Odor neutralization apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus for neutralizing odors in clothing, comprising an applicator for applying a neutralizing substance to a person's clothing, the applicator including: a carrier layer impregnated with the neutralizing substance and a substrate layer having generally the same shape as the carrier layer and bonded to the carrier layer around all but a select portion of the perimeter of the carrier layer. An activating mechanism associated with the applicator may be provided for releasing the neutralizing substance from the carrier layer. In another aspect of the invention, a method comprising the steps of providing an odor-neutralizing applicator having a carrier layer impregnated with an odor neutralizing substance and adapted to be slipped over the person's fingertips of one hand; and manipulating the applicator against the person's clothing to neutralize the odors in the person's clothing. An activating step may be included to release the odor neutralizing substance onto the person's clothing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to neutralizing unpleasant odors and, more particularly, to apparatus and a method for neutralizing unpleasant odors on the surface of a person's clothing and refreshing the scent of the clothing.

2. Background of the Invention

Dining out, attending concerts or dance performances, going to the theatre or to movies, going to parties, dances and celebrations, going to night clubs and other entertainment venues, or just hanging out with friends are some of the activities people engage in during their free time. Generally, in preparing to participate in these activities, people take great pains to look their best and to present themselves in the best possible light. Personal grooming aids and products are often employed, most of which are scented, in an effort to appear attractive. Perfumes and scented grooming products are used to enhance the effects, particularly among persons interested in attracting other persons of the opposite sex, for example.

Unfortunately, the scented effects tend to diminish rapidly, reducing the intended effect of the personal grooming efforts. Further, many of the venues for the above activities include exposure to a wide variety of odors. These odors typically originate from food and beverages in restaurants, from smoke in restaurants, bars, night clubs, etc., from the perspiration of the persons themselves and other patrons, and from other substances that may be encountered during an evening's entertainment. Many of these odors are unpleasant or become more so with the passage of time. Such odors are readily absorbed by a person's clothing or hair, and are carried with the person for the rest of the evening. Thus, not only are the original scents diminished through the natural evaporation and deterioration that occurs, but they are often overwhelmed or masked by the many odors in the surroundings. These circumstances may be especially worrisome to people in a dating situation, especially as the evening wears on and the persons anticipate extending the evening or just wish to freshen themselves before proceeding with the remainder of the evening's activities.

Conventional remedies include perfume or perfumed products such as cologne applied to a person's skin or clothing, typically provided in a spray container or a bottle. Other similar products may be applied by hand. Further, it is known that certain products, such as dryer sheets for use in clothes dryers, have sometimes been used in an effort to absorb the unpleasant odors from a person's clothing or hair, generally with limited success. However, such dispensing devices as traditionally used for perfume or cologne are not readily available with odor neutralizing capabilities adapted to neutralizing the odors accumulated on a person's clothing. Moreover, the use of paper or fabric odor absorbing devices has heretofore failed to provide more than limited usefulness.

It is known or has been observed that certain paper or fabric products, such as the Bounce® dryer sheets and Swiffer® floor mop products manufactured and distributed by the Proctor & Gamble Corporation for the laundry and floor cleaning markets respectively, and which may respectively contain anti-static or scented compounds or cleaning agents, have certain properties that might suggest possible applications in this field of odor neutralization of clothing. However, the available configuration of these articles is not appropriate or well suited to the application of neutralizing the odors absorbed by a person's clothing in a night club or restaurant venue. The Bounce® dryer sheets and the Swiffer® mop refills are loose sheets of fabric. They are not conveniently packaged for a person's pocket or purse, are not adapted to the particular use of odor neutralization, and do not contain suitable substances for neutralizing odors absorbed into a person's clothing or for refreshing originally applied perfumes or scents.

What is needed is an apparatus and a method of using the apparatus, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art devices and methods, that can serve both to eliminate or neutralize unpleasant odors that accumulate on a person's clothing during an evening's entertainment in a wide variety of venues, and to refresh or restore the original scent or replace it with an alternative scent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, there is disclosed an apparatus for neutralizing odors in clothing, comprising an applicator for applying a neutralizing substance to a person's clothing, the applicator including: a carrier layer having a generally rectangular shape defined by a perimeter thereof and impregnated with the neutralizing substance, and a substrate layer having generally the same shape as the carrier layer and bonded to the carrier layer around all but a select portion of the perimeter of the carrier layer to form a finger pocket for manipulating the applicator. In an alternate embodiment, an activating mechanism or protective sleeve associated with the applicator may be provided for releasing the neutralizing substance from the carrier layer.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed comprising the steps of providing an odor-neutralizing applicator having a carrier layer impregnated with an odor neutralizing substance and adapted to be slipped over the person's fingertips of one hand; slipping the applicator over the fingertips of the person's hand; and manipulating the applicator against the person's clothing to neutralize the odors in the person's clothing. In an alternate embodiment the method includes the step of activating the carrier layer of the applicator to release the odor neutralizing substance onto the person's clothing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of an apparatus for neutralizing odors on a person's clothing;

