Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ENERGIZED SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR DELIVERING VOLATILE
MATERIALS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to delivery systems for emitting or releasing
volatile
materials to the atmosphere. More specifically, the invention relates to
energized delivery
systems for delivering one or more distinct volatile materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is generally known to use a device to evaporate a volatile composition into
a
space, particularly a domestic space, e.g., a bathroom, to provide a pleasant
aroma. The
most common of such devices is the aerosol container, which propels minute
droplets of
an air freshener composition into the air. Another common type of dispensing
device is a
dish containing or supporting a body of gelatinous matter which when it dries
and shrinks
releases a vaporized air-treating composition into the atmosphere. Other
products such as
deodorant blocks are also used for dispensing air-treating vapors into the
atmosphere by
evaporation. Another group of vapor-dispensing devices utilizes a carrier
material such as
paperboard impregnated or coated with a vaporizable composition. There are a
variety of
such devices on sale, for example the ADJUSTABLEV (manufactured by Dial Corp.)
or
the DUET 2 in 1 Gel + Spray (manufactured by S.C. Johnson). Generally, these
devices
consist of a perfume or fragrance source, an adjustable top for fragrance
control and/or a
sprayer. By the adjustment of the openings in the fragrance source (passive
dispenser),
there will be a continuous supply of the perfume or fragrance to the space in
which the
device is placed. By application of the sprayer (active dispenser), there will
be a
temporary supply of the perfume or fragrance to the space in which the device
is
delivered.
A problem with such an arrangement is that a person occupying the space will
quickly become accustomed to the perfume or fragrance and, after a while, will
not
perceive the fragrance strength as being as intense or may not notice it at
all. This is a
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well-known phenomenon called habituation. One effort to deal with the problem
of
habituation is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US
5,755,381, to
Seiichi Yazaki. The Yazaki. patent discloses an aroma emission device for
emitting
aroma from an aromatic liquid for a certain period of time at a uniform level
of aroma.
The device comprises a vessel that is partitioned via a portioning plate into
an upper
compartment and a lower compartment, having an air tube penetrating through a
top cover
portion and a bottom cover portion. Perforation is provided in the portioning
plate to
allow the upper and lower compartments to communicate with each other. As air
is let
into the upper compartment, the aromatic liquid held in the upper compartment
flows
down through the perforation into the partitioning plate and builds up in the
empty portion
of the bottom compartment. Aroma-laden air is released via the air tube of the
lower
compartment. When the aromatic liquid in the upper compartment fully transfers
into the
lower compartment, the emission of the aroma-laden air stops. The device can
be
repeatedly used by placing the vessel of the device upside down at any time.
The Yazaki.
patent, however, appears to be directed to a device which can be operated as a
water
clock. That is, as the fluid travels from upper one compartment to the lower
compartment, the device emits an aromatic fragrance and then stops itself when
the fluid
transfer is complete. The Yazaki patent does not mention the use of
evaporative surface
devices to deliver the perfume or aromatic fragrance, rather aroma-laden air
of the Yazaki
device is released via the use of an air tube located in the lower
compartment. In addition,
the Yazaki aromatic fragrance is delivered as a temporary emission. It is
specifically
designed not to be continuous.
Evaporative surface device devices (such as, wicking devices) are well known
for
dispensing volatile liquids into the atmosphere, such as fragrance, deodorant,
disinfectant
or insecticide active agent. A typical evaporative surface device utilizes a
combination of
a wick and emanating region to dispense a volatile liquid from a liquid fluid
reservoir.
Evaporative surface devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,994,932;
2,597,195;
2,802,695; 2,804,291; 2,847,976; 3,283,787; 3,550,853; 4,286,754; 4,413,779;
and
4,454,987.
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Ideally, the evaporative surface device should be as simple as possible,
require
little or no maintenance and should perform in a manner that allows the
volatile material
to be dispensed at a steady and controlled rate into the designated area while
maintaining
its emission integrity over the life span of the device. Unfortunately, nearly
all of the
relatively simple non-aerosol devices that are commercially available suffer
from the
same limitation. The emission becomes distorted over the life span of the
device due to
the fact that the more volatile components are removed first, leaving the less
volatile
components behind. This change of the composition with time eventually results
in a
weakening of the intensity of the fragrance since the less volatile components
evaporate
more slowly. It is these two problems, i.e., the weakening of intensity and
distortion over
the lifetime of the fragrance material, that have occupied much of the
attention of those
who seek to devise better air freshener devices. Practically all devices,
which depend on
evaporation from a surface, suffer from the shortcomings mentioned above. In
most of
these devices, a wick, gel or porous surface simply provides a greater surface
area from
which the fragrance material can evaporate more quickly, but fractionation
still occurs, as
it would from the surface of the liquid itself, resulting in an initial burst
of fragrance
followed by a period of lower intensity once the more volatile components have
evaporated. Due to this fractionation, and perhaps in combination with the
clogging of
the wick due to precipitation of insolubles, the evaporative surface device
begins to
malfunction. As the fragrance becomes distorted, the intensity of the emission
weakens
perceptibly.
Solutions to the problems of habituation, scent decline, fractionation, and
wick
clogging coupled with the ability of a volatile material delivery system to
transform the
notion of intensity control into a desirable, rewarding process for consumers
have been
sought. The improved aesthetics associated with the simplicity of how the
boost level
emission is provided, and the dynamic interactive scent experience thereby
created,
coupled with an automatic return to the maintenance level emission, makes the
non-
aerosol device highly desirable.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There are numerous embodiments of the delivery systems described herein, all
of
which are intended to be non-limiting examples. In one embodiment of the
invention, a
volatile material delivery system (hereinafter "delivery system") is provided.
The delivery
system, comprising at least one volatile material, provides a continuous
maintenance level
emission of at least one volatile material and/or a temporary boost level
emission of at
least one volatile material. The volatile material comprises one or more
perfume
components, a portion of which have a high Kovat's Index. In one embodiment,
at least
about 40 weight percent of the perfume components have a Kovat's Index of 1500
or
more.
In another embodiment of the invention, an energized volatile material
delivery
system is provided. The delivery system uses a source of heat, gas, or
electrical current,
however, the at least one volatile material is not mechanically delivered by
an aerosol.
The delivery system may further comprise: (a) at least one container
comprising at least
one fluid reservoir; (b) at least one evaporative surface device opening
located in the at
least one container; (c) at least one evaporative surface device, having at
least some
longitudinal exposure, is at least partially located in the evaporative
surface device
opening and in the fluid reservoir; wherein the evaporative surface device is
fluidly
connected to the volatile material; (d) optionally at least one by-pass tube;
and (e)
optionally one or more secondary evaporative surface devices.
In another aspect of the invention a delivery system comprising at least one
volatile material from a single source, or alternatively from multiple
sources, is provided.
The at least one volatile material may be a composition containing a variety
of volatile
materials, as well as, non-volatile materials in any amount. The one or more
volatile
materials may have various volatility rates over the useful life of the
delivery system. The
consumer can control the volume of the volatile material delivered to the
evaporative
surface device to provide for uniform emissions and to enhance the perception
of desired
olfactory effect, for example, for malodor control. The delivery system
described herein
can comprise any type of dosing device, including, but not limited to:
collection basins,
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5 pumps, and spring-action devices. The delivery system may also be configured
to reduce
spillage of the volatile material when overturned on its side.
In still another aspect of the invention, a kit is provided. The kit comprises
(a) a
package; (b) instructions for use; and (c) an energized volatile material
delivery system
comprising at least one volatile material, wherein said delivery system
provides a
continuous maintenance level emission of at least one volatile material and/or
a temporary
boost level emission of at least one volatile material, wherein said volatile
material is not
mechanically delivered by an aerosol.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and
distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the present invention
will be better
understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawings in which:
Figs. 1, 2, 3a, and 4, 5c, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 10a, lOb,
11, 12, 13c,
15a, and 15b show cross-sections of a delivery system.
Fig. 3b shows a cross-section of a delivery system with a gutter.
Fig. 5a show side views of a delivery system.
Fig. 5b shows a cross-section of an evaporative surface device.
Fig. lOc shows a cross-section of a pleated wick.
Fig. 13a and 14 show perspective views of a delivery system.
Fig. 13b shows a top view of a delivery system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to delivery systems for emitting or releasing
volatile
materials to the atmosphere. In some embodiments, the invention relates to
delivery
systems that deliver at least one volatile material during the maintenance
level emission
and/or boost level emission modes. The delivery system uses a source of heat,
gas, or
electrical current, however, the volatile material is not mechanically
delivered by an
aerosol. An example of a delivery system using a source of electrical current
is the use of
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an electric-powered fan. In viewing these figures, it should be understood
that there are
numerous embodiments of the delivery systems described herein, all of which
are
intended to be non-limiting examples.
Definitions
The term "volatile materials" as used herein, refers to a material or a
discrete unit
comprised of one or more materials that is vaporizable, or comprises a
material that is
vaporizable without the need of an energy source. Any suitable volatile
material in any
amount or form may be used. The term "volatile materials", thus, includes (but
is not
limited to) compositions that are comprised entirely of a single volatile
material. It should
be understood that the term "volatile material" also refers to compositions
that have more
than one volatile component, and it is not necessary for all of the component
materials of
the volatile material to be volatile. The volatile materials described herein
may, thus, also
have non-volatile components. It should also be understood that when the
volatile
materials are described herein as being "emitted" or "released," this refers
to the
volatilization of the volatile components thereof, and does not require that
the non-
volatile components thereof be emitted. The volatile materials of interest
herein can be in
any suitable form including, but not limited to: solids, liquids, gels, and
combinations
thereof. The volatile materials may be encapsulated, used in evaporative
surface devices
(e.g. evaporative surface devices), and combined with carrier materials, such
as porous
materials impregnated with or containing the volatile material, and
combinations thereof.
