U.S. patent application number 11/401202 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-19 for energized systems and devices for delivering volatile materials.
Invention is credited to Jonathan Robert Cetti, Fernando Ray Tollens.
Application Number | 20060233538 11/401202 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36691770 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060233538 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tollens; Fernando Ray ; et
al. |
October 19, 2006 |
Energized systems and devices for delivering volatile materials
Abstract
A volatile material delivery system for emitting or releasing
volatile materials to the atmosphere is provided. More
specifically, delivery systems for delivering one or more volatile
materials using a source of energy to provide a temporary emission
boost, are also provided.
Inventors: |
Tollens; Fernando Ray;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Cetti; Jonathan Robert; (Mason,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL BUSINESS CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
36691770 |
Appl. No.: |
11/401202 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60671295 |
Apr 14, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/390 ;
239/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 9/037 20130101;
A61L 9/122 20130101; A01M 1/2072 20130101; A01M 1/2077 20130101;
A61L 9/127 20130101; A61L 9/035 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
392/390 ;
239/034 |
International
Class: |
A24F 25/00 20060101
A24F025/00 |
Claims
1. A method of releasing at least one volatile material to the
atmosphere, the steps of said method comprise (a) providing an
energized volatile material delivery system, and (b) delivering a
continuous maintenance level emission of at least one volatile
material, and/or a temporary boost level emission of at least one
volatile material, wherein said delivery system uses an energy
source selected from the group consisting of heat, gas, and
electrical current, and wherein said at least one volatile material
is not mechanically delivered by an aerosol, and further, wherein
said evaporative surface device is dosed by the consumer using one
or more of the following means: inversion, pumping, spring-action,
shaking, swiveling, agitation, bumping, moving, oscillating,
rotating, rocking, stirring, swinging or vibrating.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said delivery system uses a
heating element.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said delivery system uses an
electrically powered fan.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said delivery system uses both a
heating element and an electrically powered fan.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein either said heating element or
said fan is used to provide said temporary boost level
emission.
6. An energized volatile material delivery system comprising at
least one volatile material, wherein said delivery system provides
a continuous maintenance level emission of at least one volatile
material and/or a temporary boost level emission of at least one
volatile material, wherein said delivery system comprises: a) at
least one container comprising at least one fluid reservoir; b) at
least one evaporative surface device opening located in said at
least one container having at least some longitudinal exposure; and
c) at least one evaporative surface device which is at least
partially located in said at least one evaporative surface device
opening and in said at least one fluid reservoir; wherein said at
least one evaporative surface device is fluidly connected to said
volatile material; wherein said delivery system uses a source of
heat, gas, or electrical current, and wherein said at least one
volatile material is not mechanically delivered by an aerosol, and
further, wherein said container has an additional fluid reservoir
that provides a time controlled release of said volatile material
to the evaporative surface.
7. An energized volatile material delivery system comprising at
least one volatile material, wherein said delivery system provides
a continuous maintenance level emission of at least one volatile
material and/or a temporary boost level emission of at least one
volatile material, wherein said delivery system comprises: a) at
least one container comprising at least one fluid reservoir; b) at
least one wick opening located in said at least one container
having at least some longitudinal exposure; and c) at least one
wick which is at least partially located in said at least one wick
opening and in said at least one fluid reservoir; wherein said at
least one wick is fluidly connected to said volatile material;
wherein said delivery system uses a source of heat, gas, or
electrical current, and wherein said at least one volatile material
is not mechanically delivered by an aerosol, and further, wherein
said wick is an aligned fibers wick.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said aligned fibers wick
comprises a polyester/polyolefin blend.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein said wick has an average density
of from about 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.2 g/cm.sup.3.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein said wick has an average density
of from about 0.12 g/cm.sup.3 to about 0.18 g/cm.sup.3.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein said wick has an average density
of about 0.14 g/cm.
12. The method of claim 7, wherein said volatile material delivery
system is dosed by the consumer using one or more of the following
means: inversion, pumping, spring-action, shaking, swiveling,
agitation, bumping, moving, oscillating, rotating, rocking,
stirring, swinging or vibrating.
13. The method of claim 7, wherein said aligned fibers wick is
wrapped with a porous material or a membrane.
14. The method of claim 7, wherein said wick is hollow.
15. The method of claim 7, wherein said aligned fibers wick has
concentrically annular areas of different densities.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said aligned fibers wick has an
inner concentrically annular area of different density and an outer
concentrically annular area of different density, wherein said
inner area has a lower density than said outer area.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein said aligned fibers wick has an
inner concentrically annular area of different density and an outer
concentrically annular area of different density, wherein said
inner area has a higher density than said outer area.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE FOR RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/671,295, filed Apr. 14, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to delivery systems for
emitting or releasing volatile materials to the atmosphere. More
specifically, the invention relates to energized delivery systems
for delivering one or more distinct volatile materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is generally known to use a device to evaporate a
volatile composition into a space, particularly a domestic space,
e.g., a bathroom, to provide a pleasant aroma. The most common of
such devices is the aerosol container, which propels minute
droplets of an air freshener composition into the air. Another
common type of dispensing device is a dish containing or supporting
a body of gelatinous matter which when it dries and shrinks
releases a vaporized air-treating composition into the atmosphere.
Other products such as deodorant blocks are also used for
dispensing air-treating vapors into the atmosphere by evaporation.
Another group of vapor-dispensing devices utilizes a carrier
material such as paperboard impregnated or coated with a
vaporizable composition. There are a variety of such devices on
sale, for example the ADJUSTABLE.RTM. (manufactured by Dial Corp.)
or the DUET.RTM. 2 in 1 Gel+Spray (manufactured by S.C. Johnson).
Generally, these devices consist of a perfume or fragrance source,
an adjustable top for fragrance control and/or a sprayer. By the
adjustment of the openings in the fragrance source (passive
dispenser), there will be a continuous supply of the perfume or
fragrance to the space in which the device is placed. By
application of the sprayer (active dispenser), there will be a
temporary supply of the perfume or fragrance to the space in which
the device is delivered.
[0004] A problem with such an arrangement is that a person
occupying the space will quickly become accustomed to the perfume
or fragrance and, after a while, will not perceive the fragrance
strength as being as intense or may not notice it at all. This is a
well-known phenomenon called habituation. One effort to deal with
the problem of habituation is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,381,
to Seiichi Yazaki. The Yazaki. patent discloses an aroma emission
device for emitting aroma from an aromatic liquid for a certain
period of time at a uniform level of aroma. The device comprises a
vessel that is partitioned via a portioning plate into an upper
compartment and a lower compartment, having an air tube penetrating
through a top cover portion and a bottom cover portion. Perforation
is provided in the portioning plate to allow the upper and lower
compartments to communicate with each other. As air is let into the
upper compartment, the aromatic liquid held in the upper
compartment flows down through the perforation into the
partitioning plate and builds up in the empty portion of the bottom
compartment. Aroma-laden air is released via the air tube of the
lower compartment. When the aromatic liquid in the upper
compartment fully transfers into the lower compartment, the
emission of the aroma-laden air stops. The device can be repeatedly
used by placing the vessel of the device upside down at any time.
The Yazaki. patent, however, appears to be directed to a device
which can be operated as a water clock. That is, as the fluid
travels from upper one compartment to the lower compartment, the
device emits an aromatic fragrance and then stops itself when the
fluid transfer is complete. The Yazaki patent does not mention the
use of evaporative surface devices to deliver the perfume or
aromatic fragrance, rather aroma-laden air of the Yazaki device is
released via the use of an air tube located in the lower
compartment. In addition, the Yazaki aromatic fragrance is
delivered as a temporary emission. It is specifically designed not
to be continuous.
[0005] Evaporative surface device devices (such as, wicking
devices) are well known for dispensing volatile liquids into the
atmosphere, such as fragrance, deodorant, disinfectant or
insecticide active agent. A typical evaporative surface device
utilizes a combination of a wick and emanating region to dispense a
volatile liquid from a liquid fluid reservoir. Evaporative surface
devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,994,932; 2,597,195;
2,802,695; 2,804,291; 2,847,976; 3,283,787; 3,550,853; 4,286,754;
4,413,779; and 4,454,987.
[0006] Ideally, the evaporative surface device should be as simple
as possible, require little or no maintenance and should perform in
a manner that allows the volatile material to be dispensed at a
steady and controlled rate into the designated area while
maintaining its emission integrity over the life span of the
device. Unfortunately, nearly all of the relatively simple
non-aerosol devices that are commercially available suffer from the
same limitation. The emission becomes distorted over the life span
of the device due to the fact that the more volatile components are
removed first, leaving the less volatile components behind. This
change of the composition with time eventually results in a
weakening of the intensity of the fragrance since the less volatile
components evaporate more slowly. It is these two problems, i.e.,
the weakening of intensity and distortion over the lifetime of the
fragrance material, that have occupied much of the attention of
those who seek to devise better air freshener devices. Practically
all devices, which depend on evaporation from a surface, suffer
from the shortcomings mentioned above. In most of these devices, a
wick, gel or porous surface simply provides a greater surface area
from which the fragrance material can evaporate more quickly, but
fractionation still occurs, as it would from the surface of the
liquid itself, resulting in an initial burst of fragrance followed
by a period of lower intensity once the more volatile components
have evaporated. Due to this fractionation, and perhaps in
combination with the clogging of the wick due to precipitation of
insolubles, the evaporative surface device begins to malfunction.
As the fragrance becomes distorted, the intensity of the emission
weakens perceptibly.
[0007] Solutions to the problems of habituation, scent decline,
fractionation, and wick clogging coupled with the ability of a
volatile material delivery system to transform the notion of
intensity control into a desirable, rewarding process for consumers
have been sought. The improved aesthetics associated with the
simplicity of how the boost level emission is provided, and the
dynamic interactive scent experience thereby created, coupled with
an automatic return to the maintenance level emission, makes the
non-aerosol device highly desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] There are numerous embodiments of the delivery systems
described herein, all of which are intended to be non-limiting
examples. In one embodiment of the invention, a volatile material
delivery system (hereinafter "delivery system") is provided. The
delivery system, comprising at least one volatile material,
provides a continuous maintenance level emission of at least one
volatile material and/or a temporary boost level emission of at
least one volatile material. The volatile material comprises one or
more perfume components, a portion of which have a high Kovat's
Index. In one embodiment, at least about 40 weight percent of the
perfume components have a Kovat's Index of 1500 or more.
