Methods, devices, compositions, and systems for improved scent delivery

• US 20040265164A1
• Filed: 04/08/2004
• Published: 12/30/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Original Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Inventors: Alonso, Mario, Readnour, Christine Marie, Woo, Ricky Ah-Man, Liu, Zaiyou, Kvietok, Frank Andrej, Reece, Steven, St. Pierre, Eileen Marie, Agami, Sion, Kaiser, Carl Eric, Hecht, John Philip, Baillely, Susan Eleanor
• Application Number:
  US10/820,284
• Publication Number:
  US 20040265164A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/5
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 1/2033 using a fan
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 1/2038 Holders or dispensers for pressurized insecticide, e.g. pressurized vessels, cans
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 1/2072 combined with a fan
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 1/2077 using an electrical resistance as heat source A01M1/2083 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/02 using substances evaporated in the air by heating or combustion
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/035 emanating multiple odours
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/037 comprising a wick
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/04 using substances evaporated in the air without heating
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/042 with the help of a macromolecular compound as a carrier or diluent A61L9/048 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/048 air treating gels
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/122 comprising a fan
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/127 comprising a wick
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/14 using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 2003/0042 with ventilating means for adding the substances
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 2003/005 with heating means for adding the substances
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 2003/0064 adding more than one substance
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 3/0007 Adding substances other than water to the air, e.g. perfume, oxygen
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 3/0035 characterised by the control methods for adding the substance

Abstract

Systems, devices, methods, and compositions that improve the scent perception for a user. Improved scent perception is achieved by presenting alternating scents and by varying levels of output of scents, as well as by minimizing device clogging, thereby improving evaporation profiles.

Claims

1. A method of flattening a perfume-release profile from a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device comprising:

a) applying heat to the wick to achieve a wick temperature sufficient to increase the rate of volatilization of at least one component of the perfume composition;

b) reducing the heat to achieve a wick temperature sufficient to decrease the rate of volatilization of the at least one component of the perfume composition;

c) maintaining the reduced heat for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of at least one component of the perfume composition; and

repeating a).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wick temperature sufficient to increase the rate of volatilization of at least one component of the perfume composition is greater than or equal to about 40°

C.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the wick temperature sufficient to increase the rate of volatilization of at least one component of the perfume composition is greater than or equal to about 60°

C.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the wick temperature sufficient to increase the rate of volatilization of at least one component of the perfume composition is greater than or equal to about 80°

C.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wick temperature sufficient to decrease the rate of volatilization of the at least one component of the perfume composition is less than or equal to about 40°

C.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the difference between wick temperatures at a) and c) is from about 10°

C. to about 100°

C.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the difference between wick temperatures at a) and c) is from about 20°

C. to about 80°

C.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the difference between wick temperatures at a) and c) is from about 40°

C. to about 60°

C.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the perfume composition is from about 15 minutes to about 48 hours.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the perfume composition is from about 17 minutes to about 72 minutes.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the perfume composition is from about 20 minutes to about 60 minutes.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the perfume composition is about 30 minutes.

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, repeating b) and c).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein a), b), and c), are each repeated at least two times.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein in at least one repeated heating steps, the temperature of the wick is higher than in the previous heating step.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device comprises at least a first and second wick drawing, respectively, from at least a first and second perfume composition reservoir, and the method comprises:

a1) applying heat to the first wick to increase volatilization of at least one component of the first perfume composition;

b1) reducing the heat applied to the first wick to a temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of the at least one component of the first perfume composition;

c1) maintaining the reduced heat applied to the first wick for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the first perfume composition;

a2) applying heat to the second wick to increase volatilization of at least one component of the second perfume composition;

b2) reducing the heat applied to the second wick to a temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of the at least one component of the second perfume composition;

c2) maintaining the reduced heat applied to the second wick for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of at least one component of the second perfume composition;

repeating a1); and

repeating a2).

17. The method according to claim 18, wherein performance of a1) and a2) overlaps for a period of from about 0.1% to about 100% of the duration of a1).

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the performance of a1) and a2) does not overlap.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein there is a gap between performance of a1) and a2) for a period of from about 0.1% to about 100% of the duration of a1).

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein the reduced heat is maintained for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all of the components of the perfume composition.

