U.S. patent application number 16/384058 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-08 for scent devices and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Enviroscent, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Enviroscent, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey S. Sherwood.
Application Number | 20190240366 16/384058 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35782373 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190240366 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sherwood; Jeffrey S. |
August 8, 2019 |
Scent Devices and Methods
Abstract
Scent devices and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the
present invention can be a device to scent an environment
comprising a scent and a structural component. The scent stick can
have a length to average cross-sectional diameter ratio of at least
about 4:1 according to some embodiments. The scent stick can be
colored to blend into an environmental setting to make the presence
of the scent stick unobtrusive. The scent stick may also be
attached or hung by the addition of a hanger or hoop. The scent
stick may be hung from a tree, automobile mirror or a person as an
adornment. Other embodiments are also described.
Inventors: |
Sherwood; Jeffrey S.;
(Jasper, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Enviroscent, Inc. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Enviroscent, Inc.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
35782373 |
Appl. No.: |
16/384058 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15179832 |
Jun 10, 2016 |
10286098 |
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16384058 |
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14582609 |
Dec 24, 2014 |
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15179832 |
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11571240 |
Dec 22, 2006 |
8919662 |
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PCT/US2005/022566 |
Jun 24, 2005 |
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14582609 |
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60582670 |
Jun 24, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 1/2055 20130101;
A61L 9/042 20130101; A61L 9/12 20130101; A44C 15/002 20130101; A61L
2209/15 20130101; A44C 7/00 20130101; A01M 2200/01 20130101; A01N
25/34 20130101; A61L 9/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/12 20060101
A61L009/12; A61L 9/04 20060101 A61L009/04; A01N 25/34 20060101
A01N025/34; A44C 15/00 20060101 A44C015/00; A01M 1/20 20060101
A01M001/20 |
Claims
1-24. (canceled)
25. A holder assembly comprising: at least one scented rod
comprising: at least one porous material formed into a multilayered
rod; at least one perfume absorbed by the porous material; and a
holder element sized and dimensioned to receive the at least one
scented rod and to minimize direct contact between the at least one
scented rod and other surfaces.
26. The holder assembly of claim 25, wherein the at least one
porous material comprises a sheet of porous paper.
27. The holder assembly of claim 25, wherein a material of the
holder element comprises at least one of metal, ceramic, glass,
plastic, or polymer.
28. The holder assembly of claim 25, wherein the holder assembly is
attachable to at least one of a person, a wall, a door, a cabinet,
a closet, a live tree, an artificial tree, a wreath, an auto
rearview mirror, or a vent.
29. The holder assembly of claim 25, wherein the multilayered rod
comprises a colorant.
30. The holder assembly of claim 25, wherein the holder element
comprises: an upper portion comprising a first cross-section; and a
lower portion comprising a second cross-section, wherein the first
cross-section and the second cross-section have different
dimensions.
31. The holder assembly of claim 30, wherein the holder element
comprises a vase.
32. The holder assembly of claim 25, wherein the at least one
porous material is wound about a central axis to form the
multilayered rod.
33. The holder assembly of claim 25, wherein the holder element
comprises a barrier that prevents contact between the holder
element and the at least one scented rod.
34. The holder assembly of claim 25, wherein the at least one
scented rod is inserted into an aperture of the holder element.
35. The holder assembly of claim 25, wherein the holder element is
self-supporting and configured to sit on a flat surface.
36. The holder assembly of claim 25, wherein the holder element
allows air flow around the at least one scented rod.
37. A holder element that holds at least one scented rod, the
holder element comprising: a body sized and dimensioned to receive
the at least one scented rod and to minimize direct contact between
the at least one scented rod and other surfaces, wherein: the at
least one scented rod comprises: at least one sheet of porous paper
formed into a multilayered rod; and at least one fragrance absorbed
by the at least one sheet of porous paper.
38. The holder element of claim 37, wherein at least a portion of
the body is coated with a barrier material that prevents direct
contact between the at least one scented rod and the body.
39. The holder element of claim 37, wherein: the at least one
scented rod comprises a colorant; and the colorant comprises at
least one of a lake dye, an oil soluble dye, or a water soluble
dye.
