U.S. patent application number 10/403771 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for lock and key system for fragrance heaters.
Invention is credited to Hooks, Aaron L., Jones, Keith A., Kompara, David W..
Application Number | 20040190883 10/403771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32990028 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040190883 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kompara, David W. ; et
al. |
September 30, 2004 |
Lock and key system for fragrance heaters
Abstract
A fragrance diffuser system includes a fragrance cartridge and a
plug-in module. The fragrance cartridge carrying a particular
fragrance, the particular fragrance having an optimum diffusion
temperature associated therewith. The fragrance cartridge further
includes a fragrance heater configured for heating the particular
fragrance at the optimum diffusion temperature. A portion of the
fragrance cartridge defines a first key member. The plug-in module
includes a cartridge receiver therein and has at least a first plug
electrode and a second plug electrode associated therewith. The
cartridge receiver is configured for receiving the fragrance
cartridge therein, and the first plug electrode and the second plug
electrode are configured for providing an optimum electrical power
supply to the fragrance heater. The optimum electrical power supply
is based upon an amount of power needed by the fragrance heater to
heat the particular fragrance to the optimum diffusion temperature.
A portion of the plug-in module defines a first lock member, the
first lock member mating with the first key member.
Inventors: |
Kompara, David W.; (Fort
Wayne, IN) ; Hooks, Aaron L.; (Warsaw, IN) ;
Jones, Keith A.; (Lynchburg, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Todd T. Taylor
TAYLOR & AUST, P.C.
142 S. Main St.
P.O. Box 560
Avilla
IN
46710
US
|
Family ID: |
32990028 |
Appl. No.: |
10/403771 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/390 ;
392/392 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 9/035 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
392/390 ;
392/392 |
International
Class: |
F24F 006/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fragrance diffuser system, comprising: a fragrance cartridge
including: a fragrance container having a particular fragrance
therein, said particular fragrance having an optimum diffusion
temperature associated therewith; and a cartridge substrate
carrying said fragrance container, said cartridge substrate having
a first substrate side and a second substrate side, said fragrance
container being mounted to said first substrate side; a resistive
thick film heater one of formed on and attached to said second
substrate side, said resistive thick film heater being configured
for heating said particular fragrance at said optimum diffusion
temperature; and a plurality of heater electrodes operatively
connected to said resistive thick film heater, said plurality of
heater electrodes including a first heater electrode and a second
heater electrode, at least one of said fragrance container, said
cartridge substrate, said resistive thick film heater and one said
heater electrode being configured so as to define a first key
member; and a plug-in module including a cartridge receiver therein
and having at least a first plug electrode and a second plug
electrode associated therewith, said cartridge receiver configured
for receiving said fragrance cartridge therein, said first plug
electrode and said second plug electrode configured for contacting
said first heater electrode and said second heater electrode,
respectively, and further configured for providing an optimum
electrical power supply to said resistive thick film heater
thereof, said optimum electrical power supply being based upon an
amount of power needed by said resistive thick film heater to heat
said particular fragrance to said optimum diffusion temperature,
one of said cartridge receiver, said first plug electrode and said
second plug electrode being configured so as to define a first lock
member, said first lock member mating with said first key
member.
2. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 1, wherein said first key
member and said first lock member constitute a first set of mating
mechanical features.
3. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 2, wherein said mating
mechanical features are one of a slot and extension pair and a
notch pair.
4. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 2, wherein said mating
mechanical features are configured such that an interlocking
therebetween is required to enable at least one of substantially
complete insertion of said fragrance cartridge into said plug-in
module and creation of an electrical interconnection between said
resistive thick film heater and said plug-in module.
5. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 1, wherein said first key
member and said first lock member constitute a first set of mating
electrical features.
6. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 5, wherein said mating
electrical features are particularly located circuit portions
requiring electrical contact therebetween to establish an
electrical connection between said resistive thick film heater and
said plug-in module.
7. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 1, further comprising a
second key member associated with said fragrance cartridge and a
second lock member associated with said plug-in module, said second
key member mating with said second lock member.
8. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 7, wherein said first key
member and said first lock member mate at least one of electrically
and mechanically, said second key member and said second lock
member mating a second set of mating at least one of electrically
and mechanically.
9. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 2, wherein said resistive
thick film heater is a polymer thick film heater.