FIG. 2 illustrates an edgewise view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a pictorial view of the use of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a plan view of one embodiment of an apparatus for neutralizing odors on a person's clothing. An applicator 10 includes a top layer 12, which may bear a brand indicia 14 including a brand 16, and, as one alternate embodiment, a textual indicia 18 including instructions 20 for using the applicator 10. In an alternative, wherein the top layer 12 includes only a brand indicia, textual indicia may be affixed to or printed upon the packaging for the applicator 10. A bonding region 22 is shown, indicating the location of a bond that is formed between the top layer 12 and other layers (not shown in FIG. 1) below the top layer 12. It will be observed, however, that the bonding region 22, between the edge of the applicator 10 and the dashed line, surrounds the perimeter of the applicator 10 around all of the perimeter except for one edge of the applicator 10. The edge of the applicator 10 that does not include a bond is selected so that a person's fingertips may be inserted between two of the layers, as will be explained.

The applicator 10 in its preferred embodiment is intended to be a compact device easily carried in a pocket or purse. Thus, its dimensions are determined accordingly to be slim and only slightly larger than a business card, for example. The applicator 10 in the illustrative embodiment shown may be approximately 3.75 inches long and approximately 3.00 inches wide. The top layer 12 may be a paper material bearing the indicia 14, 18, which may, for example, be printed or embossed thereon by conventional processes. In alternative embodiments, however, the dimensions and shape of the applicator 10 may of course be modified for other applications without departing from the concept illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. In general, the shape may be any plane figure that is bounded by a closed perimeter, such as triangular, rectangular, circular, eliptical, oval or polygonal. The portion of the perimeter that is open, called the open space 28, to permit the users fingers to be inserted between a carrier layer 24 and a substrate layer 26 (See FIG. 2) in the manner of a finger mit, may be located at any location along the perimeter of the applicator 10. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of the applicator 10 is generally rectangular with rounded corners, wherein the open space 28—an entry side for inserting the user's fingers—is located along one of the shorter sides of the applicator 10. Other embodiments may position the open space 28 along a longer side or a curved side.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an edgewise view of the applicator 10. The structure of the embodiment shown includes three layers of material, each with a distinct purpose. The top layer 12 has been described previously. It may be bonded fully to an intermediate substrate layer 24, which may be fabricated from a thin, generally flexible and substantially non-absorbent material that has some stiffness or resiliency to provide shape and “body” to the applicator 10. The purpose of the substrate layer 24 is to form a pocket in cooperation with the carrier layer 26 when the applicator 10 is prepared for use. Materials suited to this purpose include leather, synthetic, leather-like fabrics, heavy grade papers, and the like. The lower layer, the carrier layer 26, is preferably an absorbent layer of a non-woven fabric, such as may be formed of spun-bonded polyester fibers. This example, of which the fabric such as that used in the aforementioned dryer sheets is just one alternative, is illustrative only and a number of alternative fabric materials are feasible. The carrier layer 26 is preferably impregnated with an odor neutralizing substance to be described. In alternate embodiments, the carrier layer 26 may include pleasantly scented material such as perfume or cologne, either alone or in combination with the odor neutralizing substance.

The carrier layer 26 may be bonded to the substrate layer 24 around the perimeter of the substrate layer 24 except at the selected open space shown in FIG. 2. This open space is provided for the person using the applicator 10 to insert his or her fingertips into the pocket 28 between the carrier layer 26 and the substrate layer 24 for the purpose of manipulating the applicator 10 during use. The edge of the bonding region 22, represented by a dashed line (also indicated by reference number 22), is shown within the pocket 28 between the substrate 24 and carrier 26 layers. The dashed line 22, also shown in FIG. 1, may in one embodiment indicate one location of stitches for sewing the edges of the bonding region 22 together. The edges of the bonding region 22 may also be bonded using an adhesive, rivets, staples, clamps or crimped fasteners, or even be an integral part of both the substrate 24 and carrier 26 layers of the applicator 10. An example of the latter embodiment is provided when the substrate 24 and carrier 26 layers are formed of a single sheet of material that satisfies the requirements of both layers.