Any suitable carrier material in any suitable amount or form may be used. For
example,
the delivery system may contain a volatile material comprising a single-phase
composition, multi-phase composition and combinations thereof, from one or
more
sources in one or more carrier materials (e.g. water, solvent, etc.).
The terms "volatile materials", "aroma", and "emissions", as used herein,
include,
but are not limited to pleasant or savory smells, and, thus, also encompass
materials that
function as fragrances, air fresheners, deodorizers, odor eliminators, malodor
counteractants, insecticides, insect repellants, medicinal substances,
disinfectants,
sanitizers, mood enhancers, and aroma therapy aids, or for any other suitable
purpose
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using a material that acts to condition, modify, or otherwise charge the
atmosphere or the
environment.. It should be understood that certain volatile materials
including, but not
limited to perfumes, aromatic materials, and emissioned materials, will often
be
comprised of one or more volatile compositions (which may form a unique and/or
discrete
unit comprised of a collection of volatile materials). For example, a malodor
control
composition may include, but is not limited to: odor-neutralizing materials,
odor blocking
materials, odor masking materials, and combinations thereof.
The term "energized," when referring to the delivery system of the present
invention, means that the delivery system uses a source of heat, gas or
electrical current to
aid in the delivery of the volatile material to the atmosphere. Examples
include the use of
heating elements to heat a wick or gelled material and the use of electrical
current to
power a delivery device such as a fan. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the
wick of the present invention can pass through a heating block. When active,
the heating
block will heat the wick, resulting in the delivery of volatile material. The
heating block
can be used to provide a temporary boost in delivered volatiles by allowing
the user to
activate the block for a period of time. Such a period of time may be
predetermined or
independently controlled by the user, perhaps by the use of an "ON/OFF"
switch. In an
alternative embodiment of the present invention, a fan is placed behind the
evaporative
surface. When active, the fan will blow air over the evaporative surface,
resulting in the
delivery of volatile material. The fan can be used to provide a temporary
boost in
delivered volatiles by allowing the user to activate the fan for a period of
time. Such a
period of time may be predetermined or independently controlled by the user,
perhaps by
the use of an "ON/OFF" switch. In an alternative embodiment, both a heating
block and
fan may be used, with one energy source providing a base level of volatile
delivery and
the other energy source providing a temporary boost. For example, a heating
block could
be used to provide a constant level of volatile delivery, while a fan could be
temporarily
activated for a boost in volatile delivery, or vise versa.
"Kovat's Index" (KI, or Retention Index) is defined by the selective retention
of
solutes or perfume raw materials (PRMs) onto the chromatographic columns. It
is
primarily determined by the column stationary phase and the properties of
solutes or
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PRMs. For a given column system, a PRM's polarity, molecular weight, vapor
pressure,
boiling point and the stationary phase property determine the extent of
retention. To
systematically express the retention of analyte on a given GC column, a
measure called
Kovat's Index (or retention index) is defined. Kovat's Index (KI) places the
volatility
attributes of an analyte (or PRM) on a column in relation to the volatility
characteristics of
n-alkane series on that column. Typical columns used are DB-5 and DB-1.
By this definition the KI of a normal alkane is set to I 00n, where n= number
of C
atoms of the n-alkane. With this definition, the Kovat's index of a PRM, x,
eluting at
time t', between two n-alkanes with number of carbon atoms n and N having
corrected
retention times t'õ and t'N respectively will then be calculated as:
KI =100x(n+ logt'x-logt'õ ) (1)
logt'N-logt'õ
The delivery system may contain volatile materials in the form of perfume
oils.
Most conventional fragrance materials are volatile essential oils. The
volatile materials
may comprise one or more volatile organic compounds which are commonly
available
from perfumery suppliers. Furthermore, the volatile materials can be
synthetically or
naturally formed materials. Examples include, but are not limited to: oil of
bergamot,
bitter orange, lemon, mandarin, caraway, cedar leaf, clove leaf, cedar wood,
geranium,
lavender, orange, origanum, petitgrain, white cedar, patchouli, lavandin,
neroili, rose
absolute, and the like. In the case of emissioned materials or fragrances, the
different
volatile materials can be similar, related, complementary, or contrasting.
In addition, the gravity-aided nature of the present delivery system provides
opportunities to use a broader range of perfume components than was previously
available
in an evaporative system. Since all liquid elements of the perfume are drawn
through the
wick by gravity, heavier perfume components (having a higher KI) can be used
without
the typical issues (i.e., they settle to the bottom of the container and do
not evaporate at
the same rate as the other perfume components).
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In one embodiment of the present invention, the volatile material includes
perfume
components (also called perfume raw materials - "PRMs"), a portion of which
have a high
Kovat's Index (KI). Preferably, at least about 40 percent (by weight) of the
perfume
components have a gas chromatographic Kovat's Index (as determined on 5%
phenyl-
methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of 1500 or more.
More
preferably, at least about 50 percent (by weight) of the perfume components
have a KI of
1500 or more. Still more preferably, at least about 60 percent (by weight) of
the perfume
components have a KI of 1500 or more. In another embodiment, at least about 5
percent
(by weight) of the perfume components have a gas chromatographic Kovat's Index
(as
determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary
phase) of
1800 or more. More preferably, at least about 7 percent (by weight) of the
perfume
components have a KI of 1800 or more. Still more preferably, at least about 10
percent
(by weight) of the perfume components have a KI of 1800 or more.
In one embodiment, the volatile composition contains:
= -60% PRMs with KI<1400, and
= -35% with KI >1500, while <1800,
= -5% of PRMs with KI>1800.
In another embodiment, the volatile composition contains:
= -50% PRMs with KI<1400, and
= -43% with KI >1400, while <1800,
=-7% of PRMs with KI> 1800.
In another embodiment, the volatile composition contains:
= -40% PRMs with KI<1400, and
= -50% with KI >1400, while <1800,
0 -10% of PRMs with KI>1800.
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components
are highly polar or contain hydrophilic functionalities such as carboxylic,
hydroxyl,
amino, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of useful perfume
components
include, but are not limited to: vanillin, ethyl vanillin, coumarin, PEA
(phenyl ethyl
alcohol), cumminalcohol, cinnamic alcohol, eugenol, eucalyptol, cis-3-hexenol,
2-methyl
10 patenoic acid, dihydromyrcenol, linalool, geranol, methyl anthranilate,
dimethyl
anthranilate, cabitol, cerol, terpineol, citronellol, ethyl vanillin. amyl
salicylate, hexyl
salicylate, benzyl salicylate, patchouli alcohol, menthol, isomentol, maltol,
ehtylmaltol,
nerol. iso-eugenol, para-ethyl phenol, benzyl alcohol, sabinol, and terpinen-4-
01, and
combinations of the above.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the perfume
components are highly substantive. Such perfume components may include the
liquid
forms of benzyl salacylate, Hercolyn D, methyl abietate, cinnamyl phenyl
acetate and
ethylene brassylate.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the perfume
components are highly "sensitive" (or unstable). The term "sensitive," in this
context,
includes components that result from heat induced degradation reactions, such
as the
hydrolysis of esters, lactones, and acetels/ketal, etc. The term "sensitive,"
in this context,
also includes components that result from condensation reaction to form non-
volatile
species, such as Schiff-base formation, ester formation, dehydration reaction,
and
polymerization reactions, etc. Such perfume components may include the liquid
forms of
flor acetate, lactones, methyl anthranlate with aromatic aldehydes, D-
Damascones, and
ionones.
It may not be desirable, however, for the volatile materials to be too similar
if the
different volatile materials are being used in an attempt to avoid the problem
of emission
habituation, otherwise, the people experiencing the emissions may not notice
that a
different emission is being emitted. The different emissions can be related to
each other
by a common theme, or in some other manner. An example of emissions that are
different, but complementary might be a cinnainon emission and an apple
emission. For
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example, the different emissions can provided using a plurality of delivery
systems each
providing a different volatile material (such as, musk, floral, fruit
emissions, etc).
In certain non-limiting embodiments, the maintenance level emission of
volatile
materials may exhibit a uniform intensity until substantially all the volatile
materials are
exhausted from the delivery system source at the same time. In other words,
when
characterizing the maintenance level emission, uniformity can be expressed in
terms of
substantially constant volatility rates over the life of the volatile material
delivery system.
The term "continuous," with regard to the maintenance level emission, means
that
although it is desirable for a delivery system to provide a uniform
maintenance level
emission mode which continuously emits until all of the volatile materials are
substantially depleted (and optionally, for this to occur at approximately the
same time in
the case where there are one or more sources of the volatile materials), the
maintenance
level emission can also include periods where there are gaps in emission. The
delivery of
the maintenance level emission can be of any suitable length, including but
not limited up
to: 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, shorter or longer periods, or any period
between 30 to 90
days.
In certain other non-limiting embodiments, when the boost level emission mode
is
activated by human interaction, a higher, optionally uniform, intensity of
volatile
material(s) is emitted over a suitable emission duration, at which time the
delivery system
can automatically return to delivering volatile material(s) in the maintenance
level
emission mode without further human interaction. The term "temporary," with
regard to
the boost level emission, means that though it is desirable for the boost
level emissions to
emit at a higher intensity for a limited period of time after being activated
and/or
controlled by human interaction, the boost level emission can also include
periods where
there are gaps in emissions. Not to be bound by theory, it is believed that
the higher
intensity of the boost level emission depends upon a number of factors. Some
of these
factors include, but are not limited to: the "perfume effect" of the volatile
material; the
volume of the volatile material delivered to the evaporative surface device
for purposes of
providing a boost level emission; the rate of delivery of the volatile
material available
from the source for boost level emissions; and the available surface area of
the
evaporative surface device during the delivery of the boost level emission.
