may suitably comprise various configurations of
the transport mechanism itself, components attached to or part of
the reservoir, or various combinations of the forgoing, all of
which provide an effective retaining force which aids in inhibiting
removal of the transport mechanism.
Inventors: |
He, Mengtao Pete;
(Scottsdale, AZ) ; Triplett, Carl; (Scottsdale,
AZ) ; Wolpert, Christopher J.; (Scottsdale, AZ)
; Stathakis, Kristopher J.; (Scottsdale, AZ) ;
Park, Debra; (Mesa, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Damon L. Boyd
Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
One Arizona Center
400 East Van Buren
Phoenix
AZ
85004-2202
US
|
Family ID: |
22902964 |
Appl. No.: |
09/974779 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60239621 |
Oct 9, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/395 ;
122/366 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/249953
20150401; Y10T 428/249971 20150401; A61L 9/127 20130101; Y10T
428/249972 20150401; A61L 9/037 20130101; Y10T 428/249979
20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
392/395 ;
122/366 |
International
Class: |
F24F 006/08 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An apparatus for fastening a fluid transport mechanism to a
container comprising a fluid transport receiving mechanism
configured for attachment to a container and for receipt of the
fluid transport mechanism, and a fluid transport mechanism
including a first part and second part, said first part extending
upwardly from said receiving mechanism and said second part
extending downwardly from said receiving mechanism, said second
part including an enlarged portion.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second part enlarged
portion is configured to provide an effective retaining force which
opposes other forces applied to aid fluid transport mechanism which
would tend to remove said fluid transport mechanism from said
receiving mechanism.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein aid second enlarged part
substantially inhibits removal of said fluid transport mechanism
from said receiving mechanism.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first part of said fluid
transport mechanism evidences a first geometric configuration and
wherein said second enlarged part evidences a geometric
configuration which is different from said first geometric
configuration.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said first geometric
configuration is substantially cylindrical.
6. An improved air treatment device of the type having a bottle for
containing an air treatment material and a wick in at least partial
fluid communication with said air treatment material, improved
wherein, said wick includes an enlarged portion which substantially
inhibits removal of said wick from said bottle.
7. The air treatment device of claim 6 further comprising a
connection device for receiving said wick, said connection device
configured for attachment to said bottle.
8. The air treatment device of claim 7 wherein said wick enlarged
portion substantially prevents removal of said wick from said
connection device.
9. A wick system comprising a fluid reservoir; a wick; a wick
fastening device for fastening said wick to said fluid reservoir;
wherein said wick includes a fastening feature to securely attach
said wick to said fastening device, said fastening feature
comprising a portion of said wick.
10. The wick system of claim 9 wherein said wick fastening feature
comprises at least one enlarged portion being formed in or on said
wick.
11. The wick system of claim 10 wherein said wick fastening feature
comprises at least of a first and a second enlarged portion, each
of said first and second portions being formed in or on said
wick.
12. The wick system of claim 11 wherein said wick is attached to
said wick fastening device such that said first portion is
positioned above said fastening device and said second portion is
positioned below said fastening device.
13. The wick system of claim 10 wherein said at least one enlarged
portion is positioned below said wick fastening device when said
wick is attached to said wick fastening device and said wick
fastening device is attached to said fluid reservoir.
14. The wick system of claim 9 wherein said wick fastening device
comprises a first portion for attachment to said fluid reservoir
and a second portion for receipt of said wick.
15. The wick system of claim 14 wherein said second portion
includes an extended sleeve and said first portion in proximity to
said second portion includes a conically shaped reservoir.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Serial No. 60/239,621, entitled "Porous Polymer Wick
for Vapor Dispenser," filed Oct. 9, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to the inhibiting the
removal of a fluid transport mechanism from a fluid reservoir of a
liquid vaporizing unit, and more particularly, to various fastening
elements for inhibiting the removal of the fluid transport
mechanism to the fluid reservoir of the unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There have been various methods and apparatus devised to
attempt to regulate the diffusion of volatile materials especially
with regard to the vapor delivery of fragrances and/or deodorizers.