In some embodiments it is advantageous for the applicator 10 to be disposable; that is, it may be discarded when the odor neutralizing substance impregnated in the carrier layer 26 is exhausted. Thus, the materials used in the construction of the applicator 10 need not be particularly durable. On the other hand, it is further contemplated that other embodiments of the applicator 10 may be reusable. For example, an applicator 10 constructed of relatively durable materials and configured to be fitted with a replaceable carrier layer 26, may be provided. The latter embodiment might provide a marketing advantage in that the applicator may be provided at nominal cost with or without a package of refill carrier layers 26 (or, carrier sheets 26). A reusable applicator would include a bonding mechanism to enable removal of the carrier layer 26 for replacement by a fresh carrier layer 26.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a pictorial view of the applicator 10 being used to apply the odor neutralizing substance to a person's clothing. The applicator 10 is shown being manipulated by a wiping action against the clothing 30 of a user, as indicated by the arrows 36. The user's fingertips 32 of his or her hand 34 are inserted into the pocket 28 between the substrate 24 and carrier 26 layers of the applicator 10. In a preferred embodiment, the pocket 28 in the applicator 10, when opposite sides (e.g., to the left and right of the applicator 10 as indicated by the triangular marks 38, 40 in FIG. 3) of the applicator 10 are squeezed slightly, opens wide enough to receive two fingertips 32 therein for manipulating the applicator 10. Once installed on the user's fingertips, his or her hand 34 is moved in a side-to-side motion 36, rubbing or wiping the lower surface portion (not visible in the figure, but will be readily understood) of the carrier layer 26. This action causes the release and transfer of the odor neutralizing substance from a portion of the carrier layer 26 to the surface of the user's clothing 30, as will be described further herein.

Continuing with FIG. 3, the odor neutralizing substance may, for example, be an activated charcoal material, impregnated into or formed into a fabric used to construct the carrier layer 26, that absorbs odor particles on contact with the carrier layer 26. In an alternative embodiment, a compound that combines with the chemicals in food odors and smoke, thereby causing them to be non-odorous, may be activated on contact with the person's clothing. In another alternative embodiment, a compound that volatilizes odorous substances on contact, causing them to disperse by evaporation may be used. Alternate embodiments may utilize a combination of these features in a single device to accomplish odor neutralization. For example, a device may combine the features of absorption and ionization to neutralize odors accumulating on the surface of clothing. Further, the odor neutralizing substance maybe bound in microcapsules impregnated within the carrier layer, thus prevented from escaping until subjected to the pressure associated with the rubbing or wiping contact 36 against the user's clothing surface when the applicator 10 is being used. The odor neutralizing substance may additionally include a perfume or other scented agent. Alternatively, the perfume or scented agent may be separately impregnated into the carrier layer 26.

In one example, an activated charcoal material that is formed into a textile fabric having a microporous structure may be used in the carrier layer 26. The microporous structure provides a very large surface area presented to the odor-causing substances, effectively absorbing them from the person's clothing during use of the applicator 10. The activated charcoal textile material, developed in Britain for its filtering properties, is further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,371 issued to Conant et al.

The applicator 10 described herein above maybe used multiple times and stored in a person's pocket or purse when not in use. However, in an alternate embodiment, the applicator 10 may be enclosed in a protective wrapper (not shown) that is removed by the user prior to use. This wrapper may be configured to retard deterioration or prevent inadvertent dispersion of the odor neutralization or odor masking substances that may occur between uses. In another alternate embodiment, a protective layer of thin paper or plastic material having a low tack adhesive may be attached as a fourth layer (not shown) to the underside of the carrier layer 26. To activate the carrier layer 26, the user need only remove the fourth layer for use and replace the fourth protective layer over the carrier layer 26 after use. In a variation of this alternate embodiment, microcapsules of the odor neutralizing substance may be embedded in the adhesive that secures the protective layer to the carrier layer. Such microcapsules are well-known in the art for incorporating sample fragrances in periodical advertisements for the fragrance products. The microcapsules are ruptured when the protective layer is peeled away from the carrier layer, thus releasing or activating the odor neutralizing substance just prior to the use of the applicator 10.