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Any suitable volatile material, as well as, any suitable volatile material
volume,
rate of delivery, and/or evaporative surface area may also be used to raise
and/or control
the intensity of the boost level emission. Suitable volumes, rates of
delivery, and surface
areas are those in which the boost level emission exhibits an emission
intensity greater
than or equal to the maintenance level emission. For example, by providing a
greater
volume of volatile material to the evaporative surface device, the intensity
of the boost
level emission may be an increased and/or controlled by the consumer. The
volume of the
volatile material delivered to the evaporative surface device may also be
controlled using
a specific dosing device having a specific volume. A collection basin may be
used to
force a certain volume through the evaporative surface device. The collection
basin may
be made of any suitable material, size, shape or configuration and may collect
any suitable
volume of volatile material. For example, the delivery system may comprise a
collection
basin, such as a unit dose chamber, that may be at least partially filled with
at least some
of the volatile material to activate the boost level emission. The unit dose
chamber
provides a controlled volume of the volatile material to an evaporative
surface device,
such as a evaporative surface device. Other dosing devices may include pumps
and
spring-action devices.
The term "evaporative surface device" includes any suitable surface that
allows for
at least some evaporation of volatile materials. Any suitable evaporative
surface device
having any suitable size, shape, form, or configuration may be used. Suitable
evaporative
surface devices made from any suitable material, including but not limited to:
natural
materials, man-made materials, fibrous materials, non-fibrous materials,
porous materials,
non-porous materials, and combinations thereof. The evaporative surface
devices used
herein are flameless in character and include any device used for dispensing
any type of
volatile material (e.g. liquids) into the atmosphere (such as fragrance,
deodorant,
disinfectant or insecticide active agent). In certain non-limiting
embodiments, a typical
evaporative surface device utilizes a combination of a wick, gel, and/or
porous surface,
and an emanating region to dispense a volatile liquid from a liquid fluid
reservoir.
As stated above, any suitable increase in the rate of delivery or evaporative
surface
area is useful in raising and/or controlling the intensity of the boost level
emission. The
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"rate of delivery" relates to the time the volatile material has to evaporate
on the
evaporative surface device before being returned to a container or fluid
reservoir for
storage. Suitable means for delivering the volatile material to the
evaporative surface
device may include, but is not limited to: inversion, pumping, or by use of a
spring-action
device. For example, the addition of one or more evaporative surface devices
(such as,
primary wicks or secondary wicks) to the delivery system may be used to
increase the
surface area in order to increase intensity. The surface area of the secondary
evaporative
surface device can range from about 1 to about 100 times greater than the
surface area of
the primary evaporative surface device. Optionally, the secondary evaporative
surface
device may be in fluid communication with other evaporative surface devices.
In certain non-limiting embodiments, the boost level emission may comprise
volatile material emissions from both a primary evaporative surface device
and/or a
secondary evaporative surface device. The boost level emission may exhibit a
boost
emission profile of any suitable emission duration. For example, suitable
boost level
emission durations may include, but are not limited to, durations from less
than or equal
to 10 minutes; or from about 10 minutes to about 2 hours; and alternatively,
from about 2
hours to about 24 hours.
In some non-limiting embodiments, the delivery system may maintain its
character
fidelity over time with periodic reversals in volatile material flow direction
on the
evaporative surface device. For example, over time the character fidelity of
the delivery
system may decrease due to fractionation (such as, partitioning effects) of at
least one
volatile material or by wick clogging. The solution to both fractionation and
wick
clogging is to provide a suitable flow reversal on the evaporative surface
device over a
suitable duration. For example, a suitable flow reversal of the evaporative
surface device
may consist of the activation of the boost level emission and emission over a
suitable
duration. In this case, volatile material flow reversal of the evaporative
surface device
resulting from inversion, pumping or by spring-action can substantially flush
the wick in a
manner sufficient to clear away some of the unwanted insoluble precipitates,
fractionation
and/or partitioning effects. Thus, character fidelity is at least partially
restored by flushing
the wick during the boost level emission. In this way, the consumer can revive
the
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dynamic interactive scent experience by sensing the entire range of different
volatile
materials contained in the delivery system is a simple step.
In other non-limiting embodiments, the delivery system described herein may be
used for such things as fragrancing, malodor control, and insect repellant.
For example
when placed in a room, or optionally outdoors, such as on a picnic table,
insect control,
besides fragrancing and malodor control, can be achieved by adjusting the
emission levels
depending upon the number of insects in the immediate area. When the insect
annoyance
is small, the maintenance level emission will likely be adequate to provide
consumer
comfort. However, when bothered by numerous insects, such as mosquitoes and
biting
flies, the consumer may choose to deliver the boost level emission.
Fi es
Fig. 1 depicts a cross-section of a non-limiting embodiment of a delivery
system
comprising at least one container 1 (and 2) comprising at least one wick
opening 18
(and 19), at least one wick 5, at least one fluid reservoir 6 (and 7), and at
least one volatile
material 8. The delivery system and its components may be made in any suitable
size,
20 shape, configuration, or type, and from any suitable material. Suitable
materials include,
but are not limited to: metal, glass, natural fiber, ceramic, wood, plastic,
and combinations
thereof. The container 1 (and 2) may comprise the exterior surface of the
delivery system
20, as such is subject to visual inspection as well as being picked up and
manipulated by
the consumer during use, or it may be housed in a shell (not shown). The wick
5 has at
least some portion exposed to the atmosphere. The wick opening 18 (and 19) may
be of
any convenient size and shape and may located anywhere on the container 1(and
2). The
at least one wick opening 18 (and 19) allows a means of delivering the
volatile material 8
to the atmosphere via the at least one wick 5 during the maintenance level
emission
and/or boost level emission modes. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the
container 1
(and 2) may be housed in a outer shell (not shown) which is desirably visually
attractive
and of suitable dimensions that it may be left in view in the area of usage
for greatest
effectiveness during evaporative dispensing. When more than one container 1
and 2 is
present, they may be opposedly-connected and/or fluidly-connected as shown.
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5 In one non-limiting embodiment, the containers 1 and 2 are in fluid-
communication via an evaporative surface device comprising a wick 5 having at
least
some longitudinal exposure to the atmosphere. The container 1(and 2) may be
attached
to any other suitable component of the delivery system 20. For instance,
containers 1 and
2 may be attached to each other via the wick 5, as part of a shell or housing
(not shown),
10 or by any other suitable means. The wick 5 is in fluid contact with at
least some volatile
material 8 some of the time. The volatile material 5 may be stored in either
fluid reservoir
6 or 7. The longitudinal portion of the wick 5 provides enough exposed wick 5
surface
area to allow suitable emission rates of the volatile material 8 during both
the
maintenance level emission and boost level emission modes. Once connected,
containers
15 1 and 2 and their corresponding fluid reservoirs 6 and 7 may be in fluid-
communication
with each other via the wick 5 or by any other suitable means (e.g. an
enclosed channel or
tube). Besides providing an evaporative surface for emissions, another purpose
for
connecting containers 1 and 2 with a wick 5 is to provide a way for excess
volatile
material 8, which is not evaporated or emitted, to be transported from the
upper container
1 by gravity for collection and storage within the lower container 2 without
substantial
leaking when the delivery system 20 is inverted by the consumer.
The wick fitting 3 (and 4) may function as a seal to hold at least some
volatile
material 8 in the delivery system 20. The wick fitting 3 (and 4) may be made
of any
suitable material in any suitable size, shape or configuration so as to
sealably attach the
wick 5 and/or any component to any component within the delivery system 20.
The wick
fitting 3 (and 4) may be attached to any portion of the delivery system 20
such that it aids
in wick 5 loading and dosing without allowing substantial leakage of the
volatile material
8 from the non-wick portion of the delivery system 20. The wick fitting 3 (and
4) may be
inserted in the wick opening 18 (and 19), which is located in any suitable
location on the
container 1(and 2) surface, such that the wick 5 or any other suitable
component (not
shown) may pass through the wick opening 18 (and 19) and enter at least a
portion of the
fluid reservoir 6 (and 7). The at least one wick opening 18 (and 19) and wick
fitting 3
(and 4) are dimensioned to both accommodate the wick 5 and any other
component, and
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16
to minimize excess volatile material 8 leakage from the delivery system 20 if
the delivery
system 20 is inverted or overturned by the consumer.
The wick 5 may made of any suitable material in any suitable size, shape, or
configuration, such that it functions as an wick to allow emission of the
volatile material 8
by having at least some portion exposed to the atmosphere. The wick 5 may be
located in
any suitable location within the container 1 (and 2). The wick 5 may be at
least partially
located in the container 1(and 2), the wick opening 18 (and 19), and/or the
wick fitting 3
(and 4), being fluidly connected to the volatile material 8, which is stored
in the fluid
reservoir 6 (and 7) of the container 1(and 2). The wick 5 may extend inside of
the fluid
reservoir 6 (and 7) to the container base 33 (and 34). Conversely, the wick 5
may be of
any suitable length which will maintain the fluid connection with even a small
amount of
volatile material 8 in the at least one fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) while in the
maintenance
level emission mode throughout the useful life of the delivery system 20.
There is no
particular wick 5 length requirement inside or outside the container 1(and 2).
