Top mounting for a container for a volatile liquid dispenser

Abstract

A container for a volatile liquid in a liquid dispensing device comprises a body and a retention structure. The retention structure is mounted to a top portion of the container. A capillary member may extend from inside the container to an exterior of the container. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid migrates along the capillary member 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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to emanation systems for volatile liquids and, more particularly, to a container for a volatile liquid in a liquid dispensing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing insertion of the container of the present invention into a housing of a dispensing device;

[0003] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 including an embodiment of the retention structure of the present invention;

[0004] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the retention structure of FIG. 2;

[0005] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the container and the retention structure of FIG. 2;

[0006] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2 in which a portion of the housing is engaging the top portion of the retention structure;

[0007] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the retention structure of FIG. 2;

[0008] FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic views of the retention structure engaging the housing; and

[0009] FIG. 9 is the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 in which a portion of the housing is engaging a lower portion of the retention structure of FIG. 5; and

[0010] FIG. 10 is a partial cut away view of the housing as seen in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DECSRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, container 20 of the present invention is to be releasably secured to a housing 100 of a unit for dispensing a volatile liquid, such as a fragrance compound. Container 20 serves as a reservoir for the volatile liquid. A capillary member 74 is positioned in an opening of container 20. A portion of capillary member 74 extends into an interior of container 20 to contact the volatile liquid. Another portion of capillary member 74 extends outside container 20. When container 20 is secured in housing 100, a portion of container 20 and the portion of capillary member 74 extending outside the container reside in an interior of housing 100. Under these circumstances, the volatile liquid migrates along capillary member 74 from the reservoir to the exterior of container 100 where it is evaporated from an exterior surface of capillary member 74 by forced airflow generated by a motorized fan mounted in housing 100. In this embodiment, container 20 is secured in a position onto housing 100 such that the portion of capillary member 74 in the interior of housing 100 resides in the forced air stream generated by the fan.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 10, container 20 is designed to be releasably mounted, via a retention structure 26, in an opening 200 of housing 100 of the fragrance dispensing unit. In these embodiments, container 20 includes a body 22 having a top portion 24. A neck 42 extends from top portion 24 to define an opening 44 into an interior of container 20. The retention structure, generally designated 26, is mounted on top portion 24 of container 20.

[0013] Various other embodiments of the retention structure will now be described. As stated above, retention structure 26 releasably engages a housing of a volatile dispenser to secure the container 20 to housing 100. Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, a first embodiment of retention structure 26 includes one or more latching members 28 which engage complementary latch-receiving features, such as edges or shoulders 68, on respective opposing sides of housing opening 200, as seen in FIG. 10. Each latching member 28 has an entry portion 32 and a hook portion 34. Both entry portion 32 and hook portion 34 of each latching member 28 have surfaces generally inclined with respect to an axis of insertion “A” of the container into housing 100, as seen in FIG. 7, for more easily establishing sliding contact with the complementary surfaces of the housing. As seen in FIG. 3 in this embodiment, latching members 28 are formed on a bracket 40 fabricated as a component separate from container top portion 24.

[0014] Alternatives to latching members 28 may be incorporated into retention structure 26. For example, retention structure 26 may include a latch-receiving member (not shown) for positively engaging a complementary projection, such as a tab or a latch, formed on housing 100. In the embodiments of the retention structure described above, latching members 28 and/or the portions of housing 100 that engage the latching members may resiliently deflect during mounting of container 20 onto housing 100.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, retention structure 26 may also include one or more detent members 38 incorporated into bracket 40 to form an enclosure that encloses container neck 42 therein. In one embodiment, detent members 38 are cantilevered, having a base end 46 and a free end 48. Detent members 38 are also formed so as to project slightly outward, in a direction away from neck 42 as shown. A projection 50 is formed in free end 48 of each detent member 38 and a recess 52 is formed in a wall of neck 42 opposite each of projections 50 for receiving a corresponding one of projections therein, in a manner to be described later.