[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, an energized
volatile material delivery system is provided. The delivery system
uses a source of heat, gas, or electrical current, however, the at
least one volatile material is not mechanically delivered by an
aerosol. The delivery system may further comprise: (a) at least one
container comprising at least one fluid reservoir; (b) at least one
evaporative surface device opening located in the at least one
container; (c) at least one evaporative surface device, having at
least some longitudinal exposure, is at least partially located in
the evaporative surface device opening and in the fluid reservoir;
wherein the evaporative surface device is fluidly connected to the
volatile material; (d) optionally at least one by-pass tube; and
(e) optionally one or more secondary evaporative surface
devices.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention a delivery system
comprising at least one volatile material from a single source, or
alternatively from multiple sources, is provided. The at least one
volatile material may be a composition containing a variety of
volatile materials, as well as, non-volatile materials in any
amount. The one or more volatile materials may have various
volatility rates over the useful life of the delivery system. The
consumer can control the volume of the volatile material delivered
to the evaporative surface device to provide for uniform emissions
and to enhance the perception of desired olfactory effect, for
example, for malodor control. The delivery system described herein
can comprise any type of dosing device, including, but not limited
to: collection basins, pumps, and spring-action devices. The
delivery system may also be configured to reduce spillage of the
volatile material when overturned on its side.
[0011] In still another aspect of the invention, a kit is provided.
The kit comprises (a) a package; (b) instructions for use; and (c)
an energized volatile material delivery system comprising at least
one volatile material, wherein said delivery system provides a
continuous maintenance level emission of at least one volatile
material and/or a temporary boost level emission of at least one
volatile material, wherein said volatile material is not
mechanically delivered by an aerosol.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed
that the present invention will be better understood from the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0013] FIGS. 1, 2, 3a, and 4, 5c, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 9b,
9c, 9d, 10a, 10b, 11, 12, 13c, 15a, and 15b show cross-sections of
a delivery system.
[0014] FIG. 3b shows a cross-section of a delivery system with a
gutter.
[0015] FIG. 5a show side views of a delivery system.
[0016] FIG. 5b shows a cross-section of an evaporative surface
device.
[0017] FIG. 10c shows a cross-section of a pleated wick.
[0018] FIG. 13a and 14 show perspective views of a delivery
system.
[0019] FIG. 13b shows a top view of a delivery system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention relates to delivery systems for
emitting or releasing volatile materials to the atmosphere. In some
embodiments, the invention relates to delivery systems that deliver
at least one volatile material during the maintenance level
emission and/or boost level emission modes. The delivery system
uses a source of heat, gas, or electrical current, however, the
volatile material is not mechanically delivered by an aerosol. An
example of a delivery system using a source of electrical current
is the use of an electric-powered fan. In viewing these figures, it
should be understood that there are numerous embodiments of the
delivery systems described herein, all of which are intended to be
non-limiting examples.
Definitions
[0021] The term "volatile materials" as used herein, refers to a
material or a discrete unit comprised of one or more materials that
is vaporizable, or comprises a material that is vaporizable without
the need of an energy source. Any suitable volatile material in any
amount or form may be used. The term "volatile materials", thus,
includes (but is not limited to) compositions that are comprised
entirely of a single volatile material. It should be understood
that the term "volatile material" also refers to compositions that
have more than one volatile component, and it is not necessary for
all of the component materials of the volatile material to be
volatile. The volatile materials described herein may, thus, also
have non-volatile components. It should also be understood that
when the volatile materials are described herein as being "emitted"
or "released," this refers to the volatilization of the volatile
components thereof, and does not require that the non-volatile
components thereof be emitted. The volatile materials of interest
herein can be in any suitable form including, but not limited to:
solids, liquids, gels, and combinations thereof. The volatile
materials may be encapsulated, used in evaporative surface devices
(e.g. evaporative surface devices), and combined with carrier
materials, such as porous materials impregnated with or containing
the volatile material, and combinations thereof. Any suitable
carrier material in any suitable amount or form may be used. For
example, the delivery system may contain a volatile material
comprising a single-phase composition, multi-phase composition and
combinations thereof, from one or more sources in one or more
carrier materials (e.g. water, solvent, etc.).
[0022] The terms "volatile materials", "aroma", and "emissions", as
used herein, include, but are not limited to pleasant or savory
smells, and, thus, also encompass materials that function as
fragrances, air fresheners, deodorizers, odor eliminators, malodor
counteractants, insecticides, insect repellants, medicinal
substances, disinfectants, sanitizers, mood enhancers, and aroma
therapy aids, or for any other suitable purpose using a material
that acts to condition, modify, or otherwise charge the atmosphere
or the environment. It should be understood that certain volatile
materials including, but not limited to perfumes, aromatic
materials, and emissioned materials, will often be comprised of one
or more volatile compositions (which may form a unique and/or
discrete unit comprised of a collection of volatile materials). For
example, a malodor control composition may include, but is not
limited to: odor-neutralizing materials, odor blocking materials,
odor masking materials, and combinations thereof.
[0023] The term "energized," when referring to the delivery system
of the present invention, means that the delivery system uses a
source of heat, gas or electrical current to aid in the delivery of
the volatile material to the atmosphere. Examples include the use
of heating elements to heat a wick or gelled material and the use
of electrical current to power a delivery device such as a fan. In
one embodiment of the present invention, the wick of the present
invention can pass through a heating block. When active, the
heating block will heat the wick, resulting in the delivery of
volatile material. The heating block can be used to provide a
temporary boost in delivered volatiles by allowing the user to
activate the block for a period of time. Such a period of time may
be predetermined or independently controlled by the user, perhaps
by the use of an "ON/OFF" switch. In an alternative embodiment of
the present invention, a fan is placed behind the evaporative
surface. When active, the fan will blow air over the evaporative
surface, resulting in the delivery of volatile material. The fan
can be used to provide a temporary boost in delivered volatiles by
allowing the user to activate the fan for a period of time. Such a
period of time may be predetermined or independently controlled by
the user, perhaps by the use of an "ON/OFF" switch. In an
alternative embodiment, both a heating block and fan may be used,
with one energy source providing a base level of volatile delivery
and the other energy source providing a temporary boost. For
example, a heating block could be used to provide a constant level
of volatile delivery, while a fan could be temporarily activated
for a boost in volatile delivery, or vise versa. "Kovat's Index"
(KI, or Retention Index) is defined by the selective retention of
solutes or perfume raw materials (PRMs) onto the chromatographic
columns. It is primarily determined by the column stationary phase
and the properties of solutes or PRMs. For a given column system, a
PRM's polarity, molecular weight, vapor pressure, boiling point and
the stationary phase property determine the extent of retention. To
systematically express the retention of analyte on a given GC
column, a measure called Kovat's Index (or retention index) is
defined. Kovat's Index (KI) places the volatility attributes of an
analyte (or PRM) on a column in relation to the volatility
characteristics of n-alkane series on that column. Typical columns
used are DB-5 and DB-1.
[0024] By this definition the KI of a normal alkane is set to 100n,
where n=number of C atoms of the n-alkane. With this definition,
the Kovat's index of a PRM, x, eluting at time t', between two
n-alkanes with number of carbon atoms n and N having corrected
retention times t'.sub.n and t'.sub.N respectively will then be
calculated as: KI = 100 .times. x .function. ( n + log .times.
.times. t x ' - log .times. .times. t n ' log .times. .times. t N '
- log .times. .times. t n ' ) ( 1 ) ##EQU1##
[0025] The delivery system may contain volatile materials in the
form of perfume oils. Most conventional fragrance materials are
volatile essential oils. The volatile materials may comprise one or
more volatile organic compounds which are commonly available from
perfumery suppliers. Furthermore, the volatile materials can be
synthetically or naturally formed materials. Examples include, but
are not limited to: oil of bergamot, bitter orange, lemon,
mandarin, caraway, cedar leaf, clove leaf, cedar wood, geranium,
lavender, orange, origanum, petitgrain, white cedar, patchouli,
lavandin, neroili, rose absolute, and the like. In the case of
emissioned materials or fragrances, the different volatile
materials can be similar, related, complementary, or
contrasting.
[0026] In addition, the gravity-aided nature of the present
delivery system provides opportunities to use a broader range of
perfume components than was previously available in an evaporative
system. Since all liquid elements of the perfume are drawn through
the wick by gravity, heavier perfume components (having a higher
KI) can be used without the typical issues (i.e., they settle to
the bottom of the container and do not evaporate at the same rate
as the other perfume components).
[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the volatile
material includes perfume components (also called perfume raw
materials--"PRMs"), a portion of which have a high Kovat's Index
(KI). Preferably, at least about 40 percent (by weight) of the
perfume components have a gas chromatographic Kovat's Index (as
determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone
stationary phase) of 1500 or more. More preferably, at least about
50 percent (by weight) of the perfume components have a KI of 1500
or more. Still more preferably, at least about 60 percent (by
weight) of the perfume components have a KI of 1500 or more. In
another embodiment, at least about 5 percent (by weight) of the
perfume components have a gas chromatographic Kovat's Index (as
determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone
stationary phase) of 1800 or more. More preferably, at least about
7 percent (by weight) of the perfume components have a KI of 1800
or more. Still more preferably, at least about 10 percent (by
weight) of the perfume components have a KI of 1800 or more.
[0028] In one embodiment, the volatile composition contains: [0029]
.about.60% PRMs with KI<1400, and [0030] .about.35% with
KI>1500, while <1800, [0031] .about.5% of PRMs with
KI>1800.
[0032] In another embodiment, the volatile composition contains:
[0033] .about.50% PRMs with KI<1400, and [0034] .about.43% with
KI>1400, while <1800, [0035] .about.7% of PRMs with
KI>1800.
