U.S. patent application number 15/368981 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-03 for volatile composition dispenser having an air pump and a method of delivering a volatile composition to an evaporative surface using the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Stephan Gary BUSH, Chung Wai Smiley CHIU, Dana Paul GRUENBACHER, William Paul MAHONEY, III, Ronald David TURNER.
Application Number | 20180117203 15/368981 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62025622 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180117203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GRUENBACHER; Dana Paul ; et
al. |
May 3, 2018 |
VOLATILE COMPOSITION DISPENSER HAVING AN AIR PUMP AND A METHOD OF
DELIVERING A VOLATILE COMPOSITION TO AN EVAPORATIVE SURFACE USING
THE SAME
Abstract
A volatile composition dispenser and a method of dispensing a
volatile composition is provided. The volatile composition
dispenser includes a reservoir for containing a volatile
composition and a transport member having a first end portion and
an opposing second end portion, and an evaporative surface. The
first end portion of the transport member is in fluid communication
with the reservoir and the second end portion of the transport
member is in fluid communication with the evaporative surface. The
volatile composition dispenser also includes an air pump in gaseous
communication with the reservoir.
Inventors: |
GRUENBACHER; Dana Paul;
(Fairfield, OH) ; BUSH; Stephan Gary; (Liberty
Township, OH) ; MAHONEY, III; William Paul; (Liberty
Township, OH) ; TURNER; Ronald David; (Walton,
KY) ; CHIU; Chung Wai Smiley; (Hong Kong,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62025622 |
Appl. No.: |
15/368981 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2209/133 20130101;
B05B 7/162 20130101; B05B 7/0081 20130101; B05B 7/2494 20130101;
A01M 1/2072 20130101; B01F 3/04085 20130101; A61L 9/127 20130101;
A61L 9/032 20130101; A61L 2209/111 20130101; A01M 1/2077 20130101;
A61L 9/037 20130101; A61L 9/122 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/03 20060101
A61L009/03; B05B 7/00 20060101 B05B007/00; B05B 7/16 20060101
B05B007/16; B05B 7/24 20060101 B05B007/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 2, 2016 |
WO |
CN2016104322 |
Claims
1. A volatile composition dispenser comprising: a reservoir for
containing a volatile composition, the reservoir having an air
inlet and a liquid outlet that is spaced apart from the air inlet,
a transport member having a first end portion and an opposing
second end portion, wherein the first end portion is in liquid
communication with the reservoir and the second end portion extends
through the liquid outlet, an evaporative surface disposed proximal
to the second end portion of the transport member; and an air pump
in gaseous communication with the air inlet of the reservoir.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a heater in
communication with the evaporative surface.
3. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a fan disposed
adjacent to the evaporative surface.
4. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a cartridge and a
housing, the cartridge comprising the reservoir and transport
member, and wherein the cartridge is releasably connectable with
the housing.
5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the evaporative surface is
connected with the cartridge.
6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the evaporative surface
comprises a material selected from the group consisting of metal,
plastic, glass, and combinations thereof.
7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the evaporative surface is air
permeable.
8. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a controller in
electrical communication with the air pump, and a power source that
is in electrical communication with the air pump and
controller.
9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the transport member further
comprises a restriction member disposed in the second end
portion.
10. A volatile composition dispenser comprising: a housing; a
cartridge that is releasably connectable with the housing, the
cartridge comprising a reservoir and a transport member, wherein
the reservoir is configured to contain a volatile composition, the
reservoir having an air inlet and a liquid outlet that is spaced
apart from the air inlet, and wherein the transport member has a
first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein the
first end portion is in liquid communication with the reservoir and
the second end portion extends through the liquid outlet; an
evaporation member disposed proximal to the second end portion of
the transport member, the evaporation member having an evaporative
surface, wherein the evaporation member is selected from the group
consisting of: a bowl, a plate, a porous substrate, a semi-porous
substrate, and combinations thereof; an air pump in gaseous
communication with the air inlet of the reservoir; and a power
source.