21. A scent-dispensing system comprising:

a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device that is adapted to receive at least one perfume module, which comprises a reservoir containing a perfume composition, and a wick in fluid communication with said perfume composition,

wherein said device, in use,

applies heat to the wick to increase volatilization of at least one component of the perfume composition;

reduces the heat to a temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of the at least one component of the perfume composition;

maintains the reduced heat for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the perfume composition; and

applies heat to the wick to increase volatilization of at least one component of the perfume composition.

22. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 21, wherein the device, in use, automatically applies heat and automatically reduces heat.

23. The scent-dispensing device according to claim 21, wherein the time sufficient to allow for back-flow is at least about 30 minutes.

24. The scent-dispensing device according to claim 21, wherein the scent-dispensing device comprises a manually adjustable thermostat.

25. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 21, comprising a means for directing air flow over the wick to enhance evaporation of at least one component of the perfume composition.

26. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 25, wherein said means for directing air flow comprises a vent having slits or louvers or both.

27. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 25, wherein said means for directing air flow comprises a fan.

28. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 25, adapted to receive two or more perfume modules.

29. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 28, comprising at least two wicks, wherein the device, in use, applies heat to each of the wicks in an alternating sequence.

30. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 29, wherein the device, in use, applies heat to each of the wicks in a random alternating sequence.

31. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 21, comprising at least two compartments, each compartment being occupied by at least two perfume modules.

32. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 31, comprising a cap that defines at least two vent holes, each vent hole positioned to cover each of said at least two compartments, said cap comprising a movable cover, which, in use, can be alternately positioned over one or more of each of said vent holes.

33. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 32, wherein at least one of said vent holes is not covered.

34. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 32, wherein the vent holes comprise slits or louvers or both.

35. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 32, comprising a fan for enhancing release of said at least two perfume compositions.

36. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 32, comprising a detection device wherein said detection device is programmed to turn on said scent dispensing system in response to a stimulus.

37. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 21, wherein said detection device is chosen from motion sensors, light sensors, and noise sensors.

38. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 21, comprising a signal device which is programmed to signal the activation of one or more of at least two perfume composition-dispensing devices.

39. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 38, wherein the signal device is programmed to signal the activation of each of said at least two perfume composition-dispensing devices.

40. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 38, wherein the signal device emits signals chosen from visual and auditory signals.

41. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 38, wherein said signal device, in use, issues a different signal for each of said at least two perfume composition-dispensing devices.

42. A perfume module for use with a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device, said perfume module comprising at least one reservoir, said at least one reservoir containing a perfume composition in fluid communication with a wick, wherein greater than about 95% by weight of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1700.

43. The perfume module according to claim 42, wherein greater than about 97% of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% by weight phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1700.

44. The perfume module according to claim 43, wherein greater than about 99% by weight of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1700.

45. The perfume module according to claim 44, wherein greater than about 95% by weight of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1600.

46. The perfume module according to claim 45, wherein greater than about 95% by weight of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1500.

47. The perfume module according to claim 46, wherein greater than about 95% by weight of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1400.

48. The perfume module according to claim 42, comprising at least two reservoirs, each reservoir comprising a different perfume composition.

49. The perfume module according to claim 48, wherein the different perfume compositions emit different fragrances.

50. The perfume module according to claim 49, wherein the wick is made from a material chosen from cellulose fibers, metal, plastic, ceramic, graphite, and cloth.

51. The perfume module according to claim 50, wherein the wick is made from a plastic material chosen from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethelene (UHMW), nylon 6 (N6), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF), and polyethersulfone (PES).

52. The perfume module according to claim 50, wherein the wick exhibits an average pore size of from about 10 microns to about 500 microns.

53. The perfume module according to claim 52, wherein the wick exhibits an average pore size of from about 50 microns to about 150 microns.

54. The perfume module according to claim 53, wherein the wick exhibits an average pore size of about 70 microns.

55. The perfume module according to claim 50, wherein the wick has a length of from about 1 mm to about 100 mm.

56. The perfume module according to claim 55, wherein the wick has a length of from about 5 mm to about 75 mm.

57. The perfume module according to claim 56, wherein the wick has a length of from about 10 mm to about 50 mm.

58. The perfume module according to claim 42, wherein the wick has an average pore volume from about 15% to about 85%.

59. The perfume module according to claim 58, wherein the wick has an average pore volume from about 25% to about 50%.

60. The perfume module according to claim 59, wherein the wick has an average pore volume of about 38%.

61. A scent-dispensing kit comprising:

a perfume module for use with a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device, said perfume module comprising at least one reservoir, said at least one reservoir containing a perfume composition in fluid communication with a wick, wherein greater than about 95% by weight of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1700; and

a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing system comprising a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device that is adapted to receive at least one perfume module,

wherein said device, in use,

applies heat to the wick to increase volatilization of at least one component of the perfume composition;

reduces the heat to a temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of the at least one component of the perfume composition;

maintains the reduced heat for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the perfume composition; and

applies heat to the wick to increase volatilization of at least one component of the perfume composition.