Exemplary prior art devices that relate to such methods and
apparatus are U.S. Pat. Nos.: 525,646; 1,123,036; 1,129,897;
1,323,659; 1,377,909; 2,383,960; 2,507,889; 2,616,759; 2,657,090;
2,787,496; 2,797,844; 2,878,060; 2,961,167; 2,975,464; 3,104,816;
3,239,145; 3,550,853; 3,633,881; 3,679,133; 3,804,331; 4,014,501;
4,094,639; 4,413,779; 4,663,315; 4,739,928; 5,038,394; 5,647,053;
5,903,710; 5,945,094; 5,976,503; and 6,104,867. The primary
function of these types of devices has generally been the
counteracting of malodors as well as the delivery of aesthetically
pleasing fragrance vapors.
[0004] Liquid air fresheners and other vapor-dispensing products
currently on the market typically have a fragrance liquid reservoir
and a transport system from which fragrance is evaporated and/or
dispensed into the surrounding air. One approach to dispensing
fragrance has been to drip the fragrance liquid from the reservoir
onto a porous substrate of relatively large surface area where the
fragrance is evaporated from the substrate surface. Another method
has been to partially immerse a wick made of porous material in a
liquid fragrance-reservoir where the liquid is transported through
the wick by capillary action. The fragrance is then evaporated from
the exposed wick surface into the surrounding air.
[0005] If the space proximal to the wick is heated by an electrical
heating element, the fragrance delivery device is often referred to
as an electric liquid air freshener. In such devices, the heating
element delivers kinetic energy to molecules of the fragrance
solution on the exterior surface of the wick, thereby increasing
the rate of evaporation to obtain higher fragrance intensity and
uniform delivery density over time.
[0006] Products currently on the market have utilized wicks
constructed of compressed graphite, porous ceramic, or fibrous
bundles. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,315 issued May 5,
1987 to Hasegawa et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,928 issued Apr.
26, 1988 to O'Neil. In such cases, the transport mechanism is
capillary action of liquid passing through a winding path within
the structure of the wick.
[0007] Some advantageous design characteristics for liquid
dispensers are: (1) their ability to effectively retain their
liquid transport mechanisms (e.g., wick) in proper orientation and
alignment in the liquid reservoir with sufficient retention force
to keep the wick from being easily removable; (2) their ability to
provide a tight seal to prevent leakage from around the wick, under
the fitment, and under any cap; (3) their ability to maintain
proper alignment and positioning of the wick relative to a heating
element; (4) their ability to provide sufficient surface area on
the wick for evaporation of the liquid; and (5) the ability, during
manufacture, of the wick to be directly inserted into the
fitment/liquid reservoir system following the downward
direction.
[0008] However, currently available wick fitments do not
incorporate various of these advantageous design characteristics.
Moreover, many prior art wick fitments do not effectively prevent
access to the fragrance liquid in the fragrance liquid reservoir by
the consumer. Accordingly, a wick fitment and wick exhibiting the
design characteristics would be advantageous.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates generally to the fastening of
a fluid transport mechanism to a fluid reservoir, and optionally,
to various mechanisms which increase the effectiveness of the
vaporizing units within which such devices may be employed. For
example, in accordance with various aspects of one embodiment of
the present invention the fluid transport mechanism is suitably
fastened to the reservoir and removal of the transport mechanism is
substantially inhibited by a retaining force provided by one or
more fastening features. That is, in accordance with various
aspects of the present invention, the transport mechanism is
fabricated or suitably augmented such that once it has been
inserted into the reservoir, it is not easily removable without
significant force or through the use of tools.
[0010] The retaining force is a force which opposes other forces
applied to the transport mechanism which would tend to remove the
fluid transport mechanism. For example, in accordance with various
exemplary aspects of the present invention, the retaining force is
provided, at least in part, by fastening features configured on the
fluid transport mechanism and/or other components, such as a
fitment or a sleeve, which engages the transport mechanism and
likewise inhibits its removal by directing the retaining force in a
direction opposite to that which is needed to remove the transport
mechanism from the reservoir. Thus, in accordance with various
aspects of the present invention, the fastening elements may
suitably comprise various configurations of the transport mechanism
itself, components attached to or part of the reservoir, or various
combinations of the forgoing, all of which provide an effective
retaining force which aids in inhibiting removal of the transport
mechanism.