40. The holder element of claim 37, wherein a material of the body
comprises at least one of metal, ceramic, glass, plastic, or
polymer.
41. The holder element of claim 37, wherein the body is attachable
to at least one of a person, a wall, a door, a cabinet, a closet, a
live tree, an artificial tree, a wreath, an auto rearview mirror,
or a vent.
42. The holder element of claim 37, wherein the body comprises a
vase.
43. The holder element of claim 37, wherein the at least one sheet
of porous paper is wound about a central axis to form the
multilayered rod.
44. The holder element of claim 37, wherein the at least one
scented rod is inserted into an aperture of the body.
45. The holder element of claim 37, wherein the body is
self-supporting and configured to sit on a flat surface.
46. The holder element of claim 37, wherein the body allows air
flow around the at least one scented rod.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/179,832, filed Jun. 10, 2016, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 14/582,609, filed Dec. 24, 2014, which is
a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/571,240, filed Dec.
22, 2006, which is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 371 of International Patent Application No.
PCT/US2005/022566, filed Jun. 24, 2005, which claims the priority
and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/582,670, filed Jun. 24, 2004, the contents of all of which are
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The various embodiments of the present invention relate
generally to scent emitting devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The volatilization of scent from a substrate has been
described previously. Many materials have been described that
release a volatile material, such as a scent, including ceramics,
polymers, wood and cellulose materials. Cotton has been used to
release volatile materials as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,615,754
and 5,372,303. Fabric has also been described as an absorbent
medium from which a volatile material can evaporate as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 2,626,833. In U.S. Pat. No. 855,984 a sponge is used
to volatilize a perfume or disinfectant. U.S. Pat. No. 1,988,141
describes the use of a felt pad to release a perfume. These
materials all produce articles that have a very rapid release of
the scent from their matrix if unimproved with further restrictions
which add significant cost to the articles.
[0004] Wood has been used to hold scent in articles like incense.
To release significant quantities of the scent, however, the wooden
incense sticks are typically burned. Allowing the incense sticks to
release their scent without burning results in an inadequate scent
release. Additionally, wood is not highly absorbent and therefore
absorbs low amounts of scented material. Wood pulp has been used to
absorb fragrance and release it, as described in U.S. Pat. No.
2,120,204. The use of wood pulp poses very restrictive uses because
it is quite friable and cannot be made into stable rods that resist
breaking. Molded plastics have also been used to disperse scents as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,626. The amount of scent that
releases from this type of medium in a reasonable time frame is
very limited.
[0005] Many air fresheners and volatile material dispersers use
paper products as a medium from which a scent may evaporate.
Commercial examples of these types of air fresheners use a stiff
blotter type paper and are produced by Medo Industries, Baltimore,
Md. and Little Trees, Watertown, N.Y. U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,383
describes using 120# commercial blotting paper, beverage board type
papers, and commercial Cover Stock to absorb a fragrance for
freshening air in a bathroom. U.S. Pat. No. 3,575,345 uses a porous
paper such as filter paper. Other paper and blotter-based
dispersing devices are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,503,332;
5,395,047; 6,168,088; 6,575,383; and 6,688,551.
[0006] The major disadvantage of such paper products is that they
have a large surface area to volume ratio, a relatively low density
or specific gravity, and they release their volatile material too
rapidly for many applications. There are descriptions of devices
that modify these materials to slow the release rate of the
volatile material off of the medium. These modifications have
included coating the paper with an occlusive material like a
film-forming chemical or a layer of plastic that has limited
porosity or alternatively, placing the paper inside an outer
covering thereby restricting the vaporization of the scent. While
these modifications have shown some effectiveness in slowing the
evaporation rate, the modifications add significant cost to the
products and require special manufacturing steps.
[0007] There are also existing air fresheners that contain a wick
structure absorbing a liquid through the wick. Examples of this
type of a system are described in U.S. Patent Application
20020136886 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,384,589 and 5,437,410. The
disadvantage of these types of devices is the high cost and
necessity for multiple components.
