With Support For Porous Or Apertured Encasing Means Patents (Class 239/57)
  • Patent number: 6398126
    Abstract: An auxiliary sole includes a ball portion, a heel portion, scent dispensing means, and attachment means for releasably attaching the heel portion to the ball portion. The ball portion and the heel portion include a base having a plurality of projections depending from the base. The scent dispenser may be made of an absorbent material impregnated with the scent of an animal that is positioned within a recess formed in one of the projections of the ball portion or the heel portion. The base of the ball portion has an elongate opening and the base of the heel portion has a pair of opposed end tabs that are received within the opening of the base of the ball portion. The base of the ball portion and the base of the heel portion may be provided with hook and loop fasteners to releasably attach the heel portion to the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Steven L. Pitchford
  • Patent number: 6360481
    Abstract: The invention involves a fence for repelling plant-damaging animals comprised of a row of tubes each having a top end and bottom end, and at least one chemical-composition-containing tube having at least one exit port; a connector for attaching each tube to each adjacent tube; and a chemical composition repellant to plant-damaging animals, contained within the at least one chemical-composition-containing tube, whereby a repellant character of the chemical composition is releaseable from the at least one chemical-composition-containing tube through the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Heather Nesic
  • Patent number: 6358577
    Abstract: A multilayer structure with improved permeation for atmospheric diffusion of aromatic products wherein the structure comprises: a permeable membrane wherein said permeable membrane comprises at least two polymeric layers wherein the polymer of each layer is independently selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, very low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, ethylene methylacrylate copolymer; a release layer wherein said release layer comprises a nylon polymer or a ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer wherein the release layer is adhered to most inner polymeric layer of the permeable member which comprises the permeable membrane and wherein the adhesion between release layer and the adjacent layer of the polymeric permeable membrane is a relatively weak bond compared to the bond between the layers of the polymeric permeable membrane; and an impermeable membrane wherein said impermeable membrane comprises one or more layers wherein the materials which comprise the individual layers of the imper
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Flexible Europe
    Inventors: William E. Bowen, Lee J. Murray, Patricia M. McCarry
  • Publication number: 20020030116
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing of hand lotion and air freshener in a combined unit for home and office. Air freshener may be passively dispersed at a controlled rate from the apparatus, or may be actively dispersed when a user pumps the apparatus to receive a measured quantity of hand lotion. Dispersion may be implemented using a mechanical fan or compression of a sponge, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas S. Brown
  • Patent number: 6340120
    Abstract: A scent dispensing device for dispensing a scent while protecting the scented material from the elements. The scent dispensing device includes a container comprising a base portion and a cover portion for covering the base portion. The cover portion has a peripheral wall integrally coupled to a top wall. The peripheral wall has a peripheral edge. A first hanging structure for hanging the container is fixedly coupled to an exterior surface of the top wall. The base portion has a peripheral wall and a bottom wall. The peripheral wall has a lip thereon. The lip has a size and a shape adapted to fit in the cover such that the lip may be releasably coupled in the cover. A plurality of slots releases the scent. The slots extend through the peripheral wall of the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: David K. Seymour
  • Patent number: 6254836
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device for an air freshener for use by hanging in an automobile 12 or other location made in a variety of native American shapes 18, 26, 28 and 30. The present invention 10 is provided with a circular bulb 24 on its backside and further the device contains an amount of absorbent material 34 held in a recessed space 35 in its body 10 for holding liquid scented oil 48. The scent can be dispersed into the atmosphere by selectively depressing and releasing the bulb 24 so that an amount of air is dispelled through scent apertures 20 into the air space surrounding the air freshener of the present invention 10. In an alternative embodiment, the bulb 24 is threaded 40 into the air freshener 10 and contains an amount of absorbent material 44 whereby scent oil 48 is placed directly on the absorbent material 44 therein which then can be displaced into the air surrounding the air freshener 10 by pressing on the bulb 24 with the scent passing through said air apertures 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Debbi Fry
  • Patent number: 6244518