[0011] In accordance with various other aspects of the present
invention, various other advantages are provided which either
enhance effectiveness of delivery or other performance
features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0012] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in connection with the drawing figures, where like
reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures,
and:
[0013] FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate various fluid transport mechanisms
and fluid reservoirs in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention wherein a wick device in accordance with various
embodiments of the present invention is provided with various
retention features;
[0014] FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate various fluid transport mechanisms
and fluid reservoir in accordance with various alternative aspects
of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of a wick fitment device in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a wick fitment device in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of a wick fitment device in accordance
with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a wick fitment
device in accordance with an other exemplary embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional diagram of a portion of a wick
fitment device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The following descriptions are of exemplary embodiments of
the invention only, and are not intended to limit the scope,
applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather,
the following description is intended to provide convenient
illustrations for implementing various embodiments of the
invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in
the function and arrangement of the elements described in these
embodiments without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0021] That being said, the present invention relates generally to
the fastening of a fluid transport mechanism to a fluid reservoir,
and optionally, to various mechanisms which increase the
effectiveness of the vaporizing units within which such devices may
be employed. For example, as described in additional detail below,
the fluid transport mechanism is suitably fastened to the reservoir
such that removal of the transport mechanism is substantially
inhibited by a retaining force provided by one or more fastening
features. Stated otherwise, in accordance with various aspects of
the present invention, the transport mechanism is fabricated or
suitably augmented such that once inserted into the reservoir, it
is not easily removable without significant force or the use of
tools.
[0022] Thus, generally speaking, preferably the retaining force is
suitably selected to comprise a force which opposes other forces
applied to the transport mechanism which would tend to remove the
mechanism. For example, as will be described in additional detail
below, in accordance with various exemplary aspects of the present
invention, the retaining force is provided, at least in part, by
fastening features such as a flange configured on the transport
mechanism which engages the reservoir to inhibit removal of the
transport mechanism by directing the retaining force in the
opposite direction of that needed to remove the transport
mechanism. Similarly, in accordance with various alternate aspects
of the present invention, the retaining force may be provided by
fastening features comprised of other components, such as a fitment
or a sleeve, which engages the transport mechanism and likewise
inhibits its removal by directing the retaining force in a
direction opposite to that needed to remove the transport mechanism
from the reservoir. In this regard, it should be apparent that any
number of fastening features which provide the retaining force for
inhibiting the removal of the transport mechanism fall within the
scope of the present invention.
[0023] In general, as described in greater detail below, in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the
fastening elements may suitably comprise various configurations of
the transport mechanism itself, components attached to or part of
the reservoir, or various combinations of the forgoing, all of
which provide the retaining force which helps inhibit the removal
of the transport mechanism.
[0024] However, preliminarily and generally speaking, various
liquid vaporizers are known and the inventive transport mechanism
are suitable for use in any number of such dispensers. That is, any
liquid dispensing device which facilitates the transfer of a liquid
through a fluid transfer mechanism (e.g., a wick) can feasibly
incorporate various aspects of the present invention. For example,
a typical non-limiting example used herein is an electric liquid
vaporizer comprising a housing unit configured to receive a liquid
container or bottle portion. In such systems, typically, the bottle
portion includes some type of a wick or wick system which permits
the liquid, which is ultimately to be vaporized (in some fashion),
to be absorbed therein through capillary action. The housing unit
of such a system may contain a heating mechanism, typically
electrically activated. The bottle portion which generally contains
the liquid for vaporization, is usually configured for attachment
to the housing unit such that the wick is suitably positioned
proximate the heating mechanism, if employed, so that the liquid
will be vaporized.
[0025] Exemplary devices suitable for incorporating the present
invention include vaporizing devices such as liquid electric air
fresheners like those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,104,867 issued
Aug. 15, 2000 to Stathakis et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,053 issued
Jul. 8, 1997 to Schroeder et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,394 issued
Aug. 6, 1991 to Hasegawa et al. though, generally speaking, various
aspects of the present invention can be incorporated in any number
of devices, now known or as yet unknown in the art, designed for
transporting fluid through a wick or other similar mechanism, and
air freshening devices are merely non-limiting examples.
