In Housing Having Multiported Wall Spaced From Absorbent Means Patents (Class 239/51.5)
  • Patent number: 10207856
    Abstract: A hollow container is combined with a burstable envelope retaining a liquid agent. The container is designed to allow a user to open the envelope by bursting or likewise rupturing the envelope while it remains in the container. The design of the envelope provides a predictable bursting location and a lower bursting pressure of the envelope to provide a more controlled release of liquid agent. Bursting forces may be applied in any of a variety of ways just as by twisting or crushing. The design allows for desired use of beneficial envelope materials such as polyester films that are otherwise difficult to rupture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Sustained Release Technologies Inc
    Inventors: John Scott Wheeler, George Georgiades
  • Patent number: 9943068
    Abstract: A pet toy infusing device includes a base, a removeable cover and a porous insert. The base includes a cavity, and has an opening configured to enable access to the cavity. The removable cover is configured to cover the cavity. The porous insert is removably disposed inside of the cavity between the base and the cover, the porous insert having an interior surface defining a pet toy holding area, and being configured to prevent a material disposed inside the cavity of the base from entering the pet toy holding area, while enabling a pet toy disposed in the pet toy holding area to be infused with the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: LITTLE BIG CAT, INC.
    Inventor: Andrea Valle
  • Patent number: 9613604
    Abstract: Disclosures teach managing humidity within a musical instrument. For example, a fluid tank, which may be attachable to an instrument holder, may hold fluid deliverable through a conduit into a breathable housing, which may be configured for insertion within, for example, a sound box. A fluid trap may be included within the housing to collect the entering fluid. The trap may also store the fluid during evaporation, increasing humidity in the instrument. A flow regulator may be included within the channel passing through the conduit to manage the fluid flow rate. A measuring device may be included to provide measurements of humidity within the instrument. Management logic may generate, based on humidity measurements from the measurement device, adjustment signals, adjusting the flow regulator to change the flow rate to impact humidity. A detector, indicating overflow from the fluid trap, and/or an overflow structure, capturing overflow, may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Eric J. Shearer
  • Patent number: 9393335
    Abstract: A delivery device as disclosed herein includes an article, a cradle, and a reservoir. The cradle which supports the article includes a wicking protrusion and is adapted to engage with the article. The reservoir contains a volatile medium and is adapted to engage with the cradle. The volatile medium is in fluid communication with the wicking extension. The delivery device can include a wide variety of articles, including decorative articles, functional articles, and substance-containing articles such as fragrance diffusers, which benefit from their union with the porous emanator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: TAKASAGO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas F. Santini, Anthony Budraitis, Charles C. Steward, John Gick, Carter B. Green
  • Patent number: 9370594
    Abstract: A method of retaining only compatible refills by a volatile material dispenser includes the step of providing a dispenser having a housing and at least one movable latch disposed within the housing. The method further includes the steps of providing a compatible refill that includes a container for holding a volatile material and a wick extending from the container and inserting the refill into the housing so that the refill actuates the movable latch into engagement with a structure disposed on a neck of the refill to retain the refill within the housing. The incompatible refills are incapable of actuating the movable latch, and thus, the movable latch does not retain the incompatible refills within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Gasper, Chris A. Kubicek, Andrew N. Niemiec, Robert C. Coon, Bjorn Gunderson, Erik J. Moses, Mike O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9278151
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a base with a plurality of ribs for supporting a peripheral flange of a cartridge having a volatile material containing reservoir. A first removable cover is attached to the base and has at least one aperture and a first regulating plate. The first cover may be removed and replaced by at least a second cover that has at least one aperture and a second, different regulating plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan R. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9272065
    Abstract: A delivery device as disclosed herein includes an article, a cradle, and a reservoir. The cradle which supports the article includes a wicking protrusion and is adapted to engage with the article. The reservoir contains a volatile medium and is adapted to engage with the cradle. The volatile medium is in fluid communication with the wicking extension. The delivery device can include a wide variety of articles, including decorative articles, functional articles, and substance-containing articles such as fragrance diffusers, which benefit from their union with the porous emanator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: TAKASAGO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Santini, Anthony Budraitis, Charles C. Steward, John Gick, Carter Green
  • Patent number: 9173389