10. A fragrance diffuser system, comprising: a fragrance cartridge
carrying a particular fragrance, said particular fragrance having
an optimum diffusion temperature associated therewith, said
fragrance cartridge further including, a portion of said fragrance
cartridge defining a first key member; a fragrance heater
configured for heating said particular fragrance at said optimum
diffusion temperature; and a plug-in module including a cartridge
receiver therein and having at least a first plug electrode and a
second plug electrode associated therewith, said cartridge receiver
configured for receiving said fragrance cartridge, said fragrance
heater being operatively associated with one of said fragrance
cartridge and said plug-in module, said first plug electrode and
said second plug electrode configured for providing an optimum
electrical power supply to said fragrance heater, said optimum
electrical power supply being based upon an amount of power needed
by said fragrance heater to heat said particular fragrance to said
optimum diffusion temperature, a portion of said plug-in module
defining a first lock member, said first lock member mating with
said first key member.
11. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 10, wherein one of said
cartridge receiver, said first plug electrode and said second plug
electrode are configured so as to define said first lock
member.
12. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 10, wherein said first
key member and said first lock member mate at least one of
mechanically and electrically.
13. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 10, wherein said first
lock member mating and said first key member are configured such
that an interlocking therebetween is required to enable at least
one of substantially complete insertion of said fragrance cartridge
into said plug-in module and creation of an electrical
interconnection between said fragrance heater and said plug-in
module.
14. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 13, wherein said
interlocking is required to enable creation of an electrical
interconnection between said fragrance heater and said plug-in
module.
15. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 10, wherein said
fragrance heater is one of separate from and integral with said
fragrance cartridge.
16. A fragrance cartridge, said fragrance cartridge being
configured for insertion into a particular plug-in module and
electrical connection therewith, the particular plug-in module
having at least a first lock member associated therewith, said
fragrance cartridge comprising: a fragrance container having a
particular fragrance therein, said particular fragrance having an
optimum diffusion temperature associated therewith; and a cartridge
substrate carrying said fragrance container, said cartridge
substrate having a first substrate side and a second substrate
side, said fragrance container being mounted to said first
substrate side; a resistive thick film heater one of formed on and
attached to said second substrate side, said resistive thick film
heater being configured for heating said particular fragrance at
said optimum diffusion temperature; and a plurality of heater
electrodes operatively connected to said resistive thick film
heater, said plurality of heater electrodes including a first
heater electrode and a second heater electrode, at least one of
said fragrance container, said cartridge substrate, said resistive
thick film heater and one said heater electrode being configured so
as to define a first key member, said first key member being
configured for mating with the first lock member of the particular
plug-in module.
17. The fragrance cartridge of claim 16, wherein said first key
member is one of a mechanical key and an electrical key.
18. The fragrance cartridge of claim 16, wherein said resistive
thick film heater is a polymer thick film heater.
19. A fragrance diffuser system, comprising: a fragrance cartridge
carrying a particular fragrance, said fragrance cartridge having
one of a lock and a key; a plug-in module including a cartridge
receiver therein, said fragrance cartridge being positioned within
said cartridge receiver, said plug-in module having an other of
said lock and said key; and a fragrance heater configured for
heating said particular fragrance, said fragrance heater being
operatively associated with one of said fragrance cartridge and
said plug-in module, activation of said fragrance heater being
dependent upon an interfacing of said lock and said key.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to fragrance diffuser systems,
and, more particularly, to fragrance diffuser systems using
resistive thick films to heat the fragrance carried thereby.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] An electrically heated chemical delivery system (e.g., a
fragrance diffuser system) which is connectable with an electrical
receptacle is known. For example, it is known to provide a housing
which directly carries a pair of terminals which extend therefrom
and may be plugged into a conventional 115 volt electrical
receptacle. Electrical terminals are overmolded directly within the
housing, and are hard wired using insulated wire and solder
connections with an electrical heater disposed within the body. A
heat actuated chemical pouch disposed within the body releases an
aromatic gas into the ambient environment.
[0005] A more recent modification in this type of system has been
to form or attach a resistive thick film (e.g., a polymer thick
film) heater upon a backing or substrate portion of the heat
actuated chemical pouch. The provision of a heater in such close
proximity to the chemical pouch permits a more direct and
potentially more efficient heating of the chemical pouch.