[0008] What is needed are devices for providing scents that are
durable, easily manufactured and provide a slow release of scent
for many applications.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present invention comprises methods and devices for
providing scent. The devices comprise at least two components, a
structural component and a scent. The structural component may be
formed into a rod shape or may be formed into any shape desired for
a particular application. The scent is incorporated into or on the
structural component. The device is referred to herein as a scent
stick, which is not to be seen as limiting the structure of the
device or limiting the scent composition. The devices may
optionally further comprise dyes, coating elements, holder elements
or attachment elements.
[0010] The scent dispersing devices and methods provide for the
slow release of a scent, such as a volatile material, and usually
without significant or specialized modifications that add to cost
to the device. The present invention comprises devices to scent an
environment comprising an absorbent material in a rod-like shape
having a ratio of length to average cross-sectional diameter of at
least about 4:1. The absorbent rod may be made with a specific
gravity of greater than about 0.95. The higher specific gravity of
the scent stick allows for the slow release of a scent from the
rod. This slow release provides an advantage to typical paper air
freshener products. The rod may be treated with a colorant. A
useful dye is one that is substantive to the rod and may not
transfer to another object upon contact. Lake dyes are suitable
materials that provide low transfer potential. The scent stick may
be colored before, at the same time, or after the scent is
incorporated with the rod.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention may be used in floral
arrangements to boost the odor of live flowers. Alternatively, a
scent stick according to some embodiments of the present invention
may be used in with artificial flowers to impart odor to the
arrangement. A scent stick may also be provided with an attachment
element to allow the scent stick to be hung or attached. For
example, by providing a hanger as the attachment element on the
scent stick, the scent stick may be hung on a live or artificial
tree to impart odor to the tree. The scent stick may also be hung
in an automobile, for example, from the rearview mirror, using a
hook or string. The scent stick may also be attached to a car vent
using a clip apparatus or used as a personal adornment.
[0012] Methods of the present invention comprise providing at least
one scent stick in an environment, wherein the scent is slowly
released from the scent stick into the environment. The scent is
slowly released and provides scent to the environment. The scent
stick or a combination of scent sticks may be provided to an
environment such as a plant or flower arrangement, as a room or
vehicle scenting device, for scenting any enclosed or interior
space, and for scenting a desired area in an exterior space.
Methods of the present invention also comprise making scent
sticks.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention
utilized in a floral arrangement.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of making an embodiment of a
scent stick.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a scent stick attached
to a clip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The present invention comprises methods and devices for
providing scent. The devices of the present invention are referred
to herein as a scent stick, though the use of the term "stick" is
not to be seen as limiting the shape or form of the device. The use
of the term "scent" is not to be seen as limiting the scent
material to only materials that have a scent, but includes other
compounds that are not detectable as a scent by humans. The devices
of the present invention comprise at least a structural component
and a scent. Optionally, the devices may further comprise dyes,
coating elements, holder elements or attachment elements.
[0019] Methods of the present invention comprise making and using
scent sticks. Methods of use comprise providing one or more scent
sticks to an environment. The one or more scent sticks slowly
release scent to the environment. The scent sticks release scent to
the environment for at least 24 hours, for at least 2 days, for at
least 5 days, for at least 10 days, for at least 20 days, for at
least 30 days, and in some embodiments, for greater than 30 days,
and all ranges in between. Methods of making a scent stick comprise
providing a structural component, such as a rod or shaped form made
of an appropriately absorbent material; and in no particular order,
applying a scent, such as a volatile material, to structural
component, and optionally, dying the structural component a
particular color or colors, or applying a pattern to the structural
component. The scent stick may or may not be colored. The method
may further comprise applying or attaching a coating element to a
portion or the entire surface of the scent stick. The method may
comprise affixing an attachment element to the scent stick. The
method may further comprise providing the scent stick in a holder
element. The method may further comprise packaging the scent stick,
so that the scent is not released in the environment.
