U.S. patent application number 11/386425 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for odor neutralization apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Ben Kusin.
Application Number | 20070220692 11/386425 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38531788 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070220692 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kusin; Ben |
September 27, 2007 |
Odor neutralization apparatus and method
Abstract
An apparatus for neutralizing odors in clothing, comprising an
applicator for applying a neutralizing substance to a person's
clothing, the applicator including: a carrier layer impregnated
with the neutralizing substance and a substrate layer having
generally the same shape as the carrier layer and bonded to the
carrier layer around all but a select portion of the perimeter of
the carrier layer. An activating mechanism associated with the
applicator may be provided for releasing the neutralizing substance
from the carrier layer. In another aspect of the invention, a
method comprising the steps of providing an odor-neutralizing
applicator having a carrier layer impregnated with an odor
neutralizing substance and adapted to be slipped over the person's
fingertips of one hand; and manipulating the applicator against the
person's clothing to neutralize the odors in the person's clothing.
An activating step may be included to release the odor neutralizing
substance onto the person's clothing.
Inventors: |
Kusin; Ben; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen S. Mosher;Whitaker, Chalk, Swindle & Sawyer, LLP
3500 City Center Tower II
301 Commerce Street
Fort Worth
TX
76102-4186
US
|
Family ID: |
38531788 |
Appl. No.: |
11/386425 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/104.94 ;
15/227 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/19 20130101;
A47L 25/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/104.94 ;
015/227 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/19 20060101
A47L013/19 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for neutralizing odors in clothing, comprising: a
finger mitt applicator for applying an odor neutralizing substance
to a person's clothing, the applicator including: a carrier layer
having a generally bounded shape defined by a perimeter thereof and
impregnated with the odor neutralizing substance; and a substrate
layer having generally the same shape as the carrier layer and
bonded to the carrier layer around all but a select portion of the
perimeter of the carrier layer, thereby forming a pocket with the
carrier layer and an open space for inserting one or more of a
user's fingers therein.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises: a
top layer attached to an opposite side of the substrate layer from
the carrier layer; and indicia including a brand image imprinted on
the top layer.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the indicia includes
instructions for use of the applicator.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer and the
top layer are combined in a single substrate layer having an
imprintable outer surface.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the substrate layer is
selected from the group consisting of leather and a leather
substitute.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an activating
mechanism associated with the carrier layer of the applicator for
releasing the odor neutralizing substance from the carrier
layer.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the activating mechanism is a
wrapper configured for enclosing the carrier layer until use.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the wrapper is configured to
enable re-use of the applicator.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket formed in the
applicator is adapted for being slipped over a user's fingertips to
enable manipulating the applicator to release the odor neutralizing
substance.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket is formed in the
applicator by squeezing first and second opposite sides of the
applicator, thereby providing an open space for inserting a user's
fingers.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrier layer is a
non-woven, absorbent fabric sheet.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the carrier layer is
fabricated from spun-bonded polyester fibers.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the odor neutralizing
substance includes a perfume.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the odor neutralizing
substance includes a pleasing scent.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrier layer is also
impregnated with a perfume.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the odor neutralizing
substance is a perfume.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer is a
non-absorbent paper.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the odor neutralizing
substance is impregnated into a first portion of the carrier layer
and a second substance having a pleasing odor is released from a
second portion of the carrier layer.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer is bonded
to the carrier layer around all but a select portion of the
perimeter of the carrier layer using a bonding means selected from
the group consisting of sewn stitches, adhesive, rivets, staples,
and clamps.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the generally bounded shape
defined by a perimeter comprises a plane figure selected from the
group consisting of triangular, rectangular, circular, eliptical,
oval, and polygonal.