The at least
one wick 5 may be positioned at any desired internal depth within the fluid
reservoir 6
(and 7). The at least one wick 5 can optionally occupy the full internal
length of the both
fluid reservoirs 6 and 7 to maximize the emission delivery of the volatile
material 8.
The wick 5 is sealably fastened to the container 1(and 2) in the location of
the at
least one wick opening 18 (and 19) via the wick fitting 3 (and 4). The wick
fitting 3 (and
4) may sealably hold at least a portion of the wick 5 and other suitable
component passing
through the wick opening 18 (and 19). The wick fitting 3 (and 4) may fit
snuggly around
the at least one wick opening 18 (and 19) and the at least one wick 5,
respectively, so as to
prevent unwanted leakage of the volatile material 8 from the delivery system
20 in
storage, during wick 5 loading or dosing of the wick 5 after inversion,
pumping or by
spring-action, or if toppled. The wick fitting 3 (and 4) may be affixed by any
means (such
as by friction, adhesion, etc) to the container 1 (and 2) so as to minimize
unwanted
volatilization of the volatile material 8 especially when not in use. The wick
fitting 3 (and
4) may be optionally vented (not shown) in any suitable location so as to aid
loading of
the wick 5.
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17
There may be at least one container base 33 (and 34) to aid in stabilizing
and/or
hold the delivery system 20 in the proper configuration, such as, in the
upright position
during the maintenance level emission mode. The delivery system 20 may further
comprise an additional resealable seal (not shown) for containing the volatile
material in
the container 1(and 2). The delivery system 20 may further have a package seal
(not
shown) for covering the at least one wick 5 and/or delivery system 20
containing one or
more of the volatile materials 8 described above when desired by the
manufacturer or
consumer, for instance, when the volatile material 8 is not desired to be
emitted such as
prior to sale or during extended periods away from the room to be fragranced.
Fig. 2a depicts a cross-section of another non-limiting embodiment of a
volatile
material delivery system 20 having two containers 1 and 2 which are opposedly-
connected
and fluidly-connected to each other via at least one by-pass tube 9 (and 10)
and/or the at
least one wick S. As above, the containers I and 2, having fluid reservoirs 6
and 7 for
containing at least some volatile material 8, are fluidly connected via the at
least one wick
5 and/or the by-pass tube 9 (and 10). The by-pass tube 9 (and 10) may connect
to the
container 1 (and 2) via a by-pass tube openings 15 and 17 (14 and 16) having
any size,
shape, or configuration. The by-pass tube 9 (and 10) may be formed as an
integral
component of the container 1 (and 2) or may provided as a separate component
which is
added to the container 1(and 2). The by-pass tube 9 (and 10) may be made of
any
suitable material which is compatible with the container 1 (and 2) such that
it may be
suitably sealed or connected to the container 1(and 2) and/or fluid reservoir
6 (and 7) in
any configuration without fluid leakage. The by-pass tube openings 15 and 17
(14 and
16) allow for direct fluid communication of the volatile material 8 between
the fluid
reservoirs 6 and 7 via the by-pass tube 9 (and 10). The by-pass tube 9 (and
10), as well as
the by-pass tube openings 14 and 16 (15 and 17) may be configured so as to
allow for any
suitable type of flow desired. The by-pass tube 9 (and 10) and/or the by-pass
tube
openings 14, 15, 16, and/or 17 may be each structurally modified to provide
for open
flow, one-way flow, restricted flow, or combination thereof, of any fluid that
passes
through these structures. For example, by-pass tube openings 14 and 17 may be
made
with unrestricted flow while by-pass tube openings 15 and 16 may be made to
collect
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18
fluid from only one direction or have a reduced flow to provide for aesthetic
benefits,
such as a dripping. This unique flow configuration gives the delivery system
20 the
ability to provide the consumer with unusual visual interests since a modified
flow of a
volatile material 8 may attract attention to the delivery system. It is
possible for each
container 1(and 2) to share a portion of one or more fluid reservoirs 6 (and
7) such that at
least some volatile material 8 may be present within the delivery system 20 in
any
particular location at any time. Such a container 1(and 2) could, for
instance, hold a least
some volatile material 8 in both fluid reservoir 6 and fluid reservoir 7
immediately after
loading or dosing of the wick 5 by inversion, pumping, or by spring-action.
The volatile
material 8 itself may also comprise any suitable adjunct ingredient in any
suitable amount
or in any suitable form. For example, dyes, pigments, and speckles may provide
additional aesthetic benefits, especially when observed by the consumer during
a modified
flow configuration.
The by-pass tube 9 (and 10) may also serve both as an additional fluid
reservoir
for collecting a certain amount of the volatile material 8, and/or a means to
divert a
portion of a certain volume of volatile material 8 between the opposing fluid
reservoirs 6
and 7 after mixing, pumping or inversion. For example, should the delivery
system 20 be
toppled off its base 34 from the upright vertical position to a horizontal
position, the
delivery system 20 may be designed to come to rest in a configuration such
that at least
one by-pass tube 9 or 10 is located so that it may collect at least some
volatile material 8
from each fluid reservoir 6 and 7. In this case, the by-pass tube 9 or 10 acts
as an
additional fluid reservoir to decrease the potential for unwanted spillage
and/or the escape
of the volatile material 8 from the delivery system 20.
The wick opening 18 (and 19) may be located anywhere on the exterior surface
of
the container 1(and 2). For instance, the wick opening 18 (and 19) may be
positioned on
the exterior surface of the container 1(and 2) such that it lies on a plane
parallel to the
plane of the container base 33 (and 34). A unit dose chamber 11 (and 12) may
be located
anywhere within the container 1(and 2), and is generally within the fluid
reservoir 6 (and
7). The unit does chamber 11 (and 12) is defined by the interior volume
created within
the fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) between the uppermost region of the at least one
wick
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19
opening 18 (and 19) and the lowermost region of the by-pass tube openings 14
and 15 (16
and 17). The actual volume of unit dose chamber 11 (and 12) can vary depending
on the
size of the at least one fluid reservoir 6 and 7, the volume occupied by the
at least one
wick 5, and the amount of volatile material 8 delivered to the at least one
unit dose
chamber 11 and 12 upon inversion of the delivery system 20. In certain non-
limiting
embodiments, the consumer can control the volume of volatile material
delivered to the
wick 5 via the unit dose chamber 11 (and 12) by adjusting the loading and/or
dosing of
the unit dose volume. This may be accomplished for example, by adjusting the
amount
of volatile material 8 pumped, or by manipulating the inversion of the
container 1 (and 2),
or by any other suitable means.
When inverted the delivery system 20 may route excess volatile material 8 from
the upper fluid reservoir 6 of container 1, which is not collected in the at
least one unit
dose chamber 11 or absorbed by and/or is loaded onto the at least one wick 5,
via the by-
pass tubes 9 and 10 via by-pass tube openings 14 and 15 to the lower fluid
reservoir 7 via
by-pass tube openings 16 and 17 for collection and storage in container 2. For
example,
the unit dose chamber 10 (and 11) may contain at least some of the volatile
material 8
upon inversion of the delivery system 20 and/or the container 1 (and 2). When
the
delivery system 20 and/or the container 1 (and 2) is inverted and/or toppled
from its
upright position, the by-pass tube 9 (and 10) fill with some of the volatile
material 8
released from the one or more fluid reservoir 6 (and 7), from the at least one
unit dose
chamber 11 9and 12), and/or from the wick 5.
When the unit dose chamber 11 in the upper fluid reservoir 6 is at least
partially
filled, loaded and/or dosed with at least some of the volatile material 8, the
unit dose
chamber 11 will deliver a controlled volume (e.g. unit dose) of the volatile
material 8 to
the wick 5 to provide the boost level emission to the atmosphere. What excess
volatile
material 8 that is not evaporated or emitted will be transported by the wick 5
and collected
in the lower fluid reservoir 7 without substantial leakage. The delivery
system 20 is also
capable of delivering multiple controlled volumes and/or unit doses to enable
the
initiation of multiple boost level emissions for one or more of the following
purposes:
fragrancing, malodor control, insect repellency, mood setting, and
combinations thereof.
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5 The dosing process allows a consumer to deliver a temporary boost level
emission to a
space whenever needed, for example for malodor control.
Dosing of the wick 5 can be performed by any suitable means, for example, by
inversion, by squeezing a bladder, by non-aerosol pumping, or by any other
suitable
means excluding the use of heat, gas, or electrical current. For example,
dosing may
10 occur by inversion when the consumer simply turns the delivery system 20
upside down,
setting the delivery system 20 on the container base 33 (and 34). Thus upon
inversion, the
volatile material 8 that was originally stored in the lower fluid reservoir (6
or 7) is
temporarily positioned in the upper fluid reservoir (6 or 7). The volatile
material 8 begins
to immediately drain from the upper fluid reservoir (6 or 7) and pass to the
lower fluid
15 reservoir (6 or 7) via gravity through the unit dose chamber (11 or 12),
the wick 5, and/or
the by-pass tube 9 (and 10). Once the volatile material 8 is collected in the
dose chamber
11 (and 12), the boost level emission begins as the volatile material 8 is
delivered to the at
least one wick 5 via gravity along the portion of the wick 5 exposed to the
atmosphere.
When a controlled volume of the volatile material 8 is delivered to the one
wick 5 via the
20 unit dose chamber 11 (and 12), the boost level emission may be
substantially uniform in
terms of volatility rates of volatile material 8, over the a portion of the
life of the delivery
system 20.