[0020] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an
embodiment 100 of the present invention. As shown, embodiment 100
comprises a scent stick 105. As used herein, scent stick 105 may be
a scent member, scent rod, or any other material in any shape that
is capable of emitting a scent composition. For the purpose of the
present invention a scent is defined as any material, such as a
volatile material, that may provide a benefit including fragrance,
perfume, essential oil, solvent, deodorizer, malodor counteractant,
insect repellant, and antimicrobial, insecticide, or pesticide
activity. The material containing scent may be a solid, liquid, or
gel or any form that can be incorporated into or applied to the
structural component and release scent from the structural
component when exposed to ambient air.
[0021] Scent stick 105 may be made with any material capable of
absorbing or incorporating therein or thereon a scent and releasing
the scent when exposed to ambient environmental conditions. The
term absorbent as used herein means the ability of the structural
component of the scent stick to absorb at least about 10% of its
weight in scent, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least
about 40%, at least about 50%, or at least about 75% of its weight
in scent. In one embodiment, the scent stick will release at least
about 30% by weight of the original amount of scent within the
first 30 days of exposure to the ambient air. In an embodiment, the
scent stick will release at least about 30% by weight of the
original amount of scent within the first 30 days of exposure to
the ambient air. In an embodiment, the scent stick will release at
least about 10% by weight of the original amount of scent within
the first 5 days of exposure to the ambient air. In an embodiment,
the scent stick will release at least about 30% by weight of the
original amount of scent within the first 50 days of exposure to
the ambient air.
[0022] In an embodiment, scent stick 105 may be a compressed paper
rod, while in other embodiments, scent stick 105 may be any other
material capable of absorbing a scent through contact and releasing
the absorbed scent over time, and includes but is not limited to,
plastic, cardboard, or fabric. Scent stick 105 may be of any
desired length and/or shape depending upon the application. In some
embodiments, scent stick 105 may be a cylindrical rod having a
circular-cross section 110 but scent stick 105 may also have any
cross-sectional shape. For example, scent stick 105 may be oval or
rectangular in shape. Scent stick 105 may also be made at various
lengths in the embodiments of the present invention. Scent stick
105 may have any combination of shapes and sizes, and an example is
a form such as a candy cane. Scent stick 105 may have a diameter
similar to the diameter of a flower stem in some embodiments or may
have other diameters or cross-sectional areas in other embodiments.
In a preferred embodiment the scent stick can have a length to
average cross-sectional diameter ratio of at least about 4:1. For
applications such as flower arrangements the length to average
cross-sectional ratio can be between about 15:1 to about 60:1.
[0023] The structural component of the scent stick is stable, in
that the structural component of the scent stick does not readily
decompose, fall apart, unravel, shred, fracture, break or tear.
Once formed, the structural component is sufficiently sturdy to
undergo coloring or scent application and to remain substantially
intact while exposed to the environment. Embodiments of the present
invention generally have a stable nature. Thus, the embodiments of
the present invention scent stick are not brittle or friable to the
touch. Handling the scent sticks in a typical use or manner does
not cause breakage or pieces to dislodge from the scent stick. This
feature is an advantage when compared to wood-pulp type
products.
[0024] Scent sticks may be characterized by their density or
specific gravity. Pure water is the base line for specific gravity,
and pure water has a density of 1 cubic meter=1000 kg, with a
specific gravity of 1. The specific gravity of all other materials
is compared to water as a fraction of heavier or lighter density.