62. A scent-dispensing kit according to claim 61, comprising a refill perfume module that is not in operable communication with the heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device.

63. A scent-dispensing kit comprising:

at least one perfume composition; and

a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device that, in use,

applies heat to the wick for a time sufficient to increase volatilization of at least one component of the perfume composition;

reduces the heat to achieve a wick temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of the at least one component;

maintains the reduced heat for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the perfume composition; and

applies heat to the wick for a time sufficient to increase volatilization of at least one component of the perfume composition.

64. The scent-dispensing kit according to claim 63, wherein the time to allow for back-flow during each cycle is from at least 16 minutes to about 72 minutes.

65. The scent-dispensing kit according to claim 64, wherein the time to allow for back-flow during each cycle is from about 30 minutes to about 45 minutes.

66. The scent-dispensing kit according to claim 63, wherein the time to allow for back-flow during each cycle is for a period of time of from about 0.1% to about 100% of the duration of the time heat is applied to the wick.

67. The scent-dispensing kit according to claim 63, wherein greater than about 70% of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1800.

68. The scent-dispensing kit according to claim 67, wherein greater than about 90% of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1800.

69. The scent-dispensing kit according to claim 68, wherein greater than about 95% of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1800.

70. The scent-dispensing kit according to claim 73, wherein greater than about 70% of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1600.

71. The scent-dispensing kit according to claim 70, wherein greater than about 70% of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1500.

72. The scent-dispensing kit according to claim 71, wherein greater than about 70% of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1400.

73. The scent-dispensing kit according to claim 63, wherein the heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device comprises at least two wicks and the kit comprises at least two different perfume compositions.

74. The scent-dispensing kit according to claim 73, wherein the different perfume compositions exhibit different fragrances.

75. A method for increasing the perception of at least one fragrance dispensed from a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device, comprising:

providing a device comprising at least first and second wicks in fluid communication with at least first and second separate perfume composition reservoirs, wherein the device dispenses fragrance by

a1) applying heat to the first wick to a temperature sufficient to increase volatilization of at least one component of a first perfume composition;

b1) reducing the heat applied to the first wick to a temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of the at least one component of the first perfume composition;

c1) maintaining the reduced heat applied to the first wick for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the first perfume composition;

a2) applying heat to the second wick to a temperature sufficient to increase volatilization of at least one component of a second perfume composition;

b2) reducing the heat applied to the second wick to a temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of all or a portion of the components of the second perfume composition;

c2) maintaining the reduced heat applied to the second wick for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the second perfume composition;

repeating a1); and

repeating a2).

76. The method according to claim 75, wherein the first and second perfume compositions are the same.

77. The method according to claim 75, wherein the first and second perfume compositions are different.

78. The method according to claim 77, wherein the first and second perfume compositions exhibit different fragrances.

79. A method for dispensing fragrance to enhance perception of at least one perfume, comprising:

providing a device comprising at least first and second separate perfume compositions, wherein the device dispenses fragrance by providing alternating bursts of emission of each of said at least first and second perfume compositions; and

wherein the amount of perfume emitted per burst does not substantially vary.

80. The method for dispensing fragrance to enhance perception of at least one perfume according to claim 79, wherein the alternating bursts are achieved using a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device, adapted to receive at least two perfume modules comprising at least a first and a second reservoir and at least a first and a second wick, said at least first and second reservoirs each containing a perfume composition in fluid communication, respectively, with said at least first and second wick, wherein the device, in use, provides bursts of fragrance by

a1) applying heat to the first wick to a temperature sufficient to increase volatilization of at least one component of the first perfume composition;

b1) reducing the heat applied to the first wick to a temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of the at least one component of the first perfume composition;

c1) maintaining the reduced heat applied to the first wick for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the first perfume composition;

a2) applying heat to the second wick to a temperature sufficient to increase volatilization of at least one component of the second perfume composition;

b2) reducing the heat applied to the second wick to a temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of the at least one component of the second perfume composition;

c2) maintaining the reduced heat applied to the second wick for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the second perfume composition;

repeating a1);

repeating a2).