In one non-limiting embodiment, at least some of the unit dose of volatile
material
8 in the upper fluid reservoir (6 or 7) that passes from the unit dose chamber
11 (and 12)
through the wick opening 18 (and 19) and the wick 5 will be emitted to the
atmosphere.
That portion of the unit dose that is not emitted may be delivered back to the
lower fluid
reservoir (6 or 7) via the wick 5 and/or the wick opening 19 (and 18). Once
the unit dose
chamber 11 (and 12) in the upper fluid reservoir (6 or 7) is drained by
gravity, the boost
level emission beings to slowly subside until unit dose either is emitted or
passes through
to the lower reservoir (6 or 7). When the boost level emission ceases, the
maintenance
level emission automatically returns. In the maintenance level emission mode,
the wick 5
draws volatile material 8 stored in the lower fluid reservoir (6 or 7) via
capillary action to
at least some portion of the wick that exposed to the atmosphere. For example,
the
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21
volatile material 8 may be emitted from the full length, or any portion
thereof, of the
exposed longitudinal wick 5 surface between wick openings 18 and 19.
Figure 3a depicts a cross-section of another non-limiting embodiment of a
volatile
material delivery system 20 having two containers 1 and 2 which are opposedly-
connected
and fluidly-connected to each other via by-pass tubes 9 and 10 and/or the wick
5. In this
embodiment, by-pass tubes 9 and 10 are configured in such a manner as to
create a
convenient concave hand hold for ease of placement of the delivery system 20
and to
provide protection of the wick 5 from damage if the delivery system 20 is
inverted and/or
toppled from its upright position and not placed on its container base 33 (and
34).
In one non-limiting embodiment, the volume of the unit dose chamber for the
boost level emission may be defined by the volume of volatile material 8 in
the upper
fluid reservoir (6 or 7) not collected by the by-pass tube 9 (and 10) for
channeling back
down to the lower fluid reservoir (6 or 7). The unit dose chamber walls 23,
24, 25 and 26
may be configured and located anywhere within the reservoir 6 (and 7) and/or
the
container 1(and 2). For example, the unit dose chamber 12 may have chamber
walls 25
and 26 that are configured below the by-pass tube openings 16 and 17. The unit
dose
volume is then collected by the open end 22 of the unit dose chamber walls 25
and 26.
Conversely, other configurations of the chamber walls are also useful. For
example, the
volume of the unit dose collected by the unit dose chamber 11 may be
independent of the
configuration by-pass tube 9 (and 10) and/or the by-pass tube openings 14 and
15. The
unit dose chamber 11 may be located within the fluid reservoir 6 having walls
23 and 24
that extend above the location of the by-pass tube openings 14 and 15. Here a
unit dose
volume of volatile material 8 in the upper reservoir 6 may be collected in the
unit dose
chamber 11 via the open end 21 of the unit dose chamber walls 23 and 24 upon
inversion,
pumping or by spring-action of the delivery system 20.
Furthermore, any additional component in any suitable size, shape,
configuration,
or material for joining or mating of the two containers 1 and 2 together, or
for directing
fluid flow within the delivery system 20 may be used. For example, any
suitable interior
component may be provided within the fluid passageways of the delivery system
20 in
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22
order to aid and/or direct flow of the volatile material 8 in any desired
location (such as,
away from or towards the wick 5). Any suitable exterior component of the
delivery
system 20 and/or the container 1(and 2) may be provided to aid in the
performance of the
delivery system 20.
Fig. 3b depicts a cross-section of another non-limiting embodiment of a
volatile
material delivery system 20 having a gutter assembly. A gutter 138, located
near the wick
opening 18 (and 19) on the exterior surface of the container 2, is provided to
collect
excess volatile material 8 that may escape from the wick 5 and/or the wick
opening 18
(and 19) after wick 5 loading and/or toppling of the delivery system 20. Any
gutter 138 of
any size, shape, configuration, or material may be used. In one non-limiting
embodiment
the gutter is located in the area in or adjacent to the location of the wick
opening 19. In
order to catch or collect excess volatile material 8 that may drip out of the
opposing wick
opening 19 and/or off the wick 5 (such as, after excessive loading by
inversion, pumping
and/or tipping) an absorbent material 139 is provided. Any suitable absorbent
material
139 may be used in any suitable size, shape, or configuration. The absorbent
material 139
may be made from any suitable materials that can substantially absorb and/or
facilitate
evaporation of the volatile material 8. The absorbent material 139 may
comprise any
suitable evaporative surface material. For example, suitable absorbent
material 139 may
include paper, plastic, sponge, etc. Excess volatile material 8 that is
collected in the
gutter 138 may then be absorbed or reabsorbed by absorbent material 139 and
redirected
to the wick 5, the wick opening 19, or allowed to evaporate directly to the
atmosphere.
In certain other non-limiting embodiments, an absorbent material 139 may be
placed in or near the location of the gutter 138 so as to aid in the
collection of excess
volatile material 8 that is not collected by the lower fluid reservoir 7. For
example, the
absorbent material 139 may be made from wick 5 material in the shape of a thin
washer or
doughnut that is located in the gutter 138 and surrounds the at least one wick
5. It should
be noted that the absorbent material 139 does not have to be in physical
contact with
either the wick 5 or the wick opening 19. It may be attached to any part of
the exterior
surface of the delivery system 20 by any suitable means (such as by friction,
adhesion,
fasteners, etc.). In fact, it does not have to be fixedly attached at all
since it can be added
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23
or removed by the consumer as desired. The absorbent material 139 can freely
slide along
the longitudinal axis of the at least one wick 5 coming to rest in the area of
the opposing
gutter (not shown) wherein it can collect any excess volatile material 8 that
may be
present in the vicinity of the opposing wick opening (not shown), for example,
during
inversion, excess pumping, or toppling of the delivery system 20.
Figure 4 depicts another non-limiting embodiment of a volatile material
delivery
system 20 having two containers 1 and 2 which are opposedly-connected and
fluidly-
connected to each other via a single by-pass tube 9 and/or the at least one
wick 5. The by-
pass tube 9 may take any suitable size, shape, or configuration and be made of
any
suitable material. The by-pass tube 9 may be connected to the container 1(and
2) by any
suitable means at any suitable location. For instance, the by-pass tube 9 of
similar
material as the container 1(and 2) may be formed in the shape of a spiral,
sphere, or
ellipse and is connected to the reservoir 6 (and 7). The by-pass tube 9 may be
part of any
component of the delivery system 20. For example, the by-pass tube 9 may be
integrated
in the container 1 (and 2) and/or in the wick 5. The by-pass tube 9 may have
one or more
by-pass tube opening 15 (and 17) which allow fluid communication with the
container 1
(and 2) without loss due to leaking or vaporization. For example, the volatile
material 8
may flow by gravity after inversion from the upper reservoir 6 to the lower
reservoir 7 via
the by-pass tube 9 and/or the at least one wick 5. The by-pass tube opening 15
(and 17)
may be located anywhere on the surface of the container 1(and 2) and may be
located in
such a manner as to allow the formation of a unit dose chamber 11 (and 12),
located in the
interior space of fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) between the wick opening 18 (and
19) and the
by-pass tube opening 15 (and 17), for delivery of the optionally uniform,
temporary boost
level emission. The by-pass tube 9 may surround the wick 5 so as to protect
the wick 5
from physical tampering or damage if the delivery system 20 is inverted and/or
toppled
from its upright position. This configuration aids in protecting children from
unwanted or
direct exposure to the volatile material 8 by discouraging contact with the
wick 5.
Figures 5a, 5b, 5c depict another non-limiting embodiment of a volatile
material
delivery system 20. Fig. 5a depicts the exterior surface of a single
integrated container 1
having one or more vent openings 35 on the integrated container 1. The one or
more vent
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24
openings 35 allow the volatile material (not shown) to be emitted or delivered
from the
wick (not shown) to the atmosphere of the room or rooms that require
treatment.
Optionally, an adjustable vent (not shown) may be added to the container 1 of
the delivery
system 20 so that the width of the one or more vent openings 35 may be made
adjustable
and/or closeable. This allows the maintenance and boost level emission rates
to be
controlled by the consumer. The adjustable vent (not shown) may be made of any
suitable material, be of any suitable size or shape, and be located anywhere
on or within
the delivery system 20. For example, a consumer may open, partially open,
partially
close, or close the one or more vent openings 35 by moving the adjustable vent
(not
shown) such that the desired amount of emission is delivered to the location
needing
treatment.
Fig. 5b depicts a non-limiting embodiment of a evaporative surface device 40
having a wick 5, a wick fitting 3 (and 4), a wick fitting opening 43 (and 44),
an optional
wick fitting vent hole 27 (and 28), and a wick fitting flange 31 (and 32). All
components
of the evaporative surface device 40, may be made of any suitable material,
and be of any
suitable size, shape, or configuration. Each end of the at least one wick 5
may sealably fit
into the wick fitting opening 43 (and 44) of the wick fitting 3 (and 4) so as
to allow for
fluid communication between fluid reservoirs (not shown) via the wick 5 but
reduce
unwanted leakage of the volatile material (not shown) from around the wick
fitting
opening 43 (and 44), the wick openings (not shown), or the container (not
shown) during
use or storage.
Fig. 5c depicts a cross-section of another non-limiting embodiment having a
single
integrated container 1 having two fluid reservoirs 6 and 7 which are opposedly-
connected
and fluidly-connected to each other via by-pass tubes 9 and 10 and/or the at
least one wick
5. In this embodiment, the by-pass tube 9 (and 10) is configured within the
interior of the
single integrated container 1 in such a manner as to create a convenient
concave hand
hold for ease of placement of the delivery system 20 and to provide protection
of the wick
5 from damage during inversion and/or if the delivery system 20 toppled from
its upright
position. The unit dose chamber 11 (and 12) is located within the fluid
reservoir 6 (and 7)
of the single integrated container 1. The one unit dose chamber 11 (and 12)
can have
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5 walls 23 and 24 (25 and 26) in the shape of a cup with an open end 21 (and
22) for
collection of the volatile material 8 when the delivery system 20 is inverted.