[0016] As stated above, the retention structure of the present invention may be formed on a component separate from top portion 24. In the previously described first embodiment, the separate component was a single piece in the form of a bracket 40. Bracket 40 may be fabricated using a method, such as molding or stamping and forming, which enables elements of the retention structure to be formed integral with the bracket. Depending on where bracket 40 is to be positioned on housing top portion 24, an opening 54 (FIG. 3) may be formed in bracket 40 for receiving therethrough a portion of capillary member 74 (FIG. 1) extending into container 20. Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment, elements of the retention structure may be formed on multiple separate components 58, each component 58 being individually mountable to housing top portion 24. For example, a latching member 28 as previously described may be formed on each of separate pieces 58. Each separate piece 58 may then be secured to container top portion 24.

[0017] Retention structure 26 may be fabricated using a method, such as molding or stamping and forming, which enables elements of the retention structure to be formed integral with top portion 24. For example, top portion 24 may be a molded plastic component in which elements of the retention structure (e.g., latches, detent members, etc.) may be integrally molded therein. Alternatively, top portion 24 may be a sheet metal component on which elements of the retention are formed through cutting and bending.

[0018] Separate component or components including the retention structure may be detachably mounted to top portion 24 using one of a variety of known methods, such as a latching system or a snap fit. As an example, referring to FIG. 4, a bracket 40 as described above may be mounted to a supporting structure 60 formed in the top portion of the container. Supporting structure 60 aids in positioning and securing bracket 40 on container top portion 24. In this embodiment, supporting structure 60 includes neck 42 and a pair of tabs 62 formed in container top portion 24. The structure of bracket 40 defines an enclosure for receiving neck 42 therein when bracket 40 is mounted on container top portion 24. A pair of slots (not shown) is also formed in bracket 40 for receiving tabs 62 therein during mounting of bracket 40 to top portion 24.

[0019] In alternative embodiments, separate component or components incorporating the retention structure may be permanently secured to container top portion 24 using one of a variety of known methods, such as adhesive attachment, ultrasonic welding, an interference fit with a complementary feature formed on the container top portion, etc.

[0020] Releasable mounting of container 20 to housing 100 will now be discussed. Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 10, when it is desired to mount container 20 onto housing 100, retention structure 26 is received in housing opening 200 wherein elements of the retention structure engage complementary features located on housing 100 to secure container 20 to the housing 100. Specifically, in the first embodiment of the retention structure described above, latching member entry portions 32 engage complementary shoulders 68 on opposing sides of housing opening 200, causing latching members 28 to deflect inwards until latching member entry portions 32 pass housing shoulders 68, whereupon latching members 28 snap back to a substantially undeflected state in which hook portions 34 are engaged with housing shoulders 68. This positive engagement between latching members 28 and opposing sides of housing opening 200 aids in securing container 20 to housing 100.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, during insertion of the retention structure into housing opening 200, each detent member 38 establishes sliding contact with a respective opposing wall 70 of housing opening 200. This sliding contact causes detent members 38 to resiliently deflect inwards, in a direction toward neck 42 and provides resistance to insertion of detent member 38 into housing 100. As retention structure 26 is inserted further into housing 100 causing detent members 38 to deflect further inward, projections 50 on detent members 38 enter recesses 52. When retention structure 26 is fully inserted into opening 200, detent member projections 50 reside within recesses 52. In this position, it may be seen that contact forces between each detent member 38 and a respective housing wall 70 aid in securing container 20 to housing 100.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 8, when it is desired to detach container 20 from housing 100, container 20 may be grasped along sides 72 by a user to pull container 20 in the direction indicated by arrow “B”. Inclined surfaces of hook portions 34 then engage complementary shoulders 68 on opposing sides of housing opening 200, causing latching members 28 (FIG. 7) to deflect inwards until latching member hook portions 34 pass housing shoulders 68, whereupon the inclined surfaces of entry portions 32 engage housing shoulders 68 in sliding contact during withdrawal of the retention structure from housing 100.