[0026] Similarly, the vaporizable material can be any number of
conventional materials dispensed from vapor dispensers including
fragrances, disinfectants, sanitizing agents, insect repellants,
insecticides and the like. For exemplary purposes, herein the
liquid is often referred to as fragrance dispensed from an air
freshening device.
[0027] In accordance with various aspects of the present invention,
for example, with respect to liquid air fresheners, the wick serves
as the fluid transport mechanism and transports the liquid to be
vaporized from the reservoir to the liquid dispensing area.
Exemplary transport/wick materials include any material which may
be suitably configured to exhibit acceptable porosity. Moreover,
some wick materials such as, for example, polymeric wick materials,
graphite, paper, fibers and others are adaptable to be configured
in accordance with the present invention to have various dimensions
and shapes that allow for a variety of structure, such as fastening
elements, and functions, and optionally, with aesthetic surface
design features. That is, another advantage of wicks in accordance
with various aspects of the present invention over the prior art,
is their ability to be molded into a variety of shapes.
[0028] For example, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention and as mentioned above, the wick may be
configured with fastening elements in the form of any number of
shapes which provide a retaining force for inhibiting removal of
the wick from the reservoir. In accordance with various aspects of
the present invention, fastening elements suitably comprise
structure (including the wick material itself) which act to engage
the reservoir during attempted removal and direct the retaining
force in the opposite direction of that needed to remove the
transport mechanism.
[0029] That being said, as mentioned above, the wick and fastening
elements suitably can exhibit any number of a myriad of shapes.
Various different configurations are illustrated in the several
drawing figures. In all instances, the configurations illustrated
include a wick 100, a reservoir 102 and optionally various
attachments or other features of wick 100 which facilitate and/or
assist in providing various of the advantages of the present
invention.
[0030] For example, FIGS. 1A-1F and 2A-2F illustrate various
non-limiting examples of fastening elements configured, generally,
from the wick material itself As mentioned above, in accordance
with various embodiments of the present invention, a wick 100 and a
bottle 102 are provided. Wick 100 is suitably configured with a
fastening element 104. Generally, in many of these illustrative
embodiments, fastening element 104 comprises a portion of wick 100
that is larger than an opening (or neck) 108 on bottle 102 from
which wick 100 protrudes for delivery of the fragrance. Preferably,
wick 100 comprises material pliable enough then when larger portion
is inserted into opening 108, portion sufficiently contracts to fit
through opening 108, yet after passing through opening 108, portion
sufficiently expands back to a diameter larger that opening 108,
such that when attempts are made to remove wick 100, an upper
surface 110 of portion engages an inside, upper surface 112 of
bottle, thereby providing the retaining force for inhibiting
removal of wick 100. Alternatively, in some cases, assembly may be
accomplished by inserting wick 100 into opening 108 from the
underside such that portion 106 suitably prevents further
introduction, while at the same time also inhibiting removal of
wick 100 during use.
[0031] Many configurations which incorporate various differently
configured larger portions 106 discussed above are possible.
Moreover, the fastening features of the various figures should be
self-evident. Nonetheless, for illustrative purposes, certain
figures are described in more detail. For example, FIG. 1A depicts
a polymer wick 100, in accordance with the present invention,
having lower portion 106 with a substantially greater diameter than
that of neck 108. Alternatively, FIG. 1B shows a wedge-like
configuration for lower portion 106 of wick 100. In still another
embodiment, FIG. 2A shows wick 100 incorporating portion 106 as a
disk-like annular ring positioned approximately in the center of
wick 100. Preferably, annular ring 106 is sized so as to fit snugly
into bottom surface 112 and neck 108 and prevent easy removal of
wick 100 from bottle 102. In the wick configuration shown in FIG.
2B, a disk-like annular ring similar to that of the wick in FIG. 2A
is positioned at the center of wick 100, such that wick 100 itself
is symmetrical about its center. The symmetrical configuration of
wick 100 offers an advantage during assembly of the
vapor-dispensing device, in that it avoids the need for wick
sorting prior to the insertion of wick 100 into bottle 102.