The unit
dose chamber 11 (and 12) may contain at least some of the volatile material 8
at anytime,
especially immediately after inversion. The volatile material 8 may flow by
gravity or by
non-aerosol pump (not shown) via the by-pass tube 9 (and 10) and/or the wick 5
to the
10 opposing fluid reservoir (6 or 7). The at least one wick opening 18 (and
19) allows
penetration of the wick 5 to the fluid reservoir 6 (and 7). The unit dose
chamber walls 23
and 24 (25 and 26) may extend above the by-pass tube openings 14 and 15 (16
and 17)
inside the at least one fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) when in the upright position
or they may be
at or below these openings depending on the at least one wick 5 loading
requirements.
15 The wick fitting bracket 36 (and 37) may be located in any suitable
location on the
integrated container 1 so as to accept and provide for a tight seal with the
wick fitting 3
(and 4) and the wick 5. The wick fitting 3 (and 4) may be configured to
tightly hold the
wick 5 as it is placed in the wick fitting bracket 36 (and 37), which may be
made to
sealably enclose the wick fitting 3 (and 4) and/or the wick 5 to minimize
leakage of the
20 volatile material 8 at or from either or both the junctions of the wick
fitting 3 (and 4) and
the wick 5 or the wick fitting 3 (and 4) and the wick fitting bracket 36 (and
37).
Fig. 6 depicts a cross-section of another non-limiting embodiment of a
volatile
material delivery system 20 having two containers 1 and 2 which are opposedly-
connected
and fluidly-connected to each other via the at least one by-pass tube 9,
and/or the at least
25 one wick 5. For example, the by-pass tube 9 may be incorporated within the
wick 5 itself.
It can be located near but not in physical contact with the wick 5 or it can
actually be in
physical contact the wick 5. One or more by-pass tube opening 15 (and 17) may
be
located anywhere within the wick 5, the reservoir 6 (and 7), and/or the
container 1(and 2)
of the delivery system 20. For exanlple, the by-pass tube 9 can enter the same
wick
opening 18 (and 19) as the wick 5 but can be made longer and be positioned
away from
the wick 5 so as to act as an alternative fluid reservoir for collecting
volatile material 8
when and if the delivery system 20 is inverted and/or toppled. In another
example, the by-
pass tube opening 15 (and 17) may be integrated within the wick opening 18
(and 19)
such that both the by-pass tube 9 and the wick 5 pass through the same
opening. In this
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26
case, only one seal (not shown) may be needed to prevent excess volatile
material 8 from
escaping the delivery system 20 during the boost level emission mode. This
will reduce
the costs of manufacture and reduce the potential for seal failure or leakage.
The by-pass
tube 9 also may be made of wick 5 material by simply creating a cavity within
the wick 5
itself. There can be more than one by-pass tube 9 and/or wick opening 15 (and
17) in the
same reservoir 6 (and 7) and/or in the same wick 5.
Fig. 7a depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting embodiment of a
delivery
system 20 in the maintenance level emission mode. The delivery system 20 has
two
reservoirs 78 and 79, two by-pass tubes 9 and 10, one wick 5, and at least one
multi-phase
volatile material comprised of two or more separate and distinct phases 61 and
83. Any
suitable multi-phase volatile material in any suitable amount, density and/or
viscosity may
be used. During the maintenance level emission mode, the multi-phase volatile
material
is stored in the lower fluid reservoir 79. The separate and distinct phases 61
and 83 may
be delivered to the atmosphere via capillary action from the fluid reservoir
79 to the at
least one wick 5 in any suitable order or sequence. For example, the wick 5
may draw
and deliver both phases in equal amounts from the reservoir 79 (and 80) to the
atmosphere; and preferentially deliver phase 61 quicker than phase 83, and
vice versa.
Any other method that causes the wick 5 to preferentially draw and deliver
fluid from one
of the desired phases at a rate greater than that of the other at rest or
equilibrium may be
used. For example, the length of the at least one wick 5 may be configured or
height
positioned within the fluid reservoir 80 such that it preferentially draws
phase 61 during
the maintenance level emission while at the same time not drawing on phase 83.
Other
means of providing differential uptake by the wick include, but are not
limited to:
providing different wick material types and/or designs, and adjusting the
chemical
properties of the different phases in the multi-phase volatile composition to
modify uptake
on the wick 5.
Fig. 7b depicts the delivery system 20 in the boost level emission mode. When
a
boost level emission is desired, the consumer inverts the delivery system 20.
Upon
inversion, the lower fluid reservoir 79 (of Fig. 7a) becomes the upper fluid
reservoir 79 of
Fig. 7b. Whereupon, at least some of the multi-phase volatile material is
collected in the
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27
unit dose chamber 80 while the excess multi-phase volatile material begins to
drain to the
lower fluid reservoir 78 via inlet openings 16 and 17 and by-pass tubes 9 and
10. The
location of the at least one by-pass tube openings 16 and 17 may allow the
consumer to
fill the unit dose chamber 80 and/or the at least one wick 5 with a desired
fluid phase.
The character, as well as, the intensity of the multi-phase volatile material
perceived by the consumer during the boost level emission may change upon
mixing
and/or displacement of the separate phases 61 and 83 of the multi-phase
composition
being collected in the unit dose chamber 80. Any suitable physical property or
characteristic of the multi-phase volatile material 78 may be used to separate
and
preferentially load the at least one wick 5 with the desired phase.
The density of the at least two separate and distinct phases of the multi-
phase
volatile material may control how and when a particular volatile material
phase is
delivered to the wick 5. For example, though a less dense phase 61 may enter
the by-pass
tubes 9 and 10 and flow faster upon mixing after inversion than a more dense
phase 83,
the more dense phase 83 may actually displace some or all of the less dense
phase 61 in
the unit dose chamber 80 given the proper configuration and/or conditions.
When a
portion of the more dense phase 83 displaces a portion of the less dense phase
61 in the
unit dose chamber 80, the displaced less dense phase 61 may then be drained
back to the
lower fluid reservoir 78. During the boost level emission mode, the more dense
phase 83
is preferentially delivered to the wick 5 and emitted to the atmosphere over
the less dense
phase 61. Thus, the same multi-phase volatile material at the maintenance
level emission
mode may exhibit a different character and/or intensity during the boost level
emission
mode.
Similarly, the viscosity of the at least two separate and distinct phases of
the multi-
phase volatile material (not shown) may control how and when a particular
volatile
material phase is delivered to the wick. For example, at equilibrium during
the
maintenance level emission, the wick may be located at a specific height or in
a specific
position in the lower fluid reservoir so as to draw from the more viscous
phase of the two
or more volatile materials. Upon mixing during the boost level emission, the
lower fluid
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28
reservoir becomes the upper fluid reservoir. Since the less viscous phase may
flow faster
than the more viscous volatile material, the unit dose chamber may be first
filled with the
less viscous phase. The more viscous volatile material, being slightly less or
of similar
density with the less viscous phase, is directed to the by-pass tubes and
collected by the
lower fluid reservoir via gravity. Thus, during the boost level emission mode,
the less
viscous volatile material is preferentially delivered to the wick and emitted
to the
atmosphere over the more viscous phase.
Fig. 8a depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting embodiment of the
volatile material delivery system 20 having at least one secondary wick 38.
The at least
one secondary wick 38 may be loaded with volatile material 8 at any time, for
example,
upon inversion of the delivery system 20 or by non-aerosol pump to deliver a
boost level
emission. The secondary wick 38 may aid in the delivery of an increased
intensity of
volatile material 8 to the atmosphere by increasing the evaporative surface
area during the
boost level emission mode. The secondary wick 38 made of any suitable material
in any
suitable size, shape, or configuration. For example, the secondary wick 38 may
in the
shape of a flat washer, hollow ring, or doughnut, extending at least partially
within the at
least one fluid reservoir 6 (and 7) such as, just beyond the junction of the
at least one wick
opening 18 and 19 as shown. The secondary wick 38 may also be extended to any
position within the fluid reservoir 6 (and 7), such as, to the full length of
the interior fluid
reservoir 6 (and 7) cavity, perhaps even touching the interior surface of the
container base
33 (and 34). In this example, the secondary wick 38 may be in physical contact
with the
primary wick 5.
Fig. 8b depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting embodiment of the
volatile material delivery system 20 having at least one secondary wick 39 not
in physical
contact with the primary wick 5.
Fig. 8c depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting embodiment of a
multiple
delivery system 100 having a plurality of individual delivery systems. For
example, the
delivery system 100 may comprise of a plurality of separate containers 101,
102, 103 and
104 in any configuration, not all of which are physically-connected, opposedly-
connected,
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29
or fluidly-connected. Containers 101 and 102 may be opposedly-connected,
and/or
fluidly-connected, but not necessarily physically-connected to containers 103
and 104, yet
all may be housed in a single delivery system 100 or housing (not shown). Each
pair of
containers 101 and 102, and 103 and 104 may contain at least one reservoir or
a pair of
reservoirs 113 and 116, and 114 and 115, and respectively. Each pair of
reservoirs 113
and 116, and 114 and 115 may have at least one by-pass tube 107 (and 108) and
corresponding by-pass tube openings 109 and 111, (110 and 112) that fluidly-
connects the
opposing reservoir pairs as described above. In this embodiment, different
volatile
materials may be provided in each of the fluid reservoir pairs. For example,
volatile
material 117 may be provided in reservoir pair 113 and 116, while volatile
material 118
may be provided in reservoir pair 114 and 115.