    Abstract: A snake repellent system for use in repelling snakes so as to prevent the human user from being bitten. The snake repellent system consists of a receptacle into which is placed a quantity of garlic or onion, the aroma of which is believed to be effective in repelling snakes. The receptacle is provided with a lid having a plurality of openings for facilitating the dispersal of the garlic or onion aroma. The receptacle may be provided with a mincing rack used to mince a clove of garlic, thereby more fully releasing its aroma. The receptacle may also be provided with a means to both limit child access to the repellent substance within the receptacle and prevent removal of the repellent substance from the lid openings. An adjustable band is provided for attaching the receptacle to the arm or leg of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Thelma F. Pogue
  • Patent number: 6241219
    Abstract: An air-circulator room deodorizer has a permeable container (1) that is positioned with an air-circulator attachment (8, 10, 12, 14) in airflow from a room air circulator such as a room fan (3, 5) or vent (4, 6) and has a deodorant pack (18) that releases fragrance selectively into the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Michael A. Logan, Emae A. Villalobos
  • Patent number: 6241161
    Abstract: A compact, extensible scent dispensing device adapted for being placed in a closed position, in an extended position, and in a disassembled position. The device is preferably used by a hunter for attracting a game animal. The device comprises an elongated housing, an inner tube, a string, and a clip. The housing is dimensioned and configured for receiving the inner tube. The housing is adapted for receiving a predetermined volume of scented fluid and for being partially inserted into the ground. The inner tube is dimensioned and configured to fit within the housing and to receive a wick member. The inner tube has a hollow body with elongated slots and a cap. The string is attached to the cap and can be configured to form a loop so that the device can be hung from an upright structure and permit the scent to be more easily dispensed to the atmosphere. The clip is attached to the string, and is adapted for attaching to the upright structure and to a clothing member being worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy W. Corbett
  • Patent number: 6190607
    Abstract: A room air freshener adapted to be used in connection with a register vent. The structure of the freshener is especially formed to be attached to the vent register and includes a formed handle adapted to keep the freshener material adjacent to the grid of the register vent. A certain range in the amount of mass of the freshener is required for a certain volume of air for best operation of the freshener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Mike Farmer
  • Patent number: 6165419
    Abstract: A scented air register system is provided including a vent assembly with a plurality of louvers mounted thereon. Also included is a scenting container coupled to the vent assembly and depending therefrom. Next provided is a lid assembly mounted over the scenting container and being accessible from above the vent assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: David Bullock, Corrinthia Bullock
  • Patent number: 6161820
    Abstract: A container includes a housing attached to a block for receiving the aromatic material and having a number of orifices for allowing the perfume of the aromatic material to be blown out of the housing. A frame includes a track for slidably supporting the block. One or more wheels are rotatably secured to the frame and coupled to the block by cranks and links and legs. A light bulb is attached to the block, and a switch may be used to control the operation of the light bulb. The block may be attached to a support device by a clipper or the other fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Wen-Fu Wu
  • Patent number: 6153274
    Abstract: A support for a scent-dispensing insert (20) for use in an artificial flower comprises a perforated enclosure including a body portion (16) and a releasable lid (18), the support being connectable to a scent-carrying tube (10) disposed in the stem of the flower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: United Chinese Plastics Products Company Limited
    Inventor: Yue Sin George Koo
  • Patent number: 6132841
    Abstract: The wiping device of the present invention comprises a thermoplastic sheet coupled with an optional absorbent core and an optional liquid impervious backsheet. The thermoplastic sheet defines a plurality of cavities including outwardly extending capillaries. Contained within the absorbent core for release upon demand is one or more fluids which facilitate and enhance the cleaning provided by the wiping device. As the cavities of the thermoplastic sheet are contacted with and wiped across a surface to be cleansed, the cavities collect and remove undesired material such as dirt, feces or blood. The selective release of the one or more fluids onto the surface to be cleansed further facilitates the cleaning and/or provides fragrance and/or medicaments, or the like, to the surface to be cleansed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Tredegar Corporation
    Inventors: Lee F. Guthrie, Paul E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6126085
    Abstract: A fragrance dispenser for a brassiere has a holder molded from plastic and connected to the brassiere. The holder is of droplet shape and has a pocket from which a neck extends, the pocket receiving a sintered metal or mineral porous disk impregnated with perfume and held in the pocket by a deflectable tongue on the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Fildan Accessories Corporation
    Inventor: Karl Wanzenbock
  • Patent number: 6109539