[0023] It may be seen that, by the initial sliding engagement between housing shoulders 68 and the inclined surfaces of hook portions 34, and by the subsequent sliding engagement between housing shoulders 68 and the inclined surfaces of entry portions 32, latching members 28 act to inhibit withdrawal of the retention structure (and the container attached thereto) from housing 100. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, as each detent member 38 engages in sliding contact with a respective housing wall 70 during withdrawal of the retention structure from the housing, engagement between detent projections 50 and recesses 52 produces a gripping effect of bracket 40 on neck 42. During the initial movement of container 20 in direction “B” away from housing 100, this gripping effect of bracket 40 on neck 42 helps maintain securement of bracket 40 to container 20, thereby helping to prevent bracket 40 from separating from container 20. As retention structure 26 is withdrawn further from housing 100, housing wall 70 engages detent member 38 closer to base end 46, allowing detent member 38 to return its undeflected state and causing projection 50 to withdraw from recess 52.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0024] The container of the present invention is releasably mounted to a housing of a unit for dispensing a volatile liquid, such as a fragrance compound. The container is releasably mounted to the housing using a retention structure positioned on a top portion of the container. Thus, the container can serve as a disposable or refillable reservoir for the volatile liquid. In addition, the structure of the container serves to position a portion of a capillary member in the path of an airflow generated by a fan mounted in the housing. This positioning of the capillary member within in a forced airflow ensures rapid and efficient dissemination of a volatile liquid drawn through the capillary member from the reservoir.

[0025] It should be understood that the preceding is merely a detailed description of various embodiments of this invention and that numerous changes to these disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

a body having a top portion; and

a retention structure releasably mounted on the top portion of the container and adapted to releasably engage with a housing of a dispenser for a volatile liquid.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the retention structure includes a latching member adapted to engage a complementary latch-receiving feature associated with the housing.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein the retention structure includes a second latching member spaced apart from the latching member and adapted to engage another complementary latch-receiving feature associated with the housing.

4. The container of claim 3 wherein the latching member and the other latching member are positioned on opposing sides of the body.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the retention structure comprises a latch receiving structure adapted to engage a complementary latching member formed on the housing.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein the retention structure includes a detent member adapted to engage a surface of the housing.

7. The container of claim 6 including a projection extending from the detent member adapted to engage a complementary recess in the container with engagement of the detent member with the surface of the housing.

8. The container of claim 7 further comprising a neck projecting from the top portion and wherein the recess is formed in a wall of the neck.

9. The container of claim 6 wherein the detent member is cantilevered.

10. The container of claim 1 wherein a neck projects from the top portion of the container and defines an opening for receiving a capillary member therethrough, the retention structure includes an opening for receiving the capillary member therethrough, and is mountable on the top portion of the body of the container such that the opening in the retention structure is in alignment with the opening defined by the neck.

11. A container comprising:

a body having a top portion in which a neck is positioned in the top portion and defines an opening to the container; and

a retention structure positioned on the top portion, and adapted to be releasably engaged with a housing of a dispenser for a volatile liquid.

12. The container of claim 11 wherein the retention structure includes a latching member adapted to engage a complementary latch-receiving feature associated with the housing.

13. The container of claim 12 wherein the retention structure includes another latching member spaced apart from the latching member and adapted to engage another complementary latch-receiving feature associated with the housing.

14. The container of claim 13 wherein the latching member and the other latching member are positioned on opposing sides of the body.

15. The container of claim 11 wherein the retention structure comprises a latch receiving structure adapted to engage a complementary latching member formed on the housing.

16. The container of claim 111 wherein the retention structure includes a detent member adapted to engage a surface of the housing.

17. The container of claim 16 including a projection extending from the detent member adapted to engage a complementary recess in the container with engagement of the detent member with the surface of the housing.

18. The container of claim 17 further comprising a recess formed in a wall of the neck.

19. The container of claim 16 wherein the detent member is cantilevered.

20. The container of claim 11 wherein the neck projects from the top portion of the container and the opening is adapted to receive a capillary member therethrough, the retention structure includes an opening for receiving the capillary member therethrough, and is mountable on the top portion of the body of the container such that the opening in the retention structure is in alignment with the opening defined by the neck.

21. The container of claim 111 wherein the retention structure is adapted to be releasably mountable to the top portion of the body.