The specific gravity of a substance is a comparison of its density
to that of water. As specific gravity is just a comparison, it can
be applied across any units. Table 1 shows the comparison of
densities of typical paper air fresheners. Typical paper air
fresheners, including common commercial products, have a density
(specific gravity) of from about 0.5 to 0.8 before a scent is
added. Common woods have a density (specific gravity) of from less
than 0.2 for balsa wood to less than 0.95 for oak. The density
(specific gravity) of pine is typically between 0.35-0.66. In an
embodiment, the density (specific gravity) of the structural
component is greater than about 0.95 before scent is added to the
structural component. This relatively high density (specific
gravity) of the present invention is an advantage as it allows for
the slow release of a fragrance from the article over a period of
time.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Density (specific gravity) of commercial
paper air fresheners. Air Freshener Manufacturer Density (specific
gravity) Orlandi 0.80 Car Freshener 0.51 Yankee Candle 0.43 Gold
Canyon 0.82
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, scent stick 105 may be shaped similar to
a flower stem and may emit a predetermined scent in the direction
of arrows 110 and 115. Scent stick 105 may be impregnated with any
scent, scent combination, or fragrance that a user may desire, or
the scent stick may be coated with a scented substance or made with
scented materials. These scents may be floral scents or may be any
other scents including, but not limited to natural or synthetic
scents, scents that mimic scents found in nature, and scents that
are not found naturally occurring in plants. Such scents may
include rose, iris, strawberry, coffee, peppermint, chocolate,
vanilla, lavender, lemon, fresh flowers, pizza, pine, cinnamon, and
jasmine. Additionally, the scent composition may contain one or
more essential oils with or without a fragrance. The scent
composition may contain a pesticide or insect repellant such as
DEET or a synthetic pyrethroid. The scented oils and gels used with
the various aspects of this invention are desirably made with
natural non-hazardous materials. Additionally, it is desirable that
the scented oils and gels allow users to safely handle the scent
sticks and easily exchange one scent stick for another scent
stick.
[0026] Scent stick 105 may also be dyed in some embodiments of the
invention so that the scent sticks blend in with the surrounding
environment. Suitable dyes for use in the present invention include
water-resistant dyes, oil-resistant dyes, and combinations of
water- and oil-resistant dyes. In one embodiment where the scent
stick is used with fresh or freshly cut flowers and the flowers are
placed in water, a water-resistant or combination water- and
oil-resistant dye can used. In an embodiment where the scent stick
is used with silk flowers or any other material that may absorb an
oil, a dye is used that is oil-resistant or both water- and
oil-resistant can be utilized. When the scent stick may be used
either with fresh flowers or silk flowers, an embodiment may
comprise a dye that is both water- and oil-resistant.
[0027] Suitable water-resistant dyes include oil soluble dyes and
wax soluble dyes. Examples of oil soluble dyes that are suitable
for use in the present invention include Pylakrome Dark Green and
Pylakrome Red (Pylam Products Company, Tempe Ariz.). Suitable
oil-resistant dyes include water soluble dyes. Examples of water
soluble dyes that are suitable include FD&C Blue No. 1 and
Carmine (Sensient, St. Louis, Mo.). Where the scent stick may be
used in aqueous environments, such as with either fresh cut or
artificial flowers, a suitable dye is a dye that does not interact
substantially with either the fresh cut flowers or the artificial
flowers. A suitable dye for this application is a Lake type dye.
Examples of Lake dyes are Cartasol Blue KRL-NA LIQ and Cartasol
Yellow KGL LIQ (Clariant Corporation, Charlotte, N.C.). Pigments
may also be used in coloring the structural component. Such
coloring or dying methods are known to those skilled in the art,
and any suitable dyes, pigments or colorants are contemplated by
the present invention.
[0028] A water-resistant dye may be typically dissolved in a
hydrophobic solvent. Suitable hydrophobic solvents include Isopar
M, petroleum distillates, mineral oil, short or long chain
alcohols, fragrances, fragrance raw materials, essential oils and
other hydrophobic liquids that will solubilize the dye. In one
embodiment, the fragrance used to scent the scent stick can be used
to solubilize the water-resistant dye. An oil-resistant dye may be
solubilized using a hydrophilic solvent. Suitable hydrophilic
solvents include water, short chain alcohols, short chain
carboxylic acids and glycols. A combination oil- and
water-resistant dye can be solubilized in a solvent into which it
will dissolve. Suitable materials include short chain alcohols. In
a method of making the scent stick, methanol is used to dissolve
and solubilize a Lake dye.
[0029] In some embodiments, scent stick 105 may be dyed green so
that when scent stick 105 is placed in a flower arrangement bouquet
scent stick 105 is not easily visible. In some embodiments the
scent stick may be brightly colored to stand out against the
background. Still yet in other embodiments, the scent stick 105 can
be colored with multiple colors such that the scent stick has
various designs and colors.