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for releasing a volatile substance. The device includes a housing having an interior region, a volatile substance contained within the interior region, and the ability to controllably release the volatile substance from the housing. Such controllable release can be accomplished by the housing being substantially permeable to ambient air, yet substantially impermeable to the volatile substance contained within the interior region of the housing. Additionally, the invention contemplates the use of one or more porous plugs for diffusing the volatile substance therethrough and eventually into atmosphere in a vapor form. To assist such diffusion, the invention likewise contemplates the use of an electrochemical gas generating cell, a heating element and/or other features which allow air to controllably enter into the interior region of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, Truman Christian Wold, II, John Joseph McEvoy
  • Patent number: 6109537
    Abstract: A release rate modulator for use with membrane-based formulations systems to control the release of a substance. The release rate modulator is formed from perforated polypropylene containing approximately 36 holes/cm.sup.2. Each hole is approximately 1 mm.sup.2 in size. The flow of substance passes through the holes and the membrane before reaching the surrounding environment. The use of the modulator improves the duration of substance release and provides a more constant release of the substance compared to unpredictable release rates obtained when the formulations systems did not contain the modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Robert R. Heath
  • Patent number: 6105916
    Abstract: A frame for a cabinet for a deodorant particularly for commodes and urinals in public facilities. The frame is composed of separate back plate, top member and bottom member composed of a resilient plastic. The top member and bottom member are snap-locked to the back plate and secured further by projections from the top and bottom members in slots in the back plate. The bottom member is a liquid-tight tray capable of processing deodorants in bottles through wicks or can with wicks, absorbent surcotas and wafers. There is a bottle holder snap-locked to the underside of the top member. A battery-blower assembly is snap-locked to the back plate. The battery poles are joined to the wires from the blower-motor by a clip. The tube which drips deodorant into a commode or urinal is secured to the outlet from the tray by ribs and bulkhead fittings are dispensed with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Pestco, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold H. Zlotnik, John A. Austin, Milton Zlotnik
  • Patent number: 6102300
    Abstract: A pocket size aromatherapy scent dispenser includes a flat casing defining a narrow cavity, a lid formed by an upper portion of the casing and a living hinge extending across the casing below the upper portion and pivotally connecting the lid to a remainder portion of the casing such that the lid can pivot about the living hinge between opened and closed positions relative to the remainder portion of the casing. The lid in the opened position is pivoted away from the remainder portion of the casing and opens an upper portion of the narrow cavity above the living hinge to an external environment. The lid in the closed position is disposed adjacent to the remainder portion of the casing and closes the upper portion of the cavity to the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Tony A. Bruckner, James V. Bruckner, Robert F. Gurnsey
  • Patent number: 6080367
    Abstract: An aromatic container has a rotating device, a disk vessel disposed on the rotating device, a ring disposed on the disk vessel, a pivot seat engaging with the rotating device, and a clamp device engaging with the pivot seat. The ring has a plurality of lower columns, a plurality of circular apertures, and a center opening receiving a center cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Jun-Ru Lin
  • Patent number: 6029900
    Abstract: A bomb shaped air freshener device 10 including a hollow spherical housing member 20 dimensioned to receive a scent dispensing unit 12. The upper portion 21 of the housing member 20 is provided with at least one scent dispensing aperture 25 and operatively associated with an adjustable closure unit 13 wherein at least a portion 65 of the adjustable closure unit 13 is dimensioned and configured to resemble the fuse of a bomb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Jorge A. Quinones
  • Patent number: 6024386
    Abstract: An aroma-generating greeting card in a folder format having a front panel that folds over a rear panel. Printed on the front panel is a greeting appropriate to a given occasion, such as a holiday. Printed on the rear panel is a message related to the greeting. Mounted behind a port formed in the rear panel and blocking this port is a gas-barrier bag housing plastic beads impregnated with a fragrance whose aroma is associated with the occasion. The aroma is dischargeable through a vent in the bag lying within the confines of the port. The port is normally covered by a removable sticker which seals the vent to prevent discharge of the aroma. When a recipient receives the card and unfolds it to read the message and then peels off the sticker, the aroma is then discharged so that it can be sensed by the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Patent number: 6004516
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating odor upon electronic signal demand using a disk having an aroma-impregnated adsorbent and a substrate. The disk is inserted into a disk drive that receives signals from a user and/or a server computer. A controller within the disk drive supplies an electric, mechanical or thermal signal to the disk, resulting in the heating of the adsorbent. The controller may also activate a blower to distribute the scent produced by the heated adsorbent and to cool the adsorbent at the end of the scent distribution cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Firooz Rasouli, Hamid Arastoopour, Ali Oskouie