11. The dispenser of claim 10 further comprising a heater in
communication with the evaporative surface.
12. The dispenser of claim 10 further comprising a fan disposed
adjacent to the evaporative surface.
13. The dispenser of claim 10 further comprising a controller in
electrical communication with the air pump and the power
source.
14. A method of dispensing a volatile composition, the method
comprising the steps of: pumping air into an interior of a
cartridge to pressurize the cartridge, the cartridge containing a
volatile composition; directing the volatile composition to an
evaporative surface; and evaporating the volatile composition from
the evaporative surface.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of: heating
the air adjacent to the evaporative surface.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of directing
a volume of air over or around the evaporative surface to direct
the evaporating volatile composition into the air.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of pumping air into a
cartridge comprises intermittently pumping air into a cartridge to
pressurize the cartridge, and wherein the step of directing the
volatile composition to an evaporative surface comprises
intermittently directing the volatile composition to the
evaporative surface.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of pumping air into a
cartridge comprises pumping air into the cartridge comprising a
volatile composition to pressurize the cartridge with an air pump,
wherein the air pump does not contact the volatile composition.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the air pump pressurizes the
cartridge by at least 0.5 kPa.
20. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of:
removing the cartridge from a housing once the volatile composition
is depleted; and inserting a new cartridge into the housing.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure is directed to a volatile composition
dispenser, and, more particularly, is directed to a volatile
composition dispenser that utilizes an air pump and a method of
delivering a volatile composition to an evaporative surface using
the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There are a variety of volatile composition dispensers
available on the market today, including aerosol and pump sprayers,
non-energized and energized dispensers that utilize a wick,
diffusers, and the like, for delivering a volatile composition,
such as a perfume composition, into the air. Energized dispensers
that use a wick to deliver a volatile composition into the air may
include a heater or fan to assist in the evaporation of the
volatile composition and may be powered through a wall outlet or
may be battery-powered. Such wick-based dispensers provide a
relatively simple construction, are easy for consumers to operate,
and provide cost effective means of delivery a volatile composition
into the air. However, wick-based volatile composition dispensers
may have drawbacks. For example, perfume compositions may include a
mixture of perfume raw materials having a range of volatilities.
Heavier or less volatile perfume raw materials can stick to the
wick and ultimately cause the wick to become blocked with perfume
raw materials. As a result, the character of the perfume
composition that is volatilized from the wick-based dispenser can
change over time and also the flow rate may decline over time as
the wick becomes blocked.
[0003] Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a volatile
composition dispenser that maintains a more consistent flow rate
over time. Moreover, it would be beneficial over time to provide a
volatile composition dispenser that delivers a more uniform perfume
character profile over time.
SUMMARY
[0004] "Combinations:"
[0005] A. A volatile composition dispenser comprising: [0006] a
reservoir for containing a volatile composition, the reservoir
having an air inlet and a liquid outlet that is spaced apart from
the air inlet, [0007] a transport member having a first end portion
and an opposing second end portion, wherein the first end portion
is in liquid communication with the reservoir and the second end
portion extends through the liquid outlet, [0008] an evaporative
surface disposed proximal to the second end portion of the
transport member; and [0009] an air pump in gaseous communication
with the air inlet of the reservoir.
[0010] B. The dispenser of Paragraph A further comprising a heater
in communication with the evaporative surface.
[0011] C The dispenser of any of Paragraphs A through B further
comprising a fan disposed adjacent to the evaporative surface.
[0012] D. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs A through C further
comprising a cartridge and a housing, the cartridge comprising the
reservoir and transport member, and wherein the cartridge is
releasably connectable with the housing.
[0013] E. The dispenser of Paragraph D, wherein the evaporative
surface is connected with the cartridge.
[0014] F. The dispenser of Paragraph D or Paragraph E, wherein the
evaporative surface comprises a material selected from the group
consisting of metal, plastic, glass, and combinations thereof.