[0036] In another embodiment, the volatile composition contains:
[0037] .about.40% PRMs with KI<1400, and [0038] .about.50% with
KI>1400, while <1800, [0039] .about.10% of PRMs with
KI>1800.
[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the
perfume components are highly polar or contain hydrophilic
functionalities such as carboxylic, hydroxyl, amino, and
combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of useful perfume
components include, but are not limited to: vanillin, ethyl
vanillin, coumarin, PEA (phenyl ethyl alcohol), cumminalcohol,
cinnamic alcohol, eugenol, eucalyptol, cis-3-hexenol, 2-methyl
patenoic acid, dihydromyrcenol, linalool, geranol, methyl
anthranilate, dimethyl anthranilate, cabitol, cerol, terpineol,
citronellol, ethyl vanillin. amyl salicylate, hexyl salicylate,
benzyl salicylate, patchouli alcohol, menthol, isomentol, maltol,
ehtylmaltol, nerol. iso-eugenol, para-ethyl phenol, benzyl alcohol,
sabinol, and terpinen-4-01, and combinations of the above.
[0041] In another embodiment of the present invention, a portion of
the perfume components are highly substantive. Such perfume
components may include the liquid forms of benzyl salacylate,
Hercolyn D, methyl abietate, cinnamyl phenyl acetate and ethylene
brassylate.
[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, a portion of
the perfume components are highly "sensitive" (or unstable). The
term "sensitive," in this context, includes components that result
from heat induced degradation reactions, such as the hydrolysis of
esters, lactones, and acetels/ketal, etc. The term "sensitive," in
this context, also includes components that result from
condensation reaction to form non-volatile species, such as
Schiff-base formation, ester formation, dehydration reaction, and
polymerization reactions, etc. Such perfume components may include
the liquid forms of flor acetate, lactones, methyl anthranlate with
aromatic aldehydes, D-Damascones, and ionones.
[0043] It may not be desirable, however, for the volatile materials
to be too similar if the different volatile materials are being
used in an attempt to avoid the problem of emission habituation,
otherwise, the people experiencing the emissions may not notice
that a different emission is being emitted. The different emissions
can be related to each other by a common theme, or in some other
manner. An example of emissions that are different, but
complementary might be a cinnamon emission and an apple emission.
For example, the different emissions can provided using a plurality
of delivery systems each providing a different volatile material
(such as, musk, floral, fruit emissions, etc).
[0044] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the maintenance level
emission of volatile materials may exhibit a uniform intensity
until substantially all the volatile materials are exhausted from
the delivery system source at the same time. In other words, when
characterizing the maintenance level emission, uniformity can be
expressed in terms of substantially constant volatility rates over
the life of the volatile material delivery system. The term
"continuous," with regard to the maintenance level emission, means
that although it is desirable for a delivery system to provide a
uniform maintenance level emission mode which continuously emits
until all of the volatile materials are substantially depleted (and
optionally, for this to occur at approximately the same time in the
case where there are one or more sources of the volatile
materials), the maintenance level emission can also include periods
where there are gaps in emission. The delivery of the maintenance
level emission can be of any suitable length, including but not
limited up to: 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, shorter or longer
periods, or any period between 30 to 90 days.
[0045] In certain other non-limiting embodiments, when the boost
level emission mode is activated by human interaction, a higher,
optionally uniform, intensity of volatile material(s) is emitted
over a suitable emission duration, at which time the delivery
system can automatically return to delivering volatile material(s)
in the maintenance level emission mode without further human
interaction. The term "temporary," with regard to the boost level
emission, means that though it is desirable for the boost level
emissions to emit at a higher intensity for a limited period of
time after being activated and/or controlled by human interaction,
the boost level emission can also include periods where there are
gaps in emissions. Not to be bound by theory, it is believed that
the higher intensity of the boost level emission depends upon a
number of factors. Some of these factors include, but are not
limited to: the "perfume effect" of the volatile material; the
volume of the volatile material delivered to the evaporative
surface device for purposes of providing a boost level emission;
the rate of delivery of the volatile material available from the
source for boost level emissions; and the available surface area of
the evaporative surface device during the delivery of the boost
level emission.
[0046] Any suitable volatile material, as well as, any suitable
volatile material volume, rate of delivery, and/or evaporative
surface area may also be used to raise and/or control the intensity
of the boost level emission. Suitable volumes, rates of delivery,
and surface areas are those in which the boost level emission
exhibits an emission intensity greater than or equal to the
maintenance level emission. For example, by providing a greater
volume of volatile material to the evaporative surface device, the
intensity of the boost level emission may be an increased and/or
controlled by the consumer. The volume of the volatile material
delivered to the evaporative surface device may also be controlled
using a specific dosing device having a specific volume. A
collection basin may be used to force a certain volume through the
evaporative surface device. The collection basin may be made of any
suitable material, size, shape or configuration and may collect any
suitable volume of volatile material. For example, the delivery
system may comprise a collection basin, such as a unit dose
chamber, that may be at least partially filled with at least some
of the volatile material to activate the boost level emission. The
unit dose chamber provides a controlled volume of the volatile
material to an evaporative surface device, such as a evaporative
surface device. Other dosing devices may include pumps and
spring-action devices.
[0047] The term "evaporative surface device" includes any suitable
surface that allows for at least some evaporation of volatile
materials. Any suitable evaporative surface device having any
suitable size, shape, form, or configuration may be used. Suitable
evaporative surface devices made from any suitable material,
including but not limited to: natural materials, man-made
materials, fibrous materials, non-fibrous materials, porous
materials, non-porous materials, and combinations thereof. The
evaporative surface devices used herein are flameless in character
and include any device used for dispensing any type of volatile
material (e.g. liquids) into the atmosphere (such as fragrance,
deodorant, disinfectant or insecticide active agent). In certain
non-limiting embodiments, a typical evaporative surface device
utilizes a combination of a wick, gel, and/or porous surface, and
an emanating region to dispense a volatile liquid from a liquid
fluid reservoir.
[0048] As stated above, any suitable increase in the rate of
delivery or evaporative surface area is useful in raising and/or
controlling the intensity of the boost level emission. The "rate of
delivery" relates to the time the volatile material has to
evaporate on the evaporative surface device before being returned
to a container or fluid reservoir for storage. Suitable means for
delivering the volatile material to the evaporative surface device
may include, but is not limited to: inversion, pumping, or by use
of a spring-action device. For example, the addition of one or more
evaporative surface devices (such as, primary wicks or secondary
wicks) to the delivery system may be used to increase the surface
area in order to increase intensity. The surface area of the
secondary evaporative surface device can range from about 1 to
about 100 times greater than the surface area of the primary
evaporative surface device. Optionally, the secondary evaporative
surface device may be in fluid communication with other evaporative
surface devices.
[0049] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the boost level
emission may comprise volatile material emissions from both a
primary evaporative surface device and/or a secondary evaporative
surface device. The boost level emission may exhibit a boost
emission profile of any suitable emission duration. For example,
suitable boost level emission durations may include, but are not
limited to, durations from less than or equal to 10 minutes; or
from about 10 minutes to about 2 hours; and alternatively, from
about 2 hours to about 24 hours.
[0050] In some non-limiting embodiments, the delivery system may
maintain its character fidelity over time with periodic reversals
in volatile material flow direction on the evaporative surface
device. For example, over time the character fidelity of the
delivery system may decrease due to fractionation (such as,
partitioning effects) of at least one volatile material or by wick
clogging. The solution to both fractionation and wick clogging is
to provide a suitable flow reversal on the evaporative surface
device over a suitable duration. For example, a suitable flow
reversal of the evaporative surface device may consist of the
activation of the boost level emission and emission over a suitable
duration. In this case, volatile material flow reversal of the
evaporative surface device resulting from inversion, pumping or by
spring-action can substantially flush the wick in a manner
sufficient to clear away some of the unwanted insoluble
precipitates, fractionation and/or partitioning effects. Thus,
character fidelity is at least partially restored by flushing the
wick during the boost level emission. In this way, the consumer can
revive the dynamic interactive scent experience by sensing the
entire range of different volatile materials contained in the
delivery system is a simple step.
[0051] In other non-limiting embodiments, the delivery system
described herein may be used for such things as fragrancing,
malodor control, and insect repellant. For example when placed in a
room, or optionally outdoors, such as on a picnic table, insect
control, besides fragrancing and malodor control, can be achieved
by adjusting the emission levels depending upon the number of
insects in the immediate area. When the insect annoyance is small,
the maintenance level emission will likely be adequate to provide
consumer comfort. However, when bothered by numerous insects, such
as mosquitoes and biting flies, the consumer may choose to deliver
the boost level emission.
Figures
[0052] FIG. 1 depicts a cross-section of a non-limiting embodiment
of a delivery system 20 comprising at least one container 1 (and 2)
comprising at least one wick opening 18 (and 19), at least one wick
5, at least one fluid reservoir 6 (and 7), and at least one
volatile material 8. The delivery system and its components may be
made in any suitable size, shape, configuration, or type, and from
any suitable material. Suitable materials include, but are not
limited to: metal, glass, natural fiber, ceramic, wood, plastic,
and combinations thereof. The container 1 (and 2) may comprise the
exterior surface of the delivery system 20, as such is subject to
visual inspection as well as being picked up and manipulated by the
consumer during use, or it may be housed in a shell (not shown).
The wick 5 has at least some portion exposed to the atmosphere. The
wick opening 18 (and 19) may be of any convenient size and shape
and may located anywhere on the container 1 (and 2). The at least
one wick opening 18 (and 19) allows a means of delivering the
volatile material 8 to the atmosphere via the at least one wick 5
during the maintenance level emission and/or boost level emission
modes. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the container 1 (and 2)
may be housed in a outer shell (not shown) which is desirably
visually attractive and of suitable dimensions that it may be left
in view in the area of usage for greatest effectiveness during
evaporative dispensing. When more than one container 1 and 2 is
present, they may be opposedly-connected and/or fluidly-connected
as shown.