  • Patent number: 5980834
    Abstract: A sample storage device comprises a vial provided with an opening, a permion tube arranged within the vial, permeable to a fluid contained in the vial or the permeation tube, and having a first closed end and an opposite second end, and a septum closure sealing the vial opening. In one embodiment, the permeation tube second end is open, the permeation tube is arranged within the vial with the second end adjacent the vial opening, and the septum closure seals the vial opening and the second open end of the permeation tube. The vial has a sample fluid, at least a portion of which is in contact with an outer surface of the permeation tube, and the permeation tube is permeable to the sample fluid. In a second embodiment, the permeation tube second end is closed, and the permeation tube includes a marker-containing adsorbent therein. The vial has a sample fluid therein and the permeation tube is permeable to the marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce
    Inventor: Thomas J. Bruno
  • Patent number: 5967412
    Abstract: A dispensing device (7) that is intended to be mounted on a vertical planar surface such as a door (10). The dispensing device (7) includes an enclosure (13) having a first opening (34) and a second opening (37) defined therein. The first opening (34) contains a first airflow valve (43) and the second opening contains a second airflow valve (46). An odorous substance (40) is disposed inside the enclosure (13) between the two airflow valves (43,46). When the door (10) swings open or closed, airflow generated along the surface of the door (10) passes through the airflow valves (43,46) to release the odors from the odorous substance (40) into the area surrounding the door (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Song Won Lee
  • Patent number: 5961043
    Abstract: A device supports and dispenses volatile materials. The device is self-supporting and has a tent-like configuration. It can be hung from a bar. One of its side panels is connected to another by a tab and slot, or tab and pocket, arrangement above a base. The base connects the side panels. There is a reservoir for dispensing the volatile material which is mounted on one of the side panels, with a rear of the reservoir being positioned between two of the panels above the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon C. Samuelson, James F. Kimball, Cristopher M. Shiffler, David J. Houser
  • Patent number: 5950922
    Abstract: A holder for an air freshener comprising a wall section having a perimeter, a forward facing rim disposed along the perimeter, a rearward facing rim disposed along the perimeter forming a rear space for containing the air freshener. An image may be disposed on the forward facing surface of the wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Gregory Flinn
  • Patent number: 5943816
    Abstract: An apparatus for liquid bait-toxicant delivery with feeding pores comprising a reservoir, a feeding disk with capillary feeding pores, a base that will seal the feeding pores when the station is closed; designed such that it can be opened or closed by several different arrangements; and a method of delivery of liquid bait-toxicant using capillary feeding pores in direct contact with liquid without using wicking material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Stephanie H. Hyatt, Dang-Sheng Liang
  • Patent number: 5935526
    Abstract: An air freshener for attachment to a ceiling fan includes a storage container, a thick, porous fragrance cake impregnated with a fragrance secured inside the storage container, and "hook and loop" fasteners for attaching the storage container to the cover or a light fixture of the ceiling fan. The storage container preferably includes a bottom, a side wall and a lid. Together, the bottom and the side wall define a cavity in which the fragrance cake is secured. The lid is movable relative to the side wall so that the lid may be moved to expose the fragrance cake. The lid, the side wall or both have a plurality of apertures therethrough to permit ambient air to circulate around the fragrance cake to distribute the fragrance to the surrounding area as the air enters and exits the apertures and is further circulated by the ceiling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph H. Moore
  • Patent number: 5899382
    Abstract: A device for releasing a volatile substance into an environment in a controlled/metered manner. A reservoir made of a substance-absorbent material that is impregnated with a volatile substance in its liquid phase is located in a cavity open at the front surface of a container body made of a material non-permeable to the substance. A wood or wood-type panel permeable to the substance covers the cavity. A clip may be fixed to the back surface of the container body so that the device may be secured to a mounting surface. The device may be packaged with skin pack film such that a vapor barrier is formed, preserving/storing the substance until such time as opened/activated by the consumer. When activated, a volatilization mechanism is initiated wherein the panel absorbs the substance from the reservoir, the substance is introduced to ambient air, volatilized, released and, finally, dispersed throughout an environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Woodco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Hayes, Alan P. Lonneman
  • Patent number: 5899381