    Abstract: Systems to create and maintain pre-designed geometrically shaped volumes of an effective dynamic mixture of volatile compounds encompassing an object of protection for very long times, up to one or more years, for control of pests and pest-borne diseases in open outdoor environments of importance to humans, animals and plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: AUBURN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Maurice M. Boyd, Ronald D. Neuman, Andrew B. Shelton, Wiley M. Cauthen, Ralph H. Zee
  • Patent number: 8978998
    Abstract: A fragrance dispenser mountable to a fan includes a dispenser housing which retains a pair of removable air fragrance packs. The dispenser housing includes a plurality of air vent openings through a rear panel which promotes air flow through the interior of the dispenser housing and over the removable fragrance packs. A sliding door allows a user to selectively block and expose varying portions of the dispenser interior and thus corresponding fragrance packs. The dispenser also includes a pair of clips located along a rear surface which engage a grill of a fan or similar air distribution device. When the fan is activated, air flow caused by the fan circulates through the dispenser housing and over the fragrance pack dispensing a scent or air freshener to the surrounding area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Theresa A. Talley
  • Publication number: 20150020439
    Abstract: Devices that provide timed-release of target compounds absorbed by, or otherwise integrated into, an external housing. The external housing absorbs and facilitates volatilization of the released compound. A permeable cover can be employed as a regulating mechanism to control the rate volatilization from the external housing. One or more reservoirs containing target compound can be contained within one or more internal chambers of the external housing. The one or more reservoirs can release the target compound for absorption by the external housing and/or to make contact with one or more other reservoirs so as to compromise the other reservoirs and release target compound within. A wick can be employed in certain embodiments to transfer target compound from the internal chamber to the external housing to be volatilized. Continued or sequential release of target compound to recharged the external housing achieves a zero order release rate from the external housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: BRADLEY J. WILLENBERG, PHILIP G. KOEHLER, CHRISTOPHER D. BATICH, GEORGE GEORGIADES
  • Patent number: 8881941
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an evaporator device for volatile substances provided with a closure system that facilitates the replacement of the refill or container of the volatile substance. The invention provides a safety closure system for the evaporator device, which makes difficult for children to get access to the tablet or container of the volatile substance. A closure member and a container are associated in such a manner that during the opening movement of the closure member, at least part of the container is extracted out of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Zobele Holding S.p.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Deflorian, Walter Sordo, Franco Zobele
  • Patent number: 8882998
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of perfumery and more precisely it concerns a device, and the consumer articles associated therewith, for dispensing an active composition into the surrounding space. The device includes an assembly containing a reservoir holding the active liquid to be diffused into the surroundings and a wick-/emitting member structure composed of a wick member and an emitting/diffusion member, the latter having an evaporative surface to be directly exposed to the surrounding space when the device is activated, the assembly being housed in a casing or carried by a supporting frame, the device further including a pivoting member fixed on the casing or on the supporting frame to allow a swinging motion of the assembly and thus forced evaporation of the active volatile whenever desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Firmenich SA
    Inventors: Lyse Tranzeat, Guy Edmund Robinson, Nicholas O'Leary
  • Patent number: 8733669
    Abstract: A cartridge containing aromatic constituents is inserted to an efficacious constituent supply apparatus which is embedded in a door. An insertion slot of the cartridge is formed on a matching surface of the door trim, the surface facing an side surface of an instrument panel. BY forming the insertion slot on the matching surface of the door trim, the insertion slot can be concealed when the door is closed and thus the appearance of the efficacious constituent supply apparatus can be enhanced. In addition, the insertion slot is exposed when the door is opened, working efficiency upon changing the cartridge is not impaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isamu Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 8677679
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an ampoule for the storage and dispersion of a volatile liquid comprised of (a) an outer shell composed of an impermeable material and defining at least one opening; (b) a porous diffusion member defining an internal reservoir positioned inside said outer shell; (c) a volatile liquid contained within such internal reservoir; and (d) a film member adhered to the outer shell and covering the at least one opening; wherein the film member is disposed such that an air space is present between the porous diffusion member and the film member; and wherein the porous diffusion member is configured such that molecules of the volatile liquid can only enter into the air space via diffusion through the porous diffusion member. Such ampoules are particularly suited for the storage and dispersion of organic chemicals useful as bed bug attractants, such as a C8-C12 alkane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce C. Black, Shreya J. Shah, Linda A. Varanyak, Keith F. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 8469293