[0030] The scent stick may be wrapped or sleeved with a colored
material to disguise the stick to look like a stem or other plant
or flower part or to impart a look that is desirable. The wrapping
or sleeving can be done using a floral tape, ribbon or other
flexible matrix. The sleeve should preferably have sufficient
porosity or openings to allow dispersion of the scent through the
sleeve. Scent can be absorbed onto the wrapping material as an
alternative to absorbing the scent directly onto the stick.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment 200 of the present
invention utilized in a floral arrangement. A floral arrangement
may include, but is not limited to, any fresh flower arrangement,
live plants, flower cuttings, and artificial flower, plant or plant
parts arrangements, including plastic and silk flowers. As shown,
embodiment 200 may generally comprise a vase 205, scent stick 210,
and a plurality of flowers 215. Although this embodiment is shown
in vase 205, scent stick 210 may be used in any other floral
arrangement including hand held bouquets, living floral
arrangements, and table-top displays. Additionally, some
embodiments of the present invention may also be used with other
visual arrangements and decorations including silk flowers, table
centerpieces, potpourri arrangements, indoor gardens, indoor
plants, or any other arrangements or displays that a user may want
to enhance with various fragrances.
[0032] In embodiment 200, scent stick 210 has been placed inside of
vase 205 similar to the general direction of the stems of flowers
215. Scent stick 210 may also be orientated differently in other
embodiments so that the entire surface area of scent stick 210 is
closer to the top of vase 210 enabling a greater emission of scent
from scent stick 210. Scent stick 210 may also be dyed green so
that it blends in with the flower stems, but scent stick 210 may
also be dyed any other color or combination of colors.
[0033] Although, vase 205 is shown with a single scent stick, some
embodiments of the present invention may include multiple scent
sticks saturated with the same scent or with multiple scents.
Arrows 220 generally depict the direction in which scent stick 210
may emit a floral scent to enhance the natural floral scent emitted
by flowers 215. Other embodiments of the present invention may also
expose the surface area of scent stick 210 so that scent stick 210
may also emit scents in all directions. Additionally, in some
embodiments, scent direction may be controlled by putting a scent
composition at a passive location, providing openings in a covering
layer over the scent stick, or diffusion in the air from all
surfaces.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of making a scent stick
according to an embodiment of the present invention. At 305, a
color dye may be prepared to dye a scent stick so that the scent
stick may blend into a surrounding environment. For example, a
scent stick may be dyed to have the visual appearance of a candy
cane so that a scent stick may blend in with other holiday
decorations and emit holiday fragrances. At 305 the dye is
dissolved in a solute. The nature of the solute to be used is
dependent upon the nature of the dye and the application of the
scent stick. If the scent stick is to be used with fresh flowers,
live plants or fresh cuttings then the dye to be used is typically
a water-resistant dye or a water- and oil-resistant dye. If the
scent stick is to be used with silk plastic or fabric then the dye
used is typically an oil-resistant dye or a water- and
oil-resistant dye.
[0035] At 310, a fragrance or fragrance combination which is
referred to herein as a scent composition or scent may-be prepared
so that the structural component of a scent stick may be saturated
or impregnated with the scent composition. The scent or scent
composition may be made from fragrance oils, scented gels, or any
other scents capable of being absorbed by a scent stick. A scent
may use alone, or the scent may be combined with other volatile
materials such as a pesticide, insect repellant, antimicrobial
material or deodorizer or the volatile material may be used alone,
to form a scent or scent composition. Both fragrant scents and
fragrant scents in combination with other volatile materials, and
volatile materials without fragrances are contemplated in the
present invention and the selection of which scent is used is
generally determined by the intended use.
[0036] Next at 315, a scent stick may be dyed for a predetermined
amount of time so that the scent stick may blend into its
environment. The total dying time may depend upon the material
which comprises the structural component of the scent stick and the
density of the material. For example, the dying time for a
paper-stick scent stick may take less than a minute to a few
minutes while a cardboard or plastic paper stick may have longer
dying times. Also, the amount of dye used to dye a scent stick may
also vary depending upon the material used to construct the scent
stick. Some embodiments of the present invention utilizing
paper-stick scent sticks may only utilize approximately one (1)
gram of dye, but this amount may vary depending upon the length,
cross-sectional area, and density of the scent stick. The dye
amount may also vary due to the absorption characteristics of
structural component materials and dye types. The scent stick may
or may not be dried after the dye has been absorbed.