    Abstract: An electrically controlled pump (20) for dispersing a volatile substance into a local environment includes an enclosure defining a volume, a moveable member (52) separating the enclosure into first (54) and second (56) chambers (the second chamber containing non-solid composition which includes a volatile substance), an electrochemical cell (48) for generating gas. The electrochemical cell is associated with the enclosure, and is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A port preferably communicates the second chamber with a medium for dispersing the volatile substance into the local environment. Also, a case (58) may encase the pump and hold it in an upright position with respect to a surface upon which the case is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Gordon, Ashok V. Joshi, Giorgio di Palma
  • Patent number: 5873529
    Abstract: A device for distributing a deodorising, fragrancing insecticidal or the like product is arranged to be activated by opening and closing a room door. In one embodiment, the device comprises a spring plastics bracket 10 clipped to the bottom of a door and carrying spring clips 16 supporting for rotation a hollow plastics roller 20 containing a solid deodorant, fragrancing compound or insecticide, and having apertures in its wall to allow vaporised deodorant or the like to escape. The dispersal of the deodorant, fragrance or the like is promoted every time the door is opened and closed and so the rate of use of the deodorant, fragrancer or insecticide is appropriately related to room use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Durand Limited
    Inventor: William Nevil Heaton Johnson
  • Patent number: 5871153
    Abstract: An improved disinfectant dispensing and fragrance diffusing apparatus for dispensing a liquid disinfectant. The disinfectant dispensing and fragrance diffusing apparatus has a first portion including a container and a delivery mechanism. The container is for holding the liquid disinfectant, and the delivery mechanism is for delivering the liquid disinfectant from the container into a toilet bowl or urinal. The improvement comprises a second portion including at least one object having a particular fragrance and an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the object to the first portion. The attachment mechanism can removably attach more than one object to the first portion so that the intensity of the particular fragrance can be varied. The particular fragrance is diffused into the air adjacent the toilet bowl or urinal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Auto-San, Inc.
    Inventor: John H Doggett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5868315
    Abstract: An air freshener includes a top cover shell and a bottom cover shell respectively shaped like a slice of bread and pivoted together, a spring plate retained between the top cover shell and the bottom cover shell, two clamping plates shaped like a slice of vegetable leaf and a slide of cheese and respectively fastened to the top cover shell and the bottom cover shell on the inside and forced by the spring force of the spring plate to hold a cake of solid perfume in therebetween, the bottom cover shell having a tongue with a hanging hole for hanging, and a retaining hole for fastening a clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Wen-Jye Chen
  • Patent number: 5857621
    Abstract: A tissue paper storage and scenting apparatus having an interior chamber sized to accommodate from multiple rolls of tissue paper in a sealed environment ventilated through an upper portion of the apparatus which is receptive to fragrance producing materials. The tissue paper is maintained in a highly fragrant environment so as to provide a scent to the stored tissue rolls while preventing unwanted bathroom odors from spoiling the tissue paper. The instant invention further provides for scenting of the bathroom environment thereby forming a combination storage container and scenting mechanism that can be placed on a counter or along the floor providing ease of access to a bathroom guest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Jon D. Poulos
  • Patent number: 5775876
    Abstract: A ceiling-fan-blade-mounted air freshener apparatus includes a housing assembly which includes a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion projecting upward from the lower housing portion. The upper housing portion includes a plurality of vent apertures. An air freshener/matrix assembly is housed within the housing assembly. A housing-to-blade connector connects the housing assembly to a ceiling fan blade. In one embodiment, the housing-to-blade connector is comprised of a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive bonded to a bottom side of the lower housing portion. The housing-to-blade connector further includes a peel strip removably adhered to a bottom surface of the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The housing assembly includes a pointed end, and the air freshener/matrix assembly includes a complementary pointed end. The pointed end of the air freshener/matrix assembly is wedged into the pointed end of the housing assembly under an influence of centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Qwan James Walker, Christopher Williams
  • Patent number: 5752658