    Abstract: A digital odor generator includes a housing and a cylindrically shaped odor chamber carried by the housing and including a plurality of separate odor compartments isolated from each other. A porous hollow cylinder, made of plastic or some other porous material, with an odorant therein is located in each of the odor compartments. A nozzle in the form of a truncated cone is operatively connected to the odor chamber. The nozzle includes an outer face having an enlarged central opening and a plurality of smaller openings surrounding the central opening; the number of smaller openings being equal to the number of odor compartments. The outer face of the nozzle is arranged so that a person can position his or her nose near the openings. Each of the smaller openings is associated with a different one of the odor compartments and is isolated from the others and from the central opening so that the odor from only one odor compartment can be emitted through only one of the smaller openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Richard L. Doty, Aaron Scott, Ling Zhou
  • Patent number: 8449828
    Abstract: A chemical cartridge for a blower-type chemical diffusing apparatus includes a chemical-impregnated body including an air-permeable and liquid-absorptive sheet impregnated with a chemical, and a retainer receptacle for containing the chemical-impregnated body. The retainer receptacle includes a liquid pool recess formed at a central area thereof such that liquid chemical stored in the liquid pool recess is permeable towards a peripheral area of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Fumakilla Limited
    Inventors: Kazunori Yamamoto, Shinya Kawamura, Satoshi Yamasaki, Yasuharu Takei, Takao Jo
  • Patent number: 8371559
    Abstract: An air-cleaning decorative humidifier, including mainly a support seat, a water receptacle, at least a shaft, a fan, and a water sub-receptacle; in which a base seat of the water receptacle is fixed to the bottom of the water receptacle; a first water opening is provided on the base seat of the water receptacle; a water valve is provided on the first water opening; the fan and the water sub-receptacle are provided in the support seat; a water level control rod is provided in the water sub-receptacle; the shaft is connected with at least a decoration directly or through a mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jack Hou
  • Patent number: 8146836
    Abstract: A device for carrying and dispensing scent with a scent retaining block, a block retaining housing, a living hinge member, a housing cover plate, a latch member, right and left housing strap apertures, an adjustable length strap attached by male and female strap retaining members. The housing is rectangular and has one fully open portion. The housing cover plate is attached to the housing by the living hinge member. The housing has a plurality of apertures allowing air to freely pass into and out of the housing. The adjustable strap is attached to the left strap aperture. The non adjustable strap is attached to the right strap aperture or vice versa. The adjustable strap is removably attached to the non adjustable strap by the male and the female strap retaining members. The scent block is constructed from an absorbent material capable of retaining a liquid scent without leaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Hogan
  • Patent number: 8048379
    Abstract: An air freshener includes a housing having at least a first compartment and a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments having vents. The air freshener includes a first fan unit disposed within the first compartment and a second fan unit disposed within the second compartment. The air freshener also includes a first fragrance emitting substance disposed within the first compartment proximate the first fan unit and a second fragrance emitting substance disposed within the second compartment proximate the second fan unit. A programmable processor is operatively connected to a power source and the first and second fan units and configured to drive at least one of the first and second fan units so as to promote discharge of one of the first and second fragrance emitting substances from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hyso Technology LLC
    Inventor: Simon Sassoon
  • Patent number: 8005350
    Abstract: An aromatic odor neutralizer includes a vaporization chamber containing a wick with an end part immersed in fluid in a storage cup that is gravity fed from an airtight vessel by the use of air pathways exposed when the liquid level in the cup is reduced. The vaporization chamber is located in a dispenser housing with an internal passage between end walls and communicating with vents in the sides for aerodynamic airflow to efficiently absorb vapors from a vaporizer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Pestco, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold H. Zlotnik, Raymond Czapko, Eric R. Colburn, Anthony D. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 7922104
    Abstract: An aromatic odor neutralizer includes a vaporization chamber containing a wick with an end part immersed in fluid in a storage cup that is gravity fed from an airtight vessel by the use of air pathways exposed when the liquid level in the cup is reduced. The vaporization chamber is located in a dispenser housing with an internal passage between end walls and communicating with vents in the sides for aerodynamic airflow to efficiently absorb vapors from a vaporizer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: PESTCO, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold H. Zlotnik, Raymond Czapko, Eric R. Colburn, Anthony D. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 7857236