[0015] G. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs A through F, wherein
the evaporative surface is air permeable.
[0016] H. The dispenser of any of Paragraphs A through H further
comprising a controller in electrical communication with the air
pump and a power source that is in electrical communication with
the air pump and controller.
[0017] I. The dispenser of Paragraph H wherein the transport member
further comprises a restriction member disposed in the second end
portion.
[0018] J. A method of dispensing a volatile composition, the method
comprising the steps of: [0019] pumping air into an interior of a
cartridge to pressurize the cartridge, the cartridge containing a
volatile composition; [0020] directing the volatile composition to
an evaporative surface; and [0021] evaporating the volatile
composition from the evaporative surface.
[0022] K. The method of Paragraph J further comprising the step of:
heating the air adjacent to the evaporative surface.
[0023] L. The method of Paragraph J or Paragraph K further
comprising the step of directing a volume of air over or around the
evaporative surface to direct the evaporating volatile composition
into the air.
[0024] M. The method of any of Paragraphs J through L, wherein the
step of pumping air into a cartridge comprises intermittently
pumping air into the cartridge to pressurize the cartridge, and
wherein the step of directing the volatile composition to an
evaporative surface comprises intermittently directing the volatile
composition to the evaporative surface.
[0025] N. The method of any of Paragraphs J through N, wherein the
step of pumping air into a cartridge comprises pumping air into the
cartridge to pressurize the cartridge with an air pump, wherein the
air pump does not contact the volatile composition.
[0026] O. The method of any of Paragraphs J through N, wherein the
air pump pressurizes the cartridge by at least about 0.5 kPa.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of an exemplary volatile
composition dispenser.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a back, perspective view of an exemplary volatile
composition dispenser, where the housing of the volatile
composition dispenser is shown as translucent in order to view the
internal components of the volatile composition dispenser.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge, air pump,
evaporation member, and heater of an exemplary volatile composition
dispenser.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a side, elevation view of a cartridge, air pump,
evaporation member, and heater of an exemplary volatile composition
dispenser.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a side, elevation view of a cartridge, air pump,
evaporation member, and heater of an exemplary volatile composition
dispenser.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cartridge, air pump,
evaporation member, and heater of an exemplary volatile composition
dispenser.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge,
evaporation member, and heater of an exemplary volatile composition
dispenser.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The present disclosure provides a volatile composition
dispenser having a reservoir, a transport member, an air pump, and
an evaporation element having an evaporative surface. The air pump
is configured to continuously or intermittently deliver doses of
the volatile composition from the reservoir to the evaporative
surface through the transport member.
[0035] The air pump is configured to only contact the air and not
the volatile composition. As a result, the air pump is less likely
to corrode and, therefore, may have a relatively long-life
span.
[0036] Moreover, since the air pump delivers doses of the volatile
composition to the evaporative surface over time, the intensity and
character of the evaporated volatile composition may remain
substantially uniform over time. The evaporation flow rate may be
maintained at a substantially constant rate over time.
[0037] The volatile composition dispenser may include a heater to
assist in the evaporation of the volatile composition from the
evaporative surface.
[0038] The volatile composition may include a fan to assist in the
dispersion of the evaporated volatile composition throughout a
room.
[0039] The volatile composition may comprise various materials. For
example, the volatile composition may include one or more perfume
raw materials, diluents, solvents, aqueous carriers, and the like.
The volatile composition may include at least 30 wt. %,
alternatively at least 40 wt. %, alternatively at least 50 wt. %,
alternatively at least 60 wt. %, alternatively at least 75 wt. % of
perfume raw materials, by total weight of the volatile composition.
The volatile composition may include, in addition to perfume or as
an alternative to perfume, malodor counteractants, insect
repellants, and the like.