While the invention has been shown in only one of its forms, it is not thus limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the embodiment illustrated in the drawings is shown with the opening disposed in one of the longer sides of the applicator 10. In one modification (not shown because its appearance is readily visualized to one skilled in the art, based on the structural features shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3), the opening for receiving the user's fingertips maybe provided in one of the shorter sides of the applicator, thus permitting insertion of the user's fingers to a greater extent to provide a firmer grip on the applicator 10.

In another modification, the applicator 10 may be enlarged such that a user's entire hand fits within the pocket 28 between the substrate 24 and carrier 26 layers. This configuration enables the use of the applicator as a hand mitt, for applying odor neutralizing substances to a larger fabric surface area, for example, such as to upholstery in vehicles or on furniture or draperies and curtains in offices or residences, etc.

Yet another modification is to provide a pouch or sleeve (not shown, but readily visualized by persons skilled in the art) for enclosing and storing the applicator 10 within when not in use. Such a pouch or sleeve may also protect the carrier layer 26 from contact with other surfaces or substances that could degrade its functional characteristics. A sleeve could also be employed as part of a mechanism for activating the applicator just prior to use, if that is a particular objective of the product. In this embodiment, removing the applicator 10 from enclosure or contact with the sleeve may serve to activate the odor neutralizing substance for use.

Claims

1. An apparatus for neutralizing odors in clothing, comprising:

a finger mitt applicator for applying an odor neutralizing substance to a person's clothing, the applicator including:

a carrier layer having a generally bounded shape defined by a perimeter thereof and impregnated with the odor neutralizing substance; and

a substrate layer having generally the same shape as the carrier layer and bonded to the carrier layer around all but a select portion of the perimeter of the carrier layer, thereby forming a pocket with the carrier layer and an open space for inserting one or more of a user's fingers therein.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises:

a top layer attached to an opposite side of the substrate layer from the carrier layer; and

indicia including a brand image imprinted on the top layer.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the indicia includes instructions for use of the applicator.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer and the top layer are combined in a single substrate layer having an imprintable outer surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the substrate layer is selected from the group consisting of leather and a leather substitute.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an activating mechanism associated with the carrier layer of the applicator for releasing the odor neutralizing substance from the carrier layer.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the activating mechanism is a wrapper configured for enclosing the carrier layer until use.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the wrapper is configured to enable re-use of the applicator.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket formed in the applicator is adapted for being slipped over a user's fingertips to enable manipulating the applicator to release the odor neutralizing substance.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket is formed in the applicator by squeezing first and second opposite sides of the applicator, thereby providing an open space for inserting a user's fingers.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrier layer is a non-woven, absorbent fabric sheet.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the carrier layer is fabricated from spun-bonded polyester fibers.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the odor neutralizing substance includes a perfume.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the odor neutralizing substance includes a pleasing scent.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrier layer is also impregnated with a perfume.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the odor neutralizing substance is a perfume.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer is a non-absorbent paper.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the odor neutralizing substance is impregnated into a first portion of the carrier layer and a second substance having a pleasing odor is released from a second portion of the carrier layer.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate layer is bonded to the carrier layer around all but a select portion of the perimeter of the carrier layer using a bonding means selected from the group consisting of sewn stitches, adhesive, rivets, staples, and clamps.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the generally bounded shape defined by a perimeter comprises a plane figure selected from the group consisting of triangular, rectangular, circular, eliptical, oval, and polygonal.

21. A method of neutralizing odors present in a person's clothing, comprising the steps of:

providing an odor-neutralizing applicator having a carrier layer impregnated with an odor neutralizing substance and adapted to be slipped over the person's fingertips of one hand;

slipping the applicator over the fingertips of the person's hand; and

manipulating the applicator against the person's clothing to release the odor neutralizing substance onto the person's clothing thereby neutralizing the odors in the person's clothing.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of manipulating comprises the step of:

rubbing the carrier layer of the applicator against the surface of the person's clothing to release the odor neutralizing substance onto the person's clothing.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of:

activating the carrier layer of the applicator, prior to the step of manipulating, to enable release of the odor neutralizing substance.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of activating further comprises the step of:

removing a protective wrapper from the applicator thereby exposing an active portion of the carrier layer.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of:

replacing the protective wrapper over the active portion of the carrier layer for subsequent re-use of the applicator.