    Abstract: An aromatic odor neutralizer includes a dispenser housing with an internal passage between end walls and communicating with vents in the sides for aerodynamic airflow to efficiently absorb vapors from a vaporizer chamber within the dispenser housing. The vaporization chamber contains a wick with an end part immersed in fluid in a storage cup that is gravity fed from an air tight vessel by the use of air pathways exposed when the liquid level in the cup is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Pestco
    Inventors: Arnold H. Zlotnik, Raymond Czapko, Eric R. Colburn, Anthony D. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 7798422
    Abstract: A cedar oil evaporator includes: a housing having openings therein for ventilation of air; a reservoir within the housing containing cedar oil; and a carrier for wicking away the cedar oil from the reservoir for dispersing cedar oil via air that passes through the housing. Each carrier is a length of cotton twine having a diameter of one-sixteenth of an inch or smaller and a length of twelve and one-half feet or longer. The housing includes a door movable about a hinge between a first position, wherein the reservoir is accessible for removal from the housing; and a second position, wherein the reservoir is inaccessible for removal. An extent of the carrier that is received within the reservoir for immersion in the cedar oil preferably represents 10% or less of the overall length of the carrier, the remainder being randomly exposed within the interior space of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Ruben E. Trevino
  • Patent number: 7793860
    Abstract: A vapor-dispersing device comprising a moveable piston with a porous protuberance is described that operates by the repetitive movement of the piston to intermittently dip the porous member into a volatile liquid and to expel air out through vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bankers, Kevin Hafer
  • Patent number: 7793861
    Abstract: A vapor-dispersing device comprising a moveable piston with an evaporative member is described that operates by the repetitive movement of the piston to bring the evaporative member into repeated contact with the exposed end of a liquid transfer means to wick volatile liquid out from a reservoir onto the evaporative member and to expel vapors out through vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bankers, Kevin Hafer
  • Patent number: 7780094
    Abstract: A diffuser for an air freshener product includes a casing having front and rear casing portions fastened together. A neck opening is formed inside said casing into which a neck of an air freshener reservoir is secured. A wick extends from the neck of the air freshener reservoir into the interior of the casing. The casing has openings in the front and back through which air flows. An air flow control element is provided in the casing to permit a user to change the air flow to the wick and thereby vary the air freshener product dispersed into the air. The air flow control element has a knob extending from the casing that is operable by the user. The rear portion of the casing has a fastener to which is attached a clip having two extended flexible arms that engage into a vent grill of an air conditioner system of a vehicle. The clip is securable in the fastener at positions oriented 90 degrees from one another to enable the clip to be fastened to vertically or horizontally oriented air conditioner grill slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Zobele Espana, S.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Caserta, Ruben Garcia Fabrega, Xavier Alvarez Leal
  • Publication number: 20100176212
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a fragrance distribution system. The system includes a fragrance control chamber including a removable fragrance cartridge having a fluid fragrance located therein. The cartridge has located therein a drum having a wick wound thereon. A dial outside of the cartridge controls the extent of the wick standing in an upward direction within the chamber and being subjected to a flow of air being generated by way of a fan located in the chamber. The speed of the fan is controlled by an adjusting dial located on the exterior of the chamber. There is further an air volume control dial located on the exterior of the chamber which controls the volume of the air being expelled from the chamber into a duct system of an air conditioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Winfred Lynn Ward, SR., Ozella Ward
  • Patent number: 7690586
    Abstract: A deodorizer for a refrigerator is formed of a mesh type material having fine multiple pores through which the air in the refrigerator passes and the material having multiple pleats so as to enlarge a surface area coming in contact with the air, thereby maximizing a surface area coming in contact with the cool air and accordingly, improving deodorizing performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Byeong-Gyu Kang
  • Patent number: 7540432
    Abstract: A passive dispensing device for a liquid active material includes an upper housing portion for receiving a container for holding and dispensing a liquid active material, wherein the upper housing portion includes an interior cavity and wherein the container includes a wick extending from inside the container to an area outside the container. The device further includes a lower housing portion that extends downwardly from the upper housing portion, wherein the lower housing portion defines a recess between the upper and lower housing portions and includes first and second legs that extend downwardly from the upper housing portion and outwardly from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Amelia H. Majerowski, Martin S. Payne
  • Publication number: 20080315006