[0006] However, current systems do not account for the fact that
the optimum diffusion temperature can vary between different
varieties of fragrances. Current systems are typically set to heat
to an average temperature of about 70.degree. C. As such, the
current "one size fits all" approach does not necessarily result in
the optimum diffusion of all types of fragrances, especially those
having an optimum diffusion temperature that is much above or below
70.degree. C.
[0007] What is needed in the art is a range of fragrance diffuser
systems, each having elements that are ensured to match so as
operate at a wattage (i.e., temperature) that most effectively
diffuses a particular fragrance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a fragrance diffuser system
that provides for a lock and key system for appropriately matching
a fragrance cartridge having a particular polymer thick film heater
thereon with a plug-in module configured for supplying an optimum
electrical power supply to the polymer thick film heater on the
fragrance cartridge.
[0009] The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a fragrance
diffuser system that has a fragrance cartridge and a plug-in
module. The fragrance cartridge carrying a particular fragrance,
the particular fragrance having an optimum diffusion temperature
associated therewith. The fragrance cartridge further includes a
fragrance heater configured for heating the particular fragrance at
the optimum diffusion temperature. A portion of the fragrance
cartridge defines a first key member. The plug-in module includes a
cartridge receiver therein and has at least a first plug electrode
and a second plug electrode associated therewith. The cartridge
receiver is configured for receiving the fragrance cartridge
therein, and the first plug electrode and the second plug electrode
are configured for providing an optimum electrical power supply to
the fragrance heater. The optimum electrical power supply is based
upon an amount of power needed by the fragrance heater to heat the
particular fragrance to the optimum diffusion temperature. A
portion of the plug-in module defines a first lock member, the
first lock member mating with the first key member.
[0010] An advantage of the present invention is that elements that
are of the proper wattage can be matched in order to most
effectively diffuse a particular fragrance (i.e., some fragrances
are better released if heated to a temperature of other than an
average heater temperature of 70.degree. C.).
[0011] Another advantage is that the lock and key system of the
present invention inhibits competitors with other type heaters from
operatively inserting their fragrance cartridges into plug-in units
of the present invention, thereby discouraging use of "knock-off"
fragrance packets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference
to the following description of an embodiment of the invention
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective, partial cut-away view of an
embodiment of an air freshener of the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.
1.
[0015] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out
herein illustrates at least one preferred embodiment of the
invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an air
freshener 10 which generally includes a fragrance cartridge 12 and
a plug-in module 14.
[0017] Fragrance cartridge 12 includes a fragrance container 16,
cartridge substrate 18, resistive thick film heater 20, first
heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24.
[0018] Fragrance container 16 includes a fragrance material (not
labeled) therein having a particular optimum diffusion temperature
associated therewith. A typical diffusion temperature is about
70.degree. C., but it is not uncommon for particular fragrances to
have an optimum diffusion temperature that is much above or below
this temperature. Thus, it is desirable to have a plurality of air
fresheners 10, each air freshener 10 being heatable to a
temperature optimum for the diffusion of the fragrance in fragrance
container 16. The fragrance material employed is usually in a gel
or liquid form, depending on the specific application.
[0019] Cartridge substrate 18 acts as a backing for fragrance
container 16. Additionally, cartridge substrate 18 is able to carry
resistive thick film heater 20 thereon. To permit effective heating
of the fragrance inside fragrance container 16, cartridge substrate
18 must be a sufficient conductor of heat.
[0020] Resistive thick film heater 20, one of formed on, attached
to or otherwise held in position against cartridge substrate 18, is
advantageously configured for heating the fragrance in fragrance
container 16 to the optimum diffusion temperature thereof. By
heating to the optimum diffusion temperature, the fragrance release
(e.g., consistency over time, maximum effective use time for a
given fragrance cartridge 12, effective matching of produced
fragrance with that expected) can be maximized. Resistive thick
film heater 20 is advantageously formed of a resistive polymer
material, as such material can be readily formed into relatively
small yet effective heater components, but could, instead, be
composed of a cerment thick film, an etched foil or another
appropriate low-profile heating element. The resultant temperature
of the fragrance material can be affected, for example, by
adjusting the contact area between resistive thick film heater 20
and cartridge substrate 18 and/or the individual thermal
conductances thereof to vary the amount of heat conducted
therebetween; and/or by adjusting the resistivity and/or the
geometry of resistive thick film heater 20 to adjust the amount of
heat generated thereby. Alternatively and not illustrated,
resistive thick film heater 20 could be embedded within the
fragrance material (i.e., a gel) in fragrance container 16, thereby
promoting even, inside-out heating of the fragrance material.