[0053] In one non-limiting embodiment, the containers 1 and 2 are
in fluid-communication via an evaporative surface device comprising
a wick 5 having at least some longitudinal exposure to the
atmosphere. The container 1 (and 2) may be attached to any other
suitable component of the delivery system 20. For instance,
containers 1 and 2 may be attached to each other via the wick 5, as
part of a shell or housing (not shown), or by any other suitable
means. The wick 5 is in fluid contact with at least some volatile
material 8 some of the time. The volatile material 5 may be stored
in either fluid reservoir 6 or 7. The longitudinal portion of the
wick 5 provides enough exposed wick 5 surface area to allow
suitable emission rates of the volatile material 8 during both the
maintenance level emission and boost level emission modes. Once
connected, containers 1 and 2 and their corresponding fluid
reservoirs 6 and 7 may be in fluid-communication with each other
via the wick 5 or by any other suitable means (e.g. an enclosed
channel or tube). Besides providing an evaporative surface for
emissions, another purpose for connecting containers 1 and 2 with a
wick 5 is to provide a way for excess volatile material 8, which is
not evaporated or emitted, to be transported from the upper
container 1 by gravity for collection and storage within the lower
container 2 without substantial leaking when the delivery system 20
is inverted by the consumer.
[0054] The wick fitting 3 (and 4) may function as a seal to hold at
least some volatile material 8 in the delivery system 20. The wick
fitting 3 (and 4) may be made of any suitable material in any
suitable size, shape or configuration so as to sealably attach the
wick 5 and/or any component to any component within the delivery
system 20. The wick fitting 3 (and 4) may be attached to any
portion of the delivery system 20 such that it aids in wick 5
loading and dosing without allowing substantial leakage of the
volatile material 8 from the non-wick portion of the delivery
system 20. The wick fitting 3 (and 4) may be inserted in the wick
opening 18 (and 19), which is located in any suitable location on
the container 1 (and 2) surface, such that the wick 5 or any other
suitable component (not shown) may pass through the wick opening 18
(and 19) and enter at least a portion of the fluid reservoir 6 (and
7). The at least one wick opening 18 (and 19) and wick fitting 3
(and 4) are dimensioned to both accommodate the wick 5 and any
other component, and to minimize excess volatile material 8 leakage
from the delivery system 20 if the delivery system 20 is inverted
or overturned by the consumer.
[0055] The wick 5 may made of any suitable material in any suitable
size, shape, or configuration, such that it functions as an wick to
allow emission of the volatile material 8 by having at least some
portion exposed to the atmosphere. The wick 5 may be located in any
suitable location within the container 1 (and 2). The wick 5 may be
at least partially located in the container 1 (and 2), the wick
opening 18 (and 19), and/or the wick fitting 3 (and 4), being
fluidly connected to the volatile material 8, which is stored in
the fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) of the container 1 (and 2). The wick
5 may extend inside of the fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) to the
container base 33 (and 34). Conversely, the wick 5 may be of any
suitable length which will maintain the fluid connection with even
a small amount of volatile material 8 in the at least one fluid
reservoir 6 (and 7) while in the maintenance level emission mode
throughout the useful life of the delivery system 20. There is no
particular wick 5 length requirement inside or outside the
container 1 (and 2). The at least one wick 5 may be positioned at
any desired internal depth within the fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) .
The at least one wick 5 can optionally occupy the full internal
length of the both fluid reservoirs 6 and 7 to maximize the
emission delivery of the volatile material 8.
[0056] The wick 5 is sealably fastened to the container 1 (and 2)
in the location of the at least one wick opening 18 (and 19) via
the wick fitting 3 (and 4). The wick fitting 3 (and 4) may sealably
hold at least a portion of the wick 5 and other suitable component
passing through the wick opening 18 (and 19). The wick fitting 3
(and 4) may fit snuggly around the at least one wick opening 18
(and 19) and the at least one wick 5, respectively, so as to
prevent unwanted leakage of the volatile material 8 from the
delivery system 20 in storage, during wick 5 loading or dosing of
the wick 5 after inversion, pumping or by spring-action, or if
toppled. The wick fitting 3 (and 4) may be affixed by any means
(such as by friction, adhesion, etc) to the container 1 (and 2) so
as to minimize unwanted volatilization of the volatile material 8
especially when not in use. The wick fitting 3 (and 4) may be
optionally vented (not shown) in any suitable location so as to aid
loading of the wick 5.
[0057] There may be at least one container base 33 (and 34) to aid
in stabilizing and/or hold the delivery system 20 in the proper
configuration, such as, in the upright position during the
maintenance level emission mode. The delivery system 20 may further
comprise an additional resealable seal (not shown) for containing
the volatile material in the container 1 (and 2). The delivery
system 20 may further have a package seal (not shown) for covering
the at least one wick 5 and/or delivery system 20 containing one or
more of the volatile materials 8 described above when desired by
the manufacturer or consumer, for instance, when the volatile
material 8 is not desired to be emitted such as prior to sale or
during extended periods away from the room to be fragranced.
[0058] FIG. 2a depicts a cross-section of another non-limiting
embodiment of a volatile material delivery system 20 having two
containers 1 and 2 which are opposedly-connected and
fluidly-connected to each other via at least one by-pass tube 9
(and 10) and/or the at least one wick 5. As above, the containers 1
and 2, having fluid reservoirs 6 and 7 for containing at least some
volatile material 8, are fluidly connected via the at least one
wick 5 and/or the by-pass tube 9 (and 10). The by-pass tube 9 (and
10) may connect to the container 1 (and 2) via a by-pass tube
openings 15 and 17 (14 and 16) having any size, shape, or
configuration. The by-pass tube 9 (and 10) may be formed as an
integral component of the container 1 (and 2) or may provided as a
separate component which is added to the container 1 (and 2). The
by-pass tube 9 (and 10) may be made of any suitable material which
is compatible with the container 1 (and 2) such that it may be
suitably sealed or connected to the container 1 (and 2) and/or
fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) in any configuration without fluid
leakage. The by-pass tube openings 15 and 17 (14 and 16) allow for
direct fluid communication of the volatile material 8 between the
fluid reservoirs 6 and 7 via the by-pass tube 9 (and 10). The
by-pass tube 9 (and 10), as well as the by-pass tube openings 14
and 16 (15 and 17) may be configured so as to allow for any
suitable type of flow desired. The by-pass tube 9 (and 10) and/or
the by-pass tube openings 14, 15, 16, and/or 17 may be each
structurally modified to provide for open flow, one-way flow,
restricted flow, or combination thereof, of any fluid that passes
through these structures. For example, by-pass tube openings 14 and
17 may be made with unrestricted flow while by-pass tube openings
15 and 16 may be made to collect fluid from only one direction or
have a reduced flow to provide for aesthetic benefits, such as a
dripping. This unique flow configuration gives the delivery system
20 the ability to provide the consumer with unusual visual
interests since a modified flow of a volatile material 8 may
attract attention to the delivery system. It is possible for each
container 1 (and 2) to share a portion of one or more fluid
reservoirs 6 (and 7) such that at least some volatile material 8
may be present within the delivery system 20 in any particular
location at any time. Such a container 1 (and 2) could, for
instance, hold a least some volatile material 8 in both fluid
reservoir 6 and fluid reservoir 7 immediately after loading or
dosing of the wick 5 by inversion, pumping, or by spring-action.
The volatile material 8 itself may also comprise any suitable
adjunct ingredient in any suitable amount or in any suitable form.
For example, dyes, pigments, and speckles may provide additional
aesthetic benefits, especially when observed by the consumer during
a modified flow configuration.
[0059] The by-pass tube 9 (and 10) may also serve both as an
additional fluid reservoir for collecting a certain amount of the
volatile material 8, and/or a means to divert a portion of a
certain volume of volatile material 8 between the opposing fluid
reservoirs 6 and 7 after mixing, pumping or inversion. For example,
should the delivery system 20 be toppled off its base 34 from the
upright vertical position to a horizontal position, the delivery
system 20 may be designed to come to rest in a configuration such
that at least one by-pass tube 9 or 10 is located so that it may
collect at least some volatile material 8 from each fluid reservoir
6 and 7. In this case, the by-pass tube 9 or 10 acts as an
additional fluid reservoir to decrease the potential for unwanted
spillage and/or the escape of the volatile material 8 from the
delivery system 20.
[0060] The wick opening 18 (and 19) may be located anywhere on the
exterior surface of the container 1 (and 2). For instance, the wick
opening 18 (and 19) may be positioned on the exterior surface of
the container 1 (and 2) such that it lies on a plane parallel to
the plane of the container base 33 (and 34). A unit dose chamber 11
(and 12) may be located anywhere within the container 1 (and 2),
and is generally within the fluid reservoir 6 (and 7). The unit
does chamber 11 (and 12) is defined by the interior volume created
within the fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) between the uppermost region
of the at least one wick opening 18 (and 19) and the lowermost
region of the by-pass tube openings 14 and 15 (16 and 17). The
actual volume of unit dose chamber 11 (and 12) can vary depending
on the size of the at least one fluid reservoir 6 and 7, the volume
occupied by the at least one wick 5, and the amount of volatile
material 8 delivered to the at least one unit dose chamber 11 and
12 upon inversion of the delivery system 20. In certain
non-limiting embodiments, the consumer can control the volume of
volatile material delivered to the wick 5 via the unit dose chamber
11 (and 12) by adjusting the loading and/or dosing of the unit dose
volume. This may be accomplished for example, by adjusting the
amount of volatile material 8 pumped, or by manipulating the
inversion of the container 1 (and 2), or by any other suitable
means.
[0061] When inverted the delivery system 20 may route excess
volatile material 8 from the upper fluid reservoir 6 of container
1, which is not collected in the at least one unit dose chamber 11
or absorbed by and/or is loaded onto the at least one wick 5, via
the by-pass tubes 9 and 10 via by-pass tube openings 14 and 15 to
the lower fluid reservoir 7 via by-pass tube openings 16 and 17 for
collection and storage in container 2. For example, the unit dose
chamber 10 (and 11) may contain at least some of the volatile
material 8 upon inversion of the delivery system 20 and/or the
container 1 (and 2). When the delivery system 20 and/or the
container 1 (and 2) is inverted and/or toppled from its upright
position, the by-pass tube 9 (and 10) fill with some of the
volatile material 8 released from the one or more fluid reservoir 6
(and 7), from the at least one unit dose chamber 11 9and 12),
and/or from the wick 5.