[0040] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a volatile composition
dispenser 10 may include a housing 12, a cartridge 14, a transport
member 16 in fluid communication with the cartridge 14, and an
evaporation member 18 having an outer surface 20 herein referred to
as an "evaporative surface" 20 that is in fluid communication with
the transport member 16. The volatile composition dispenser 10
includes an air pump 22 in gaseous communication with the cartridge
14. The volatile composition dispenser 10 of FIG. 1 has a power
source 28 in the form of an electrical outlet plug. As will be
discussed in more detail below, the air pump pressurizes the
cartridge, causing the volatile composition contained therein to
flow through the transport member to the evaporative surface where
the volatile composition evaporates into the air.
[0041] The volatile composition dispenser 10 may also include a
heater 24 and a fan 26 such as shown in FIGS. 1-4.
[0042] The housing 12 may be configured to contain many or all of
the elements of the volatile composition dispenser 10. The housing
12 may be comprised of a single element or from multiple elements
that are joined together to define an interior chamber 30. The
housing 12 may take any shape and may be composed of various
materials, such as plastic, metal, resin, and the like.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the cartridge 14 is configured
to contain a volatile composition 44. The cartridge 14 may include
a reservoir 32 and a cap 34 for enclosing the reservoir 32. The
reservoir 32 may include a base 36 and at least one sidewall 38.
The cartridge 14 defines an interior 40 and an exterior 42. The
interior 40 of the cartridge 14 is sealed from the exterior 42 of
the cartridge 14 to prevent leaking of the volatile composition 44
out of the cartridge 14 and to allow the generation of air pressure
inside the cartridge 14 to cause the volatile composition 44 to
dispense onto the evaporative surface 20. The cartridge 14 includes
an air inlet 46 that is in gaseous communication with the air pump
22. The cartridge 14 also includes a volatile composition outlet 48
where the volatile composition 44 is directed from the cartridge 14
to the evaporative surface 20 though the transport member 16. The
air inlet 46 and/or the composition outlet 48 may, but is not
required to, be disposed in the cap 34 of the cartridge 14 such as
shown FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0044] The cartridge 14 may be releasably connectable with the
housing 12 or may be permanently connected with the housing 12. The
housing 12 may be configured to replace the cartridges 14 once a
cartridge 14 is empty. The cartridge 14 may connect with the
housing 12 in various ways. For example, the cap 34 of the
cartridge 14 may be releasably connectable with the housing 12. The
cartridge 14 may be slideably or rotatably connectable or spring
loaded with the housing 12.
[0045] The cartridge 14 may be composed of various materials,
including plastic, glass, metal, a composite material, the like,
and combinations thereof. The reservoir 32 and cap 34 of the
cartridge 14 may be configured as one element or may be configured
as separate elements that are joined and sealed together. The cap
34 and the reservoir 32 may be composed of the same materials or
may be composed of different materials. The cap 34 and/or reservoir
32 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. While the cartridge
14 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is substantially cylindrical, it is to be
appreciated that the cartridge 14 may take various different common
shapes such as cube or egg-shaped, or any unique shapes. The
reservoir 32 and the cap 34 may be integrally formed or may be
separate components that are joined together.
[0046] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a transfer member 16 is in
fluid communication with the cartridge 14 for delivering the
volatile composition 44 contained within the cartridge 14 to the
evaporative surface 20. The transport member 16 may be in fluid
communication with the base 36 of the reservoir 32 in order to
dispense substantially all of the volatile composition contained
within the reservoir 32. The transport member 16 may be defined by
a first end portion 52, a second end portion 54, and a central
portion 56 separating the first and second end portions 52 and 54.
The first end portion 52 of the transport member 16 may be disposed
in the cartridge 14 and may be in fluid communication with the
volatile composition 44. At least a portion of the transport member
16 is disposed within the interior 40 of the cartridge 14. A
portion of the transport member 16 may extend to the exterior 42 to
the cartridge 14. The first end portion 52 may contact the base 36
of the reservoir 32. The transport member 16 may be configured to
direct the volatile composition 44 from the reservoir 32 to the
evaporative surface 20.