[0032] Thus, in general, any configuration of portion 106 which
suitably provides a retaining force for inhibiting removal of wick
100 may be employed. The exemplary embodiments are intended as
illustrative only; other configurations may be employed without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0033] In accordance with additional and/or alternative aspects of
the present invention, the fastening elements may include an upper
portion 114 in addition to or alternative to larger lower portion
106. Upper portion 114 suitably assists in maintaining wick 100 in
bottle 102. For example, in accordance with one aspect of this
embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1C shows wick 100 with
respective wedges 106,114 which engage opposite sides of neck 108.
Such an arrangement thus provides a retaining force for maintaining
wick 100 in bottle 102. Additionally, such engagement can provide
additional stability of wick 100 after insertion. Moreover, the
wick of FIG. 1C is symmetrical about any axis perpendicular to the
principal axis of the wick; this being a generally advantageous
design feature for avoiding alignment and orientation issues in the
manufacturing process.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1D, a substantially horizontal annular
connection 104 element is suitably interposed between neck 108 of
bottle 102 and the exposed surface of the wick. In this
configuration, an additional annular connecting element 111 is
preferably interposed above annular connection 104 aid in providing
a suitable retention force. Various other ring, ring like or other
configurations may be used in accordance with certain aspects of
the present invention to suitably fasten wick 100 to bottle 102.
For example, as briefly mentioned above, fastening elements in
accordance with the present invention may comprise, alternatively
or additionally, various components distinct from the wick, which
suitably provide the retaining force for inhibiting removal of the
wick. Similar to the discussion above relating to wick
configurations, component fastening elements provide the retaining
force which acts in a direction opposite to that which tends to
remove the wick from the bottle. For example, with momentary
reference to FIG. 1E suitable rib-like retention members generally
biased in a substantially opposite direction to that of wick
insertion to prevent or otherwise inhibit retraction of wick 100
from bottle 102. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1F a unitary wick
fitment element 113 can be secured to the reservoir-neck through
the use of other configurations. Thus, it should be apparent that
many configurations of wick 100 having a lower portion larger than
neck are possible for providing the retaining force.
[0035] From the description this far provided, it should be
appreciated that, in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention, a number of component configurations can provide a
suitable retaining force. Non-limiting examples include a wick
fitment apparatus such as an extended sleeve area in which the wick
is inserted, various locking structures adapted to engage the wick
and/or liquid reservoir. It should be appreciated that any number
of components such as these, now known or as yet devised, which
suitably provide the retaining force, fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0036] That being said, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, fastening features comprise an extended
sleeve for engaging the wick and inhibiting its removal. In various
embodiments, extended sleeve is a separate component which is snap
fit to the bottle, though in various alternative embodiments,
extended sleeve can be integrated with bottle as one unit.
[0037] Extended sleeve retains the wick by an improved friction
fit. With monetary reference to, for example, FIGS. 2C-2F, such an
extended sleeve can be used with various wick configuration sand
employed in various manners. In each case the extended sleeve is
similarly depicted. While prior art solutions recognize the use of
"press fitting" wicks into bottle wicks, and typically use the
friction created to aid in wick retention, they are generally less
effective at wick retention. In contrast, in accordance with one
aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the
wick diameter to the diameter of the extended sleeve portion and/or
the length of the extended sleeve portion is selected such that
insertion of the wick into the fitment apparatus is facilitated
during the assembly process, while a satisfactory wick retention
force is maintained. This obtains, at least, in part, due to the
extended nature of the sleeve which permits functional engagement
of a significant portion of the wick. With monetary reference to
FIG. 3 sleeve 200 preferably includes a major portion 202, bonded
by respective upper and lower portions 204 and 206 which together
cooperate to attach to sleeve to the reservoir (e.g. bottle) (not
shown). In a typical embodiment, such elements enable the sleeve to
be snap-fit on to the bottle. Sleeve 200 may include a conically
shaped region 208 which communicates with a generally cylindrical
region 210. Together regions 208 and 210 enable receipt of a wick
material (not shown in FIG. 3, but see, for example FIG. 2E).
[0038] In certain applications, the conically shaped region may
admit of various advantages, including, inter alia provision of a
collection reservoir for liquid, enhanced surface area of the which
material, and others.
[0039] Referring now to monetarily FIG. 4, certain applications may
be desirable to configure the lower portion 210 in a tapered
manner. That is in accordance with various aspects of another
embodiment of the present invention, the extended sleeve portion of
the wick fitment apparatus is tapered, such that the diameter of an
upper portion 212 of the extended sleeve is greater than a diameter
of the lower portion 214 of the extended sleeve.