21. A method of neutralizing odors present in a person's clothing,
comprising the steps of: providing an odor-neutralizing applicator
having a carrier layer impregnated with an odor neutralizing
substance and adapted to be slipped over the person's fingertips of
one hand; slipping the applicator over the fingertips of the
person's hand; and manipulating the applicator against the person's
clothing to release the odor neutralizing substance onto the
person's clothing thereby neutralizing the odors in the person's
clothing.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of manipulating
comprises the step of: rubbing the carrier layer of the applicator
against the surface of the person's clothing to release the odor
neutralizing substance onto the person's clothing.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of:
activating the carrier layer of the applicator, prior to the step
of manipulating, to enable release of the odor neutralizing
substance.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of activating further
comprises the step of: removing a protective wrapper from the
applicator thereby exposing an active portion of the carrier
layer.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of:
replacing the protective wrapper over the active portion of the
carrier layer for subsequent re-use of the applicator.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to neutralizing
unpleasant odors and, more particularly, to apparatus and a method
for neutralizing unpleasant odors on the surface of a person's
clothing and refreshing the scent of the clothing.
[0003] 2. Background of the Invention
[0004] Dining out, attending concerts or dance performances, going
to the theatre or to movies, going to parties, dances and
celebrations, going to night clubs and other entertainment venues,
or just hanging out with friends are some of the activities people
engage in during their free time. Generally, in preparing to
participate in these activities, people take great pains to look
their best and to present themselves in the best possible light.
Personal grooming aids and products are often employed, most of
which are scented, in an effort to appear attractive. Perfumes and
scented grooming products are used to enhance the effects,
particularly among persons interested in attracting other persons
of the opposite sex, for example.
[0005] Unfortunately, the scented effects tend to diminish rapidly,
reducing the intended effect of the personal grooming efforts.
Further, many of the venues for the above activities include
exposure to a wide variety of odors. These odors typically
originate from food and beverages in restaurants, from smoke in
restaurants, bars, night clubs, etc., from the perspiration of the
persons themselves and other patrons, and from other substances
that may be encountered during an evening's entertainment. Many of
these odors are unpleasant or become more so with the passage of
time. Such odors are readily absorbed by a person's clothing or
hair, and are carried with the person for the rest of the evening.
Thus, not only are the original scents diminished through the
natural evaporation and deterioration that occurs, but they are
often overwhelmed or masked by the many odors in the surroundings.
These circumstances may be especially worrisome to people in a
dating situation, especially as the evening wears on and the
persons anticipate extending the evening or just wish to freshen
themselves before proceeding with the remainder of the evening's
activities.
[0006] Conventional remedies include perfume or perfumed products
such as cologne applied to a person's skin or clothing, typically
provided in a spray container or a bottle. Other similar products
may be applied by hand. Further, it is known that certain products,
such as dryer sheets for use in clothes dryers, have sometimes been
used in an effort to absorb the unpleasant odors from a person's
clothing or hair, generally with limited success. However, such
dispensing devices as traditionally used for perfume or cologne are
not readily available with odor neutralizing capabilities adapted
to neutralizing the odors accumulated on a person's clothing.
Moreover, the use of paper or fabric odor absorbing devices has
heretofore failed to provide more than limited usefulness.
[0007] It is known or has been observed that certain paper or
fabric products, such as the Bounce.RTM. dryer sheets and
Swiffer.RTM. floor mop products manufactured and distributed by the
Proctor & Gamble Corporation for the laundry and floor cleaning
markets respectively, and which may respectively contain
anti-static or scented compounds or cleaning agents, have certain
properties that might suggest possible applications in this field
of odor neutralization of clothing. However, the available
configuration of these articles is not appropriate or well suited
to the application of neutralizing the odors absorbed by a person's
clothing in a night club or restaurant venue. The Bounce.RTM. dryer
sheets and the Swiffer.RTM. mop refills are loose sheets of fabric.
They are not conveniently packaged for a person's pocket or purse,
are not adapted to the particular use of odor neutralization, and
do not contain suitable substances for neutralizing odors absorbed
into a person's clothing or for refreshing originally applied
perfumes or scents.