[0062] When the unit dose chamber 11 in the upper fluid reservoir 6
is at least partially filled, loaded and/or dosed with at least
some of the volatile material 8, the unit dose chamber 11 will
deliver a controlled volume (e.g. unit dose) of the volatile
material 8 to the wick 5 to provide the boost level emission to the
atmosphere. What excess volatile material 8 that is not evaporated
or emitted will be transported by the wick 5 and collected in the
lower fluid reservoir 7 without substantial leakage. The delivery
system 20 is also capable of delivering multiple controlled volumes
and/or unit doses to enable the initiation of multiple boost level
emissions for one or more of the following purposes: fragrancing,
malodor control, insect repellency, mood setting, and combinations
thereof. The dosing process allows a consumer to deliver a
temporary boost level emission to a space whenever needed, for
example for malodor control.
[0063] Dosing of the wick 5 can be performed by any suitable means,
for example, by inversion, by squeezing a bladder, by non-aerosol
pumping, or by any other suitable means excluding the use of heat,
gas, or electrical current. For example, dosing may occur by
inversion when the consumer simply turns the delivery system 20
upside down, setting the delivery system 20 on the container base
33 (and 34). Thus upon inversion, the volatile material 8 that was
originally stored in the lower fluid reservoir (6 or 7) is
temporarily positioned in the upper fluid reservoir (6 or 7). The
volatile material 8 begins to immediately drain from the upper
fluid reservoir (6 or 7) and pass to the lower fluid reservoir (6
or 7) via gravity through the unit dose chamber (11 or 12), the
wick 5, and/or the by-pass tube 9 (and 10). Once the volatile
material 8 is collected in the dose chamber 11 (and 12), the boost
level emission begins as the volatile material 8 is delivered to
the at least one wick 5 via gravity along the portion of the wick 5
exposed to the atmosphere. When a controlled volume of the volatile
material 8 is delivered to the one wick 5 via the unit dose chamber
11 (and 12), the boost level emission may be substantially uniform
in terms of volatility rates of volatile material 8, over the a
portion of the life of the delivery system 20.
[0064] In one non-limiting embodiment, at least some of the unit
dose of volatile material 8 in the upper fluid reservoir (6 or 7)
that passes from the unit dose chamber 11 (and 12) through the wick
opening 18 (and 19) and the wick 5 will be emitted to the
atmosphere. That portion of the unit dose that is not emitted may
be delivered back to the lower fluid reservoir (6 or 7) via the
wick 5 and/or the wick opening 19 (and 18). Once the unit dose
chamber 11 (and 12) in the upper fluid reservoir (6 or 7) is
drained by gravity, the boost level emission beings to slowly
subside until unit dose either is emitted or passes through to the
lower reservoir (6 or 7). When the boost level emission ceases, the
maintenance level emission automatically returns. In the
maintenance level emission mode, the wick 5 draws volatile material
8 stored in the lower fluid reservoir (6 or 7) via capillary action
to at least some portion of the wick that exposed to the
atmosphere. For example, the volatile material 8 may be emitted
from the full length, or any portion thereof, of the exposed
longitudinal wick 5 surface between wick openings 18 and 19.
[0065] FIG. 3a depicts a cross-section of another non-limiting
embodiment of a volatile material delivery system 20 having two
containers 1 and 2 which are opposedly-connected and
fluidly-connected to each other via by-pass tubes 9 and 10 and/or
the wick 5. In this embodiment, by-pass tubes 9 and 10 are
configured in such a manner as to create a convenient concave hand
hold for ease of placement of the delivery system 20 and to provide
protection of the wick 5 from damage if the delivery system 20 is
inverted and/or toppled from its upright position and not placed on
its container base 33 (and 34).
[0066] In one non-limiting embodiment, the volume of the unit dose
chamber for the boost level emission may be defined by the volume
of volatile material 8 in the upper fluid reservoir (6 or 7) not
collected by the by-pass tube 9 (and 10) for channeling back down
to the lower fluid reservoir (6 or 7). The unit dose chamber walls
23, 24, 25 and 26 may be configured and located anywhere within the
reservoir 6 (and 7) and/or the container 1 (and 2). For example,
the unit dose chamber 12 may have chamber walls 25 and 26 that are
configured below the by-pass tube openings 16 and 17. The unit dose
volume is then collected by the open end 22 of the unit dose
chamber walls 25 and 26. Conversely, other configurations of the
chamber walls are also useful. For example, the volume of the unit
dose collected by the unit dose chamber 11 may be independent of
the configuration by-pass tube 9 (and 10) and/or the by-pass tube
openings 14 and 15. The unit dose chamber 11 may be located within
the fluid reservoir 6 having walls 23 and 24 that extend above the
location of the by-pass tube openings 14 and 15. Here a unit dose
volume of volatile material 8 in the upper reservoir 6 may be
collected in the unit dose chamber 11 via the open end 21 of the
unit dose chamber walls 23 and 24 upon inversion, pumping or by
spring-action of the delivery system 20.
[0067] Furthermore, any additional component in any suitable size,
shape, configuration, or material for joining or mating of the two
containers 1 and 2 together, or for directing fluid flow within the
delivery system 20 may be used. For example, any suitable interior
component may be provided within the fluid passageways of the
delivery system 20 in order to aid and/or direct flow of the
volatile material 8 in any desired location (such as, away from or
towards the wick 5). Any suitable exterior component of the
delivery system 20 and/or the container 1 (and 2) may be provided
to aid in the performance of the delivery system 20.
[0068] FIG. 3b depicts a cross-section of another non-limiting
embodiment of a volatile material delivery system 20 having a
gutter assembly. A gutter 138, located near the wick opening 18
(and 19) on the exterior surface of the container 2, is provided to
collect excess volatile material 8 that may escape from the wick 5
and/or the wick opening 18 (and 19) after wick 5 loading and/or
toppling of the delivery system 20. Any gutter 138 of any size,
shape, configuration, or material may be used. In one non-limiting
embodiment the gutter is located in the area in or adjacent to the
location of the wick opening 19. In order to catch or collect
excess volatile material 8 that may drip out of the opposing wick
opening 19 and/or off the wick 5 (such as, after excessive loading
by inversion, pumping and/or tipping) an absorbent material 139 is
provided. Any suitable absorbent material 139 may be used in any
suitable size, shape, or configuration. The absorbent material 139
may be made from any suitable materials that can substantially
absorb and/or facilitate evaporation of the volatile material 8.
The absorbent material 139 may comprise any suitable evaporative
surface material. For example, suitable absorbent material 139 may
include paper, plastic, sponge, etc. Excess volatile material 8
that is collected in the gutter 138 may then be absorbed or
reabsorbed by absorbent material 139 and redirected to the wick 5,
the wick opening 19, or allowed to evaporate directly to the
atmosphere.
[0069] In certain other non-limiting embodiments, an absorbent
material 139 may be placed in or near the location of the gutter
138 so as to aid in the collection of excess volatile material 8
that is not collected by the lower fluid reservoir 7. For example,
the absorbent material 139 may be made from wick 5 material in the
shape of a thin washer or doughnut that is located in the gutter
138 and surrounds the at least one wick 5. It should be noted that
the absorbent material 139 does not have to be in physical contact
with either the wick 5 or the wick opening 19. It may be attached
to any part of the exterior surface of the delivery system 20 by
any suitable means (such as by friction, adhesion, fasteners,
etc.). In fact, it does not have to be fixedly attached at all
since it can be added or removed by the consumer as desired. The
absorbent material 139 can freely slide along the longitudinal axis
of the at least one wick 5 coming to rest in the area of the
opposing gutter (not shown) wherein it can collect any excess
volatile material 8 that may be present in the vicinity of the
opposing wick opening (not shown), for example, during inversion,
excess pumping, or toppling of the delivery system 20.
[0070] FIG. 4 depicts another non-limiting embodiment of a volatile
material delivery system 20 having two containers 1 and 2 which are
opposedly-connected and fluidly-connected to each other via a
single by-pass tube 9 and/or the at least one wick 5. The by-pass
tube 9 may take any suitable size, shape, or configuration and be
made of any suitable material. The by-pass tube 9 may be connected
to the container 1 (and 2) by any suitable means at any suitable
location. For instance, the by-pass tube 9 of similar material as
the container 1 (and 2) may be formed in the shape of a spiral,
sphere, or ellipse and is connected to the reservoir 6 (and 7) .
The by-pass tube 9 may be part of any component of the delivery
system 20. For example, the by-pass tube 9 may be integrated in the
container 1 (and 2) and/or in the wick 5. The by-pass tube 9 may
have one or more by-pass tube opening 15 (and 17) which allow fluid
communication with the container 1 (and 2) without loss due to
leaking or vaporization. For example, the volatile material 8 may
flow by gravity after inversion from the upper reservoir 6 to the
lower reservoir 7 via the by-pass tube 9 and/or the at least one
wick 5. The by-pass tube opening 15 (and 17) may be located
anywhere on the surface of the container 1 (and 2) and may be
located in such a manner as to allow the formation of a unit dose
chamber 11 (and 12), located in the interior space of fluid
reservoir 6 (and 7) between the wick opening 18 (and 19) and the
by-pass tube opening 15 (and 17), for delivery of the optionally
uniform, temporary boost level emission. The by-pass tube 9 may
surround the wick 5 so as to protect the wick 5 from physical
tampering or damage if the delivery system 20 is inverted and/or
toppled from its upright position. This configuration aids in
protecting children from unwanted or direct exposure to the
volatile material 8 by discouraging contact with the wick 5.