81. The method for dispensing fragrance to enhance perception of at least one perfume according to claim 79, wherein the alternating bursts are achieved using an ambient, passive perfume-composition dispensing device comprising at least two compartments, each compartment being occupied respectively by each of said at least two perfume compositions, and a cap that defines at least two vent holes, each vent hole positioned to cover each of said at least two compartments, said cap comprising a movable cover, which, in use, can be alternately positioned over one or more of each of said vent holes.

82. The method for dispensing fragrance to enhance perception of at least one perfume according to claim 81, wherein the position of the cover is automatically moved in an alternating sequence.

83. The method for dispensing fragrance to enhance perception of at least one perfume according to claim 81, wherein the position of the cover is automatically moved in a random alternating sequence.

84. The method for dispensing fragrance to enhance perception of at least one perfume according to claim 81, wherein the vent holes comprise slits or louvers or both.

85. The method for dispensing fragrance to enhance perception of at least one perfume according to claim 83, wherein the device comprises a fan for enhancing the alternate release of said at least two perfume compositions.

86. The method for dispensing fragrance according to claim 79, wherein the device comprises at least first and second heaters and at least first and second wicks having a first end and a second end, each of said wicks in fluid communication at its first end with, respectively, each of said at least first and second separate perfume composition-containing reservoirs, and each of said wicks in contact at its second end with, respectively, each of said at least first and second heaters, wherein the device dispenses fragrance by

a1) applying heat to the first wick to achieve a wick temperature sufficient to increase volatilization of at least one component of a first perfume composition;

b1) reducing the heat applied to the first wick to achieve a wick temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of the at least one component of the first perfume composition;

c1) maintaining the reduced heat applied to the first wick for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the first perfume composition;

a2) applying heat to the second wick to achieve a wick temperature sufficient to increase volatilization of at least one component of a second perfume composition;

b2) reducing the heat applied to the second wick to achieve a wick temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of the at least one component of the second perfume composition;

c2) maintaining the reduced heat applied to the second wick for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of the second perfume composition;

repeating a1); and

repeating a2).

87. The method for dispensing fragrance according to claim 86, wherein the device automatically cycles through heat application and heat reduction of each wick, and wherein the time to allow for back-flow during each cycle is at least 30 minutes.

88. The method for dispensing fragrance according to claim 86, wherein each of said at least first and second separate perfume composition-containing reservoirs comprises an orifice for receiving each of said first end of each of said at least first and second wicks, wherein each of said at least first and second separate perfume composition-containing reservoirs is in an upright position, and each orifice is positioned at the top of its respective reservoir, and wherein said first end of each of said at least first and second wicks is positioned below the second end.

89. The method for dispensing fragrance according to claim 86, wherein each of said at least first and second separate perfume composition-containing reservoirs comprises an orifice for receiving each of said first end of each of said at least first and second wicks, wherein each of said at least first and second separate perfume composition-containing reservoirs is in an inverted position, and each orifice is positioned at the bottom of its respective reservoir, and wherein said first end of each of said at least first and second wicks is positioned above the second end.

90. A method for reducing the decline in the rate, over a period of time, of perfume evaporation from a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device, comprising increasing the heat applied to the wick of the device, over the period of time, wherein the increased heat is sufficient to reduce the decline in the rate of perfume emission during the period of time.

91. A method for achieving an approximately constant rate of emission of perfume, over a period of time, from a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device, comprising increasing the heat applied to the wick of the device, over the period of time, wherein the increased heat is sufficient to volatilize one or more components of the perfume composition which were not volatilized at the lower heat.

92. A scent-dispensing system, comprising:

a heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device that is adapted to receive at least one perfume module comprising a perfume reservoir containing a perfume composition, and a wick in fluid communication with said perfume composition,

wherein said scent-dispensing device, in use, automatically cycles through application and withdrawal of heat to the wick; and

wherein said scent-dispensing device, in use, automatically increases the heat applied to the wick at least one time after a time interval.

93. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 92, wherein the time interval is preset, and is from about 7 to about 10 days.

94. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 92, wherein the heat applied to the wick is increased two or more times.

95. A heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device containing at least one perfume composition, wherein greater than about 95% of the at least one perfume composition'"'"'s components have a gas chromatographic Kovats index (as determined on 5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane as non-polar silicone stationary phase) of less than about 1700.