[0008] What is needed is an apparatus and a method of using the
apparatus, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art
devices and methods, that can serve both to eliminate or neutralize
unpleasant odors that accumulate on a person's clothing during an
evening's entertainment in a wide variety of venues, and to refresh
or restore the original scent or replace it with an alternative
scent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, there is disclosed an apparatus for
neutralizing odors in clothing, comprising an applicator for
applying a neutralizing substance to a person's clothing, the
applicator including: a carrier layer having a generally
rectangular shape defined by a perimeter thereof and impregnated
with the neutralizing substance, and a substrate layer having
generally the same shape as the carrier layer and bonded to the
carrier layer around all but a select portion of the perimeter of
the carrier layer to form a finger pocket for manipulating the
applicator. In an alternate embodiment, an activating mechanism or
protective sleeve associated with the applicator may be provided
for releasing the neutralizing substance from the carrier
layer.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed
comprising the steps of providing an odor-neutralizing applicator
having a carrier layer impregnated with an odor neutralizing
substance and adapted to be slipped over the person's fingertips of
one hand; slipping the applicator over the fingertips of the
person's hand; and manipulating the applicator against the person's
clothing to neutralize the odors in the person's clothing. In an
alternate embodiment the method includes the step of activating the
carrier layer of the applicator to release the odor neutralizing
substance onto the person's clothing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of an
apparatus for neutralizing odors on a person's clothing;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an edgewise view of the embodiment of
FIG. 1; and
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a pictorial view of the use of the
embodiment of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a plan view of one
embodiment of an apparatus for neutralizing odors on a person's
clothing. An applicator 10 includes a top layer 12, which may bear
a brand indicia 14 including a brand 16, and, as one alternate
embodiment, a textual indicia 18 including instructions 20 for
using the applicator 10. In an alternative, wherein the top layer
12 includes only a brand indicia, textual indicia may be affixed to
or printed upon the packaging for the applicator 10. A bonding
region 22 is shown, indicating the location of a bond that is
formed between the top layer 12 and other layers (not shown in FIG.
1) below the top layer 12. It will be observed, however, that the
bonding region 22, between the edge of the applicator 10 and the
dashed line, surrounds the perimeter of the applicator 10 around
all of the perimeter except for one edge of the applicator 10. The
edge of the applicator 10 that does not include a bond is selected
so that a person's fingertips may be inserted between two of the
layers, as will be explained.
[0015] The applicator 10 in its preferred embodiment is intended to
be a compact device easily carried in a pocket or purse. Thus, its
dimensions are determined accordingly to be slim and only slightly
larger than a business card, for example. The applicator 10 in the
illustrative embodiment shown may be approximately 3.75 inches long
and approximately 3.00 inches wide. The top layer 12 may be a paper
material bearing the indicia 14, 18, which may, for example, be
printed or embossed thereon by conventional processes. In
alternative embodiments, however, the dimensions and shape of the
applicator 10 may of course be modified for other applications
without departing from the concept illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
In general, the shape may be any plane figure that is bounded by a
closed perimeter, such as triangular, rectangular, circular,
eliptical, oval or polygonal. The portion of the perimeter that is
open, called the open space 28, to permit the users fingers to be
inserted between a carrier layer 24 and a substrate layer 26 (See
FIG. 2) in the manner of a finger mit, may be located at any
location along the perimeter of the applicator 10. In a preferred
embodiment, the shape of the applicator 10 is generally rectangular
with rounded corners, wherein the open space 28--an entry side for
inserting the user's fingers--is located along one of the shorter
sides of the applicator 10. Other embodiments may position the open
space 28 along a longer side or a curved side.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an edgewise view
of the applicator 10. The structure of the embodiment shown
includes three layers of material, each with a distinct purpose.