[0071] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c depict another non-limiting embodiment of a
volatile material delivery system 20. FIG. 5a depicts the exterior
surface of a single integrated container 1 having one or more vent
openings 35 on the integrated container 1. The one or more vent
openings 35 allow the volatile material (not shown) to be emitted
or delivered from the wick (not shown) to the atmosphere of the
room or rooms that require treatment. Optionally, an adjustable
vent (not shown) may be added to the container 1 of the delivery
system 20 so that the width of the one or more vent openings 35 may
be made adjustable and/or closeable. This allows the maintenance
and boost level emission rates to be controlled by the consumer.
The adjustable vent (not shown) may be made of any suitable
material, be of any suitable size or shape, and be located anywhere
on or within the delivery system 20. For example, a consumer may
open, partially open, partially close, or close the one or more
vent openings 35 by moving the adjustable vent (not shown) such
that the desired amount of emission is delivered to the location
needing treatment.
[0072] FIG. 5b depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a evaporative
surface device 40 having a wick 5, a wick fitting 3 (and 4), a wick
fitting opening 43 (and 44), an optional wick fitting vent hole 27
(and 28), and a wick fitting flange 31 (and 32). All components of
the evaporative surface device 40, may be made of any suitable
material, and be of any suitable size, shape, or configuration.
Each end of the at least one wick 5 may sealably fit into the wick
fitting opening 43 (and 44) of the wick fitting 3 (and 4) so as to
allow for fluid communication between fluid reservoirs (not shown)
via the wick 5 but reduce unwanted leakage of the volatile material
(not shown) from around the wick fitting opening 43 (and 44), the
wick openings (not shown), or the container (not shown) during use
or storage.
[0073] FIG. 5c depicts a cross-section of another non-limiting
embodiment having a single integrated container 1 having two fluid
reservoirs 6 and 7 which are opposedly-connected and
fluidly-connected to each other via by-pass tubes 9 and 10 and/or
the at least one wick 5. In this embodiment, the by-pass tube 9
(and 10) is configured within the interior of the single integrated
container 1 in such a manner as to create a convenient concave hand
hold for ease of placement of the delivery system 20 and to provide
protection of the wick 5 from damage during inversion and/or if the
delivery system 20 toppled from its upright position. The unit dose
chamber 11 (and 12) is located within the fluid reservoir 6 (and 7)
of the single integrated container 1. The one unit dose chamber 11
(and 12) can have walls 23 and 24 (25 and 26) in the shape of a cup
with an open end 21 (and 22) for collection of the volatile
material 8 when the delivery system 20 is inverted. The unit dose
chamber 11 (and 12) may contain at least some of the volatile
material 8 at anytime, especially immediately after inversion. The
volatile material 8 may flow by gravity or by non-aerosol pump (not
shown) via the by-pass tube 9 (and 10) and/or the wick 5 to the
opposing fluid reservoir (6 or 7). The at least one wick opening 18
(and 19) allows penetration of the wick 5 to the fluid reservoir 6
(and 7) . The unit dose chamber walls 23 and 24 (25 and 26) may
extend above the by-pass tube openings 14 and 15 (16 and 17) inside
the at least one fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) when in the upright
position or they may be at or below these openings depending on the
at least one wick 5 loading requirements. The wick fitting bracket
36 (and 37) may be located in any suitable location on the
integrated container 1 so as to accept and provide for a tight seal
with the wick fitting 3 (and 4) and the wick 5. The wick fitting 3
(and 4) may be configured to tightly hold the wick 5 as it is
placed in the wick fitting bracket 36 (and 37), which may be made
to sealably enclose the wick fitting 3 (and 4) and/or the wick 5 to
minimize leakage of the volatile material 8 at or from either or
both the junctions of the wick fitting 3 (and 4) and the wick 5 or
the wick fitting 3 (and 4) and the wick fitting bracket 36 (and
37).
[0074] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-section of another non-limiting
embodiment of a volatile material delivery system 20 having two
containers 1 and 2 which are opposedly-connected and
fluidly-connected to each other via the at least one by-pass tube
9, and/or the at least one wick 5. For example, the by-pass tube 9
may be incorporated within the wick 5 itself. It can be located
near but not in physical contact with the wick 5 or it can actually
be in physical contact the wick 5. One or more by-pass tube opening
15 (and 17) may be located anywhere within the wick 5, the
reservoir 6 (and 7), and/or the container 1 (and 2) of the delivery
system 20. For example, the by-pass tube 9 can enter the same wick
opening 18 (and 19) as the wick 5 but can be made longer and be
positioned away from the wick 5 so as to act as an alternative
fluid reservoir for collecting volatile material 8 when and if the
delivery system 20 is inverted and/or toppled. In another example,
the by-pass tube opening 15 (and 17) may be integrated within the
wick opening 18 (and 19) such that both the by-pass tube 9 and the
wick 5 pass through the same opening. In this case, only one seal
(not shown) may be needed to prevent excess volatile material 8
from escaping the delivery system 20 during the boost level
emission mode. This will reduce the costs of manufacture and reduce
the potential for seal failure or leakage. The by-pass tube 9 also
may be made of wick 5 material by simply creating a cavity within
the wick 5 itself. There can be more than one by-pass tube 9 and/or
wick opening 15 (and 17) in the same reservoir 6 (and 7) and/or in
the same wick 5.
[0075] FIG. 7a depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting
embodiment of a delivery system 20 in the maintenance level
emission mode. The delivery system 20 has two reservoirs 78 and 79,
two by-pass tubes 9 and 10, one wick 5, and at least one
multi-phase volatile material comprised of two or more separate and
distinct phases 61 and 83. Any suitable multi-phase volatile
material in any suitable amount, density and/or viscosity may be
used. During the maintenance level emission mode, the multi-phase
volatile material is stored in the lower fluid reservoir 79. The
separate and distinct phases 61 and 83 may be delivered to the
atmosphere via capillary action from the fluid reservoir 79 to the
at least one wick 5 in any suitable order or sequence. For example,
the wick 5 may draw and deliver both phases in equal amounts from
the reservoir 79 (and 80) to the atmosphere; and preferentially
deliver phase 61 quicker than phase 83, and vice versa. Any other
method that causes the wick 5 to preferentially draw and deliver
fluid from one of the desired phases at a rate greater than that of
the other at rest or equilibrium may be used. For example, the
length of the at least one wick 5 may be configured or height
positioned within the fluid reservoir 80 such that it
preferentially draws phase 61 during the maintenance level emission
while at the same time not drawing on phase 83. Other means of
providing differential uptake by the wick include, but are not
limited to: providing different wick material types and/or designs,
and adjusting the chemical properties of the different phases in
the multi-phase volatile composition to modify uptake on the wick
5.
[0076] FIG. 7b depicts the delivery system 20 in the boost level
emission mode. When a boost level emission is desired, the consumer
inverts the delivery system 20. Upon inversion, the lower fluid
reservoir 79 (of FIG. 7a) becomes the upper fluid reservoir 79 of
FIG. 7b. Whereupon, at least some of the multi-phase volatile
material is collected in the unit dose chamber 80 while the excess
multi-phase volatile material begins to drain to the lower fluid
reservoir 78 via inlet openings 16 and 17 and by-pass tubes 9 and
10. The location of the at least one by-pass tube openings 16 and
17 may allow the consumer to fill the unit dose chamber 80 and/or
the at least one wick 5 with a desired fluid phase.
[0077] The character, as well as, the intensity of the multi-phase
volatile material perceived by the consumer during the boost level
emission may change upon mixing and/or displacement of the separate
phases 61 and 83 of the multi-phase composition being collected in
the unit dose chamber 80. Any suitable physical property or
characteristic of the multi-phase volatile material 78 may be used
to separate and preferentially load the at least one wick 5 with
the desired phase.
[0078] The density of the at least two separate and distinct phases
of the multi-phase volatile material may control how and when a
particular volatile material phase is delivered to the wick 5. For
example, though a less dense phase 61 may enter the by-pass tubes 9
and 10 and flow faster upon mixing after inversion than a more
dense phase 83, the more dense phase 83 may actually displace some
or all of the less dense phase 61 in the unit dose chamber 80 given
the proper configuration and/or conditions. When a portion of the
more dense phase 83 displaces a portion of the less dense phase 61
in the unit dose chamber 80, the displaced less dense phase 61 may
then be drained back to the lower fluid reservoir 78. During the
boost level emission mode, the more dense phase 83 is
preferentially delivered to the wick 5 and emitted to the
atmosphere over the less dense phase 61. Thus, the same multi-phase
volatile material at the maintenance level emission mode may
exhibit a different character and/or intensity during the boost
level emission mode.
[0079] Similarly, the viscosity of the at least two separate and
distinct phases of the multi-phase volatile material (not shown)
may control how and when a particular volatile material phase is
delivered to the wick. For example, at equilibrium during the
maintenance level emission, the wick may be located at a specific
height or in a specific position in the lower fluid reservoir so as
to draw from the more viscous phase of the two or more volatile
materials. Upon mixing during the boost level emission, the lower
fluid reservoir becomes the upper fluid reservoir. Since the less
viscous phase may flow faster than the more viscous volatile
material, the unit dose chamber may be first filled with the less
viscous phase. The more viscous volatile material, being slightly
less or of similar density with the less viscous phase, is directed
to the by-pass tubes and collected by the lower fluid reservoir via
gravity. Thus, during the boost level emission mode, the less
viscous volatile material is preferentially delivered to the wick
and emitted to the atmosphere over the more viscous phase.
[0080] FIG. 8a depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting
embodiment of the volatile material delivery system 20 having at
least one secondary wick 38. The at least one secondary wick 38 may
be loaded with volatile material 8 at any time, for example, upon
inversion of the delivery system 20 or by non-aerosol pump to
deliver a boost level emission. The secondary wick 38 may aid in
the delivery of an increased intensity of volatile material 8 to
the atmosphere by increasing the evaporative surface area during
the boost level emission mode. The secondary wick 38 made of any
suitable material in any suitable size, shape, or configuration.
For example, the secondary wick 38 may in the shape of a flat
washer, hollow ring, or doughnut, extending at least partially
within the at least one fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) such as, just
beyond the junction of the at least one wick opening 18 and 19 as
shown. The secondary wick 38 may also be extended to any position
within the fluid reservoir 6 (and 7), such as, to the full length
of the interior fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) cavity, perhaps even
touching the interior surface of the container base 33 (and 34). In
this example, the secondary wick 38 may be in physical contact with
the primary wick 5.