    Abstract: A diffusion device includes a housing and an opening in the housing adapted for insertion of a container having an active material therein and a wick extending therefrom. The device further includes a heater disposed in a rear portion of the housing and spaced from the wick when a container is inserted into the housing. A vent is disposed in a front portion of the housing. An active material diffusion-interference member is disposed directly above and axially aligned with the wick when the container is inserted into the device, wherein the diffusion-interference member inhibits diffusion of the active material from the housing such that heat generated by the heater is trapped around the wick, thus increasing volatilization and dispersion of the active material from the diffusion device as compared to a diffusion device that does not have a diffusion-interference member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: David C. Belongia, Mark E. Wefler
  • Patent number: 7379662
    Abstract: The device for diffusing volatile substances comprises two containers (1, 2) to hold respective liquids with respective volatile substances. Each container has at least one aperture closed by a cap (12, 22). The device is configured so that it can be located on a supporting surface with the containers (1, 2) vertically confronting, so that one of the containers is selectively in an upper position or in a lower position with respect to the other container. The container which is in the upper position emanates the volatile substance which it contains, and the other one does not emanate the volatile substance which it contains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Zobele España, S.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Caserta, Cedric Morhain, David Moreno Perez, Jose Antonio Muñoz Martinez
  • Publication number: 20070290064
    Abstract: A passive dispensing device for a liquid active material includes an upper housing portion for receiving a container for holding and dispensing a liquid active material, wherein the upper housing portion includes an interior cavity and wherein the container includes a wick extending from inside the container to an area outside the container. The device further includes a lower housing portion that extends downwardly from the upper housing portion, wherein the lower housing portion defines a recess between the upper and lower housing portions and includes first and second legs that extend downwardly from the upper housing portion and outwardly from the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Amelia H. Majerowski, Martin S. Payne
  • Patent number: 7243859
    Abstract: Comprises a vessel (1) containing scented liquid, a wick (2) partially submerged in the liquid, a stopper (3) coupled on the mouth (7) of the vessel (1) and a cap (5) that covers the stopper (3) and has a lower tubular portion (11) provided with two windows (15) and an inner threaded segment that unscrews from a central threaded tubular portion (13) of the stopper (3) as the cap (5) is turned, raising it and gradually revealing the windows (15) so that the wick (2) is exposed to the exterior, facilitating the adjustable evaporation of the scented liquid, the cap (5) being provided with flexible stops (16) that are prolonged externally from the base of its lower tubular portion (11) and as they rise meet a trapezoidal inner peripheral flange (17) defined in a cylindrical body (14) of the stopper (3) to prevent the exit of the cap (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Zobele Españ a, S.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Caserta, Ruben Garcia Fabrega, David Moreno Perez
  • Patent number: 7185827
    Abstract: The fragrance emitting dispensing container consists of a container body and a container closure. The container body can be of any shape but preferably is of a decorative shape. The closure functions to close the container and to distribute the fragrance to the room or other space in which the container is present. The closure has a cavity that contains a fragrance emitting material which can be a sheet material or a particulate material. The top of the cavity is a lid with apertures to emit the fragrance into a room. The apertures are covered with a seal which can be partially or fully removed to open the apertures. The seal can be a single seal or a multi-segment seal, with each segment separably removeable to expose a given number of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Daniel Quintard, Jacques Lalanne, Bernard Guglielmini
  • Patent number: 7147171
    Abstract: There is provided a diffuser for volatile material such as a volatile aromatic or chemical agent. The diffuser has a flexible casing having one or more vent holes formed therein and a breakable glass capsule hermetically enclosing a volatile agent. The capsule is contained in the flexible casing. A liquid-absorbent member is adapted to hold the volatile liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Lumica Corporation
    Inventors: Shiro Harada, Masahiko Fujita
  • Patent number: 7140553
    Abstract: A device for diffusing volatile substances, particularly deodorants for vehicle interiors. The device comprises a container designed to contain a liquid volatile substance to be diffused, a wick disposed partially in the container and a lid applied to the container around one end of the wick. The lid comprises a cap provided with slots and mounted revolving with respect to the axis of the wick. Between the cap and the wick there is interposed an intermediate element integral with the lid. The intermediate element has a U-bolt structure and is provided with slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Zobele Holding SpA
    Inventor: Franco Zobele
  • Patent number: 7121475