[0037] The scent stick may be combined with a prepared scent or
scent combination composition at 320 by placing the structural
component in intimate contact with the scent composition. The
interaction time may depend on the type of scented fragrance
applied to the structural component, or how strong or intense of a
scent a user wants the scent stick to emit, and/or the type of
material used to manufacture the structural component. In some
embodiments, a paper structural component may be saturated with a
composition comprising approximately one (1) to three (3) grams of
one or more scent compositions and the saturation time may range
from less than one minute to a few minutes. Other embodiments may
utilize more or less amounts of scented compositions to adequately
scent a structural component, and may contain various scents with
various intensities. Also, other embodiments of the present
invention may require longer or shorter saturation times depending
upon scent density, structural component material, and other scent
stick physical characteristics. When the dye is solubilized in the
scent itself as in the case of a water-resistant dye, steps 315 and
320 can be combined.
[0038] After adequately saturating a structural component with one
or more scent compositions, a scent stick may be packaged at 325.
In one embodiment the scent stick is allowed enough contact time
between the scent composition and the structural component for the
surface of the structural component to be essentially dry to the
touch, which minimizes transfer of scent and/or dye when handling.
A scent stick may be packaged to preserve the saturated scent or
scent combination so that ambient air does not contact the scent
stick and allow the scent to escape from the scent stick. Many
types of packaging material are capable of protecting the dyed
and/or saturated scent stick. One embodiment uses packaging
materials through which the scent does not substantially diffuse or
evaporate. Suitable materials for packaging the scent stick include
cellophane, polypropylene, acrylic, plastics, PET, polymers,
fluorinated polyethylene, metalized films, metal, glass, glazed
ceramics, and any other impervious material. A useful packaging
material includes, but is not limited to, oriented polypropylene,
PET, or cellophane. Although method 300, has been described with
reference to FIG. 3, it should be noted that other methods of
preparing a scent stick exist including that a structural component
may be saturated with a scent before being dyed, and that steps of
method 300 can be performed in any order that results in a scent
stick or steps may be eliminated.
[0039] The scent stick may include an attachment element for
attaching a scent stick to other objects. In one embodiment, the
attachment element is a hook. The scent stick has a hook attached
to one end so that it may be hooked or attached permanently or
temporarily to an object. In another embodiment, the attachment
element is a clip, and the scent stick includes a clip for
attaching it to an object. The clip may have an adhesive that can
be used for attaching to an object permanently or semi-permanently
to an object, or the clip may have a hook and eye region, such as a
Velcro strip, that can be used to attach the scent stick to an
object. Additionally the clip may have means to temporally attach
the stick to a vent or other opening through which air can pass. It
is also useful to allow for attachment elements where the scent
stick may be removed and replaced with a fresh scent stick when the
user so desires, whether or not the attachment element is removed
from its attached site.
[0040] The clip can enable the scent stick to be adapted for other
applications and uses. For example, the clip can have two or more
prongs which can be placed over a louver on a vent allowing for
temporary attachment. In one embodiment, the scent stick has a
string attached to the scent stick as an attachment element, so
that the scent stick can be hung from an object. For example, the
string is made of an elastic material. The object to which a scent
stick may be attached or hung includes, but is not limited to,
people, walls, doors, cabinets, closets, trees, wreaths, auto
rearview mirrors, and car and home vents. It is useful if the scent
stick is placed in such a manner so that the stick does not touch
any surface that might be damaged by being in close proximity to a
fragranced material. FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the
present invention wherein scent stick 50 can be hung from an
object. Attachment element Hook 52 attaches to connector 51 at end
53 and is hung over an object by end 54. In one embodiment the
scent stick is attached to a person and worn as an earring or other
adornment. In this embodiment the hook may be used to allow the
scent stick to be attached to a person's ear or another other part
of a person's body. Multiple sticks may be attached to one
attachment element, such as hook 52.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention
wherein scent stick 50 is attached to clip 58, an attachment
element. Clip 58 has side post 59 that has surface 60 onto which an
adhesive can be provided enabling the scent stick 50 to be
temporally or permanently attached to a surface or object, such as
a wall, door, or cabinet. Side post 59 may also mate with another
piece which is temporally or permanently attached to a surface or
object.