[0081] FIG. 8b depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting
embodiment of the volatile material delivery system 20 having at
least one secondary wick 39 not in physical contact with the
primary wick 5.
[0082] FIG. 8c depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting
embodiment of a multiple delivery system 100 having a plurality of
individual delivery systems. For example, the delivery system 100
may comprise of a plurality of separate containers 101, 102, 103
and 104 in any configuration, not all of which are
physically-connected, opposedly-connected, or fluidly-connected.
Containers 101 and 102 may be opposedly-connected, and/or
fluidly-connected, but not necessarily physically-connected to
containers 103 and 104, yet all may be housed in a single delivery
system 100 or housing (not shown). Each pair of containers 101 and
102, and 103 and 104 may contain at least one reservoir or a pair
of reservoirs 113 and 116, and 114 and 115, and respectively. Each
pair of reservoirs 113 and 116, and 114 and 115 may have at least
one by-pass tube 107 (and 108) and corresponding by-pass tube
openings 109 and 111, (110 and 112) that fluidly-connects the
opposing reservoir pairs as described above. In this embodiment,
different volatile materials may be provided in each of the fluid
reservoir pairs. For example, volatile material 117 may be provided
in reservoir pair 113 and 116, while volatile material 118 may be
provided in reservoir pair 114 and 115.
[0083] The position, location, size, shape, and configuration of
the individual wick 105 (and 106) may vary according to the
requirements of each individual delivery system housed in the
multiple delivery system 100. For example, wick 105 may be
positioned in reservoir 116 so that the wick 105 extends the full
length of the interior fluid reservoir 116 cavity of container 101
while the wick 105 extends only partially within the interior fluid
reservoir 113 cavity of container 102. Similarly, wick 106 may be
positioned in reservoir 114 so that the wick 106 extends the full
length of the interior fluid reservoir 114 cavity of container 103
while the wick 106 extends only partially within the interior fluid
reservoir 115 cavity of container 104.
[0084] In this configuration, a different fragrance may be emitted
from each individual delivery system during the two separate
maintenance level emission modes. In the first maintenance level
emission mode (A), wick 105 is immersed in volatile material 118
while at the same time wick 106 is non-immersed in volatile
material 117. Thus, only wick 105 is active, emitting volatile
material 118 via capillary action. When the boost level emission
mode is desired, the multiple delivery system 100 is inverted. The
lower fluid reservoirs 115 and 116 become the upper fluid
reservoirs. In the boost level emission mode, wicks 105 and 106 are
individually loaded and/or dosed with the volatile material 118 and
117, respectively. When the boost level emission mode is completed
and the volatile material 117 (and 118) drains to their respective
lower reservoir pairs 114 (and 113) via either the by-pass tube 107
(and 108) or wick 105 (and 106), the second maintenance level
emission mode automatically begins.
[0085] In the second maintenance level emission mode (B), wick 106
is immersed in volatile material 117 while at the same time wick
105 is non-immersed in volatile material 118. Thus, only wick 106
is active, emitting volatile material 117 via capillary action.
Thus, the character of the boost level emission is different than
both maintenance level emissions (A) and (B) which may be in turn
be different in character from themselves.
[0086] FIG. 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d depict the cross-sections other
non-limiting embodiments having a single container 1, at least one
fluid reservoir 6 and at least one dosing tube 45 in the
maintenance level emission mode. When the boost level emission mode
is desired, the inversion of the delivery system 20 in FIG. 9a is
required to load and/or doses the wick 5 with a volatile material
8. The wick 5 is at least partially located inside the at least one
fluid reservoir 6 and is fluidly-connected to at least some of the
volatile material 8 that is stored in the at least one fluid
reservoir 6. Upon inversion, the dosing tube inlet opening 49
collects the volatile material 8, located within the fluid
reservoir 6, in the dosing tube 45, which becomes at least
partially filled with the volatile material 8. When the delivery
system 20 is returned to the upright position by being placed back
on its container base 34, at least some portion of the volatile
material 8 is collected by the dosing tube 45. The collected
portion of volatile material 8 then flows by gravity to the wick 5
via the dosing tube outlet opening 51 which is physically and/or
fluidly-connected to the wick dosing chamber 54 which in turn is
physically and/or fluidly-connected to the wick 5 and/or the at
least one secondary wick 38. The wick dosing chamber 54 allows the
volatile material 8 to wet the wick 5 and the secondary wick 38
with at least some of the volatile material 8 collected in the
dosing tube 45 after inversion for delivery of the boost level
emission. It should be noted that delivery of the maintenance level
emission in this embodiment requires no mechanical action, such as
inversion. The capillary loading of the wick 5 automatically
returns after inversion. The capillary action automatically may
continue until the delivery system 20 is substantially exhausted of
the volatile material 8 by the emission processes.
[0087] Like the embodiment of FIG. 9a, the embodiment of FIGS. 9b
and 9c also require no mechanical step to deliver the maintenance
level emission. However, unlike the previous embodiment, the boost
level emission is accomplished by loading the wick 5 and/or
secondary wick 38 (and 39) with volatile material 8 via a
squeezable bladder 47 or non-aerosol pump 48. FIG. 9b uses the
squeezable bladder 47, which draws at least some volatile material
8 from the fluid reservoir 6 of container 1 via the dosing tube
inlet opening 49. The volatile material 8 is collected in the
dosing tube 45 and is collected in the bladder 47 via the bladder
inlet opening 52 and is discharged to the dosing tube 46 via the
bladder outlet opening 53 when the bladder is squeezed. The wick 5
and the optional secondary wick material (not shown) may be loaded
or dosed according to the method described above in FIG. 9a.
[0088] Like the embodiment of FIG. 9b, the embodiment of FIG. 9c
uses the same delivery concept except the squeezable bladder 47 is
replaced with a non-aerosol hand pump 48. The non-aerosol hand pump
48, having pump inlet opening 56 and pump outlet opening 55, may be
of any suitable type, size, shape, and/or dimension having a
suitable pump head such that at least some volatile material 8 is
delivered to the wick 5 and/or the secondary wick 38 and 39 when
the non-aerosol hand pump is used with minimal mechanical effort.
There is no sprayer attached to any pump or squeezable bladder
device.
[0089] FIG. 9d depicts the cross-section another non-limiting
embodiment of a delivery system 20 having two separate containers 1
and 50. The wick 5 is fluidly-connected to the volatile material 8
stored in the fluid reservoir 6 via the sealable wick opening 18. A
maintenance level emission is provided by capillary action of the
volatile material 8 via the at least one wick 5 to the atmosphere.
The wick 5 may be of any suitable size or length and may extend
within the reservoir 6 to the interior surface of the container
base 34. Container 50 is fluidly connected to container 1 via a
dosing tube 46. Container 50 may comprise a dosing funnel 71, a
dosing diffuser 72, a collection base 73, a secondary fluid
reservoir 57, and a secondary wick 38. When a boost level emission
is desired, the volatile material 8 of container 1 may be delivered
to the secondary wick 38 of container 50 by any suitable means. The
volatile material 8 is delivered to the dosing tube 46 via the
dosing tube inlet opening 49. The volatile material 8 enters
container 50 via the dosing tube outlet opening 51 where it is
collected by an dosing funnel 71, which directs the volatile
material 8 to the dosing diffuser 72, which delivers the volatile
material 8 to the secondary wick 38. The secondary wick 38 is
fluidly connected to the dosing diffuser 72 and the dosing funnel
71. The secondary wick 38 may also be fixedly connected to the
dosing diffuser 72 and the container base 73 via any suitable
connection.
[0090] The secondary wick 38 may be any suitable size or shape. For
example, the secondary wick may be in the shape of a hollow cup,
sphere or ring wherein the volatile material 8 flows by gravity
from the dosing diffuser 72 through the secondary wick 38 to the
container base 73. The secondary wick 38 may comprise from any
suitable surface area. For example, a suitable surface area may
range from about 1 to about 100 times, or from about 1 to about 50
times, or from about 1 to about 20 times, or from about 1 to about
5 times more surface area than the at least one wick 5. The
increase in wick surface area may be provided by any suitable
means, such as by varying the pore size of the wick material or by
pleating or folding the wick material.
[0091] Like the embodiments in FIGS. 9a, the embodiment of FIG. 9d
may initiate the boost level emission by inversion (or by any other
suitable means) of container 1 such that volatile material 8 is
delivered to the secondary wick 38 for boost level emission. Excess
volatile material 8 that is not collected onto the secondary wick
38 after being delivered via the dosing diffuser 72 may be
collected in the secondary fluid reservoir 57, which is fluidly
connected to the secondary wick 38. The secondary wick 38 may also
be a porous solid, having an optional secondary fluid reservoir 57.
The porous solid may absorb excess volatile material 8 not
immediately emitted from the secondary wick 38 itself. The boost
level emission will last until all of the volatile material 8
evaporates. For example, all the volatile material 8 that is loaded
onto the secondary wick 38 or that is stored in the secondary fluid
reservoir 57 will be delivered to the atmosphere via evaporation
during the boost level emission.
[0092] FIGS. 10a and 10b depict the cross-sections another
non-limiting embodiment of a delivery system 120 having an
adjustable, high-surface area wick 58 that can deliver more or less
volatile material 8 to the atmosphere depending on the amount of
surface area exposed to the atmosphere. FIG. 10a represents the
delivery system 120 at the equilibrium state wherein the least
amount of surface area of the wick 58 is exposed to the atmosphere.
The spring 75 is uncompressed in its equilibrium state. In the
folded position at equilibrium, the wick 58 provides the
maintenance level emission.