The top layer 12 has been described previously. It may be bonded
fully to an intermediate substrate layer 24, which may be
fabricated from a thin, generally flexible and substantially
non-absorbent material that has some stiffness or resiliency to
provide shape and "body" to the applicator 10. The purpose of the
substrate layer 24 is to form a pocket in cooperation with the
carrier layer 26 when the applicator 10 is prepared for use.
Materials suited to this purpose include leather, synthetic,
leather-like fabrics, heavy grade papers, and the like. The lower
layer, the carrier layer 26, is preferably an absorbent layer of a
non-woven fabric, such as may be formed of spun-bonded polyester
fibers. This example, of which the fabric such as that used in the
aforementioned dryer sheets is just one alternative, is
illustrative only and a number of alternative fabric materials are
feasible. The carrier layer 26 is preferably impregnated with an
odor neutralizing substance to be described. In alternate
embodiments, the carrier layer 26 may include pleasantly scented
material such as perfume or cologne, either alone or in combination
with the odor neutralizing substance.
[0017] The carrier layer 26 may be bonded to the substrate layer 24
around the perimeter of the substrate layer 24 except at the
selected open space shown in FIG. 2. This open space is provided
for the person using the applicator 10 to insert his or her
fingertips into the pocket 28 between the carrier layer 26 and the
substrate layer 24 for the purpose of manipulating the applicator
10 during use. The edge of the bonding region 22, represented by a
dashed line (also indicated by reference number 22), is shown
within the pocket 28 between the substrate 24 and carrier 26
layers. The dashed line 22, also shown in FIG. 1, may in one
embodiment indicate one location of stitches for sewing the edges
of the bonding region 22 together. The edges of the bonding region
22 may also be bonded using an adhesive, rivets, staples, clamps or
crimped fasteners, or even be an integral part of both the
substrate 24 and carrier 26 layers of the applicator 10. An example
of the latter embodiment is provided when the substrate 24 and
carrier 26 layers are formed of a single sheet of material that
satisfies the requirements of both layers.
[0018] In some embodiments it is advantageous for the applicator 10
to be disposable; that is, it may be discarded when the odor
neutralizing substance impregnated in the carrier layer 26 is
exhausted. Thus, the materials used in the construction of the
applicator 10 need not be particularly durable. On the other hand,
it is further contemplated that other embodiments of the applicator
10 may be reusable. For example, an applicator 10 constructed of
relatively durable materials and configured to be fitted with a
replaceable carrier layer 26, may be provided. The latter
embodiment might provide a marketing advantage in that the
applicator may be provided at nominal cost with or without a
package of refill carrier layers 26 (or, carrier sheets 26). A
reusable applicator would include a bonding mechanism to enable
removal of the carrier layer 26 for replacement by a fresh carrier
layer 26.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a pictorial view
of the applicator 10 being used to apply the odor neutralizing
substance to a person's clothing. The applicator 10 is shown being
manipulated by a wiping action against the clothing 30 of a user,
as indicated by the arrows 36. The user's fingertips 32 of his or
her hand 34 are inserted into the pocket 28 between the substrate
24 and carrier 26 layers of the applicator 10. In a preferred
embodiment, the pocket 28 in the applicator 10, when opposite sides
(e.g., to the left and right of the applicator 10 as indicated by
the triangular marks 38, 40 in FIG. 3) of the applicator 10 are
squeezed slightly, opens wide enough to receive two fingertips 32
therein for manipulating the applicator 10. Once installed on the
user's fingertips, his or her hand 34 is moved in a side-to-side
motion 36, rubbing or wiping the lower surface portion (not visible
in the figure, but will be readily understood) of the carrier layer
26. This action causes the release and transfer of the odor
neutralizing substance from a portion of the carrier layer 26 to
the surface of the user's clothing 30, as will be described further
herein.