[0042] Scent sticks may be placed in individual or multiple
holders. The use of such a holder is beneficial to prevent contact
between the scent stick and other surfaces. Materials which are
useful for a holder should not absorb and transmit a scent onto a
surface. Suitable materials for this include metal, ceramic, glass,
plastic, and polymers. Some materials that might not be otherwise
suitable can be made suitable by coating at least a portion of the
holder with a barrier that prevents contact between the holder and
the scent stick. The holder may be capable of holding one or more
scent sticks. For holders capable of holding one or more scent
stick, the same scent or different scents may be placed into the
holder at the same time.
[0043] One or more scent sticks may be placed into a drawer or
other closed or semi-closed space, including interior spaces, and
also exterior spaces. In a preferred embodiment the stick or sticks
may be placed into a container that has openings to allow the
dispersion of the fragrance. One suitable container is a porous or
mesh bag.
[0044] The present invention comprises methods for making and using
scent sticks. A scent stick of the present invention may comprise
at least one scent and a structural component comprising an
absorbent material shaped into stable rod with a length to average
cross-sectional diameter ratio of at least about 4:1. A scent stick
may release the scent as various rates, including at least about
30% of the scent evaporates from the rod within about 30 days when
in use. The scent evaporates from, or is released by, the
structural component of the scent stick. Any mechanism of release
of scent, whether by evaporation or other mechanisms, is
contemplated by the present invention. Scent sticks of the present
invention are capable of releasing a scent into an environment, and
may comprise at least one scent and a structural component
comprising an absorbent material formed by wrapping a sheet of
porous material about a central axis forming a rod or cylindrical
article and a scent. A rod-shaped scent stick may comprise a scent,
wherein at least about 30% of the scent evaporates from the scent
stick within 30 days when the scent stick is exposed to air having
a temperature of from about 70-80.degree. Fahrenheit. A scent
stick, comprising a structural component and at least one scent,
may be formed by the structural component comprising paper wound
into a rod shape prior to the introduction of the scent. A scent
stick, comprising scent and a structural component that may be
formed from multilayers of paper so that the structural component
has a density (specific gravity) of greater than about 0.95 before
scent is incorporated. Scent sticks of the present invention may be
colored with a colorant. It is useful if the colorant does not
substantially leach out during handling or use. The colorant may be
a lake dye, an oil soluble dye or a water soluble dye. A colorant
may printed onto the structural component or the scent stick. The
at least one scent may be a fragrance, essential oil, perfume,
pesticide, insect repellant, antimicrobial, deodorizer or a mixture
or a combination thereof. The structural component may comprise
paper or other material derived from a tree or plant. The paper may
a low acid paper. The scent stick may comprise an attachment
element. The attachment element may be a clip, a hook, a string or
other hanging feature, and the string may be elastic. At least one
scent stick may be provided within a container or bag that has
openings through which the scent may pass. At least one scent stick
may be provided in a live or artificial floral arrangement. At
least one scent stick may be provided in a drawer containing
clothing or fabrics. At least one scent stick may be attached to a
person or inanimate object. At least one scent stick may be
provided in a holder. A scent stick may be made by providing a
structural component, and in no particular order, dying the scent
stick and applying a scent composition to the scent stick, and
optionally, packaging the scent stick.
[0045] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. All
patents, patent applications and references included herein are
specifically incorporated by reference in their entireties.
[0046] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates only to exemplary embodiments of the present invention and
that numerous modifications or alterations may be made therein
without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as
set forth in this disclosure.
[0047] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention
are provided herein, the present invention is not limited to these
embodiments. There are numerous modifications or alterations that
may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. The exemplary
embodiments should not to be construed in any way as imposing
limitations upon the scope thereof. On the contrary, it is to be
clearly understood that resort may be had to various other
embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after
reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present
invention and/or the scope of the appended claims.
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