[0093] In certain embodiments, the delivery system 120 comprises a
wick spring assembly comprising an adjustable, high-surface area
wick 58, a wick retraining ring 60, a spring 75, an optional
damping device (not shown), a spring restraining device (not
shown), optionally, a perforated protective shell 121, and at least
one lever 122 for compressing the spring 75 via the wick
restraining ring 60. The perforated protective shell 121 may be
made of any suitable material in any size, shape, or configuration
so as to allow for unrestricted emission flow of volatile material
via the perforations (not shown), which may be any suitable size,
shape or configuration. For example, the perforations (not shown)
may be a plurality of slots. The perforated protective shell 121
may provide for a vertical slot 123 that allows the lever 122,
which is attached to the wick restraining ring 60, to travel the
full length required for spring 75 compression. The wick spring
assembly allows the consumer to configure or adjust the exposed
surface areas of wick 58 in order to vary the intensity of the
boost level emission. While using the lever 122 to compress the
spring 75, the consumer may deliver the boost level emission
without having to invert the delivery system 120.
[0094] FIG. 10b represents the delivery system 120 in the maximum
boost level mode. Here the greatest amount of surface area of the
wick 58 is exposed to the atmosphere. The spring 75 is fully
compressed. The wick 58 may be made of any suitable material in any
suitable shape or size such that when it is unrestrained, it opens
or unfolds to expose its greatest surface areas to the atmosphere.
As the spring 75 gradually returns to its equilibrium length, the
surface area of the wick is reduced by the wick restraining ring
60. The optional spring damping device (not shown) will allow
variable boost level emission durations to be provided. When the
wick spring to its equilibrium state, the boost level emission mode
ceases and the maintenance level emission mode automatically
returns. Thus, the duration and intensity of the boost level
emission may be controlled by the consumer by simply depressing the
lever 122 to the desired position.
[0095] FIG. 11 depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting
embodiment of a delivery system 20 having a stability cradle 62.
The stability cradle 62 may be made of any suitable material having
any suitable size, shape, or configuration, such that the delivery
system 20 is at least partially stabilized in a suitable dispensing
position (for example, an upright positions) once placed in the
stability cradle 62. The upright position in this case refers to
any inclination greater than 45 degrees from vertical in any
direction. For example, the stability cradle 62 made be made of
wood, metal, plastic and/or glass and may optionally have a
recessed area 63 which when in contact with the at least one
container base 34 adds at least some stability to the delivery
system 20. The stability cradle 62 allows consumers the convenience
of identifying a setting for the delivery system 20 in any room or
location needing treatment (for example, living room, kitchen,
bathroom, garage, backyard, etc.). The stability cradle 62 may
allow for decorative items to be placed onto the structure in order
to allow the consumer to personalize the delivery system 20. For
example, a colored veneer may be selected having many different
decorative colors available for color coordination. The decorative
items may be attached anywhere on the stability cradle 62 and/or
delivery system 20 by any fastening means, such as fasteners,
adhesives, lock and key devices, etc.
[0096] FIG. 12 depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting
embodiment of a delivery system 20 having at least one ballast 63
which may be made of any suitable material in any size, shape, or
configuration, so as to provide at least some stability against
overturning once the delivery system 20 is overturned by touching,
shaking, unleveling toppling, or otherwise. Suitable forms of
suitable ballast materials include, but are not limited to: solids,
liquids, gels, powders, granules, and combinations thereof. For
example, the ballast 63 may comprise any suitable material having
any suitable weight in order to reduce overturning of the delivery
system 20. The ballast 63 may be attached to the delivery system 20
and/or the container 1 (and 2) in any suitable manner (for example,
fixed, non-fixed, etc). The ballast 63 may be removably attached to
allow adjustment on the delivery system 20. Thus, the ballast 63
may be positioned and/or repositioned on the container 1 (and 2) in
any suitable configuration and by any suitable means. For example,
the consumer may attach the ballast 63 to the lower container 2
after inversion. Alternatively, the manufacturer may attach the
ballast 63 so that it may automatically be repositioned from the
upper container 1 to the lower container 2 by the action of gravity
when the at delivery system 20 is inverted.
[0097] The ballast 63 may be connected to the at least one
container via any suitable mechanism, for example a sliding
mechanism. The ballast 64 may freely move along a longitudinal axis
of the delivery system 20 by gravity, for example, by sliding along
the by-pass tube 9 (and 10) via an attachment device 65, such as a
ring. Alternatively, the ballast 64 may be physically relocated,
without sliding, for example, by clipping the ballast 64 to any
portion of the delivery system 20, such as to the lower container
base 34 or to the by-pass tube 9 (and 10), before, during, or after
the inversion process. A suitable attachment device 65 can be made
of any suitable material in any suitable size, shape, or
configuration. For example, the attachment device 65 may be a
clamp, clip, ring, string, tie, adhesive material, friction
fitting, magnet, and combinations thereof. The at least one ballast
63 may also be attached and/or connected to the at least one
container 1 (and 2) in a fixed position. In one non-limiting
embodiment, the ballast (not shown) may be in the form of sand or a
ball bearing that is housed in a component of the delivery system
20.
[0098] FIG. 13a depicts a perspective view of another non-limiting
embodiment of a delivery system 20 having four by-pass tubes 65,
66, 67, and 68 and at least one wick 5. When overturned over, the
by-pass tubes 65, 66, 67, and 68 may act as secondary fluid
reservoirs to collect some of the volatile material (not shown)
that was stored in either fluid reservoir (not shown) and thereby
minimize leakage from the delivery system 20. FIG. 13b shows the
top view of the delivery system 20 of FIG. 13a. This configuration
aids in stabilizing the delivery system 20 after toppling from the
upright position. FIG. 13c shows the cross-section view (A-A)
through the by-pass tubes 66 and 68.
[0099] FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of another non-limiting
embodiment of a delivery system 20 having an external frame 69
having at least one ballast 70. The external frame 69 may be made
of any suitable material and configured in any suitable size or
shape. The external frame 69 may be removeably attached to the
delivery system 20 by any suitable means. The ballast 70 may also
be removably attached to the external frame 69. The delivery system
20 may be easily removed from the external frame 69 and inverted by
the consumer before reattaching. Alternatively, the delivery system
20 may be inverted in place. For example, the external frame 69 may
provide a means to invert the delivery system 20 by providing a
pivoting arm (not shown) which allows the consumer to simply invert
the delivery system 20 by pushing on the container 1 (and 2). The
ballast 70 may be removed after the delivery system 20 and
reattached to the external frame 69 as needed, for example, for
cleaning.
[0100] FIG. 15a depicts a cross-section of a delivery system 20
comprising another wick spring assembly mechanism. The wick spring
assembly comprises at least one retractable wick 86, at least one
spring 87, at least one spring adjuster 88, an optional damping
device (not shown), and a spring restraining device (not shown).
Like the embodiment of FIG. 10a, the maintenance level emission
mode occurs at the equilibrium state where the least amount of
surface area of the retractable wick 86 is exposed to the
atmosphere. At equilibrium, the retractable wick 86 is immersed in
the volatile material 8 contained in the fluid reservoir 6 of the
container 1. In this case, the wick spring assembly 75 would be
compressed in the equilibrium state.
[0101] When a boost level emission is desired, more surface area of
the retractable wick 86 is exposed to the atmosphere. For example,
the consumer may increase the wick surface area by pulling up on
the spring adjuster 88 to the desired length and thereby exposing
more retractable wick 86 surface area to the atmosphere than is
exposed at equilibrium. When the retractable wick 86 is fully
extended, the wick spring 75 is uncompressed. The volatile material
8 emission rate increases as a function of the amount of wick
surface area exposed. The more surface area exposed, the higher the
boost level emission rate. Thus, the consumer has the ability to
control perceived intensity levels during the boost level emission
mode by varying the amount of retractable wick 86 surface area
exposed. As the wick spring assembly 75 gradually compresses back
to the equilibrium state, the retractable wick 86 is returned to
the fluid reservoir 6 of container 1 where it is again immersed in
and reloaded with the volatile material 8. Thus, the boost level
emission may be uniformly delivered, being repeated as many times
as necessary by the consumer until the volatile material 8 is
exhausted.
[0102] Any other suitable means of increasing the intensity of the
boost level emission is also useful. For example, in certain other
embodiments, the volatile material in the delivery system may be in
the form of a gel or liquid gel (not shown). In such a case, the
wick may be modified to facilitate the loading of the volatile gel
composition onto the wick, the spring itself, and/or onto a
suitable delivery device such as, paddles, which can be attached
onto or adjacent to the wick spring. The gel-laden wick spring
itself and/or the delivery device can provide the means to deliver
boost level emission. At equilibrium, evaporation of the volatile
gel composition from off the top layer surface of the wick and/or
volatile gel material would provide the maintenance level emission
mode. Conversely, as the gel-laden wick spring is extended away
from the container in the uncompressed mode (similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 15b), more surface area evaporation of the
volatile gel material would occur. As the wick spring gradually
returns to equilibrium, the boost level emission would
automatically cease while the maintenance level emission would
automatically return.
[0103] In other alternative embodiments, the delivery system can
comprise a kit containing a bundle or packs of one or more volatile
materials. Any of the foregoing embodiments may be used in
supplying consumers with their initial product(s), as well as with
refills for the same. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the
delivery system may comprise supplying consumers with a choice of
different types of volatile materials (for example, a fragrance
composition, a malodor reducing composition, an insecticide, a mood
enhancer composition, or combinations thereof) other than, or in
addition to, the volatile materials sold in the initial
product(s).
[0104] The disclosure of all patents, patent applications (and any
patents which issue thereon, as well as any corresponding published
foreign patent applications), and publications mentioned throughout
this description are hereby incorporated by reference herein. It is
expressly not admitted, however, that any of the documents
incorporated by reference herein teach or disclose the present
invention.
[0105] It should be understood that every maximum numerical
limitation given throughout this specification would include every
lower numerical limitation, as if such lower numerical limitations
were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation
given throughout this specification will include every higher
numerical limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were
expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout
this specification will include every narrower numerical range that
falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower
numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.
[0106] While particular embodiments of the subject invention have
been described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that
various changes and modifications of the subject invention can be
made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
In addition, while the present invention has been described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not by way of
limitation and the scope of the invention is defined by the
appended claims which should be construed as broadly as the prior
art will permit.
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