[0021] Connected to and extending from resistive thick film heater
20 is at least first heater electrode 22 and second heater
electrode 24. First heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode
24 provide an avenue for creating an electrical connection between
resistive thick film heater 20 and plug-in module 14. The current
supplied via first heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode
24 to resistive thick film heater 20, and thus the amount of heat
that can be generated thereby, can be affected, e.g., by the
cross-sectional area and/or material chosen for each of first
heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24 and by any
special electrical features provided, such as a current-limiting
resistor (not shown), capable of influencing current flow.
[0022] Plug-in module 14 has an outlet plug 26 molded therein and
includes a cartridge receiver 28 into which fragrance cartridge 12
can be operatively received.
[0023] Outlet plug 26 is configured for electrically connecting
plug-in module 14 with a standard electrical wall outlet (not
shown). Specifically, outlet plug 26 includes a first plug
electrode 30 and a second plug electrode 32, each extending into
cartridge receiver 28 for electrical connection with first heater
electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24, respectively. In a
manner similar to that of first and second heater electrodes 22,
24, the current supplied via first plug electrode 30 and second
plug electrode 32 can be affected, e.g., by the cross-sectional
area and/or material chosen for each of first plug electrode 30 and
second plug electrode 32 and by any special electrical features
provided, such as a current-limiting resistor (not shown), capable
of influencing current flow.
[0024] Fragrance cartridge 12 and plug-in module 14 are configured,
in the embodiment shown, to provide both for electrical keying and
mechanical keying therebetween. First of all, fragrance container
16 is formed so as to have a cartridge key notch 34 associated
therewith, and cartridge receiver 28 has a mating plug-in lock
notch 36. Note that the presence of plug-in lock notch 36 would
prevent an otherwise standard or typical shaped fragrance container
from being fully inserted into cartridge receiver 28. It is to be
understood, however, that other embodiments could employ other
similar combinations of electrical and/or mechanical keying (e.g.,
use electrical keying only) and remain within the scope of this
invention.
[0025] A second lock-and- key arrangement between fragrance
cartridge 12 and plug-in module 14 is both electrical and
mechanical in nature. With respect to fragrance cartridge 12,
second heater electrode 24 is longer than first heater electrode
22. As to plug-in module 14, cartridge receiver 28 includes a
plug-in lock slot 38 capable of receiving second heater electrode
24 therein, thereby establishing the mechanical nature of the
second lock-and- key arrangement. Furthermore, first plug electrode
is shaped and positioned so as to be able to contact shorter first
heater electrode 22 within cartridge receiver 28, while second plug
electrode 32 is positioned and extends so as to contact longer
second heater electrode 22 within plug-in lock slot 38 of cartridge
receiver 28. As such, a fragrance cartridge having equally
extending heater electrodes would not make a complete electrical
circuit with outlet plug 26, effectively making the second
lock-and-key arrangement electrical in nature as well.
[0026] Various embodiments of lock-and-key arrangements are also
envisioned. For example, mating features could be a slot/extension
combination (i.e., plug-in lock slot 38/second heater electrode 24)
or a pair of opposingly-formed notches (i.e., plug-in lock notch
36/cartridge key notch 34). For example, while not necessarily
shown, the sizes and/or shapes of each of fragrance container 16,
cartridge substrate 18, resistive thick film heater 20, first
heater electrode 22 and second heater electrode 24 could
potentially be varied so as to effectively act as a key member.
Likewise, the size and/or shape of cartridge receiver 28 and the
size, shape and/or placement of first and second plug electrodes
30, 32 may serve as a lock feature. As a further option (not
illustrated), fragrance cartridge 12 could have a sensible target
(e.g., a small round metal target) located at specific location
thereupon that would act as an electrical key, requiring an
appropriately positioned sensor with corresponding plug-in module
14 to achieve activation thereof. Additionally, the combination of
resistive thick film heater 20, first heater electrode 22 and
second heater electrode 24, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, may be
packaged either as part of plug-in module 14 or fragrance cartridge
12 or instead could form an additional component separate from
either of plug-in module 14 or fragrance cartridge 12.
[0027] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, the present invention can be firther modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of
the appended claims.
* * * * *