The position, location, size, shape, and configuration of the individual wick
105
(and 106) may vary according to the requirements of each individual delivery
system
housed in the multiple delivery system 100. For example, wick 105 may be
positioned in
reservoir 116 so that the wick 105 extends the full length of the interior
fluid reservoir
116 cavity of container 101 while the wick 105 extends only partially within
the interior
fluid reservoir 113 cavity of container 102. Similarly, wick 106 may be
positioned in
reservoir 114 so that the wick 106 extends the full length of the interior
fluid reservoir
114 cavity of container 103 while the wick 106 extends only partially within
the interior
fluid reservoir 115 cavity of container 104.
In this configuration, a different fragrance may be emitted from each
individual
delivery system during the two separate maintenance level emission modes. In
the first
maintenance level emission mode (A), wick 105 is immersed in volatile material
118
while at the same time wick 106 is non-immersed in volatile material 117.
Thus, only
wick 105 is active, emitting volatile material 118 via capillary action. When
the boost
level emission mode is desired, the multiple delivery system 100 is inverted.
The lower
fluid reservoirs 115 and 116 become the upper fluid reservoirs. In the boost
level
emission mode, wicks 105 and 106 are individually loaded and/or dosed with the
volatile
material 118 and 117, respectively. When the boost level emission mode is
completed
and the volatile material 117 (and 118) drains to their respective lower
reservoir pairs 114
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5 (and 113) via either the by-pass tube 107 (and 108) or wick 105 (and 106),
the second
maintenance level emission mode automatically begins.
In the second maintenance level emission mode (B), wick 106 is immersed in
volatile material 117 while at the same time wick 105 is non-immersed in
volatile
material 118. Thus, only wick 106 is active, emitting volatile material 117
via capillary
10 action. Thus, the character of the boost level emission is different than
both maintenance
level emissions (A) and (B) which may be in turn be different in character
from
themselves.
Fig. 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d depict the cross-sections other non-limiting
embodiments
having a single container 1, at least one fluid reservoir 6 and at least one
dosing tube 45 in
15 the maintenance level emission mode. When the boost level emission mode is
desired,
the inversion of the delivery system 20 in Fig. 9a is required to load and/or
doses the wick
5 with a volatile material 8. The wick 5 is at least partially located inside
the at least one
fluid reservoir 6 and is fluidly-connected to at least some of the volatile
material 8 that is
stored in the at least one fluid reservoir 6. Upon inversion, the dosing tube
inlet opening
20 49 collects the volatile material 8, located within the fluid reservoir 6,
in the dosing tube
45, which becomes at least partially filled with the volatile material 8. When
the delivery
system 20 is returned to the upright position by being placed back on its
container base
34, at least some portion of the volatile material 8 is collected by the
dosing tube 45. The
collected portion of volatile material 8 then flows by gravity to the wick 5
via the dosing
25 tube outlet opening 51 which is physically and/or fluidly-connected to the
wick dosing
chamber 54 which in turn is physically and/or fluidly-connected to the wick 5
and/or the
at least one secondary wick 38. The wick dosing chamber 54 allows the volatile
material
8 to wet the wick 5 and the secondary wick 38 with at least some of the
volatile material 8
collected in the dosing tube 45 after inversion for delivery of the boost
level emission. It
30 should be noted that delivery of the maintenance level emission in this
embodiment
requires no mechanical action, such as inversion. The capillary loading of the
wick 5
automatically returns after inversion. The capillary action automatically may
continue
until the delivery system 20 is substantially exhausted of the volatile
material 8 by the
emission processes.
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31
Like the embodiment of Fig. 9a, the embodiment of Figures 9b and 9c also
require
no mechanical step to deliver the maintenance level emission. However, unlike
the
previous embodiment, the boost level emission is accomplished by loading the
wick 5
and/or secondary wick 38 (and 39) with volatile material 8 via a squeezable
bladder 47 or
non-aerosol pump 48. Fig. 9b uses the squeezable bladder 47, which draws at
least some
volatile material 8 from the fluid reservoir 6 of container 1 via the dosing
tube inlet
opening 49. The volatile material 8 is collected in the dosing tube 45 and is
collected in
the bladder 47 via the bladder inlet opening 52 and is discharged to the
dosing tube 46 via
the bladder outlet opening 53 when the bladder is squeezed. The wick 5 and the
optional
secondary wick material (not shown) may be loaded or dosed according to the
method
described above in Fig. 9a.
Like the embodiment of Fig. 9b, the embodiment of Fig. 9c uses the same
delivery
concept except the squeezable bladder 47 is replaced with a non-aerosol hand
pump 48.
The non-aerosol hand pump 48, having pump inlet opening 56 and pump outlet
opening
55, may be of any suitable type, size, shape, and/or dimension having a
suitable pump
head such that at least some volatile material 8 is delivered to the wick 5
and/or the
secondary wick 38 and 39 when the non-aerosol hand pump is used with minimal
mechanical effort. There is no sprayer attached to any pump or squeezable
bladder
device.
Fig. 9d depicts the cross-section another non-limiting embodiment of a
delivery
system 20 having two separate containers 1 and 50. The wick 5 is fluidly-
connected to
the volatile material 8 stored in the fluid reservoir 6 via the sealable wick
opening 18. A
maintenance level emission is provided by capillary action of the volatile
material 8 via
the at least one wick 5 to the atmosphere. The wick 5 may be of any suitable
size or
length and may extend within the reservoir 6 to the interior surface of the
container base
34. Container 50 is fluidly connected to container 1 via a dosing tube 46.
Container 50
may comprise a dosing funnel 71, a dosing diffuser 72, a collection base 73, a
secondary
fluid reservoir 57, and a secondary wick 38. When a boost level emission is
desired, the
volatile material 8 of container 1 may be delivered to the secondary wick 38
of container
50 by any suitable means. The volatile material 8 is delivered to the dosing
tube 46 via
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32
the dosing tube inlet opening 49. The volatile material 8 enters container 50
via the
dosing tube outlet opening 51 where it is collected by an dosing funnel 71,
which directs
the volatile material 8 to the dosing diffuser 72, which delivers the volatile
material 8 to
the secondary wick 38. The secondary wick 38 is fluidly connected to the
dosing diffuser
72 and the dosing fumlel 71. The secondary wick 38 may also be fixedly
connected to the
dosing diffuser 72 and the container base 73 via any suitable connection.
The secondary wick 38 may be any suitable size or shape. For example, the
secondary wick may be in the shape of a hollow cup, sphere or ring wherein the
volatile
material 8 flows by gravity from the dosing diffuser 72 through the secondary
wick 38 to
the container base 73. The secondary wick 38 may comprise from any suitable
surface
area. For example, a suitable surface area may range from about 1 to about 100
times, or
from about 1 to about 50 times, or from about 1 to about 20 times, or from
about 1 to
about 5 times more surface area than the at least one wick 5. The increase in
wick surface
area may be provided by any suitable means, such as by varying the pore size
of the wick
material or by pleating or folding the wick material.
Like the embodiments in Figs. 9a, the embodiment of Fig 9d may initiate the
boost
level emission by inversion (or by any other suitable means) of container 1
such that
volatile material 8 is delivered to the secondary wick 38 for boost level
emission. Excess
volatile material 8 that is not collected onto the secondary wick 38 after
being delivered
via the dosing diffuser 72 may be collected in the secondary fluid reservoir
57, which is
fluidly connected to the secondary wick 38. The secondary wick 38 may also be
a porous
solid, having an optional secondary fluid reservoir 57. The porous solid may
absorb
excess volatile material 8 not immediately emitted from the secondary wick 38
itself. The
boost level emission will last until all of the volatile material 8
evaporates. For example,
all the volatile material 8 that is loaded onto the secondary wick 38 or that
is stored in the
secondary fluid reservoir 57 will be delivered to the atmosphere via
evaporation during
the boost level emission.
Figs. l0a and lOb depict the cross-sections another non-limiting embodiment of
a
delivery system 120 having an adjustable, high-surface area wick 58 that can
deliver more
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33
or less volatile material 8 to the atmosphere depending on the amount of
surface area
exposed to the atmosphere. Fig. l0a represents the delivery system 120 at the
equilibrium
state wherein the least amount of surface area of the wick 58 is exposed to
the
atmosphere. The spring 75 is uncompressed in its equilibrium state. In the
folded
position at equilibrium, the wick 58 provides the maintenance level emission.
In certain embodiments, the delivery system 120 comprises a wick spring
assembly comprising an adjustable, high-surface area wick 58, a wick
retraining ring 60, a
spring 75, an optional damping device (not shown), a spring restraining device
(not
shown), optionally, a perforated protective shell 121, and at least one lever
122 for
compressing the spring 75 via the wick restraining ring 60. The perforated
protective
shell 121 may be made of any suitable material in any size, shape, or
configuration so as
to allow for unrestricted emission flow of volatile material via the
perforations (not
shown), which may be any suitable size, shape or configuration. For example,
the
perforations (not shown) may be a plurality of slots. The perforated
protective shell 121
may provide for a vertical slot 123 that allows the lever 122, which is
attached to the wick
restraining ring 60, to travel the full length required for spring 75
compression. The wick
spring assembly allows the consumer to configure or adjust the exposed surface
areas of
wick 58 in order to vary the intensity of the boost level emission. While
using the lever
122 to compress the spring 75, the consumer may deliver the boost level
emission without
having to invert the delivery system 120.