[0047] The transport member 16 may be configured in various ways.
For example, the transport member may be configured as a tube
having an outer wall 58 and a hollow interior 60 such as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4. The tube may be in the form of a capillary tube. The
transport member 16 may be composed of various materials, including
plastic, glass, metal, rubber, silicone, and combinations thereof.
The transport member may also be comprised of a porous or
semi-porous wick that is wrapped in a non-air permeable outer wrap.
The wick may be composed of various materials and methods of
construction, including, but not limited to, bundled fibers which
are compressed and/or formed into various shapes via overwrap (such
as a non-woven sheet over-wrap) or made of sintered plastics such
as PE, HDPE or other polyolefins. For example, the wick may be made
from a plastic material such as polyethylene or a polyethylene
blend.
[0048] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the transport member may be
configured to have a fluid restricting member 62 disposed at the
second end portion. The fluid restricting member may comprise, for
example, a simple orifice or a porous member. The evaporation
member, if comprising a porous material, may serve also as the
fluid restricting member. The transport member may be a tube having
an inner diameter of, for example, 2 mm. The fluid restricting
member may be an orifice having a diameter of, for example, 0.5
mm.
[0049] As discussed above, and with reference to FIGS. 3-4, the
volatile composition dispenser 10 may also include an evaporation
member 18 having an evaporative surface 20. The volatile
composition evaporates from the evaporative surface 20 into the
air. The evaporative surface 20 may be disposed proximate to the
second end portion 54 of the transport member 16. The transport
member 16 may deliver the volatile composition 44 from the
reservoir 32 to the evaporative surface 20. The evaporative surface
20 may take various different forms.
[0050] For example, the evaporation member 18, such as the
evaporation member 18 of FIGS. 3-4 shown for illustrative purposes
only, may be configured as a porous, semi-porous, and/or air
permeable substrate such as a sponge or wick. Where the evaporative
member 18 comprises a porous, semi-porous or air-permeable
substrate, the volatile composition 44 may absorb into the
evaporation member 18 before volatilizing into the air from the
evaporative surface 20.
[0051] With reference to FIG. 5, the evaporation member 18 may be a
substantially non-porous or non-air permeable substrate, such as a
plate, bowl, dish, that is comprised of materials such as metal,
glass, plastic, and combinations thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, the
volatile composition may flow down onto the evaporative surface 20.
Where the evaporative member 18 comprises a substantially
non-porous or non-air permeable substrate, the volatile composition
44 may be dispensed onto the evaporative surface 20 and may be
disposed on the evaporative surface 20 without absorbing into the
evaporation element 18 until the volatile composition 44 volatizes
into the air. For ease of view, the volatile composition dispenser
of FIG. 5 is shown without an air pump.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 6, the transport member 16 and the
evaporative surface 20 may be configured such that the volatile
composition flows from the transport member 16 onto the surrounding
evaporative surface 20 that is shaped as a bowl or plate.
[0053] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that the evaporation member 18 may
be connected, either fixedly or releasably, with the cartridge 14.
However, it is to be appreciated that the evaporation member 18 may
be disposed adjacent to the cartridge 14 without being connected
with the cartridge 14.
[0054] With reference back to FIG. 2, the volatile composition
dispenser 10 includes an air pump 22. The air pump 22 is in gaseous
communication with the reservoir 32 through the air inlet 46. The
air pump is 22 configured to pump air into the interior 40 of the
cartridge 14 to pressurize the interior 40 of the cartridge 14,
which causes the volatile composition 44 to flow through the
transport member 16 and onto the evaporative surface 20. The air
pump 22 can take many different forms such as, but are not limited
to, piezo, diaphragm, squirrel, radial, piston pumps. The air pump
may also be in the form of a pressurized gas cartridge, such as
carbon dioxide, or in the form of a fuel cell. The air pump 22 may
include a connector 50 that connects the air pump 22 with the
cartridge 14. The air pump 22 only pumps air and does not come into
contact with the volatile composition 44, thereby limiting
corrosion and wear on the air pump 22. Exemplary air pumps may
include, for example, DC air pump, or a DC mini air pump.