    Abstract: An air freshener device disposed in proximity to a ceiling fan by attachment to a pull chain of the ceiling fan for scenting air moved by the fan. The device receives a scented pad in a first dish that defines a pair of opposite slots for receiving links of the pull chain for securing the device in close proximity to the ceiling fan and for overlying the scented pad in the first dish. A second dish joins to the first dish by engaging a flange on the second dish to a groove in the first dish. The groove is defined by a rib which extends outwardly of a thinner distal portion of the skirt and a thicker portion of the skirt. The dishes define a plurality of vent openings for exposing the scented pad to air moved by the ceiling fan. A first tab extends outwardly of the first dish and a second tab extends outwardly of the second dish in partially overlapping relation, whereby the joined dishes are separated by twistingly moving the tabs in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: New Ideas International, Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Gibbs, James T. Baxter, Douglas M. Vick
  • Patent number: 5735460
    Abstract: An air freshener assembly is disclosed comprising a rigid housing having an interior cavity, an exterior surface having a substantially planar portion and also having a plurality of apertures formed in the substantially planar exterior surface of the rigid housing. An insert containing a volatile fragrant material is disposed within the interior cavity of the rigid housing. A substantially rigid cover member having an upper decorative surface is attached to the substantially planar exterior surface of the rigid housing such that the cover member is supported substantially parallel to and spaced from the housing surface to permit volatilized aromatic gas emitted from the apertures to mix with ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: United Industrial Trading Corp.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Eisenbraun
  • Patent number: 5732882
    Abstract: An air freshener device disposed in proximity to a ceiling fan by attachment to a pull chain of the ceiling fan for scenting air moved by the fan. The device has a unitary clam-shell housing for receiving a scented pad between a first dish and a second dish which join together by an intermediate foldable hinge. The dishes define a plurality of vent openings for passage of air therethrough for scenting. A latch member extending laterally from the first dish defines a channel for lockingly engaging a post that extends radially inwardly on the second dish upon folding the dishes together along the hinge. A pair of oppositely aligned slots in portions of the first dish receiving links of the pull chain for securing the device in close proximity to the ceiling fan and for overlying the scented pad in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: New Ideas International, Inc.
    Inventor: George S. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5720432
    Abstract: An insert for absorbing and masking odor within a shoe. The inventive device includes a joined pouch having a deodorant disinfectant material positioned therein. The joined pouch can be separated into individual pouches positionable into a pair of shoes to reduce or eliminate odor emanating therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Joan McDoom Gaskin
  • Patent number: 5603455
    Abstract: A deodorizer container including a casing, an inner container fitted into the casing and designed for receiving liquid deodorizer, the inner container being provided with a spray nozzle at a top thereof, and an evaporation controller including an outer tube and an inner tube rotatably fitted into the outer tube, the outer tube being formed with a plurality of perforations, the outer tube being provided at an end with a cylindrical portion communicated with the outer tube through a slot, the cylindrical portion being adapted to receive the spray nozzle of the inner container, whereby the evaporation rate of the liquid deodorizer in the deodorizer container can be controlled as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Shi Huang Lin
  • Patent number: 5549247
    Abstract: An air nebulizer to be attached to a bottle containing scented liquid with a housing structure to receive air under pressure to cause the scented liquid to come out of the bottle under pressure and pass through a mesh in the housing to create a fine mist to be dispersed through an adjustable opening in the housing, the size of which opening controls the amount of such mist dispersed into the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Leyden House Limited
    Inventors: Jon R. Rossman, Bryan Hotaling
  • Patent number: 5544812
    Abstract: A table-top air freshener has a tubular cylinder containing perfume-impregnated cellulose strips. The cylinder press-fits into a cylindrical cavity formed in a decorative housing with the bottom of the cylinder exposed for attachment to a stand. A selected length of the cylinder can be withdrawn from the cavity to provide a desired perfuming effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: David F. Torres
  • Patent number: 5529243
    Abstract: A scent dispensing device comprising a scent impregnated pad of which the side edges are supportingly engaged by the inner side surfaces of a perforated hollow tubular body within which the pad is enclosed. The tubular body is expandable between: (1) a flat-folded, collapsed condition in which a pair of opposing tube wall panels with spaced apart apertures are joined together along their opposite side edges and (2) a dilated condition in which the opposing wall panels bow outwardly of each other creating a tubular body of lenticular cross section of lesser dimension between the wall panel joined side edges than in the flat-folded, collapsed condition. Convex contoured end closure flap members connected to extend across the width of each opposing wall panel at their ends are displaceable inwardly of the opposing wall panels to close the tubular body and establish the dilated condition. The width of the impregnated pad is substantially that of the lenticular lesser cross sectional dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Product Innovation Resource, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Hoyt, Wesley M. Buckner