    Abstract: An improved device for carrying and retaining animal scent that has a specially designed sleeve having an absorbent pad for absorbing a liquid scent that attracts prey wherein the absorbent pad has a plurality of apertures to facilitate the aeration of the scent and additionally the sleeve has a slit such that a resilient self attaching band can be placed therein so that the sleeve may be attached to objects and yet the resilient band can be removed so that the cover can be properly washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Gary W. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7111794
    Abstract: A static air freshener has a frame formed of or with plastic beads impregnated with a scent or aroma. The rate of release of the scent is controlled by the area of the frame to define the useful life of the air freshener. An insert may be place in a void defined by the frame. The insert has a thematic image that may be correlated to a thematic image on the header card of a bag or sack sized to contain the air freshener for positioning at or on the point of sale device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: David Timpson
  • Patent number: 7077336
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an information-displaying unit (1) which has a body of a determined geometrical shape internally with an illumination system having in the narrower portions thereof (12) an arrangement for installation of water atomizing nozzles of a body climatization system, and a pedestal (14) to house the components of said system. The right side portion (10) and the left side portion (10?) of the information-displaying unit (1) have an arrangement for installation of an information-displaying device (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Gilles François Dominique d'Ornano
  • Patent number: 7073729
    Abstract: An item of jewelry is provided to receive a fragrance composition. The jewelry piece includes a securement member, a setting, and a piece of porous material. The securement member supports the setting and enables the jewelry item to be worn by the person in the manner in which it is intended. In some embodiments, the setting supports the piece of porous material relative to the securement member such that ambient air may flow between it and the securement member, maximizing the exposed surface area of the porous material. The porous material is a ceramic that contains sintered aluminum oxide and receives a liquid fragrance producing composition such as perfume or cologne. A method for applying the fragrance to the piece of porous material is also provided and includes the step of washing the porous material with a solvent suitable to diffuse the carrier liquid of the fragrance producing composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Panache Porcelain, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Putz
  • Patent number: 7048203
    Abstract: The first object of the present invention is to provide a diffuser for volatile material such as a volatile aromatic or chemical agent, capable of promptly diffusing the volatile constituent of the liquid into a surrounding air in a simple operation. The second object of the present invention is to enable a long-term storage. The third object is to provide a compact diffuser enabling a user to enjoy different aroma according to a time and a place. The diffuser has a flexible casing having an inner space and a vent hole formed therein and a breakable glass capsule enclosing a volatile material, and a liquid-absorbent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Lumica Corporation
    Inventors: Shiro Harada, Masahiko Fujita
  • Patent number: 7032831
    Abstract: A container for a volatile liquid in a liquid dispensing device comprises a body and a neck extending from the body to define an opening. A retention structure is integral with the container body and is adapted to be releasably engaged with two opposing sidewalls of a housing of the dispensing device. The sidewalls are spaced apart in a first direction, and the retention structure is inhibits motion of the container in two opposing directions generally transverse to the first direction. The retention structure may be located on a side of the container body. A capillary member extends from inside the container to an exterior of the container. The volatile liquid migrates along the capillary member from the reservoir to the exterior of the container where it is evaporated from the surface of the capillary member by forced airflow generated by a motorized fan mounted in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler D. Duston, Kishen Gohil, Colin W. Brown, Guy Naish, Kara L. Kotary, Marygrace G. Horner, Mary Beth Adams, Ralph Schwarz, Padma Prabodh Varanasi, Ann E. Weeks
  • Patent number: 7025283
    Abstract: An air freshener is composed of a diffuser with a wick system that is impregnated with a liquid fragrance contained in a replaceable bottle or receptacle whose liquid perfume, which is made and included in concentrate form, is obtained from natural essences to provide a long life. The air fresher is provided with an adjustment for the volume of the air freshener by volatilization of the fragrant product by a simple turn of the head cap, at the user's discretion. It is possible to stop the product from issuing when the vehicle is not in use, thus saving its consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: L & D, S.A.
    Inventor: David Fernandez Torres
  • Patent number: 7007862
    Abstract: A lightweight, free-body and buoyant dispenser that is centrifugally actuated for releasing a laundry product following the spin cycle includes a housing that has one or more covered apertures one of which is exposed during the spin cycle. The laundry product, which is a liquid, solid, gel powder, or mixture thereof, however, does not exit the dispenser until the spinning has subsided. Disc-shaped dispensers having two apertures that are covered by biased-doors are especially suited for delivering laundry agents for post-spin cycle treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Clorox Co.