[0055] The air pump may deliver pressure to the reservoir that is
equal to the liquid column created by the fluid transport member,
which may be on the order of at least about 0.5 kilopascals (kPa).
A more preferred embodiment would have an air pump that delivers a
multiple of this minimum pressure, for example ten times the
reservoir's liquid column, or 5 kPa. A higher pressure will
minimize the transit time through the transport member, and thus
result in more consistent doses to the evaporating surface. The
pressure should not be so high as to make regulation of the flow to
the evaporating surface difficult.
[0056] The volatile composition dispenser may include a heater 24
such as shown in FIGS. 2-4. The heater 24 may be assist in the
evaporation of the volatile composition 44 from the evaporative
surface 20. The heater may heat the evaporative surface through
thermal conduction, convection, or induction. The heater may be in
the form of a resistor, such as a chip/surface-mount resistor,
through-hole, or printed resistor, for example. The heater may be
in the form of a heater block having a resistor.
[0057] The heater 24 may be disposed in various locations and in
various configurations. The heater may be integral with or separate
from the evaporation element. Moreover, the heater may be disposed
adjacent to or in contact with the evaporative surface, depending
on the configuration of the evaporative surface and/or the
heater.
[0058] The heater 24 may surround the evaporative surface 20 such
as shown in FIG. 7. The heater 24 may be disposed above the
evaporative surface 20 such as shown in FIGS. 2-4, or below the
evaporative surface 20 such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The heater
24 may also be disposed to one or more sides of the evaporative
surface 20. The heater 4 may partially or fully surround the
evaporative surface 20. The temperature of the heater may be set
based upon the desired evaporation rate and/or the particular
volatile composition.
[0059] The heater may be integral with the evaporation element. For
example, the evaporation element may be composed at least partially
of an electrically conductive material that is in electrical
communication with a source of electric current. The evaporative
surface or another portion of the evaporation element may comprise
carbon fiber paper that can be heated upon introduction of current
to the carbon fiber paper. The evaporation member may also be in
the form of a hot plate.
[0060] With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the volatile composition
dispenser 10 may include a fan 26. The fan 26 is configured to move
a volume of air into the interior chamber 30 of the housing 12
through a housing inlet 62, around the evaporative surface 20, and
out of the housing 12 through a housing outlet 64. The air flow
through the housing 12 assists in dispersing the evaporated
volatile composition throughout a room or area within a room. The
air flow may also assist in the evaporation of the volatile
composition from the evaporative surface. The fan 26 may be
disposed adjacent to the evaporative surface 20. Various types of
fans 26 may be used, such as centrifugal (i.e., radial) and axial
fans. Suitable fans for the present disclosure include a
30.times.30.times.6 mm MagLev Motor Fan (Model MC30060V1-000U-A99),
supplied by Sunon Wealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd of
Taiwan; and fan model RF-330TK 07800, supplied by Mabuchi Motor.
Another suitable fan for the present invention may have the
following specifications:
Dimension: 120.times.120.times.25 mm
[0061] Fan Speed: 800.about.1500 rpm+250 RPM
Max Airflow: 66.55 CFM
Max Air Pressure: 1.42 mm H20
Bearing Type: Sleeve
Operating Voltage: 5V
[0062] The volatile composition dispenser includes a power source
28. The power source 28 supplies the power needed to run the
electrical components of the volatile composition dispenser 10,
including the air pump 22, heater 24, and fan 26, if and when
present. The power source 28 may include a plug and/or cord for
connecting the volatile composition dispenser to an AC/DC outlet, a
battery, such as a AA battery, a AAA battery, a 9-volt battery,
rechargeable battery, and/or other suitable battery. The power
source may be a solar power source, such as a solar cell, for
example that can receive light that can be transformed into energy
to power the components of the volatile composition dispenser. FIG.