Fig. lOb represents the delivery system 120 in the maximum boost level mode.
Here the greatest amount of surface area of the wick 58 is exposed to the
atmosphere.
The spring 75 is fully compressed. The wick 58 may be made of any suitable
material in
any suitable shape or size such that when it is unrestrained, it opens or
unfolds to expose
its greatest surface areas to the atmosphere. As the spring 75 gradually
returns to its
equilibrium length, the surface area of the wick is reduced by the wick
restraining ring 60.
The optional spring damping device (not shown) will allow variable boost level
emission
durations to be provided. When the wick spring to its equilibrium state, the
boost level
emission mode ceases and the maintenance level emission mode automatically
returns.
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34
Thus, the duration and intensity of the boost level emission may be controlled
by the
consumer by simply depressing the lever 122 to the desired position.
Fig. 11 depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting embodiment of a
delivery
system 20 having a stability cradle 62. The stability cradle 62 may be made of
any
suitable material having any suitable size, shape, or configuration, such that
the delivery
system 20 is at least partially stabilized in a suitable dispensing position
(for example, an
upright positions) once placed in the stability cradle 62. The upright
position in this case
refers to any inclination greater than 45 degrees from vertical in any
direction. For
example, the stability cradle 62 made be made of wood, metal, plastic and/or
glass and
may optionally have a recessed area 63 which when in contact with the at least
one
container base 34 adds at least some stability to the delivery system 20. The
stability
cradle 62 allows consumers the convenience of identifying a setting for the
delivery
system 20 in any room or location needing treatment (for example, living room,
kitchen,
bathroom, garage, backyard, etc.). The stability cradle 62 may allow for
decorative items
to be placed onto the structure in order to allow the consumer to personalize
the delivery
system 20. For example, a colored veneer may be selected having many different
decorative colors available for color coordination. The decorative items may
be attached
anywhere on the stability cradle 62 and/or delivery system 20 by any fastening
means,
such as fasteners, adhesives, lock and key devices, etc.
Fig. 12 depicts the cross-section of another non-limiting embodiment of a
delivery
system 20 having at least one ballast 63 which may be made of any suitable
material in
any size, shape, or configuration, so as to provide at least some stability
against
overturning once the delivery system 20 is overturned by touching, shaking,
unleveling
toppling, or otherwise. Suitable forms of suitable ballast materials include,
but are not
limited to: solids, liquids, gels, powders, granules, and combinations
thereof. For
example, the ballast 63 may comprise any suitable material having any suitable
weight in
order to reduce overturning of the delivery system 20. The ballast 63 may be
attached to
the delivery system 20 and/or the container 1 (and 2) in any suitable manner
(for example,
fixed, non-fixed, etc). The ballast 63 may be removably attached to allow
adjustment on
the delivery system 20. Thus, the ballast 63 may be positioned and/or
repositioned on the
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5 container 1(and 2) in any suitable configuration and by any suitable means.
For example,
the consumer may attach the ballast 63 to the lower container 2 after
inversion.
Alternatively, the manufacturer may attach the ballast 63 so that it may
automatically be
repositioned from the upper container 1 to the lower container 2 by the action
of gravity
when the at delivery system 20 is inverted.
10 The ballast 63 may be connected to the at least one container via any
suitable
mechanism, for example a sliding mechanism. The ballast 64 may freely move
along a
longitudinal axis of the delivery system 20 by gravity, for example, by
sliding along the
by-pass tube 9 (and 10) via an attachment device 65, such as a ring.
Alternatively, the
ballast 64 may be physically relocated, without sliding, for example, by
clipping the
15 ballast 64 to any portion of the delivery system 20, such as to the lower
container base 34
or to the by-pass tube 9 (and 10), before, during, or after the inversion
process. A suitable
attachment device 65 can be made of any suitable material in any suitable
size, shape, or
configuration. For example, the attachment device 65 may be a clamp, clip,
ring, string,
tie, adhesive material, friction fitting, magnet, and combinations thereof.
The at least one
20 ballast 63 may also be attached and/or connected to the at least one
container 1 (and 2) in
a fixed position. In one non-limiting embodiment, the ballast (not shown) may
be in the
form of sand or a ball bearing that is housed in a component of the delivery
system 20.
Fig. 13a depicts a perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of a
delivery system 20 having four by-pass tubes 65, 66, 67, and 68 and at least
one wick 5.
25 When overturned over, the by-pass tubes 65, 66, 67, and 68 may act as
secondary fluid
reservoirs to collect some of the volatile material (not shown) that was
stored in either
fluid reservoir (not shown) and thereby minimize leakage from the delivery
system 20.
Fig. 13b shows the top view of the delivery system 20 of Fig. 13a. This
configuration
aids in stabilizing the delivery system 20 after toppling from the upright
position. Fig.
30 13c shows the cross-section view (A-A) through the by-pass tubes 66 and 68.
Fig. 14 depicts a perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of a
delivery system 20 having an external frame 69 having at least one ballast 70.
The
external frame 69 may be made of any suitable material and configured in any
suitable
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36
size or shape. The external frame 69 may be removeably attached to the
delivery system
20 by any suitable means. The ballast 70 may also be removably attached to the
external
frame 69. The delivery system 20 may be easily removed from the external frame
69 and
inverted by the consumer before reattaching. Alternatively, the delivery
system 20 may
be inverted in place. For example, the external frame 69 may provide a means
to invert
the delivery system 20 by providing a pivoting arm (not shown) which allows
the
consumer to simply invert the delivery system 20 by pushing on the container
1(and 2).
The ballast 70 may be removed after the delivery system 20 and reattached to
the external
frame 69 as needed, for example, for cleaning.
Fig. 15a depicts a cross-section of a delivery system 20 comprising another
wick
spring assembly mechanism. The wick spring assembly comprises at least one
retractable
wick 86, at least one spring 87, at least one spring adjuster 88, an optional
damping device
(not shown), and a spring restraining device (not shown). Like the embodiment
of Fig.
10a, the maintenance level emission mode occurs at the equilibrium state where
the least
amount of surface area of the retractable wick 86 is exposed to the
atmosphere. At
equilibrium, the retractable wick 86 is immersed in the volatile material 8
contained in the
fluid reservoir 6 of the container 1. In this case, the wick spring assembly
75 would be
compressed in the equilibrium state.
When a boost level emission is desired, more surface area of the retractable
wick
86 is exposed to the atmosphere. For example, the consumer may increase the
wick
surface area by pulling up on the spring adjuster 88 to the desired length and
thereby
exposing more retractable wick 86 surface area to the atmosphere than is
exposed at
equilibrium. When the retractable wick 86 is fully extended, the wick spring
75 is
uncompressed. The volatile material 8 emission rate increases as a function of
the
amount of wick surface area exposed. The more surface area exposed, the higher
the
boost level emission rate. Thus, the consumer has the ability to control
perceived
intensity levels during the boost level emission mode by varying the amount of
retractable
wick 86 surface area exposed. As the wick spring assembly 75 gradually
compresses
back to the equilibrium state, the retractable wick 86 is returned to the
fluid reservoir 6 of
container 1 where it is again immersed in and reloaded with the volatile
material 8. Thus,
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the boost level emission may be uniformly delivered, being repeated as many
times as
necessary by the consumer until the volatile material 8 is exhausted.
Any other suitable means of increasing the intensity of the boost level
emission is
also useful. For example, in certain other embodiments, the volatile material
in the
delivery system may be in the form of a gel or liquid gel (not shown). In such
a case, the
wick may be modified to facilitate the loading of the volatile gel composition
onto the
wick, the spring itself, and/or onto a suitable delivery device such as,
paddles, which can
be attached onto or adjacent to the wick spring. The gel-laden wick spring
itself and/or
the delivery device can provide the means to deliver boost level emission. At
equilibrium, evaporation of the volatile gel composition from off the top
layer surface of
the wick and/or volatile gel material would provide the maintenance level
emission mode.
Conversely, as the gel-laden wick spring is extended away from the container
in the
uncompressed mode (similar to the embodiment of Fig. 15b), more surface area
evaporation of the volatile gel material would occur. As the wick spring
gradually returns
to equilibrium, the boost level emission would automatically cease while the
maintenance
level emission would automatically return.
In other alternative embodiments, the delivery system can comprise a kit
containing a bundle or packs of one or more volatile materials. Any of the
foregoing
embodiments may be used in supplying consumers with their initial product(s),
as well as
with refills for the same. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the delivery
system may
comprise supplying consumers with a choice of different types of volatile
materials (for
example, a fragrance composition, a malodor reducing composition, an
insecticide, a
mood enhancer composition, or combinations thereof) other than, or in addition
to, the
volatile materials sold in the initial product(s).
The. disclosure of all patents, patent applications (and any patents which
issue
thereon, as well as any corresponding published foreign patent applications),
and
publications mentioned throughout this description are hereby incorporated by
reference
herein. It is expressly not admitted, however, that any of the documents
incorporated by
reference herein teach or disclose the present invention.
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38
It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given
throughout this specification would include every lower numerical limitation,
as if such
lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum
numerical
limitation given throughout this specification will include every higher
numerical
limitation, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written
herein. Every
numerical range given throughout this specification will include every
narrower numerical
range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower
numerical ranges
were all expressly written herein.
While particular embodiments of the subject invention have been described, it
will
be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications
of the subject
invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. In
addition, while the present invention has been described in connection with
certain
specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of
illustration and
not by way of limitation and the scope of the invention is defined by the
appended claims
which should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.