[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a wick fitment fastening
feature in accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention, comprises an extended sleeve 200. In this embodiment,
extended sleeve 200 is a component for providing retaining force
which is distinct from bottle 102 (not shown) and/or any wick
configurations which include fastening features. However, as
mentioned above and as will be described further herein, extended
sleeve 200 (or other components) can be integrated with bottle 102
and/or other portions of the liquid dispenser and/or act in
conjunction with other aspects of the present invention which
provide retaining forces.
[0041] That being said, in this embodiment, sleeve 200 comprises
lower portion 210 which extends downward into bottle 102. Lower
portion 210 secures the wick in proper orientation and alignment
within the liquid fragrance container and provides the retaining
force for inhibiting removal. In accordance with one aspect of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the
wick diameter to the fitment sleeve diameter is specified such that
wick insertion into the wick fitment is facilitated during device
assembly, but also such that the wick retention force is sufficient
to prohibit easy wick removal from the assembled vapor-dispensing
device. Preferably, the ratio of the wick diameter to the fitment
sleeve diameter is in the range of about 0.80 to about 1.10; more
preferably from about 0.90 to about 1.00; and most preferably from
about 0.94 to about 0.98.
EXAMPLE 1
[0042] In the tests of fastening features, particularly extended
sleeves in accordance with the present invention, enhanced
extraction forces (corresponding to enhanced retaining forces) were
observed. Particularly, in these tests, wicks having diameters of
about 7.1 mm and 7.3 mm were placed in short fitment devices of the
prior art and extended sleeves in accordance with the present
invention. The results of these tests are shown in Table 1
1 TABLE 1 Extended Prior Art Extended Prior Art Sleeve Fitments
Sleeve Fitments Wick 7.3 mm 7.3 mm 7.1 mm 7.1 mm Diameter Maximum
10.6 6.5 9.6 5.8 Extraction 11.1 6.4 7.9 3.5 Force 8.6 6.7 11.7 3.6
(kg.f) 12.8 5.4 11.9 3.1 12.1 5.6 9.4 3.1 11.4 3.4 6.0 3.4 Average
11.1 5.7 9.4 3.8
[0043] In a series of six tests removing the wicks, in each of the
tests, the maximum extraction force for extended sleeves was larger
than that for the prior art sleeves, signifying enhanced retaining
force. Notably, in several of the tests, for wicks of about 7.3 mm,
in prior art fitments, the extraction force ranged from about 3.4
to about 6.7 kg-f, and averaged about 5.7 kg-f.In contrast, tests
of wicks of about 7.3 mm in extended sleeves of the present
invention resulted in extraction forces ranging from about 8.6 to
about 12.8 kg-f, and averaged about 11.1 kg-f. Similarly, for wicks
of about 7.1 mm, in prior art fitments, the extraction force ranged
from about 3.1 to about 5.8 kg-f, and averaged about 3.8 kg-f.
Again, in contrast, tests of wicks of about 7.3 mm in extended
sleeves of the present invention resulted in better performance.
Particularly, the extraction forces ranged from about 6.0 to about
11.9 kg-f, and averaged about 9.4 kg-f. Thus, the order of
magnitude of the increased retaining force for extended sleeves in
accordance with the present invention was two to three times more
and average extraction force for the wick samples in the extended
sleeve nearly doubled.
[0044] Additionally, it should be appreciated that many other
configurations of components, sleeves, fitments and the like, as
well as configurations of the wick material itself and
combinations, various other wick configurations, such as are
illustrated in the several other drawing figures, for example, as
shown in, for example FIGS. 5-7, may be used either alone or in
combination with other attachments.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 5, a sleeve 200 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention includes a locking mechanism
220 to secure wick fitment and wick onto the neck portion of the
liquid fragrance reservoir, thus preventing easy access to the
contents of the reservoir by the consumer. Referring now to FIG. 6,
a sleeve 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention includes a sealing ring mechanism 230 on the upper
portion of sleeve 200. Sealing ring mechanism 230 preferably mates
with one or more matching rings on the overcap device to prevent
leakage of liquid fragrance from under the cap during transport and
storage of the vapor-dispensing device.
