Device for diffusing volatile substances, in particular deodorants for vehicle interiors

• US 20050001053A1
• Filed: 06/09/2004
• Published: 01/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Unicredit Bank AG (Unicredit SPA)
• Original Assignee: Zobele Holding SpA (Z Alpha SA)
• Inventors: Zobele, Franco
• Granted Patent: US 7,140,553 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 239/44
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/12 Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 3/0028 on or near an air outlet

Abstract

A device for diffusing volatile substances, particularly deodorants for vehicle interiors. The device comprises a container designed to contain a liquid volatile substance to be diffused, a wick disposed partially in the container and a lid applied to the container around one end of the wick. The lid comprises a cap provided with slots and mounted revolving with respect to the axis of the wick. Between the cap and the wick there is interposed an intermediate element integral with the lid. The intermediate element has a U-bolt structure and is provided with slots.

Claims

1. A device (1) for diffusing volatile substances, in particular deodorants for vehicle interiors, comprising:

a container (2) designed to contain a volatile liquid substance to be diffused,

a wick (25) disposed partially inside the container (2),

a lid (3) fitted on the container (2) around one end of the wick (25), provided with a mobile element (8) which can be moved to regulate the airflow from the wick to the outside of the lid,

characterised in that

said mobile element comprises a cap (8), provided with slots (84, 83) and mounted revolving with respect to the axis of the wick (25), between said cap (8) and said wick (25) being interposed an intermediate element (6) having an U-bolt structure and being provided with slots (69, 70).

2. A diffuser device according to claim 1, characterised in that said lid (3) comprises an outer shell (4) which partially covers said revolving cap (8), said outer shell (4) having at least one slot (41) able to leave uncovered at least some of said slots (84) of the revolving cap.

3. A diffuser device according to claim 2, characterised in that said revolving cap (8) has a substantially cylindrical shape and is hollow on the inside with longitudinal slots (84) provided in its side wall.

4. A diffuser device according to claim 3, characterised in that said longitudinal slots (84) are disposed in the side wall of the cap (8) so as to form two grids disposed in diametrically opposite positions and in that said outer shell (4) has two slots (41) in diametrically opposite positions.

5. A diffuser device according to claim 1, characterised in that said revolving cap (8) comprises a top wall (81) provided with at least one slot (83) and in that said intermediate element (6) has an upper part (67) provided with at least one hole (69).

6. A diffuser device according to claim 5, characterised in that in said top wall (81) of the revolving cap (8) there are peripherally provided two curved slots (83) disposed in diametrically opposite positions and in that in said upper part (67) of the intermediate element (6) there are provided two holes (69) disposed in diametrically opposite positions.

7. A diffuser device according to claim 1, characterised in that said intermediate element (6) comprises side walls (65) provided with longitudinal slots (70).

8. A diffuser device according to claim 7, characterised in that said intermediate element comprises two side walls (65) disposed in diametrically opposite positions, provided with respective longitudinal slots (70).

9. A diffuser device according to claim 1, characterised in that said intermediate element (6) comprises a transverse plate (60) supporting said U-bolt structure and provided with a central hole (64) for passage of the wick (25).

10. A diffuser device according to claim 9, characterised in that said transverse plate has two slots (66) disposed externally with respect to said U-bolt structure.

11. A diffuser device according to claim 9, characterised in that beneath said transverse plate (60) of the intermediate element there are provided flexible tongues (61) provided with teeth (62) to couple to a flange (22) of said container (2).

12. A diffuser device according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a coupling means (5) applied to said cap (3) to couple the diffuser device (1) to an external element.

13. A diffuser device according to claim 12, characterised in that said coupling means (5) is a clip.