2 shows, for illustrative purposes only, an exemplary volatile
composition dispenser 10 having an AC/DC plug as a power source 28.
However, it is to be appreciated that a volatile composition
dispenser 10 may be configured with any type of power source 28
that supplies the necessary power to run the electrical
components.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the volatile composition dispenser also
includes a controller 62. The controller 62 controls the electrical
components, such as the air pump 22, heater 24, and fan 26, when
and if present in the volatile composition dispenser 10. The
controller 62 may be configured as a microcontroller ("MCU") or an
application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), for example. The
controller 62 is responsible for delivering the functionality of
the volatile composition dispenser, including sequence of events
and timing. An exemplary controller 62 includes a Texas Instruments
MSP430F2132 controller.
[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an
exemplary volatile composition dispenser 10. As shown in FIG. 7,
the evaporation member 18 may be in the form of a porous or
semi-porous substrate. The heater 24 may be configured to partially
or completed surround the evaporative surface 20.
[0065] The volatile composition dispenser may include one or more
user input buttons or switches configured to provide an input
signal to the controller when engaged by a user, such that the
controller can send corresponding output signals to the electrical
component. Exemplary input buttons or switches include a power
on/off switch configured to power on or power off the volatile
composition dispenser, an intensity button or dial configured to
allow the user to adjust the amount of volatile composition
dispensed by the volatile composition dispenser. As will be
appreciated, the input buttons or switches can be any combination
of buttons and/or switches, such as push buttons, sliders, dials,
knobs, for example.
[0066] The volatile composition dispenser can comprise a sensor,
such as a visible indicator, a light source, and/or an audible
alert, configured to provide feedback to the user regarding the
status of the volatile composition dispenser. The sensor may be
used to alert the user of a property of the volatile composition
dispenser. The feedback can be visual and/or audible and can
indicate to the user, among other things, whether the volatile
composition dispenser is powered on, what volatile composition
dosing amount is being dispensed, the power level of the power
source, the amount, type, or level of the volatile composition
within the reservoir, and/or any other suitable feedback helpful or
beneficial to the user. Various other sensors may be used, such as
temperature sensors, motion sensors, and/or air quality
sensors.
[0067] When present, the sensor may comprise one or more one
indicators, such as a plurality of light sources, for example,
electrically coupled to the controller and/or to the power source,
and a translucent portion in the housing, such that the one or more
indicators can be viewed by the user though the housing. If
present, the one or more indicators can be oriented in any suitable
fashion such that various lights of the one or more indicators can
emit visible light through the translucent portion of the housing,
depending on what type of feedback is being provided to the user.
The translucent portion of the housing can comprise any suitable
shape and the one or more indicators can be arranged in a similar
shape so that as one indicator, such as a light source, for
example, is powered or unpowered, the user is provided with a first
feedback and, as two or more light sources are powered or
unpowered, the user is provided with at least a second feedback and
so forth. Any buttons or switches may also be at least partially
translucent allowing for one or more indicators to be viewable
through the button.
[0068] In the instance where the battery voltage or run time is
viewed as the indicator of the full life of the reservoir, the
controller could be programmed to provide a signal to the user such
as turning on a red light or provide a flashing light to indicate
that the reservoir is empty and/or the cartridge needs to be
replaced.
[0069] The present disclosure also includes a method of evaporating
a volatile composition into the air. With reference to FIGS. 1-4,
the method may comprise the step of providing a volatile
composition dispenser 10 having a reservoir 32 and an evaporation
element 18 having an evaporative surface 20. The method includes
pressurizing the reservoir 32 using an air pump 22 to direct a
volatile composition 44 from the reservoir 32 to the evaporative
surface 20. The volatile composition 44 may flow from the reservoir
32 to the evaporative surface 20 through a transport member 16 that
is in fluid communication with the reservoir 32 at one end and in
fluid communication with the evaporative surface 20 at the opposite
end. The method also includes the step of evaporating the volatile
composition 44 from the evaporative surface 20. A heater 24 may be
used to assist in the evaporation of the volatile composition 44
from the evaporative surface. The method of evaporating a volatile
composition may also include activating a fan 26 to direct a volume
of air over or around the evaporative surface 20.