[0046] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a further exemplary
fitment is illustrated. Sleeve 200 suitably includes a conical well
240 in the upper portion of the fitment. Conical well 240 is
preferably adapted to contain any liquid that may seep from the
wick in the vapor-dispensing device. Moreover, conical well 240 is
preferably shaped and sized accordingly to provide additional
surface area for wick exposure to enhance evaporation--and thus
fragrance release--of the liquid fragrance in the vapor-dispensing
device. Preferably, conical well 240 is further shaped and sized
accordingly to facilitate insertion of the wick during the
manufacturing process. The shape of conical well 240 may vary
according to the particular design of the vapor-dispensing device,
the shape of the wick, and the limitations of the manufacturing
specifications and the device assembly process. Generally, however,
conical well 240 is shaped such that the diameter of the upper
portion of the well (i.e., the portion adjacent sealing ring 230)
is greater than the diameter of the lower portion of the well
(i.e., the portion adjacent locking mechanism 220).
[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, but in greater detail in FIG. 7, sleeve
200 is suitably configured to engage bottle in a secure manner.
Preferably the portions of fitment, as shown, are suitably
dimensioned to secure fitment to the bottle (not shown) and provide
enhanced structural competence.
[0048] Particular advantages have been recognized, however, by
utilizing porous polymer wicks in connection with various
embodiments of the present invention, such as those described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. _________, entitled "Porous
Polymer Wick for Vapor-Dispenser," filed Oct., 9, 2001, the
contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. Other wick
materials that may be utilized in connection with various aspects
of the present invention, depending upon the desired utility of the
vapor-dispensing device, include porous/sintered plastics such as
ultra high density polyethylene and polypropylene, bonded fibers
such as polyesters and polypropylene, glass-sintered fibers, porous
ceramic, carbon fiber, sintered carbon, graphite, wood, compressed
wood composites, bundled or woven natural fibers such as cotton,
linen, bundled or woven synthetic fibers such as nylon,
polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters, polyamides, rayon,
polyacetates, and the like.
[0049] Various alternative wick designs, such as have been
variously illustrated and/or described herein, may include
features, for example, such as those shown in FIGS. 2A-2F, which
can be effectively used to prevent or impede the wick material from
being removed from the fragrance liquid reservoir thereby
inhibiting liquid spill, leakage, and access. In addition, such
various designs permit wick insertion into the wick fitment from
the downward direction with the fragrance liquid reservoir
pre-filled. FIG. 2C illustrates a wick configuration including a
disk-like annular ring positioned at the center of the wick.
Additionally, a middle portion of the wick of FIG. 2C preferably
has a greater diameter than the end portions of the wick.
Preferably, the middle portion of the wick having the greater
diameter is sized so as to snugly fit into the wick fitment sleeve
portion, which tends to enhance the wick retention force and
prevent access to the liquid in the reservoir after wick insertion.
As with the wick of FIG. 2B, this wick configuration is preferably
symmetrical about the center of the wick, so as to avoid the need
for wick sorting during assembly of the vapor-dispensing device.
FIG. 2D illustrates a wick configuration similar to that of FIG.
2C, except that the enhanced-diameter middle portion of the wick
has a tapered or elliptical configuration, rather than the
substantially cylindrical configuration shown in FIG. 2C. FIGS. 2E
and 2F illustrate wicks having configurations identical to those in
FIGS. 2C and 2D, except that the disk-like annular ring is
eliminated. Preferably, wicks configured according to FIGS. 2E and
2F have enhanced-diameter middle portions sized so as to achieve
sufficient wick retention force in the wick fitment and prevent
spillage, leakage, or access to the fragrance liquid in the
reservoir.
[0050] Additionally, the fastening mechanisms in accordance with
the present invention preferably have little or no affect on the
overall effectiveness of the device, for example, the rate at which
fluid is transported through the wick of an air freshening device,
into which the fastening mechanisms are incorporated.
[0051] Various principles of the invention have been described in
illustrative embodiments. However, many combinations and
modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements,
proportions, elements, materials and components, used in the
practice of the invention, in addition to those not specifically
described, may be varied and particularly adapted to specific
environments and operating requirements without departing from
those principles.
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