96. The heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device according to claim 95, wherein the device includes a wick.

97. The heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device according to claim 96, wherein the wick is made from a material chosen from fiber, metal, plastic, ceramic, graphite, and cloth.

98. The heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device according to claim 97, wherein the wick is made from a plastic material chosen from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethelene (UHMW), nylon 6 (N6), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF), and polyethersulfone (PES).

99. The heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device according to claim 96, wherein the wick exhibits an average pore size of from about 10 microns to about 500 microns.

100. The heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device according to claim 99, wherein the wick exhibits an average pore size of from about 50 microns to about 150 microns.

101. The heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device according to claim 96, wherein the wick has a length of from about 1 mm to about 100 mm.

102. The heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device according to claim 101, wherein the wick has a length of from about 5 mm to about 75 mm.

103. The heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing device according to claim 102, wherein the wick has a length of from about 10 mm to about 50 mm.

104. The perfume module according to claim 95, wherein the wick has an average pore volume from about 15% to about 85%.

105. The perfume module according to claim 104, wherein the wick has an average pore volume from about 25% to about 50%.

106. The perfume module according to claim 105, wherein the wick has an average pore volume of about 38%.

107. A scent-dispensing system comprising:

at least two perfume composition-dispensing devices which can be actuated to release the perfume compositions; and

at least two perfume modules comprising perfume compositions;

wherein each of said at least two perfume composition-dispensing devices, in use,

a1) is activated to emit the first of the at least two perfume compositions;

a2) is activated to emit the second of the at least two perfume compositions.

108. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 107, wherein said perfume composition-dispensing devices are heated-wick perfume composition-dispensing devices, and wherein the devices, in use, are actuated by

a1) applying heat to each wick for a time sufficient to achieve a wick temperature sufficient to increase volatilization of at least one component of each perfume composition;

b1) reducing the heat applied to each wick to achieve a wick temperature sufficient to decrease volatilization of the at least one component of the each perfume composition;

c1) maintaining the reduced heat applied to each wick for a time sufficient to allow for back-flow of all or a portion of the components of each perfume composition; and

repeating a1) for each wick.

109. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 108, wherein each wick is actuated in series, without any overlap in step a1) for each wick, and wherein the time of step c1) for each wick is for a time of from about 0.1% to about 100% of the time of a1).

110. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 109, wherein each wick is actuated in series, with an overlap in step a1) for each wick that is for a period from about 0.1% to about 100% of the time of a1), and wherein the time of step c1) for each wick is for a time of from about 0.1% to about 100% of the time of a1).

111. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 107, wherein said perfume composition-dispensing devices are aerosol sprayers.

112. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 107, wherein said perfume composition-dispensing devices are ambient passive wick perfume composition-dispensing devices.

113. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 112, comprising at least two compartments, each compartment being occupied respectively by one of each of said at least two perfume composition-dispensing devices.

114. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 113, comprising a cap that defines at least two vent holes, each vent hole positioned to cover each of said at least two compartments, said cap comprising a movable cover which can be alternately positioned over one or more of each of said vent holes.

115. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 114, wherein the device, in use, provides for the selective release of fragrance from at least one the perfume compositions by movement of the position of the cover to alternately open at least one vent hole and close at least one vent hole.

116. The method for dispensing fragrance to enhance perception of at least one perfume according to claim 114, wherein the position of the cover is automatically moved in an alternating sequence.

117. The method for dispensing fragrance to enhance perception of at least one perfume according to claim 114, wherein the position of the cover is automatically moved in a random alternating sequence.

118. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 114, wherein the vent holes comprise slits or louvers or both.

119. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 114, wherein at least one of said vent holes is not covered.

120. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 107, comprising a fan for enhancing release of said at least two perfume compositions.

121. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 107, comprising a detection device wherein said detection device is programmed to turn on said scent dispensing system in response to a stimulus.

122. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 121, wherein said detection device is selected from the group consisting of:

motion sensors, light sensors, and noise sensors.

123. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 107, comprising a signal device which is programmed to signal the activation of one or more of said at least two perfume composition-dispensing devices.

124. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 123, wherein said signal device is programmed to signal the activation of each of said at least two perfume composition-dispensing devices.

125. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 123, wherein said signal device emits signals selected from the group consisting of visual and auditory signals.

126. The scent-dispensing system according to claim 123, wherein said signal device, in use, issues a different signal for each of said at least two perfume composition-dispensing devices.