  • Patent number: 5527493
    Abstract: An air-treating article for dispensing a volatilizable material, such as air freshener fragrance, into the atmosphere of an enclosed area, such as an automobile interior. The device includes a housing and a reservoir of the volatilizable material therein, and also includes a dual-configured, articulating attachment clip which enables attachment of the device at a high-air-flow station, such as the forced air vent grille of the automobile, or at a low-air-flow station, such as the sun visor of the vehicle. The device enables use of the consistent delivery rates of a low-density polyethylene membranes while at the same producing a higher delivery rate than normally achieved with such membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: The Dial Corp
    Inventors: Mark W. McElfresh, Jim F. Warner, Young C. Park, Charles A. Curtiss, Martin Bogenstaerter
  • Patent number: 5518790
    Abstract: A container to hold aromatic substances which can be sealed aroma-tight with a composite film consisting of several laminae. The composite film on the top of the container is made up of an aroma-tight outer film having at least two laminae and an aroma-permeable inner film which is detachably bonded to the outer film by means of a bonding agent. The outer film can be applied onto the inner film or membrane film, which consists of at least two permanently bonded laminae, whereby the lamina adhering to the container is made of polyethylene and the third or top lamina is made of a polymer materialwhich has a different density. The surface structure of the side of the membrane film facing away from the container is selected in such away that the entire membrane film stays on the container when the outer film (16) is pulled off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignees: Klocke Verpackungsservice GmbH. AG, Manka Developpement de Concepts Produits
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Huber, Hartmut Klocke, Herbert Wendel
  • Patent number: 5478505
    Abstract: An air-treating article for dispensing a volatilizable material, such as air freshener fragrance, into the atmosphere of an enclosed area, such as an automobile interior. The device includes a housing and a reservoir of the volatilizable material therein, and also includes a dual-configured, articulating attachment clip which enables attachment of the device at a high-air-flow station, such as the forced air vent grille of the automobile, or at a low-air-flow station, such as the sun visor of the vehicle. The device enables use of the consistent delivery rates of a low-density polyethylene membranes while at the same producing a higher delivery rate than normally achieved with such membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignees: Jim F. Warner, Young C. Park, Charles A. Curtiss, Martin Bogenstaerter, Mark McElfresh
    Inventors: Mark McElfresh, Jim F. Warner, Young C. Park, Charles A. Curtiss, Martin Bogenstaerter
  • Patent number: 5422078
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a scent to a compartment comprising a reusable holder having a connecting means and a scented card insertable into the holder. The connecting means can be a clip which is connectable to a louver of an air duct outlet register of a forced air system or to a fan guard of a utility fan. The apparatus can also be modified to attach to an interior surface of a refrigerator and may even be adaptable for use as costume jewelry. The scented card is produced by a process wherein a heat extrudable thermoplastic material is mixed with a chemical blowing agent and at least one fragrance and optionally a coloring agent, the mixture of material and fragrance is heated and extruded to produce a flat fragrant sheet of material which after being trimmed, forms a relatively rigid but flexible card insertable into the holder and removable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Amber M. Colon
  • Patent number: 5407642
    Abstract: A clip mount air freshener assembly has an air freshening element, and a holder providing a channel which slidably seats the air freshening element, and a spring mounting clip for mounting the air freshener assembly on the grill of a ventilator so that a stream of air issuing therefrom will flow over the exposed surface of the air freshening element. In the preferred embodiment, the holder and the clip are separate members, with each of the members providing pivot surfaces. A connector between the holder and the clip provides pivoting elements, pivotable on the pivot surfaces to provide pivotal motion of the holder in two orthogonal axes of rotation with respect to the spring mounting clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Paul J. Lord
  • Patent number: 5383598
    Abstract: An isolation retainer for chemically treated aromatically emissive substances, comprising a pair of opposing side members attached together along their respective perimeters to form a pocket therebetween for the retention of the chemically treated aromatically emissive substance, where the side members contain one or more apertures for providing air flow through the side member and into the interior of the pocket to allow the escape of the aromatic vapors emitting from the chemically treated substance, and an elongated aperture disposed in the perimeter of the retainer for inserting the aromatically emissive substance into the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Robert L. Styles