[0020] Continuing with FIG. 3, the odor neutralizing substance may,
for example, be an activated charcoal material, impregnated into or
formed into a fabric used to construct the carrier layer 26, that
absorbs odor particles on contact with the carrier layer 26. In an
alternative embodiment, a compound that combines with the chemicals
in food odors and smoke, thereby causing them to be non-odorous,
may be activated on contact with the person's clothing. In another
alternative embodiment, a compound that volatilizes odorous
substances on contact, causing them to disperse by evaporation may
be used. Alternate embodiments may utilize a combination of these
features in a single device to accomplish odor neutralization. For
example, a device may combine the features of absorption and
ionization to neutralize odors accumulating on the surface of
clothing. Further, the odor neutralizing substance maybe bound in
microcapsules impregnated within the carrier layer, thus prevented
from escaping until subjected to the pressure associated with the
rubbing or wiping contact 36 against the user's clothing surface
when the applicator 10 is being used. The odor neutralizing
substance may additionally include a perfume or other scented
agent. Alternatively, the perfume or scented agent may be
separately impregnated into the carrier layer 26.
[0021] In one example, an activated charcoal material that is
formed into a textile fabric having a microporous structure may be
used in the carrier layer 26. The microporous structure provides a
very large surface area presented to the odor-causing substances,
effectively absorbing them from the person's clothing during use of
the applicator 10. The activated charcoal textile material,
developed in Britain for its filtering properties, is further
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,371 issued to Conant et al.
[0022] The applicator 10 described herein above maybe used multiple
times and stored in a person's pocket or purse when not in use.
However, in an alternate embodiment, the applicator 10 may be
enclosed in a protective wrapper (not shown) that is removed by the
user prior to use. This wrapper may be configured to retard
deterioration or prevent inadvertent dispersion of the odor
neutralization or odor masking substances that may occur between
uses. In another alternate embodiment, a protective layer of thin
paper or plastic material having a low tack adhesive may be
attached as a fourth layer (not shown) to the underside of the
carrier layer 26. To activate the carrier layer 26, the user need
only remove the fourth layer for use and replace the fourth
protective layer over the carrier layer 26 after use. In a
variation of this alternate embodiment, microcapsules of the odor
neutralizing substance may be embedded in the adhesive that secures
the protective layer to the carrier layer. Such microcapsules are
well-known in the art for incorporating sample fragrances in
periodical advertisements for the fragrance products. The
microcapsules are ruptured when the protective layer is peeled away
from the carrier layer, thus releasing or activating the odor
neutralizing substance just prior to the use of the applicator
10.
[0023] While the invention has been shown in only one of its forms,
it is not thus limited but is susceptible to various changes and
modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. For
example, the embodiment illustrated in the drawings is shown with
the opening disposed in one of the longer sides of the applicator
10. In one modification (not shown because its appearance is
readily visualized to one skilled in the art, based on the
structural features shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3), the opening for
receiving the user's fingertips maybe provided in one of the
shorter sides of the applicator, thus permitting insertion of the
user's fingers to a greater extent to provide a firmer grip on the
applicator 10.
[0024] In another modification, the applicator 10 may be enlarged
such that a user's entire hand fits within the pocket 28 between
the substrate 24 and carrier 26 layers. This configuration enables
the use of the applicator as a hand mitt, for applying odor
neutralizing substances to a larger fabric surface area, for
example, such as to upholstery in vehicles or on furniture or
draperies and curtains in offices or residences, etc.
[0025] Yet another modification is to provide a pouch or sleeve
(not shown, but readily visualized by persons skilled in the art)
for enclosing and storing the applicator 10 within when not in use.
Such a pouch or sleeve may also protect the carrier layer 26 from
contact with other surfaces or substances that could degrade its
functional characteristics. A sleeve could also be employed as part
of a mechanism for activating the applicator just prior to use, if
that is a particular objective of the product. In this embodiment,
removing the applicator 10 from enclosure or contact with the
sleeve may serve to activate the odor neutralizing substance for
use.
* * * * *