[0070] A volatile composition 44 may evaporate from the evaporative
surface 20 at various evaporation rates, depending upon the desired
intensity, room size, and the like.
[0071] An air pump 22 may be configured to intermittently or
continuously deliver the volatile composition 44 from the reservoir
32 to the evaporative surface 20. The flow rate of volatile
composition 44 from the reservoir 32 to the evaporative surface 20
can be selected based upon the desired intensity or noticeability
over a particular time period and/or based upon the room size. For
example, the air pump may pump a single dose of volatile
composition to the evaporative surface once every so many minutes
or may continuously deliver an amount of volatile composition to
the evaporative surface over a period of time.
[0072] The volatile composition dispenser may also include an
overflow drain that allows some fluid to flow back into the
reservoir if too much fluid is dosed by the air pump to the
evaporative surface at one time. A one-way valve may be used to
prevent air from escaping the cartridge and/or to prevent the
volatile composition from leaving out of the reservoir if the
cartridge is tipped over.
[0073] When present, a heater 24 may be configured to operate
continuously or intermittently. The heater 24 may be configured to
turn on after a dose of volatile composition 44 is delivered to the
evaporative surface 20. For example, the air pump 22 may be
activated for an amount of time, such as 1 second, and subsequently
the heater 24 may be turned on for a period of time to evaporate
the dose of volatile composition 44 from the evaporative surface
20. If operated intermittently, the heater 24 may be turned on for
a period ranging from one minute to 20 minutes, alternatively about
five minutes to about 15 minutes, alternatively about 10
minutes.
[0074] When present, a fan 26 may be configured to operate
continuously or intermittently. The fan 26 may be turned while the
heater 24 is turned on, so that while the volatile composition 44
is being evaporated, the fan 26 is directing the evaporated
volatile composition out of the volatile composition dispenser 10
and into the air. The air flow rate from the fan may be any desired
flow rate, depending upon the room size, desired intensity, and the
like. For example, the fan 26 may generate an air flow rate through
the interior chamber 30 of the housing 12 in the range of about 3.5
m.sup.3 per hour. The duration of activation of the fan 26 or the
flow rate of the volume of air provided by the fan 26 can be
adjusted to provide a higher or lower intensity of volatile
composition evaporation and/or dispersion from the volatile
composition dispenser 10. The fan 26 may toggle on and off for a
duty cycle of about 5% to about 50%, or from about 8% to about
20%.
[0075] Operating the fan 26 and/or the heater 24 intermittently for
a period of time substantially equal to the time required to
evaporate the volatile composition 44 from the evaporate surface 20
can conserve power and/or extend the life of a power source 28 such
as a battery. In addition, intermittently operating the air pump
22, heater 24 and/or fan 26 can also control the evaporation rate
of volatile composition.
[0076] The volatile composition dispenser may be connectable with a
communication network over Wi-Fi or ad hoc, wireless mesh network.
For example, the communication network may be used to remotely
control the volatile composition dispenser, including turning the
volatile composition dispenser on or off or adjusting the flow
rate, fan speed, or heater. The communication network may also be
used to link the use of the volatile composition dispenser with the
use of other appliances, lights, HVAC units, and the like.
[0077] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0078] It should be understood that every maximum numerical
limitation given throughout this specification will 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.
[0079] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application and any patent application or
patent to which this application claims priority or benefit
thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any
document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to
any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in
any combination with any other reference or references, teaches,
suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent
that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts
with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document
incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to
that term in this document shall govern.
[0080] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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