    Inventors: Ken Chiang, Michael J. Petrin, Timothy M. Soto, Frank M. Knafelc
  • Publication number: 20040262419
    Abstract: A wick assembly for use in a dispenser for a volatile liquid which includes a wick having an external surface and a discontinuity in the surface providing a location in the wick of less resistance to a force applied to the wick than a location adjacent to the discontinuity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Kara L. Kotary, Ralph Schwarz, Tyler D. Duston
  • Patent number: 6767521
    Abstract: A system for dehumidifying and deodorizing, the system comprising a hanging, dehumidifying and deodorizing pouch comprising a housing having a impermeable membrane and a semi-permeable securely attached to the impermeable membrane. The housing enclosing moisture-absorbent material and deodorizing material. The housing is enclosed within a jacket comprising a perforated contiguous wall; the wall defines an opening for receiving the housing. The jacket further comprises a closing member for closing the opening when the housing is within the jacket. The jacket can comprise a rigid, rectangular cage having a detachable lid. The semi-permeable membrane of the housing can comprise polyethylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, individually or a combination thereof. The impermeable can comprise either polyethylene film or polypropylene film. The moisture-absorbent material can comprise a hygroscopic, deliquescent or a combination of a hygroscopic deliquescent and a gel forming polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: W.M. Barr & Company
    Inventors: Fred K. Vogt, Surendra Kumar Mishra, David Prince Heaner
  • Patent number: 6610254
    Abstract: Dual functional dispensers, wherein the dispensers comprise dispensing units independently capable of dispensing an actively dispersed spray or an evaporative long term dispersible material, comprise active dispensers in combination with passive dispensers of volatile materials. The passive dispenser may comprise the external shell of said dual function dispenser, and may be fashioned of a porous ceramic, plastic, or paper material impregnated with an evaporative passively dispersible material selected from the group consisting of fragrances, air fresheners, deodorizers, odor eliminators, malodor counteractants, insecticides, insect repellants, medicinal substances, disinfectants, sanitizers, mood enhancers, and aroma therapy compositions. The actively dispersed material may be the same or different. Refill units for such dispensers may comprise a spray can and associated control means, and an evaporative dispenser of dispersible material, provided either separately or as an integral unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Furner, Heidi J. Uick, John P. Connelly
  • Patent number: 6569387
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are dispensers for dual functional use, wherein the dispensers are independently capable of dispensing a spray or an evaporative long term dispersible material. Also disclosed are refill units for such dispensers, which refill units comprise a spray can and associated control means, and an evaporative dispenser which may be activated by removal of a covering membrane which is impermeable to a volatile dispersible material. The spray and the evaporative volatile dispersible may or may not be the same material, permitting the consumer greater flexibility and choice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Furner, Heidi J. Uick
  • Patent number: 6555068
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for dispersing an air modifying agent (e.g. a fragrance) in air. The air modifying agent and an electrolyte are entrained in a gel-based aqueous reservoir (7), which contacts a pair of electrodes (8, 9) which are +ve and −ve with respect to each other to provide an electrical potential between the electrodes. The electrical potential powers a small motor and fan (13, 14) which disperse the air modifying agent from the surface of the reservoir (7) to the surrounding atmosphere via apertures (16) in a housing (10) of the apparatus. The electrical potential can power additional or alternative electrical devices such as lighting and heating devices, and the arrangement may be such that the extent of exhaustion of the air modifying agent from the reservoir (7) corresponds generally to the extent of exhaustion of electrode (8, 9) activity, whereby the operability of the electrical device indicates the presence of air modifying agent in the reservoir (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Globol Chemicals (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Nigel Peter Smith
  • Patent number: 6481639
    Abstract: The invention concerns a volatile substance diffuser (102) comprising a body (104) with an aperture (111), and a reservoir (120) of product, comprising a volatile substance, the reservoir (102) being mounted mobile in the body (104) between a diffusing position enabling a gas to circulate through the product, then through the aperture (111) and a closed position wherein the product is isolated from the aperture (111), the reservoir and the body having respective surfaces (122,116) extending opposite each other. One of the surfaces (122) is spherical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ateliers de Conceptions et d'Innovations Industrielles
    Inventor: Michel Pozzo